U.S. patent application number 11/018934 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for automatic flush apparatus with handle override for pressure flush tank assemblies.
Invention is credited to Rocky Hseih, Kenneth J. Muderlak.
Application Number | 20060130225 11/018934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36123081 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060130225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muderlak; Kenneth J. ; et
al. |
June 22, 2006 |
Automatic flush apparatus with handle override for pressure flush
tank assemblies
Abstract
An automatic flush assembly for pressure flush tank assemblies
is provided. The assembly includes an actuator for activating a
push cap, a sensor, a power supply, and a handle override. The
actuator is designed to be placed onto a pressurized reservoir
located with a tank of a traditional tank-style toilet. The
actuator contains a motor, a reduction gear train, and an actuating
element, as well as control logic. The actuator is electrically
connected to the power supply and the handle override. Also
disclosed is a method of installing an automatic flush assembly.
The method includes attaching a reservoir to a water inlet and tank
outlet; attaching an actuator to said reservoir; affixing a sensor
in the functional proximity of the actuator; electrically
connecting a handle override to said actuator; and electrically
connecting a power source to said actuator.
Inventors: |
Muderlak; Kenneth J.;
(Milwaukee, WI) ; Hseih; Rocky; (Hsin-Chu,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
36123081 |
Appl. No.: |
11/018934 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 5/10 20130101; E03D
3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/405 |
International
Class: |
E03D 1/14 20060101
E03D001/14; E03D 3/12 20060101 E03D003/12; E03D 5/00 20060101
E03D005/00 |
Claims
1. An automatic flushing apparatus for a pressurized flush tank
assembly comprising: a motor; an actuating element for depressing a
push cap on said pressurized flush tank assembly; a reduction gear
train operatively connecting said motor to said actuating element;
control logic electrically connected to said motor; a sensor in
communication with said control logic; a power supply electrically
connected to control logic; and a handle override electrically
connected to said control logic.
2. The automatic flushing apparatus of claim 1 further comprises a
mounting connecting said actuator to said pressurized flush tank
assembly.
3. The automatic flushing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor
is in wireless communication with said actuator.
4. The automatic flushing apparatus of claim 3 wherein said sensor
attaches to a wall in the proximity of the actuator.
5. The automatic flushing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said
actuating apparatus is an arm capable of rotating.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to an automatic flush actuator, and
more specifically, to an automatic flush actuator with a handle
override for pressurized reservoir in a tank assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditional tank-style toilets use a large amount of water
per flush. A desire to be both environmental and economical has
created an interest in using less water per flush. Therefore,
various methods have been developed to efficiently flush a toilet
using less water.
[0003] One such method is to increase the velocity of the water
entering the toilet bowl. When the velocity is increased, less
water is required to ensure that the contents of the toilet bowl
have been flushed. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,698, which
is incorporated by reference, one system that increases the
velocity of flush water utilizes a pressurized reservoir within the
tank. The reservoir contains compressed air and flush water. Within
the reservoir, the compressed air is located above the flush water.
A push cap is located at the top of the reservoir. When displaced,
the push cap opens a valve at the bottom of reservoir into the
bowl. When a flush mechanism is actuated, the pressurized reservoir
opens into the toilet bowl and the compressed air forces the flush
water out of the pressurized reservoir at a high velocity. The
flush water then enters the toilet bowl and flushes away any waste.
The pressurized reservoir then closes. The reservoir refills with
flush water and compressed air. Once the pressurized reservoir is
refilled, the toilet is ready to be flushed again.
[0004] With a pressurized reservoir, a unique valve is required to
release the flush water within the reservoir. More specifically, a
mechanism is required that not only overcomes the weight of the
water, but also the pressure of the reservoir. In a manual
actuator, a flush handle is connected to an arm. The arm is
operatively connected to the push cap. Therefore, when a user turns
the handle, the push cap is displaced, and the flushing mechanism
is actuated.
[0005] While the manual actuator is functional, it requires the
user of the toilet to touch the manual actuator and thereby contact
any germs that are present on the actuator handle. The fear of
contacting germs often prevents the user from flushing the toilet,
thereby creating an unsanitary and unappealing situation.
Therefore, an automatic actuator for a pressurized tank is
desired.
[0006] Automatic actuators for tank-style toilets have been
developed, yet none are designed to interact with a toilet with a
pressurized tank. An automatic actuator for a tank style toilet
provides a mechanism to merely lift up a flap. This actuator is not
capable of depressing the push cap of a pressurized reservoir.
Therefore, it is the objective of the present invention to provide
a system to automatically actuate the valve of a pressurized
reservoir in a tank-style toilet.
[0007] A device to override the automatic actuator is still
desirable. One device that can provide an override feature is a
manual handle and linkage. However, a manual handle and linkage is
prone to failure and tends to interfere with the operation of the
automatic actuator. Furthermore, users will remain hesitate to
contact the manual handle for fear of contacting germs. The
reluctance of users to touch the handle with their hands prompts
users to operate the handle using the users' fists or feet, often
resulting in the manual handle and linkage either breaking or
otherwise being damaged by the excessive force. Additionally, by
using the manual handle and linkage, the user can double-flush, or
hold open the valve, thereby wasting water and creating leaking.
Finally, the presence of a manual handle can possibly confuse a
user into not knowing that an automatic actuator is present.
Therefore, an override system that does not utilize a manual handle
and linkage is desired because it reduces the possibility that the
system will fail or be vandalized. An override system that does not
utilize a manual handle also provides a more hygienic surface and
reduces water usage and leaking.
[0008] Furthermore, pressurized tanks have been designed to fit
within conventional tank-style toilets. Therefore, an automatic
flush actuator must be designed to conveniently be installed into a
conventional tank-style toilet.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] These and other objectives and advantages are provided in an
apparatus for automatically actuating a pressurized tank flush
assembly.
[0010] An automatic flushing apparatus with handle override for
pressurized flush tank assembly is provided. The apparatus includes
an actuator for depressing a push cap located in the pressurized
tank flush assembly, a sensor for detecting an occurance, a power
supply and a handle override to activate the flushing mechanism.
The actuator for depressing the push cap has a housing, with a
motor, a reduction gear, an actuating element, and logic controls.
A handle override is electrically connected to the actuator.
Furthermore, a power supply provides electricity to the actuator,
and a senor is in communication with the actuator, and activates
the actuator when the sensor detects an event.
[0011] In another embodiment, a method of installing an automatic
flushing activator with handle override is disclosed. In this
embodiment, the reservoir is placed within the tank. The power
supply is then connected. The handle is then replaced with the
handle override, and the sensor is installed.
[0012] The present invention is defined by the following claims.
The description summarizes some aspects of the presently preferred
embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a cut away view of a tank-style toilet;
[0014] FIG. 2A is side view of a pressurized reservoir;
[0015] FIG. 2B is a cutaway view of a pressurized reservoir;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an cut away view of a toilet containing the
automatic flushing apparatus with handle override;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the actuator; and
[0018] FIG. 5A is a view of the sensor
[0019] FIG. 5 B is a view of an handle override.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The presently preferred embodiment provides users with a
system for automatically flushing a pressurized reservoir in a
tank-style toilet and has an override mechanism to actuate the
flushing apparatus. The preferred system provides hands-free
flushing of a system that efficiently uses a minimal amount of
water to remove waste from a toilet bowl.
[0021] In a traditional toilet 105, a bowl 110 and a tank 115
exists. Separating the tank 115 from the bowl 110 is a tank outlet
120. When the tank outlet 120 is unobstructed, the tank 115 is
operatively connected to the bowl 110, and the water is forced by
gravity from the tank 115 into the bowl 110 through the tank outlet
120. The tank 115 is further connected to a water supply. After the
toilet 105 is flushed, the water supply provides water to refill
the tank 115.
[0022] In the present embodiment, the tank 115 contains a reservoir
125. The reservoir 125 typically is made of plastic. However, the
reservoir 125 can be made of other materials. The reservoir 125
contains a volume of water 170 and compressed air 175. The
reservoir 125 further contains an apparatus to replenish the
compressed air 175, as well as an apparatus to replenish the water
150. In the present embodiment, the apparatus to replenish the
compressed air is an air inducer 180. The apparatus to replenish
the water 150 is a water supply. Furthermore, the reservoir 125
contains a valve 155 which operatively connects the contents of the
reservoir 110 to the tank outlet 120. A push cap 160 is located at
the top of the housing 130, and is connected through a linkage 165
to the valve 155. When the push cap 160 is displaced, the linkage
165 opens the valve 155, allowing the volume of water 135 to exit
the reservoir 125 and enter the toilet bowl 110. Furthermore, when
the pressure in the reservoir 125 is decreased, the valve 155
returns to a closed position when the push cap 160 is no longer
displaced.
[0023] In the present embodiment, the reservoir 125 is shaped to
fit within the tank 115 of a tank-style toilet. Presently, the tank
115 is a rectangular cube, and the reservoir 125 is also a
rectangular cube. However, the reservoir can have different shapes
depending on the shape of the tank 115. The valve 155 is located at
the bottom of the reservoir 125 and in the proximity of the tank
outlet 120, thereby allowing the volume of the reservoir 125 to
exit into the bowl 110
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the presently preferred embodiment has
an actuator 210 for depressing the push cap, a sensor 220 for
detecting an occurrence in the proximity of the apparatus, a power
source 230 for the apparatus, and the handle override 240 to
activate the actuator 210 for depressing the push cap 160.
Preferably, the actuator 210 comprises a modular housing unit 310.
The modular housing unit 310 includes a mounting 320 to connect the
housing 310 to the reservoir 125. Preferably, the modular housing
unit 310 is attached to the reservoir 125 via the mounting 320 by
screws. However, the mounting 320 can be attached to the reservoir
110 by bolts, adhesive, or other attaching methods known in the
art. Similarly, the mounting 320 is attached to modular housing
unit 310 by screws, bolts, adhesives, or other methods known in the
art.
[0025] The mounting 320 and modular housing unit 310 must be
aligned with the push cap 160 so that the actuator 210 can properly
contact the push cap 160, and depress the push cap 160 when
activated. This alignment is accomplished by the screws, bolts,
adhesive or other attaching method.
[0026] The contents of the actuator 210 are illustrated in FIG. 4.
Preferably, a motor 410, reduction gear train 420, cam 430, and
control logic 440 are present within the modular housing unit 310.
Another embodiment of the reduction gear train is disclosed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/678,865, entitled "Automatic
Flushing Actuator for Tank Style Toilets," filed Oct. 3, 2003, and
hereby incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, the cam can
be replaced with an arm or pin. The motor 410 is mechanically
connected to the actuating element 430 by the reduction gear train
420. As the motor 410 is energized, the reduction gear train 420
rotates the actuating element 430, and the actuating element 430
rotates against the push cap 160. The push cap 160 then is
displaced, thereby operating the valve 155 through the linkage 165.
When the valve 155 opens, the flush water 170 within the reservoir
125 is forced into the bowl 110 by the compressed air 175. Then,
the motor 410 is no longer energized. The valve 155 returns to a
closed position, and the reservoir 125 is refilled with compressed
air 175 and flush water 170. The reservoir 125 is then ready for
the next flushing.
[0027] A sensor 220 is used to detect the presence of a user in the
proximity of the toilet 105. The sensor 220 may be a motion
detector, infrared sensor, or a body heat detector. In the present
embodiment, the sensor 220 is located within a separate housing 540
and communicates to the actuator using a transmitter that provides
a radio frequency signal. In alternate embodiments, the sensor 220
can be connected to the actuator 210 via infrared or a cord.
Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the senor 220 can be
incorporated into the actuator housing 130 or the tank 115.
Presently, the sensor housing 540 contains batteries to supply
power to the sensor electronics. In the present embodiment, the
batteries are "AA" 550. However, in alternate embodiments, the
sensor 220 can be powered by different battery sizes, or otherwise
be powered by alternating current. Presently, the sensor housing is
externally attached to the wall by adhesive. However, the sensor
220 housing can also be attached by screws, nails, or other
attaching means. Conversely, the sensor housing can be located
within the wall.
[0028] In the present embodiment, the power supply 230 is a battery
pack. Presently, the battery pack is connected to the actuator by a
power cord. In the present embodiment, the power cord contains plug
as both ends. These plugs match ports located in the both the power
supply 230 and actuator 210. The battery pack is designed to
contain four "C" batteries. Conversely, the battery pack can
contain multiple "D" or other sized batteries. In another
embodiment, the power supply can be alternating current, which
provides the actuator 210 with energy. Additionally, the battery
pack 230 can be integrated into the actuator 210.
[0029] Finally, a handle override 240 is present. The handle
override 240 replaces the manual linkage assembly that is present
in standard tank-style toilets. The handle override 240 is a button
520 that is integrated into the logic control 440 of the actuator
210. Preferably, the button is made of rubber and contains a chrome
housing. In the present embodiment, the actuator 210 is
electrically connected to the logic control by a cord. The cord
provides a path for an override signal, as well as serves as a
power cord. Preferably, the cord is hard-wired to the button, and,
at the other end, contains a plug that connects to matching port in
the modular housing 210
[0030] Conversely, the handle override can be wirelessly connected
to the logic control. In the wireless embodiment, the handle
override must also include a handle override power source, as well
as a radio frequency transmitter. Preferably, the override power
source is a battery pack containing one or more batteries.
Furthermore, a wireless handle override also requires a wireless
transmitter, such as infrared, radiofrequency, or other wire
means.
[0031] In operation, upon detection of a user by the sensor 220,
circuit logic 440, inter-connected between the power source 230 and
motor 410 within the modular housing 310 provides a pulse of
electrical energy to the motor 410 of such duration as to rotate
the gear through a predetermined arc, as to depress the push cap
160 and therefore open the valve 155 of the reservoir 125.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the logic further provides
an audible or visual indication that the power supply is near the
end of a life cycle. Embodiments of a sensor and logic are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,879, which is incorporated by
reference
[0032] Conversely, as described above, the toilet can be activated
by the user depressing the handle override. The handle override 240
bypasses the signal from the sensor 220 and provides energy
directly to the motor 410. The logic control 440 recognizes the
bypass signal and prevents the sensor 220 from detecting any
subsequent signal for a predetermined amount of time. This ensures
that the actuator 210 will not unnecessarily operate twice. The
logic control 440 also ensures that the user will not repeatedly
activate the actuator 210.
[0033] The pressurized reservoir 125 is designed to be placed
within a conventional type toilet with a tank. Similarly, the
automatic actuator 210 is also designed to be installed in a
conventional type toilet with a tank. The pressurized reservoir is
placed in the tank, and is typically operated with a manual flush
handle. To install the automatic flushing apparatus, the flush
handle is removed, leaving a hole where the handle is located in a
conventional tank-style toilet. The pressurized reservoir 125 is
then connected to the water inlet 150 and tank outlet 120, and the
reservoir 125 is placed within the tank 115.
[0034] The automatic actuator 210 is then attached to the reservoir
housing 130. In the presently preferred embodiment, the actuator
210 is directly attached to the reservoir housing 130 using screws.
Conversely, the actuator 210 can be attached using bolts, adhesive,
or other attaching methods. In an alternate embodiment, a mounting
320 can connect the actuator 210 to the reservoir housing 130. The
power source 230 is electrically connected to the actuator 210. The
power source 240 is then attached to the wall of the tank using a
clip or other means. Conversely, the actuator can be connected to a
110 V alternating current.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the handle override wire is
then placed through the handle hole. The handle override wire is
electrically attached to the actuator 210. The handle override 240
is then place in the hole. As shown in FIG. 6, the handle override
240 contains threads and a matching nut 530. The nut then attaches
to the threads and affixes the handle override 240 to the tank.
[0036] Finally, the sensor is attached to the wall. In the
presently preferred embodiment, the sensor is affixed to the wall
using an adhesive strip. Conversely, in an alternative embodiment,
a hole is created in the wall. The sensor is subsequently
positioned and affixed within the hole; thereby minimizing the
likelihood of vandalism.
[0037] It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed
description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and
that it be understood that it is the following claims, including
all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope
of this invention.
* * * * *