US3812544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flush tank water saver
Assignee: MOON WATERSAVER Inc
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Filing: 1973-07-23
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Granted: 1974-05-28
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Expires: 1993-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A water-saving system designed for installation in an existing water closet tank of a conventional toilet which employs a pair of weir-like baffle members disposed to either side of the flush valve of the tank to provide therein a water-tight well through which only the water contained in the well together with the water in the tank above the top level of the well is discharged into the toilet upon each flushing operation thereof. The tank water surrounding the well below the top level thereof, which is retained in the tank, constitutes the water saved, which saved water, after each flushing operation, is then supplemented with a fresh supply of only so much water above the top level of the well as is required for producing the hydrostatic head necessary for each flushing operation of the toilet. The baffle members which dam up a substantial volume of the water contained in the bottom portion of water tank are each provided with flexible gasket flanges extending along the bottom and opposite side edges thereof which serve to provide not only water-tight sealing engagement with the tank but also good frictional engagement therewith for securely holding the members in fixed positions.
Inventors
- 👤 J Risley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:24
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D1/00; E03D1/02; E03D1/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
226 words
For use in a toilet water closet tank which includes therein means for establishing and maintaining a predetermined hydrostatic head of water in the tank after each flushing operation of the toilet and a valve-controlled opening in the bottom of the tank for toilet flushing discharge of the water therefrom, a water-saving means comprising a pair of weir-like baffle members adjustably fixedly positionable in the water tank in embracing relation to said discharge opening to form in the tank an open-topped water-tight well extending upwardly from the bottom of the tank to a height substantially below the level of the water normally contained in the tank for maintenance of the hydrostatic head required for flushing operation of the toilet, each said member being of an overall length greater than the distance between the front and back walls of the tank and sufficiently flexible lengthwise to permit it to be sprung into bowed form between said walls with its opposite side edges respectively in engagement therewith, the opposite side edges of said members each having a pair of angularly related flanges of water-impervious flexible material extending along the full length thereof, said flanges being adapted to be expanded into substantially coplanar relation to provide for each edge of the member a relatively broad water-tight area of non-slipping contact with the surface of the tank wall engaged thereby.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
For use in a toilet water closet tank which includes therein means for establishing and maintaining a predetermined hydrostatic head of water in the tank after each flushing operation of the toilet and a valve-controlled opening in the bottom of the tank for toilet flushing discharge of the water therefrom, a water-saving means comprising a pair of weir-like baffle members adjustably fixedly positionable in the water tank in embracing relation to said discharge opening to form in the tank an open-topped water-tight well extending upwardly from the bottom of the tank to a height substantially below the level of the water normally contained in the tank for maintenance of the hydrostatic head required for flushing operation of the toilet, each said member being of an overall length greater than the distance between the front and back walls of the tank and sufficiently flexible lengthwise to permit it to be sprung into bowed form between said walls with its opposite side edges respectively in engagement therewith, the opposite side edges of said members each having a pair of angularly related flanges of water-impervious flexible material extending along the full length thereof, said flanges being adapted to be expanded into substantially coplanar relation to provide for each edge of the member a relatively broad water-tight area of non-slipping contact with the surface of the tank wall engaged thereby.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 1 wherein the internal corner portion included between each pair of said angularly related flanges is provided with longitudinally extending ridges to provide a water-tight seal in the region intermediate the expanded flanges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said angularly-related flanges is tapered to a feathered edge outwardly from said ridged internal corner of said flanges whereby to render the same readily conformable to variations in contour of the surfaces of the tank wall engaged thereby.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said well-forming members includes a relatively stiff but flexible panel and a sheath of a flexible rubber-like plastic material applied to at least one surface of said panel, said plastic sheath being extended freely beyond the perimetral edges of said panel, the freely extending side edge portions of said sheath being formed to provide said angularly related flexible flanges.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 4 wherein said panel and plastic sheath are disposed in laminated relaTion and are conjointly adapted to be flexed into a bowed form when each said member is sprung into fixed position between said front and back walls of the water tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 4 wherein the portions of the plastic sheath extending freely beyond the side and bottom edges of said panel are each tapered to a feathered edge which is conformable to the contour of the side and bottom wall surfaces of the tank to provide a water-tight seal between said surfaces and the side and bottom edges of said sheath.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 4 wherein the internal corner portion included between each pair of said angularly related flanges is provided with longitudinally extending ridges to provide a water-tight seal in the region intermediate the expanded flanges.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 4 wherein said plastic sheath is in the form of an envelop having a pocket within which said stiff but flexible panel is inserted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 4 wherein said plastic sheath is provided upon one face thereof in opposite end portions thereof with means respectively engageable with corresponding end portions of said panel to secure the latter flatwise against said one face of the sheath.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 8 wherein said envelop is provided in one of its pocket-forming walls with at leat one open window through which said panel may be inserted into said pocket.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A water-saving means as defined in claim 9 wherein said panel-securing means consists of lugs formed as integral elements of said sheath having slots for receiving edge portions of said metal plate.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-05-27 | 1977-11-26 | 1978-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-27 | 1981-11-26 | 1982-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-27 | 1985-11-26 | 1986-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |