A flush valve fixing

Abstract

A toilet flush valve fixing comprising a top section 12 having a top surface 14 and a bottom surface 16, and a radially extending flange 18. The top section is provided with an inner core section 20 extending from the bottom surface and having an axial bore 22 therethrough. An outer expandable member 26 is arranged externally of and coaxial with the inner core section, a first end of the expandable member being proximal the bottom surface, and a second end of the expandable member being distal from the bottom surface. An end element 32 is positioned adjacent the second end of the expandable member. An actuation mechanism moves the end element to axially compress the expandable member, resulting in radial expansion of the expandable member. The actuation mechanism may comprise a top crosspiece on or adjacent the top section and extending across the axial bore, an end crosspiece 34 on or adjacent the end element and extending across the axial bore, and an externally threaded elongate member 38 which interacts with an internal thread of the end crosspiece, so rotation of the elongate member adjusts the axial position of the end crosspiece. The expandable member may be a tubular seal.

Description

Field of the Invention This invention relates to valve fitting and, particularly to a valve fixing for use in a cistem or a tank, and the invention may in the form of a flush valve in a toilet cistern. Background to the Invention In flushing toilets, flush valves are used to connect the flush mechanism to allow liquid to flow between the cistem and the toilet pan. The flush valve is attached to the syphon and other parts within the cistern that allow water to be dispensed from the cistern into the toilet pan. Traditionally, a toilet flush valve, or syphon, is connected into a cistem though an aperture in the bottom surface of the cistem. To install the flush valve, one requires access to both sides of the bottom surface of the cistern, which is to say that one must access the bottom surface from inside the cistern and from external of the cistern. The valve will normally be placed through the aperture in the cistern from the inside of the cistern, with a part of the flush valve extending from the cistern. The part that extends from the cistem is provided with an external threaded part and a corresponding connector, usually a threaded nut, is attached to the threaded part to fix the flush valve in place. O-ring seals should be placed on the respective sides of the aperture to reduce the risk of leaks from the cistern. Once the flush valve is fitted, a “doughnut seal”, or washer, is arranged between the cistern and the toilet pan and the cistern is connected onto the toilet pan by way of two bolts arranged on respective sides of the aperture, with the doughnut seal being compressed between the cistern and the toilet pan to reduce leaks therebetween. As a result of the way in which the flush valve is fitted, the process is time consuming, particularly as a single installer needs to reach onto both sides of the cistern at the same time to hold the valve in place whilst fixing the threaded nut in place. Fitting the flush valve, or syphon, in place can easily take several minutes to install. Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a valve fixing comprising a top section having top surface and a bottom surface, and a radially extending flange, the top section being provided with: an inner core section extending from the bottom surface of the top section, the inner core section having an axial bore therethrough; an outer expandable member coaxial with the inner core section and external thereof, a first end of the expandable member being proximal the bottom surface of the top section and a second end of the expandable member being distal from the bottom surface of the top section; and an end element adjacent the distal end of the expandable member; wherein, an actuation mechanism is provided that can draw the end element towards the body section to axially compress the expandable member, resulting in radial expansion of the expandable member. Thus, the present invention relates to a fixing arrangement that allows a more secure and / or quicker installation of a valve. The fixing arrangement is, preferably, used to fix an outlet valve into a tank or cistern and, more preferably, used to fix a flush valve into a cistern or into a cistern and toilet pan. The valve can be used to control the dispensing of liquid from the tank or cistern. The present invention can be used in an existing arrangement, for example, with the use of a doughnut seal between a cistern and a toilet pan, or it may be that the flush valve can be placed through the cistern and into the toilet pan, thereby removing the need to use the doughnut seal, because the expandable member can pass through the join between the cistern and the toilet pan, thereby further reducing the risk of a leak therebetween. Similarly, if the valve connects a cistern and toilet pan tighter, this may remove the need for bolts for fixing the cistern and the toilet pan. Furthermore, the installation time can be reduced to seconds, rather than minutes, and it can be undertaken from a single side of the aperture into which it is being fitted, rather than needing to reach both sides. Preferably, the actuation mechanism comprises: a top crosspiece arranged on, or adjacent, the top section and the top crosspiece extending across the axial bore; an end crosspiece arranged on, or adjacent, the end element and the end crosspiece extending across the axial bore; and an elongate member passing through both the top crosspiece and the end crosspiece. The two crosspieces can be arranged with an aperture in each so that they can be mounted upon the elongate member. In such an arrangement, the relative distance between the two crosspieces can be adjusted so that they can be brought closer to one another, or moved further apart from one another. Thus, the axial distance between them can be varied, which, in turn, can cause the axial compression of the expandable member. In one arrangement, the elongate member comprises an external thread and at least one crosspiece is provided with an internal thread, and rotation of the elongate member adjusts the axial position of the end crosspiece along the elongate member. In such an arrangement, the elongate member passes may pass through the top crosspiece or the bottom crosspiece without engagement therewith. This allows the elongate member to rotate within the crosspiece without any unintentional axial moment along the elongate member. It is useful that at least one of the crosspieces is arranged to engage with, and move axially along the thread of, the elongate member. The axial distance between the top section and the end piece may be variable by way of an alternative adjustment mechanism. For example, a lever and cam arrangement may be employed, by which when the lever is actuated, the respective parts are brought towards one another, in turn, compressing the expandable member axially. Similarly, a rachet and cable system may be employed. Advantageously, the expandable member is a tubular seal. The tubular seal may be in the form of an elastomeric material, although the material may vary provided that the sealing arrangement is sufficient to reduce the risk of water leakage from the tank or cistern. It is particularly advantageous that the tubular seal extends underneath the radially extending flange in order to provide a more secure seal once the device is installed. The invention extends to a toilet flush comprising a toilet flush valve fixing as described herein, and, further, the invention extends to a toilet comprising a toilet flush valve as set out herein. Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a flush valve arrangement according to the present invention in a first position; Figure 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the flush valve arrangement of Figure 1 in a second position; Figure 3 is a diagram showing a view of the valve arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagram showing a view of the valve arrangement of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a diagram showing cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of Figure 2, when installed; and Figure 6 is a diagram showing an orthogonal cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of Figure 5. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments Figures 1 to 6 show a toilet valve 10 having a top section 12 that has a top surface 14 and a bottom surface 16 and a radially extending flange 18 surrounding the top section 12. The valve 10 is provided with an inner core section 20 that extends from the bottom surface 16 of the top section 12, with the inner core section 20 having an axial bore 22 therethrough. The bore 22 is provided with a top crosspiece 23 close to the position of the radially extending flange 18, the top crosspiece 23 being arranged to pass through the diameter of the bore 22, with spaced each side of the crosspiece 23 to allow fluid to pass through the top section 12 of the valve 10 through the internal bore 22 of the inner core section 20 and out of the lower part of the valve 10. The crosspiece 23 is provided with an aperture at it the midpoint of its length. The inner core section 20 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed slots 24, the slots 24 extending over half of the length of the inner core section 20. Surrounding the inner core section 20, and coaxial therewith, is an outer expandable member 26. The expandable member 26 comprises a material such as elastomeric material that can be compressed. The expandable member 26 has a first end 28 that is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 16 of the top section 12, and the expandable member is of such a length that it has a second end 30 that is arranged to extend to a point positioned adjacent to the end of the inner core section 20 that is distal from the top section 12. The first end 28 of the expandable member 26 may be connected to the top section 12 by way of adhesive or another bonding method. In one arrangement, the expandable member 26 extends radially at the first end 28 so that it is arranged partially underneath the radially extending flange 18 of the top section 12. An end element 32 comprising a crosspiece 34 and a circular periphery 36 is arranged adjacent the second end 30 of the expandable member 26. The crosspiece 34 constitutes an “end crosspiece” and it is provided with an aperture therein. The circular periphery 36 of the end element 32 is connected to and / or engages with, the expandable section 26, so that movement of the end element 32 moves the second end 30 of the expandable section 26. The area between the crosspiece 34 and the periphery 36 is vacant, to allow the flow of fluid therethrough. An actuation element is provided in the form of an elongate member 38. The elongate member 38 may be a bolt with a head section and a shaft extending therefrom, with the head section being adapted to receive a tool, for example, a screwdriver, a spanner or a hex key. The elongate member 38 is provided with an external threaded section along at least part of its length. The elongate member 38 is arranged to pass through the aperture in the top crosspiece 23 and through the aperture in the end crosspiece 34. To that end, the end crosspiece 34 can be provided with an internal threaded section that can engage with the threaded section of the elongate member 38. The internal surface of the aperture in the top crosspiece 23 can be substantially smooth and / or the aperture can be significantly larger in diameter than the elongate member 38, thereby preventing any engagement with the threaded section of the elongate member 38 and the top crosspiece 23. The end crosspiece 34 of the end element 32 is arranged to fit within the slots 24 of the inner core section 20, with the circular periphery 36 of the end element 32 being external of the inner core section 20. As the elongate member 38 is rotated, the end crosspiece 34 moves axially along the elongate member 38, the second end 30 of the expandable member 36 is moved axially relative to the elongate member 38, thereby compressing the expandable member 36. As the inner core section 20 is internal of the expandable member 26, the expandable member 26 cannot compress inwardly. Thus, as the expandable member 26 is compressed axially, it expands radially outwards, which is to say, away from the elongate member. In doing so, the width of the expandable member 26 increases upon compression. Therefore, the expandable member 26 has a first width in the extended, or uncompressed state, and a second width in the compressed state, with the second width being greater than the first width. To fit a valve having such a fitting into a tank or toilet cistem, the valve is put into the first, narrow state and it is fed through an outlet aperture before being put into the expanded state. As the expandable member 26 comprises a sealing material, a tight seal can be created at the outlet aperture. Figures 5 and 6, show a toilet pan 50 having a water inlet aperture therein and further having two bolt apertures 54, one arranged on each side of the water inlet aperture. A cistern 56 is provided, having an outlet aperture and having two bolt apertures 60. The valve 10, when in the first, extended position, is placed into the outlet aperture of the cistern 56, so that the radially extending flange 18 sits adjacent the surface of the ci stem 56 in which the aperture is located. The elongate member 38 is then rotated, which moves the end element 32 axially towards the top section 12 of the valve 10. This compresses the expandable member 26, thereby causing it to expand radially. The end element 32 is moved towards the top section 12 to create a secure, water-tight seal between the expandable member 26 and the surface of the cistern 56. Thus, the valve 10 cannot pass through the aperture in the cistern 56 due to its increased width, and the valve is locked onto the cistern 56 between the radially extending flange 18 and the expandable member 26. The cistem 56 can then be bolted to the toilet pan 50 by way of bolts passing through the respective bolt apertures 54 and 60. When installed, the valve 10 extends into the toilet pan 50. Should the valve require removal from the cistern, the elongate member 38 can be rotated in the opposite direction, thereby extending the expandable member 26 so that its width is decreased, and it can pass back through the aperture in the cistern 56. It will be appreciated that if a lip is provided on the toilet pan, the valve can engage both the cistern and the toilet pan, with the expandable member forming a tubular seal between the two parts. This can negate the need for a doughnut seal to be arranged between the two parts. In such an arrangement, the bolt apertures in the respective parts can be replaced with locating elements that prevent rotation between the cistern and the toilet pan, for example, one or more protrusions and recesses. As this removes two apertures from the cistem, the risk of a leak therefrom is reduced. It will be understood that the top part of the valve can be provided with the mechanism required for flushing a toilet or tank. In one arrangement, one or both crosspieces may be a different shape or may be positioned elsewhere in the bore, provided that the mechanism still operates as set out herein. For example, the top crosspiece may be arranged at a different position rather than in-line with the radially extending flange. The valve fixing invention set out herein may be used in other applications for dispensing liquids. For example, where liquid is stored in a portable container and dispensed therefrom, a valve fitting can be used to fit the dispensing valve, such as in kegs or casks or oil tanks. Such a fitting can assist with recycling because the valve can be readily removed from the container. The shape of the valve and the inner core, along with the end element may be changed according to the situation. For example, it might be square or hexagonal depending upon the requirements.

Claims

1. A toilet flush valve the toilet flush valve comprising a toilet flush valve fixing that comprises a top section having top surface and a bottom surface, and a radially5 extending flange, the top section being provided with:an inner core section extending from the bottom surface of the top section, the inner core section having an axial bore therethrough to allow fluid communication through the inner core section;an outer expandable member coaxial with the inner core section and10 external thereof, wherein the expandable member is a tubular seal, a first end ofthe tubular expandable member being proximal the bottom surface of the top section and a second end of the expandable member being distal from the bottom surface of the top section; andan end element adjacent the second end of the expandable member;15 wherein, an actuation mechanism is provided that can draw the end elementtowards the first end of the expandable member to axially compress the expandable member, resulting in radial expansion of the expandable member;wherein a blocking member is arranged to restrict water flow through the axial bore, when in use, with that blocking member capable of being temporarily20 displaced to allow water to pass through the bore of the inner core; andwherein the actuation mechanism comprises:a top crosspiece fixed on, or adjacent, the top section and the top crosspiece extending across the axial bore;an end crosspiece arranged on, or adjacent, the end element and the end25 crosspiece extending across the axial bore; andan elongate member passing through both the top crosspiece and the end crosspiece.

2. A toilet flush valve according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises30 an external thread and the end crosspiece is provided with an internal thread, andwherein rotation of the elongate member adjusts the axial position of the end crosspiece along the elongate member.28 01 253. A toilet flush valve according to any one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the expandable member is an elastomeric tubular seal.

4. A toilet and cistern arrangement, comprising a toilet pan and a cistern, wherein a5 toilet flush valve according to any preceding claim is fitted into an outlet of thecistern and wherein the toilet flush valve extends into an aperture in the toilet pan and engages both the cistern and the toilet pan, with the expandable member forming a tubular seal between the two parts.10 5. A method of installing a toilet flush valve comprising the steps of:providing a cistern having an outlet aperture therein;providing a toilet pan having an inlet aperture therein;aligning the outlet aperture of the cistern and the inlet aperture of the toilet pan;15 passing a toilet flush valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3 throughboth of the aligned outlet aperture of the cistern and the inlet aperture of the toilet pan;andcompressing the tubular seal expandable member axially, thereby causing it to expand radially so that the first end of the expandable member is within the20 cistern and the expanded second end of the expandable member is within the toiletpan.

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