Kohler Company

Charles R Kopplin

Benjamin W Marotz

Thomas C Jorsch

Jeffrey F Tempas

A valve for a toilet includes an inlet and a gate configured to prevent fluid flow through the inlet. The gate includes an at least partially spherical surface and is configured to pivot eccentrically relative to the spherical surface.

Toilet bowl discharge valve assembly

Disclosed are trap valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit positionable immediately below a toilet bowl discharge outlet. It has a pivotable gate in a form of a spherical segment. The gate has an eccentric pivoting motion so that it can swing from an open position to a blocking/closing position in which it fully contacts a sealing gasket. The spherical segment has a leading edge which is approximately between +40&#xb0; and &#x2212;40&#xb0; from vertical when the gate is in an open position, to minimize the energy required to close the gate. In another form a ball and socket connection to the gate valve facilitates sealing.

Disclosed are valve assemblies for controlling flow from a toilet bowl to a trap way. In one form there is a cartridge unit in which a pivotable gate is mounted. The gate can swing from a blocking/closing position to a position in which it is essentially hidden away in a recess out of the main flow path. The surface of the gate facing the bowl is inwardly dished to further facilitate flow optimization.

Growing community of inventors

Sheboygan, WI, United States of America

Charles R Kopplin