Flush valve

Abstract

An elevated flush valve comprising a vent cover may be used with various assemblies, particularly for high efficiency and high performance toilets, which vent cover has a wall that includes an upper portion, a lower portion configured to define a vent cover inlet opening for receiving air and/or liquid passing upwardly from within a valve body and/or from within a toilet through a toilet inlet when the vent cover is installed on a valve body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a vent cover passage for air passing upwardly from the vent cover inlet opening. At least the upper portion of the vent cover wall is configured for contacting an interior surface of a valve body at a location above an inlet of an overflow or venting tube on a valve body when the vent cover is installed on a valve body and wherein the valve cover wall is configured to at least partially divert flow of fluid from entering an inlet of an overflow tube or a venting tube on a valve body when the vent cover is installed on a valve body.

Claims

1. A flush valve assembly, comprising an elevated flush valve body having an upper inlet end having a flush valve inlet opening for receiving fluid into the flush valve body, a lower outlet end having a flush valve outlet opening for allowing fluid to exit the flush valve body, and a valve body wall extending between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end and having an interior surface defining a flow path extending generally longitudinally through the flush valve body from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; a valve cover capable of opening and closing over the flush valve inlet opening; an overflow or venting tube, having an overflow tube inlet opening in communication with the flush valve body flow path and an outlet opening for releasing air and/or fluid from within the flush valve body; and a vent cover having a vent cover wall, wherein the vent cover wall has an upper portion, a body portion, and a lower portion defining a vent cover inlet opening for receiving air passing upwardly from within the flush valve body flow path and/or from a toilet through a toilet inlet, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a vent cover passage for receiving air from the vent cover inlet opening, wherein at least the vent cover wall upper portion contacts the flush valve body wall interior surface at a location above the overflow tube inlet opening, and wherein the vent cover wall is configured to at least partially divert flow of fluid from entering the overflow tube inlet opening.

2. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover is configured to allow air and/or fluid entering the vent cover inlet opening to pass upwardly through the vent cover passage and to exit the vent cover through the overflow tube inlet opening.

3. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flush valve body upper inlet end comprises a radiused inlet.

4. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve cover is a buoyant poppet float coaxially mounted in the flush valve body for reciprocating motion with respect to said valve body along a guide member.

5. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elevated flush valve body has a height measured longitudinally along the valve body and a largest diameter measured along a transverse cross-section of the flow path, and wherein the height is greater than the largest diameter.

6. The flush valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein the height is from about 3.5 inches to about 5.2 inches, and the largest diameter is greater than 2.0 inches to about 3.5 inches.

7. The flush valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein a ratio of the height to the largest diameter is from about 1.1 to about 2.3.

8. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the valve body wall interior surface is downwardly linearly tapered and has a decreasing valve body diameter as measured transversely across the valve body.

9. The flush valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the valve body wall comprises an upper inlet section, a base section for attaching to a toilet tank floor, and an extension section situated between the inlet section and the base section and wherein at least one of an interior surface of the base section and of the extension section is tapered so as to have a linearly decreasing diameter from an upper end of the section in a direction toward a lower end of the section, wherein the diameters are measured transversely across each section.

10. The flush valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the valve body upper inlet end comprises a radiused inlet and the valve body wall interior tapered portion is below the radiused inlet.

11. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover wall is curved and has a generally semi-circular configuration in transverse cross-section and has a radius measured in a transverse direction across the vent cover such that the vent cover passage within the vent cover wall body portion also has a generally semi-circular cross-sectional configuration.

12. The flush valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein the radius of the vent cover wall is constant in the vent cover wall body portion.

13. The flush valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the valve body wall interior surface is tapered and the vent cover wall body portion has an outer edge also tapered to conform to the valve body wall interior surface and the radius of the vent cover decreases from the vent cover wall upper portion to the vent cover wall lower portion.

14. The flush valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein the vent cover wall upper portion is arcuately configured to curve towards the valve body wall interior surface and wherein the radius of the vent cover wall measured transversely across the vent cover decreases along the vent cover wall upper portion as the vent cover wall approaches the valve body wall interior surface.

15. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover wall has an outer edge along the body portion and the upper portion, and the outer edge is configured for meeting the valve body wall interior surface in facing engagement.

16. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover is affixed to the valve body wall interior surface by an adhesive, ultrasonic welding and/or polymeric heat welding.

17. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover is heat molded to the valve body wall interior surface.

18. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover is molded as a unitary part of the valve body.

19. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent cover further comprises projections extending outwardly from the vent cover wall exterior surface which are configured for engaging a feature of the valve body and/or the valve body wall interior surface.

20. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve body upper inlet end comprises a radiused inlet, and the valve cover is a buoyant poppet float coaxially mounted in the valve body for reciprocating motion with respect to said valve body along an guide member, and wherein the vent cover further comprises projections extending outwardly from the vent cover wall exterior surface and configured for engaging the guide member of the valve body.

21. A flush valve assembly for a toilet tank, the flush valve assembly comprising a flush valve body comprising a radiused upper inlet end having a flush valve inlet opening for receiving fluid into the flush valve body, a lower outlet end having an outlet opening for allowing fluid to exit the flush valve body, and a valve body wall extending between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end and having an interior surface defining a flow path extending generally longitudinally through the valve body from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, wherein the valve body has an elevated base section; a movable poppet cover capable of moving in a coaxial, reciprocating manner; and a vent cover having a vent cover wall, wherein the vent cover wall has an upper portion, a lower portion defining a vent cover inlet opening for receiving air passing upwardly from within the valve body flow path and/or from a toilet through a toilet inlet, an interior surface defining a vent cover passage for receiving air from the vent cover inlet opening, wherein at least the vent cover wall upper portion contacts the valve body wall interior surface at a location configured to at least partially divert flow of fluid in a valve body and/or to facilitate escape of trapped air.

22. The flush valve assembly according to claim 21, wherein the poppet cover comprises a guide rod and the valve body comprises a web structure having a central hole configured to receive the guide rod, and the guide rod is capable of reciprocatively and coaxially moving within the hole so as to raise the poppet cover to allow fluid to flow into the flush valve inlet opening in an open position and to allow for aligned axial movement of the poppet cover when the flush valve moves to a closed position.

23. A high-efficiency toilet assembly comprising the flush valve according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

(1) The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly having a poppet float and valve body with a vent cover according to an embodiment herein;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the inside of a toilet tank having the valve assembly of FIG. 1 therein;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly in FIG. 1 without the float cover showing a vent cover inside installed in the valve body;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the valve body of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the valve body of FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vent cover according to an embodiment of the invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the vent cover of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the vent cover of FIG. 6;

(10) FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the vent cover of FIG. 6;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a valve assembly having a vent cover therein; and

(12) FIG. 11 is a side view of the valve body and overflow tube of the assembly of FIG. 10 showing the vent cover installed within the valve body of the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) A vent cover is described herein for use with various flush valve assemblies, particularly those useful for high efficiency and high performance toilets. HET and HPT compliant assemblies and valve bodies with high flush capacity can have issues with a large and generally streamlined flow of flush water entering the valve body and being drawn in by the valve body design, such as those with radiused inlets and the like. As a result, the entrance to the overflow tube and/or the vent tube of the valve assembly, which typically is useful for releasing upwardly mobile air trapped in the system, either in the valve body prior to entrance of flush water through the valve body from the toilet tank, or in the toilet itself, can be blocked by the incoming flush water.

(14) The present vent cover addresses that issue and provides a simple and inexpensive solution to enhance performance of a toilet system including a toilet flush valve. The vent cover will be described in connection with one such HET valve design, a poppet valve assembly, however, it should be understood that the vent cover can be used with a variety of flush valve designs for improving performance.

(15) As used herein, words such as “upper” and “lower,” “interior” and “exterior,” “inner” and “outer,” “top” and “bottom,” and words of similar import are intended to be used to better understand the invention when explained with reference to directions in the drawings incorporated in this disclosure. They are for illustrative purposes only, are intended to have their ordinary meaning and import, and are not otherwise intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the invention.

(16) As shown in FIGS. 1-5, an example of a flush valve assembly which may include a vent cover is shown. The flush valve assembly, generally referred to herein as assembly 10 includes a valve body 12. The valve body as shown corresponds to that of U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,095, incorporated herein by reference with respect to the valve assembly. The valve body 12 has an upper inlet end 14 having an inlet opening 16 therethrough. The upper inlet end is designed to receive fluid that enters into the flush valve body from a water source, and typically from within a toilet tank T as shown in FIG. 2. The valve body further includes a lower outlet end 18 which defines an outlet opening 20 therethrough. Flush fluid, including water, exits the flush valve body 12 through the outlet and typically would pass into the inlet of a toilet upon which tank T is installed. From there, fluid passes into a various interior geometries of a toilet bowl, which can be varied to include rim channels and/or jet channels and in most cases an initial manifold where incoming water is directed to various channels and/or openings in the bowl. After the flush cycle is over, that water is drawn from the toilet bowl by siphon through a trapway to a sewage outlet, and the flush valve is closed. A filling valve F is then triggered to re-fill the tank for the next flush cycle.

(17) The valve body 12 has a valve body wall 22 that extends between the upper inlet end 14 and the lower outlet end 18. The wall has an interior surface 24 that defines a flow path FP that extends generally longitudinally through the valve body 12 from the valve body inlet opening 16 to its outlet opening 20. The outlet opening 20 is preferably of a similar cross-sectional configuration to the lower section of the valve body and as shown, in this embodiment is generally circular in cross-section. In a preferred embodiment of such a valve body, the inner diameter of the outlet is about 3.0 in. to about 3.5 in. such that flush valve assembly 10 for use in standard commercial toilet embodiments, however, the diameter of the valve body at the inlet and outlet may vary depending on the desired design.

(18) The valve body 12 in the valve assembly 10 is preferably opened and closed by way of a cover 26. The cover 26 is capable of opening and closing over the inlet opening 14 of the valve body 12. The cover 26 may be varied in design depending on the valve body, and sized to work with the valve body, including having a slightly larger size than a standard flapper cover if needed to adequately work from a buoyancy perspective and to close properly on a radiused inlet common in HET and HPT valve assemblies. The valve may also have additional features if desired, such as floats, extra cover features and the like.

(19) As noted above, the flush valve assembly 10 is preferably located and installed in a tank T of a toilet and communicates with a conventional fill valve F (see FIG. 2). Any suitable tank design and fill valve may be used as are known in the art or to be developed. When a flush actuator, such as a handle or similar mechanism is pushed, a flush is initiated and the flush valve assembly will also be actuated. As shown in FIG. 2, a flush handle H is in mechanical cooperation, such as by pivoting, with a lever L having a chain C. The chain (which could also be a simple line) is connected to the cover 26. Other flush mechanisms (electronic or manual) may be used as well.

(20) Valve body 12 includes a movable poppet cover 26 or seal that moves in a reciprocating manner via a guide rod 28 of a length designed to work within a particular size valve body 12. As shown, the upper end 14 of the valve body 26 has a radiused inlet 30. The mechanism for reciprocating movement may include any feature 32 or features that allow for coaxial, reciprocating movement of a rod 28 or similar element within the valve body for facilitating opening, which in the embodiment shown involves lifting the cover by depressing the handle H to move the lever L, pull up on the chain C and raise the cover 26. Detailed description of one such design may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,095. In FIGS. 1-5, a molded web structure 34 having a central hole 36 for receiving the rod 28 is shown. However, it should be understood that the feature 32 can be varied to accomplish this purpose within the scope of the invention described herein.

(21) As shown, in addition to providing the valve body upper inlet end 14 with an optional, but preferred, radiused inlet 30, the valve body may also include an elevated base section 38. In one embodiment, the radiused inlet 30 has a preferred outer diameter (OD) of about 5 in. An extension 40 may be provided to the valve body 12 that has an opening 42 defined for receiving and/or fitting over or into an overflow tube 44. An overflow tube 44 may be any suitable overflow tube in the art. The overflow tube 44 has an inlet 46 which lies flush with the interior surface 24 of the valve body 12 and/or extends inwardly into the valve body 12 to some degree. While a standard overflow tube is shown herein, it will be understood to those skilled in the art, that the valve body in the assemblies herein may benefit from the vent cover described herein on either a standard overflow tube or any other venting tube provided on the valve body. For purposes of convenience, in this detailed description and embodiment, as well as in the below described alternative embodiment having a different valve body design, reference is made to an overflow tube, but such reference is not meant to be limiting and is intended to be also useful on other typical venting tubes provided on valve bodies that may become blocked for air release due to the nature of the flow (quantity, speed, etc.) through the valve body.

(22) The elevated base section 38 may be provided to elevate the valve body 12 relative to the floor of the toilet tank T. Exterior threads 48 may be provided along at least part of the elevated base section 38 to help secure the valve assembly 10 to a tank T and also to a toilet bowl on installation via a plurality of threads and corresponding fastening member 50 (e.g., a nut) as is known in the art. A gasket or seal may also be used to ensure a water-tight fit. It will be understood based on the disclosure that other mechanisms for securing the valve body may be used, and this particular embodiment is only intended to be an example embodiment and not to limit how the valve body is connected to the tank and/or bowl. An optional bracket 52 or other fastening mechanism may also be used to further secure the valve body using a screw 54 or the like if desired.

(23) The poppet cover 26 is coaxially and slidably mounted with respect to the valve body through feature 32. When the valve is open and the cover is lifted, the inlet opening 16 to the valve body 12 is in fluid communication with water from the tank T. It moves from a first rest position (see FIG. 2) upwardly. When open, in a second position the flush is initiated and the valve stays open until the cycle is complete.

(24) When open, and upon elevation of the cover 26, buoyant forces and fluid pressure exerted on a bottom surface of the cover (which may include an optional seal thereon) prompts elevation of poppet cover 26 above inlet opening 16 of the valve body 12. When the buoyant force exceeds the hydrodynamic fluid force (e.g., the water level in tank T is high and the fluid “suction” on the poppet cover 26 is low prior to tank discharge), the poppet cover 26 lifts above a radiused inlet 30. Flush water can then flow into the inlet opening 16 and proceed into the valve body. The guide rod 28 remains in alignment with the hole 36 in the web 34 to ensure an axial return path to the valve's closed position. Buoyant forces and fluid pressure in equilibrium keep the poppet cover elevated for a time sufficient to empty the contents of the tank and initiate refilling thereof by filler valve F. As the tank volume discharges through valve inlet opening 16, the water level in tank T decreases and poppet cover 26 descends toward the radiused inlet 30. Increasing hydrodynamic forces acting upon the cover 26 counteract the buoyant force to allow a generally rapid descent of the poppet cover 26 and decrease the available area to allow water to enter the valve until the initial valve rest position is regained.

(25) It is noted that the elevated base section 38, if provided to the valve body, raises the effective head level of the flush valve assembly 10. The elevated head reduces the available volume for tank discharge yet realizes improved discharge performance through a discharge outlet. The preferred embodiment shown of a poppet valve assembly combines a radiused inlet configuration with an elevated valve body such that the effective head is approximately equal to that used in conventional flush valves, when the radius of the radiused inlet is preferably about 0.75 in. to about 1 in. This has the advantage also of reducing the available maximum discharge water volume, while realizing superior water discharge that uses the entire outlet diameter. The valve body wall 12 further preferably includes a slight tapering along a profile thereof such that the inner diameter thereof gradually decreases.

(26) The overflow tube 44, has an inlet typically positioned within the valve body flow path FP or positioned so as to be flush with the interior surface 24 of the valve body 12. The inlet opening 46 is open to the interior of valve body and is in communication with the flow path FP within the valve body 12 so that backflow liquid due to blockage and trapped air can exit into the overflow tube. The overflow tube 44 also preferably has an outlet opening 56 for releasing air and/or fluid from within the overflow tube coming from the interior of the valve body 12. The configuration and size of the inlet to an overflow tube or venting tube in a flush valve may vary and it should be understood within the scope of the invention that the vent cover described herein can be varied also in configuration to accommodate such inlet variations.

(27) The invention provides a vent cover 58 having a vent cover wall 60. The vent cover wall 60 and vent cover are preferably formed as a unitary piece, however, it is possible within the scope of the invention that certain portions are separately formed and molded or otherwise joined together. The wall 60 of the vent cover 58 has with an upper portion 62, a body portion 64 and a lower portion 66. The lower portion 66 defines an inlet opening 68 to the vent cover 58 for receiving air passing upwardly (arrow A) from within the valve body flow path and/or from a toilet through a toilet inlet (not shown). The vent cover wall 60 further has an exterior surface 70 and an interior surface 72. The interior surface is configured to define a vent cover passage 74 for receiving air from the inlet opening of the vent cover 58. At least the upper portion 62 of the vent cover wall preferably contacts the interior surface 24 of the valve body 12 at a location Q or area above the inlet opening 46 of the overflow tube 44. The passage 74 is configured to allow air and/or water entering the vent cover 58 from the vent cover inlet opening 68 to pass upwardly through the vent cover passage 74 and then to exit the vent cover 58 through the inlet opening 46 of the overflow tube 44. While the vent cover 58 can be attached in only one area and/or pressure fit against the interior surface 24 of the valve body, it is preferred that it be attached by way of the outer edge 76 of the vent cover wall 60 extending around the vent cover, at least around the upper portion 62 and the body portion 64 of the vent cover wall. The outer edge may be flush or have an extending portion as shown for ease of attachment and stability against the interior surface 24 of the valve body. If an extending edge is used, it is not necessary to include it around the bottom portion 66 with the exception of where it will abut the valve body wall.

(28) The outer edge 76 and the shape of the vent cover can vary and may be shaped so as to conform to the interior surface 24 of the valve body 12 if desired. The vent cover wall and/or the outer edge thereof is preferably configured to preferably contact the interior surface of a valve body at a location above an inlet of an overflow or other venting tube on a valve body when the vent cover is installed on a valve body, and preferably optionally may also be configured so that the entire outer edge 76 contacts the interior surface 24 of the valve body with the exception of the bottom portion that is intended to be separated from the interior surface of the valve body so as to provide the passage 74.

(29) The vent cover may be formed of a variety of materials variety of materials, such as, for example, metals and metal alloys (e.g., copper, brass, nickel, lead, titanium, stainless steel, etc.) as well as polymeric or hard rubber materials (e.g., polystyrene-butadiene-styrenes (SBS), polyacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenes (ABS)), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyarylenes (polyetherether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) and the like), polyethylene sulfones (PES), polyetherimides (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluoroplastics (FEP and PFA), olefinic rubbers, polyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyoxyalkylenes (i.e., polyacetals) (e.g., polyoxymethylenes (POM), polyoxyethylenes (POE), polyoxybutylenes (POB), etc.), styrene-maleic-anhydrides (SMA), and other similar molding materials, composites, blends and/or copolymers of these materials, provided the materials provide adequate strength and resist deformation over time in contact with water under pressure. Composite materials may include fibrous and particulate materials such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, Kevlar, mica, carbon powder, and other fillers known in the art. Similar materials to those noted above may also be used to form various parts of the valve body and cover.

(30) The vent cover wall 60 is preferably curved to accommodate upward flowing air and/or liquid in an amount adequate to alleviate negative impact of trapped air while otherwise minimizing any interference with the downward flow through the valve body during a flush cycle. Thus a curved design assists in avoiding turbulence and interruption to a more laminar flow pattern contributed to by the radiused inlet and/or tapered and/or elevated valve body design. It will be understood, however, based on this disclosure that a variety of cross-sectional configurations and wall designs could be used for varied effects or manufacturing reasons, including, for example, a conical configuration having a semi-circular cross-section but larger at the lower portion of the vent cover and narrowing to a small end at the upper portion, a bent plate configuration which has more of a rectangular or trapazoidal cross-section and that may or may not have varying widths along its length, and the like.

(31) As shown in the Figures, along the body portion 64, and below the upper portion 62 of the vent cover wall and above the lower portion 66 of the vent cover wall 60 and above the inlet opening 68, the vent cover wall has a generally semi-circular configuration in transverse cross-section and has a radius R associated therewith that is measured in the transverse direction across the vent cover 58. As shown in FIG. 1, a longitudinal axis L runs through the valve body 12. The radius R is measured in a direction perpendicular to such axis and any parallel longitudinal axis through the vent cover when installed. The passage 74 through the vent cover 58 within the body portion 64 of the vent cover wall also has a generally semi-circular configuration. The radius R of the vent cover wall 58 is relatively constant in the body portion 64 of the vent cover wall with the exception that there may be provided some gradual tapering to meet the configuration of the valve body interior surface 24 if desired, when the vent cover 58 is installed, to prevent an escape of air by directing the air by using a tighter seal between the outer edge 76 of the vent cover wall 60 and the interior surface 24 of the valve body 12. Thus the radius R may be constant for a perpendicularly extending valve body wall, or, if desired, the outer edge 76 and body portion 64 slightly tapered to meet the configuration of the interior surface 24 of the valve body 12. As shown, the outer edge is slightly tapered such that the radius R would decrease from the upper portion 62 of the vent cover wall 60 towards the lower portion 66 of the vent cover 58.

(32) It should be understood that in the embodiment shown, the general concept incorporates the facing outer edge of the vent cover wall and/or the overall vent cover wall structure conformed to work with and accommodate the shape of the interior surface of the valve body. Similarly, while the vent cover is shown in a semi-circular cross-sectional configuration, it should be understood that other shapes are contemplated and are within the scope of the invention, including a fully circular tube, a generally elliptical shape or semi-elliptical shape, a generally rectangular configuration, a generally triangular configuration, polygonal configuration, or the like. In selecting the optimal shape, the interior surface of the valve body to which the vent cover is to be attached or installed as well as the flow characteristics within that valve may be taken into account.

(33) In the embodiment shown, the outer edge 76 of the vent cover wall 60 preferably extends along the upper portion 62 and the body portion 64 of the vent cover wall 60, and the upper portion 62 of vent cover wall is also preferably arcuately curved such that the radius R of the vent cover wall in the upper portion will decrease along the upper portion of the vent cover wall from the body portion of the vent cover wall towards the edge of the upper portion of the vent cover wall as it approaches connection to the interior surface of the valve body at a location above the inlet of the overflow tube. The outer edge 76 of the vent cover wall 60 also as shown is configured so as to meet the interior surface 24 of a valve body 12 of a flush valve assembly 10 in facing engagement when the vent cover 58 is installed in a flush valve assembly 10 although it need not be.

(34) The vent cover preferably has a length as measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vent cover. It need not be longer than necessary to cover an opening inlet to an overflow or venting tube in the valve body, but should preferably at least cover the inlet of the overflow or vent tube. Preferably, it extends for an additional length l below the bottom 77 of the inlet of the overflow tube 44 or other vent tube. The length l may be varied for optimal effects using varying vent cover configurations and in various types of valve bodies. As shown, the vent cover has a length as measured longitudinally from the bottom 77 of an inlet 46 of an overflow tube 44 or venting tube inlet to lower portion 66 of the vent cover body, i.e., at the vent cover inlet 68, of about 0 to about 100 mm below the bottom of an inlet of an overflow tube or venting tube, preferably about 10 mm to about 70 mm below the bottom of an inlet of an overflow or venting tube, and more preferably about 25 to about 65 mm below the bottom of the inlet of an overflow or venting tube.

(35) The vent cover and the vent cover wall are preferably formed of materials such as those noted above. Where affixed to the interior surface of the valve body of the flush valve assembly, the vent cover may be attached by adhesive, ultrasonic welding and/or polymeric heat welding. In addition, the vent cover may be formed of a material that is capable of being heat molded to an interior surface of the valve body of a flush valve. The vent cover may also be integrally molded into a flush valve body.

(36) As shown, the vent cover may also be mounted within the valve body not only by molding or adhesive but through mechanical methods, including providing a connector or other aspect to the wall that assists in connecting it to the interior surface of the valve body.

(37) As shown best in FIG. 3, projections 78 may be provided that extend outwardly from the exterior surface 70 of the vent cover wall 60 and which are configured for engaging a feature 82 of a valve body 12 by way of a hook or end piece 80 on the end of the projections 78. Alternatively or in addition, the projections could be made so as to engage the interior surface of the valve body of a flush valve upon installation of the vent cover such as by providing a hole or catch on the interior surface.

(38) Another embodiment of a flush valve assembly 110 herein is shown to illustrate installation of a vent cover 158 within a different design flush valve. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the flush valve assembly 110 has a valve body 112 with a valve body wall 122 that includes an upper inlet section 114, a base section 118 similar to a lower section in the prior embodiment for attaching to a toilet tank T via the tank floor. The valve body 112 may further include an extension section 184 situated between the inlet section 114 and the base section 118. Such a flush valve assembly may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,733, incorporated herein by reference with respect to the valve design. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of an interior surface 186 of the base section 118 and an interior surface 188 of the extension section 184 is tapered. The valve body has a diameter D measured transversely across the valve body. The diameter D in a tapered design as shown would decrease linearly from an upper end of each section in a direction toward a lower end of each section as shown in FIG. 11, wherein the diameters are measured transversely across each section. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use non-linear tapering as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,676,858, also incorporated herein by reference in relevant part with respect to the valve design.

(39) The valve body 112 as shown is further an elevated valve body and an HET or HPT design. The upper inlet end 114 of the valve body further comprises a radiused inlet 130 and it is preferred that any tapered portion of the valve body wall 122 be below the radiused inlet portion 130.

(40) The valve body wall 122 as shown comprises an upper inlet section having a height shown as R.sub.1, a base section having a height shown as B for attaching to a toilet tank floor, and an extension section having a height E situated between the inlet section and the base section.

(41) The radiused inlet portion 114 has a curved arcuate profile and radiused inlet 130 which in a longitudinal cross section, for example as shown in FIG. 11, preferably forms a circular segment having a radius R.sub.2 which can be measured under the curved surface of the radiused inlet 130. The radiused inlet allows water flowing into the valve body in curves over the radiused inlet 130 into the valve body 112. It also provides a larger inlet area on the upper inlet end 114 of the valve body 112. The radius R.sub.2 of the radiused inlet 130 may be varied from about ⅛ inch to about 1 inch, but is preferably about ⅛ inch to about ⅜ inch, and most preferably about ⅜ inch when the diameter of the lower outlet end 22 is about 2 inches.

(42) The valve body has a wall 122 that extends between the upper inlet end 114 to the lower outlet end 118 but at the very bottom of the valve body 112. The ends are preferably situated so that upon installation the upper inlet end 114 is located in a tank T of a toilet and the lowermost portion of the base section B or lower end 118 is located below the tank T floor as shown. In cross-sectional configuration, the inlet of the valve body has a generally circular shape, which means a curved configuration such as a circle, oval, elliptical or egg-shaped configuration, but is preferably circular. The wall 122 may be an integrally formed wall such as to form a unitary structure valve body or may be formed of segments as discussed herein. It should also be understood that the certain segments of the wall may be integrally formed together while others can be made to be detachably connected. The segments of the wall body may thus be molded together, formed as separate piece(s) and fused or detachably connected to one another, such as by chamfering (described elsewhere herein with respect to the radiused inlet), snap-lock edge fittings, detents, screws, bolts, interlocking snap-fit pieces, connectors, and the like. Any suitable connection mechanism for adjoining the pieces may be used, provided the pieces form a tight fit and are leak-resistant. To assist in being leak-resistant, if separate pieces are joined together through mechanical mechanisms, such as screws, fittings, connectors and the like, it is preferred that a sealing member is placed between adjoining pieces. Sealing members may be, for example, standard elastomeric or plastic O-ring(s) or gasket(s) suitable for plumbing use. Such sealing members are optional if the pieces form a leak-tight fit and are not needed if the pieces are fused or molded together.

(43) The wall has an interior surface 124 extending the length of the valve body wall that defines the flow path FP′. The flow path FP′ takes the shape of the interior surface of the body wall and extends through the entire inner space of the valve body so as to create a flow path profile when viewed in longitudinal cross section through the valve body. The flow path FP′ also has a generally circular transverse cross section along the valve body, however, as explained above, the diameter D of the cross section can vary over the length of the flow path. As used herein, “diameter” means the longest measure across the generally circular cross section in a transverse direction.

(44) The valve body 112 is preferably an elevated valve body. The height h measured longitudinally along the valve body 112 is greater than the largest diameter D of the transverse cross-section of the flow path (in this case measured at the radiused inlet 130). This configuration allows for installation of the valve body in the toilet tank so as to provide for an elevated valve body portion lying above the toilet tank floor T. This configuration raises the flow rate through the valve body over standard valve bodies and creates more dynamic flow through the valve body while achieving the same head (distance from the upper surface of the tank water to the “choke” point or point of construction of the valve body).

(45) The precise height h of the valve body may be varied, but it is preferred that the height h is sufficient so that the length of the valve body above the tank floor T is larger than a standard low profile valve body and preferably approximates or is greater than the largest diameter D. The height h is preferably greater than about 2.8 inch and can be as much as about 5.2 inches, and more preferably is about 3.5 inches to about 4.1 inches. The diameter D is greater than about 2.0 inches, and preferably is about 2.25 inches to about 3.5 inches, more preferably about 2.4 inches to about 3.3 inches and most preferably about 3.2 inches to about 3.25 inches. The ratio of the height h to the diameter d is preferably about 23 to about 0.8 and more preferably about 1.7 to about 1.1.

(46) The valve assembly 110 further includes a valve cover 126 as shown in FIG. 10, which is preferably a flapper valve cover, but may be a modified flapper cover as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,733, incorporated herein in relevant part, and is preferably sufficiently large so as to cover the inlet opening 130 for closing the valve body and preferably is slightly larger so as to contact and close across the radiused inlet.

(47) A sealing ring 190 may also be provided as is known in the art to seat the valve body 112 against the opening in the tank T in the floor thereof. The outer surface 192 of the valve body 112 along the base portion 118 is preferably threaded so as to have threads 194 for receiving a locking connection ring or similar device for securing the seal against the tank. While a ring, threaded end and locking connector are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it should be understood based on the disclosure that other locking and sealing mechanisms may be used within the scope of the invention.

(48) Thus, the vent cover 10, 110 herein can be slightly modified in shape or configuration to conform to various HET and HPT valve body designs, including those highlighted herein, but also others in existence or to be provided. It has a minimal impact on the flow path while providing the benefit of substantially diverting the flow of water that may block the overflow tube and/or allowing a release path for trapped air in the system that otherwise may be blocked from exiting through the overflow tube inlet or a venting tube inlet due to the high flow of water through the valve body under such advanced valve body designs incorporating features like a 360° inlet path as in a poppet valve, radiused inlets and/or elevated valve bodies.

(49) The invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting Example:

EXAMPLE

(50) Tests were conducted using various vent scoops having a configuration as shown in FIG. 6 but having a varying length as measured below the overflow scoop. The scoops were installed in the standard flush valve of 4.8 l/flush toilet, an American Standard® Champion Max® toilet having a model 4215 tank and a model 3195a bowl. Average peak flush rate (Vs) and average time(s) to 2,500 cm.sup.3/s (2,500 ml/s) data were measured for each of four sample toilets, each of which was flushed four times, using the 4.8 l flush capacity. The time to 2,500 ml/s or greater is the time it takes from initiation of the flush cycle to reach an instantaneous flow rate from the outlet of the bowl that is 2,500 ml/s or more. A peak flow curve was generated through testing in which a toilet bowl was set on a flush stand. The bowl was set to the desired water consumption and water pressure. A Toledo® Speedweight scale was placed under the bowl. A bucket was placed on the scale. The distance from the bowl outlet to the standard bucket (having 12 inch diameter) was set to 17 inches. The scale logged data at a rate of 25 data points per second. The Toledo® scale was connected to a data logging system. The bowl was flushed to gather the data. The time to peak rate was measured from the first data point to where the peak value was achieved in the flow curve data. The time to 2,500 ml/s was also determined from the gathered data.

(51) The average for these parameters and their standard deviation are reported in Table 1 below. Comparative Sample 1 has no vent cover. Inventive Sample 1 had a vent cover having the configuration as shown in FIG. 6 installed in the same valve body. In the sample, the vent cover had a length as measured longitudinally from the center of the overflow tube inlet opening (the inlet having a diameter of 30 mm) to the bottom of the vent cover, i.e., at the inlet opening of the vent cover of 85 mm (65 mm from the bottom of the overflow inlet opening). Inventive Sample 2 used a vent cover as shown in FIG. 6 but with a length measured longitudinally from the center of the inlet opening of the overflow tube to the bottom inlet end of the installed vent cover of 40 mm (25 mm from the bottom of the overflow tube inlet). The test data in Table 1 show an improvement in hydraulic performance and a faster flush. The data in this Example demonstrate a reduction in the variability in time to peak or time to 2,500 ml/s (i.e., a lower standard deviation). The mixing of air and water during the milliseconds of a flush is chaotic. Air may or may not find a path to escape. When it cannot escape, it blocks the efficient flow of water and there is a delay in time to peak. Addition of the vent scoop reduces the probability of this occurrence, and thus, the data shows a lower standard deviation in time to peak or time to 2,500 ml/s. The average time to peak or to 2,500 ml/s across multiple bowls and flush cycles may thus be reduced because the occasions of delayed times to peak flush cycles are reduced or eliminated.

(52) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Peak Rate Time to 2,500 cm.sup.3/s Vent Sample (l/s) (s) Comp. Sample 1 - average 3.55 0.48 Comp. Sample 1 - std. deviation 0.44 0.23 Inv. Sample 1 - average 3.54 0.36 Inv. Sample 1 - std. deviation 0.31 0.05 Inv. Sample 2 - average 3.54 0.32 Inv. Sample 2 - std. deviation 0.28 0.05

(53) It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.