GB2559651A

GB2559651A - Float lever

Info

Publication number: GB2559651A
Application number: GB1717937.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dudley Martin; Mason Simon
Original assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Current assignee: Thomas Dudley Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-31
Filing date: 2017-10-31
Publication date: 2018-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-31
Also published as: GB2559651B; GB201717937D0

Abstract

The lever 2 comprises a first end to which a float is securable and a second end having a mounting means 20 for pivotally mounting the float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve 11 about a pivot axis, the mounting means comprising two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis. The length of the lever and the orientation of the float relative thereto may be adjustable. The lever may have a shutoff portion 4 for actuating the cistern inlet valve. The shutoff portion may be releasably secured to the lever at two or more shutoff positions corresponding to the mounting positions. The mounting means may comprise lugs (20a, 20b, 20c fig.5) with holes for receiving a pivot pin 3. Also claimed is a cistern inlet valve comprising a housing and the lever. Also claimed is a method of installing a float lever in a cistern comprising pivotally mounting a float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis at one of two or more lever mounting positions along the pivot axis.

Description

(54) Title ofthe Invention: Float lever

Abstract Title: Float lever for a cistern inlet valve (57) The lever 2 comprises a first end to which a float is securable and a second end having a mounting means 20 for pivotally mounting the float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve 11 about a pivot axis, the mounting means comprising two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis. The length of the lever and the orientation of the float relative thereto may be adjustable. The lever may have a shutoff portion 4 for actuating the cistern inlet valve. The shutoff portion may be releasably secured to the lever at two or more shutoff positions corresponding to the mounting positions. The mounting means may comprise lugs (20a, 20b, 20c fig.5) with holes for receiving a pivot pin 3. Also claimed is a cistern inlet valve comprising a housing and the lever. Also claimed is a method of installing a float lever in a cistern comprising pivotally mounting a float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis at one of two or more lever mounting positions along the pivot axis.

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FLOAT LEVER

This invention relates generally to float levers for cistern inlet valves. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to an adjustable float lever for operating the inlet valve of a water closet flushing cistern.

Typically, such inlet valves include afloat carried on a lever that is pivotally mounted relative to the valve. The float lever is pivotable between a first orientation, in which the float is in a raised position and the inlet valve is closed, and a second orientation, in which the float is in a lowered position and the inlet valve is open to fill the cistern. As such, the float lever is in the first orientation when the cistern is full and in the second orientation when the cistern is empty.

The float lever typically includes a shutoff portion adjacent its pivotal connection, which closes the inlet valve in the first orientation and opens the valve in the second orientation. In some designs, the shutoff portion urges an actuator of the inlet valve, whilst in other designs it may bear on the bleed port, to close the valve. As such, when the float drops the shutoff portion releases the actuator or unseats from the bleed port, which causes the inlet valve to open.

One known issue with inlet valve assemblies is that they are required to accommodate a wide variety of cistern configurations. These configurations often differ in terms of the shape and size of the cistern, the type of outlet mechanism (e.g. outlet valve or syphon) and the layout of the assembly. As such, the position of the float and/or the orientation of the lever required can vary significantly. These must be selected to achieve the requisite fill level, whilst avoiding any fouling against the cistern or other components.

FR2557608 seeks to mitigate this issue by providing an adjustable float lever that allows the length and height of the float to be adjusted simultaneously. The lever consists of two arms arranged on each side of an articulation pin, a first arm pivotally mounted to the valve and a second arm carrying the float. The first arm includes a central, main eyelet and a series of auxiliary eyelets about its free end. The second arm includes a series of studs spaced such that one of the studs engages the main eyelet and another engages one of the auxiliary eyelets. The series of studs is configured such that the length of the lever can be adjusted based on which stud engages the main eyelet and the spacing of the auxiliary eyelets is such that the orientation of the second arm relative to the first arm can be adjusted based on which auxiliary eyelet receives the adjacent stud of the first arm.

Whilst effective, there are several cistern configurations that arrangement is unable to accommodate. In addition, water regulations set certain requirements that would be difficult to achieve with this design. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved float lever, preferably one that at least mitigates the issues with known designs.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a float lever for a cistern inlet valve, the lever comprising a first end to which a float is secured or securable and a second end having a mounting means for pivotally mounting the float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis, wherein the lever is configured such that at least one of its mounting position, orientation or length or the position and/or orientation of the float relative thereto is adjustable.

The invention therefore provides enhanced adaptability over prior art designs. For example, the mounting position of the lever may be adjustable along the pivot axis, e.g. the lever may be configured such that its mounting position is adjustable along the pivot axis. The mounting means may comprise two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis. The orientation of the lever may be adjustable, for example relative to the pivot axis. For example, the lever may be configured such that its orientation, e.g. its longitudinal orientation, relative to the pivot axis is adjustable. The length of the lever may be adjustable, e.g. the lever may comprise an adjustable length. The position and/or orientation of the float relative to the lever may be adjustable. The float may be movable such that its position and/or orientation relative to the lever is adjustable.

Another aspect of the invention provides a float lever for a cistern inlet valve, the lever comprising a first end to which a float is secured or securable and a second end having a mounting means for pivotally mounting the float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis, wherein the mounting means comprises two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis.

The provision of two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis enables the float lever to be offset relative to the inlet valve without the need to modify the position of inlet valve where it may otherwise foul against cistern components. It is believed that this arrangement may be particularly, although not exclusively, advantageous where the outlet valve or syphon is replaced with a different design.

The length of the lever and/or the orientation of the float relative thereto may be adjustable.

The lever may comprise a shutoff portion, which may be configured or adaptable to actuate, in use, a cistern inlet valve to which the lever is mounted, e.g. at any of the two or more mounting positions. The shutoff portion may be provided by a shutoff element or member, which may have two or more shutoff positions, e.g. corresponding to the two or more mounting positions of the mounting means.

The shutoff element or member may be releasably secured or securable to the lever, for example at or adjacent the second end. The shutoff element or member may be releasably secured or securable to the lever at each of the two or more shutoff positions. The lever may comprise two or more holes, for example each corresponding to one of the shutoff positions. The shutoff member may comprise a shutoff insert, which may be releasably secured to, with or within one of the holes.

The lever may comprise first and second arms. The first arm may comprise the first end and/or the second arm may comprise the mounting means. The first arm may be releasably connected to the second arm, for example at one of a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions may enable adjustment of, or be configured to adjust, the length of the lever.

One of the arms may comprises one or more, e.g. a series of, slots. One of the arms, e.g. the other of the arms, may comprise a projection. The projection may be receivable within the or one of the slots. The lever may comprise securing means, e.g. for releasably securing the arms together. A necked portion of the projection may be received or receivable within one of the slots, e.g. a necked portion thereof.

The securing means may comprise a protrusion. In embodiments, the securing means comprises a protrusion in the slot over which the necked portion of the projection passes as it is moved into the necked portion of the slot. Additionally or alternatively, the securing means may comprise a locking protrusion on one of the arms that engages a locking recess or abutment of the other of the arms.

One of the arms may comprise a channel section, which may have a pair of flanges. The other of the arms may be received or receivable between the flanges. At least one of the flanges may comprise a locking protrusion or recess, which may engage a locking recess or protrusion in, on or of the arm which is receivable between the flanges. The arm which is receivable between the flanges may comprise sides that are connected together by a series of ribs. Each rib may provide a respective locking abutment. A locking recess may be defined between adjacent ribs.

In embodiments, the arm with the locking protrusion comprises a channel section with a pair of flanges between which the arm with the recess or abutment is received and one of the flanges comprising the locking protrusion. The arm with the recess or abutment may comprise sides connected together by a series of ribs, each rib providing a respective abutment and a recess being defined between adjacent ribs.

The first arm may comprise the channel section. Alternatively, the second arm may comprise the channel section. The securing means may comprise a locking tab configured to engage a securing feature in or on each of the arms. The securing features in or on the arms may be aligned when the first arm is at each of the plurality of positions relative to the second arm.

In embodiments, one of the arms comprises a series of securing features and the other of the arms comprises a securing feature that is aligned with one of the series of securing features at each of the plurality of positions. The securing features may comprise one or more locking notches and/or the locking tab may comprise one or more protrusions or pawls that engage the or a respective locking notch. The securing features may comprise notch pairs, e.g. a first notch in or on an upper portion of each arm and a second notch in or on a lower portion of each arm. The locking tab may comprise a pair of protrusions or pawls each of which engages one of the locking notches of the pair.

The lever may comprise a float mount, which may be pivotal about an axis, e.g. a further or float axis. The float mount may be pivotal about an axis that is perpendicular to the lever pivot axis. The float mount may comprise a knuckle joint, which may be at or adjacent the first end of the first arm. The knuckle joint may be releasably securable in one of a plurality of different orientations. The knuckle joint may comprise first and second joint portions.

At least one of the joint portions may comprise a plurality of teeth, which may provide for stepwise adjustment of the orientation of a float secured, in use, to the float mount. The float mount may comprise a mounting shaft or socket, which may be threaded. The mounting shaft or socket may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding socket or shaft of a float, e.g. to secure the float to the float mount.

The mounting means may comprise one or more mounting lugs, each of which may have a hole, e.g. therethrough, for receiving, in use, a pivot pin to secure the lever to an inlet valve at one of the two or more mounting positions. In embodiments, the mounting means comprises a single lug configured to be mounted to one side of a mounting lug of a cistern inlet valve. As such, the mounting means comprises two mounting positions along the pivot axis by virtue of the side of the valve lug on which the lever lug is mounted. In other embodiments, either the valve or the mounting means comprises a plurality, e.g. two or more, such as three or more, mounting lugs, for example which enable the lever to be mounted to the valve at three or more positions.

Another aspect of the invention provides a cistern inlet valve or valve assembly comprising a float lever, e.g. as described above. The valve or a housing thereof may comprise a mounting lug with a hole and/or the float lever may comprise a mounting lug having a hole.

The valve or valve assembly may comprise a pivot pin receivable within mounting lug holes of each of the lever and valve or housing. The lever may comprise a first mounting position, e.g. in which the lever mounting lug is on a first side of the valve or housing mounting lug. The lever may comprise a second mounting position, e.g. in which the lever mounting lug is on a second side of the valve or housing mounting lug.

At least one of the lever and valve or housing may comprise two or more mounting lugs. The lever may comprises at least one further, e.g. third and, optionally, fourth and subsequent, mounting position.

Another aspect of the invention provides a cistern comprising a valve as described above.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a retrofit kit for a cistern inlet valve, the kit comprising a lever as described above.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of installing a float lever, e.g. as described above, in a cistern. The method may comprise pivotally mounting a float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis at one of two or more lever mounting positions along the pivot axis.

The method may comprise adjusting the position of a shutoff member, e.g. to correspond to the lever mounting position. The position of the shutoff member may be adjusted such that the shutoff member is positioned to actuate, in use, the inlet valve.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the valve may comprise any one or more features of the lever relevant thereto and/or the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the lever or the valve.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a threedimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment or component or assembly of the lever described above.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and/or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so30 described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed.

The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a cistern inlet valve according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the valve of Figure 1 with the float omitted;

Figure 3 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the valve of Figure 1 with the float omitted and illustrating the float lever removed from the inlet valve;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection between the float lever and inlet valve of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 illustrating the float lever removed from the inlet valve;

Figure 6 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 and illustrating the arms ofthe float lever separated; and

Figure 7 is a rear view similar to that of Figure 6.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a cistern inlet valve assembly 1 including a float 10 pivotally connected to a valve 11 by a float lever 2. The float 10 is a hollow, moulded ball releasably secured to a free end of the float lever 2. The valve 11 includes a housing 12, an actuator 13 for operating the valve 11, an outlet pipe 14, a threaded inlet pipe 15 and a pair of threaded flange nuts 16 for securing a cistern wall (not shown) therebetween with the inlet pipe 15 extending therethrough.

The housing 12 includes a main body 17 from which the inlet pipe 15 extends and a cover 18 threadedly secured to the main body 17 and through which the actuator 13 projects at its centre. The main body 17 includes an outlet (not shown) in an upper portion thereof to which the outlet pipe 14 is connected. The outlet pipe 14 is substantially U-shaped such that water exiting, in use, the outlet (not shown) of the valve 11 is redirected downwardly into the cistern at one side of the valve 11.

The cover 18 of the housing 12 includes mounting means 19 for cooperating with mounting means 20 of the float lever 2 in order to permit the float lever 2 to be pivotally mounted about a pivot axis at a plurality of mounting positions therealong. More specifically, in this embodiment, the cover 18 includes a pair of space mounting lugs 19a, 19b projecting io therefrom in a direction parallel to, but below and offset from, the actuator 13. Each lug 19a,

19b includes a hole through its thickness for receiving a pivot pin 3, which describes a pivot axis about which the float lever is arranged to pivot, in use.

The mounting means 20 of the float lever 2 includes three mounting lugs 20a, 20b, 20c in is this embodiment. Each lug 20a, 20b, 20c includes a hole for receiving the pivot pin 3. As such, the float lever 2 has at least three mounting positions. In each mounting position, one of the mounting lugs 20a, 20b, 20c of the float lever 2 is received between the mounting lugs 19a, 19b of the valve housing 12 with the pivot pin 3 extending through the all of the mounting lug holes.

In this embodiment, the pivot pin 3 includes a gripping portion 30 and an enlarged head 31.

The gripping portion 30 is in the form of a substantially rectangular block. The head 31 is split along the axis of the pin 3, with each side of the head 31 including a rounded protrusion

32. As such, the head 31 is compressed resiliently on insertion of the pin 3 into the lug holes and springs back after insertion to inhibit removal of the pin 3.

The float lever 2 includes a shutoff insert 4 configured to actuate, in use, the actuator 13 of the valve 11 in the usual way. However, in accordance with this embodiment of the invention the shutoff insert 4 can be repositioned in conjunction with the mounting position of the float lever 2. In this embodiment, the shutoff insert 4 includes a hexagonal shutoff head 40 at one end, a transverse slot 41 at the other end, a threaded shaft 42 extending between the shutoff head 40 and the transverse slot 41 and a locking nut 43 for securing the shutoff insert 4 in place.

In order to enable the repositioning of the shutoff insert 4, the float lever 2 includes a bank of three shutoff lugs 21a, 21b, 21c adjacent, aligned with and orthogonal to the mounting lugs 20a, 20b, 20c. Each shutoff lug 21a, 21b, 21c has a respective threaded hole for receiving and engaging the threaded shaft 42 of the shutoff insert 4. As such, the position of the shutoff insert 4 may be selected to correspond with the mounting position of the float lever 2. The threaded engagement also permits adjustment of the orientation of the float arm at which the actuator 13 is actuated. It will be appreciated that the bank of shutoff lugs 21 a, 21 b, 21 c is but one possible implementation of adjustment for the shutoff insert 4.

In this embodiment, the length of the float lever 2 and the orientation of the float 10 relative to the float lever 2 are both adjustable. More specifically, the float lever 2 includes a first arm 5 with an adjustable float mount 50 and a second arm 6, which includes the mounting lugs 20a, 20b, 20c and which is releasably connected to the first arm 5 at one of a plurality of positions.

The float mount 50 includes cooperating toothed knuckle joint portions 50a, 50b which are pivotable about vertical axis, perpendicular to the pivot axis of the float lever 2. A first joint portion 50a includes a threaded mounting shaft 51 for threaded engagement with a threaded socket (not shown) in the float 10 and is releasably securable to the second joint portion 50b in a plurality of different orientations, thereby providing for stepwise adjustment of the orientation of the float 10 relative to the float lever 2.

The first arm 5 includes a length of channel section 52 extending from the second joint portion 50b. The channel section 52 includes a pair of flanges 52a, 52b projecting from a root portion 52c. Each flange 52a, 52b includes an end portion 52a’, 52b’ at the opposite end of the channel section 52 to the second joint portion 50b. Each end portion 52a’, 52b’ includes a locking protrusion 53, which extends transversely along the end edge of the flange 52a. The end portions 52a’, 52b’ are unconnected to the root portion 52c so as to function as pawls which deform resiliently to enable the locking protrusions 53 to be urged apart.

The channel section 52 also includes a locking notch 54 in each flange 52a, 52b adjacent, but spaced from, the end portion 52a’, 52b’. The locking notches 54 extend only a short distance into the flanges 52a, 52b. The root portion 52c of the channel section 52 is recessed front surface and a series of equally spaced slots 55, ten in this embodiment, extending through its thickness. Each slot 55 includes a first, large diameter portion 55a, a second, necked or small diameter portion 55b. Each slot 55 may also include a necked transition between the first and second portions 55a, 55b, for example with a projection extending into the slot 55, to provide a snap fit engagement within the second portion 55b.

The second arm 6 includes a front panel 60, a rear panel 61 and a series of ribs 62 extending between and joining the front and rear panels 60, 61. The spacing of the ribs 62 along the second arm 6 corresponds to the spacing of the slots 55 along the first arm 5. The front panel 60 includes a series of locking projections 63, six in this embodiment. Each locking projection 63 includes a flat head 63a and a necked portion 63b. Five locking projections 63 are spaced equally from one another along the length of the second arm 6 by a distance equivalent to twice the spacing of the slots 55. The sixth locking projection 63 is located adjacent the free end of the second arm 6 and is spaced from the adjacent projection 63 by a distance equivalent to the spacing of the slots 55, or half of the spacing of the five other locking projections 63.

Each of the locking projections 63 is located between a pair of ribs 62, but projects from the opposite side of the front panel 60. The front panel 60 also includes a series of aligned upper and lower clearance notches 64 adjacent each rib 62 to allow passage of the locking protrusions 53 of the first arm 5. The rear panel 61 includes a series of aligned upper and lower locking notches 65 located centrally between each pair of ribs 62.

In this embodiment, a locking tab 7 is provided, which includes a curved planar body 70 and a pair of opposed pawls 71 projecting from a concave surface thereof.

In order to assemble the first and second arms 5, 6 together, the first arm 5 is positioned at the desired position relative to the second arm 6 with the head 63a of the locking projections 63 aligned with the first, large diameter portion 55a of a respective slot 55 and the locking protrusions 53 aligned with the clearance notches 64. The arms 5, 6 are then brought together so that the head 63a passes through the slots 55 and the locking protrusions 53 pass through the clearance notches 64 such that they are adjacent one of the ribs 62. The first arm 5 is then urged toward the end with the mounting lugs 20a, 20b, 20c, which urges the locking protrusions 53 against the rib 62 and spreads the end portions 52a’, 52b’ apart until the locking protrusions 53 clear the rib 62 and snap into engagement with the second arm 6. Simultaneously, the necked portion 63b of each locking projections 63 enter into the second, necked or small diameter portion 55b of the relevant slot 55. As a result, the heads 63a of the locking projections 63 engage the slots 55 whilst the locking protrusions 53 engage simultaneously the rib 62 to provide a combined locking mechanism.

Accordingly, the invention provides enhanced adaptability over prior art designs by virtue of the adjustability of the position of the float lever 2 along the pivot pin 3, the length of the float lever 2 and the orientation of the float 10 relative to the lever 2.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, whilst the pivot pin 3 is configured to accommodate only these three positions in this embodiment, the pivot pin 3 may be extended or another pivot pin (not shown) may be provided that is longer. This would enable the float lever 2 to be mounted in two additional positions, a first in which the first lever lug 20a lies adjacent an outer surface of the second housing lug 19b or the third lever lug 20c lies adjacent an outer surface of the first housing lug 19a. However, such an arrangement is less preferable since the pivotal connection would not be as strong.

It will also be appreciated that the number of lugs 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 20c may be varied according to requirements and cost constraints. For example, each of the float lever 2 and the valve 11 may be provided with a single mounting lug 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 20c. In such an arrangement, the float lever 2 may have two mounting positions, a first where its mounting lug is on one side of the mounting lug of the valve 11 and a second where its mounting lug is on the other side of the mounting lug of the valve 11. It will also be appreciated that the number of shutoff lugs 21a, 21b, 21c may be varied accordingly.

It is further envisaged that in place of a plurality of mounting lugs 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b, 20c, the valve assembly 1 may include a mounting arrangement in which the position of the float lever 2 is adjustable infinitely with respect to the valve 11. Similarly or alternatively, the shutoff insert 4 may be adjustable infinitely or may be replaced with a shutoff insert or fixed portion of the float lever 2 that has a lateral or transverse dimension sufficient to accommodate any of the mounting positions of the float lever 2.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A float lever for a cistern inlet valve, the lever comprising a first end to which a float is secured or securable and a second end having a mounting means for pivotally

5 mounting the float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis, wherein the mounting means comprises two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis.

2. Lever according to claim 1, wherein the length of the lever and the orientation of the float relative thereto are both adjustable.

3. Lever according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising a shutoff portion configured or adaptable to actuate, in use, a cistern inlet valve to which the lever is mounted at any of the two or more mounting positions.

is

4. Lever according to claim 3, wherein the shutoff portion is provided by a shutoff member having two or more shutoff positions corresponding to the two or more mounting positions of the mounting means.

5. Lever according to claim 4, wherein the shutoff member is releasably secured to the

20 lever at or adjacent the second end at each of the two or more shutoff positions.

6. Lever according to claim 5 comprising two or more holes each corresponding to one of the shutoff positions, the shutoff member comprising a shutoff insert releasably secured within one of the holes.

7. Lever according to any preceding claim comprising a first arm with the first end and a second arm with the mounting means, wherein the first arm is releasably connected to the second arm at one of a plurality of positions thereby to adjust the length of the lever.

8. Lever according to claim 7, wherein one of the first and second arms comprises a series of slots and the other of the first and second arms comprises a projection receivable within one of the slots, the lever comprising securing means for releasably securing the arms together with a necked portion of the projection received within a

35 necked portion of one of the slots.

9. Lever according to claim 8, wherein the securing means comprises a projection in the slot over which the necked portion of the projection passes as it is moved into the necked portion of the slot.

10. Lever according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the securing means comprises a locking projection on one of the first and second arms that engages a recess or abutment of the other of the first and second arms.

11. Lever according to claim 10, wherein the arm with the locking projection comprises a channel section with a pair of flanges between which the arm with the recess or abutment is received, one of the flanges comprising the projection.

12. Lever according to claim 11, wherein the arm with the recess or abutment comprises sides connected together by a series of ribs, each rib providing a respective abutment and a recess being defined between adjacent ribs.

13. Lever according to any preceding claim comprising a float mount pivotal about an axis perpendicular to the lever pivot axis.

14. Lever according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means comprises a mounting lug with a hole for receiving, in use, a pivot pin to secure the lever to an inlet valve at one of the two or more mounting positions.

15. Cistern inlet valve comprising a housing and a float lever according to claim 14, the housing comprising a mounting lug with a hole and a pivot pin receivable within the mounting lug holes of each of the lever and housing, the lever comprising a first mounting position in which the lever mounting lug is on a first side of the housing mounting lug and a second mounting position in which the lever mounting lug is on a second side of the housing mounting lug.

16. Method of installing a float lever in a cistern, the method comprising pivotally mounting a float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis at one of two or more lever mounting positions along the pivot axis and adjusting the position of a shutoff member, releasably secured to the lever, to correspond to the lever mounting position

5 such that the shutoff member is positioned to actuate, in use, the inlet valve.

22 06 18

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1717937.5 Examiner: Mr Joshua Nolan

16. Valve according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the lever and housing comprises two or more mounting lugs and the lever comprises at least one further, third mounting position.

17. Cistern comprising a valve according to claim 15 or claim 16.

18. Retrofit kit for a cistern inlet valve, the kit comprising a lever according to claim 1.

5 19. Method of installing a float lever in a cistern, the method comprising pivotally mounting a float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis at one of two or more lever mounting positions along the pivot axis.

20. Method according to claim 19 comprising adjusting the position of a shutoff member io to correspond to the lever mounting position such that the shutoff member is positioned to actuate, in use, the inlet valve.

22 06 18

AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS ARE FILED AS FOLLOWS

1. A cistern inlet valve float lever, the lever comprising a first end to which a float is secured or securable, a second end having a mounting means for pivotally mounting

5 the float lever relative to a cistern inlet valve about a pivot axis and a shutoff member releasably secured to the lever at or adjacent the second end at each of two or more shutoff positions, wherein the mounting means comprises two or more mounting positions along the pivot axis to which the two or more positions of the shutoff member correspond such that the shutoff member is configured or adaptable to actuate, in io use, a cistern inlet valve to which the lever is mounted at any of the two or more mounting positions.

3. Lever according to claim 1 comprising two or more holes each corresponding to one of the shutoff positions, the shutoff member comprising a shutoff insert releasably secured within one of the holes.

4. Lever according to any preceding claim comprising a first arm with the first end and a second arm with the mounting means, wherein the first arm is releasably connected to the second arm at one of a plurality of positions thereby to adjust the length of the lever.

5. Lever according to claim 4, wherein one of the first and second arms comprises a series of slots and the other of the first and second arms comprises a projection receivable within one of the slots, the lever comprising securing means for releasably securing the arms together with a necked portion of the projection received within a

30 necked portion of one of the slots.

6. Lever according to claim 5, wherein the securing means comprises a projection in the slot over which the necked portion of the projection passes as it is moved into the necked portion of the slot.

22 06 18

7. Lever according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises a locking projection on one of the first and second arms that engages a recess or abutment of the other of the first and second arms.

5

8. Lever according to claim 7, wherein the arm with the locking projection comprises a channel section with a pair of flanges between which the arm with the recess or abutment is received, one ofthe flanges comprising the projection.

9. Lever according to claim 8, wherein the arm with the recess or abutment comprises io sides connected together by a series of ribs, each rib providing a respective abutment and a recess being defined between adjacent ribs.

10. Lever according to any preceding claim comprising a float mount pivotal about an axis perpendicular to the lever pivot axis.

11. Lever according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means comprises a mounting lug with a hole for receiving, in use, a pivot pin to secure the lever to an inlet valve at one of the two or more mounting positions.

20

12. Cistern inlet valve comprising a housing and a float lever according to claim 11, the housing comprising a mounting lug with a hole and a pivot pin receivable within the mounting lug holes of each of the lever and housing, the lever comprising a first mounting position in which the lever mounting lug is on a first side of the housing mounting lug and a second mounting position in which the lever mounting lug is on a

25 second side of the housing mounting lug.

13. Valve according to claim 12, wherein at least one ofthe lever and housing comprises two or more mounting lugs and the lever comprises at least one further, third mounting position.

14. Cistern comprising a valve according to claim 12 or claim 13.

15. Retrofit kit for a cistern inlet valve, the kit comprising a lever according to claim 1.