US20150026875A1 - Toilet valve lever interlock - Google Patents
Toilet valve lever interlock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150026875A1 US20150026875A1 US14/513,032 US201414513032A US2015026875A1 US 20150026875 A1 US20150026875 A1 US 20150026875A1 US 201414513032 A US201414513032 A US 201414513032A US 2015026875 A1 US2015026875 A1 US 2015026875A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- piston
- flush
- lever
- locking mechanism
- latched position
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
- E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
- E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
- E03D1/142—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves in cisterns with flushing valves
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D3/00—Flushing devices operated by pressure of the water supply system flushing valves not connected to the water-supply main, also if air is blown in the water seal for a quick flushing
- E03D3/12—Flushing devices discharging variable quantities of water
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
- E03D5/02—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
- E03D5/026—Devices preventing overflow or locks inhibiting the use of the flushing system ; Devices preventing sucking-up of sealing and flushing water
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
- E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
- E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
- E03D2001/147—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves having provisions for active interruption of flushing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
- E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
- E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
- E03D2001/147—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves having provisions for active interruption of flushing
- E03D2001/148—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves having provisions for active interruption of flushing with means to prevent premature closing of flushing valve
Definitions
- a flush valve in a toilet that has multiple lever or button options
- An example is a dual flush toilet where there are two flush states: a partial flush and a full flush.
- the dual flush toilet valve can use a single cable mechanism assembly to control both flushes.
- the cable mechanism is controlled by displacing the cable different distances depending on partial vs. full flush.
- the cable then acts on a mechanism such as a lever assembly which raises a piston member, initiating a flush.
- the piston interfaces to different latch points for the different flush options. If the piston latches in the incorrect position, the wrong flush will be actuated.
- the inertia of the piston it is possible for the inertia of the piston to cause it to travel past the intended latch point, into the region for the other flush latch position. Specifically, if a user is selecting a partial flush (in which the piston is only supposed to be raised to a first latch point), yet uses too much force too quickly, the piston can inadvertently travel fully upwards to the second latch position causing a full flush. What is instead desired is a system to avoid an inadvertent full flush when only a partial flush has been selected.
- the present invention provides a system for preventing over travel of a piston in a dual flush toilet valve to avoid an inadvertent full flush when only a partial flush has been selected. Specifically, the present invention automatically disables full piston travel (i.e.: a full flush) with an interlock feature unless such full piston travel is desired. This ensures more repeatable flushing as intended by the user.
- full piston travel i.e.: a full flush
- the interlock is a movable lock that prevents over travel for a short distance actuation, and is disabled for full travel distance actuation.
- the cable mechanism activates a lever that lifts the piston up.
- the piston In the case of the shorter distance flush (i.e.: the partial flush), the piston has a feature that collides with the lever interlock. This prevents further travel of the piston.
- the lever In the case of the full distance (full flush), the lever begins the piston in motion. The additional rotation of the piston lever then lifts the interlock lever out of the way of the piston. This allows the piston to travel further upwards.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of the flush valve prior to flushing.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of the flush valve during a partial flush when the piston is moved up to the first latched position.
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of a full flush when the lever has first contacted the locking mechanism.
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of a full flush after the lever has rotated the locking mechanism such that the piston is cleared to move into in the second latched position.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of the flush valve prior to flushing showing the components of the present invention, as follows.
- a dual flush toilet assembly 10 is provided.
- Assembly 10 comprises: a frame 20 ; a piston 30 moveable up and down within frame 20 ; and a lever 40 mounted to frame 20 for lifting piston 30 .
- lever 40 lifts piston 30 partially upwards to a first latched position for a partial flush and fully upwards to a second latched position for a full flush.
- Assembly 10 also comprises a locking mechanism 50 mounted to frame 20 . As will be shown, this locking mechanism 50 is moveable between a locked position ( FIGS.
- lever 40 moves locking mechanism 50 into the unlocked position when lever 40 lifts piston 30 into the second latched position.
- the first latched position is the partial flush position
- the second latched position is the full flush position.
- piston 30 is lifted a shorter distance upwards for a partial flush and a greater distance upwards for a full flush.
- an actuator 60 for pulling lever 40 thereby moving the piston upwards to either of the first or second latched positions.
- Actuator 60 may optionally comprise a flush handle connected to a cable connected to lever 40 .
- Lever 40 rotates about its central pivot point 43 .
- piston 30 has a side recess 32 into which bottom end 52 of locking mechanism 50 can be received.
- a user selects a partial flush (by turning handle which pulls on a cable thereby rotating locking lever 40 ). This moves lever 40 which in turn pulls piston 30 up to its first latched position.
- the danger is that piston 30 would “over travel” due to its own inertia, and rise to a position higher than the desired first latched position shown in FIG. 2 .
- the present invention is specifically designed to overcome this problem. As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the present system prevents excessive piston movement since side projection 34 on piston 30 will be stopped in its tracks when it hits bottom end 52 of locking mechanism 50 . Thus, piston 30 will be prevented from “over travelling” upwards to the second latch position.
- full flushing is provided when desired as follows.
- lever 40 now contacts the top end 54 of locking mechanism 50 , thereby rotating V-shaped locking mechanism 50 about its central pivot point 53 .
- This is turn rotates bottom end 52 of locking mechanism 50 into recess 32 on piston 30 .
- piston 30 is thus only free to travel to the second latched position (i.e.: the full flush position shown in FIG. 4 ), when lever 40 has already caused locking mechanism 50 to release piston 30 for such travel.
- full flushing can only be selected when the user has first rotated lever 40 to a position at which it has first released interlock 50 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/476,656, filed Apr. 18, 2011, of the same title, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- When using a flush valve in a toilet that has multiple lever or button options, it is possible to achieve an undesired flush, depending on user activation. An example is a dual flush toilet where there are two flush states: a partial flush and a full flush. The dual flush toilet valve can use a single cable mechanism assembly to control both flushes. The cable mechanism is controlled by displacing the cable different distances depending on partial vs. full flush. The cable then acts on a mechanism such as a lever assembly which raises a piston member, initiating a flush. The piston interfaces to different latch points for the different flush options. If the piston latches in the incorrect position, the wrong flush will be actuated. If the user activates the cable mechanism assembly quickly, it is possible for the inertia of the piston to cause it to travel past the intended latch point, into the region for the other flush latch position. Specifically, if a user is selecting a partial flush (in which the piston is only supposed to be raised to a first latch point), yet uses too much force too quickly, the piston can inadvertently travel fully upwards to the second latch position causing a full flush. What is instead desired is a system to avoid an inadvertent full flush when only a partial flush has been selected.
- The present invention provides a system for preventing over travel of a piston in a dual flush toilet valve to avoid an inadvertent full flush when only a partial flush has been selected. Specifically, the present invention automatically disables full piston travel (i.e.: a full flush) with an interlock feature unless such full piston travel is desired. This ensures more repeatable flushing as intended by the user.
- In preferred aspects, the interlock is a movable lock that prevents over travel for a short distance actuation, and is disabled for full travel distance actuation. The cable mechanism activates a lever that lifts the piston up. In the case of the shorter distance flush (i.e.: the partial flush), the piston has a feature that collides with the lever interlock. This prevents further travel of the piston. In the case of the full distance (full flush), the lever begins the piston in motion. The additional rotation of the piston lever then lifts the interlock lever out of the way of the piston. This allows the piston to travel further upwards.
-
FIG. 1 is an illustration of the flush valve prior to flushing. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the flush valve during a partial flush when the piston is moved up to the first latched position. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a full flush when the lever has first contacted the locking mechanism. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a full flush after the lever has rotated the locking mechanism such that the piston is cleared to move into in the second latched position. -
FIG. 1 is an illustration of the flush valve prior to flushing showing the components of the present invention, as follows. A dualflush toilet assembly 10 is provided.Assembly 10 comprises: aframe 20; apiston 30 moveable up and down withinframe 20; and alever 40 mounted toframe 20 forlifting piston 30. As will be shown and explained inFIGS. 1 to 4 , lever 40lifts piston 30 partially upwards to a first latched position for a partial flush and fully upwards to a second latched position for a full flush.Assembly 10 also comprises alocking mechanism 50 mounted toframe 20. As will be shown, thislocking mechanism 50 is moveable between a locked position (FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3) that preventspiston 30 from moving fully upwards into the second latched position, and an unlocked position (FIG. 4 ) that permitspiston 30 to move fully upwards into the second latched position. In accordance with the present invention,lever 40moves locking mechanism 50 into the unlocked position when lever 40lifts piston 30 into the second latched position. Note: the first latched position is the partial flush position and the second latched position is the full flush position. In other words,piston 30 is lifted a shorter distance upwards for a partial flush and a greater distance upwards for a full flush. Also included is anactuator 60 for pullinglever 40 thereby moving the piston upwards to either of the first or second latched positions.Actuator 60 may optionally comprise a flush handle connected to a cable connected tolever 40. Lever 40 rotates about itscentral pivot point 43. - As can also be seen,
piston 30 has a side recess 32 into whichbottom end 52 oflocking mechanism 50 can be received. As seen inFIG. 2 , a user selects a partial flush (by turning handle which pulls on a cable thereby rotating locking lever 40). This moves lever 40 which in turn pullspiston 30 up to its first latched position. However, if the user inadvertently uses too much force or flushes too quickly, the danger is thatpiston 30 would “over travel” due to its own inertia, and rise to a position higher than the desired first latched position shown inFIG. 2 . The present invention is specifically designed to overcome this problem. As can be seen inFIG. 3 , the present system prevents excessive piston movement sinceside projection 34 onpiston 30 will be stopped in its tracks when it hitsbottom end 52 oflocking mechanism 50. Thus,piston 30 will be prevented from “over travelling” upwards to the second latch position. - In accordance with the present invention, however, full flushing is provided when desired as follows. As seen in
FIG. 4 , when a full flush has been selected (by rotatinglever 40 further upwards),lever 40 now contacts thetop end 54 oflocking mechanism 50, thereby rotating V-shaped locking mechanism 50 about itscentral pivot point 53. (Note: a hidden portion oflocking mechanism 50 is shown in dotted lines for ease of understanding). This is turn rotatesbottom end 52 oflocking mechanism 50 intorecess 32 onpiston 30. In summary,piston 30 is thus only free to travel to the second latched position (i.e.: the full flush position shown inFIG. 4 ), whenlever 40 has already causedlocking mechanism 50 to releasepiston 30 for such travel. As a result, full flushing can only be selected when the user has first rotatedlever 40 to a position at which it has first releasedinterlock 50.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/513,032 US20150026875A1 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2014-10-13 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161476656P | 2011-04-18 | 2011-04-18 | |
US13/449,861 US8881320B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2012-04-18 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
US14/513,032 US20150026875A1 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2014-10-13 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/449,861 Continuation US8881320B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2012-04-18 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150026875A1 true US20150026875A1 (en) | 2015-01-29 |
Family
ID=47005252
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/449,861 Expired - Fee Related US8881320B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2012-04-18 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
US14/513,032 Abandoned US20150026875A1 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2014-10-13 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/449,861 Expired - Fee Related US8881320B2 (en) | 2011-04-18 | 2012-04-18 | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US8881320B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8881320B2 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2014-11-11 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030131403A1 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2003-07-17 | Ho King Chee | Flushing mechanism for a dual flush cistern |
US20040083542A1 (en) * | 2001-01-23 | 2004-05-06 | Jean-Claude Oury | Flushing mechanism for toilet tank |
US7996927B2 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2011-08-16 | Geberit Technik Ag | Discharge valve for a flushing cistern |
US8201283B2 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2012-06-19 | Andras Ciski | Toilet tank valve structure |
US8881320B2 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2014-11-11 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7975324B2 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2011-07-12 | Sloan Valve Company | Pressurized dual flush system |
-
2012
- 2012-04-18 US US13/449,861 patent/US8881320B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2014
- 2014-10-13 US US14/513,032 patent/US20150026875A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030131403A1 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2003-07-17 | Ho King Chee | Flushing mechanism for a dual flush cistern |
US20040083542A1 (en) * | 2001-01-23 | 2004-05-06 | Jean-Claude Oury | Flushing mechanism for toilet tank |
US7996927B2 (en) * | 2007-06-19 | 2011-08-16 | Geberit Technik Ag | Discharge valve for a flushing cistern |
US8201283B2 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2012-06-19 | Andras Ciski | Toilet tank valve structure |
US8881320B2 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2014-11-11 | Fluidmaster, Inc. | Toilet valve lever interlock |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8881320B2 (en) | 2014-11-11 |
US20120260413A1 (en) | 2012-10-18 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FLUIDMASTER, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VARGAS, MATT;REEL/FRAME:034044/0610 Effective date: 20120531 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ADDENDUM TO NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS (PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 027784, FRAME 0094);ASSIGNOR:FLUIDMASTER, INC.;REEL/FRAME:046722/0707 Effective date: 20120227 |