US20180230684A1

US20180230684A1 - Automatic release flush lever

Info

Publication number: US20180230684A1
Application number: US15/896,941
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph Han
Original assignee: Fluidmaster Inc
Current assignee: Fluidmaster Inc
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2018-02-14
Publication date: 2018-08-16

Abstract

Some embodiments include a toilet flush lever assembly that automatically releases a flush lever arm to stop a flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. Some embodiments include a handle, a rotatable linkage coupled to the handle, and a flush lever in contact with the rotatable linkage, where rotation of the handle starts the flush. Further, some embodiments include a release mechanism for releasing the flush lever from the rotatable linkage when the handle has been rotated to a pre-determined point of rotation, thereby shutting off the flush.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/458,873, filed on Feb. 14, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Toilets are typically flushed by a user pushing down on a handle mounted onto the side of the tank. When the handle is pushed down, the motion lifts a lever arm in the tank which in turn lifts a flapper valve to start the flush. Releasing the flush handle then causes the lever arm to drop and the flapper valve to re-seat, thereby stopping the flush.
Unfortunately, a common problem with these existing systems is that excess water is wasted whenever a user holds the flush handle down for too long a period of time. This is due to the fact that refill water entering the tank after the flush will simply be flushed down into the toilet bowl until the flapper is lowered to seal the flush valve (by the user releasing the handle).
What is instead desired is a system for automatically shutting off the flush by re-seating the flapper in the flapper valve even if the user continues to hold down on the flush handle. A solution to this problem could be provided by providing a tank lever that is automatically released and allowed to fall after a period of time when the handle has been rotated to a pre-determined point.

SUMMARY

The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Some embodiments of the invention comprise a toilet flush lever assembly that automatically releases a flush lever arm to at least partially stop a flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. In some embodiments, the toilet flush lever assembly can comprise a handle, and/or a rotatable linkage coupled to the handle, and/or a flush lever in contact with the rotatable linkage. In some embodiments, the rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of the handle can cause turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of the rotatable linkage which in turn can move or lift the flush lever, thereby causing at least a partial flush. Further, some embodiments include a release mechanism on the rotatable linkage for releasing the flush lever from the rotatable linkage when the handle has been rotated or moved to a pre-determined point of rotation or movement such that the flush lever drops to shut off the flush. In operation, in some embodiments, the release mechanism can automatically release the flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle. In some embodiments, the toilet flush lever assembly can minimize water loss by ensuring that the flush lever drops quickly enough such that refill water entering the tank after the flush is not simply flushed down into the toilet bowl if the operator is still holding the hand down.
In a first embodiment of the invention, the toilet flush lever assembly can include a release mechanism that comprises at least one curved radially extending projection on the rotatable linkage. In some embodiments, this projection can lift the flush lever when rotated to a first position, but permits the flush lever to fall when rotated to a second position. In some embodiments, the first embodiment include a rotatable linkage that can comprise a ratchet interface between a first elongated member that rotates together with the handle in opposite directions, and a second elongated member that only rotates in one direction. In some embodiments, the projection is disposed on the second elongated member, and the first and second elongated members are coupled together by a ratchet interface.
In a second embodiment, the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on the rotatable linkage which releases a ratchet interface between the rotatable linkage and the flush lever. In this second embodiment, one side of the ratchet interface can be integrally formed into the flush lever in some embodiments.
In a third embodiment, the release mechanism comprises a first plate having a first locking lever thereon, and a second plate having a second locking lever thereon. In some embodiments, the first and second plates rotate together until the first locking lever disengages the second locking lever, thereby permitting the lever arm to fall.
In further detail, some embodiments include a lever assembly, comprising a handle, an actuation mechanism coupled with a first user activation mechanism, and a second activation mechanism configured and arranged to be at least partially actuated by a first user activation mechanism coupled to the actuation mechanism, where rotation of the first user activation mechanism causes at least partial movement of the actuation mechanism. Some embodiments include a release mechanism configured to operate in conjunction with the actuation mechanism to release the second activation mechanism when the handle is positioned to a pre-determined point.
In some embodiments, the release mechanism is configured and arranged to release a flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism comprises a first lost motion function and a second reset mechanism is configured and arranged to reset upon release of the first user activation mechanism. In some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on a rotatable, turnable, pivotable or movable linkage which moves a coupled flush lever to a first position and permits the flush lever to move to a second position.
In some embodiments, the at least one projection extends radially outward from the rotatable linkage. In some further embodiments, at least one projection has a curved outer surface that engages the flush lever. In some embodiments, the rotatable linkage comprises a ratchet interface between a first elongated member that is configured and arranged to at least partially rotate, turn, pivot, or move together with the handle in opposite directions, and a second elongated member that only rotates in one direction, and wherein the at least one projection is disposed on the first elongated member.
In some embodiments, the first and second elongated members are coupled together by a ratchet interface. the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on the rotatable linkage which releases a ratchet interface between the rotatable linkage and the flush lever.
In some embodiments, one side of the ratchet interface is coupled to the flush lever. In some embodiments, the release mechanism comprises a first plate having a first locking lever thereon, and a second plate having a second locking lever thereon, and wherein the first and second plates move together until the first locking lever disengages the second locking lever, thereby permitting the flush lever arm to move. Some other embodiments include a housing, wherein the assembly passes through the housing and the housing is disposed within the toilet tank.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a first embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A showing a clutch and flush lever assembly and handle mount sub-assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1A, showing the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly with flush lever arm in a first position prior to flushing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a view corresponding to FIG. 2A, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly with flush lever arm moved to a second position during a flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly with flush lever arm moved to a third position just before the flush lever arm drops and the flush is automatically stopped in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a second embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assembly corresponding to FIG. 3A, with the rotatable linkage in a first position prior to flushing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assembly corresponding to FIGS. 3A and 3B, but with the rotatable linkage moved to a second position during a flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a third embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A showing a lever sub-assembly and handle assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4C is a side elevation schematic view of the lever sub-assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B prior to triggering a flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4D is a side elevation schematic view of the lever sub-assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B after triggering a flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives that fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.
Some embodiments comprise a toilet flush lever assembly that can automatically release a flush lever arm to stop or at least partially stop a flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. In summary, FIGS. 1A to 2C illustrate a first embodiment of toilet flush lever assembly 10 a. FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate a second embodiment of the toilet flush lever assembly 10 b, and FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate a third embodiment of the toilet flush lever assembly 10 c. Some, but not all components are common between the three embodiments. Those components that are common between two or more embodiments are marked with the same identifications numbers.
Referring first to FIGS. 1A to 2C, FIG. 1A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a first embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A showing a clutch and flush lever assembly 200 and handle mount sub-assembly 250 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 1A, showing the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flush lever arm in a first position prior to flushing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2B is a view corresponding to FIG. 2A, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flush lever arm moved to a second position during a flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2C is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flush lever arm moved to a third position just before the flush lever arm drops and the flush is automatically stopped in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
In reference to the exploded assembly view illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1A, some embodiments provide a toilet flush lever assembly 10 a that comprises a handle 20, a rotatable linkage assembly 40 coupled to handle 20, a flush lever 60 a in contact with rotatable linkage assembly 40, and a release mechanism 80 including a one directional clutch 75 coupled on the rotatable linkage assembly 40. Further, in some embodiments of the invention, the rotatable linkage assembly 40 comprises a handle mount 42, a locknut 44, a rotatable shaft 46. In a non-limiting embodiment, the handle 20 can press-fit onto a handle mount 42. In other embodiments, the handle 20 and handle mount 42 can be coupled by any other conventional coupling means. In some embodiments, a housing having a mounting bracket 43 and a clutch case 45 (which are press-fit together) can be disposed inside of the toilet tank, with the locknut 44 being received between the two parts 43 and 45 of the housing (e.g., see handle mount sub-assembly 250 shown in FIG. 1B, where the partially assembled view includes housing sides 43 and 45 that are disposed within the toilet tank and handle mount 42 projecting outside the tank wall.
As further shown in FIG. 1B, the handle mount 42 of the handle mount sub-assembly 250 can couple to the dome trim cover 41 and handle 20 on the outside of the tank. Further, in some embodiments, rotatable shaft 46 can extend from the clutch and flush lever assembly 200 (which includes the clutch case 45 and at least all of the components to the right of the clutch case 45 shown in FIG. 1A), and couple into the handle mount 42.
In its various embodiments, rotatable linkage assembly 40 can contain many different and optional parts. It is therefore to be understood that the illustrated embodiment is only one particular assembly covered by the claims encompassing embodiments of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that some components of the assembly 10 a can comprise conventionally known alternatives, especially those functions has holders, brackets, supports, connectors, etc. Further, some components of the assembly 10 a can comprise conventionally known structures that can perform the same function but that may have a modified structure or design. For example, the handle 20 is shown strictly as a non-limiting embodiment, and many different conventional handles can be used in place of the handle 20 as shown to perform the same function. Other decorative items such as the dome cover 41 need not form part of the overall assembly, or another conventionally known structure can be substituted for the dome cover 41 as illustrated.
In some embodiments, during operational use by a user, at least a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of the handle 20 can cause at least a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 which in turn can at least partially move or lift flush lever 60. In some embodiments, this movement or lifting of the flush lever 60 a can cause at least a partial flush of some fluid from one fluid reservoir to another (e.g., from a toilet tank to a toilet bowl). In some embodiments, to accomplish this action or operation, in some embodiments, the distal end of flush lever 60 a can be coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component, assembly or mechanism that lifts a flapper or flapper canister to open a flush valve, thereby starting the flush. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the release mechanism 80 including one directional clutch on rotatable linkage assembly 40 can automatically release the flush lever 60 a when handle 20 has been rotated, turned, pivoted, or otherwise moved to a pre-determined point of rotation or movement, as further explained by referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C below. Referring back to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, compression spring 48 can push the two portions 82 and 84 of release mechanism 80 together. In some embodiments, torsion spring 52 can urge rotatable linkage assembly 40 to rotate back to its null position, resulting in a lifting of the handle 20 after the flush. The operation of release mechanism 80 is best understood by referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, below.
The rotatable linkage and flush lever arm assembly 220 of FIG. 2A (with intermediate components removed for clarity and represented as “L”), shows the release mechanism 80 prior to at least a partial flush. In some embodiments, compression spring 48 (shown visible in FIG. 1A) can hold portions 82 and 84 together as shown, and when the handle 20 (shown coupled to rotatable linkage and flush lever arm assembly 220) is pressed down or actuated, rotatable linkage assembly 40 can cause portions 82 and 84 to start to rotate, turn, pivot, or otherwise move in direction R1. In some embodiments, portion 84 can include four projections 85 extending from around the circumferential edge of the portion 84. In other embodiments, more or fewer projections 85 can be used. In some embodiments, each projection 85 extends radially outward from rotatable linkage assembly 40, and includes a curved outer surface that can engage flush lever arm 60 a. For example, in some embodiments, the projections 85 can comprise curved engagement surfaces 85 a that extend from a radially extending side 85 b at a first end towards an opposite second end at the outer circumferential surface of the portion 84, where the distance from any point on the engagement surfaces 85 a to a axial center of the portion 84 becomes shorter along the engagement surfaces 85 a starting from the first end and towards the second end. In some embodiments of the invention, the four curved engagement surfaces 85 a can be substantially identical in shape, and substantially evenly distributed around the circumference of the portion 84. Further, in some embodiments, the radially extending side 85 b can extend from the first end to the second end of an adjacent projection 85 by radially extending from the portion 84.
As shown in FIG. 2B, including the view corresponding to FIG. 2A, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flush lever arm 60 a moved to a second position during a flush, the further rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving in direction R1 can cause projection 85 to start to lift or move flush lever 60 a (by lifting or moving projection 62 on the bottom of flush lever arm 60). As can be seen, with each projection 85 extending radially outward from rotatable linkage assembly 40 as described above, in some embodiments, the curved engagement surfaces 85 a can engage the lifting projection 62 of the flush lever 60 a as the curved engagement surfaces 85 a rotates in direction R1.
FIG. 2C is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but with the rotatable linkage and the flush lever arm assembly 220 with flush lever arm 60 a moved to a third position just before the flush lever arm 60 a drops and the flush is automatically stopped. In some embodiments, through further actuation of the handle 20, the portion 84 can be rotated, pivoted, turned or otherwise moved further such that projection 85 fully lifts flush lever arm 60, as shown. In this instance the lifting projection 62 has reached the first end of the curved engagement surfaces 85 a that extends from a radially extending side 85 b, where the distance between the lifting projection 62 and the axial center of the portion 84 approaches or is at a maximum.
In some embodiments, any further rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving in direction R1 can return the assembly to the position shown in FIG. 2A as the flush lever arm 60 a falls towards the second end of the engagement surface 85 a of the adjacent engagement surface 85 a, thereby shutting off the flush. In this instance, the movement or return of the flush lever 60 a to the position shown in FIG. 2A from that shown in FIG. 2C, can cause the distal end of flush lever 60 a (coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component, assembly or mechanism) to allow a flapper or flapper canister to close a flush valve, thereby stopping the flush. As such, the rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 both starts and eventually at least partially stops the flush.
In some embodiments of the invention, when the user finally releases handle 20 (which can be after flush lever arm 60 a automatically drops), the ratchet interface between portions 82 and 84 can allow portion 82 to rotate back in an opposite direction R2, while portion 84 remains substantially in place. As such, in some embodiments, portion 82 can be rotated, turned, pivoted, or otherwise move back and forth in opposite directions R1 and R2 as the user pushes and releases handle 20, but portion 84 can only rotate, turn, pivot, or otherwise move in direction R1. As can be seen, in some embodiments, release mechanism 80 can automatically release flush lever 60 a prior to a user releasing handle 20. This is because release mechanism 80 on rotatable linkage assembly 40 can release flush lever 60 a when handle 20 has been rotated, turned, pivoted, or otherwise moved to a pre-determined point of rotation or movement such that flush lever 60 a drops to shut off the flush.
A second embodiment of the system is seen in FIGS. 3A to 3C (including at least some like part numbers as seen in FIGS. 2A to 2C performing like functions). FIG. 3A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a second embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly 10 b in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the toilet flush lever assembly 10 b can comprise a handle 20, a rotatable linkage assembly 40 a coupled to the handle 20, a flush lever 60 a in contact with rotatable linkage assembly 40 a, and a release mechanism 80 a including a one directional clutch 75 a coupled on the rotatable linkage assembly 40 a. Further, in some embodiments of the invention, the rotatable linkage assembly 40 a can comprise a handle mount 42, a locknut 44, and a rotatable shaft 46. In a non-limiting embodiment, the handle 20 can press-fit onto a handle mount 42. In other embodiments, the handle 20 and handle mount 42 can be coupled by any other conventional coupling means. In some embodiments, a housing having a mounting bracket 43 and a clutch case 45 (which are press-fit together) can be disposed inside of the toilet tank, with the locknut 44 being received between the two parts 43 and 45 of the housing (not illustrated specifically for the second embodiments, but is represented in the handle mount sub-assembly 250 shown in FIG. 1B, where the partially assembled view includes housing sides 43 and 45 that are disposed within the toilet tank and handle mount 42 projecting outside the tank wall).
In its various embodiments, rotatable linkage assembly 40 a can contain many different and optional parts. It is therefore to be understood that the illustrated embodiment is only one particular assembly covered by the claims encompassing embodiments of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that some components of the assembly 10 b can comprise conventionally known alternatives, especially those functions has holders, brackets, supports, connectors, etc. Further, some components of the assembly 10 b can comprise conventionally known structures that can perform the same function but that may have a modified structure or design. For example, the handle 20 is shown strictly as a non-limiting embodiment, and many different conventional handles can be used in place of the handle 20 as shown to perform the same function. Other decorative items such as the dome cover 41 need not form part of the overall assembly, or another conventionally known structure can be substituted for the dome cover 41 as illustrated.
FIG. 3B is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assembly 300 corresponding to FIG. 3A, with the rotatable linkage in a first position prior to flushing in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, with intermediate components removed for clarity and represented as “M”. In some embodiments of the invention, a release mechanism 80 can similarly comprise portions 82 a and 84 a having a ratchet interface therebetween. In some embodiments, during operational use by a user, at least a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of the handle 20 can cause at least a partial rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 a which in turn can at least partially move or lift flush lever 60 b. In some embodiments, this movement or lifting of the flush lever 60 b can cause at least a partial flush of some fluid from one fluid reservoir to another (e.g., from a toilet tank to a toilet bowl). In some embodiments, to accomplish this action or operation, in some embodiments, the distal end of flush lever 60 b can be coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component, assembly or mechanism that lifts a flapper or flapper canister to open a flush valve, thereby starting the flush.
In some embodiments, projection 88 on rotatable linkage assembly 40 a can release the ratchet interface between rotatable linkage assembly 40 a and flush lever 60 (FIG. 3C). In this embodiment, one side of the ratchet interface can be integrally formed into portion 84 a which are optionally integrally formed into flush lever 60 b, as shown. FIG. 3C is a close-up perspective view of a lever sub-assembly 300 corresponding to FIGS. 3A and 3B, but with the rotatable linkage moved to a second position during at least a partial flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment, the portion 82 a can include radial projections 85 that can be received behind arms 86 such that as portion 82 a is rotated, projections 88 can be grabbed by arms 86 and pulled slightly in the direction towards handle 20. As a result, portion 82 a can be pulled away from portion 84 a. When this occurs (i.e.: when the ratchet interface between portions 82 a and 84 a disengages), the flush lever arm 60 b drops, thereby shutting off the flush. In this instance, the movement or return of the flush lever 60 b can cause the distal end of flush lever 60 b (coupled to a cord, chain, or other convention component, assembly or mechanism) to allow a flapper or flapper canister to close a flush valve, thereby stopping the flush. As such, the rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 a both starts and eventually at least partially stops the flush.
A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4D. FIG. 4A is an exploded assembly perspective view of a third embodiment of an automatic release toilet flush lever assembly 10 c in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4B is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A showing a lever sub-assembly 400 and handle sub-assembly 450 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4C is a side elevation schematic view of the lever sub-assembly 400 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B prior to triggering at least a partial flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4D is a side elevation schematic view of the lever sub-assembly 400 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B after triggering at least a partial flush in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment, rotatable linkage assembly 40 b can comprise a handle mount 141, a rod 142, a return spring 143, a baseplate 144 and a locknut 145. In some embodiments, handle plate 105 can include a first locking lever 106 mounted thereon, and lever plate 110 can include a locking lever 115 mounted thereon. In some embodiments of the invention, rod 142 can include a flat projection 147 that rotates handle plate 105. In some embodiments, the lever plate 110 can support flush lever arm 160 mounted thereon. In some embodiments, each of locking levers 106 and 115 can include springs 107 and 117, respectively. In some embodiments, locking lever 106 comprises a pin 108 extending therefrom.
In its various embodiments, rotatable linkage assembly 40 b can contain many different and optional parts. It is therefore to be understood that the illustrated embodiment is only one particular assembly covered by the claims encompassing embodiments of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that some components of the assembly 10 c can comprise conventionally known alternatives, especially those functions has holders, brackets, supports, connectors, etc. Further, some components of the assembly 10 c can comprise conventionally known structures that can perform the same function but that may have a modified structure or design. For example, the handle 30 is shown strictly as a non-limiting embodiment, and many different conventional handles can be used in place of the handle 30 as shown to perform the same function.
FIG. 4B shows a partially exploded view corresponding to FIG. 4A, and shows handle sub-assembly 450 assembly positioned coupled and operable with handle 30 on an opposite side of a tank wall. The rod 142 is shown coupled to the handle sub-assembly, with coupling assembly to lever sub-assembly 400 represented. The operation of this embodiment of the invention is best understood viewing the illustrations of FIGS. 4C and 4D. For example, FIG. 4C shows the lever sub-assembly 400 prior to a user pushing down on the handle 30 (i.e.: prior to rotation, turning, pivoting, or otherwise moving of rotatable linkage assembly 40 b). At this time, springs 107 and 117 (not shown in FIG. 4C) can urge lever 115 in direction D1 as shown, and lever 106 in direction D2 as shown, such that the ends of levers 115 and 106 abut one another.
In reference to FIG. 4D, when handle 30 is pushed down, the lever 115 can rotate in direction D3 until pin 108 hits a projection 120 on the housing. This can cause lever 106 to move to a position where it pushes past and thereby releases lever 115. At this time, lever plate 110 can be released and rotate downwardly in direction D4, dropping flush lever arm 160 (and thereby stopping the flush).
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A lever assembly, comprising:

(a) a handle;

(b) an actuation mechanism coupled with a first user activation mechanism;

(c) a second activation mechanism configured and arranged to be at least partially actuated by a first user activation mechanism coupled to the actuation mechanism, wherein rotation of the first user activation mechanism causes at least partial movement of the actuation mechanism; and

(d) a release mechanism configured to operate in conjunction with the actuation mechanism to release the second activation mechanism when the handle is positioned to a pre-determined point.

2. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism is configured and arranged to release a flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle.

3. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a first lost motion function and a second reset mechanism is configured and arranged to reset upon release of the first user activation mechanism.

4. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on a rotatable, turnable, pivotable or movable linkage which moves a coupled flush lever to a first position and permits the flush lever to move to a second position.

5. The lever assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one projection extends radially outward from the rotatable linkage.

6. The lever assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one projection has a curved outer surface that engages the flush lever.

7. The lever assembly of claim 4, wherein the rotatable linkage comprises a ratchet interface between a first elongated member that is configured and arranged to at least partially rotate, turn, pivot, or move together with the handle in opposite directions, and a second elongated member that only rotates in one direction, and wherein the at least one projection is disposed on the first elongated member.

8. The lever assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second elongated members are coupled together by a ratchet interface.

9. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on the rotatable linkage which releases a ratchet interface between the rotatable linkage and the flush lever.

10. The lever assembly of claim 9, wherein one side of the ratchet interface is coupled to the flush lever.

11. The lever assembly of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises:

a first plate having a first locking lever thereon, and

a second plate having a second locking lever thereon, and wherein the first and second plates move together until the first locking lever disengages the second locking lever, thereby permitting the flush lever arm to move.

12. The lever assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing, wherein the assembly passes through the housing and the housing is disposed within the toilet tank.