Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
21 ~4587
~_ TOILET FT.U'iH I N~ DEVICE WITH WATER SAVING FEAl'URES
RA(~RG~ouND OF THE lNV ~ lON
The present invention relates generally to a toilet
flushing device with water saving features, and, in particular, to
a toilet flushing device with a dual flush mechanism which uses a
single handle and a single flush valve to effect both a short flush
and a long flush. In addition, the present invention relates
generally to a toilet trapway reseal device which selectively
directs water from the reseal water hose into the tank overflow
tube.
Various dual flush toilet mechanisms have been developed
over the years for the purpose of providing the option of a full
or long flush cycle for solid waste, or a short or partial flush
cycle for liquid waste to save water during flushes that do not
require the use of a full flush cycle. Conservation of natural
resources such as water is important. Toilets which use less water
to flush waste are most desirable.
Prior art dual flush mechanisms characteristically fall
into two general categories. The first type of device includes
dual flush mechanisms that utilize two separate flush valves. The
flush valve used for the full flush is located at a lower level in
the tank than the flush valve used for the short flush cycle. An
example of this type of dual flush mechanism construction is found
in Brown U.S. Patent No. 1,960,864. Brown describes a dual flush
valve operating device for a flush toilet wherein two trip lever
arms of different lengths have a common fulcrum and are
independently pivoted as the handle is rotated clockwise or
counterclockwise.
The second type of dual flush mechanism
characteristically includes two separate handles, one to effectuate
the long flush and the other to effectuate the short flush.
Activation of either handle causes a single flush valve in the tank
to be raised to different heights. For example, Harney U.S. Patent
No. 4,881,279 describes a two-handle system wherein turning of the
first handle results in a regular, full flush, and turning of the
second handle results in a partial raising of the flush valve to
2 1 74587
actuate a short or partial flush. Harney uses a complicated System
to effect the short flush cycle.
Lester U.S. Patent No. 2,001,390 uses a clutch device on
the rod of the flush valve to hold the flush valve in a partial
raised position during the short flush cycle-.
Most users are accustomed to a toilet with a single
handle, and most toilets use a single flush valve as part of the
toilet tank construction. Accordingly, an improved dual flush
device for a toilet tank having a single flush valve actuated by
a single handle for effecting either a short flush cycle or a long
flush cycle is desired. It would also be desirable to provide such
a dual flush device that can be retrofitted to a conventional
toilet tank.
Another source of wasted water in a toilet tank occurs
through the reseal water hose. After a toilet is flushed, the tank
must be refilled with fresh water. In addition, some water must
be supplied to the bowl or the trapway during refilling of the tank
to insure that the trapway is resealed. In conventional toilets,
the reseal water hose extends from the tank inlet water control and
directs water into the tank overflow tube (which leads to the bowl
or trapway) the entire time that the tank is refilling. This
causes a waste of water since once the trapway is resealed, excess
water will flow into the drain.
Furthermore, a dual flush device in the toilet tank
complicates the water flow operation since two different refill
patterns are required. Because the refill cycle after the long
flush duration is greater than the short flush duration in a dual
flush application, the volume of reseal water dedicated to insuring
that the trapway in the toilet bowl is resealed after the long
flush is typically greater than the volume of water dedicated to
resealing the trapway during the short cycle. This may result in
an underfilled trapway seal for the short flush which can create
a health hazard. Yet, on the other hand, during the long flush,
there is an overfilled trapway seal which wastes water that could
21 74587
~, 3
have been better utilized, for example, for flushing solid waste
and refilling the tank.
Prior art water reseal constructions have identified this
problem of wasted water from the reseal hose and have attempted,
in a less than completely satisfactory way, to provide a solution.
For example, Lazar U.S. Patent No. 5,341,520 describes a dual
capacity toilet flusher where the end of the reseal hose is
supported on a movable platform construction which selectively
moves the refill hose horizontally away from the overflow tube when
the bowl is refilling. Comparetti U.S. Patent No. 4,910,812
describes a complicated toilet system wherein the overflow tube
~pivots out of the path of the reseal hose water during part of the
flush cycle.
However, heretofore, an acceptable, reliable and simple
reseal water hose assembly has not been provided which can permit
the reseal water hose to direct water into the tank during part of
the flushing cycle and thereafter permit the reseal water hose to
direct water into the overflow tube to reseal the trapway, while
providing the same amount of water during the long and short flush
cycles.
Accordingly, an improved reseal water hose assembly that
reduces unnecessary water consumption and assists in the filling
of the toilet tank in order to effectuate a more efficient refill
cycle is desired. In addition, a trapway reseal assembly that
delivers an appropriate volume of reseal water to the trapway
regardless of the flush cycle, and which can utilize the excess
water flowing from the reseal hose by redirecting this water
directly into the tank, is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, in accordance with the present
invention, a dual flush device for a toilet tank having a flush
valve actuated by a pivotable actuation arm for effecting both a
short flush cycle and a long flush cycle, is provided. The dual
flush device includes a cam rotatably supported on the toilet tank
21 14587
adjacent the actuation arm. The cam, when rotated in a first
direction, acts to press against and pivot the actuation arm to
effect the long flush. When the cam is rotated in a second
direction, the cam presses against and pivots the actuation arm to
effect the short flush. The dual flush device also includes a
lever pivotably supported with respect to the actuation arm between
a first position out of blocking contact with the actuation arm and
a second position where the lever blocks the actuation arm for a
predetermined period of time when the cam is rotated in the second
direction to hold the actuation arm in a partially raised position.
A float is coupled to the lever for deterr;n;ng the predetermined
period of time. The float acts to pivot the lever into the second
position when the cam is rotated in the second direction.
In a preferred embodiment, the dual flush device includes
a single handle for selectively rotating the cam in the first
direction and the second direction.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a
trapway reseal assembly is provided. A doughnut-shaped float rides
along the overflow tube in the toilet tank with the changing water
level in the tank. The end of a reseal water hose is supported on
the float and selectively directs water into the overflow tube or
the tank dep~n~ing on the height of the float.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved toilet flushing device with water saving
capabilities.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved dual flush device for use in a toilet tank that requires
only a single flush valve actuated by a single handle for effecting
both a short flush cycle and a long flush cycle.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
an improved toilet construction that reduces unnecessary water
consumption.
Still another object of the present invention is to
provide an improved trapway resealing assembly.
21 745&7
s
Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved trapway resealing assembly for use in toilets with both
a long flush cycle and a short flush cycle.
Yet another object-of the present invention is to provide
an improved trapway resealing assembly that reduces unnecessary
water consumption and assists in the filling of the toilet tank in
order to effectuate a more efficient refill cycle.
Still another object of the present invention is to
provide an improved trapway resealing assembly that delivers an
equal quantity of reseal water to the trapway regardless of the
flush cycle and utilizes the unnecessary water flowing from the
reseal tube by redirecting this water directly into the tank.
A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a toilet flushing device with water saving features that
can be retrofitted into a conventional toilet tank.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will
in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the
specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of
construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts
which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set
forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference
is had to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a toilet with a
toilet tank shown partially cut away having a dual flush mechanism
and reseal water hose assembly constructed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the toilet and tank of FIG.
1, with the tank cover removed;
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FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the dual flush
mechanism constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the dual flush
mechanism depicted in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the dual flush
mechanism in accordance with the present invention, shown prior to
the commencement of a flush cycle; -
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the dual flushmechanism in accordance with the present invention after the handle
has been rotated to commence the long flush cycle;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7
of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the dual flush
mechanism in accordance with the present invention after the handle
has been rotated to commence the short flush cycle;
FIG. 9 is a partial top plan view of the dual flush
mechanism of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the reseal water hose
assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
FIGS. 11 through 14 depict the reseal water hose
operation during the long and short flush cycles in accordance with
the present invention.
DE~ATT-~n DESCRIPTION OP THE PREFERRED ~MRODINENTS
Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings
which depict a toilet, generally indicated at 20, having a toilet
bowl 21 and a toilet tank 22. Toilet tank 22 includes a removable
tank cover 23. Toilet tank 22 also includes a dual flush
mechanism, generally indicated at 30, and a trapway reseal
assembly, generally indicated at 50, both constructed in accordance
with the present invention.
A water inlet control assembly 70 is provided in the tank
for controlling the refilling of toilet tank 22 with fresh water
21 14587
after flushing has occurred. Some fresh water is supplied to a
water reseal hose 52 during refilling of the tank. Tank 22
includes an overflow tube 24 which leads to bowl 21 or directly to
the toilet trapway below the toilet. Tank 22 also includes a flush
valve, generally indicated at 60, which provides a conduit for
water to flow from tank 22 to bowl 21 when the toilet is flushed.
Flush valve 60 includes a valve seat 62 and a pivotable flush valve
flapper 64 which opens and closes the valve.
Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 3 and 4 to
describe the construction of dual flush mechanism 30. Dual flush
mechanism 30, as described below in detail, is activated by a
handle 32 on the outside of tank 22 which can be rotated in a
counterclockwise direction in the direction of arrow A to
effectuate a long or full flush cycle and in a clockwise direction
in the direction of arrow B to effectuate a short or partial flush
cycle.
Dual flush mechanism 30 includes an L-shaped pivotable
actuation lever or arm 34 having a first arm 35 and a second arm
36. In a preferred embodiment, first arm 35 is longer th-n second
arm 36. Free end 35a of first arm 35 of actuation lever 34 is
coupled to flapper 64 of flush valve 60 through a chain or other
flexible linkage 66. Free end 35a of first arm 35 may include
several openings 33 spaced therealong to permit fastening of chain
66 thereto at a desired position. A separate flush valve float 67
is attached along chain 66 to hold flapper 64 open during the long
flush cycle as described below in detail.
Dual flush mechanism 30 also includes a short flush lever
80 in the form of a pivotable L-shaped bellcrank. A partial flush
float 84 is removably coupled to short flush lever 80 through a
float rod 86, preferably using a threaded thumb nut 87, although
other fastening devices can be used.
As can be seen, dual flush mechanism 30 may be mounted
to toilet tank 22, preferably on a front wall thereof. Moreover,
the exact position of the mounting can vary within reason, keeping
in mind the importance of access to handle 32 and that dual flush
2i 745~7
mechanism 30 must not be mounted so as to cause interference with
pre-existing structure in the conventional tank. In an exemplary
embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 3, an opening is formed in the
front wall of toilet tank 22 thereby permitting dual flush
mechanism 30 to be mounted thereon by positioning the tank wall
between a backing plate 38 and a threaded nut or other escutcheon
40. Backing plate 38 includes an opening 38a through which a shaft
31 which rotates with handle 32 extends. However, it is also
contemplated that backing plate 38 may be formed as part of the
inside wall of the toilet tank itself.
Handle 32 is coupled to dual flush mechanism 30 through
shaft 31. A cam 42 in the form of an asymmetrical shoe having a
first toe 43 and a second toe 44 is secured to shaft 31 using a
screw or the like so as to be rotatable therewith. Cam 42 may be
configured in alternate shapes such as a kidney bean shape, so long
as cam 42 can operate to contact and lift actuation lever 34 when
rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. However, it is noted that
other forms of single handle actuation, such as different amounts
of rotation, can be used to effectuate the different flush cycles.
In an exemplary embodiment, actuation lever 34 is
pivotably supported by a pin 38b extending from backing plate 38.
This mounting construction permits actuation lever 34 to be
rotatable in a plane essentially parallel to backing plate 38.
Arms 35 and 36 of actuation lever 34 may be constructed so as to
be rigidly fixed together, or actuation lever 34 may be a unitary
member. In addition, arm 35 may also be of a unitary member or may
include a joint 78 which permits first arm 35 to be moveable
horizontally with respect to second arm 36 to allow for different
configurations. A pin 79, screw or the like is mounted as part of
joint 78 to secure the sections of actuation lever 34 together.
It is noted that the dual flush mechanism of the present
invention works best when free end 35a of arm 35 is positioned at
least substantially o~er flush valve flapper 64. AS described in
greater detail below, when actuation lever 34 is raised, flush
valve flapper 64 is pulled off of flush valve seat 62. Therefore,
21 74587
~ g
if free end 35a of arm 35 is positioned above flush valve flapper
64, flushing can be effectuated in a most efficient manner. By
providing joint 78, first arm 35 can be rotated about joint 78 to
position the free end of arm 35 as desired to avoid interference
with other components in the tank.
Short flush lever 80 is pivotably coupled to backing
plate 38 through a joint 81 using a dowel, screw or pin 85 or the
like. Short flush lever 80 is pivotally coupled to backing plate
38 in a direction transverse to actuation lever 34. Short flush
lever 80 includes two legs 82 and 83. Leg 83 is coupled to float
rod 86. A partial flush float 84 may be slidably coupled to float
rod 86 to permit accommodation in a pre-existing conventional
toilet tank and to control the length of the short flush cycle.
By permitting partial flush float 84 to be manually repositioned
along float rod 86, the dual flush mechanism can be configured to
operate in conventional toilets.
In addition, and as particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 9,
float rod 86 can be mounted to leg 83 in various orientations. In
this regard, leg 83 has a star-shaped opening 87 to permit an end
86a of float rod 86 to be inserted therein in various positions.
End 86a of float rod 86 may include wings 86b and 86c which are
accommodated by hole 87. Once positioned, a thumb nut 87a can be
used to hold the float rod in place.
A wall stop 90 is provided to prevent the over-rotation
of cam 75 as discussed below.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which depict a pre-flush
configuration when the tank is full, leg 82 of short flush lever
80 rests against second arm 36 of actuation lever 34 as float 84
tends to be lifted by the water level in the tank.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 5-7 to describe the
operation of the dual flushing mechanism in accordance with the
present invention to provide a long or full flush.
Such long or full flush is initiated by rotating handle
32 counterclockwise from the front in the direction of arrow A.
This rotation of handle 32 causes shaft 31 to also rotate which in
21 74587
~, 10
turn causes cam 42 to rotate in the same direction. This rotation
causes the long toe 43 of cam 42 to contact an upper portion of
second arm 36 of actuation lever 34 thereby raising first arm 35
which in turn pulls on chain 66 to raise flapper 64. Float 67 is
accordingly pulled up to the lowering surface of the water W (FIG.
6). The angle through which actuation lever 34 can be rotated and
the ~imllr height reached by arm 35 is limited by wall stop 90.
Wall stop 90, shown in an arcuate shape by way of example only and
not in a limiting sense, may be mounted to backing plate 38 or be
formed integral therewith.
When handle 32 is rotated in the counterclockwise
direction of arrow A twhen viewed in FIG. 1), short toe 44 of cam
42 contacts the lower edge of wall stop 90 thereby preventing cam
42 and hence handle 32 from rotating any further. In this long or
full flush condition, flush valve flapper 64 is shifted to its
fully open or buoyant position thereby allowing the water in the
tank to empty into the bowl to flush the bowl. As the water level
in the tank drops, float 67 also lowers (but r~m~in.s on the water
surface). Actuation lever 34 also lowers to its original position.
When the water level drops to a predetermined level, flush valve
flapper 64 closes and reseals flush valve seat 62 in the
conventional manner, thus terri~ting the full flush cycle. The
tank then begins to refill.
As depicted in FIG. 3, in the pre-flush condition when
the tank is full, leg 82 presses against the side of arm 36 of
actuation lever 34 due to the buoyancy of flush float 84. As
depicted in FIG. 7, when the long flush cycle begins, short flush
lever 80 initially rotates towards handle 32 in the direction of
arrow C and would appear to prevent actuation lever 34 from
returning to its original position after the tank empties.
However, it is to be understood that after the long flush cycle
begins, the water level in the tank begins to fall as water in the
tank is delivered through the flush valve to the bowl. The
lowering of the water causes partial flush float 84 to also fall,
thereby rotating short flush lever 80 away from handle 32 out of
~ 11 2 1 74587
the path of arm 36 of actuation lever 34 before flush valve flapper
64 covers and seals flush valve seat 62. Therefore, it can be seen
that the presence of the short flush lever 80 does not affect the
long or full flush cycle.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 8-9 which illustrate the
operation of the dual flushing mechanism of the present invention
during the short flush cycle. A partial or short flush is
initiated by rotating handle 32 in the clockwise direction of arrow
B (as viewed in FIG. 1). The rotation of handle 32 rotates shaft
31 which causes short toe 44 of cam 42 to contact a lower portion
of second arm 36 of actuation lever 34 thereby raising first arm
35 of actuation lever 34 to a second predetermined height, which
is less than the predetermined height in the long flush.
The amount of rotation and height is also limited by wall
stop 90. In the clockwise direction, toe 43 contacts the top of
wall stop 90 to prevent the over-rotation of actuation lever 34.
Accordingly, flush valve flapper 64 is not raised off of flush
valve seat 62 as high as it is raised during the long full flush
cycle operation. Moreover, since float 67 is not raised
sufficiently to rise to the water surface, flush valve flapper 64
is held open only due to the tension of chain 66, rather than by
the float buoyancy as in the full flush.
As soon as actuation lever 34 is raised, the buoyancy of
partial flush float 84 causes leg 82 of short flush lever 80 to
rotate towards handle 32 and press against the face of cam 42 as
depicted in FIG. 9. When handle 32 is released, leg 82 of short
flush lever 80 will contact the inner surface 36a of second arm 36
of actuation lever 34 so as to block further downward movement and
maintain first arm 35 of actuation lever 34 in an elevated position
allowing flush valve flapper 64 to be held in a partially open
position permitting water to flow from the tank to the bowl.
However, after the commencement of the short flush cycle,
the water level begins to fall. As the water level falls, partial
flush float 84 lowers with the corresponding water level in the
tank. At a predetermined water level, the partial flush float 84
21 745&7
12
~,
will have fallen a sufficient distance to cause short flush lever
80 to rotate back, thus disengaging leg 82 from arm 36 of actuation
lever 34, thereby permitting actuation lever 34 to rotate and lower
which in turn permits flush valve flapper 64 to close and reseal,
thereby terminating the partial or short flush cycle.
As water refills in the tank in the conventional manner,
flush float 84 rises in the tank and leg 82 of short flush lever
80 rotates about its pivotal axis to reset itself for the next
flush action.
By providing a dual flush mechanism which allows the user
to select either a full or partial flush by selected rotation of
a single handle to selectively activate a single flush valve, an
improved dual flush mechanism that conserves water is provided.
A full flush is obtained by the rotation of a single handle in the
counterclockwise direction. This rotation causes the cam or shoe
to contact an actuation arm, thereby lifting the flush valve from
its seat. Upward movement of the actuation arm is limited by a
stop.
For a partial flush, the handle is rotated in the
clockwise direction. This rotation causes the cam to contact the
actuation lever, but raises the actuation lever a lesser amount.
Similarly, upward movement of the actuation arm is limited by the
stop. Release of the handle allows the short flush lever to
temporarily hold the actuation in a partial raised condition,
thereby keeping the flush valve in an unseated position allowing
water to flow from the tank to the bowl. As the water level in the
tank drops, the partial flush float also drops disengaging the
short flush lever from the actuation lever. This permits the
actuation arm to return to its pre-flush position and reseat the
flapper onto the flush valve seat. With the refilling of the tank,
the partial flush float rises, rotating the short flush lever to
contact the actuation lever in preparation for the next flush
cycle.
Reference is now made particularly to FIGS. 10 through
14, which depicts trapway reseal assembly 50. Assembly 50 includes
21 74587
13
a reseal water hose 52 having a free end 52a which is coupled to
a reseal float 54. In the preferred embodiment, reseal hose 52 is
coupled to reseal float 54 by means of a clip 53 or the like.
Reseal float 54 is preferably in the shape of a doughnut and
slidably supported to ride along overflow tube 24. Overflow tube
24 may also include a retaining pin 55 ( FIG. 10) which prevents
reseal float 54 from disengaging from overflow tube 24. In
addition, overflow tube 24 may include a splash guard 56 (FIG. 10)
to assist in directing water flow from hose 52.
Reference is now made specifically to FIGS. 11 through
14 which illustrate the operation of trapway reseal assembly 50 in
accordance with the present invention. In a pre-flush
configuration when the tank is full, float 54 is in its uppermost
position as shown in FIG. 11. At this position, free end 52a is
positioned to direct water in overflow tube 24. However, no water
is flowing in the pre-flush condition since the inlet valve of the
water control is closed.
After a long or short flush cycle is commenced, as water
I in the tank empties into the toilet bowl, the reseal float begins
to lower with the tank water level. Distance X shown in FIG. 11
shows the distance that the reseal float 54 drops during a short
flush cycle, while distance Y show the drop distance for a long
flush. Once float 54 drops to the level shown in FIG. 12, reseal
hose 52 is below the rim of overflow tube 24 and water from the
reseal hose will be directed into the tank.
As the tank refills after the flapper has closed, the
reseal float will begin to rise. Water from hose 52 will continue
to be directed into the tank until the float hits the level of FIG.
13 where water begins to be directed into the overflow tube. It
is specifically noted that the point at which reseal water is first
redirected into the overflow tube is the same after either flush
cycle, thus ensuring the same quantity of reseal water dedicated
to sealing the trapway. As the water continues to rise, reseal
hose 52 is again directly over overflow tube 24 so as to cause
water to flow directly into overflow tube 24 as shown in FIG. 14.
21 74587
14
Water will be directed into the overflow tube until the tank is
full.
The trapway reseal assembly of the present invention
provides for excess water from the reseal hose to be used for
refilling the tank. In addition, essentially the same amount of
water will be delivered through the overflow tube to the trapway
regardless of the length of the flush.
By providing a trapway reseal assembly where the reseal
hose is mounted on a float which rides along the overflow tube, an
improved dual flushing toilet system that channels an equal volume
of reseal water dedicated to sealing the trapway of the toilet is
provided. Regardless of the flush cycle, by providing a trapway
reseal assembly where water is directed by the position of a reseal
float, which itself is positioned by the water level within the
tank, an improved reseal assembly is provided.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above,
and those made apparent from the preceding description are
efficiently obtained and, since certain changes may be made in the
above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the
invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
