IP Library Granted Patent US 8,185,976
Granted Patent B2
US 8,185,976 · App. 12/172,926 · Granted May 29, 2012

Flush valve mechanism

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,185,976
App. No.
12/172,926
Granted
May 29, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube having a lug, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, and at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism. The at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.

Claims (22)

1. A flush valve apparatus for flushing a toilet bowl, comprising:

a center tube having a lug;

a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube;

at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, wherein the at least one latching mechanism comprises a gear including a plurality of lugs; and

at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism, wherein the at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush, and wherein the gear is replaceable with a second gear including a different number of lugs.

2. A flush valve apparatus for flushing a toilet bowl, comprising:

a center tube having a lug;

a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube;

at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, wherein the at least one latching mechanism comprises a hook device; and

at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism, wherein the at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush, and wherein rotation of the hook device is associated with a different latching state of the center tube.

3. A flush valve apparatus for flushing a toilet bowl, comprising:

a center tube having a lug;

a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube;

at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, wherein the at least one latching mechanism comprises a hook device; and

at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism, wherein the at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush, and wherein the hook device is replaceable with a second hook device having a different length.

4. A flush valve apparatus for flushing a toilet bowl, comprising:

a center tube having a lug;

a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube;

at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube; and

at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism, wherein the at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush;

a float-weight coupled to the rack; and

a second latching mechanism, a second rack and a second float-weight cup.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 29, 2012
From: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Reel/Frame 027784/0094 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 11, 2009
From: LE, TUAN; JANISH, BRIAN; COLLIN, ROBERT; DEKEYSER, BILL
To: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
Reel/Frame 023644/0487 →