US3842444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bi-flush toilet apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-05-21
•
Granted: 1974-10-22
•
Expires: 1993-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A hinged barrier for installation in the flush tank of a toilet. The barrier is latched in a sealing position by a magnet and cooperating magnet latch plate. When the barrier is released from the latched position by a chain operatively connected to the flush handle, flotation on the barrier produces sufficient buoyancy to hinge the barrier out of contact with the bottom surface of the flush tank and permit substantially all of the water in the tank to pass through the flush ball valve. For partial flushing action, the flush control handle is moved over a lesser portion of its total travel, resulting in the flush ball being lifted from its seat and the magnetic latch retaining the barrier in the sealing position. Therefore, only that portion of the water in the flush tank above the upper level of the barrier, and within the barrier itself, is utilized in the flushing action.
Inventors
- 👤 H Gruenhagen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 02:27
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D1/00; E03D1/02; E03D1/22; E03D1/14; E03D1/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
In an apparatus for producing a high volume flush and a low volume flush in toilets having a flush tank, flush control handle and flush ball valve, wherein the improvement comprises: barrier means comprising a vertically extending water impervious sleeve for surrounding said flush ball valve and sealing against the bottom of said tank excluding a portion of the water in said tank from passing through said flush ball valve, said barrier means is buoyant when immersed in water, support means for permitting limited guided vertical movement of said barrier under the influence of the buoyancy of said barrier to lift said barrier out of sealing engagement with the bottom of said tank and permitting substantially all of the water in said tank above the level of said valve to pass under said barrier and through said valve, latch means on said barrier for releasably securing said barrier in said sealing position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
In an apparatus for producing a high volume flush and a low volume flush in toilets having a flush tank, flush control handle and flush ball valve, wherein the improvement comprises: barrier means comprising a vertically extending water impervious sleeve for surrounding said flush ball valve and sealing against the bottom of said tank excluding a portion of the water in said tank from passing through said flush ball valve, said barrier means is buoyant when immersed in water, support means for permitting limited guided vertical movement of said barrier under the influence of the buoyancy of said barrier to lift said barrier out of sealing engagement with the bottom of said tank and permitting substantially all of the water in said tank above the level of said valve to pass under said barrier and through said valve, latch means on said barrier for releasably securing said barrier in said sealing position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said support means comprises a hinge means for attachment to said tank and a hinge bracket connecting said hings means to said barrier, said hinge means having a substantially horizontal hinge axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the buoyancy of said barrier is provided by a float secured to said barrier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: said float is secured on the side of said barrier opposite said hinge bracket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said latch means is operatively connected to said flush control handle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: said latch means comprises a cooperating permanent magnet and magnet latch plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: a magnet support bracket on said barrier adjacent the lower edge of said barrier, said latch means comprises a permanent magnet, said permanent magnet having a lifting flange for engagement with the underside of said magnet support bracket, and an attachment portion protruding through said bracket, said latch means having an adjustable length of chain with a plurality of links, one of said links of said chain adjacent a first end thereof is secured in said attachment portion of said magnet, the second end of said chaIn is operatively connected to said flush control handle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: said chain comprises a ball and link chain, the first ball of said chain being received through a transverse bore and a slot in said attachment portion of said magnet, a locking rubber sheath received over said attachment portion, said sheath supporting said permanent magnet by engagement with the upper surface of said bracket.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3041630A
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US3662408A
Cited
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Cited
US3732577A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-21 | 1978-04-22 | 1978-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-21 | 1982-04-22 | 1982-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-21 | 1986-04-22 | 1986-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |