US3885253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable flushing control unit attachment for a toilet
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-02-12
•
Granted: 1975-05-27
•
Expires: 1994-02-12
Abstract
Abstract A low cost variable flushing control unit attachment for existing toilets which effects optimum flushing or clearing of the toilet bowl with a minimum amount of water. The attachment kit retains full discharge capability for the toilet tank, yet provides a means for the homeowner to pre-set for his particular toilet the best and most satisfactory quantity of water that will be discharged to the bowl for those flushes that do not require total discharge. After use of the toilet, the user selects the most cost-effective flush mode that will completely clear the bowl. Once triggered by the user, the attachment kit reliably controls closing of the tank outlet valve and automatically resets itself.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A Overbey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:03
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D1/00; E03D1/30; E03D1/304; E03D1/306; E03D1/02; E03D1/14; E03D1/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A water-saving attachment unit for a toilet having a water tank, an outlet valve to discharge water from said tank and a mechanism for operating said outlet valve to substantially empty the water from said tank, comprising: A. a tubular element adapted to be located in said tank adjacent said outlet valve; B. a buoyant energy cell slidably mounted in said tubular element and adapted to close said outlet valve; C. a retaining device mounted adjacent said tubular element to normally prevent said buoyant energy cell from sliding within said tubular element when said mechanism is operated to substantially empty the water from said tank; and D. a control mechanism connected to said retaining device for selectively releasing said retaining device to permit said buoyant energy cell to slide within said tubular element and thereby Prematurely close said outlet valve to effectuate only a partial emptying of the water from said tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A water-saving attachment unit for a toilet having a water tank, an outlet valve to discharge water from said tank and a mechanism for operating said outlet valve to substantially empty the water from said tank, comprising: A. a tubular element adapted to be located in said tank adjacent said outlet valve; B. a buoyant energy cell slidably mounted in said tubular element and adapted to close said outlet valve; C. a retaining device mounted adjacent said tubular element to normally prevent said buoyant energy cell from sliding within said tubular element when said mechanism is operated to substantially empty the water from said tank; and D. a control mechanism connected to said retaining device for selectively releasing said retaining device to permit said buoyant energy cell to slide within said tubular element and thereby Prematurely close said outlet valve to effectuate only a partial emptying of the water from said tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
A water-saving attachment unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said retaining device includes: A. an opening in said tubular element; B. a stop having one end pivotally mounted on said tubular element and the other end adapted to extend through said opening to normally retain said buoyant energy cell in a nonengaged position with said outlet valve; and C. said stop being arranged to automatically pivot to its retaining position after said buoyant energy cell has floated past said other end of said stop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A water-saving attachment unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said control mechanism includes: A. a lanyard having one end thereof attached to said retaining device and the other end thereof extending to a point external of said tank and adjacent said mechanism; and B. a ring attached to said other end of said lanyard.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |