US5148554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable flush valve for a toilet
Assignee: AQUALOGIC SYSTEMS Inc A CORP OF DELAWARE
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Filing: 1990-12-07
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Granted: 1992-09-22
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Expires: 2010-12-07
Abstract
Abstract A modified flapper valve for use in a toilet tank having a flexible extension structure attached at a first end to the valve and including a second end having at least one primary attachment point and a plurality of secondary attachment points, and a float element removably attachable to the extension structure and including a plurality of grooves for receiving the primary attachment point and the secondary attachment points of the extension structure, wherein the number of secondary attachment points of the extension structure engaging the grooves of the float element determines the distance of the float element from the valve. The extension structure can include a weight, either removable from or integral with, the extension structure. The valve can be mounted within the tank by conventional arms or by closing-moment exerting arms.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul F. Martin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:59
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03D; E03D1/00; E03D1/30; E03D1/304; E03D1/306; E03D1/02; E03D1/14; E03D1/142; E03D1/144
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A modified valve for use with an outlet opening in a toilet tank comprising a conventional bulb having a flange disposed about an outside surface of the bulb or sealing engagement with a valve seat disposed about the outlet opening; a flexible extension structure attached at a first end to the valve seat and extending substantially perpendicularly from the valve seat, the extension structure including a second end having at least one primary attachment point and a plurality of secondary attachment points, a float element removably attachable to the extension structure, the float element including a plurality of grooves for receiving the primary attachment point of the extension structure and at least one of the secondary attachment points of the extension structure; wherein the number of secondary attachment points of the extension structure engaging the grooves of the float element determines the distance of the float element from the valve seat.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A modified valve for use with an outlet opening in a toilet tank comprising a conventional bulb having a flange disposed about an outside surface of the bulb or sealing engagement with a valve seat disposed about the outlet opening; a flexible extension structure attached at a first end to the valve seat and extending substantially perpendicularly from the valve seat, the extension structure including a second end having at least one primary attachment point and a plurality of secondary attachment points, a float element removably attachable to the extension structure, the float element including a plurality of grooves for receiving the primary attachment point of the extension structure and at least one of the secondary attachment points of the extension structure; wherein the number of secondary attachment points of the extension structure engaging the grooves of the float element determines the distance of the float element from the valve seat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The modified valve of claim 1 where the valve is a flapper valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The modified valve of claim 1 where the valve is a vertical movement valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The modified valve of claim 1 further including a removably attached weight element, and the extension structure further including a slot for receiving the weight element, the slot located proximately at the first end of the extension structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The modified valve of claim 1 further including a weight element integral with the valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The modified valve of claim 1 wherein the first end of the extension structure includes a thin portion connected to the valve seat so as to allow the extension structure to rotate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The modified valve of claim 1 further including a mounting apparatus for pivotally securing the valve within the toilet tank, wherein the mounting apparatus imposes a closing moment of the valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The modified valve of claim 7 wherein the mounting apparatus includes flexible arms.
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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) | 1995-09-22 | 1996-03-23 | 1996-09-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-09-22 | 2000-03-23 | 2000-09-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-03-23 | 2004-09-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |