Toilet flush arm coupler

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an improved toilet flush system that includes a toilet tank flush valve mechanism that includes a flapper chain with an adjustable length. In some embodiments, the system solves common issues associated with traditional flapper chain setups, such as improper chain slack leading to inefficient flushing and potential water wastage. In some embodiments the system includes a toilet kit that includes one or more toilet valve components and two or more chain clips, all housed within a single kit housing. In some embodiments, the chain clips are configured to couple to both the flush chain and the flush arm, allowing for adjustments to the chain length. In some embodiments, the system minimizes the risk of chain tangling or obstruction within the toilet tank, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the toilet flush mechanism.

Description

TOILET FLUSH ARM COUPLERCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 609,995, filed December 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a toilet tank comprising a flush valve which has a chain or other coupler that is used to activate the toilet flush mechanism, and which has an adjustable length. Some embodiments for making the coupler length adjustment easier are also described.BACKGROUND

[0003] Typical toilet tanks have a flush valve with a flapper and a chain attached to the top of the flapper (FIG. 1). The other end of that chain is connected to the flush arm by a chain clip. When the flush lever actuator is activated by a user to flush the toilet, the flush arm moves up, pulling the chain to lift the flapper and allow water in the toilet tank to discharge and flow to the toilet bowl. Setting the proper flapper chain length to have the right amount of slack is very important to enable a trouble-free toilet flush actuation and the resetting of the flush valve flapper after the flush. A chain that has an end hanging freely can block the flapper from sealing, causing a large increase in water usage.

[0004] Typically, the flapper chain is connected to the flush arm with a chain clip (FIG. 2A & 2B). The chain clip is inserted into a chosen chain link of the flapper chain and that link is routed to settle at the bottom eyelet of the chain clip. The chain clip is then attached to the flush arm via clipping into a hole on the flush arm. When adjusting the chain length to ensure it is tight enough to lift the flapper, the hanging end of the chain becomes longer. This longer chain can interfere with the flushing mechanism by potentially tangling with or obstructing other components within the toilet tank.

[0005] To change the chain length setting, as is necessary to obtain the proper chain slack for the flush valve flapper to function correctly, the chain clip must first be removed from the flush arm.Then the current chain link on the chain clip is routed to be removed from the chain clip. And the process repeats for selecting a new chain link to attach to the chain clip, to either lengthen or shorten the current undesired chain length. This iterative process is cumbersome and can be difficult in some situations where there is limited space to freely access the flush arm. Often, the repeated installation and removal of the chain clip on and off the flush arm can damage the chain clip as it is commonly constructed from small, formed wire and can be easily deformed.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a better way to adjust the flapper coupler length.SUMMARY

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an improved toilet flush system that includes a toilet tank flush valve mechanism that includes a flapper chain with an adjustable length. In some embodiments, the system solves common issues associated with traditional flapper chain setups, such as improper chain slack leading to inefficient flushing and potential water wastage.

[0008] In some embodiments the system includes a toilet kit that includes one or more toilet valve components and two or more chain clips, all housed within a single kit housing. In some embodiments, the chain clips are configured to couple to both the flush chain and the flush arm, allowing for adjustments to the chain length. In some embodiments, the system minimizes the risk of chain tangling or obstruction within the toilet tank, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the toilet flush mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system includes a toilet valve kit comprising one or more of a kit housing, one or more toilet valve components, and two or more chain clips. In some embodiments, the kit housing is configured to secure the one or more toilet valve components and the two or more chain clips in a same housing. In some embodiments, the one or more toilet valve components are configured to enable the actuation of a toilet flush system. In some embodiments, the two or more chain clips are configured to couple to a flush chain. In some embodiments, the two or more chain clips are configured to couple to a flush arm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more toilet valve components include a flush valve. In some embodiments, the one or more toilet valve components include a flush valve assembly. In some embodiments, the flush valve assembly includes a flush valve coupled to a flush arm. In some embodiments, the flush arm includes a plurality of apertures configured to enable the two or more chain clips to attach to the flush arm. In some embodiments, the one or more toilet valvecomponents include a flush handle. In some embodiments, the one or more toilet valve components includes a flush flapper. In some embodiments, the two or more chain clips are identical. In some embodiments, each of the two or more chain clips include one or more of a hook portion, a hook open section, a neck region, a neck open section, and an eyelet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system includes a method for attaching the flapper chain to the flush lever arm, which involves threading the chain through a chain clip and securing the chain in place without detaching the clip from the flush arm. This method simplifies the adjustment process and reduces the likelihood of damage to the chain clip. In some embodiments, the system includes a second chain clip to manage excess chain length, further preventing interference with the flapper valve.

[0012] Some embodiments include a step of threading an end of the flapper chain through a neck open region of a first chain clip. Some embodiments include a step of selecting a chain link to snap into a neck portion of the first chain clip at a bottom eyelet. Some embodiments include a step of pulling the flapper chain down to secure the selected chain link in the neck portion of the first chain clip. Some embodiments include a step of attaching the first chain clip to a flush arm by clipping the first chain clip onto an aperture on the flush arm. Some embodiments include a step of attaching a second chain clip to an end section link of the flapper chain. Some embodiments include a step of threading the second chain clip and attached flapper chain through the first chain clip's neck open section. Some embodiments include a step of clipping the second chain clip to the flush arm via a same or different flush lever arm aperture.

[0013] In some embodiments, the step of attaching the second chain clip includes passing the end section link through the neck open section of the second chain clip and pressing it down into the neck and / or eyelet to hold the chain in a secured position. In some embodiments, the step of attaching the second chain clip includes threading a chain link of the flapper chain onto a main body of the second chain clip, such that the chain link is secured by the main body.DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric, partial cut-away view of an exemplary toilet tank showing the flush valve chain connected to the flush arm of the prior art according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2A & 2B illustrate isometric views of the flapper chain attachment to the chain clip of the prior art, and the chain clip attachment to the flush arm according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 3 A illustrates an isometric view of threading the open end of the flapper chain through the neck open section of the chain clip according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view of the flapper chain link chosen to snap into the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3C illustrates an isometric view of the flapper chain pulled down so the chosen chain link will snap into the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet and held in a secured position according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a partial sectional view of the flapper chain pulled up so the chosen chain link will snap out of the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates a partial sectional view of the flapper chain sliding relative to the chain clip to adjust flapper chain set length and the new chosen chain link can be selected to snap into the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 4C illustrates an isometric view of the flapper chain pulled down so the new chosen chain link will snap into the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet and be held in a secured position according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a second chain clip first attached to the flapper chain end link according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the second chain clip of FIG. 5 attached to the flush arm via clipping into a hole on the flush arm according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a second chain clip first attached to the flapper chain at a link near the open end and snapped into the neck of the second chain clip at the bottom eyelet according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the second chain clip of FIG. 7 attached to the flush arm via clipping into a hole on the flush arm according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In some embodiments, the system is directed to a kit comprising two or more chain clips and a flapper chain. In some embodiments, the kit comprises one or more of a flush valve, a flush lever arm, a flush handle, and a flush flapper. In some embodiments, the kit includes a flush valve.

[0027] In some embodiments, the kit includes a flush lever. In some embodiments, the flush lever is configured to facilitate the flushing process by engaging with a flush valve. In some embodiments, the kit includes a flush valve. In some embodiments, the flush valve is configured to control the flow of water from the tank to the bowl during a flush.

[0028] In some embodiments, the kit includes a flapper. In some embodiments, the flapper is configured to seal the tank and lift to allow water to flow into the bowl when the toilet is flushed. In some embodiments, the kit includes a chain (e.g., metal or plastic) configured to enable a chain clip to be attached thereto. In some embodiments, the chain and clip are configured to connect the flapper to the flush lever, enabling the movement of the flapper during flushing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the kit includes a handle. In some embodiments, the handle is configured to activate a fill valve when pressed. In some embodiments, the kit includes a fill valve. In some embodiments, the fill valve is configured to regulate the water level in the tank, refilling it after each flush. In some embodiments, the kit includes a dual-flush mechanism. In some embodiments, the dual-flush mechanism is configured to allow for two different flush volumes, providing water efficiency. In some embodiments, the kit includes a repair kit. In some embodiments, the repair kit includes one or more of the flush valve, fill valve, flapper, handle, chain, lever, and / or any flush assembly parts. In some embodiments, the kit includes at least two chain clips. In some embodiments, the two chain clips are identical.

[0030] In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a flush lever arm, a flapper chain, and one or more chain clips. While a chain and chain clip are referenced herein for nonlimiting, illustrative purposes, other couplers including cables, ties, and the like can also be used in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, a method step includes threading the flapper chain open end through the chain clip neck open section (FIG. 3 A). Some embodiments include a method step of choosing the chain link to attach the chain clip (see FIG. 3B).

[0031] In some embodiment, the flapper chain is comprised of chain links having a round or oval shape. In some embodiment, the chain clip is formed from wire with a round, oval, square, or rectangular cross-section. In some embodiment, the chain clip neck portion and / or bottom eyelet is configured to secure (i.e., fit snugly, with small clearance) the chain to the chain clip by orienting a first chain link to fit in the neck portion (and / or bottom eyelet), where the orientation of the first chain link by the chain clip orients adjacent chain links such that they cannot pass through the chain clip neck portion and / or bottom eyelet, as best shown in FIG. 3C.

[0032] In some embodiments, the chain clip includes a hook portion opposite the bottom eyelet configured to hook onto an arm aperture of the flush arm, such that the chain clip hangs from the arm aperture at a top of the hook portion under the force of gravity. In some embodiments, an end of the hook portion includes a bent hook end, which may fit through a link in the chain to thread the chain clip to the chain link. In some embodiments, the bent hook end cooperates with a bent portion of a neck chain trap to create a hook chain trap. In some embodiments, the hook chain trap can be forced open for a chain link to pass through, and / or closes under spring force to keep the chain contained in the hook portion and / or hook open section. In some embodiments, the chain clip is configured to enable secure engagement with the chain by enabling a threading of one or more chain links into the hook portion and / or threading the chain through the hook open section.

[0033] In some embodiments, a lower portion of the hook open section is defined by a neck trap bend. In some embodiments, the neck trap bend also forms a top portion of a neck open section which is sized to enable a chain to be threaded therethrough. In some embodiments, the neck chain trap is configured to prevent the chain from entering the hook portion area until an end of the neck chain trap is pulled a sufficient distance to allow at least one chain link to pass.

[0034] Some embodiments include a method step of pulling the chain down so the chosen chain link will snap into the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet (FIG. 3C), which holds the flapper chain in a secured position. Some embodiments include a method step of attaching the chain clip to the flush arm by clipping the chain clip into an aperture on the flush arm.

[0035] In some embodiments, to change the set length of the flapper chain, a method step includes not removing the chain clip off the flush arm. Some embodiments include a method step of pulling the flapper chain up to unsnap the chain link from the neck of the chain clip at the bottom eyelet (FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, once the chain link is released, a method step includes shortening or lengthening the flapper chain by sliding the flapper chain relative to the chain clip (FIG. 4B) and choosing a new chain link. Some embodiments include a method step of pulling the flapper chain down again to snap the new chosen chain link into the neck and / or eyelet (FIG. 4C).

[0036] In some embodiments, if the chain is too long (e.g., more than 10 chain links), a method step includes cutting or otherwise shortening the flapper chain so it does not tangle and impede the proper functioning of the flapper valve during or after the toilet flush.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system includes a second chain clip. Some embodiments include a step of attaching the second chain clip to a chain end section link (e.g., the last or second to lastlink of the flapper chain) as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, a step includes threading the second chain clip and attached flapper chain through the first chain clip neck open section, as also illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0038] Some embodiments include attaching (e.g., clipping) the second chain clip to the flush arm via a same or different arm aperture on the flush arm as depicted in FIG. 6. This way, the excess flapper chain hanging between the first and second chain clip can be kept close to the flush arm and prevented from interfering with the flapper, eliminating the need to use a tool to cut the excess flapper chain to a shorter length.

[0039] Some embodiments include a method step of attaching the second chain clip to the flapper chain by passing a chain end section link (e.g., the last or second to last link of the flapper chain) through the neck open section as shown in FIG. 7. Some embodiments include a step of pressing the end section link down into the neck and / or eyelet, which is configured to hold the chain in a secured position as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, a method step includes threading the second chain clip and attached flapper chain through the first chain clip neck open section similar to the methods described above.

[0040] Any text in the drawings is part of the system’s disclosure and is understood to be readily incorporable into any description of the metes and bounds of the system. Any functional language or illustrations of method steps in the drawings is a reference to the system being configured to perform the recited function or method, and structures shown or described in the drawings are to be considered as the system comprising the structures recited therein. It is understood that defining the metes and bounds of the system using a description of images in the drawing does not need a corresponding text description in the written specification to fall with the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] Furthermore, acting as Applicant’s own lexicographer, Applicant imparts the explicit meaning and / or disavow of claim scope to the following terms:

[0042] Applicant defines any use of “and / or” such as, for example, “A and / or B,” or “at least one of A and / or B” to mean element A alone, element B alone, or elements A and B together. In addition, a recitation of “at least one of A, B, and C,” a recitation of “at least one of A, B, or C,” or a recitation of “at least one of A, B, or C or any combination thereof’ are each defined to mean element A alone, element B alone, element C alone, or any combination of elements A, B and C, such as AB, AC, BC, or ABC, for example.

[0043] “Substantially” and “approximately” when used in conjunction with a value encompass a difference of 5% or less of the same unit and / or scale of that being measured.

[0044] “Simultaneously” as used herein includes lag and / or latency times associated with a conventional and / or proprietary computer, such as processors and / or networks described herein attempting to process multiple types of data at the same time. “Simultaneously” also includes the time it takes for digital signals to transfer from one physical location to another, be it over a wireless and / or wired network, and / or within processor circuitry.

[0045] As used herein, “can” or “may” or derivations there of (e.g., the system can perform X) are used for descriptive purposes only and is understood to be synonymous and / or interchangeable with “configured to” (e.g., the system is configured to perform X) when defining the metes and bounds of the system.

[0046] In addition, the term “configured to” means that the limitations recited in the specification and / or the claims must be arranged in such a way to perform the recited function: “configured to” excludes structures in the art that are “capable of’ being modified to perform the recited function but the disclosures associated with the art have no explicit teachings to do so. For example, a recitation of a “container configured to receive a fluid from structure X at an upper portion and deliver fluid from a lower portion to structure Y” is limited to systems where structure X, structure Y, and the container are all disclosed as arranged to perform the recited function. The recitation “configured to” excludes elements that may be “capable of’ performing the recited function simply by virtue of their construction but associated disclosures (or lack thereof) provide no teachings to make such a modification to meet the functional limitations between all structures recited. The recitation “configured to” can also be interpreted as synonymous with operatively connected when used in conjunction with physical structures.

[0047] It is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0048] The previous detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict some embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the system.

[0049] Although method operations are presented in a specific order according to some embodiments, the execution of those steps do not necessarily occur in the order listed unless explicitly specified. Also, other operations can be performed in between operations, operations can be adjusted so that they occur at slightly different times, as long as the operations are performed in the desired way and result in the desired system configuration.

[0050] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the system has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the system is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

We claim:

1. A toilet valve kit comprising: a kit housing, one or more toilet valve components, and two or more chain clips; wherein the kit housing is configured to secure the one or more toilet valve components and the two or more chain clips in a same housing; wherein the one or more toilet valve components are configured to enable the actuation of a toilet flush system; wherein the two or more chain clips are configured to couple to a flush chain; and wherein the two or more chain clips are configured to couple to a flush arm.

2. The toilet valve kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more toilet valve components include a flush valve.

3. The toilet valve kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more toilet valve components include a flush valve assembly.

4. The toilet valve kit of claim 3, wherein the flush valve assembly includes a flush valve coupled to a flush arm.

5. The toilet valve kit of claim 4, wherein the flush arm includes a plurality of apertures configured to enable the two or more chain clips to attach to the flush arm.

6. The toilet valve kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more toilet valve components include a flush handle.

7. The toilet valve kit of claim 1, wherein the one or more toilet valve components includes a flush flapper.

8. The toilet valve kit of claim 1, wherein the two or more chain clips are identical.

9. The toilet valve kit of claim 8, wherein each of the two or more chain clips include a hook portion, a hook open section, a neck region, a neck open section, and an eyelet.

10. A method for attaching a flapper chain to a flush lever arm comprising: threading an end of the flapper chain through a neck open region of a first chain clip; selecting a chain link to snap into a neck portion of the first chain clip at a bottom eyelet; pulling the flapper chain down to secure the selected chain link in the neck portion of the first chain clip; attaching the first chain clip to a flush arm by clipping the first chain clip onto an aperture on the flush arm; attaching a second chain clip to an end section link of the flapper chain; threading the second chain clip and attached flapper chain through the first chain clip's neck open section; and clipping the second chain clip to the flush arm via a same or different flush lever arm aperture.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of attaching the second chain clip includes passing the end section link through the neck open section of the second chain clip and pressing it down into the neck and / or eyelet to hold the chain in a secured position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of attaching the second chain clip includes threading a chain link of the flapper chain onto a main body of the second chain clip, such that the chain link is secured by the main body.

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