TOILET FLUSHING DEVICE FOR PUSH BUTTON TOILETS

Abstract

A device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button. The device comprises a lever having a first end and a second end. A handle is coupled to the first end of the lever. A pivot mechanism is located between the first end and the second end such that the lever rotates about the pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism is configured to be attachably coupled to a tank cover of the toilet. In one embodiment, the pivot mechanism comprises a downward facing surface having two suction cups, wherein each suction cup is configured for removably coupling the pivot mechanism to a surface of the tank. A hammer head coupled to the second end of the lever. The hammer head is configured for pushing the push button located on the tank cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of toilets, and more specifically to the field of toilet flushing mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

A toilet is a sanitation device used for the disposal of human urine and feces. Toilets and sewers were invented in several parts of the world. Ancient “Western-style” toilets were made from bricks with wooden seats on top. They had vertical chutes, through which waste fell into street drains or cesspits. Around the eighteenth century BC, toilets started to appear in Crete, Egypt and ancient Persia. In Roman civilization, toilets using flowing water were sometimes part of public bath houses.

In the modern era, flush toilets are common in many parts of the world. A typical flush toilet is a ceramic bowl containing water plus plumbing made to be rapidly filled with more water. The water in the toilet bowl is connected to a drain, which is connected a sewer line. A flush toilet works because of gravity. When a plug within the toilet tank is pulled, water will flow out of the toilet tank to fill the basin. When the basin is full enough, gravity causes the liquid to flow out through a bend in the pipe, called an S trap.

Push button toilets are configured such that when a button on top of the toilet tank is pushed, the plug in the tank of the toilet is pulled or removed to allow water to flow into the basin. However, in some situations having to push or depress a button can be difficult to perform. For example, people who are physically challenged may not be able to push a button. If a person who is physically unable to press a button of a push button toilet, then such a person will be unable to flush a toilet. This will cause unsanitary and smelly conditions.

Additionally, there currently is no way to convert a push button toilet to a lever style toilet. As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art and more particularly for a more efficient or different way of flushing a push button toilet. Additionally, there is a need for assisting a person with physical challenges to use a flushing toilet that has a push button.

SUMMARY

A device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button is disclosed. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a lever having a first end and an opposing second end. A handle is coupled to the first end of the lever. A pivot mechanism is located between the first end and the second end such that the lever rotates about the pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism is configured to be attachably coupled to a tank cover of the toilet. A hammer head is coupled to the second end of the lever. The hammer head is configured for pushing the push button located on the tank cover.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, wherein the device is in a non-flushing position, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a base of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the base of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a side view of a suction cup of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a side view of a pin for use with the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a side view of a base of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to another example embodiment; and,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, wherein the device is in a flushing position, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering, or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior art by providing a system that provides a less difficult method to flush a toilet having a push button. The device converts a push button toilet into a toilet that may be flushed by applying upward force to a lever. The device allows a user to flush a push button toilet without the user having to touch or push the button of the toilet downward with the user's finger. The device provides a portable flushing device that will cater to virtually any age category, or anyone who desires to flush his/her toilet the way North Americans are accustomed to traditionally flushing his or her toilet. The device provides a device to help young children who are learning to use a toilet for the first time.

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1 and 4 will be discussed together. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 110 for facilitating flushing of a toilet 115 having a push button 120, wherein the device is in a non-flushing position. The present invention may be in use in commerce in North America and in other countries. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device for facilitating flushing of a toilet having a push button, wherein the device it is in a flushing position. The toilet has a tank cover 125 having a substantially flat surface, and is well known to those skilled in the art of fabricating toilets. It is understood that by depressing the button 120 of the toilet the plug (not shown) within the tank 126 of the toilet is removed so that water enters into the toilet bowl allowing the toilet to flush. The device for facilitating flushing includes a lever 130. The lever can be a substantially elongated bar shaped body at the first end 135 opposing a second end 140. The lever can be comprised of material such as wood, corrugated paper, metal, alloy, hard plastic, composites etc. and such materials are well known to those skilled in the art of fabricating toilets. A handle or knob 145 is attached to the first end of the lever. The handle or knob is adapted or configured such that a person can easily grasp the lever. In other embodiments (not shown), no handle or knob is used. Such handles and knobs are well known to those skilled in the art of fabricating toilets and can comprise of similar material to that of the lever. The handle or knob may be fastened to the first end of the lever using glue, fasteners etc.

The pivot mechanism or fulcrum 160 is located between the first end and the second end of the lever. The pivot mechanism is configured such that the lever rotates about the pivot mechanism. In one embodiment, the pivot mechanism comprises a U-shaped body (more fully illustrated in FIG. 2 and further explained below). The pivot mechanism is configured to be attachably coupled to the tank cover. In the present embodiment, a base 165 is coupled to the bottom portion of the pivot mechanism, which can be affixed to the top surface of the tank cover 125 (which is further explained below and illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3).

A hammer head or pushing element 150 is coupled to the second end of the lever. The hammer head or pushing element is configured for pushing the push button on the tank lever downward. The hammer head or pushing element includes a contact surface 155 that interacts with the push button 120 of the tank. In one embodiment, the contact surface is substantially planar, however the pushing service may also have curves or angles. In one embodiment, the second end and/or hammer head may be weighted such that the second end of the lever is biased towards touching the push button. In one embodiment, the hammer head may comprise of metal, ferrous materials, alloys, plastic, corrugated paper, wood, etc. and such materials are well known to those skilled in the art of fabricating toilets. In one embodiment, the hammer head is a somewhat rectangular shaped body that extends perpendicular outward from the longitudinal axis (illustrated as line B in FIG. 1) of the lever such that the contact surface of the hammer head is offset from the longitudinal axis of the lever.

The device is configured such that when in the non-flushing position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the hammer head of the second end of the lever does not move the push button of the tank cover downward if a force below a threshold force acts on the first end of the lever. The device is also configured such that the hammer head of the second end of the lever moves the push button downward if an upward threshold force acts on the first end of the lever. Typically, the threshold force can be applied by the human user using human muscle power. However, if a human user is physically challenged, then a human user may also use other devices to assist in applying the threshold force required to raise the first end of the lever.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, when an upward force acts (illustrated by Line C) on the first end 135 of the lever, it causes the second end 140 of the lever to move downward (in the direction of Line D) due to the pivot mechanism or fulcrum. As the second end of the lever moves outward, the contact surface of the hammer head or pushing element pushes or presses the push button downward, which causes the toilet to flush. The offset feature of the contact service of the hammer head facilitates to push the push button downward in that the contact surface and hammer head can enter into the tank cover that when the push button moves downward.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the pivot mechanism or fulcrum 160 taken along line A of FIG. 1. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pivot mechanism comprises a U-shaped body having a crossing member 225 that spans between a first leg 215 and an opposing second leg 220. In the present embodiment, the crossing member, first leg and second leg are substantially rectangular shaped bodies. Each of the members of the U-shaped body can comprise material such as metal, wood, ceramic, etc. and such materials are well known to those skilled in the art of fabricating toilets. The body of the lever 131 can be held into place within the U-shaped body by a bar 212 having rotatable properties. In the present embodiment, the bar or shaft is an elongated cylindrical shaped bar and spans from the first leg to the second leg upward from and parallel to the crossing member 225. The cylindrical shaped bar may pass through the body of the lever and attach to each of the legs of the U-shaped body using fasteners 211. The configuration of the lever within the U-shaped body is such that the lever may pivot about the pivot mechanism so that the ends of the lever may be moved upwards and downwards when forces cause the pivot mechanism or fulcrum to pivot the lever.

The bottom portion 226 of the U-shaped body may be affixed to a base 165. In the present embodiment, the base is a substantially rectangular planar shaped body having a downward facing surface 205. The base can be affixed to the top surface of the toilet tank cover 125, using a fastener, such as glue, screws, strapped etc. In the present embodiment, suction cups 210 (illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3) coupled to the downward facing surface of the base are used to removably couple the base and pivot mechanism to the tank cover.

FIGS. 3A-3D will be discussed together. FIG. 3A is a top view of the base 165 of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 3B is a side view of a suction cup 210 of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 3C is a side view of a pin 315 for use with the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3D is a side view of a base of the device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, according to another example embodiment. FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate one embodiment of how the present invention can be easily removably attached to the upward facing surface of it can cover. FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate one embodiment of how the device is considered portable. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the base 165 can have a pair of openings 305. In the present embodiment, each of such openings are circular, however other shapes are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Each of the openings are configured for receiving a nipple 310 of a suction cup so that the nipple 310 of the suction cup can be accessed by a user above the upward facing surface 206 of the base. FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a suction cup 210. In the present embodiment, the suction cup comprises a nipple 310 that extends perpendicularly upward from the downward facing surface 325 of the suction cup. The nipple of each suction cup comprises a channel 320 adapted to receive a pin 315. In the present embodiment each channel is circular and adapted to receive a tubular shaped pin. In the present embodiment, the pin is tubular shaped, however other embodiments and shapes, rectangular shaped, hook, shapes, etc. are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In operation, referring to FIG. 3D, a user may secure the base 165 to the upward facing surface of a toilet tank by using suction cups. In the present embodiment, a user will position the suction cups such that each of the suction cups' nipples 310 passes through each of the openings 305. Next, a user will insert pin 215 into each channel 320 of each of the nipples thereby securing each of the suction cups to the base. Next, the base can be affixed to the upward facing surface of a toilet tank. If a user desires to remove the base, a user only has to remove each of the pins 315 from each of the channels of the suction cups in order to remove the base. Next, the user can apply a sufficient amount of force to each of the suction cups to remove the suction cups from the upward facing surface of the toilet tank.

In operation, the device will be affixed to the top portion of a tank cover 125. Before fixing the device, the hammer head of the second end must be positioned such that when the device is in the non-flushing position (as illustrated in FIG. 1) the contact surface 155 of the hammer head will contact the push button of the toilet. In the present embodiment, the base 165, which is affixed to the bottom portion of the pivot mechanism, is removably coupled to the tank cover using the suction cups. In order to couple the base of the pivot mechanism to the tank cover, downward force must be applied so that the suction cups are held in the place.

Next, after the device is positioned such that the contact surface touches the push button of the toilet when in the non-flushing position, if a user desires to flush the toilet, a user will apply an upward force (in the direction of line C), typically using human muscle power, to the first end of the lever 135 or knob 145. This upward force must be greater than the threshold force, which such threshold force is the force required to push the push button downward to cause the toilet to flush. The upward force applied to the first end causes the pivot mechanism to pivot the second end downward and move the hammer head 150 in a downward direction (in the direction of line D). As the hammer head moves downward, the contact surface 155 of the hammer head pushes the push button downward, which causes the toilet to flush. After the upward force is removed from the first end of the lever, the first end of the lever will move downward thereby allowing the second end of the lever to move upward. As the second end of the lever moves upward, the push button may reset to its un-pressed position so that the toilet tank may be refilled and flushed again when necessary.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, comprising:

a lever having a first end and a second end;

a handle coupled to the first end of the lever;

a pivot mechanism located between the first end and the second end such that the lever rotates about the pivot mechanism, wherein the pivot mechanism is configured to be removably coupled to a tank cover of the toilet; and,

a hammer head coupled to the second end of the lever, wherein the hammer head is configured for pushing the push button located on the tank cover.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivot mechanism includes a base having a downward facing surface having at least one suction cup, wherein the at least one suction cup is configured for removably coupling the pivot mechanism to a surface of the tank.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the hammer head is configured such that a contact surface of the hammer head interacts with the push button, and wherein the contact surface of the hammer head is offset from the longitudinal axis of the lever.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that the hammer head of second end of the lever moves the push button of the tank cover downward if a force greater than a threshold upward force acts on the first end of the lever.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that the hammer head of second end of the lever does not move the push button of the tank cover downward if a force less than the threshold force acts on the first end of the lever.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a knob.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a u-shaped body having a first leg, an opposing second leg and a bar spanning from the first leg to the second leg, wherein the bar is configured to pivotally couple the lever to the u-shaped body of the pivot mechanism.

8. A device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, comprising:

a lever having a first end and a second end;

a handle coupled to the first end of the lever;

a pivot mechanism located between the first end and the second end such that the lever rotates about the pivot mechanism, wherein the pivot mechanism is configured to be attachably coupled to a tank cover of the toilet; and,

a hammer head coupled to the second end of the lever, wherein the hammer head is configured such that a contact surface of the hammer head interacts with the push button and is offset from the longitudinal axis of the lever, and wherein the hammer head is configured for pushing the push button located on the tank cover.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a downward facing surface having two suction cups, wherein each suction cup is configured for removably coupling the pivot mechanism to a surface of the tank.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the device is configured such that the hammer head of second end of the lever moves the push button of the tank cover downward if force greater than a threshold upward force acts on the first end of the lever.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is configured such that the hammer head of second end of the lever does not move the push button of the tank cover downward if a force less than the threshold force acts on the first end of the lever.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the threshold force is configured to be applied using human muscle power.

13. A device for facilitating flushing a toilet having a push button, comprising:

a lever having a first end and a second end;

a fulcrum located between the first end and the second end such that the lever rotates about the fulcrum, wherein the fulcrum is configured to be attachably coupled to a tank cover of the toilet; and,

a pushing element coupled to the second end of the lever, wherein the pushing element is configured for moving the push button located on the tank cover downward.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the fulcrum comprises a u-shaped body having a first leg, an opposing second leg and a cylindrical shaped bar spanning from the first leg to the second leg, wherein the cylindrical shaped bar is configured to pivotally couple the lever to the u-shaped body of the fulcrum.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the fulcrum includes a base having a downward facing surface configured for coupling the fulcrum to a surface of the tank.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the pushing element is configured such that it interacts with the push button such that the pushing element of second end of the lever moves the push button of the tank cover downward if a force greater than a threshold upward force acts on the first end of the lever.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the device is configured such that the pushing element of second end of the lever does not move the push button of the tank cover downward if a force less than a threshold force acts on the first end of the lever.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the threshold force is provided by human muscle power.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein a knob is coupled to the first end of the lever.