CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/756,505, filed Nov. 6, 2018, entitled, “LEVER ASSEMBLY”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND Toilet flush lever assemblies typically include an external flush lever mounted on the outside of the toilet bowl which is acted upon by a user. The external flush lever is typically mechanically connected to an internal lever which moves within the toilet tank upon movement of the external flush lever. The internal lever arm is mechanically connected to a toilet flapper, often by a chain. A toilet flapper acts as a valve to the fluid outlet of a toilet tank, and seals the outlet when the flapper is not actuated by the flush lever arm. When a user pushes the external lever down (usually causing rotational movement about the axis through which it is mounted on the toilet tank) movement is transferred to an internal lever, which engages the chain and lifts the flapper, opening the fluid outlet and permitting the flow of water from the toilet tank into the toilet bowl.
Because the relative orientation between the toilet flush lever assembly and toilet flapper is not standard throughout the industry and among brands, replacement lever arms must either be purpose-built for specific toilet models, or else, they must be adjustable to work with multiple toilets having various differences in relative locations between the flush lever mount and the flapper. Also, because toilet flush levers are used frequently and in moist environments, the assemblies can degrade over time, necessitating early replacement.
Accordingly, there is a need for an easy to install toilet flush lever assembly that can be used with a wide variety of toilet models having toilet tanks of different shapes and sizes. Ideally, such an assembly would be easily retrofitted onto different toilet models, and capable of holding the end of the flapper chain (or similar device) directly over the flapper valve itself, enabling the chain to be pulled straight up to unseat the flapper valve.
Unfortunately, many current designs tend to use large, bulky components positioned within the toilet tank. As these components require space to rotate, they are difficult to position and do not fit all toilet geometries. What is instead desired is a toilet flush lever assembly that occupies a minimal amount of space within the toilet tank, and can be retrofitted into toilet tanks having flush handles on either side of the tank. Additionally, such a retrofit should be very easy for an end user to operate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lever according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of an assembly from one direction according to some embodiments.
FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of an assembly, from an opposite direction according to some embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly showing movement of the system components during operation according to some embodiments.
FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation view of a first assembly.
FIG. 6A is a sectional elevation view of a second assembly installed on a narrow-walled toilet tank according to some embodiments.
FIG. 6B is a sectional elevation view of a second assembly installed on a thick-walled toilet tank according to some embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first post section of the second assembly of the rotatable post according to some embodiments.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sleeve, showing the notches for securing the first portion of the rotatable post according to some embodiments.
FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of the coupling mechanism in the flush handle that adjustably couples to the end of the rotatable post according to some embodiments.
FIG. 9B in another exploded perspective view of the coupling mechanism in the flush handle from an opposite direction according to some embodiments.
FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of the components of the lever housing according to some embodiments.
FIG. 10B is another exploded perspective view of the components of the lever housing from an opposite direction according to some embodiments.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a first assembly of a lever arm assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13B is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13C is a side elevation view corresponding to FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13D is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 13E is a sectional view of the interlocking of the handle, second arm and first arm seen in FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 14A is perspective view of the outer slider of the adjustable length arm seen in FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the inner shaft of the adjustable length arm seen in FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the adjustable length internal lever arm of FIG. 13A with the internal lever arm at maximum length according to some embodiments.
FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the adjustable length internal lever arm of FIG. 12A with the internal lever arm at minimum length according to some embodiments.
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the locking mechanism at the distal end of the second arm seen in FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism at the proximal end of the internal lever arm seen in FIG. 13A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 17A is a top plan view of the assembly used with a left-handed toilet handle according to some embodiments.
FIG. 17B is a top plan view of the assembly used with a right-handed toilet handle according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a second assembly of the present lever arm assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18B is an exploded perspective view of the internal lever arm seen in FIG. 18A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18C is a sectional elevation view of the locking mechanism of FIGS. 18A and 18B in an unlocked position according to some embodiments.
FIG. 18D is a sectional elevation view of the locking mechanism of FIGS. 18A and 18B in a locked position according to some embodiments.
FIG. 19A is a perspective view of another assembly of the locking mechanism of the second arm according to some embodiments.
FIG. 19B is a perspective view of an assembly of the internal arm for use with the locking mechanism of the second arm of FIG. 19A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a third assembly of the present lever arm assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the second arm seen in FIG. 20A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the proximal end of the internal lever arm seen in FIG. 20A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 20D is a sectional view showing the teeth of the internal lever arm of FIG. 20B interconnecting to the teeth of the second arm of FIG. 20C according to some embodiments.
FIG. 21A is a perspective view of another assembly of the second arm according to some embodiments.
FIG. 21B is a perspective view another assembly of the internal lever arm for use with the second arm of FIG. 21A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 21C a sectional elevation view of the lever assembly seen in FIGS. 21A and 21B, showing a connector pin in a lowered, locked position according to some embodiments.
FIG. 21D shows the connector pin of FIG. 21C in a raised unlocked position according to some embodiments.
FIG. 22A shows an alternate embodiment of a left-side mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 22B shows an alternate embodiment of a left-side mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 22C shows an alternate embodiment of a right-front mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 22D shows an alternate embodiment of a right-side mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 22E shows a distal mount of the lever of FIG. 12 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 23A shows a representation of a left-side mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 23B shows a representation of a left-front mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 23C shows a representation of a right-front mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 23D shows a representation of a right-side mount of the lever assembly of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 23E shows a second arm 1 of the lever assembly of FIG. 12 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 23F shows a second arm 2 of the lever assembly of FIG. 12 according to some embodiments.
FIG. 24A shows installed lever assembly of FIG. 12 installed on a left side and right side of a tank according to some embodiments.
FIG. 24B shows installed lever assembly of FIG. 1 installed on a left side and right side of a tank according to some embodiments.
FIG. 25A shows a front view of a tank with the installed lever assemblies of FIG. 24A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 25B shows front views of tanks with the installed lever assemblies of FIG. 24A according to some embodiments.
FIG. 26 shows the various components that may be used to construct a lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 27A shows a first view of a second arm 1 of the lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 27B shows a second view of a second arm 1 of the lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 28 shows a view of a second arm 2 of the lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 29A shows a first view of an internal lever arm of the lever assembly according to some embodiments.
FIG. 29B shows a first view of an internal lever arm of the lever assembly according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some embodiments described solve certain problems related to flush levers. The embodiments of the invention described herein can provide more degrees of freedom for adjustability than any known flush lever. Some embodiments provide the necessary offset and angle/stroke adjustability needed for side mounted toilet tanks, and can solve certain disadvantages of the assemblies of U.S. Pat. No. 9,469,980 and United States Patent Publication No. 2018/0202137 that are described below.
In some embodiments, the lever assembly disclosed herein can solve certain problems related to flush levers. In some embodiments, the lever assembly can provide more degree of freedom than any known flush lever to provide more adjustability for a user. In some embodiments, a first arm and second arm assembly can enable the lever to work in left, right, front, angle, side and other orientations in toilet tanks without losing leverage and stroke length. Some embodiments can function as a true universal lever.
In some embodiments, the left side toilet tank lever can be converted into the right side toilet tank lever in many ways, including, but not limited to, (i) without disassembling first lever arm and second arm 2 with rotating second arm 1 and handle sub assembly, (ii) without disassembling second arm 1 and handle sub assembly by detaching second arm 2 from second arm 1 and attaching second arm 2 to the other side of second arm 1. This provides ease of installation to user.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lever assembly according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more components of the assembly of FIG. 1 can comprise one or more components or assemblies of the lever assemblies of FIGS. 2-11 and/or the lever assemblies of FIGS. 13A-21D which are described in detail in support of the embodiment of FIG. 1. For example, in reference to FIGS. 2-11, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lever assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,469,980 describing a compact toilet flush lever assembly that can operate in a small space within the toilet tank. FIGS. 3A and 3B are exploded perspective views of the assembly taken from opposite directions. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing movement of the present components during flushing operation. In some embodiments, assembly 10 can comprise a handle 12, a handle hub 14, a sleeve 16, a nut 18, a spring housing 20, a spring 22, a rotatable post 24, a lever mount 26, a second arm 27, and a lever 30. In some embodiments, lever housing 25 can include a rotatable portion (being lever mount 26) and a non-rotatable portion (being spring housing 20). In some embodiments, sleeve 16 can pass through the wall of the toilet tank. In some embodiments, components 12, 14 and 18 can be disposed outside of the toilet tank. In some embodiments, components 20 to 40 can be disposed within the toilet tank.
In some embodiments, handle 12 can rotate post 24 which in turn rotates lever mount 26. In some embodiments, lever mount 26 can rotate the axis of post 24. In some embodiments, the distal end of lever arm 30 can be moved up and down (such that a chain or cord 31 attached thereto can lift open a flapper valve 40 in the tank, causing the tank to flush. This is seen in FIG. 4 when a user pushes down on handle 12 (i.e. moving it to the dotted line position). In some embodiments, post 24 can be rotated such that it is lifted (i.e.: moving it to its own dotted line position). In some embodiments, sleeve 16 can remain stationary. In some embodiments, the movement of lever mount 26, second arm 27 and lever 30 together can act as the actuator portion of lever housing 25. In some embodiments, lever arm 30 can be rotatable such that it pivots around an end of second arm 27.
In some embodiments, spring 22 can be received into spring housing 20 (which also remains stationary). In some embodiments, as handle 12 is rotated, post 24 can rotate. In some embodiments, this can tighten spring 22. In some embodiments, spring 22 can resist the rotation of post 24. In some embodiments, when the operator releases handle 12 after a flush, spring 22 can simultaneously rotate handle 12 and lever mount 26 back into their pre-flush positions.
The benefit of using spring 22 or another biasing mechanism as an anti-rotation mechanism in some embodiments is that it can return lever arm 30 quickly back into its pre-flush position without having to rely on gravity. In some embodiments, there is no need to build a heavy counterweight into housing 30 to rotate lever 30 back down into its pre-flush position (e.g.: there is no need to add a weight to second arm 27). In some embodiments, this can reduce the size of the lever mount 26 (resulting in a smaller lever housing 25 with fewer or smaller components in the tank where space is at a premium).
FIG. 5 illustrates details of a first assembly showing that nut 18 is positioned outside of the tank (and is covered by handle hub 14) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, this can advantageously increase the amount of space within the tank, and therefore allows lever mount 26 to be mounted closer to the inside surface of the tank. In some embodiments, placing nut 18 within handle hub 14 can result in a system where nut 18 does not increase the overall length of the assembly.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a second assembly that can be adjustable to different thicknesses of toilet walls according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, post 24 can be a two-part post, having an inner section 24A and an outer section 24B. In some embodiments, section 24A can slide within section 24B to vary the overall length of post 24. In some embodiments, this can advantageously accommodate both thin walled or thick-walled toilet tanks. In some embodiments, section 24A can have ribs 25 and the end of sleeve 16 can have a notch 27 such that when section 24A is pushed down into section 24B, it can slide into the position at which notch 27 snaps into its final position between two ribs 25, thereby holding sections 24A and 24B together within sleeve 16. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inner post section 24A of the second assembly of rotatable post 24 according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of sleeve 16, showing notches 27 for securing the first portion 24A of the rotatable post and the second portion 24B of the rotatable post together according to some embodiments.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate details of how the toilet flush handle 12 can be mounted to the end of rotatable post 24 that is positioned outside of the toilet tank according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, toilet flush handle 12 can include an expandable clip 13A that is received into an insert 13B which is in turn received into the flush handle 12. In some embodiments, clip 13A can be deformed outwardly to pass over the end of rotatable post 24 and is then received (“snapped”) into a groove 29 on the rotatable post. In some embodiments, toilet flush handle 12 can be coupled onto rotatable post 24. In some embodiments, toilet flush handle 12 can produce an audible clicking sound when it is click-fit onto the end of rotatable post 24.
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate details of the workings of the components in lever housing 25 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, lever housing 25 can comprise a non-rotatable portion (spring mount 20) and a rotatable portion lever mount 26. In some embodiments, the rotatable portion (spring mount 26) can rotate together with rotatable post 24 and handle 12. In some embodiments, the non-rotatable portions (spring mount 20 and nut 18) can be positioned against the inside and outside wall surfaces of the toilet tank. In some embodiments, spring 22 can be positioned in spring housing 20 with one end against an internal surface of spring housing 20, and an opposite end against lever mount 26. (Spring housing 20 can be received into lever mount 26.
In some embodiments, spring 22 can move the rotatable portion of the housing with respect to the non-rotatable portion of the housing to rotate the post back to the neutral position. In some embodiments, spring 22 can rotate post 24 back to the neutral position from either direction. In some embodiments, the assemblies can be used on either a left or right-handed toilet (i.e.: a toilet with the flush handle on either the left or right side of the tank). In some embodiments, the rotatable portion 26 of lever housing 25 can be mounted to the end of post 24 by a clip 38 that is received into a groove on the rotatable post.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another assembly in which lever housing 25 instead comprises a cable 35 extending a lever arm 33 mounted on an overflow tube 37 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, cable 35 can lift lever arm 33 when handle 12 is pushed down. In some embodiments, chain 31 can lift flapper 40, initiating a flush.
In some embodiments, FIGS. 13A-21D can include one or more assemblies of an embodiment of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, this assembly can provide a toilet flush lever arm assembly, comprising: (a) an external flush lever arm; (b) a second arm passing through the wall of the toilet tank and connected to the external flush lever arm; and (c) an adjustable length internal lever arm also connected to the second arm. In some embodiments, the second arm can hold the adjustable length internal lever arm at an angle that is adjustable. In some embodiments, toilet flush lever arm assembly 10 can comprise an external flush lever arm 20; a second arm 30 connected to external flush lever arm 20; and an adjustable length internal lever arm 40 connected to second arm 30.
In some embodiments, the adjustable length internal lever arm can comprise: (i) an inner shaft, (ii) a hollow outer slider received onto the inner shaft, and (iii) a locking mechanism to fix the inner shaft at a desired position along the length of the hollow outer slider. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can comprise a projection on the inner shaft that protrudes through one of several apertures on the hollow outer slider.
In some embodiments, the hollow outer slider can remain in a fixed position with the inner shaft being moveable in a distal or proximal direction within the hollow outer slider. In some embodiments, the chain of a flush valve can be connected to the inner shaft. In some embodiments, the inner shaft can remain in a fixed position with the hollow outer slider being moveable in the distal or proximal direction. In some embodiments, the chain of a flush valve can be connected to the hollow outer slider.
In some embodiments, the locking mechanism in the adjustable length internal lever arm can comprise deflectable snaps on the hollow outer slider that can rotate to lock into apertures in the inner shaft. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can be a protrusion on the interior of the hollow outer slider.
In some embodiments, different interlocking teeth can be presented for connecting the second arm to the adjustable length internal lever arm such that the angle of connection can be varied by an operator as desired. In some embodiments, any conventional locking mechanism can be used including, without limitation, frictional engagement, interlocking members, detents and the like.
In some embodiments, advantages can include the adjustability of the length of the internal lever arm (which lifts the chain to unseat the flapper valve), and of the angle at which the internal lever arm can be mounted within the tank. In some embodiments, the internal lever arm can easily be positionable within a wide variety of sizes and shapes of toilet tanks (including front-mount, side-mount, angle-mount and even right-hand-flush toilet lever configurations). In some embodiments, the axially adjustable internal lever arm can include a radially adjustable interlock with the second arm. In some embodiments, it can provide an advantage of positioning the distal end of the internal lever arm directly (or near directly) over the flapper, thus creating a better connection and superior flush lever mechanism. In some embodiments, the axially adjustable internal lever arm can comprise as few as two pieces. Some embodiments comprise an advantage of lower production costs, easier assembly, and increased reliability.
In some embodiments, second arm 30 can pass through a wall of a toilet tank (not shown) and external flush lever arm 20 can rotate around a longitudinal axis 32 passing centrally through second arm 30. In some embodiments, second arm 30 can hold adjustable length internal lever arm 40 at an adjustable angle. In some embodiments, the adjustable angle can be 90 degrees (i.e., the angle between axes 32 and 42), as shown in FIG. 13B. In some embodiments, arm 40 can be rotatable about axis 47. In some embodiments, distal end 43 of the adjustable length internal lever arm 40 can comprise a plurality of apertures 46 for connecting to the chain (not shown) of a toilet flapper assembly.
In some embodiments, the adjustable length internal lever arm 40 can comprise: an inner shaft 50, and a hollow outer slider 52 received onto inner shaft 50, as shown in FIGS. 13D, 14A and 14B. In some embodiments, the length of arm 40 can be adjusted by moving inner shaft 50 back and forth within outer slider 52.
In some embodiments, second arm 30 can include one or more of distal mount 100 having locking arms 105, and a tubular projection 110, as shown in FIG. 13D. In some embodiments, optional nut 120, washer 130, chassis 140 and clip 150 can also be included. In some embodiments, the components of second arm 30 can be snap-fit together with the distal end of chassis 140 held by locking arms 105, and the proximal end of tubular projection 110 being received within handle 20, as shown in FIG. 13E.
In some embodiments, the adjustable length internal lever arm 40 can comprise: an inner shaft 50, a hollow outer slider 52 received onto inner shaft 50, and a locking mechanism to fix the inner shaft 50 at a desired position along within the length of outer slider 52, as shown in FIGS. 13A through 15B. In some embodiments, inner shaft 50 can have a projection 62 thereon. In some embodiments, inner shaft 50 can have a hollow mid-section 51 (FIG. 14B) adjacent to the projection thereon to permit projection 62 to flex inwardly when depressed.
In some embodiments, projection 62 on inner shaft 50 can protrude through one of apertures 65 to fix the hollow outer slider at a desired position along the length of inner shaft 50, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In some embodiments, projection 62 can be positioned to project out of aperture 65A (FIG. 15A), then internal lever arm 40 can be extended to its maximum length. In some embodiments, when projection 62 is positioned to project out of aperture 65B (FIG. 15B), internal lever arm 40 can be reduced to its minimum length. In some embodiments, having more than two apertures 65, intermediate length settings can be provided.
FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an interlocking mechanism between distal mount 100 of second arm 30 (FIG. 16A) and proximal end 41 of outer slider 52 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, distal mount 100 can have an internal ratchet 101 and an external ratchet surface 103. In some embodiments, outer slider 52 can have an internal ratchet surface 53 and external ratchet arms 57. In some embodiments, elements 103 and 57 can mate together and elements 101 and 53 can mate together (when surface 103 is received within arm 57 and surface 53 is received within ratchet elements 101).
FIG. 17A illustrates an installation on a left-handed toilet according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the installer can rotate variable length first arm 40 in a counterclockwise direction about axis 47 to reach a desired position with inner shaft 50 over the flapper valve (not illustrated). FIG. 17B illustrates a right-handed toilet according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the installer can rotate variable length first arm 40 in a clockwise direction about axis 47 to reach a desired position with inner shaft 50 over the flapper valve (not illustrated).
FIGS. 18A to 18D illustrate an alternative assembly of the adjustable length internal lever arm 40 according to some embodiments. Some embodiments comprise a moveable hollow slider 52 with a projection 54 thereon. (Note: FIG. 18B displays two outer sliders 52 rotated such that both ends of the slider 52 can be seen). In some embodiments, slider 52 can have a flange 45 extending therefrom with apertures 46 therein. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can comprise deflectable snaps 55 on the hollow outer slider 52 that can rotate to lock into apertures 56 in inner shaft 50, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D.
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate an alternative assembly of the locking mechanism for securing the position of internal lever arm 40 about axis 47 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, adjustable length internal lever arm 40 and second arm 30 can comprise interlocking connection mechanisms that allow locking and unlocking of adjustable length internal lever 40 arm at different angles about axis 47 with respect to second arm 30. In some embodiments, distal end 33 of second arm 30 can comprise outwardly deflectable teeth 70, and holes 72, as shown in FIG. 19A. In some embodiments, proximal end 41 of inner shaft 50 can comprise outwardly facing teeth 74 and deflectable snaps 76, as shown in FIG. 19B.
In some embodiments, once the preferred angle between second arm 30 and internal lever arm 40 has been set, (i.e.: once the preferred angle about axis 47 and between axes 32 and 43 has been set), teeth 74 of arm 40 can be inserted within outwardly deflectable teeth 70 of second arm 30. In some embodiments, the ends of deflectable snaps 76 can be positioned within holes 72, thus snapping arms 30 and 40 together (thereby holding arms 30 and 40 together at a preferred angle to one another).
FIGS. 20A to 20D illustrate another alternative assembly of the connection mechanisms in which distal end 33 of second arm 30 comprise inwardly facing teeth 80 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, proximal end 41 of internal lever arm 40 can comprise inwardly deflectable teeth 82. In some embodiments, when snapped together, inwardly deflectable teeth 82 can be received within inwardly facing teeth 80 (as shown in FIG. 20D). In some embodiments, an operator can push inwardly deflectable teeth 82 inwardly so that they can move away from inwardly facing teeth 80, as shown in FIG. 20C. In some embodiments, the operator can hold inwardly deflectable teeth 82 inwardly and can rotate adjustable length lever arm 40 to its desired position about axis 47. In some embodiments, when inwardly deflectable teeth 82 are released, they can spring outwardly against inwardly facing teeth 80, locking the position of arm 30 and 40 together.
FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrate another assembly of the connection mechanisms in which distal end 33 of second arm 30 comprises vertically projecting gear teeth 90 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, proximal end 41 of adjustable length lever arm 40 can comprise vertically projecting gear teeth 92. In some embodiments, vertically projecting gear teeth 90 on second arm 30 can mate with vertically projecting gear teeth 92 on adjustable length internal lever arm 40. In some embodiments, locking plug 200 can be provided for holding second arm 30 and lever arm 40 together, as shown in FIGS. 21C and 21D. In some embodiments, to adjust the angle between arms 30 and 40, locking plug 200 can be unseated (FIG. 21D), and the arms can be rotated to a preferred location. In some embodiments, locking plug 200 can be re-seated (FIG. 21C), such that gears 90 and 92 can mesh together and prevent rotation.
In some embodiments, it is to be understood that the connection mechanisms described on the ends of each of arms 30 and 40 can be reversed, and that the present system can encompass any form of connection mechanisms including, but not limited to, ridges, teeth, gears, or snaps.
In some embodiments, view of the lever assembly of FIG. 12 is shown in FIGS. 22A-22D. For example, FIG. 22A shows a representation of a left-side mount of the lever of FIG. 12, and FIG. 22B shows a representation of a left-front mount of the lever of FIG. 12 according to some embodiments. FIG. 22C shows a representation of a right-front mount of the lever of FIG. 12, and FIG. 22D shows a representation of a right-side mount of the lever of FIG. 12, and FIG. 22E shows a distal mount of the lever of FIG. 12 according to some embodiments.
In some embodiments, shown in FIG. 1, and in FIGS. 23A-23F, FIG. 24B, and FIG. 25B, a second arm can be designed as two components such as a second arm 1 and a second arm 2 (see FIGS. 23E and 23F). In some embodiments, an interlocking teeth mechanism can provide first lever arm adjustability. In some embodiments, a second arm 2 can be click fitted or otherwise coupled onto second arm 1 on both sides. In some embodiments, lever rotation stroke can be provided on second arm 1 which works in clockwise and counter clockwise directions.
In some embodiments, second arm 1 and second arm 2 can include a toothed mechanism which allows adjustability and another degree of freedom for user. In some embodiments, the axis of this new degree of freedom can be perpendicular to the axis of chassis, link and handle rotation.
In some embodiments, by flipping second arm 1 and handle sub assembly 180 degrees or by attaching second arm 2 to the other side of second arm 1, the stroke length of the lever can be maintained.
In some embodiments, second arm 1 and second arm 2 can be assembled with teeth gear engagement and snap click fit. In some embodiments, after disengaging snap click and teeth gear, second arm 1 and second arm 2 can rotate 360 degrees.
In some embodiments, second arm 1 can be considered a first component of the second arm and second arm 2 can be considered a second component of the second arm. In some embodiments, the first component, as depicted in FIG. 23E can include a longitudinal member as shown in the vertical direction towards the bottom of FIG. 23E. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member can be a post. In some embodiments, this longitudinal member can be configured to engage the external flush lever arm, as shown in FIG. 13A, item 20. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member can engage the external flush lever arm at a one end. In some embodiments, at the opposite end of the longitudinal member, a receptacle can be positioned. In some embodiments, the receptible can be substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the receptacle can extend in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal member. In some embodiments, the receptacle and the longitudinal member can be separated by a guard. For example, as shown in FIG. 23E, the guard can be circular.
In some embodiments, the second component, as shown in FIG. 23F, can comprise a longitudinal member. This is shown in FIG. 23F extending horizontally. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member can be a post. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member of FIG. 23F can be inserted into or otherwise coupled with the receptacle of the first component. In some embodiments, the first component and second component can be coupled in a perpendicular manner as defined by their respective longitudinal members. In some embodiments, the coupling between the first and second components can be referred to as an interface. In some embodiments, the interface can comprise a slot and key. In some embodiments, the interface can also comprise a gear assembly and snap click fit to couple together the first and second components.
In some embodiments, when the first and second components are coupled together, the second component can rotate axially about an axis defined by the first longitudinal member. In some embodiments, this rotation can be limited to 180 degree adjustments so that the second component essentially mirrors its orientation around the first component. In some embodiments, this functionality can allow the external flush lever arm to transition from a right-side flusher to a left-side flusher and back again.
In some embodiments, the second component can include a circular toothed mechanism positioned away from the longitudinal member, the toothed mechanism can be used to couple the internal lever arm to the second component so that the internal lever arm can be configured to rotate about an axis defined by the toothed mechanism.
Some embodiments can provide a lever stroke in both clockwise and counter clockwise directions. In some embodiments, the rotational stroke can have spring action and a stopper on second arm 1 which can provide a stroke stop or travel limit.
Some embodiments function with a wide range of toilet tanks height and shape. For example, FIG. 24A displays installed lever assembly of FIG. 12 installed on a left side and right side of a tank, and can be compared with FIG. 24B, showing installed lever assembly of FIG. 1 installed on a left side and right side of a tank according to some embodiments. FIG. 25A displays a front view of a tank with the installed lever assemblies of FIG. 24A, and FIG. 25B shows front views of tanks with the installed lever assemblies of FIG. 24B according to some embodiments. FIGS. 24A and 25A illustrate one or more short comings of the structure of FIG. 12 while FIG. 24B and FIG. 25B illustrate improved structures according to some embodiments.
In some embodiments, an interface between second arm 1 and second arm 2 can have pre-defined adjustments. For example, an interface can be a slot and key which allows only 180 degree adjustment.
In some embodiments, a snap click fit between second arm 1 and second arm 2 can have plastic snap locking clip for locking the adjustment instead of metal “C” shaped pins. In some embodiments, the lever assembly can comprise a provision to function with lever assemblies of FIGS. 2-11 and/or the lever assemblies of FIGS. 13A-21D which are described in detail in support of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 26 shows the various components that can be used to construct a lever assembly according to some embodiments. FIG. 26 includes a bill of materials that can be used to construct a lever assembly. The lever assembly can be attached to an external lever (not shown in FIG. 26). The external lever can be attached at a mount chassis (item 10). The mount chassis 10 is inserted into to a nut (item 9), which couples to a cover (item 7) and a spring (item 8).
FIG. 26 shows an arm made up of a first component and second component. The first component may be referred to as the “second arm 1” described in FIG. 23E. The first component may also be referred to as a “short arm” as referenced in FIG. 26 and designated as item 4. The mount chassis 10 is configured to engage a longitudinal member of the short arm 4 as shown in FIG. 26.
FIG. 26 additionally shows the second component, which may be referred to as the “second arm 2” described in FIG. 23F. The second component may also be referred to as a “short arm ratchet” as referenced in FIG. 26 and designated as item 3. The short arm ratchet 3 includes a longitudinal member that engages the short arm 4 at a perpendicular angle.
Also shown in FIG. 26 is an internal lever arm that couples to the short arm ratchet 3. The internal lever arm can comprise a long arm ratchet 2 and a slider 1 that slides into the long arm ratchet 2 in accordance with some embodiments.
FIG. 27A shows a first view of a second arm 1 of the lever assembly according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 27A shows the short arm 4 depicted in FIG. 26 having a longitudinal member pointing downwards and a cylindrically shaped receptacle positioned at an end of the longitudinal member.
FIG. 27B shows a second view of a second arm 1 of the lever assembly according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 27B shows the short arm 4 depicted in FIG. 26 with the longitudinal member pointing upwards and a cylindrically shaped receptacle positioned at an end of the longitudinal member. The view in FIG. 27B shows the cylindrically shaped receptacle positioned underneath the longitudinal member.
FIG. 28 shows a view of a second arm 2 of the lever assembly according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 28 shows the short arm ratchet 3 depicted in FIG. 26 with a longitudinal member pointing towards the left. The short arm ratchet 3 includes a cylindrically shaped receptacle positioned at a perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal member of the short arm ratchet 3. The cylindrically shaped receptacle of the short arm ratchet 3 is configured to engage the internal lever arm described in FIGS. 29A and 29B.
FIG. 29A shows a first view of an internal lever arm of the lever assembly according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 29A shows a long arm ratchet of the internal lever arm, depicted as item 2 in FIG. 26. The long arm ratchet 2 includes a protrusion that engages the cylindrically shaped receptacle of the short arm ratchet 3. FIG. 29A shows the protrusion exposed towards the left-hand side of FIG. 29A. In some embodiments, this protrusion is protected, in part, by a cap.
FIG. 29B shows a first view of an internal lever arm of the lever assembly according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 29B shows the long arm ratchet 2 of the internal lever arm in an inverted view compared to FIG. 29A. The view in FIG. 29B shows the protrusion being hidden underneath the cap.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention 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 description and figures.
