RECONFIGURABLE FLAPPER ASSEMBLY FOR TOILET FLUSH VALVE

Abstract

A flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flapper assembly may be reconfigurable to work with different sized or configured flush valve bodies. Further, the flapper assembly is configured to avoid the pull chain getting tangled around various components of the flapper assembly. Further yet, the flapper assembly is configured to minimize a spacing between a pivot point/axis about which the seal member may pivot relative to the frame of the flapper assembly and the seal face of the seal member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/649,766, filed May 20, 2024, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to flush valves for toilets and more particularly to the flapper of a flush valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional gravity-operated flush toilets have several basic components. The porcelain or china components include a bowl and a water tank mounted on top of a rear portion of the bowl. The bowl and tank can be separate pieces bolted together to form a two-piece toilet. Other gravity-operated flush toilets are made as a one-piece toilet in which the bowl and tank are made as one continuous integral piece of china.

More importantly, the plumbing components of a gravity-operated flush toilet include a fill valve in the tank which is connected to a water supply line, a drain hole in the bottom of the tank that communicates with the bowl, and a flush valve (also referred to as a flapper valve) that normally closes and seals the drain hole.

Flappers for flush valves are typically formed as a structure having a seal member for sealing the drain hole with the flapper valve rim following flushing. The flapper is often formed of a soft elastomeric material and is hinged relative to the valve body of the flush valve to allow the flapper to be pivotally moved upwardly and away from the drain hole by means of a pull chain that is connected to the flush handle on the outside of the tank. Once the tank sufficiently empties, the flapper then returns to a position where it seals the drain hole of the flush valve body.

Such flush valve flappers are also typically formed to include a ballast structure which is a dome-like or cone-shaped structure that controls the buoyancy of the flapper. The buoyancy of a flapper is an important function because it determines how much or how little water is emptied from the tank upon flushing, thus creating water conservancy issues. The buoyancy of the flapper is determined by how quickly air is allowed to escape from the ballast.

Unfortunately, toilet flush valves come in different sizes. Three typical flush valve sizes are 2″, 3″, and 3.5″ flush valves. The principal differences between these three sizes is that the diameter of the drain hole and associated valve seat provided thereby, the size of the piping associated therewith, and the flow rate of water out of the drain hole. These features are typically smaller for the 2″ flush valve as compared to the 3″ and 3.5″ flush valve. Additionally, the spacing of the center of the drain hole relative to the pivotal connection between the flapper and the valve body may vary.

Due to the differences in sizes, the legs for attaching the flapper to the rest of the flush valve are typically spaced further apart for the 3″ and 3.5″ flush valves than the 2″ flush valve, the diameter of the seal for the 3″ and 3.5″ flush valves is typically larger than the seal for the 2″ flush valve, and the flapper typically requires a larger amount of buoyancy for the 3″ and 3.5″ flush valves to prevent the larger flow of water from overwhelming the flapper and prematurely closing the flush valve. Further, the spacing between the connection of the legs to the valve body and the center of the seal member is often greater for the larger flush valve.

One problem is thus that a single flapper is typically not conducive to being used with different sized flush valves. Further improvements in providing a reconfigurable flapper assembly are desirable.

Further, in some situations, after the toilet has been flushed and the handle has been released, the flapper will remain in an open orientation as the tank has not sufficiently drained to allow for the flapper to seal on the valve body. However, the chain will drop rapidly and can get tangled around various components of the flapper.

A further problem is that the valve seats of the valve bodies may vary in size, shape, and orientation such that for one universal flapper assembly (or kit) to be used with different valve seats, the seal member may need to be pivotal relative to frame of the flapper to properly adjust the seal members orientation to mate with the valve seat in a generally flat orientation. Given the large number of flush valve configurations, the seal member may need to have 15 degrees range of motion.

However, the further the point that serves as the axis of rotation for the flapper is from the sealing face, the harder it is for the flapper to swing in either direction so as to lay flat on the valve seat. If a large moment arm is provided between the seal face of the seal member and the pivotal connection that allows for the pivoting motion of the seal member, abrasion of the seal member and seal face can occur. Further, this can result in binding or the flapper getting stuck on the valve body causing a fast leak failure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure includes new and improved flapper assemblies that rectify one or more deficiencies in the current state of the art.

In one example, a flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flapper assembly may be actuatable by a pull chain that has a first chain link. The first chain link has a length, a width and a thickness. The flapper assembly includes a frame and a chain link connector. The frame defines a pivot axis about which the frame rotates in operation during flushing operations. The frame has an upward opening chain link receiving slot spaced from the pivot axis. The upward opening chain link receiving slot is configured to receive the first chain link therein with at least a portion of the chain link extending out of the chain link receiving slot. The chain link connector is configured to secure the first chain link within the chain link receiving slot.

In one example, the chain link connector is a ring member that extends around a portion of the frame adjacent the chain link receiving slot and through the first chain link.

In one example, a chain tube extends around the pull chain and the first chain link. The chain tube has an axial length that's at least twice that of an axial length of the first chain link.

In one example, the chain tube is sized to maintain the portion of the pull chain within the chain tube in a substantially straight orientation with the first chain link. A portion of the portion of the first chain link extending from the chain link receiving slot being received within the chain tube.

In one example, a width and a thickness of the chain link receiving slot are substantially equal to the width and thickness of the first chain link. This may provide a friction fit between the chain link and the portion of the frame defining the chain link receiving slot.

In one example, the chain link receiving slot is sized and configured to prevent more than plus or minus 15 degrees of pivotal movement of the first chain about an axis that is parallel to the thickness of the first chain link when the chain link is inserted into the chain link receiving slot.

In one example, the chain link receiving slot is sized to have a friction fit with the first chain link.

In one example, a chain tube clip is attachable to the pull chain. The chain tube clip limits axial movement of the chain tube along the pull chain away from the first chain link and frame when assembled thereto.

In another example, flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flush valve has a valve seat. The flapper assembly includes a seal member having a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat and a second side providing a back support face opposite the first side. The flapper assembly includes a frame assembly including a main frame, a seal support body and a pivotal connection arrangement. The main frame is operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet. This may be done by snap connecting to pivot points of the valve body. The seal support body has a seal support flange defining a seal support surface. The seal support surface defining a support plane. The seal member is attachable to the frame assembly with the back support face facing the seal support surface of the seal support flange. The sealing face faces away from the seal support surface.

The pivotal connection arrangement pivotally connects the seal support body to the main frame. The pivotal connection arrangement has a first portion provided by a first arm member of the main frame and a second portion provided by the seal support body. One of the first and second portions is a first pivot pin and the other one of the first and second portions is a first pin receiver. The first pin receiver pivotally receives the first pivot pin to pivotally connect the seal support body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis to the first arm of the main frame. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the support plane. The first pivot pin has an outermost pivot surface positioned closest to the seal member. The outermost pivot surface having an outermost extent that is substantially co-planar with the support plane.

In one example, the outermost extent of the outermost surface is no further than 2 millimeters from the support plane.

In one example, the outermost extent of the outermost surface is positioned coplanar with or on a side of the support plane opposite the sealing face.

In one example, the first arm provides the first pin receiver therein.

In one example, the first arm has a distal end providing an outermost extent of the first arm. The outermost extent of the first arm is positioned on a first side of the support plane. The sealing surface is on the first side of the support plane.

In one example, the seal support body defines an aperture therethrough. The first arm extends through the aperture in the seal support body.

In an example, a flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flush valve has a valve seat provided by a valve body. The flapper assembly has a seal member and a frame assembly. The seal member has a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat and a second side providing a back support face opposite the first side. The frame assembly includes a main frame, a seal support body, and a pivot connection arrangement. The main frame is operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet. The seal support body has a seal support flange defining a seal support surface. The seal support surface defines a support plane. The seal member is attachable to the frame assembly with the back support face facing the seal support surface of the seal support flange and the sealing face facing away from the seal support surface. The pivotal connection arrangement pivotally connects the seal support body to the main frame. The pivotal connection arrangement has a first portion provided by a first arm member of the main frame and a second portion provided by the seal support body. One of the first and second portions is a first pivot pin and the other one of the first and second portions is a first pin receiver. The first pin receiver pivotally receives the first pivot pin to pivotally connect the seal support body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis to the first arm of the main frame. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the support plane. The first arm has a distal end that provides an outermost extent of the first arm. Both the outermost extent of the first arm and the sealing surface are positioned on a same first side of the support plane.

In one example, the seal support body defines an aperture therethrough. The first arm extends through the aperture in the seal support body.

In one example, the outermost extent of the first arm is positioned between the support plane and the sealing surface.

In one example, a gap is formed between the back support face of the seal member and the seal support surface of the seal support flange.

In one example, the pivotal connection arrangement includes a third portion provided by a second arm member of the main frame and a fourth portion provided by the seal support body. One of the third and fourth portions is a second pivot pin and the other one of the third and fourth portions is a second pin receiver. The second pin receiver pivotally receives the second pivot pin to pivotally connect the seal support body for pivotal movement about the pivot axis to the second arm of the main frame. The second arm has a distal end that provides an outermost extent of the second arm. The outermost extent of the second arm is positioned on a same first side of the support plane.

In one example, the first and second pivot pins extend axially away from one another.

In an example, a flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flush valve a valve seat provided by a valve body. The flapper assembly includes a seal member and a frame assembly. The seal member has a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat. The frame assembly includes a main frame which includes a main body and first and second legs. The main frame is operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a seated position and an unseated position. The main body has first, second, third and fourth attachment locations. Each attachment location has an attachment abutment facing away from the pivot axis. The first and second attachment locations are spaced apart a first distance from one another parallel to the pivot axis. The third and fourth attachment locations spaced apart a second distance from one another different than the first distance.

The first leg has a first body portion selectively attachable to the first and third attachment locations and a first pivot lever attached to the first body portion at a first fulcrum. The first pivot lever includes a first lever arm and a first lever abutment. The first pivot lever is configured such that when the first body portion is attached to the first or third attachment location and the first lever arm is moved in a first direction relative to the first fulcrum the first lever abutment disconnects from the attachment abutment of the corresponding one of the first or third attachment locations. The second leg has a second body portion selectively attachable to the second and fourth attachment locations. The second leg has a second pivot lever attached to the second body portion at a second fulcrum. The second pivot lever includes a lever arm and a second lever abutment. The second pivot lever is configured such that when the second body portion is attached to the second or fourth attachment location and the second lever arm is moved in a first direction relative to the second fulcrum the second lever abutment disconnects from the attachment abutment of the corresponding one of the second or fourth attachment locations.

In one example, the first lever arm is located on a first side of the first fulcrum and the first lever abutment is located on a second side of the first fulcrum. As such, when the first lever arm is moved towards the first body portion, the first lever abutment moves away from the first body portion. The second lever arm is located on a first side of the second fulcrum and the second lever abutment is located on a second side of the second fulcrum. As such, when the second lever arm is moved towards the second body portion, the second lever abutment moves away from the second body portion.

In one example, the first lever arm and first lever abutment pivot about the first fulcrum. The second lever arm and the second lever abutment pivot about the second fulcrum.

In one example, the first, second, third and fourth attachment locations each have a leg post defining a polarizing slot extending between first and second ends. The polarizing slot has a polarizing mouth in a side thereof extending between the first and second ends defining a leg post mounting axis. The first leg has a polarizing tab that extends through a corresponding polarizing mouth while the first leg is axially slid along the leg post mounting axis of the leg post of the first or third attachment location while mounting or dismounting the first leg to or from the leg post of the first or third attachment location. The second leg has a polarizing tab that extends through a corresponding polarizing mouth while the second leg is axially slid along the leg post mounting axis of the leg post of the second or fourth attachment location while mounting or dismounting the second leg to or from the leg post of the second or fourth attachment location.

In one example, while mounting the first or second leg to a corresponding leg post of a corresponding attachment location, the polarizing tab of the corresponding first or second leg extends through the polarizing mouth of the corresponding leg post generally perpendicular to the leg post mounting axis of the corresponding leg post.

In one example, the first leg has a first post receiver configured to receive a distal end of the leg post of the first and third attachment locations. The polarizing tab of the first leg is located, at least in part, within the first post receiver. The second leg has a second post receiver configured to receive a distal end of the leg post of the second and fourth attachment locations, the polarizing tab of the second leg being located, at least in part, within the second post receiver.

In one example, the first leg has a first indicator proximate a distal end thereof and the second leg has a second indicator proximate a distal end thereof. The first and second attachment locations have a same first identifier proximate thereto. The third and fourth attachment locations have a same second identifier proximate thereto. The first indicator aligns with the first identifier proximate the first attachment location when the first leg is mounted to the first attachment location. The first indicator aligns with the second identifier proximate the third attachment location when the first leg is mounted to the third attachment location. The second indicator aligns with the first identifier proximate the second attachment location when the second leg is mounted to the second attachment location. The second indicator aligns with the second identifier proximate the fourth attachment location when the second leg is mounted to the fourth attachment location.

In one example, the first indicator includes a cutout region in the first leg that surrounds, at least in part, the corresponding first or second indicator when attached to the corresponding one of the first attachment location or the third attachment location.

In one example, the first indicator includes an arrow that points at the corresponding first or second indicator when the first leg is attached to the corresponding one of the first attachment location or the third attachment location.

In one example, the first body portion, first lever arm, first lever abutment, and first fulcrum are formed from a single, continuous piece of material. In one example, the second body portion, second lever arm, second lever abutment, and second fulcrum are formed from a single, continuous piece of material.

A single, continuous piece of material shall be something such as being molded as a single continuous pour or a component machined from a single piece of material. It should not include separate components independently formed and then secured together.

In one example, the first lever abutment is provided by a hook member. The second lever abutment is provided by a hook member.

In one example, the first and third attachment locations are axially offset from one another a third distance parallel to an offset axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The second and fourth attachment locations are axially offset from one another the third distance parallel to the offset axis.

In one example, the first and second attachment locations are axially offset a same distance from the pivot axis. The third and fourth attachment locations are axially offset a same distance from the pivot axis.

In an example, a flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flush valve has a valve seat. The flapper assembly includes a seal member and a frame assembly. The seal member has a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat. The frame assembly includes a main frame that includes a main body as well as first and second legs. The main frame is operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a seated position and an unseated position. The main body has first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth attachment locations. The first and second attachment locations are spaced apart a first distance from one another parallel to the pivot axis. The third and fourth attachment locations are spaced apart a second distance from one another different than the first distance. The fifth and sixth attachment locations are spaced apart a third distance from one another different than the first and second distances. The first leg has a first body portion selectively attachable to the attachment locations. The second leg has a second body portion selectively attachable to the attachment locations.

In one example, the first and second attachment locations are axially offset a same distance from the pivot axis. The third and fourth attachment locations are axially offset a same distance from the pivot axis.

In one example, the third, fourth, fifth and sixth attachment locations are axially offset a same distance from the pivot axis.

In one example, the first leg has a first attachment clip configured for pivotally connecting to a first pivot post of a valve body having a first dimension and the second leg has a second attachment clip configured for pivotally connecting to a second pivot post of a valve body having a second dimension different than the first dimension.

The first attachment clip may be snap fit or friction fit engageable with the first pivot post and the second attachment clip may be snap fit or friction fit engageable with the second pivot post.

The first attachment clip may have a mouth that is smaller in dimension than the first dimension and the second attachment clip may have a mouth that is smaller in dimension than the second dimension.

In one example, when the first leg is attached to the first attachment location and the second leg is attached to the second attachment location, the first and second attachment clips are aligned to define a first pivot axis. When the first leg is attached to the third attachment location and the second leg is attached to the fourth attachment location, the first and second attachment clips are aligned to define a second pivot axis offset from the first pivot axis.

In an example, a flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet is provided. The flush valve has a valve seat. The flapper assembly includes a seal member and a frame assembly. The seal member has a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat. The frame assembly includes a main frame and first and second legs. The main frame is operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a seated position and an unseated position. The main body has first, second, third, and fourth attachment locations. The first and second attachment locations are spaced apart a first distance from one another parallel to the pivot axis. The third and fourth attachment locations are spaced apart a second distance from one another different than the first distance. The first leg has a first body portion selectively attachable to the attachment locations and a first attachment clip configured for pivotally connecting to a first pivot post of a valve body having a first dimension. The second leg has a second body portion selectively attachable to the attachment locations and a second attachment clip configured for pivotally connecting to a second pivot post of a valve body having a second dimension.

In one example, when the first leg is attached to the first attachment location and the second leg is attached to the second attachment location, the first and second attachment clips are aligned to define a first pivot axis. When the first leg is attached to the third attachment location and the second leg is attached to the fourth attachment location. The first and second attachment clips are aligned to define a second pivot axis offset from the first pivot axis.

In an example, a flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet having a valve body with a valve seat is provided. The flapper assembly includes a frame and a seal member. The frame has a seal support region that includes a generally planar seal support surface having an outer peripheral edge and at least one anti-dishing rib extending away from the seal support surface at tapered orientation such that an outer edge of a distal end of the at least one anti-dishing rib is spaced outward of the outer peripheral edge of the seal support surface. The seal member is attachable to the frame and has a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat and a second side providing a back support face opposite the first side. The back support face faces the seal support region when attached to the frame. The back support face includes a seal support projection that projects in a direction extending away from the sealing face. The seal support projection has a distal end that is located outward of the outer peripheral edge of the seal support surface. Upon deflection of the seal member from a relaxed state towards the frame, the seal support projection will contact the anti-dishing rib.

In one example, the at least one anti-dishing rib includes a plurality of anti-dishing ribs angularly spaced apart forming a segmented annular rib.

In one example, in a relaxed state, the distal end of the seal support projection is positioned on a same side of the seal support surface as the at least one anti-dishing rib.

In one example, the seal support projection has a tapered radially inner surface that gets larger in diameter when moving axially away from the sealing face towards the distal end.

In one example, the seal support projection has a tapered radially outer surface that gets larger in diameter when moving from the distal end towards the sealing face.

In one example, the seal support projection has a tapered radially inner surface that gets larger in diameter when moving axially away from the sealing face towards the distal end. The seal support projection has a tapered radially outer surface that gets larger in diameter when moving from the distal end towards the sealing face. The tapered radially inner surface is more perpendicularly oriented relative to the sealing face than the tapered radially outer surface relative to the sealing face.

In one example, when the seal member is in a relaxed state, the seal support projection is spaced from the frame forming a gap therebetween.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first configuration of a flapper assembly for use with a first sized and configured flush valve body of a toilet;

FIG. 2 illustrates a second configuration of the flapper assembly for use with a second sized and configured flush valve body of a toilet;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective illustrations of the flapper assembly in the configuration of FIG. 1 removed from the flush valve body;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective illustrations of the flapper assembly in the configuration of FIG. 2 removed from the flush valve body;

FIG. 7 is an exploded illustration of a flapper assembly kit that can be configured to cooperate with numerous flush valve body configurations;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a main frame body and legs attached thereto in a one configuration;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the main frame body and legs removed from the main frame body but oriented for another configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the legs and main frame body as illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the main frame body;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are illustrations of a leg that is connectable to the main frame body;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional illustration of the leg attached to the main frame body;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional illustrations showing the pivotal connection arrangement between the main frame body and a seal support body;

FIG. 17 is an exploded cross-sectional illustration of the main frame body and seal support body extending through the pivot connection arrangement;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration showing the pivotal connection arrangement as well as anti-dishing ribs and a seal support projection that inhibit dishing of a seal member;

FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of a pull chain attached to the main frame body;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross-sectional illustrations of the pull chain connected to the main frame body;

FIG. 22 is an a cross-sectional illustration of the main frame body and pull chain with a chain tube removed from the pull chain; and

FIG. 23 includes perspective illustrations of the seal support body and a seal member;

FIG. 24 illustrates a flapper assembly as it begins to seat on a corresponding valve seat and that the seal member may be angled relative to the valve seat such that some sliding action must occur between the valve seat and the seal member to fully seat the seal member on the valve seat;

FIG. 25 is a perspective illustration of the flapper assembly in a further configuration for use with a 3.5″ flush valve

FIG. 26 is a top view illustration of the flapper assembly inf FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of a further configuration of the flapper assembly wherein the legs have different characteristics;

FIG. 28 is a side view illustration of the configuration of FIG. 27 illustrating that the clip portions of the legs align so that the flapper assembly can rotate about a common pivot point;

FIG. 29 is a perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a flush valve body with which embodiments and configurations of the application may work;

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate an alternative frame with an alternative pull chain mounting location; and

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional illustration illustrating an alternative interaction between a buoyancy cone and vent band.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a flapper assembly that can be reconfigured to cooperate with different sized flush valve bodies and/or different configurations of flush valve bodies. As such, the flapper assembly may be in the form of a kit where various parts are used in one configuration while not used in other configurations. Alternatively, it is contemplated that all of the same parts may be used in multiple different configurations but simply rearranged when switching between the configurations. Further yet, in some embodiments, the position of some parts may be changed while some parts are swapped from being used to not being used when switching from one configuration to another.

FIG. 1 illustrates a flapper assembly in a first configuration. When in the first configuration, reference number 100 will be used to represent the flapper assembly. FIG. 2 illustrates the flapper assembly when in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, reference number 102 will be use to represent the flapper assembly. FIG. 25 illustrates a flapper assembly in a third configuration. When in the third configuration, reference number 113 will be used to represent the flapper assembly. FIG. 27 illustrates a flapper assembly in a fourth configuration. When in the fourth configuration, reference number 115 will be used to represent the flapper assembly.

In FIG. 1 the flapper assembly 100 is configured for use with a 2 inch flush valve body 101 having valve seat 103. FIG. 2 illustrates the flapper assembly 102 configured for use with a 3 inch flush valve body 104 having valve seat 105 of a larger dimension than valve seat 103.

In addition to working with different diameter valve seats 103, 105, the different configurations of the flapper assembly can accommodate valve bodies where the spacing of the valve seat from the pivot point to which the flapper assembly is pivotally mounted is different. For example, in FIG. 1, the spacing S1 between the pivot point 109 and a center line 110 is less than a spacing S2 between pivot point 111 and centerline 112.

Finally, the valve seats 103, 105 can have different orientations themselves. As illustrated in FIG. 1, valve seat 103 has a steep angle α1 relative to horizontal while valve seat 105 has a shallower angle α2 relative to horizontal.

Thus, the flapper assembly as described is highly universal such that it can be configured for use in many different flush valve assemblies and for use with many different flush valve bodies.

In both configurations, the flapper assembly 100, 102 is pivotally attached to the corresponding flush valve body 101, 104 such as at pivot points 109, 111. Here, the flapper assembly 100, 102 pivots about the pivot point 109, 111 between an open position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) where water stored within the storage tank of the toilet is released to flush the toilet and closed position (not shown) where the flapper assembly 100, 102 has a valve member 116, 118 thereof in sealing engagement with the corresponding valve seat 103, 105 to prevent water flow.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate flapper assembly 100 removed from the flush valve body 101. The flapper assembly 100 pivots about pivot axis 120 when it is attached to pivot points 109 (also referred to as a pivot posts). In addition to having seal member 116, flapper assembly 100 includes a buoyancy arrangement 122 that is directed at adjusting the buoyancy of the flapper assembly 100.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate flapper assembly 102 removed from the flush valve body 104. The flapper assembly 102 pivots about pivot axis 124 when it is attached to pivot points 111 (also referred to as pivot posts). In addition to seal member 118, flapper assembly 102 includes a buoyancy arrangement 126. As flapper assembly 102 is a larger flapper assembly than flapper assembly 100, this buoyancy arrangement 126 is larger than buoyancy arrangement 122. Thus, when in the first configuration, a different buoyancy arrangement 122 is used than in the second configuration where buoyancy arrangement 126 is used.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate flapper assembly 113 removed from a corresponding flush valve body. This configuration is for a very wide flush valve body and legs 132 spaced S5 apart farther than in either flapper assembly 102 or flapper assembly 104 (e.g. greater than either spacing S3 or S4 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9).

Thus, a kit could have both buoyancy arrangements 122, 126 to increase the number of installations that can be accommodated. Further, while particular buoyancy arrangements 122, 126 are illustrated, which are adjustable to adjust the buoyancy characteristics thereof, other buoyancy arrangements are contemplated.

A frame can be reconfigured to connect to different valve body configurations. The frame will typically carry the seal member and may form part of and/or carry the buoyancy arrangement.

In the illustrated example, a main frame body 130 is provided that is generally used in all configurations. A frame may include a plurality of legs 132 used to pivotally connect the main frame body 130 to the pivot points 109, 111. Further, a frame may include a seal support body 136 that is used to attach, at least in part, the seal member 116, 118, to the rest of the frame.

Further, in some example different legs are provided. As such, FIG. 7, which is an exploded illustration of a contemplated kit 10, illustrates a first set of legs 132, a second set of legs 134 and a third set of legs 137 (notably only one of each set is illustrated in FIG. 7). Legs 134 and 137 are generally larger than legs 132. Legs 137 are typically the largest and are larger than both legs 132 and 134. As legs 134 and 137 are generally just different size and/or shaped legs, the legs will be described in more detail with regard to legs 132 and those features are equally applicable to legs 134. The difference in sizes between different sets of legs 132, 134, 137 can be the length of the legs 132, 134, 137, and/or the size of the clip portion thereof used to secure the legs 132, 134, 137 to corresponding pivot points (e.g. pivot posts).

Typically, the size of the clip portion is larger for larger pivot posts of the corresponding flush valve body with which the flapper assembly is configured to cooperate. Here, the clip portion of legs 132 has the smallest dimension D1, the clip portion of legs 134 has an intermediate dimension D2, and the clip portion of legs 137 has the largest dimension D3.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate flapper assembly 115 removed from a corresponding flush valve body. This configuration is for a flush valve body that has different diameter pivot points. However, the pivot points would be coaxial to still allow for pivotal movement of the flapper assembly 115 between open and closed states. For example, one side of the flush valve body could have a first pivot point having the same diameter as pivot point 109 and the other side of the flush valve body could have a second pivot point having the same diameter D3 as pivot point 111. Thus, the flapper assembly 115 uses different configured legs.

In FIGS. 27 and 28, the flapper assembly 115 includes a first leg in the form of leg 132 and a second leg in the form of leg 137. This configuration is configured to cooperate with flush valve body 301 of FIG. 29. Thus, the legs have different dimensioned clip portions (dimensions D1 and D3) for attaching to different sized pivot points 303 and 305, which have corresponding diameters D1 and D3 (e.g. pivot posts). However, when attached to main frame body 130, the center of the clip portions are coaxial so that the legs 132, 137 of the flapper assembly 115 are permitted to pivot about a common pivot point 139.

While legs 132 and 137 are paired in this flapper assembly, other leg combinations are contemplated, such as legs 132 and 134 or legs 134 and 137.

In general, a first end 133 of the legs 132 is configured to snap engage the pivot points 109, 111, 303, 305 for pivotal movement relative to a pivot axis defined by the pivot points 109, 111, 303, 305. An opposite second end 135 is configured to releasable engage different ones of various attachment locations 140-145 of the main frame body 130 (see e.g. FIGS. 8-11).

The different attachment locations 140-145 are positioned to provide for different lateral spacing S3, S4 between adjacent connected legs 132. This spacing is generally parallel to the pivot axis 120, 124, when assembled. Here, spacing S3 (FIG. 8) is greater than spacing S4 (FIG. 9) as the flapper assembly 100 shown in part in FIG. 9 is configured for a smaller (e.g. 2 inch) flush valve body 101 while flapper assembly 102 has spacing S3 and is configured for a larger (e.g. 3 inch) flush valve body 104.

Not only is the spacings S3, S4 different, various attachment locations 140-145 are offset from one another to adjust for different spacings S1, S2 discussed earlier related to the spacing between the pivot points 109, 111 and centerline 110, 112 of the flapper assembly 100, 102 and corresponding spacing between the pivot points 109, 111 and centerline of the valve seats 103, 105. As illustrated in FIG. 9, attachment locations 140, 141, 144, 145 (the outermost attachment locations) have an offset OF1 from attachment locations 142, 143 (the inner most attachment locations). This offset is parallel to an offset axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis 120, 124. Again, this offsets the centerline 146 of the main frame body 130 different distances from pivot axis 120, 124 depending on the desired configuration.

While FIG. 9 has the legs 132 detached for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that when legs 132 are mounted to attachment locations 142, 143 that the pivot axis 120 will be closer to centerline 146 than when mounted to attachment locations 140, 141, 144, 146.

Again, the system is highly configurable to adjust the spacing between legs 132 as well as to adjust the offset of the connection end 133 of the legs 132 from the centerline 146 of the main frame body 130 so as to accommodate a larger number of flush valve bodies.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 13, 14, each leg 132 includes a body portion 150 configured to attach to the pivot points 109, 111 as well as to the attachment locations 140-145. Again, the leg 132 is removably attachable to the main frame body 130 of the frame so as to allow for reconfiguring the flapper assembly.

Body portion 150, at end 135, includes a post receiver 152 configured to receive a leg posts 153 and particular distal ends 154 thereof of the attachment locations 140-145 (see also FIGS. 10 and 12-14).

A pivot lever 156 is attached to the body portion 150 and acts to secure the leg 132 to a selected leg post 153. The pivot lever 156, in this example, is unitarily formed as a single continuous piece of material with the body portion 150.

The pivot lever 156 is attached to the body portion 150 by a fulcrum 158. In this example, the fulcrum 158 is an upstanding wall segment.

The pivot lever 156 includes a lever arm 160 and a lever abutment 162 on an opposite side of the fulcrum 158 as the lever arm 160.

A user can apply force to the lever arm 160 to disconnect the pivot lever 156 from main frame body 130 and particularly the lever abutment 162 from an attachment abutment 164 of the attachment location 140-145 to which the leg 132 is attached. FIG. 14 illustrates the lever abutment 162 engaged with the attachment abutment 164 to secure leg 132 to the main frame body 130.

To disengage the lever abutment 162 from the attachment abutment 164, a user can apply a force 166 to the lever arm 160 which will cause the lever abutment 162 to move in the direction illustrated by arrow 168 and disengage the attachment abutment 164. Here, force 166 is directed toward the body portion 150 and resulting motion arrow 168 is directed away from the body portion 150. However, opposite configurations are contemplated.

In this example, the lever arm 160 will pivot about the fulcrum 158 in a first angular direction when force 166 is applied and the lever abutment 162 will pivot in the same angular direction.

In this example as the fulcrum 158, lever arm 160, lever abutment 162 and body portion 150 are formed as a single continuous piece of material (e.g. formed by a single molding processes), the wall portion that provides fulcrum 158 will resiliently bend under load 166 causing the reaction motion of the lever attachment 168.

Notably, other arrangements that do not have the one-piece construction are contemplated. However, by using the one-piece construction, internal forces due to the bending action will resiliently return the pivot lever 156 towards its relaxed state such as illustrated in FIG. 13 as well as in FIG. 14 when engaged with the main frame body 130. In some example, the lever abutment 162 may not return entirely back to its relaxed position when in engagement with a leg post 153.

It is contemplated that the lever abutment 162 could be on a same side of the fulcrum 158 as the lever arm 160.

Preferably, a stop member 170 is formed within or forms an internal end of the post receiver 152 so that the leg 132 does not have much if any axial clearance when the lever abutment 162 is engaged with the attachment abutment 164. As illustrated in FIG. 14, distal end 154 of the leg post 153 is abutted against stop member 170.

In a preferred, but not mandatory example, the lever abutment 162 and attachment abutment 164 are configured such that the lever abutment 162 and/or attachment abutment 164 flexes resiliently when a user pushes a leg 132 onto leg post 153 without requiring any user input to lever arm 160. In the illustrated example, both of the lever abutment 162 and the attachment abutment 164 have tapered surfaces that allow for this automatic displacement of the lever abutment 162 when mounting the leg to the leg post 153.

In this example, the lever abutment 162 may be considered to be in the form of a hook extending from fulcrum 158.

To prevent installing leg 132 in an incorrect orientation, or in some examples to prevent inappropriate legs from being attached to incorrect leg posts, a polarity arrangement is provided. In this example, the polarity arrangement includes a polarizing tab 172 that extends upward within the post receiver 152.

The polarizing tab 172 extends into a polarizing slot 174 of the post leg 153. The polarizing slot 174 has a polarizing mouth in a bottom side of the leg post 153. During installation or disassembly, the polarizing tab 172 extends through and slides along the mouth of the polarizing slot 174.

The leg posts 153 define a leg post mounting axis 178 along which the leg 132 slides during mounting and dismounting operations. Here, the polarizing tab 172 extends through the polarizing mouth in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the leg post mounting axis 178.

Thus, when a user configures the leg placement of a pair of legs 132 relative to main frame body 130, the user will attach one leg 132 to the leg post 153 of the selected attachment location 140-145 and attach a second leg 132 to the leg post 153 of a second selected attachment location 140-145.

In this example, the attachment locations 140, 145 form a pair, attachment locations 141, 144 form a pair and attachment locations 142, 143 form a pair, wherein each leg post of the pair of attachment locations are equally spaced outward from a centerline of the main frame body 130.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, to confirm that both legs 132 are attached to the correct leg posts 153, the main frame body 130 has identifiers 180 proximate the attachment locations, with different identifiers for each one of the pairs. In this example, attachment locations 140, 145 have an “X” as the identifier, attachment locations 141, 144 have a “3” as the identifier, and attachment locations 142, 143 have a “2” as the identifier.

The leg 132 includes first and second indicators 182, 184. The first indicator 182 is an arrow on the body portion 150 that points at the identifier of the corresponding attachment location 140-145, when mounted thereto. The second indicator 184 is a cutout region in the leg 132. The cutout region receives the identifier of the corresponding attachment location. Thus, using the indicators 182, 184, the user can quickly confirm that the legs 132 are attached to the main frame body 130 in the correct attachment locations 140-145.

With reference to FIGS. 15-18, As the flapper assembly is configured to mate with numerous differently configured valve seats of a flush valve body, the seal members 116, 118 are pivotally attached relative to main frame body 130. In a particular implementation, the seal support body 136 is pivotally attached to the main frame body 130 to provide, at least in part, the pivotal movement for the seal members 116, 118. This lets the seal members 116, 118 pivot relative to the frame and particularly main frame body 130 and legs 132.

In this example, a pivotal connection arrangement is provided between the main frame body 130 and seal support body 136 with one portion provided by the main frame body 130 and another portion provided by the seal support body 136.

In this example, one of the portions of the pivotal connection arrangement includes pivot pins 186 and the other one of the portions of the pivotal connection arrangement is pin receivers 188. The pin receivers pivotally receive the pivot pins 186 for pivotal movement about a pivot axis 190.

In this example, the pin receivers 188 are provided by the main frame body 130 and particularly axially extending arm members 192 of the main frame body 130.

The pivot pins 186 are provided by the seal support body 136. The pivot pins 186 extend away from one another and the arm members 192 straddle a portion of the seal support body 136 from which the pivot pins 186 extend.

It is beneficial to have the pivoting action of the seal member 118 to be as close to the seal face 194 thereof as possible.

In this example, the seal support body defines a seal support flange 196 that provides a seal support surface 198 that faces towards the seal member 118. The seal support flange 196 is generally annular in this example. The seal support surface 198 can define a support plane. In most instances, the entirety of the seal support surface 198 is coplanar with the seal support plane.

Seal member 118 includes a back support face 200 on an opposite side of the seal member 118 as the seal face 194. The back support face 200 faces the seal support flange 196 and seal support surface 198.

The pivot pin has an outermost pivot surface 202. This pivot surface 202 cooperates with a corresponding pivot surface 204 of the pin receivers 188. In this example, the pivot surface 202 and outermost extent thereof is substantially coplanar with the seal support surface 198 of the seal support flange 196.

In some examples, the outermost extent of the pivot surface 202 may be on a side of the seal support surface 198 opposite the side on which the seal face 194 of the seal member 118 is located. However, being substantially coplanar shall include being within 1 mm of the seal support surface 198 but on this opposite side as the seal face 194.

To allow for this arrangement, in one example, the arm members 192 of the main frame body 130 extend into recesses or apertures 210 formed in or proximate the seal support flange 196.

In one example, a distal end of the arm members 192 that provides an outermost extent 211 of the arm members 192 is positioned on a same side of the seal support surface 198 as the seal member 118. This is illustrated in FIGS. 15-18.

By using this pivotal connection arrangement, the pivot axis 190 about which the seal member 118 pivots relative to the frame is very close to the sealing face 194 of the seal member 118. In some embodiments, the spacing between the pivot axis 190 and the sealing face 194 is less than 0.3 inches and preferably less than 0.25 inches.

This is a significant improvement over prior art designs where a pivot connection is provided by a pin that extends from a top of the seal support body 136 and into a corresponding receiving hole in the main frame body 130. In those arrangements, the spacing can be in excess of one inch, which is more than 4 times the spacing as can be achieved reasonably with the instant arrangement.

In particular, minimizing the offset of the pivot axis from the sealing face reduces damage to the sealing face as the seal member contacts the angled valve seats 103, 105 of the valve bodies 101, 104. In particular, as the flapper moves from an open state to a closed/sealed state, the seal member 118/116 needs to pivot on the pivot axis 190 to have the seal face 194/107 land flat against the valve seat 103, 105. With the wide range of valve seat angles, the seal member may have at least 15 degrees range of motion. However, the further the pivot point/axis is from the sealing face, the harder it is for the components of the flapper assembly to swing in either direction. Further, the seal member rubbing has a larger moment arm to keep the flapper assembly up. As a result, the seal member can experience excess if damage/wear or even get stuck/bind on the valve seat causing a catastrophic failure to components of the flapper assembly. Minimizing the distance, and thus the moment arm, can reduce these risks.

Thus, in this example, the reduction of 4 times the prior art moment arm can significantly improve the durability of the sealing face and operation of the titling action of the flapper assembly.

FIG. 24 illustrates seal member 116 as it begins to seat against valve seat 103 of valve body 101. As illustrated a first portion of the seal member 116 contacts the valve seat 103 before the rest of the seal member 116. Thus, as the flapper assembly 100 continues to close, the seal face 107 of the seal member 116 will slide along the valve seat 103. Thus, damage can occur if significant sliding action is required. However, in the instant configuration, very limited sliding occurs due to the closeness of the pivot axis 190 between the main frame body 130 and seal support body 136 being close to the seal face 107 of seal member 116.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, seal member 118 extends radially outward beyond an outer radial periphery of the seal support body 136 and particularly the seal support flange 196. This is because seal member 118 is sized to mate with a larger diameter valve seat 105. Unfortunately, if the valve seat provides axial forces, illustrated by arrow 220 on the portion of the valve member 118 that is outboard of the seal support body 136, dishing (illustrated by arrow 222) can occur where the valve member 118 unduly bends resulting in either a poor seal with the valve seat 105 or making it more difficult to pull the seal member 118 away from the valve seat of the valve body.

To combat dishing, the seal support body 136 includes a plurality of anti-dishing ribs 226 (see FIG. 23). The anti-dishing ribs 226 of this example form a discontinuous annular anti-dishing rib. In some embodiments, a single anti-dishing rib could be provided and in one example it could be a continuous annular rib.

In this example, the anti-dishing ribs 226, extend away from the seal support flange 196 in a direction extending away from the seal support surface 198. Preferably, the anti-dishing ribs 226 taper radially outward when moving away from the seal support surface 198.

In this example, the anti-dishing ribs 226 are positioned proximate a radially outer peripheral edge 228 of the seal support flange 196. The outer surface 230 of the anti-dishing rib 226 taper radially outward such that an outer peripheral edge 232 of a distal end 234 of the anti-dishing ribs 226 is positioned radially outward further than the outer peripheral edge 228 of the seal support flange 196.

In this example, the entirety of the distal end 234 is positioned radially outward of outer peripheral edge 228.

In this example, the outer peripheral edge is where the seal support surface 198 begins transition from being planar.

The anti-dishing ribs 226 cooperate with a seal support projection 240 (see also FIG. 23) formed as part of the back support face 200 of the seal member 118. Here, if the seal member 118 begins to dish, the seal support projection 240 will contact the anti-dishing ribs 226 and inhibit further flexure of the seal member 118.

In this example, a distal end 242 of the seal support projection 240 is positioned radially outward of the outer peripheral edge 228 of the seal support flange 196. Preferably, but not necessary in all embodiments, the distal end 242 of the seal support projection 240 is positioned radially at or radially inward of peripheral edge 232 of the anti-dishing ribs 226 so that the distal end 242 will contact surface 230 if dishing occurs.

In this example, the seal support projection 240 has a first radially inner tapered surface 246 that increases in diameter when moving away from the seal face 194 toward distal end 242 and a second radially outer tapered surface 248 that increases in diameter when moving away from the distal end 242 and towards the seal face 194.

In the illustrated example, when the seal member 118 is in a relaxed state, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the distal end 242 of the seal support projection 240 is positioned on a same side of the seal support surface 196 as distal end 234 of the anti-dishing rib.

Tapered surface 246 is closer to perpendicular to the seal face 194 than tapered surface 248. This arrangement makes it so that there is more thickness to the seal member 118 on the region of the seal member outboard of the distal end 242 of the seal support projection 240. This increased thickness T1 for the radially outboard region of the seal member 118 also inhibits flexure of the seal member 118 so as to oppose dishing.

In this example, a gap 244 is formed between the back support face 200 of the seal member and the seal support surface 198 when the seal member 118, 116 is in a relaxed state. This gap 244 allows for some limited flexibility in the seal member 118, 116 as it seats with valve seat 103, 105.

A pull chain 250 connects the handle of the toilet to the flapper assembly to transition the flapper assembly to the open position, i.e. to unseat the seal member 116, 118 from the corresponding valve seat 103, 105, when the user pushes the handle of the toilet.

However, the pull chain 250 is not rigid and when the user releases the handle the pull chain 250 can go limp and get wrapped around portions of the flapper assembly or alternatively can get between the seal member 116, 118 and the corresponding valve seat 103, 105. This is particularly true as the pull chain 250 is typically less buoyant than the flapper assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 19-22, the main frame body 130 includes a boss that provides a chain link receiving slot 252 configured to hold a chain link 254 of the pull chain 250 in an upward orientation. This helps prevent any potential wrapping of the pull chain around the flapper assembly. Typically, chain link 254 will be the last link of the pull chain 250, however, the concept can be used in combination with any of the links of the pull chain 250. However, using the last link avoids creating a tail portion of the pull chain 250 which could get tangled in the flapper assembly.

In particular, chain link receiving slot 252 is an upwardly opening slot that is spaced from the pivot axis 120, 124.

A chain link connector 256 secures the chain link 254 of the pull chain 250 within the chain link receiving slot 252. In this example, the chain link connector 256 is in the form of a ring that extends around a portion of the main frame body 130 and through the chain link 254.

The chain link 254 has a width W1, a thickness T2, and a length L1. The corresponding width and thickness of the chain link receiving slot 252 are sized to maintain the chain link 254 in the upright orientation. Preferably, the chain link receiving slot 252 has a height corresponding to length L1 of the chain link 254 such that a portion 260 of the chain link 254 extends out of the chain link receiving slot 252.

In one example, the width and thickness of the chain link receiving slot 252 are sized such that a friction fit engagement is provided between the chain link 254 and the portion of the main frame body 130 that defines chain link receiving slot 252.

Preferably, the chain link receiving slot 252 prevents pivotal movement of the chain link 254 therein to no more than plus or minus 15 degrees about axes parallel to the thickness or parallel to the width when the chain link 254 is inserted into the chain link receiving slot 252.

To further prevent entanglement of the pull chain 250 around portions of the flapper assembly, a chain tube 270 extends around the pull chain 250 and particularly several links 272 adjacent to or connected to link 254. Additionally, one end of the chain tube 270 extends around, at least in part, the portion 260 of chain link 254 that extends out of the chain link receiving slot 252.

The chain tube 270 is sized to the outer diameter of the pull chain 250 to maintain the portion of the pull chain 250 within the chain tube 270 in a substantially straight orientation. It shall be understood that a perfectly straight orientation is not required. Some curvature or bending is acceptable as the intent is to avoid the slack configuration of a normal chain. In other words, it prevents that portion of the pull chain 250 from going slack. Preferably, the length of the chain tube 270 is at least twice the length L1 of chain link 254 such that at least three links are received in the chain tube 270 (i.e. at least two links 272 and portion 260 of chain link 254). More preferably, chain tube 270 surrounds, at a least a portion of, four links and even more preferably five links.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the inner diameter of the chain tube 270 is substantially equal to the width W1 of chain link 254. In some examples, the chain tube 270 may be press fit or otherwise stretched around the links of the portion of the pull chain it surrounds so as to provide further rigidity to that portion of the pull chain 250.

A chain tube clip 280 may be attached to the pull chain 250 to fix the position of the chain tube 270 along the pull chain 250 and in extension over the link 254.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate an alternative pull chain attachment 353 illustrated for first and second configurations of the flapper assembly 300, 302. Here the pull chain attachment is provided by the seal support body 336 rather than the main body 330.

While this embodiment is not illustrated using the boss that provides a chain link receiving slot 252 of FIGS. 19-22, such an arrangement could be incorporated into this alternative pull chain attachment and provided by the seal support body 336.

In this arrangement, link 356 extends through an aperture in the seal support body 336 and extends around the anti-dishing rib 326

In this arrangement, the location of the chain attachment reduces the actuation forces for actuating the flapper assembly. This is done in part by moving the attachment location of the pull chain 350 to the farthest possible location from the pivot axis 320.

Further, strengthening ribbing 351 may provided on a top side of the seal support body 336 to provide increased strength to the seal support body 336 proximate the aperture through which link 356 extends.

FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative buoyancy cone and vent band arrangement. This arrangement can be used in any of the embodiments that use both a buoyancy cone and a vent band and not just the illustrated example.

Here, the buoyancy cone 380 includes radially projecting ribs 382, 384 projecting from an outer surface 386 of the buoyancy cone 380. Preferably, the ribs 382, 384 extend around the entire circumference of the buoyancy cone 380. However, in other embodiments, the ribs 382, 384 could be discontinuous, such as by being provided by a plurality of projections rather than one continuous ring as illustrated.

The ribs 382, 384 radially engage an inner surface 388 of the vent band 390. The ribs 382, 384 reduce the frictional engagement between the outer surface 386 of the buoyancy cone 380 and the inner surface 388 of the vent band 390. This reduces the amount of torque necessary to rotate the vent band 390 relative to the buoyancy cone 380.

In use, the vent band 390 can adjust the venting rate of the buoyancy cone 380. In particular, the user can rotate the vent band 390 about the buoyancy cone 380 to adjust the vent size of the overall assembly and thereby adjust the rate at which buoyancy cone 380 is vented.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. A flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet, the flush valve having a valve seat provided by a valve body, the flapper assembly comprising:

a seal member having a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat and a second side providing a back support face opposite the first side;

a frame assembly including: a) a main frame operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet; b) a seal support body having a seal support flange defining a seal support surface, the seal support surface defining a support plane, the seal member attachable to the frame assembly with the back support face facing the seal support surface of the seal support flange and the sealing face facing away from the seal support surface; and c) a pivotal connection arrangement pivotally connecting the seal support body to the main frame, the pivotal connection arrangement having a first portion provided by a first arm member of the main frame and a second portion provided by the seal support body, wherein one of the first and second portions is a first pivot pin and the other one of the first and second portions is a first pin receiver, the first pin receiver pivotally receiving the first pivot pin to pivotally connect the seal support body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis to the first arm of the main frame, the pivot axis being substantially parallel to the support plane, the first pivot pin having an outermost pivot surface positioned closest to the seal member, the outermost pivot surface having an outermost extent that is substantially co-planar with the support plane.

10. The flapper assembly of claim 9, wherein the outermost extent of the outermost surface is no further than 2 millimeters from the support plane.

11. The flapper assembly of claim 9, wherein:

the outermost extent of the outermost surface is positioned coplanar with or on a side of the support plane opposite the sealing face.

12. The flapper assembly of claim 9, wherein the first arm provides the first pin receiver therein.

13. The flapper assembly of claim 9, wherein the first arm has a distal end providing an outermost extent of the first arm, the outermost extent of the first arm positioned on a first side of the support plane, the sealing surface being on the first side of the support plane.

14. The flapper assembly of claim 9, wherein the seal support body defines an aperture therethrough, the first arm extending through the aperture in the seal support body.

15. A flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet, the flush valve having a valve seat provided by a valve body, the flapper assembly comprising:

a seal member having a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat and a second side providing a back support face opposite the first side;

a frame assembly including: a) a main frame operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet; b) a seal support body having a seal support flange defining a seal support surface, the seal support surface defining a support plane, the seal member attachable to the frame assembly with the back support face facing the seal support surface of the seal support flange and the sealing face facing away from the seal support surface; and c) a pivotal connection arrangement pivotally connecting the seal support body to the main frame, the pivotal connection arrangement having a first portion provided by a first arm member of the main frame and a second portion provided by the seal support body, wherein one of the first and second portions is a first pivot pin and the other one of the first and second portions is a first pin receiver, the first pin receiver pivotally receiving the first pivot pin to pivotally connect the seal support body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis to the first arm of the main frame, the pivot axis being substantially parallel to the support plane, the first arm has a distal end providing an outermost extent of the first arm, both the outermost extent of the first arm and the sealing surface being positioned on a same first side of the support plane.

16. The flapper assembly of claim 15, wherein the seal support body defines an aperture therethrough, the first arm extending through the aperture in the seal support body.

17. The flapper assembly of claim 15, wherein the outermost extent of the first arm is positioned between the support plane and the sealing surface.

18. The flapper assembly of claim 15, wherein a gap is formed between the back support face of the seal member and the seal support surface of the seal support flange.

19. The flapper assembly of claim 15, wherein the pivotal connection arrangement includes a third portion provided by a second arm member of the main frame and a fourth portion provided by the seal support body, wherein one of the third and fourth portions is a second pivot pin and the other one of the third and fourth portions is a second pin receiver, the second pin receiver pivotally receiving the second pivot pin to pivotally connect the seal support body for pivotal movement about the pivot axis to the second arm of the main frame, the second arm has a distal end providing an outermost extent of the second arm, the outermost extent of the second arm being positioned on a same first side of the support plane.

20. The flapper assembly of claim 19, wherein the first and second pivot pins extend axially away from one another.

21. A flapper assembly for a flush valve for a toilet, the flush valve having a valve seat provided by a valve body, the flapper assembly comprising:

a seal member having a first side providing a sealing face configured to seal with the valve seat;

a frame assembly including: a) a main frame operably configured to pivotally attach to the valve body of a toilet for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a seated position and an unseated position, the main frame including: i) a main body having first, second, third and fourth attachment locations, each attachment location having an attachment abutment facing away from the pivot axis, the first and second attachment locations spaced apart a first distance from one another parallel to the pivot axis, the third and fourth attachment locations spaced apart a second distance from one another different than the first distance; ii) a first leg having a first body portion selectively attachable to the first and third attachment locations and a first pivot lever attached to the first body portion at a first fulcrum, the first pivot lever including a first lever arm and a first lever abutment, the first pivot lever is configured such that when the first body portion is attached to the first or third attachment location and the first lever arm is moved in a first direction relative to the first fulcrum the first lever abutment disconnects from the attachment abutment of the corresponding one of the first or third attachment locations; iii) a second leg having a second body portion selectively attachable to the second and fourth attachment locations, the second leg having a second pivot lever attached to the second body portion at a second fulcrum, the second pivot lever including a lever arm and a second lever abutment, the second pivot lever is configured such that when the second body portion is attached to the second or fourth attachment location and the second lever arm is moved in a first direction relative to the second fulcrum the second lever abutment disconnects from the attachment abutment of the corresponding one of the second or fourth attachment locations.

22. The flapper assembly of claim 21, wherein:

the first lever arm is located on a first side of the first fulcrum and the first lever abutment is located on a second side of the first fulcrum such that when the first lever arm is moved towards the first body portion, the first lever abutment moves away from the first body portion; and

the second lever arm is located on a first side of the second fulcrum and the second lever abutment is located on a second side of the second fulcrum such that when the second lever arm is moved towards the second body portion, the second lever abutment moves away from the second body portion.

23. The flapper assembly of claim 21, wherein:

the first lever arm and first lever abutment pivot about the first fulcrum; and

the second lever arm and the second lever abutment pivot about the second fulcrum.

24. The flapper assembly of claim 21, wherein:

the first, second, third and fourth attachment locations each have a leg post defining a polarizing slot extending between first and second ends, the polarizing slot having a polarizing mouth in a side thereof extending between the first and second ends defining a leg post mounting axis;

the first leg has a polarizing tab that extends through a corresponding polarizing mouth while the first leg is axially slid along the leg post mounting axis of the leg post of the first or third attachment location while mounting or dismounting the first leg to or from the leg post of the first or third attachment location;

the second leg has a polarizing tab that extends through a corresponding polarizing mouth while the second leg is axially slid along the leg post mounting axis of the leg post of the second or fourth attachment location while mounting or dismounting the second leg to or from the leg post of the second or fourth attachment location.

25. The flapper assembly of claim 24, wherein while mounting the first or second leg to a corresponding leg post of a corresponding attachment location, the polarizing tab of the corresponding first or second leg extends through the polarizing mouth of the corresponding leg post generally perpendicular to the leg post mounting axis of the corresponding leg post.

26. The flapper assembly of claim 24, wherein:

the first leg has a first post receiver configured to receive a distal end of the leg post of the first and third attachment locations, the polarizing tab of the first leg being located, at least in part, within the first post receiver; and

the second leg has a second post receiver configured to receive a distal end of the leg post of the second and fourth attachment locations, the polarizing tab of the second leg being located, at least in part, within the second post receiver.

27. The flapper assembly of claim 21, wherein the first leg has a first indicator proximate a distal end thereof and the second leg has a second indicator proximate a distal end thereof;

the first and second attachment locations have a same first identifier proximate thereto;

the third and fourth attachment locations have a same second identifier proximate thereto;

the first indicator aligning with the first identifier proximate the first attachment location when the first leg is mounted to the first attachment location, the first indicator aligning with the second identifier proximate the third attachment location when the first leg is mounted to the third attachment location, the second indicator aligning with the first identifier proximate the second attachment location when the second leg is mounted to the second attachment location, the second indicator aligning with the second identifier proximate the fourth attachment location when the second leg is mounted to the fourth attachment location.

28. The flapper assembly of claim 27, wherein the first indicator includes a cutout region in the first leg that surrounds, at least in part, the corresponding first or second indicator when attached to the corresponding one of the first attachment location or the third attachment location.

29-47. (canceled)