By Varying Weight Releasable Latch Patents (Class 4/385)
  • Patent number: 11286655
    Abstract: A universal canister flush valve having a valve body configured to be fixed relative to a toilet tank and having a hollow wall defining an internal flow passage; a guide post coupled to and extending away from the valve body; a float fitted about and configured to slide relative to the guide post between a closed position and an open position, the float having an open top; and an extender that selectively couples to the open top in a first position, in which a first end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, and in a second position, in which a second end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, wherein the extender and float define a first overflow height in the first position and define a second overflow height in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Smith, Billy Jack Ahola, Donald G. Bogenschuetz, Lawrence E. Duwell, Peter W. Swart, Jeffrey T. Laundre, Bradley Strasser, Matthew Krebs, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Scott R. Krebs, Edward F. Malis, Jr., Randy O. Mesun, Eric Derner, Stewart Anthony Schaal
  • Patent number: 8650724
    Abstract: A zipper for luggage or a travel bag may include a slider and a releasable security device to provide access to the bag by authorized persons. The releasable security device may be configured to receive a portion of a locking apparatus, such as a padlock. A portion of the releasable security device may be received within the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: William L. King, Robert Thomas Zielinski
  • Patent number: 5179739
    Abstract: A toilet flushing apparatus designed to prevent excess loss of water that may happen when the flush valve stays open as the inlet valve is putting water into the tank. The initial flushing lifts the flush valve which acts in conjunction with a counter-weight and controller arm attached to the float ball arm. The controller arm supports the float ball and thus allows the intake valve to remain in the closed position until the flush valve has closed completely, at which time the float ball is lowered and water is let in to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas A. Mann
  • Patent number: 4945578
    Abstract: A flush control device for use in a toilet tank of the type containing a standpipe and a flap valve pivotally mounted on the standpipe for closing an outlet in the bottom of the tank includes a cylindrical sleeve for slidable mounting on the standpipe and a bulbous float at the bottom of the sleeve. The float is defined by an upwardly opening first cup integral with the bottom end of the sleeve, and an inverted second cup slidably mounted on the sleeve, so that the buoyancy of the device can be changed. Thus, the water level at which the flap valve closes, and consequently the quantity of water discharged through the outlet can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Jomha, Andrew Lazowski, deceased, by Greg C. Empson, administrator, by Jose Vieira, administrator
  • Patent number: 4624018
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively dispensing either of two different volumes of water from a water closet comprises a mechanism for latching a valving member (e.g. a flapper valve) in a position just short of a threshold position at which it would normally "flip" to its full flush position, and for unlatching such member, after a predetermined quantity of water has flowed from the tank, to allow it to return to its closed (sealing) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: John G. Kurtz