Dual flush activation

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10047509-B2
Application number	US-98672911-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 7, 2011
Priority date	Jan 8, 2010
Publication date	Aug 14, 2018
Grant date	Aug 14, 2018

Abstract

Various methods and systems are provided for dual flush activation. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a handle assembly; and a transfer box configured to detachably connect to an actuation control box of the dual flush toilet system. The transfer box is configured to translate a rotational motion of the handle assembly into a linear motion accepted by the actuation control box to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system. In another embodiment, an assembly includes a dual-input actuation control box configured to detachably connect to a rotary handle assembly and a push button assembly. The dual-input transfer box is configured to translate a rotational motion of the rotary handle assembly and a liner motion of the push button assembly into a linear motion to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system.

First claim

Therefore, the following is claimed:

1. A push button converter assembly for a dual flush toilet system, comprising:
a push button assembly; and
a transfer box configured to detachably connect to an actuation control box of the dual flush toilet system, the transfer box configured to translate a linear motion of the push button assembly into a rotational motion accepted by the actuation control box to initiate a flush mode of the dual flush toilet system.

2. The push button converter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the push button assembly is configured to detachably connect to the transfer box.

3. The push button converter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the transfer box comprises:
a linkage assembly in communication with the push button assembly; and
an interconnection shaft connected to the linkage assembly, the interconnection shaft in communication with the actuation control box;
the linkage assembly configured to translate linear motion of the push button assembly into rotational motion of the interconnection shaft that is accepted by the actuation control box.

4. The push button converter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the push button assembly comprises:
a plunger;
a first button in communication with the plunger, the first button configured to extend the plunger to a first position when the first button is depressed, and
a second button in communication with the plunger, the second button configured to extend the plunger to a second position when the first button is depressed.

5. The push button converter assembly of claim 4 , wherein a quick flush of the dual flush toilet system is initiated when the first button is depressed and a full flush of the dual flush toilet system is initiated when the second button is depressed.

6. A method comprising the steps of:
disconnecting an existing push button handle from an actuation control box of a dual flush toilet system;
connecting a transfer box to the actuation control box;
connecting a handle assembly to the transfer box.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the steps of:
removing the existing push button handle from the tank of the toilet; and
installing the handle assembly in the tank of the toilet before connecting the transfer box.

8. A method comprising the steps of:
disconnecting an existing lever handle from an actuation control box of a dual flush toilet system;
connecting a transfer box to the actuation control box;
connecting a push button assembly to the transfer box.

9. An activation control box for a dual flush toilet system, comprising:
a cable anchor comprising a breakaway shoulder and a translation pin; and
an input cam configured to exert a breakaway force on the breakaway shoulder during initial rotation of the input cam and a subsequent translation force on the translation pin during subsequent rotation of the input cam.

10. The activation control box of claim 9 , wherein the input cam comprises an anchor arm including a breakaway point at a first distance from a rotational axis of the input cam and a translation surface at a second distance from the rotational axis, the second distance greater than the first distance.

11. The activation control box of claim 10 , wherein the anchor arm is configured to engage the breakaway shoulder at the breakaway point during the initial rotation of the input cam without engaging the translation pin, and wherein the anchor arm is further configured to engage the translation pin along the translation surface during subsequent rotation of the input cam without engaging the breakaway shoulder.

12. The activation control box of claim 9 , wherein the input cam is further configured to engage with an activation control assembly.

13. The activation control box of claim 12 , wherein the activation control assembly is a push button assembly.

14. The activation control box of claim 13 , wherein the input cam includes a plunger arm that engages with the push button assembly.

15. An actuation control box for a dual flush toilet system, comprising:
a cable anchor; and
a cable including a spherical anchor point connected to the cable anchor, wherein the cable is detachable from the cable anchor when the cable is at a first angle relative to the cable anchor and fastened to the cable anchor when the cable is at a second angle relative to the cable anchor.

16. The actuation control box of claim 15 , further comprising a cam configured to translate the activation motion of an activation assembly into linear motion of the cable anchor.

17. The actuation control box of claim 16 , wherein the activation assembly is a push button assembly.

Assignees

• Schuster Michael J
• Saunders Douglas C
• Stutzman Duston E A
• Danco Inc

Inventors

• Schuster Michael J
• Saunders Douglas C
• Stutzman Duston E A

Classifications

• Y10T29/49716

  Converting · CPC title

• E03D5/09 Primary

  directly by the hand · CPC title

• E03D1/142

  in cisterns with flushing valves · CPC title