Omni configured flapper systems for various flush valve sizes and methods of retrofit

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12428827-B2
Application number	US-202217988397-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 16, 2022
Priority date	Nov 22, 2021
Publication date	Sep 30, 2025
Grant date	Sep 30, 2025

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a flapper system and a flapper system kit that is compatible with both 2″ and 3″ flush valve seats. In some embodiments, the flapper system is configured to enable a user to select either a 2″ or 3″ flush valve seal for the flapper system. In some embodiments, the flapper system includes a pivot that enables sealing of a flat flush valve seat or an angled flush valve seat. In some embodiments, the flapper system includes one or more adjustable window assemblies that control a fluid flowrate within an internal portion of the flapper system to control buoyancy. In some embodiments, the flapper system includes an adaptor that converts a 2″ valve into a 3″ valve.

First claim

We claim:

1. A flapper system comprising:
a flapper main body,
an upper buoyancy dome,
a first lower buoyancy dome, and
one or more mounting arms;
wherein the flapper main body comprises a main body window configured to enable water to pass therethrough.

2. The flapper system of claim 1 ,
wherein the first lower buoyancy dome comprises a lower dome window configured to enable water to pass therethrough.

3. The flapper system of claim 2 ,
wherein the main body window and the lower dome window cooperate with each other to adjust a flowrate of water through both windows.

4. The flapper system of claim 3 ,
wherein the upper buoyancy dome is configured rotate; and
wherein a rotation of the upper buoyancy dome adjusts the flowrate of water through both windows.

5. A flapper system comprising:
a flapper main body,
an upper buoyancy dome,
a first lower buoyancy dome, and
one or more mounting arms;
wherein the flapper main body is configured to be coupled between the upper buoyancy dome and the first lower buoyancy dome when the flapper system is assembled;
wherein the flapper main body comprises a first groove and a second groove;
wherein the first groove is configured to secure a 2 inch flush valve seal to the flapper main body; and
wherein the second groove is configured to secure a 3 inch flush valve seal to the flapper main body.

6. A flapper system comprising:
a flapper main body,
an upper buoyancy dome,
a first lower buoyancy dome, and
one or more mounting arms;
wherein the flapper main body comprises a first groove and a second groove;
wherein the first groove is configured to secure a first flush valve seal to the flapper main body;
wherein the second groove is configured to secure a second flush valve seal to the flapper main body; and
wherein the first flush valve seal is a different size than the second flush valve seal.

7. A flapper system comprising:
a flapper main body,
an upper buoyancy dome,
a first lower buoyancy dome, and
one or more mounting arms;
wherein each of the one or more mounting arms comprise at first fulcrum and a second fulcrum;
wherein the first fulcrum is configured to align a first flush valve seal with a 2 inch flush valve seat to prevent a flow of water out of a cistern.

8. The flapper system of claim 7 ,
wherein the second fulcrum is configured to align a second flush valve seal with a 3 inch flush valve seat to prevent the flow of water out of a cistern.

9. The flapper system of claim 7 ,
wherein the one or more mounting arms are pivotally mounted to the flapper main body on a pivot.

10. The flapper system of claim 9 ,
wherein the pivot is configured to enable the flapper system to seal either a flat valve or an angled valve seat.

11. A flapper system comprising:
a flapper main body,
an upper buoyancy dome,
a first lower buoyancy dome,
a second lower buoyancy dome, and
one or more mounting arms.

12. The flapper system of claim 11 ,
wherein the second lower buoyancy dome is configured to increase a buoyancy of the flapper system greater than the first lower buoyancy dome.

13. The flapper system of claim 11 ,
wherein the second lower buoyancy dome is configured to couple to one or more of the upper buoyancy dome, the flapper main body, and the first lower buoyancy dome.

14. A flapper system comprising:
a flapper main body,
a first fulcrum, and
a second fulcrum;
wherein the first fulcrum is configured to align the flapper main body with a 2 inch flush valve seat when connected to a 2 inch flush valve;
wherein the second fulcrum is configured to align the flapper main body with a 3 inch flush valve seat when connected to a 3 inch flush valve;
wherein the first fulcrum is configured to separably couple to the flapper main body; and
wherein the second fulcrum is configured to separably couple to the first fulcrum.

15. The flapper system of claim 14 ,
wherein the flapper main body comprises an upper buoyancy dome;
wherein the upper buoyancy dome comprises a link fastener; and
wherein the link fastener is located at one or more of a front, a rear, a center, a left side, and a right side of the upper buoyancy dome.

16. The flapper system of claim 15 ,
further comprising a first lower buoyancy dome;
wherein the upper buoyancy dome comprises a protrusion rod;
wherein the flapper main body comprises an open portion configured to enable the protrusion rod to pass therethrough; and
wherein the first lower buoyancy dome is configured to couple to the upper buoyancy dome via the protrusion rod.

17. The flapper system of claim 16 ,
wherein the flapper main body is configured to be coupled between the upper buoyancy dome and the first lower buoyancy dome when the flapper system is assembled.

Assignees

• Fluidmaster

Inventors

• Le Tuan
• Han Joseph
• Wong Leland
• Mcauley Daniel
• Nguyen Jack
• Mcfarland Daniel
• Arkalgud Krishna
• Ton Ben
• Lohde Dan
• Robbins Mike
• Martin William

Classifications

• E03D1/35 Primary

  Flushing valves having buoyancy · CPC title

• E03D1/306 Primary

  with articulated valves · CPC title