Patent Publication Number: US-8122526-B2

Title: Adjustable universal flapper

Description:
The present invention generally relates to flapper-type valve closures for toilet tanks and is more particularly directed to an adjustable time control flapper. 
     Typical prior art flappers are formed from an elastomer and have a hinge action and a flat sealing area surrounding a hollow buoyancy chamber. 
     The valves are operated by a chain and once open remain open until a liquid level in the tank drops to a level approximately that of the buoyant chamber. At that point, the valve drops with the falling water level until the sealing ring contacts the water tank outlet. 
     These valves are reliable and are useful, however, provide a minimal control over the volume of water dispensed from the tank. 
     In view of the fact that water is becoming a precious resource, it is desirable that as little as water is wasted during operation of the toilet. 
     A present invention enables the preselection of water dispensed during a toilet flush. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A toilet flush flapper valve in accordance with the present invention generally includes a flapper and a ballast having a vent hole for enabling air to escape the ballast. The ballast is rotationally fixed to the flapper which enables positioning of the vent hole which, in turn, controls the buoyancy of the ballast in order to control closing time of the flapper. 
     More particularly, the present invention includes a coupling member for rotatably fixing the ballast to the flapper. The coupling member includes a plurality of peripheral lugs for engaging the ballast and enabling stepwise rotation of the ballast with respect to the coupling member and flapper. 
     The flapper is provided with a hinge element extending therefrom which causes angular displacement of the ballast during water submersion of the ballast. In addition, the flapper may include a depending center shaft for attaching the coupling member thereto and a seal member is preferably disposed between the coupling member and a flapper and held against the flapper by the coupling member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention may be more readily understood by consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a toilet flush flapper valve in accordance with the present invention generally showing a flapper, a seal member, coupling member, and a ballast; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view illustrating operation of the valve with a ballast vent hole positioned for fastest closure; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating operation of the valve with the ballast vent hole positioned for slowest closure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a toilet flush flapper valve  10  in accordance with the present invention which generally includes a flapper  12 , a coupling member  16  for locking a silicone seal  18  against the flapper  12  and a ballast  20  with strengthening ribs  22 . 
     The coupling member  16  rotatably fixes the ballast with respect to the flapper  12  and coupling member  16 . The coupling member  16  is fixed to the flapper  12  by means of a depending center shaft  24 . A hinge element  28 , extending from the flapper  12  causes angular displacement of the ballast  20  upon submersion water as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . This hinge element is preferred hinge  30  mounted to a toilet standpipe  32  enabling closure of the flapper in a valve seat  34  in a convention manner. A bottom opening  36  in the ballast  20  enables water flow therepast and a vent hole  38  enables air to escape from the ballast  20 . 
     A plurality of peripheral lugs  40  on the coupling member  16  are provided for engaging slots  44  in the ballast  20  with rotation of the ballast  20  changing the location of the vent hole  38  located proximate a top  48  of the ballast  20 . The vent hole  38  permits air to escape from the ballast  20  and this changes the overall buoyancy of the flapper  12  attached thereto. When vent hole  38  (which may be ¼ inch) is locked into a front most position as shown in  FIG. 3  the flapper  12  closes faster. When the vent hole is locked into a rear most position as shown in  FIG. 4 , the flapper  12  closes slower. Thus, positioning the vent hole with respect to the flapper  12  permits the user to adjust the flapper  12  to work with a toilet to release a desired amount of water. A chain  58  attached proximate the flapper front  52  enables opening of the flapper  12  in a convention manner. 
     Although there has been hereinabove described a specific adjustable universal flapper in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the recited elements. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.