Flush Valve Assembly

Abstract

A flush valve assembly for a siphonic flush toilet, comprising a flush valve body and a flapper cover, wherein the flush valve body is coupled to an overflow tube or is coupled to an overflow tube coupling configured to receive an overflow tube, the flapper cover is configured to rotatably lift off the flush valve inlet at an open angle in a direction towards the overflow tube or the overflow tube coupling, and at least one of the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, and the overflow tube coupling comprises a stop component configured to determine the flapper cover open angle during a flush cycle.

Claims

1. A flush valve assembly for a siphonic flush toilet, comprising a flush valve body extending from a valve inlet to a valve outlet; and a flapper cover configured to enclose and seal the valve inlet between flush cycles, wherein the flapper cover comprises a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face configured to enclose and seal the valve inlet, the flush valve body is coupled to an overflow tube or is coupled to an overflow tube coupling configured to receive an overflow tube, the flapper cover is configured to rotatably lift off the flush valve inlet to allow toilet tank flush water to pass through the valve body to a toilet bowl to perform a flush during the flush cycle, the flapper cover is configured to rotatable lift off the flush valve inlet at an open angle in a direction towards the overflow tube or the overflow tube coupling, and at least one of the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, and the overflow tube coupling comprises a stop component having a stop configured to determine the flapper cover open angle during the flush cycle.

2. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the open angle is determinate of a flush valve open time during the flush cycle, and is determinate of a flush water volume delivered through the valve body during the flush cycle.

3. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises a plurality of stops.

4. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component is adjustable, such that the flapper cover open angle is adjustable.

5. The flush valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the stop component is rotatably or vertically adjustable.

6. The flush valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein the stop component is slidably adjustable.

7. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises a cam shape.

8. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises one or more radial coupling elements configured to prevent rotational movement of the stop component during use.

9. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises one or more vertical coupling elements configured to prevent vertical movement of the stop component during use.

10. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises one or more lateral coupling elements configured to prevent lateral movement of the stop component during use.

11. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flapper cover top face is coupled to the stop component.

12. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the overflow tube coupling is coupled the stop component.

13. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the overflow tube is coupled to the stop component.

14. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises a single molded part configured to couple to the flapper cover top face, to the overflow tube, or to the overflow tube coupling.

15. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises two or more molded parts, wherein a first stop component part is configured to be coupled to the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, or the overflow tube coupling, and a second stop component part is configured to be coupled to the first stop component part.

16. The flush valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first stop component part comprises an annular ring shape, and is configured to couple to the overflow tube or the overflow tube coupling, and the second stop component part comprises the stop.

17. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component comprises a feature configured to prevent an end-user from removing or adjusting it.

18. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop component is configured to be adjustable by an end-user.

19. The flush valve assembly according to claim 1, comprising a set of stop components, wherein each individual stop component of the set is configured to couple to the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, or the overflow tube coupling, and each individual stop component is determinate of the open angle.

20. A flapper cover, an overflow tube, or an overflow tube coupling comprising the stop component according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0007] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show a flush valve assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a flush valve assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C show a flush valve assembly and flush valve assembly components, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4A provides a view of a flush valve assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4B provides views of a stop component and an overflow tube coupling, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4C shows sectional views of a flush valve assembly configured to open at various open angles, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5 provides views of a flush valve assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 provide views of flush valve assemblies, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 provide views of flush valve assemblies, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 11 shows views of a flush valve assembly and flush valve assembly components, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 12 provides views of a flush valve assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 13 shows a view of a stop component, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 14 shows a view of a toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, and FIG. 15C provide views of related stop components, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0021] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show a part of flush valve assembly 100 and flush valve assembly 100, respectively. Flush valve body 101 extends from valve inlet 102 to valve outlet 103. Flush valve inlet 102 is configured to be enclosed and sealed by a flapper cover (not shown) between flush cycles. Assembly 100 is configured to be positioned at a toilet tank interior and to deliver flush water to a toilet bowl during a flush cycle. Overflow tube 106 is coupled to valve body 101 through overflow tube coupling 104. Overflow tube coupling 104 comprises segmented sections 104a, which have raised lips 104b. Stop component 105 comprises annular ring portion 105b, configured to slide over lips 104b and couple to segmented sections 104a. Stop component 105 comprises stop 105a, configured to limit and determine an angle a flapper cover may open (open angle) during a flush cycle. Stop component 105 is shown see-through in FIG. 1B.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows flush valve assembly 200, according to an embodiment. Flush valve assembly comprises flush valve body 201 extending from flush valve inlet 202 to flush valve outlet 203. A flapper cover (not shown) is configured to enclose flush valve inlet 202 between flush cycles, and to rotatably lift off inlet 202 towards overflow tube 206 to initiate a flush cycle. Overflow tube 206 is coupled to overflow tube coupling 204. Stop component 205 comprises a plurality of stops 205a, configured to determine an angle a flapper cover may open during a flush cycle. Stops 205a have an increasing size in a counter-clockwise direction. Stop component 205 may be rotated relative to overflow tube 206 to select a certain stop 205a in order to adjust a flapper cover open angle, and thereby adjust a flush water volume delivered during a flush cycle. Assembly 200 comprises tab-hole features 205b configured to maintain stop component 205 in a desired position.

[0023] FIG. 3A shows flush valve assembly 300, according to an embodiment. Assembly 300 comprises flush valve body 301 having inlet 302 and outlet 303. Valve inlet 302 is shown enclosed and sealed with flapper cover 307. Flapper cover 307 is configured to be lifted off inlet 302 by a chain or lever (not shown) coupled to flapper cover top face 307a, to allow flush water to pass through valve body 301 to a toilet bowl. Flapper cover 307 is configured to rotatably lift towards overflow tube 306 by arms 308 coupled to flapper cover top face 307a. Stop component 305 is coupled to overflow tube coupling 304. Overflow tube 306 is also coupled to overflow tube coupling 304. Stop component 305 comprises a plurality of stops 305a. Stop component 305 has a cam-like or cam shape, such that a certain stop 305a may be selected to adjust a flapper cover open angle in order to adjust a flush volume. Stop component 305 is rotatably adjustable. A cam feature may have a smooth stop surface, or may comprise individual stops 305a as shown.

[0024] FIG. 3B top shows overflow tube coupling 304 and stop component 305, according to some embodiments. Stop component slots 305b are configured to mate with overflow tube coupling ribs 304b, and stop component slots 305c are configured to mate with overflow tube coupling snaps 304c. FIG. 3B bottom shows stop component 305 coupled to overflow tube coupling 304, with stop component 305 in see-through look. Shown are 304b/305b couplings and 304c/305c couplings. Radial couplings 304b/305b are configured to provide radial constraint during use, such that stop component 305 will be rotationally held in place. Vertical couplings 304c/305c are configured to provide vertical restraint, such that stop component 305 will be vertically held in place.

[0025] FIG. 3C provides a view of flush valve assembly 325, according to an embodiment. Flush valve assembly 325 is a variation of flush valve assembly 300, further having stop feature 326 positioned on flapper cover 327 top face 327a. Flapper cover bottom face 327b is configured to enclose and seal flush valve inlet 302 between flush cycles. In some embodiments, a present flush valve assembly may have a stop component positioned on a flapper cover without a stop component positioned on an overflow tube or on an overflow tube coupling. In other embodiment, a flush valve assembly as shown, may have a stop component positioned on both a flapper cover and on an overflow tube or on an overflow tube coupling. Flapper cover 327 is shown in a partially open position, lifted off valve inlet 302 by arms 308, which are coupled to pins 309 on overflow tube 306. Flapper cover 327 is configured to rotatably open towards overflow tube 306.

[0026] FIG. 4A shows flush valve assembly 400, according to an embodiment. Flush valve assembly 400 comprises flush valve body 401 extending from flush valve inlet 402 to flush valve outlet 403. Flapper cover 407 is shown enclosing flush valve inlet 402 between flush cycles. Arms 408 are coupled to flapper cover top face 407a and to pins 409 on overflow tube coupling 404. A chain (not shown) is configured to lift flapper cover 407 towards overflow tube 406 at the start of a flush cycle. Stop component 405 comprises stop 405a, configured to determine an open angle of flush valve cover 407 during a flush cycle. Stop component 405 is vertically adjustable relative to overflow tube coupling 404. Coupling 404 comprises ladder feature (ladder) 430 configured to couple to stop component 405 at an adjustable height.

[0027] FIG. 4B provides view of stop component 405 (left) and overflow tube coupling 404 (right), according to some embodiments. Overflow tube coupling 404 comprises ladder 430 configured to adjustably vertically mate with stop component 405. Stop component 405 comprises rectangle-shaped openings 405b, configured to slide over rectangle-shaped tabs 430b on coupling 404. At a desired height, stop component 405 is to be rotated 90 degrees to lock notches 405c with ribs 430c, so that stop 405a is facing towards flapper cover 407 at a desired height to adjust flapper cover 407 open angle during a flush cycle.

[0028] FIG. 4C shows sectional views of flush valve assembly 400 having stop component 405 positioned at four different heights to provide for four different flapper cover 407 open angles during a flush cycle. Flapper cover 407 comprises bottom face 407b, having annular seal 407s configured to enclose and seal flush valve inlet 402 between flush cycles. At a stop component 405 lowest position, flapper cover 407 is configured to contact stop 405a at a 30 degree open angle. As stop component 405 is vertically adjusted upward on ladder 430 on overflow tube coupling 404, the flush valve open angle increases from 30 degrees to 40 degrees, to 50 degrees, and finally to 60 degrees. A higher flush valve open angle will provide for a larger flush volume delivered during a flush cycle. Visible in these cross-section views are vent 410, which provides for flow communication throughout flush valve body 401, coupling 404, and overflow tube 406.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows views of flush valve assembly 500, according to some embodiments. Flush valve assembly 500 comprises flapper cover 507 having top face 507a coupled to arms 508. Arms 508 are rotationally coupled to pins 509 on overflow tube 506. Flapper cover bottom face 507b comprises annular seal 507s configured to enclose and seal flush valve inlet 502 between flush cycles. Stop component 505 comprises annular ring-shaped carrier 505b adjustably positioned on overflow tube 506 and configured to receive stop 505a. Stop 505a is shown see-through in top and middle views. Bottom view is cross-section. Carrier 505b may be positioned on overflow tube 506 at various vertical positions, and is configured to couple to overflow tube 506 by annular tab 505d/annular notch 506d couplings. Stop 505 is configured to mate with carrier 505b with carrier arms 505c and corresponding slots of stop 505.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows flush valve assembly 600, according to an embodiment. Assembly 600 comprises flapper cover 607 coupled to arms 608, which are rotatably coupled to pins 609 on overflow tube 606. Overflow tube 606 comprises annular slots or notches 606d, configured to adjustably and vertically mate with stop component ring-shaped carrier 605b. Carrier 605b is configured to mate with stop 605a. Stop component 605 is configured to be vertically adjustably positioned on overflow tube 606, in order to adjust flapper cover 607 open angle. Carrier 605b and stop 605a are shown see-through.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows flush valve assembly 700, according to an embodiment. Assembly 700 comprises flapper cover 707, stop component 705, overflow tube 706, and pins 709 positioned on overflow tube 706. Stop component 705 comprises carrier 705b configured to removably couple to stop 705a. Stop component 705 is configured to be adjustably positioned on overflow tube 706 in a clamp-like fashion, wherein once stop 705a is coupled to carrier 705b on overflow tube 706, it is configured to be held (clamped) in place. Stop 705a is shown see-through.

[0032] FIG. 8 provides a view of flush valve assembly 800, according to an embodiment. Flush valve assembly 800 comprises flapper cover 807, stop component 805, overflow tube 806, and pins 809 positioned on overflow tube 806. Stop component 805 comprises annular carrier 805b configured to removably couple to stop 805a. Stop component 805 is configured to be adjustably positioned on overflow tube 806 in a clamp-like fashion. Once stop 805a is coupled to carrier 805b on overflow tube 806, it is configured to be clamped in place. Stop 805a is shown see-through.

[0033] FIG. 9 provides a view of flush valve assembly 900, according to an embodiment. Flush valve assembly 900 comprises flapper cover 907, stop component 905, overflow tube 906, and pins 909 positioned on overflow tube 906. Overflow tube 906 comprises vertical ladder 930 having a series of tabs 930b. Tabs 930b are configured to mate with slots of stop component 905. Accordingly, stop component 905 and stop 905a are vertically adjustable in order to adjust flapper cover 907 open time. Stop component 905 is configured to snap on to tabs 930b at a desired position. Stop component 905 is shown see-through.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a view of flush valve assembly 1000, according to an embodiment. Overflow tube 1006 comprises vertical ladder 1030 having a series of annular tabs 1030b. Stop component 1005 consists of annular ring-shaped carrier 1005b and stop 1005a. Stop 1005a is configured to snap on to tabs 1030b at a desired vertical position. Carrier 1005b is configured to slide onto and couple to stop 1005a. In this way, an end user is prevented from re-positioning or removing stop component 1005. Also shown are flush valve inlet 1002 and pin 1009 positioned on overflow tube 1006.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows a view of flush valve assembly 1100 and components of assembly 1100, according to some embodiments. Assembly 1100 includes an independent stop component selected from 1105e, 1105f, 1105g, and 1105h, configured to provide increasing flapper cover open angles, respectively. Valve body 1101 extends from flush valve inlet 1102 to flush valve outlet 1103. Flapper cover 1107 is shown enclosing flush valve inlet 1102 between flush cycles. Chain 1145 is coupled to flapper cover top face 1107a, and is configured to rotatably lift flapper cover 1107 during a flush cycle towards overflow tube 1106. Chain 1145 is configured to lift flapper cover 1107 as a user manipulates a handle at a toilet tank exterior to initiate a flush cycle. Arms 1108 are coupled to flapper cover top face 1107a and to pins 1109 on overflow tube 1106, and are configured to provide for rotatable lifting and falling of flapper cover 1107.

[0036] Stop components 1105e, 1105f, 1105g, and 1105h are configured to slide onto overflow tube 1106 and couple with pins 1109. Stop component 1105g is shown top right, comprising orifice 1105gm configured to mate with overflow tube 1106, and arms 1105go, configured to mate with pins 1109. Stop component 1105g comprises stop 1105ga. Bottom left and bottom right show flush valve assembly 1100, comprising stop components 1105f and 1105g, respectively. In an example, stop components 1105e, 1105f, 1105g, and 1105h are configured to provide for flapper cover 1107 open angles of 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, and 50 degrees, respectively. A flapper cover open angle is an angle between the flapper cover and the flush valve inlet.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows view of flush valve assembly 1200, according to some embodiments. Flush valve assembly 1200 comprises flush valve body 1201 extending from valve inlet 1202 to valve outlet 1203. Top view shows flapper cover 1207 enclosing inlet 1202. Arms 1208 are coupled to flapper cover top face 1207a and to pins 1209 on overflow tube 1206. Middle and bottom views show flapper cover 1207 rotatably lifted off inlet 1202 towards overflow tube 1206. Flapper cover bottom face 1207b comprises annular seal 1207s, configured to seal and enclose inlet 1202 between flush cycles. Flapper cover top face comprises stop component 1205, comprising stop 1205a, slidable bar 1205b, and arms 1205c. Bar 1205b is configured to slide within arms 1205c to adjust a vertical position stop 1205a contacts overflow tube 1206 to determine flapper cover 1207 open angle during a flush cycle (slidably adjustable). The position of bar 1205b in the bottom view provides a larger open angle than in the middle view. For instance, the middle view provides for about a 30 degree open angle, and the bottom view provides for about a 45 degree open angle. Bar 1205b and arms 1205c may comprise a locking feature, for example a pin/hole or a snap feature, to maintain a certain lateral position.

[0038] FIG. 13 provides a view of stop component 1305 positioned on overflow tube 1306, according to an embodiment. Stop component 1305 may for example comprise a cam stop feature similar to 305 molded thereon. To fix a position of a stop (not shown), stop component 1305 is configured to slide onto overflow tube 1306, and locking ring 1345, is configured to lock it in place.

[0039] FIG. 14 shows toilet assembly 1455, according to an embodiment. Toilet assembly 1455 comprises toilet bowl 1456 and toilet tank 1457 positioned towards a rear of bowl 1456. Flush valve assembly 1400 and refill valve 1458 are positioned inside tank 1457. Assembly 1455 is shown between flush cycles, with flush water present in tank 1457 and a sanitary water seal in bowl 1456.

[0040] FIG. 15A shows views of stop component 1505A, according to an embodiment. Stop component 1505A comprises stop 1505a, configured to limit and determine an open angle of flapper cover 1507. Stop component 1505A comprises separate parts 1505c and 1505d, configured to snap together about overflow tube 1506 and around pin 1509. The horizontal arrows in FIG. 15A, top, illustrate snapping together parts 1505c and 1505d over overflow tube 1506. Arms 1508 are coupled to a top face of flapper cover 1507 and are rotatably coupled to pins 1509.

[0041] FIG. 15B shows views of stop component 1505B, according to an embodiment. Stop component 1505B is a single unitary construct and comprises stop 1505a. Stop component 1505B is configured to slide over a top end of overflow tube 1506 and arms 1505g are configured to snap onto pins 1509. FIG. 15C shows views of stop component 1505C, according to an embodiment. Stop component 1505C, comprising stop 1505a, is configured to slide over overflow tube 1505, and to be fixed to a flush valve assembly with parts 1505w. Stop component 1505C may be fixed to the flush valve assembly with parts 1505w with for example adhesive bonding of plastic welding.

[0042] In other embodiments, a stop component may be positioned on an arm or arms coupled to a flapper cover top face. As a flapper cover is rotatably lifted towards an overflow tube or an overflow tube coupling, a stop of a stop component positioned on the arm or arms is configured to contact the overflow tube or overflow tube coupling to determine a valve open angle. Such a stop component may comprise a bar coupled to a first arm and to a second arm.

[0043] In some embodiments, a flush valve assembly inlet is configured to be sealed and enclosed by a flapper cover between flush cycles. A flush cycle may be configured to be initiated by a user manipulating a handle or lever positioned at a toilet tank exterior, thereby causing a flapper cover to lift to open the valve and allow toilet tank water to pass through the valve to a bowl to flush the bowl of its contents. Flush water delivered to a bowl will pass through a trapway coupled to a bowl sump area to a waste sewage line. A present flush valve assembly may be configured to be positioned at a toilet tank interior. A flush valve assembly may comprise a flush valve body having an inlet and an outlet.

[0044] After a toilet bowl has been cleared of contents through a siphon action, a flapper cover is lowered to close the flush valve towards the end of a flush cycle. Tank water has fallen to a point (generally above a flush valve inlet), to trigger a toilet tank refill valve to open to refill the tank with fresh water and also deliver fresh water to a toilet sump area (generally through an overflow tube) to re-form a sanitary water seal. A refill valve may have a float configured to rise and close the valve at a pre-determined set point, thereby ending a flush cycle. The toilet assembly is now ready for another flush cycle.

[0045] A flush valve body extends from a valve inlet to a valve outlet. As a flapper cover is lifted off a valve inlet, toilet tank flush water will pass through the valve body to a toilet bowl to flush the bowl of its contents. Flush water may pass through one or more rim outlets positioned at a bowl upper perimeter, as well as a jet outlet positioned in a bowl sump area, and configured to initiate a siphon action. A flush valve body is configured to be in flow communication with an overflow tube, for example through a vent coupled to an overflow tube or to an overflow tube coupling.

[0046] A flapper cover top face may be coupled to a chain or lever, configured to lift the flapper cover from a valve inlet when an end-user manipulates a handle, button, or lever positioned at a tank exterior. The flapper cover is configured to rotatably lift towards an overflow tube or overflow tube coupling at an angle, termed open angle. The open angle is the angle between the flapper cover and the valve body inlet. A flapper cover bottom face is configured to enclose and seal a flush valve inlet between flush cycles. A flapper cover bottom face may comprise an annular seal, which may comprise a flexible thermoplastic, for example an elastomer or silicone.

[0047] A present flush valve assembly comprises a stop component comprising one or more stops, which are features configured to contact an overflow tube or overflow tube coupling as the flapper cover is lifted. A stop component is configured to limit or determine a flapper cover open angle. A flapper cover open angle may determine a flush valve open time, and a volume of flush water delivered to a bowl during a flush cycle (flush volume).

[0048] In some embodiments, a stop component may comprise a single stop feature, or stop, configured to face toward a flapper cover. In other embodiments, a stop component may comprise a plurality of stops, wherein each stop, when facing a flapper cover, is configured to provide for a certain open angle. A stop component having a plurality of stops may be rotatably adjustable. An example of a rotatably adjustable stop component is a cam-shaped component as shown in the figures. A stop component may comprise a single stop, and may be vertically adjustable to provide for different open angles, for example where a stop component may be positioned on an overflow tube or overflow tube coupling at varying vertical positions, also as shown in the examples. In other embodiments, a stop component may be slidably adjustable to adjust the open angle, again as shown in the figures.

[0049] In some embodiments, a stop component may comprise a single molded part configured to couple to a flapper cover top face, an overflow tube, or an overflow tube coupling. In other embodiments, a stop component may comprise two or more molded parts configured to couple together and to couple to a flush valve assembly. In some embodiments, a stop component may comprise a first stop component part configured to be coupled to a flapper cover top face, to an overflow tube, or to an overflow tube coupling, and a second stop component part configured to couple to the first stop component part.

[0050] In some embodiments, a stop component may comprise one or more mating or coupling features configured to mate or couple with corresponding features of a flapper cover top face, an overflow tube, or an overflow tube coupling. Features may include ribs/slots, pins/holes, extensions/notches, etc. Couplings formed may be configured to prevent radial movement, vertical movement, or lateral movement of a stop component or a stop component feature during use. In some embodiments, a first stop component part or a second stop component part may be configured to lock the other of the second stop component part or the first stop component part in place on a valve assembly, such that it may not be tampered with by an end-user.

[0051] In some embodiments, a stop component, and thereby and open angle, may be set during manufacturing and designed not to be adjusted by an end-user. In other embodiments, a stop component may be designed to be adjusted by an end user.

[0052] In some embodiments, also as shown in the figures, a modular assembly of various stop components may be provided and configured to be coupled to a flush valve assembly. Choice of a single stop component of a modular set of stop components will provide for a specific open angle. For example, a modular set of stop components may be designed to be coupled to an overflow tube, and may comprise 5 different stop components, configured to provide for instance open angles of about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, and about 50 degrees, respectively.

[0053] In some embodiments, an open angle may be adjusted to any of from about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, or about 45 degrees, to any of about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, or more.

[0054] In some embodiments, a flapper cover assembly may comprise a float or bulb coupled to the flapper cover, or may comprise a float coupled to a chain or lever coupled to a flapper cover top surface. A float may be configured to maintain a flapper cover in an open position for a desired open time during a flush cycle. In some embodiments, a float as part of a flapper cover assembly or chain assembly, together with a present stop component, may provide for an optimal flapper cover open angle and open time in order to provide a powerful flush at a desired (low) flush volume.

[0055] In some embodiments, a flush volume configured to be delivered by a flush valve during a flush cycle may be from any of about 0.70 gal (gallons), about 0.75 gal, about 0.80 gal, about 0.85 gal, about 0.90 gal, or about 0.95 gal, to any of about 1.00 gal, about 1.05 gal, about 1.10 gal, about 1.15 gal, about 1.20 gal, about 1.25 gal, about 1.30 gal, or more.

[0056] In some embodiments, a flush valve body, an overflow tube, or an overflow tube coupling may comprise a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics may include a polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, a polystyrene, mixtures thereof, or copolymers thereof. Thermoplastics may include engineering thermoplastics, Engineering thermoplastics include for example polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polysulfones (PSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polyphenylene oxides (PPO), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyphenylenesulfones (PPSU), polyether ether ketones (PEEK), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphthalamides (PPA), polyacetals, copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. Polyamides include nylon and polyphthalamide (PPA). Polyacetals include polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer may comprise a glass-filled thermoplastic. Parts comprising a thermoplastic may be prepared via a molding process, for example injection molding.

[0057] In some embodiments, a toilet assembly employing a flush valve assembly described herein may employ a larger amount of tank water than typically used, in order to provide a high head water pressure. A flush valve assembly as described herein may be configured to have a smaller open angle than a typical flapper cover, providing a smaller valve open time and a lower flush water consumption. A high head pressure will provide for a powerful flush at a lower flush volume.

[0058] An object of the invention is to limit (reduce) a flush valve open angle, in order to limit (reduce) a valve open time, in order to reduce a flush volume, while maintaining a powerful flush.

[0059] Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

[0060] In a first embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly for a siphonic flush toilet, comprising a flush valve body extending from a valve inlet to a valve outlet; and a flapper cover configured to enclose and seal the valve inlet between flush cycles, wherein the flapper cover comprises a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face configured to enclose and seal the valve inlet between flush cycles, the flush valve body is coupled to an overflow tube or is coupled to an overflow tube coupling configured to receive an overflow tube, the flapper cover is configured to rotatably lift off the flush valve inlet to allow toilet tank flush water to pass through the valve body to a toilet bowl to perform a flush during a flush cycle, the flapper cover is configured to rotatable lift off the flush valve inlet at an open angle in a direction towards the overflow tube or the overflow tube coupling, and at least one of the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, and the overflow tube coupling comprises a stop component configured to determine the flapper cover open angle during the flush cycle.

[0061] In a second embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the open angle is determinate of a flush valve open time during the flush cycle. In a third embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the open angle is determinate of a flush water volume delivered through the valve body during the flush cycle.

[0062] In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises a stop configured to determine the flapper cover open angle during the flush cycle. In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises a plurality of stops.

[0063] In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component is adjustable, such that the flapper cover open angle is adjustable. In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component is rotatably adjustable, such that the flapper cover open angle is adjustable. In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component is vertically adjustable, such that the flapper cover open angle is adjustable. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component is slidably adjustable, such that the flapper cover open angle is adjustable. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises a cam shape.

[0064] In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises one or more radial coupling elements configured to prevent rotational movement of the stop component during use. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises one or more vertical coupling elements configured to prevent vertical movement of the stop component during use. In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises one or more lateral coupling elements configured to prevent lateral movement of the stop component during use.

[0065] In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flapper cover top face is coupled to the stop component. In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the overflow tube coupling is coupled the stop component. In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the overflow tube is coupled to the stop component.

[0066] In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises a single molded part configured to couple to the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, or the overflow tube coupling. In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according any of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the stop component comprises two or more molded parts, wherein a first stop component part is configured to be coupled the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, or the overflow tube coupling, and a second stop component part is configured to be coupled to the first stop component part. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to embodiment 18, wherein the first stop component part comprises an annular ring shape, and is configured to couple to the overflow tube or the overflow tube coupling, and the second stop component part comprises a stop.

[0067] In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stop component comprises a feature configured to prevent an end-user from removing or adjusting it. In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the stop component is configured to be adjustable by an end-user.

[0068] In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a flush valve assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a set of stop components, wherein each individual stop component of the set is configured to couple to the flapper cover top face, the overflow tube, or the overflow tube coupling, and each individual stop component is determinate of the open angle.

[0069] In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a stop component according to any of the preceding embodiments. In a twenty-fourth embodiment, disclosed is a flapper cover comprising a stop component according to embodiment 23. In a twenty-fifth embodiment, disclosed is an overflow tube comprising a stop component according to embodiment 23. In a twenty-sixth embodiment, disclosed is an overflow tube coupling comprising a stop component according to embodiment 23.

[0070] The term flow communication or fluid communication means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there through and may be synonymous with fluidly coupled. The terms upstream and downstream indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0071] The terms coupled or connected may mean that an element is attached to or associated with another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. Coupled or connected may also mean permanently coupled or removably coupled. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term via in reference to via an element may mean through or by an element. Coupled or connected or associated with may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they go together in that one may function together with the other.

[0072] The term towards in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example towards a center means closer to a center than to an edge.

[0073] The term like means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance ring-like means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[0074] The articles a and an herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term about used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, about may mean the numeric value may be modified by 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10%. All numeric values are modified by the term about whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term about include the specific identified value. For example about 5.0 includes 5.0.

[0075] The term substantially is similar to about in that the defined term may vary from for example by 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% of the definition; for example the term substantially perpendicular may mean the 90 perpendicular angle may mean about 90. The term generally may be equivalent to substantially.

[0076] Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[0077] Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.