Automatic release flush lever

Abstract

Some embodiments include a toilet flush lever assembly that automatically releases a flush lever arm to stop a flush prior to a user releasing the flush handle. Some embodiments include a handle, a rotatable linkage coupled to the handle, and a flush lever in contact with the rotatable linkage, where rotation of the handle starts the flush. Further, some embodiments include a release mechanism for releasing the flush lever from the rotatable linkage when the handle has been rotated to a pre-determined point of rotation, thereby shutting off the flush.

1 . A lever assembly, comprising:
 (a) a handle;   (b) an actuation mechanism coupled with a first user activation mechanism;   (c) a second activation mechanism configured and arranged to be at least partially actuated by a first user activation mechanism coupled to the actuation mechanism, wherein rotation of the first user activation mechanism causes at least partial movement of the actuation mechanism; and   (d) a release mechanism configured to operate in conjunction with the actuation mechanism to release the second activation mechanism when the handle is positioned to a pre-determined point.   
     
     
         2 . The lever assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism is configured and arranged to release a flush lever prior to a user releasing the handle. 
     
     
         3 . The lever assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a first lost motion function and a second reset mechanism is configured and arranged to reset upon release of the first user activation mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The lever assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on a rotatable, turnable, pivotable or movable linkage which moves a coupled flush lever to a first position and permits the flush lever to move to a second position. 
     
     
         5 . The lever assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one projection extends radially outward from the rotatable linkage. 
     
     
         6 . The lever assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one projection has a curved outer surface that engages the flush lever. 
     
     
         7 . The lever assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the rotatable linkage comprises a ratchet interface between a first elongated member that is configured and arranged to at least partially rotate, turn, pivot, or move together with the handle in opposite directions, and a second elongated member that only rotates in one direction, and wherein the at least one projection is disposed on the first elongated member. 
     
     
         8 . The lever assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second elongated members are coupled together by a ratchet interface. 
     
     
         9 . The lever assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism comprises at least one projection on the rotatable linkage which releases a ratchet interface between the rotatable linkage and the flush lever. 
     
     
         10 . The lever assembly of  claim 9 , wherein one side of the ratchet interface is coupled to the flush lever. 
     
     
         11 . The lever assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the release mechanism comprises:
 a first plate having a first locking lever thereon, and   a second plate having a second locking lever thereon, and wherein the first and second plates move together until the first locking lever disengages the second locking lever, thereby permitting the flush lever arm to move.   
     
     
         12 . The lever assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a housing, wherein the assembly passes through the housing and the housing is disposed within the toilet tank.