US20240218651A1 - Flush toilet - Google Patents
Flush toilet Download PDFInfo
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- US20240218651A1 US20240218651A1 US18/609,959 US202418609959A US2024218651A1 US 20240218651 A1 US20240218651 A1 US 20240218651A1 US 202418609959 A US202418609959 A US 202418609959A US 2024218651 A1 US2024218651 A1 US 2024218651A1
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- toilet
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 56
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
- E03D11/08—Bowls with means producing a flushing water swirl
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/13—Parts or details of bowls; Special adaptations of pipe joints or couplings for use with bowls, e.g. provisions in bowl construction preventing backflow of waste-water from the bowl in the flushing pipe or cistern, provisions for a secondary flushing, for noise-reducing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D2201/00—Details and methods of use for water closets and urinals not otherwise provided for
- E03D2201/40—Devices for distribution of flush water inside the bowl
Definitions
- the present application relates generally to the field of toilets. More specifically, this application relates to toilets having a flush structure that improves the overall flush efficiency of the toilet.
- At least one exemplary embodiment of the application relates to a toilet having an inlet structure, a bowl structure, and an outlet structure.
- the inlet structure is configured to receive water.
- the bowl structure has a toilet bowl including a rim and a sump, a split fluidly connected to the inlet structure and including a first passage and a second passage, a shelf located below the rim of the toilet bowl and fluidly connected to the first passage, a side channel fluidly connected to the second passage, and a diverter that redirects the water from the side channel to the sump of the toilet bowl.
- the outlet structure is fluidly connected to the sump and is configured to discharge water from the sump into a drain.
- the inlet structure includes an inlet for receiving water, a horizontal section, and an elbow fluidly connecting the inlet to the horizontal section.
- the elbow includes a breaking radius and has a circular cross sectional shape.
- the bowl structure includes a toilet bowl having a rim and a sump, a split located downstream of the horizontal section and having a first passage and a second passage, a shelf located below the rim and fluidly connected to the first passage, a side channel fluidly connected to the second passage, and a diverter that redirects the water from the side channel to an inlet opening into the sump.
- the outlet structure includes a trapway that is fluidly connected to the sump and has an outlet.
- a toilet including a toilet bowl and a shelf.
- the toilet bowl includes a rim.
- the shelf is located below the rim and is spaced apart from the rim. Together, the rim and the shelf form an inset channel that extends along at least a portion of the perimeter of the toilet bowl. A height of the inset channel, between the rim and the shelf, decreases continuously in a flow direction.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a toilet flush structure in a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model illustrating velocity streamlines correlating to efficiency, according to an exemplary embodiment.
- CFD computational fluid dynamic
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the toilet flush structure in the CFD model shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another toilet flush structure in a CFD model, according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a shelf of the bowl.
- FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a drain cast inlet taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a toilet including a swirl flush rim structure, according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of the toilet of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is a panoramic view of the swirl flush rim structure of the toilet of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of a rim area for a toilet that has a constant height along a perimeter of the toilet, according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a panoramic view of a swirl flush rim structure for a toilet, according to another exemplary embodiment.
- desirable e.g., intermittent
- the diverter 13 (e.g., diverter plate) shown in FIG. 3 is configured to re-converge the water from the RSC 32 and the LSC 34 prior to the water entering the sump of the bowl through a lower opening (e.g., sump jet, sump opening, etc.) into the bowl. That is, the diverter 13 takes the two circular flows through the RSC 32 and the LSC 34 and converges the two flows into a single straight flow into the bowl.
- the diverter 13 includes an inward (e.g., concave) projection 38 or indentation at the front of the diverter 13 , which forms a general “W” shape with the RSC 32 and the LSC 34 and the lower opening into the sump.
- the upleg 40 of the trapway 15 has a generally common size (e.g., a diameter of 2.125 inches), the downleg 42 and outleg 44 of the trapway 15 each have a generally common size (e.g., a diameter of 2.000 inches or less), and the outlet 19 has a diameter of 2.00-2.50 inches.
- the illustrated outlet 19 is shown extending forward and downward at an angle of 10-20° (ten to twenty degrees).
- This variable size arrangement of the trapway 15 is configured to set up a siphon quicker, as well as provide faster priming and a quicker, longer siphon during each flush cycle. Further, the outlet 19 configuration increases the discharge flow rate by 15% or more. For comparison, a 90° (ninety degrees) turn (at the outlet) leads to water impacting the wall of the trapway and results in energy loss during the flush cycle.
- FIGS. 8 - 11 show a toilet 200 including a variable height swirl flush rim structure, shown as rim structure 202 , according to an exemplary embodiment.
- the rim structure 202 may be incorporated as part of the toilet 1 of FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- the rim structure 202 includes a shelf 216 (e.g., fluvial terrace, lower ledge, etc.) that is located along an upper region of the toilet bowl, along an upper portion of a waste receiving surface 246 of the toilet bowl. Additionally, the rim structure 202 includes a rim 214 (e.g., a ceiling, etc.) disposed at a top of the toilet bowl, above the shelf 216 . The rim 214 forms an upper surface of the toilet bowl. The rim 214 extends inwardly from an outer perimeter of the toilet bowl, such that is overhangs the shelf 216 . Together, the shelf 216 and the rim 214 form an inset channel 248 that extends along a perimeter of the toilet bowl (e.g., the waste receiving surface 246 ).
- a shelf 216 e.g., fluvial terrace, lower ledge, etc.
- the shelf 216 is configured to direct flush water in a single direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the direction in which water is received within the shelf 216 ) around the shelf 216 and the perimeter of the waste receiving surface 246 , resulting in a swirl or vortex flow pattern (i.e. a swirl flush).
- the shelf 216 has a compound radius, which may be the same or similar to that described for the toilet 1 of FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- the toilet 200 further includes a shelf inlet 224 , which is configured to direct water from at least one of a flush tank of the toilet 200 (not shown) or a water supply line connected to an inlet of the toilet 200 to the inset channel 248 .
- the shelf inlet 224 may form part of a first passage (e.g., upper passage) that extends downstream from an inlet structure of the toilet 200 as described with reference to the toilet 1 of FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- the rim structure 202 is configured to improve water coverage along a perimeter of the toilet bowl during a flush, without increasing the amount of water provided to the inset channel 248 via the shelf inlet 224 .
- FIG. 9 shows a top view of the toilet 200 in which the rim structure 202 has been separated into sections along the perimeter of the toilet bowl, each forming 1 ⁇ 4 portion of the overall perimeter of the toilet bowl. Water enters the inset channel 248 at section A through the shelf inlet 224 and flows along the perimeter from A to sections B, C, and D, sequentially (e.g., clockwise, etc.).
- FIG. 10 shows a panoramic side view from inside the toilet bowl, in the area of the inset channel 248 . As shown in FIGS.
- a height of the inset channel 248 varies continuously along the length of the inset channel 248 (e.g., along a perimeter of the waste receiving surface 246 ).
- the height of the inset channel 248 decreases continuously along the length of the inset channel 248 in a flow direction 249 along the length of the inset channel 248 .
- an upper surface 250 of the shelf 216 is substantially horizontal (e.g., is equidistant from the sump of the toilet bowl along a perimeter of the waste receiving surface 246 ).
- each inlet structure or component thereof, each bowl structure or component thereof, and/or each outlet structure or component thereof described herein may be incorporated into any other embodiment of this application.
- each inlet structure or component thereof, each bowl structure or component thereof, and/or each outlet structure or component thereof described herein may be incorporated into any other embodiment of this application.
- only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
Abstract
A toilet includes an inlet structure, a bowl structure, and an outlet structure. The inlet structure is configured to receive water. The bowl structure has a toilet bowl including a rim and a sump, a split fluidly connected to the inlet structure and including a first passage and a second passage, a shelf located below the rim of the toilet bowl and fluidly connected to the first passage, a side channel fluidly connected to the second passage, and a diverter that redirects the water from the side channel to the sump of the toilet bowl. The outlet structure is fluidly connected to the sump and is configured to discharge water from the sump into a drain.
Description
- This application This application is a continuation application under 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(b) and 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/582,616 filed Sep. 25, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/738,428, filed Sep. 28, 2018, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present application relates generally to the field of toilets. More specifically, this application relates to toilets having a flush structure that improves the overall flush efficiency of the toilet.
- There is a constant desire and need within the field of toilets (and other water using devices) to become ever more efficient and use less water, such as during each flush cycle, much like the ever increasing desire to improve fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. Also similar to slight improvements in fuel efficiency in engines, even a slight improvement in flush efficiency for toilets can have a monumental impact on water conservation (i.e., reduction of water consumption) given the number of toilets and flush cycles used daily (not just in the U.S., but on a global scale). Thus, there is constant pressure to find new ways to improve flush efficiency, even if only a slight improvement is recognized. Despite this constant pressure to increase flush efficiency and decrease water consumption, such improvements are easier said than done.
- Further, providing a proper flush in which all of the contents (e.g., solid waste, liquid waste, etc.) in the toilet bowl are removed from the toilet bowl during a single flush cycle is a competing interest to increasing flush efficiency and decreasing water usage. Current toilets aimed at using one gallon of water per flush provide poor overall flush performance (e.g., leaving contents in the toilet bowl following the first flush), which results in customer dissatisfaction and often additional flushes to completely remove the contents from the toilet bowl, therefore, defeating the gains in efficiency by requiring multiple flushes to achieve proper flushing.
- At least one exemplary embodiment of the application relates to a toilet having an inlet structure, a bowl structure, and an outlet structure. The inlet structure is configured to receive water. The bowl structure has a toilet bowl including a rim and a sump, a split fluidly connected to the inlet structure and including a first passage and a second passage, a shelf located below the rim of the toilet bowl and fluidly connected to the first passage, a side channel fluidly connected to the second passage, and a diverter that redirects the water from the side channel to the sump of the toilet bowl. The outlet structure is fluidly connected to the sump and is configured to discharge water from the sump into a drain.
- Another exemplary embodiment of the application relates to a toilet including an inlet structure, a bowl structure, and an outlet structure. The inlet structure includes an inlet for receiving water, a horizontal section, and an elbow fluidly connecting the inlet to the horizontal section. The elbow includes a breaking radius and has a circular cross sectional shape. The bowl structure includes a toilet bowl having a rim and a sump, a split located downstream of the horizontal section and having a first passage and a second passage, a shelf located below the rim and fluidly connected to the first passage, a side channel fluidly connected to the second passage, and a diverter that redirects the water from the side channel to an inlet opening into the sump.
- The outlet structure includes a trapway that is fluidly connected to the sump and has an outlet.
- Another exemplary embodiment of the application relates to a toilet including a toilet bowl and a shelf. The toilet bowl includes a rim. The shelf is located below the rim and is spaced apart from the rim. Together, the rim and the shelf form an inset channel that extends along at least a portion of the perimeter of the toilet bowl. A height of the inset channel, between the rim and the shelf, decreases continuously in a flow direction.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a toilet flush structure in a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model illustrating velocity streamlines correlating to efficiency, according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the toilet flush structure in the CFD model shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the toilet flush structure in the CFD model shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of another toilet flush structure in a CFD model, according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a shelf of the bowl. -
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a drain cast inlet taken along line A-A inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an alternative inlet. -
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a toilet including a swirl flush rim structure, according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a top view of the toilet ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a panoramic view of the swirl flush rim structure of the toilet ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 11 is a side cross sectional view of the toilet ofFIG. 8 in the area of the swirl flush rim structure. -
FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of a rim area for a toilet that has a constant height along a perimeter of the toilet, according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a panoramic view of a swirl flush rim structure for a toilet, according to another exemplary embodiment. - Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are toilets having a flush structure that improves the overall flush efficiency of the toilet. That is, the flush structure allows the toilet to properly flush the contents in the bowl using less water. For example, the toilets are configured to flush the contents in the bowl using a single flush containing one gallon or less of water per flush (1.0 gpf). In this way, the toilets of this application can completely remove the contents from the bowl using a single flush cycle of reduced volume, such as using 1.0 gpf or less of water.
-
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a flush structure for atoilet 1 with streamlines (e.g., velocity streamlines) passing through the flush structure. The streamlines were modeled using a CFD model on a computer with the aim of evaluating the flush efficiency of the new structure, such as by comparing the streamlines to streamlines in other toilet flush structures. The CFD streamlines correlate to efficiency. For example, decreases in velocity streamlines can indicate drops/reductions in fluid pressure or energy, which is indicative of efficiency loss. Also, for example, swirling and turbulence of streamlines can indicate drops in fluid pressure or energy. By tailoring the flush structure to reduce the velocity drops and turbulence, the overall efficiency of the toilet flush system can be increased. - The illustrated flush structure includes an
inlet structure 2, a bowl structure 4, and an outlet structure 6. Theinlet structure 2 receives water from a source, such as a tank, and delivers water to the bowl structure 4. The bowl structure 4 is configured to direct the water received from theinlet structure 2 into the bowl to wash the contents in the bowl to an outlet of thetoilet 1 as well as clean the inside (e.g., internal) surfaces of the bowl. The outlet structure 6 is configured to direct the water and the contents in the bowl from thetoilet 1, such as to a drainpipe or other sewer line. - The illustrated
inlet structure 2 delivers flush water into the bowl structure 4 and includes an inlet 17 (shown inFIG. 2 ) that can interface with (or include) a flush valve (not shown), which controls the flow (e.g., volume and timing) of flush water into theinlet structure 2 upon activation of a flush cycle of thetoilet 1. The illustratedinlet 17 extends generally downward (e.g., vertically) to an elbow 12 (shown inFIG. 1 ) having a breaking radius, which advantageously helps completely evacuate air, rather than a sharp break or turn, in which air gets trapped. As a non-limiting example, the breaking radius of theelbow 12 is approximately 0.75 inches (¾″) at the inner radius. As shown, a horizontal section 10 (shown inFIG. 1 ) extends from theelbow 12 to the bowl structure 4. The illustrated cast inlet structure (e.g., theinlet 17 shown inFIG. 6 ) is configured having a generally circular cross-sectional shape, which improves flow efficiency over an inlet, such as theinlet 17″ shown inFIG. 7 , having a “U” or “D” cross-sectional shape, which current processes (e.g., manufacturing) necessitate. New processes, such as a “tile-on-rim” process allows the inlet structure (e.g., theinlet 17, thehorizontal section 10, etc.) to have the generally circular shape. Further, the size (e.g., diameter) of the drain cast inlet structure can be reduced because of the efficiency gain and the circular cross-sectional shape. While the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3 illustrate a drain cast vitreous inlet structure, it is to be understood that other material and manufacturing processes are included in the scope of this disclosure. - The bowl structure 4 includes a split 20 (shown in
FIG. 1 ) downstream from thehorizontal section 10 of theinlet structure 2, where thesplit 20 includes afirst passage 22 and asecond passage 23. The first passage 22 (or upper passage) opens into a fluvial terrace or shelf 16 (also shown inFIGS. 1 and 5 ) that is located around an inside of a top of the bowl and underneath a rim 14 (shown inFIG. 5 ). Therim 14 does not include an enclosed rim channel, fluid channel, or other fluid delivery or water carrying feature. That is, the illustratedrim 14 is a solid, planar member that overhangs the shelf 16 (seeFIG. 5 ). As shown inFIG. 5 , theshelf 16 is configured to direct flush water in a single direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the location of the shelf inlet 24) around theshelf 16 and the bowl resulting in a swirl flush. As shown inFIG. 5 , theshelf 16 has a compound radius leading from the shelf inlet 24, where the compound radius includes aninner radius 28 and aradius 30 into the bowl. According to one example, theinner radius 28 is approximately 0.25 inches (¼″) and theouter radius 30 into the bowl is approximately 0.75 inches (¾″), where each radius remains substantially constant around the bowl. The combination of theinner radius 28 and outer radius 30 (e.g., breaking radius) into the bowl along with the shelf width combine to define variable water shed rate around the perimeter of thetoilet 1. Further, theshelf 16 is elevated in the bowl relative to thefirst passage 22 or upper passage (e.g., a central axis of the first passage 22). That is, the water feed 18 (shown inFIG. 1 ) from thefirst passage 22 to theshelf 16 slopes upwardly moving forward/downstream from thefirst passage 22 to theshelf 16. This advantageously prevents refill water from entering the bowl through theshelf 16, especially when the refill water continues to run such as from a leaking valve, which eliminates stains or streaking in the bowl under theshelf 16 from the excess refill water. Instead, any excess refill water drains into thesecond passage 23 and into the sump through an opening therein. - The bowl structure 4 including the
shelf 16 is configured to maximize coverage of the internal or inside surfaces of the bowl with water during a flush cycle while using as little water as possible during each flush cycle. According to one example, thetoilet 1 is configured to divert approximately 15-30% of the total flush water (e.g., 0.15-0.30 gallons for a 1 gal. flush) to the first passage 22 (e.g., the upper passage). Sending less than 15% of the total flush water through an enclosed rim channel (for other toilets) or an upper passage (e.g., for the toilets of this application) can lead to less than desirable (e.g., intermittent) coverage of the inside surfaces of the bowl, whereas sending too much (e.g., 50% or more) water through the rim or upper passage can lead to poor overall flush performance. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the second passage 23 (e.g., the lower passage) opens into a lower part (e.g., the sump) of the bowl after passing through one or more side channels and adiverter 13 in the sump or “pug” of the toilet bowl. As shown best inFIGS. 2 and 3 , the illustrated toilet (e.g., bowl structure) includes a two channel structure having a right side channel (RSC) 32 that extends from thesplit 20 downwardly around a right side of the bowl and a left side channel (LSC) 34 that extends from thesplit 20 downwardly around a left side of the bowl. Thus, each side channel of theRSC 32 andLSC 34 does not extend within or inside the bowl, but rather around an outside of the bowl. As shown inFIG. 3 , each side channel has a somewhat arcuate shape (when viewed from underneath) and theRSC 32 and theLSC 34 are symmetrically opposite about a central longitudinal axis 36 (e.g., through the opening into the bowl from the diverter 13). A single channel toilet can include either theRSC 32 orLSC 34. According to one example, thetoilet 1 is configured to divert approximately 60-75% of the total flush water (e.g., 0.60-0.75 gallons for a 1 gal. flush system) to the second passage 23 (e.g., the lower passage) and through the one or more side channels. - The diverter 13 (e.g., diverter plate) shown in
FIG. 3 is configured to re-converge the water from theRSC 32 and theLSC 34 prior to the water entering the sump of the bowl through a lower opening (e.g., sump jet, sump opening, etc.) into the bowl. That is, thediverter 13 takes the two circular flows through theRSC 32 and theLSC 34 and converges the two flows into a single straight flow into the bowl. As shown inFIG. 3 , thediverter 13 includes an inward (e.g., concave)projection 38 or indentation at the front of thediverter 13, which forms a general “W” shape with theRSC 32 and theLSC 34 and the lower opening into the sump. This arrangement reduces swirling and turbulence of the converging streamlines, as compared to, for example, the design (e.g., toilet 103) shown inFIG. 4 having arounded front 138 with no indentation, which results in significant swirling and turbulence that lead to energy loss resulting in a reduced flush efficiency. - Returning to
FIG. 1 , the outlet structure 6 from the bowl includes atrapway 15 having a variable size (e.g., diameter) along a length. Thetrapway 15 includes anupleg 40 that extends upwardly and rearwardly from the sump of the bowl to a weir or dam, adownleg 42 that extends downwardly from the dam, and anoutleg 44 that extends forward from a downstream end of thedownleg 42 to anoutlet 19 of the toilet. According to one example, theupleg 40 of thetrapway 15 has a generally common size (e.g., a diameter of 2.125 inches), thedownleg 42 andoutleg 44 of thetrapway 15 each have a generally common size (e.g., a diameter of 2.000 inches or less), and theoutlet 19 has a diameter of 2.00-2.50 inches. The illustratedoutlet 19 is shown extending forward and downward at an angle of 10-20° (ten to twenty degrees). This variable size arrangement of thetrapway 15 is configured to set up a siphon quicker, as well as provide faster priming and a quicker, longer siphon during each flush cycle. Further, theoutlet 19 configuration increases the discharge flow rate by 15% or more. For comparison, a 90° (ninety degrees) turn (at the outlet) leads to water impacting the wall of the trapway and results in energy loss during the flush cycle. - The geometry and arrangement of inlet structure, the bowl structure, and the outlet structure are provided for illustrative purposes only. It will be appreciated that various alternatives and combinations are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the geometry of the shelf and/or rim may be modified to further improve flushing efficiency.
FIGS. 8-11 show atoilet 200 including a variable height swirl flush rim structure, shown asrim structure 202, according to an exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, therim structure 202 may be incorporated as part of thetoilet 1 ofFIGS. 1-3 . - As shown in
FIG. 8 , therim structure 202 includes a shelf 216 (e.g., fluvial terrace, lower ledge, etc.) that is located along an upper region of the toilet bowl, along an upper portion of awaste receiving surface 246 of the toilet bowl. Additionally, therim structure 202 includes a rim 214 (e.g., a ceiling, etc.) disposed at a top of the toilet bowl, above theshelf 216. Therim 214 forms an upper surface of the toilet bowl. Therim 214 extends inwardly from an outer perimeter of the toilet bowl, such that is overhangs theshelf 216. Together, theshelf 216 and therim 214 form aninset channel 248 that extends along a perimeter of the toilet bowl (e.g., the waste receiving surface 246). - The
shelf 216 is configured to direct flush water in a single direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the direction in which water is received within the shelf 216) around theshelf 216 and the perimeter of thewaste receiving surface 246, resulting in a swirl or vortex flow pattern (i.e. a swirl flush). In various exemplary embodiments, theshelf 216 has a compound radius, which may be the same or similar to that described for thetoilet 1 ofFIGS. 1-3 . As shown inFIG. 9 , thetoilet 200 further includes ashelf inlet 224, which is configured to direct water from at least one of a flush tank of the toilet 200 (not shown) or a water supply line connected to an inlet of thetoilet 200 to theinset channel 248. For example, theshelf inlet 224 may form part of a first passage (e.g., upper passage) that extends downstream from an inlet structure of thetoilet 200 as described with reference to thetoilet 1 ofFIGS. 1-3 . - The
rim structure 202 is configured to improve water coverage along a perimeter of the toilet bowl during a flush, without increasing the amount of water provided to theinset channel 248 via theshelf inlet 224.FIG. 9 shows a top view of thetoilet 200 in which therim structure 202 has been separated into sections along the perimeter of the toilet bowl, each forming ¼ portion of the overall perimeter of the toilet bowl. Water enters theinset channel 248 at section A through theshelf inlet 224 and flows along the perimeter from A to sections B, C, and D, sequentially (e.g., clockwise, etc.).FIG. 10 shows a panoramic side view from inside the toilet bowl, in the area of theinset channel 248. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10 , a height of theinset channel 248, between therim 214 and theshelf 216, varies continuously along the length of the inset channel 248 (e.g., along a perimeter of the waste receiving surface 246). In particular, the height of theinset channel 248 decreases continuously along the length of theinset channel 248 in aflow direction 249 along the length of theinset channel 248. As shown inFIG. 10 , anupper surface 250 of theshelf 216 is substantially horizontal (e.g., is equidistant from the sump of the toilet bowl along a perimeter of the waste receiving surface 246). Alower surface 252 of therim 214 is sloped downwardly (e.g., tapered), toward theshelf 216, such that thelower surface 252 of therim 214 and theupper surface 250 of theshelf 216 converge toward one another in theflow direction 249. In other embodiments, theshelf 216 may slope upwardly toward therim 214 along the length of theinset channel 248 in theflow direction 249. In yet other embodiments, both therim 214 and theshelf 216 may slope toward one another (e.g., therim 214 and theshelf 216 may both be angled relative to a horizontal plane extending through the toilet bowl and/or an upper surface of the toilet bowl/rim 214). In various exemplary embodiments, aheight 254 of theinset channel 248, between therim 214 and theshelf 216, may vary within a range between approximately 0.5 inches and 1 inch. -
FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view through theinset channel 248 during a flush operation.FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional view through aninset channel 348 of another atoilet 300, in which the height of the inset channel 348 (between the rim and the shelf) is constant along the perimeter of the toilet bowl. Theheight 254 of theinset channel 248 of thetoilet 200 ofFIG. 11 , at any position along the perimeter of the toilet bowl, may be less than the height of theinset channel 348 of thetoilet 300 ofFIG. 12 . According to various exemplary embodiments, the heights may differ by a factor of two or greater. Among other benefits, reducing the height of theinset channel 248 reduces the vertical space that the water can flow upwardly along an inner surface 256 of theinset channel 248, which reduces fluid losses in the direction of flow (compare, e.g.,FIG. 11 toFIG. 12 , whereFIG. 12 illustrates that the water flow forms a “wave” shape with the upper portion of the water cresting over and back onto itself, which illustrates lost energy in the flow during its flow around the perimeter). This limits the amount of fluid energy that is lost from water flowing vertically within theinset channel 248, thereby allowing the fluid to move a longer distance through theinset channel 248 before flowing downwardly along thewaste receiving surface 246 toward the sump of the toilet bowl. The reduction in fluid losses along theinset channel 248 is accompanied by a reduction in the amount of fluid required to sustain full 360° vortex (e.g., swirl) along the perimeter of the toilet bowl (e.g., along the inset channel 248). At least some of the benefits observed for thetoilet 200 ofFIGS. 8-11 may also be realized by selectively reducing the height of the inset channel within certain regions along the perimeter of the toilet bowl; for example, by selectively reducing the height of the inset channel beginning at, and following, a sharp curve along the perimeter of the toilet bowl such as in an area near the front of the toilet bowl.FIG. 13 shows an example of aninset channel 438 of anotherrim structure 402, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 13 , theinset channel 438 includes two portions, afirst portion 460 that extends between the shelf inlet (on the left of segment A) and a forward region through a central axis through the toilet bowl (between segments B and C), and asecond portion 462 that extends between the forward region and a downstream end of the inset channel 438 (between segments D and A). Aheight 464 of thefirst portion 460 is approximately constant along the length of thefirst portion 460, while aheight 466 of thesecond portion 462 decreases continuously along the length of thesecond portion 462. - As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
- It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
- The term “coupled,” as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. Such members may be coupled mechanically, electrically, and/or fluidly.
- The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
- References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
- Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
- It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the toilets and the components/elements, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, each inlet structure or component thereof, each bowl structure or component thereof, and/or each outlet structure or component thereof described herein may be incorporated into any other embodiment of this application. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
Claims (20)
1. A toilet bowl comprising:
a rim; and
a shelf coupled to at least one water passage;
wherein together the rim and the shelf form an inset channel that extends along a perimeter of the toilet bowl in a flow direction and a height of the inset channel, between the rim and the shelf, decreases in the flow direction.
2. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the inset channel is open to a waste receiving surface of the toilet bowl.
3. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the height of the inset channel is configured to reduce fluid losses in the flow direction.
4. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the height of the inset channel allows water to move a longer distance through the inset channel.
5. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the height of the inset channel corresponds to a reduction in an amount of water sustain a vortex or swirl along the perimeter of the toilet bowl.
6. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the height of the inset channel at a beginning of the inset channel and the beginning of the inset channel is followed by a sharp curve along the perimeter of the toilet bowl in an area near a front of the toilet bowl.
7. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the inset channel includes a first portion that extends between the shelf and a forward region through a central axis through the toilet bowl.
8. The toilet bowl of claim 7 , wherein the inset channel includes a second portion that extends between the forward region and a downstream end of the inset channel.
9. The toilet bowl of claim 8 , wherein the height of the first portion is approximately constant along a length of the first portion.
10. The toilet bowl of claim 8 , wherein the height of the second portion decreases continuously along a length of the second portion.
11. The toilet bowl of claim 1 , wherein the inset channel includes a compound radius.
12. The toilet bowl of claim 11 , wherein the compound radius includes an outer radius at least two times in curvature of an inner radius.
13. A toilet bowl comprising:
a rim; and
a fluvial terrace coupled to at least one water passage;
wherein together the rim and the fluvial terrace form an inset channel that extends along a perimeter of the toilet bowl in a flow direction and a height of the inset channel, between the rim and the fluvial terrace, decreases in the flow direction.
14. A toilet, comprising:
a toilet bowl comprising a rim; and
a shelf located below the rim and spaced apart from the rim, the rim and the shelf forming an inset channel that extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the toilet bowl, wherein a height of the inset channel, between the rim and the shelf, decreases continuously in a flow direction.
15. The toilet of claim 14 , wherein the inset channel is open to a waste receiving surface of the toilet bowl.
16. The toilet of claim 14 , wherein the height of the inset channel is configured to reduce fluid losses in the flow direction.
17. The toilet of claim 1 , wherein the height of the inset channel at a beginning of the inset channel and the beginning of the inset channel is followed by a sharp curve along the perimeter of the toilet bowl in an area near a front of the toilet bowl.
18. The toilet of claim 1 , wherein the inset channel includes a first portion that extends between the shelf and a forward region through a central axis through the toilet bowl and a second portion that extends between the forward region and a downstream end of the inset channel.
19. The toilet of claim 18 , wherein the height of the first portion is approximately constant along a length of the first portion and the height of the second portion decreases continuously along a length of the second portion.
20. The toilet of claim 14 , wherein the inset channel includes a compound radius including an outer radius and an inner radius.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US18/609,959 US20240218651A1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2024-03-19 | Flush toilet |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201862738428P | 2018-09-28 | 2018-09-28 | |
US16/582,616 US11965322B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2019-09-25 | Flush toilet |
US18/609,959 US20240218651A1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2024-03-19 | Flush toilet |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US16/582,616 Continuation US11965322B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2019-09-25 | Flush toilet |
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US20240218651A1 true US20240218651A1 (en) | 2024-07-04 |
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US16/582,616 Active 2040-06-02 US11965322B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2019-09-25 | Flush toilet |
US18/609,959 Pending US20240218651A1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2024-03-19 | Flush toilet |
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US16/582,616 Active 2040-06-02 US11965322B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2019-09-25 | Flush toilet |
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CN (1) | CN110965619A (en) |
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US20230036047A1 (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-02 | Kohler Co. | Toilet with canned sump |
IT202100025598A1 (en) * | 2021-10-07 | 2023-04-07 | Ceram Globo S P A | RIMLESS WC TOILET |
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BR112013019810A2 (en) * | 2011-02-04 | 2016-10-25 | As Ip Holdco Llc | gravity-powered toilet bowl set, gravity-powered toilet bowl and method for providing a toilet capable of operating at a flush volume no greater than about 6.0 liters |
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-
2019
- 2019-09-25 US US16/582,616 patent/US11965322B2/en active Active
- 2019-09-29 CN CN201910931703.9A patent/CN110965619A/en active Pending
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US20200102729A1 (en) | 2020-04-02 |
US11965322B2 (en) | 2024-04-23 |
CN110965619A (en) | 2020-04-07 |
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