U.S. patent application number 12/324144 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for toilet for use in recreational vehicle and boats.
This patent application is currently assigned to DOMETIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Todd M. Bradford, James Allen Sigler.
Application Number | 20100125940 12/324144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41478739 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100125940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sigler; James Allen ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
TOILET FOR USE IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND BOATS
Abstract
A toilet utilizes a pressurized fluid source providing a flush
volume of less than 1 gallon. A removable discharge passageway is
sealingly coupled at a first end to the toilet waste outlet and at
a second end to a floor flange, and defines a trapway for providing
a water seal therebetween. In one example, the water seal includes
a water column, and the discharge passageway is configured to
maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the
toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees. In another example, an upleg
extends vertically upward a distance sufficient to maintain a
minimum water column within the upleg necessary to maintain the
water seal between the bowl and the floor flange when the toilet is
pivoted about 10 degrees. In another example, a support bracket
maintains the second end of the discharge passageway generally
fixed relative to the first end.
Inventors: |
Sigler; James Allen;
(Perrysville, OH) ; Bradford; Todd M.; (Orrville,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
1801 EAST 9TH STREET, SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
DOMETIC CORPORATION
Big Prairie
OH
|
Family ID: |
41478739 |
Appl. No.: |
12/324144 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/432 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/02 20130101;
E03D 11/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/432 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/00 20060101
E03D011/00 |
Claims
1. A toilet adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a
pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1
gallon, including: a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim
wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the
pressurized fluid source, and a waste outlet; a removable discharge
passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of
the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange, the
discharge passageway defining a trapway for providing a water seal
between the bowl and the floor flange, the discharge passageway
including an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a
weir; and a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the
pressurized fluid source and including a discharge end in fluid
communication with the waste outlet, the water jet nozzle being
adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge
passageway, wherein the water seal includes a water column, and
wherein the discharge passageway is configured to maintain at least
about 80% of the water column therein when the toilet is pivoted
about 10 degrees from a normal position.
2. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge passageway is
configured to maintain at least about 90% of the water column
therein when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal
position.
3. The toilet of claim 1, wherein a portion of the upleg of the
discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater
than about 45 degrees.
4. The toilet of claim 3, wherein a portion of the upleg of the
discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater
than about 60 degrees.
5. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the upleg of the discharge
passageway has an internal diameter of at least about 2 inches.
6. The toilet of claim 1, wherein a portion of the discharge
passageway includes a generally consistent cross-sectional area,
and wherein the second end of the discharge passageway has a
relatively larger cross-sectional area than the first end.
7. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the second end of the discharge
passageway is coupled to the floor flange by a generally rigid
adapter sealingly coupled to the second end.
8. The toilet of claim 7, further including a support bracket
coupled to the waste outlet and to the generally rigid adapter, the
support bracket maintaining the second end of the discharge
passageway generally vertically aligned with the first end of the
discharge passageway.
9. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge passageway is
formed as a monolithic unit and includes a flexible material.
10. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge end of the water
jet nozzle is oriented upwards at an angle equal to or greater than
about 10 degrees.
11. A toilet adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a
pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1
gallon, including: a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim
wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the
pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a waste
outlet; a removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a
first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second
end to a floor flange, the discharge passageway defining a trapway
for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange,
the discharge passageway including an upleg portion and a downleg
portion separated by a weir; and a water jet nozzle in fluid
communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second
dedicated line and including a discharge end in fluid communication
with the waste outlet and oriented upwards at an angle equal to or
greater than about 10 degrees, the water jet nozzle being adapted
to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway,
wherein the upleg extends vertically upward from the outlet of the
toilet bowl to the weir a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum
water column within the upleg necessary to form the water seal
between the bowl and the floor flange when the toilet is pivoted
about 10 degrees from a normal position.
12. The toilet of claim 11, wherein the upleg extends vertically
upward from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance
sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg
equal to or greater than about 1.5 inches measured from a top of
the interior the waste outlet to form the water seal between the
bowl and the floor flange.
13. The toilet of claim 11, wherein a portion of the upleg of the
discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater
than about 60 degrees.
14. The toilet of claim 11, wherein the upleg of the discharge
passageway has a generally consistent internal diameter of at least
about 2 inches, and wherein the second end of the discharge
passageway has a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the
first end.
15. The toilet of claim 11, wherein the discharge passageway
includes a flexible material, and wherein the second end of the
discharge passageway is maintained generally vertically aligned
with the first end of the discharge passageway by a support bracket
coupled to the waste outlet.
16. A toilet adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a
pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1
gallon, including: a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim
wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the
pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a waste
outlet; a flexible, removable discharge passageway sealingly
coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and
at a second end to a floor flange, the discharge passageway
defining a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and
the floor flange, the discharge passageway including an upleg
portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir, wherein a
portion of the upleg of the discharge passageway extends upward at
an angle equal to or greater than about 45 degrees; a water jet
nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via
a second dedicated line and including a discharge end in fluid
communication with the waste outlet, the water jet nozzle being
adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge
passageway; and a support bracket coupled to the first end of the
discharge passageway and operatively coupled to the second end of
the discharge passageway, the support bracket maintaining the
second end of the discharge passageway generally fixed relative to
the first end of the discharge passageway.
17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the support bracket maintains
the second end of the discharge passageway generally in vertical
alignment with the first end of the discharge passageway.
18. The toilet of claim 16, further including a generally rigid
adapter sealingly coupled to the second end of the discharge
passageway for operatively coupling the discharge passageway to the
floor flange, the support bracket being coupled to the generally
rigid adapter.
19. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the upleg extends vertically
upward from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance
sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg
equal to or greater than about 1.5 inches measured from a top of
the interior the waste outlet to form the water seal between the
bowl and the floor flange.
20. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the water seal includes a water
column, and wherein the discharge passageway is configured to
maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the
toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to toilets, and more
particularly, to toilets for use in recreational vehicles and
boats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Water saving toilets are generally known for use in
recreational vehicles (RV's) and boats, or other movable vehicles.
Indeed, a trend in toilet bowl design is one that achieves adequate
flushing while minimizing the use of water. These toilets generally
include a bowl, and a vapor seal disposed between the bowl and a
waste holding tank. Moreover, these toilets are often mounted upon
a floor of the vehicle, and as a result, the bowl and any contents
therein are movable along with movement of the vehicle. It is known
to utilize a movable, mechanical vapor seal to maintain the vapor
seal despite movement of the vehicle. However, such movable
mechanical seals are complex, costly, and/or prone to failure.
Thus, there is a continuing need for an improved vapor seal in
toilets for use in recreational vehicles (RV's) and boats.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention
in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects
of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify
critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the
invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some
concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
toilet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a
pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1
gallon. The toilet includes a toilet body including a bowl, a rim,
a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with
the pressurized fluid source, and a waste outlet. The toilet
further includes a removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled
at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a
second end to a floor flange. The discharge passageway defines a
trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor
flange. The discharge passageway includes an upleg portion and a
downleg portion separated by a weir. The toilet further includes a
water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid
source and including a discharge end in fluid communication with
the waste outlet. The water jet nozzle is adapted to expel said
pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway. The water seal
includes a water column, and the discharge passageway is configured
to maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the
toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a toilet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a
pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1
gallon. The toilet includes a toilet body including a bowl, a rim,
a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with
the pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a
waste outlet. The toilet further includes a removable discharge
passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of
the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange. The
discharge passageway defines a trapway for providing a water seal
between the bowl and the floor flange. The discharge passageway
includes an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a
weir. The toilet further includes a water jet nozzle in fluid
communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second
dedicated line. The water jet nozzle includes a discharge end in
fluid communication with the waste outlet and oriented upwards at
an angle equal to or greater than about 10 degrees. The water jet
nozzle is adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said
discharge passageway. The upleg extends vertically upward from the
outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance sufficient to
maintain a minimum water column within the upleg necessary to form
the water seal between the bowl and the floor flange when the
toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
toilet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a
pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1
gallon. The toilet includes a toilet body including a bowl, a rim,
a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with
the pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a
waste outlet. The toilet further includes a flexible, removable
discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste
outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange.
The discharge passageway defines a trapway for providing a water
seal between the bowl and the floor flange. The discharge
passageway includes an upleg portion and a downleg portion
separated by a weir. A portion of the upleg of the discharge
passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater than
about 45 degrees. The toilet further includes a water jet nozzle in
fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second
dedicated line and including a discharge end in fluid communication
with the waste outlet. The water jet nozzle is adapted to expel
said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway. The toilet
further includes a support bracket coupled to the first end of the
discharge passageway and operatively coupled to the second end of
the discharge passageway. The support bracket maintains the second
end of the discharge passageway generally fixed relative to the
first end of the discharge passageway.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the
present invention relates upon reading the following description
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a rear view of an example toilet;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along line 1B-1B of FIG.
1A;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded, partial sectional view of an example
discharge passageway and corresponding mounting structure;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a side view of an example toilet;
[0013] FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of FIG.
1A;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example mounting bracket;
and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial sectional view of the
example toilet of FIG. 1A.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of
the present invention are described and illustrated in the
drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a
limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more
aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other
embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain
terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be
taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in
the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for
designating the same elements.
[0017] Turning to the shown example of FIGS. 1A-1B, a toilet 10 is
illustrated for use with a recreational vehicle (RV), boat, or
other movable vehicle. The toilet 10 can have a household
appearance and function, while still being installed in a movable
vehicle providing low water usage and the ability to maintain a
trap seal.
[0018] The toilet 10 can include a pedestal-shaped base 12 for
supporting a toilet bowl body 14 upon a supporting surface 16, such
as a floor. The toilet 10 can be primarily formed of a generally
rigid material, such as vitreous china, though various other
materials can also be used, such as various plastics, metals, etc.
Indeed, the pedestal-shaped base 12 and toilet bowl body 14 can be
formed as a monolithic unit, or may be separate elements joined
together. As shown, the toilet 10 can generally resemble a
conventional toilet in both size and material found in homes,
businesses, or the like, though it is to be understood that the
toilet 10 can have various size and/or material differences for use
with a particular environment, such as a RV, boat, or other movable
vehicle. Though not illustrated, it is to be understood that the
toilet 10 can generally include a toilet seat and/or cover
generally disposed over the opening in the bowl body 14.
[0019] The toilet 10 described herein is a pressure-assisted,
gravity flush toilet. That is, the toilet 10 generally operates as
a gravity flush toilet under the known principles of siphonic flush
action, though is assisted by a pressure flush system that utilizes
a pressurized fluid source, such as pressurized water or the like.
In one example, the pressure flush system can be a Flushmate system
obtained by the Sloan Valve Company, though other pressure flush
systems can also be utilized. The pressure flush system can be
adapted to provide a flush volume of less than about 1 gallon, such
as about 1/2 gallon (i.e., about 2 liters), though other flush
volumes are also contemplated. As shown, the flush tank 18 is
disposed upon a top portion of the toilet 10 and contains a
pressurized water tank 20, though the flush tank 18 or other
pressurized water supply can be provided remotely and even external
of the vehicle. The pressurized water tank 20 can receive an amount
of pressurized water via an inlet port 22, and can in turn provide
the pressurized fluid for use in the toilet 10 at a flow pressure
of about 20-35 psi, and a static pressure of about 30-50 psi,
though it is to be understood that various other flow and static
water pressures can be utilized. The pressurized flush tank 20 can
be operated via a flush button 24 or the like for flushing the
toilet 10.
[0020] The pressurized water tank 20 can be in fluid communication
with one or more portions of the toilet 10. As shown, the toilet
body 14 can generally include a bowl 26, a rim 28, and a rim wash
30 disposed generally about the rim 28 and in fluid communication
with the pressurized water tank 20. In one example, the rim wash 30
can include a hollow cavity extending partially or completely
around the rim 28, and can include a plurality of spouts 31 (only
one shown) for discharging water into the bowl 26 for cleaning the
bowl 26, for facilitating the siphonic flush action, and/or for
refilling the bowl 26 and the trap. The various spouts 31 can have
various sizes, geometries, orientations, etc. In one example, about
26 separate spouts 31 can be oriented at an angle of about
40-degrees relative to the rim 28, though various other numbers of
spouts and/or angles can be used. The rim wash 30 can be in fluid
communication with the pressurized water tank 20 via a dedicated
hose 32 or the like, such as a 5/8-inch diameter hose, though
various other size hoses can also be utilized. In another example,
not shown, the rim wash 30 can be provided as a separate assembly
that is coupled to the toilet 10.
[0021] A waste outlet 34 can be provided generally towards a bottom
portion of the bowl 26, and may be coupled to or formed with a
portion of the bowl 26. Generally, during a flush operation, the
water, excrement, and the like can be discharged from the bowl 26
via the waste outlet 34 into a discharge passageway 35, which will
be discussed more fully herein. The discharge passageway can be
sealingly coupled to a discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet 34.
A water jet nozzle 36 can be provided with a discharge end 38 in
fluid communication with the waste outlet 34. The water jet nozzle
36 can in fluid communication with the pressurized water tank 20
via another dedicated hose 40 or the like, such as a 3/4-inch
diameter hose, though various other size hoses can also be
utilized. Thus, the water jet nozzle 36 can be adapted to expel
said pressurized fluid (i.e., water), water contained in the bowl
26, and/or excrement into the discharge passageway 35 during the
flush operation to facilitate with the siphonic flush action. As
shown, the water jet nozzle 36 can be a separate element that is
sealingly engaged with a portion of the waste outlet 34, though can
also be formed with the waste outlet 34.
[0022] In addition or alternatively, as shown, the discharge end 38
of the water jet nozzle 36 can be oriented variously relative to
the discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet 34. In one example,
the water jet nozzle 36 can be oriented generally inline with the
discharge opening 37, such as at an angle of about 0-degrees
relative to a central axis of the discharge opening 37. In another
example, the water jet nozzle 36 can be oriented generally upwards
relative to a central axis of the discharge opening 37. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the discharge opening 38 can be
oriented generally upwards at an angle .alpha. of at least about
10-degrees, at least about 20-degrees, or various other angles
relative to a central axis of the discharge opening 37. Because a
portion of the discharge passageway 35 extends generally upwards
relative to the discharge opening 37, orienting the angle of the
discharge opening 38 generally upwards can facilitate expelling the
pressurized water through the discharge passageway 35 during a
flush operation.
[0023] It is to be understood that various ratios of pressurized
water can be provided to each of the rim wash 30 and the water jet
nozzle 36. In one example, about 40% of the flush volume (i.e.,
about 0.8 liters for a 2 liter flush) can be provided to the rim
wash 30, while about 60% (i.e., about 1.2 liters for a 2 liter
flush) of the flush volume can be provided to the water jet nozzle
36, though various other ratios can also be used. The ratio can be
adjusted in various manners, such as by fixed or adjustable
structure of the pressurized water tank 20. In addition or
alternatively, the cross-sectional areas of the hoses 32, 40
supplying the rim wash 30 and the water jet nozzle 36,
respectively, can be different. For example, as noted herein, the
hose 32 supplying the rim wash 30 can be a 5/8-inch diameter hose,
while the hose 40 supplying the water jet nozzle 36 can be a
3/4-inch diameter hose, such that the hose 40 with the larger
cross-sectional area can supply a relatively greater flow volume as
compared with the hose 32. Still, various other hose sizes, etc.
can be used to supply different flow ratios, etc. In addition or
alternatively, structure (not shown) can be provided to adjust the
relative flow pressures of the water for either of the rim wash 30
and the water jet nozzle 36. Moreover, it is to be understood that
while hoses 32, 40 are described herein, various passageways can be
provided (i.e., molded-in, etc.) in portions of the base 12, toilet
bowl body 14, and/or discharge passageway 35 for supplying the
pressurized fluid to either of the rim wash 30 and the water jet
nozzle 36. The total flush time can be about 3-5 seconds, though
other times can also be accommodated.
[0024] Turning back to FIG. 1B, as noted, the toilet 10 includes a
discharge passageway 35 sealingly coupled at a first end 42 to the
waste outlet 34 of the toilet bowl 26. For example, the first end
42 can be sealingly coupled to the discharge opening 37 of the
waste outlet 34 via a relatively tight slip-on connection, and can
be secured thereby by a clamp or the like, such as an adjustable or
non-adjustable hose clamp 44 that can extend partially or
completely around the first end 42. Still, various other attachment
methods can be used, including mechanical fasteners, adhesives,
welding, etc. Various seals (i.e., o-rings, etc.) can also be
provided therebetween. The discharge passageway 35 can also be
sealingly coupled at a second end 46 to a floor flange 48 that is
in fluid communication with a waste holding tank, such as a black
water tank or the like, or various other waste export elements.
Thus, water, excrement, and the like expelled out of the toilet
bowl 26 via the waste outlet 34 will travel through the discharge
passageway 35 to the floor flange 48, and onto the holding waste
tank.
[0025] The discharge passageway 35 can be formed as a monolithic
unit, as shown, or may be formed of a plurality of separate
elements that are removably or non-removably coupled together. In
addition or alternatively, the discharge passageway 35 can be
formed of a generally flexible material, and may even be formed via
a molding operation or the like, such as of flexible PVC or the
like. Still, it is to be understood that the discharge passageway
35 can also be partially or completely formed of a generally rigid
material.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 2, one example coupling of the discharge
passageway 35 between the discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet
34 and the floor flange 48 is illustrated. The discharge passageway
35 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the floor flange 48.
The floor flange 48 will generally be already fixed to the
supporting surface 16, though can be installed in a manner known to
one of skill in the art. The floor flange 48 can have a standard
opening, such as a 3-inch diameter opening, though various other
openings can also be provided. Because the discharge passageway 35
can have a different size (i.e., diameter) than that of the floor
flange 48, as shown, the second end 46 of the discharge passageway
35 can be coupled to the floor flange 48 via a generally rigid
adapter 50 (i.e., formed of a generally rigid material, such as
plastic or metal) that is sealingly coupled to the second end 46.
As with the first end 42, the second end 46 can be sealingly
coupled to the adapter 50 via a relatively tight slip-on
connection, and can be secured thereby by a clamp or other
mechanical fastener (not shown), adhesives, welding, etc. In
addition or alternatively, a discharge adapter 52 can be disposed
between the generally rigid adapter 50 and the floor flange 48.
[0027] Thus, during assembly, the discharge adapter 52 can be
secured to the floor flange 48, such as by mechanical fasteners,
adhesives, welding, etc. Next, the generally rigid adapter 50 can
be sealingly coupled to the second end 46 of the discharge
passageway 35. Various seals (i.e., o-rings, etc.) can also be
provided therebetween. Indeed, the adapter 50 may be provided
pre-assembled with the discharge passageway 35. Next, the generally
rigid adapter 50 can be sealingly coupled with the discharge
adapter 52 via a slip-fit connection. In one example, one or more
seals, such as o-rings 54 or the like, can be provided on either or
both of the adapters 50, 52. Thus, while the floor flange 48 and/or
the discharge adapter 52 can be secured to the supporting surface
16, the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35 may be
sealingly coupled to the floor flange 48 by a friction fit via the
o-ring(s) 54 of the generally rigid adapter 50. Still, it is to be
understood that either or both of the second end 46 and the
generally rigid adapter 50 can be secured to the adapter 52 and/or
floor flange 48 in various manners, including mechanical fasteners,
adhesives, welding, etc. In addition or alternatively, as shown,
the second end 46 can have an angled geometry, and/or a relatively
increased cross-sectional area (i.e., relative to the first end 42
or even other portions leading to the second end 46), for coupling
with the floor flange 48. For example, as shown, the second end 46
can have about a 45-degree angle and a relatively increased
cross-sectional area for coupling with the adapter 50. Still, in
other examples (not shown) it is to be understood that the
generally rigid adapter 50 can be provided with an angled geometry
(i.e., such as a 45-degree elbow bend structure) and/or an
increased cross-sectional area for directly or indirectly coupling
with the floor flange 48.
[0028] The discharge passageway 35 can define a trapway for
providing a water seal between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48.
Thus, a gas-tight vapor seal can be provided between the bowl 26
and the waste system (i.e., black water tank or the like) for
inhibiting, such as preventing, waste vapors or the like (i.e.,
decomposing waste gasses) from entering the vehicle in which the
toilet 10 is installed. The discharge passageway 35 can be
configured to provide the vapor seal without the use of additional
movable, mechanical seals, though such mechanical seals could be
employed in conjunction with the passageway 35.
[0029] The discharge passageway 35 can include an upleg 60 in fluid
communication with a downleg 62, separated by a weir 64. As shown,
the discharge passageway 35 can be generally continuous between the
first end 42 and the second end 46 such that the upleg 60 extends
generally upwards from the first end 42 until the weir 64, at which
point the downleg 62 extends generally downwards towards the second
end 46. The upleg 60 and downleg 62 can have various geometries and
cross-sectional areas. In one example, the upleg 60 can have a
generally cylindrical geometry with an internal diameter of at
least about 1.5 inches, or at least about 2 inches, though various
other diameters are also contemplated. The downleg 62 can have a
similar geometry and/or cross-sectional area, or even different.
For example, a portion of the discharge passageway 35 can have a
generally consistent cross-sectional area, such as about 2 inches
extending generally through both the upleg and downleg 60, 62.
Still, as shown, the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35
can have a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the first
end 42, such as for direct or indirect coupling to the floor flange
48. Though described herein as generally cylindrical, the discharge
passageway 35 can have various other cross-sectional geometries
[0030] As noted, the discharge passageway 35 can define a trapway
for providing a water seal between the bowl 26 and the floor flange
48. The discharge passageway 35 is configured to maintain the vapor
seal in the trapway despite the toilet 10 being installed in a
movable vehicle that is subject to various forces and/or
orientations, such as acceleration or deceleration, hard braking or
turning, traveling along rough roads or rough seas, ascending or
descending steep grades, etc. In one example, the water seal can
include a water column 66 maintained within the upleg 60 of the
discharge passageway 35. Moreover, the discharge passageway 35 can
be configured to maintain at least about 80% of the water column 66
therein when the toilet 10 is pivoted about 10-degrees from a
generally normal (i.e., level) position. In another example, the
discharge passageway 35 can be configured to maintain at least
about 90%, or even more, of the water column 66 therein. In still
other examples, the discharge passageway 35 can be configured to
maintain at least about 80%, or even at least about 90%, of the
water column 66 therein when the toilet 10 is pivoted about
15-degrees, or even more, from a normal (i.e., level) position.
[0031] Thus, by way of example, if the toilet 10 is pivoted at an
angle upwards or downwards of about 10-degrees from a normal
position, such as may occur in a moving vehicle, the discharge
passageway 35 is configured to maintain at least about 80%, 90%, or
even more, of the water column 66 therein to maintain the vapor
seal between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48. It is to be
understood that because of the various situations that the vehicle
may be used, the toilet 10 can pivot in various directions (i.e.,
forward, backward, sideways, or combinations thereof). It is also
to be understood that while movement of the vehicle may pivot the
toilet 10 upwards or downwards about 10-degrees from a normal
position to cause movement of the water maintained within the upleg
60, sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, etc. can similarly
cause the water maintained within the upleg 60 to move in a similar
manner despite the vehicle staying relatively level. Thus,
discussion herein regarding pivoting of the toilet 10 from a normal
position is intended to also encompass substantially similar forces
that may be applied to the water column 66 via other vehicle motion
even if the vehicle remains generally level.
[0032] The discharge passageway 35 can include various structure
and/or geometry for maintaining the vapor seal despite varying
vehicle conditions. In one example, the upleg 60 can extend
generally upwards from the discharge opening 37. For example, the
upleg 60 can extend generally upwards from first end 42 and towards
the weir 64 at an angle .beta. equal to or greater than about
45-degrees. In other examples, the upleg 60 can extend generally
upwards towards the weir 64 at an angle .beta. equal to or greater
than about 60-degrees, equal to or greater than about 75-degrees,
or even other angles. The angle can be generally continuous or
varying (i.e., increasing or decreasing linearly, exponentially,
etc.) along the upleg 60. The relatively steep upwards angle of the
upleg 60 can facilitate maintaining the water seal 66 within the
discharge passageway 35 during movement of the vehicle, to thereby
maintain the vapor seal therein. The upwards angle .beta. of the
upleg 60 can be measured relative to the central axis of the
discharge opening 37. It is to be understood that the first end 42
of the discharge passageway 35 can extend immediately upwards from
the discharge opening 37, or may extend horizontally a distance
prior to extending upwards. In addition or alternatively, the
downleg 62 can also be angled generally downwardly, such as at an
angle of about 25-degrees (or other angle) downwards measured
relative to the central axis of the discharge opening 37 to
facilitate movement of the water and/or waste towards the floor
flange 48.
[0033] Thus, the relatively steep upwards angle .beta. can permit
the upleg 60 to extend vertically upwards from the outlet (i.e.,
the discharge opening 37) of the toilet 10 a distance sufficient to
maintain a minimum water column within the upleg 60 necessary to
form the water seal 66 between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48
when the toilet 10 is pivoted about 10-degrees from a normal
position. As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum vertical distance D.sub.1
for the water column 66 can be measured between a top of the
interior of the discharge opening 37 to the weir 64 (i.e., a bottom
interior of the discharge passageway 35 at the weir 64). As can be
appreciated, while a water level extending over the weir 64 will
flow downwards into the downleg 62, while water level falling below
the a top of the interior of the discharge opening 37 will breach
the vapor seal thereby allowing waste gasses into the toilet bowl
26 and interior of the vehicle. In one example, the geometry and/or
orientation of the upleg 60 can provide a maximum vertical distance
D.sub.1 for the water column 66 to be about 3-4 inches, though
various other distances can also be provided based upon variations
of the geometry and/or orientation of the upleg 60.
[0034] In one example, the upleg 60 can extend vertically upwards
from the discharge opening 37 a distance sufficient to maintain a
minimum water column within the upleg 60 equal to or greater than
about 1.5 inches (i.e., vertical distance D.sub.2 of the water
column 66) measured from a top of the interior of the discharge
opening 37 to maintain the vapor seal. In another example, the
upleg 60 can extend vertically upwards a distance sufficient to
maintain a minimum water column within the upleg 60 equal to or
greater than about 2 inches, or even more. Thus, when the water
column 66 has a minimum vertical distance D.sub.2 of at least 1.5
inches, pivoting of the toilet by about 10-degrees will still
maintain at least about 80% of the water column within the upleg 60
to maintain the vapor seal. Therefore, even if some water overflows
the weir 64, enough water will be maintained within the upleg 60 to
maintain the vapor seal. In practice, the water column can extend
within the upleg 60 to maintain an average vertical distance
D.sub.3 of about 2 inches, though various other average distances
can also be provided based upon variations of the geometry and/or
orientation of the upleg 60, positioning of the vehicle, operation
of the water tank 20 in re-filling the bowl 26, etc. During a
flushing operation, the rim wash 30 and/or water jet 36 can force
the water and/or waste through the discharge passageway 35 and over
the weir 64 and towards the floor flange 48. As can be appreciated,
the upwards angle .alpha. of the water jet 36 can facilitate
expelling the water and/or waste through the steep upwards angle
.beta. of the upleg 60.
[0035] The discharge passageway 35 can be formed of a flexible
material, which can facilitate installation within the base 12 of
the toilet and/or coupling to the discharge opening 37 and the
adapter 50. Indeed, the discharge passageway 35 can be maintained
generally within the envelope of the toilet 10 so as to provide for
a compact installation of the toilet 10 within the vehicle. That
is, the discharge passageway 35 can remain substantially within the
interior of the toilet 10 bounded by the base 12. For example, as
shown in FIG. 3A, a portion of the discharge passageway 35 can
extend partially beyond the base 12, such as via an opening 68 (see
FIG. 1B) disposed generally towards the rear of the base 12. The
opening 68 can be formed into the base 12 so as to facilitate
manufacture of the base 12, such as during a molding operation,
and/or to provide maintenance access to the interior of the toilet
10. Still, though a portion of the discharge passageway 35 can
extend beyond the base 12, the discharge passageway 35 may not
extend beyond a rear-most extent of the toilet 10. Thus, the toilet
10 can be installed in a relatively compact space within a vehicle.
The flexibility of the discharge passageway 35 can also permit
various installation geometries of within the toilet base 12. For
example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the discharge passageway 35 can
remain relatively vertically straight between the first and second
ends 42, 46. In other examples, not shown, the discharge passageway
35 can be curved or twisted along a vertical extent between the
first and second ends 42, 46, such as to accommodate a relatively
larger (i.e., having a longer length, increased diameter, etc.)
discharge passageway 35 within the interior of the toilet base
12.
[0036] However, because the discharge passageway 35 can be formed
of a generally flexible material, it can be difficult to maintain
the position of the second end 46 relative to the first end 42. The
location of the first end 42 can remain generally fixed via the
coupling to the discharge opening 37. However, the second end 46,
such as during installation, can be generally free to move within
the interior of the toilet base 12. Such free movement of the
second end 46 can inhibit installation, such as by inhibiting
insertion of the generally rigid adapter 50 into the discharge
adapter 52 and/or floor flange 48.
[0037] Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3B-5, the toilet 10 can further
include a support bracket 70 coupled generally about the first end
42 of the discharge passageway 35 and operatively coupled about the
second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35 for maintaining the
second end 46 generally fixed relative to the first end 42. In one
example, the support bracket 70 can be coupled to the waste outlet
37 and to the generally rigid adapter 50. In another example, as
shown, the support bracket 70 can be directly coupled to the first
end 42 of the discharge passageway 35 and, indirectly coupled to
the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 45 via the generally
rigid adapter 50.
[0038] For example, the support bracket 70 can include a pair of
legs 72, 74 each including a foot 73, 75, respectively. Each of the
feet 73, 75 can be removably or non-removably coupled to the
generally rigid adapter 50, such as by mechanical fasteners,
adhesives, welding, etc. In one example, screws or bolts can couple
the feet 73, 75 to the adapter 50 via corresponding apertures. In
another example, the feet 73, 75 can be formed with the either of
the discharge passageway 35 or the adapter 50. Indeed, some or all
of the support bracket 70 can be formed with any of the discharge
passageway 35, portions of the toilet bowl 26, discharge opening
37, the adapters 50, 52 and/or other portions of the toilet 10.
[0039] A tube support 76 can be carried between the legs 72, 74. As
shown, the tube support 76 can have a generally curved geometry for
supporting a portion of the first end 42 of the discharge
passageway 35, though it is to be understood that the tube support
76 can have various geometries to complement the first end 42 or
even the waste outlet 37. The support bracket 70 can be coupled to
the first end 42 (or even the waste outlet 37 or other portion of
the toilet 10) in various manners. In one example, one or more
apertures 78 can extend through portions of the support bracket 70
generally about the tube support 76. For example, one aperture 78
can be provided next to each end of the tube support 76. The
apertures 78 can be configured to permit a portion of the clamp 44
(i.e., a tube clamp) to extend therethrough. Thus, as shown in
FIGS. 3B and 5, first end 42 can rest upon the tube support, while
the tube clamp 44 can extend through the apertures 78 and around
the first end 42 of the discharge passageway 35 for sealingly
coupling the first end 42 to the waste outlet 37. Thus, the tube
clamp 44 can simultaneously couple the first end 42 to the waste
outlet 37 and the first end 42 to the support bracket 70.
[0040] The support bracket 70 can include various generally rigid
materials, such as metal, plastic, etc. Thus, when the first end 42
is coupled to the tube support 76, and the feet 73, 75 are coupled
to second end 46 via the adapter 50, the support bracket 70 can
maintain the position of the second end 46 relative to the first
end 42. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 3B, the second end
46 can be maintained generally vertically aligned with the first
end 42, though some offset can still be permitted. In other
examples, not shown, the second end 46 can be maintained with a
predetermined vertical or horizontal offset relative to the first
end 42 so as to accommodate various installation situations in
various vehicles.
[0041] As a result, movement of the second end 46 relative to the
first end 42 can be limited so as to facilitate installation, such
as by facilitating insertion of the generally rigid adapter 50 into
the discharge adapter 52 and/or floor flange 48. Indeed, the
support bracket 70 can be pre-installed onto the toilet 10, along
with the adapter 50, such that the toilet 10 can be installed in a
vehicle as a "plug-in" toilet. That is, the toilet 10 can be
positioned generally over the floor flange 48, and the adapter 50
can be directly or indirectly "plugged-into" the floor flange 48
(i.e., such as by the adapter 52).
[0042] The invention has been described with reference to the
example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this
specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more
aspects of the invention are intended to include all such
modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *