U.S. patent application number 13/776689 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for rimless toilet.
This patent application is currently assigned to AS IP HOLDCO, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is AS IP Holdco, LLC. Invention is credited to Christophe Bucher, Gregory Gatarz, David Grover, James McHale.
Application Number | 20130219605 13/776689 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49001218 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130219605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grover; David ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
RIMLESS TOILET
Abstract
A siphonic gravity-powered toilet is provided that is a rimless
toilet and includes a toilet bowl assembly having a body and an
inlet for receiving fluid. The toilet bowl has an interior bowl
surface with an upper peripheral portion configured to have a shelf
formed therein below an upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl.
The rimless toilet includes a jet having a jet inlet, an outlet and
at least one jet channel. A manifold is included which is
configured so that fluid entering an inlet of the toilet bowl
assembly divides into a portion that enters the inlet of the
direct-fed jet and a portion that enters an interior area of the
toilet bowl. At least one toilet bowl inlet port is positioned at
an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl. The at least one inlet
port is configured to receive fluid from the manifold into the
interior area of the toilet bowl such that at least a portion of
the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet bowl prior to
passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl.
Inventors: |
Grover; David; (Hamilton,
NJ) ; Bucher; Christophe; (Hillsborough, NJ) ;
Gatarz; Gregory; (East Brunswick, NJ) ; McHale;
James; (Hillsborough, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AS IP Holdco, LLC; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AS IP HOLDCO, LLC
Piscataway
NJ
|
Family ID: |
49001218 |
Appl. No.: |
13/776689 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61603232 |
Feb 24, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/300.3 ; 4/237;
4/421 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/08 20130101;
E03D 2201/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/300.3 ; 4/421;
4/237 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/08 20060101
E03D011/08 |
Claims
1. A rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet having a toilet bowl
assembly comprising a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet bowl
assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a toilet
bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an interior bowl
surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the interior bowl
surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area for receiving
fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid communication
with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper peripheral
portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to have a shelf
formed therein along at least a part of an upper peripheral portion
of the interior bowl surface below the upper peripheral edge; a
toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid communication with a sewage
outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in fluid communication with the
toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet outlet in communication with the
toilet bowl assembly outlet and at least one jet channel extending
between the jet inlet and the jet outlet; a manifold having a
manifold area therein, wherein the manifold is configured so that
fluid entering the toilet bowl assembly inlet will divide into a
first portion for entering the inlet of the jet and a second
portion for entering the interior area of the toilet bowl; at least
one toilet bowl inlet port positioned at an upper rear portion of
the toilet bowl, wherein the at least one inlet port is configured
to receive fluid from the manifold into the interior area of the
toilet bowl such that at least a portion of the fluid travels along
the shelf of the toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion
of the toilet bowl.
2. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
1, wherein there are two toilet bowl inlet ports, each positioned
so that fluid entering the interior area of the toilet bowl passes
in opposing directions along the shelf.
3. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
2, wherein an opening is provided between the two toilet bowl inlet
ports to introduce a portion of fluid from the manifold and/or the
jet channel into the toilet bowl in a generally downward direction
for cleaning a rear area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl
approximately between the two toilet bowl inlet ports.
4. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
3, wherein the toilet bowl further comprises a distributor
positioned so as to at least partially cover the opening between
the two toilet bowl inlet ports.
5. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
4, wherein the distributor comprises a cover situated to extend
over the opening.
6. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
4, wherein the distributor is an assembly comprising a distributor
guide, a fastener, and a distributor lock.
7. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
6, wherein the assembly further comprises a cover.
8. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
1, wherein there are two toilet bowl body inlet ports, each
positioned so that fluid entering the interior area of the toilet
bowl passes in opposing directions along the shelf, and further
comprising an opening between the two toilet bowl body inlet ports
to introduce a portion of fluid from the manifold and/or the jet
channel into the toilet bowl in a generally downward direction for
cleaning a rear area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl
approximately between the two toilet bowl inlet ports.
9. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to claim
8, further comprising a distributor positioned so as to at least
partially cover the opening between the two toilet bowl inlet
ports.
10. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein the shelf has a width measured transversely across
an upper surface thereof, and the width of the shelf is largest at
a rear portion of the shelf than at a front portion of the
shelf.
11. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 10, wherein the width of the shelf decreases gradually from
the rear portion of the shelf to the front portion of the
shelf.
12. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 10, wherein the shelf does not extend around the entire upper
peripheral portion of the toilet bowl.
13. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein the jet inlet is in a lower portion of the
manifold
14. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein the toilet assembly further comprises a mechanism
that enables operation of the toilet using at least two different
flush volumes.
15. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein toilet bowl assembly has a longitudinal axis
extending in a direction transverse to a plane defined by the upper
peripheral edge of the toilet bowl, and the primary manifold
extends in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal
axis of the toilet bowl.
16. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein the at least one jet channel extends within the
interior of the toilet bowl assembly body around the outside of the
toilet bowl and the jet outlet is positioned so that fluid from the
jet channel enters into the bottom of the toilet bowl so as to
merge with fluid that traveled at least partially along the shelf
in the toilet bowl.
17. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 16, wherein there are two jet channels formed within the jet,
each channel extending within the interior of the toilet bowl
assembly body around the outside of the toilet bowl and meeting at
the jet outlet.
18. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein the at least one jet channel extends from the jet
inlet within the interior of the toilet bowl assembly body and
passes around the outside of the toilet bowl, and wherein the jet
channel is positioned so as to be at least partially within a space
defined within the toilet bowl assembly body generally under the
shelf of the toilet bowl and the jet outlet is positioned so that
fluid from the jet channel enters the bowl at a front area of the
toilet bowl proximate the upper peripheral portion of the bowl so
that fluid from the jet channel and entering the jet outlet travels
generally downwardly along the interior bowl surface at the front
of the bowl so as to merge with fluid that traveled at least
partially along the shelf in the toilet bowl.
19. The rimless, siphonic, gravity powered toilet according to
claim 18, wherein there are two jet channels formed within the jet,
each channel extending within the interior of the toilet bowl
assembly body around the outside of the toilet bowl and meeting at
the jet outlet.
20. The rimless, siphonic, gravity powered toilet according to
claim 1, wherein a hollow channel is formed in the upper peripheral
portion of the toilet beneath the peripheral edge, having at least
one hollow channel inlet in fluid communication with the manifold
and at least one hollow channel outlet in communication with a
second shelf positioned in alignment with at least one hollow
channel outlet for receiving fluid exiting therefrom and positioned
above the shelf aligned with the at least one inlet port.
21. The rimless, siphonic, gravity powered toilet according to
claim 20, wherein the second shelf has a width measured
transversely across the second shelf that decreases towards a front
of the toilet bowl and fluid flowing off of the second shelf merges
with fluid flowing on the shelf aligned with the at least one inlet
port before the merged flow passes into the lower portion of the
toilet bowl.
22. A rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet having a toilet
bowl assembly comprising a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet
bowl assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a
toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an interior
bowl surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the interior
bowl surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area for
receiving fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to
have a shelf formed therein along at least a part of an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface below the upper
peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid
communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in
fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet
outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly outlet and at
least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet and the jet
outlet, wherein the at least one jet channel extends within the
interior of the toilet bowl assembly body around the outside of the
toilet bowl and the jet outlet is positioned so that fluid from the
jet channel enters into the toilet bowl so as to merge with fluid
that traveled at least partially along the shelf in the toilet
bowl; a manifold having a manifold area therein, wherein the
manifold is configured so that fluid entering the toilet bowl
assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for entering the
inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the interior
area of the toilet bowl; two toilet bowl inlet ports positioned at
an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl, wherein each inlet port
is configured to receive fluid from the manifold into the interior
area of the toilet bowl such that a portion of the fluid travels in
opposing directions along the shelf of the toilet bowl prior to
passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl.
23. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 22, wherein an opening is provided between the two toilet
bowl inlet ports to introduce a portion of fluid from the manifold
and/or the jet channel into the toilet bowl in a generally downward
direction for cleaning a rear area of the interior surface of the
toilet bowl approximately between the two toilet bowl inlet
ports.
24. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 23, wherein the toilet bowl further comprises a distributor
positioned so as to at least partially cover the opening between
the two toilet bowl inlet ports.
25. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 24, wherein the distributor comprises a cover situated to
extend over the opening.
26. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 24, wherein the distributor is an assembly comprising a
distributor guide, a fastener, and a distributor lock.
27. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 26, wherein the assembly further comprises a cover.
28. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 22, wherein the shelf does not extend around the entire upper
peripheral portion of the toilet bowl.
29. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 22, wherein the jet inlet is in a lower portion of the
manifold.
30. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 22, wherein the jet outlet is positioned so that fluid from
the jet channel enters into the bottom of the toilet bowl.
31. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 22, wherein there are two jet channels formed within the jet,
each channel extending within the interior of the toilet bowl
assembly body around the outside of the toilet bowl and meeting at
the jet outlet.
32. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 22, wherein the jet channel is positioned so as to be at
least partially within a space defined within the toilet bowl
assembly body generally under the shelf of the toilet bowl and the
jet outlet is positioned so that fluid from the jet channel enters
the bowl at a front area of the toilet bowl proximate the upper
peripheral portion of the bowl so that fluid from the jet channel
and entering the jet outlet travels generally downwardly along the
interior bowl surface at the front of the bowl.
33. A rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet comprising: (a) a
toilet bowl assembly comprising a toilet bowl assembly body and a
toilet bowl assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of
fluid; a toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an
interior bowl surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the
interior bowl surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area
for receiving fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to
have a shelf formed therein along at least a part of an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface below the upper
peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid
communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in
fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet
outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly outlet and at
least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet and the jet
outlet; a manifold having a manifold area therein, wherein the
manifold is configured so that fluid entering the toilet bowl
assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for entering the
inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the interior
area of the toilet bowl; at least one toilet bowl inlet port
positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl, wherein the
at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the
manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that at
least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet
bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl; and
(b) a toilet seat configured to fit over the upper peripheral edge
of the toilet, comprising a lower surface having a seat bumper for
contacting the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl, wherein
the bumper abuts the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl when
the toilet seat is in a lowered position over the upper peripheral
edge of the toilet bowl.
34. A rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet comprising: (a) a
toilet bowl assembly comprising a toilet bowl assembly body and a
toilet bowl assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of
fluid; a toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an
interior bowl surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the
interior bowl surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area
for receiving fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to
have a shelf formed therein along at least a part of an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface below the upper
peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid
communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in
fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet
outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly outlet and at
least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet and the jet
outlet; a manifold having a manifold area therein, wherein the
manifold is configured so that fluid entering the toilet bowl
assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for entering the
inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the interior
area of the toilet bowl; at least one toilet bowl inlet port
positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl, wherein the
at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the
manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that at
least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet
bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl; (b)
a toilet seat configured to fit over the upper peripheral edge of
the toilet, comprising a lower surface having a seat bumper for
contacting the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl, wherein
the bumper abuts the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl when
the toilet seat is in a lowered position over the upper peripheral
edge of the toilet; and (c) a splash guard having an upper portion
and a downwardly extending portion, an exterior surface and an
interior surface, wherein the splash guard is configured to fit
beneath the toilet seat and above the rear portion of the toilet
bowl, to complement a shape of the rear portion of the toilet bowl
and to have an outwardly extending end portion extending from the
rear portion of the toilet bowl in a direction of flow at least
partially along the upper peripheral edge of the bowl towards the
front of the toilet so as to at least cover the at least one toilet
inlet port and block upward splashing water.
35. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 34, wherein the splash guard forms a generally right angle in
transverse cross section along the outwardly extending
portions.
36. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 34, wherein an outwardly extending portion of the splash
guard terminates rearwardly of the bumper on the toilet seat.
37. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 34, wherein the splash guard has a rearwardly extending
portion configured to extend backwards towards a hinge on the
toilet seat.
38. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 34, wherein there are two toilet bowl inlet ports and two
outwardly extending end portions on the splash guard.
39. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 38, wherein the toilet further comprises an opening
positioned between the two toilet bowl inlet ports to introduce a
portion of fluid from the manifold and/or the jet channel into the
toilet bowl in a generally downward direction for cleaning a rear
area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl approximately
between the two toilet bowl inlet ports and a distributor
positioned so as to at least partially cover the opening between
the two toilet bowl inlet ports.
40. A toilet splash guard for a rimless toilet, comprising, an
upper portion and a downwardly extending portion, an exterior
surface and an interior surface, wherein the splash guard is
configured to fit beneath a toilet seat and above a rear portion of
a rimless toilet bowl, to complement a shape of a rear portion of a
rimless toilet bowl and to have an outwardly extending end portion
extending from a rear portion of a rimless toilet bowl in a
direction of flow at least partially along an upper peripheral edge
of a rimless toilet bowl towards a front of the rimless toilet bowl
so as to block upward splashing water.
41. A toilet seat assembly for a rimless toilet comprising the
toilet splash guard of claim 40.
42. A rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet having a toilet
bowl assembly comprising, a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet
bowl assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a
toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an interior
bowl surface with an upper peripheral edge along an upper surface
thereof, wherein the interior bowl surface of the toilet bowl
defines an interior area for receiving fluid during flushing, the
interior area is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl
assembly inlet, and an upper peripheral portion of the interior
bowl surface is configured to have a shelf formed therein along at
least a part of an upper peripheral portion of the interior bowl
surface below the upper peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly
outlet for fluid communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a
jet inlet in fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly
inlet, a jet outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly
outlet and at least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet
and the jet outlet; a manifold having a manifold area therein,
wherein the manifold is configured so that fluid entering the
toilet bowl assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for
entering the inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the
interior area of the toilet bowl; at least one toilet bowl inlet
port positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl,
wherein the at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid
from the manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such
that at least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the
toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet
bowl; and wherein a portion of the upper surface of the toilet bowl
is configured to extend downwardly so as to cover the at least one
inlet port and a rear portion of the shelf so as to act as a splash
guard for water entering the shelf from the at least one inlet
port.
43. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 42, wherein the portion of the upper surface of the toilet
bowl that acts as a splash guard forms a generally right angle in
transverse cross section.
44. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 42, wherein an outwardly extending portion of the portion of
the upper surface of the toilet bowl that acts as a splash guard is
configured so that it terminates rearwardly of a position where a
toilet seat would contact the upper peripheral edge of the toilet
bowl.
45. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 42, wherein there are two toilet bowl inlet ports and two
outwardly extending end portions on the upper portion of the toilet
bowl that acts as a splash guard.
46. The rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet according to
claim 45, wherein the toilet further comprises an opening
positioned between the two toilet bowl inlet ports to introduce a
portion of fluid from the manifold and/or the jet channel into the
toilet bowl in a generally downward direction for cleaning a rear
area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl approximately
between the two toilet bowl inlet ports and a distributor
positioned so as to at least partially cover the opening between
the two toilet bowl inlet ports.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/603,232,
filed Feb. 24, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of toilets for
removal of human and other waste. The present invention further
relates to the field of a toilet that operates for effective
flushing without a rim.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Various toilets for removing waste products, such as human
waste, are well known. Most toilets are powered by gravity and
generally have two primary sections: a tank and a bowl. The tank
and bowl can be separate pieces which couple together to form the
toilet system (commonly referred to as a two-piece toilet) or can
be combined into one integral unit (typically referred to as a
one-piece toilet).
[0006] The tank, which is usually positioned over the back of the
bowl, contains water that is used for initiating flushing of waste
from the bowl to the sewage line, as well as refilling the bowl
with fresh water. Not all toilets have a tank, for example, those
that are installed with an in-line flush mechanism as in many
commercial buildings. When a user desires to flush the toilet, he
activates a flush mechanism. Such flush mechanisms may be located
within the wall behind a toilet having no tank, positioned above
the back of a wall-mounted toilet or situated within the tank. Upon
activating a flush lever, for example, pushing down on a handle
outside of a tank, the flush cycle begins. As a typical example,
when such a flush lever is depressed, it moves a chain or lever on
the inside of the tank which acts to lift and open a flush valve,
causing water to flow from the tank and into the bowl, initiating
flushing of the toilet.
[0007] There are three general functions that most toilets are
designed to accommodate in a particular flush cycle. The first is
the removal of solid and other waste to the drain line. The second
is cleansing of the bowl to remove any solid or liquid waste which
was deposited or adhered to the surfaces of the bowl, and the third
function is exchanging the pre-flush water volume in the bowl so
that relatively clean water remains in the bowl between uses.
[0008] To accomplish the three aforementioned functions, toilet
bowl designs have adopted a general overall construction made up of
a pan, trapway, and rim. The pan serves as a reservoir for
pre-flush water and collection of waste products. The trapway
fluidly couples the pan to the drain line and blocks backflow of
sewer gases. And the rim, which is generally formed as a hollow
member capable of carrying flushwater, distributes water around the
surface of the pan to provide cleansing.
[0009] Cleansing is sometimes an issue in toilets having this
standard construction, as it is difficult to get good cleaning
action up under the rim, even if the toilet has a good flush design
for washing the main pan of the bowl. The rim outlet ports are
generally positioned on the underside of the rim and direct flow
downward and outward towards the walls of the pan. No mechanism is
generally provided to the direct this water towards cleansing the
rim itself. Dirt, human waste and germs can accumulate on or under
the rim, where only manual cleaning would serve to remove it. As
the underside of the rim is not readily visible to someone cleaning
the bowl, potentially harmful materials can remain under the rim
for extended periods of time. Indeed, studies have shown that
Salmonella bacteria can survive under the rim of a toilet bowl for
up to four weeks, even with attempting cleaning See, J. Barker et
al., J. Appl. Microbiology 2000, 89, pp. 127-144.
[0010] A second and related issue presented by the standard
pan-trapway-rim construction of toilet bowls is its effective use
as a urinal for standing males. The standard construction has the
rim overhang the surface of the pan, which reduces the area
available to accept a stream of urine. As a result, the rim of a
toilet of the standard construction is more easily soiled by an
errant stream. And as previously mentioned, no mechanism is
generally provided for automatic cleaning of the rim itself during
a flush cycle. Manual cleaning is required in such
circumstances.
[0011] A third issue presented by the standard pan-trapway-rim
construction of toilet bowls is the associated complexity of
manufacturing such geometries in vitreous china. The overhanging
rim necessitates a more complex arrangement of molds for forming
the toilet bowl geometry. The undercut section of the rim (i.e.,
the junction of the underside of the rim and the pan) cannot be
formed from a single mold without locking the mold in place after
casting. The desired geometry must be formed either by (1) casting
the rim as a separate entity from the pan and sticking the two
pieces together; or (2) utilizing a set of loose molds which can
assemble and disassemble to form the toilet as a single entity, yet
still remove the molds forming the undercut of the pan and rim.
[0012] Gravity-powered toilets can further be classified into two
general categories: wash down and siphonic. Wash-down toilets allow
the water level in the bowl to remain relatively constant at all
times. When a flush cycle is initiated, water flows from the tank
and spills into the bowl. This causes a rapid rise in water level
and the excess water spills over the weir of the trapway, carrying
liquid and solid waste along with it. At the conclusion of the
flush cycle, the water level in the bowl naturally returns to the
equilibrium level determined by the height of the weir.
[0013] In a siphonic toilet, the trapway and other hydraulic
channels are designed such that a siphon is initiated in the
trapway upon addition of water to the bowl. The siphon tube itself
is an upside down U-shaped tube that draws water from the toilet
bowl to the wastewater line. When the flush cycle is initiated,
water flows into the bowl and spills over the weir in the trapway
faster than it can exit the outlet to the sewer line. Sufficient
air is eventually removed from the down leg of the trapway to
initiate a siphon which in turn pulls the remaining water out of
the bowl. The water level in the bowl when the siphon breaks is
consequently well below the level of the weir, and a separate
mechanism needs to be provided to refill the bowl of the toilet at
the end of a siphonic flush cycle to reestablish the original water
level and protective "seal" against back flow of sewer gas.
[0014] Siphonic and wash-down toilets have inherent advantages and
disadvantages. Siphonic toilets, due to the requirement that most
of the air be removed from the down leg of the trapway in order to
initiate a siphon, tend to have smaller trapways which can result
in clogging. Wash-down toilets can function with large trapways but
generally require a smaller amount of pre-flush water in the bowl
to achieve the 100:1 dilution level required by plumbing codes in
most countries (i.e., 99% of the pre-flush water volume in the bowl
must be removed from the bowl and replaced with fresh water during
the flush cycle). This small pre-flush volume manifests itself as a
small "water spot." The water spot, or surface area of the
pre-flush water in the bowl, plays an important role in maintaining
the cleanliness of a toilet. A large water spot increases the
probability that waste matter will contact water before contacting
the ceramic surface of the toilet. This reduces adhesion of waste
matter to the ceramic surface making it easier for the toilet to
clean itself via the flush cycle. Wash-down toilets with their
small water spots therefore frequently require manual cleaning of
the bowl after use.
[0015] Siphonic toilets have the advantage of being able to
function with a greater pre-flush water volume in the bowl and
greater water spot. This is possible because the siphon action
pulls the majority of the pre-flush water volume from the bowl at
the end of the flush cycle. As the tank refills, a portion of the
refill water is directed into the bowl to return the pre-flush
water volume to its original level. In this manner, the 100:1
dilution level required by many plumbing codes is achieved even
though the starting volume of water in the bowl is significantly
higher relative to the flush water exited from the tank. In the
North American markets, siphonic toilets have gained widespread
acceptance and are now viewed as the standard, accepted form of
toilet. In European markets, wash-down toilets are still more
accepted and popular, whereas both versions are common in the Asian
markets.
[0016] Gravity-powered siphonic toilets can be even further
classified into three general categories depending on the design of
the hydraulic channels used to achieve the flushing action. These
categories are: non-jetted, rim jetted, and direct jetted.
[0017] In non-jetted bowls, all of the flush water exits the tank
into a bowl inlet area and flows through a primary manifold into a
rim channel in a standard rim. The water generally exits through a
series of holes in the lower portion of the rim as noted above. A
relatively high flow rate is needed to spill water over the weir of
the trapway rapidly enough to displace sufficient air in the down
leg and initiate a siphon. Non-jetted bowls typically have adequate
to good performance with respect to cleansing of the pan, but there
is generally no mechanism provided to clean the surfaces of the rim
itself Bulk removal is relatively poor, as the feed of water to the
trapway is inefficient and turbulent, which makes it more difficult
to sufficiently fill the down leg of the trapway and initiate a
strong siphon. Consequently, the trapway of a non jetted toilet is
typically smaller in diameter and contains bends and constrictions
designed to impede flow of water. Without the smaller size, bends,
and constrictions, a strong siphon would not be achieved.
Unfortunately, the smaller size, bends, and constrictions result in
poor performance in terms of bulk waste removal and frequent
clogging, conditions that are extremely dissatisfying to end users.
Such clogging can also lead to issues with cleanliness when waste
has an opportunity to sit in the bowl or block in the trapway
before flushing easily or clearing a clog.
[0018] Designers and engineers of toilets have improved the bulk
waste removal of siphonic toilets by incorporating "siphon jets."
In a rim-jetted toilet bowl, the flush water exits the tank, flows
through the manifold inlet area and through the primary manifold
into a hollow rim channel as noted above. Water is also generally
dispersed around the perimeter of the bowl via a series of holes
positioned underneath the rim. The remaining portion of water flows
through a jet channel positioned at the front of the rim. This jet
channel connects the rim channel to a jet opening positioned in the
sump of the bowl. The jet opening is sized and positioned to send a
powerful stream of water directly at the opening of the trapway.
When water flows through the jet opening, it serves to fill the
trapway more efficiently and rapidly than can be achieved in a
non-jetted bowl. This more energetic and rapid flow of water to the
trapway enables toilets to be designed with larger trapway
diameters and fewer bends and constrictions, which, in turn,
improves the performance in bulk waste removal relative to
non-jetted bowls. Although a smaller volume of water flows out of
the rim of a rim jetted toilet, the bowl cleansing function is
better as the water that flows through the rim channel is
pressurized by the upstream flow of water from the tank. This
allows the water to exit the rim holes with higher energy and do a
more effective job of cleansing the bowl. Even with that, the
presence of the rim design with the overhanging surface remains
with a cleanliness and sanitation issue, requiring manual cleaning.
But as above, there is generally no mechanism provided to clean the
surfaces of the rim itself.
[0019] Although rim jetted bowls are generally superior to
non-jetted, the long pathway that the water must travel through the
rim to the jet opening dissipates and wastes much of the available
energy. Direct-jetted bowls improve on this concept and can deliver
even greater performance in terms of bulk removal of waste. In a
direct-jetted bowl, the flush water exits the tank and flows
through the bowl inlet and through the primary manifold. At this
point, the water divides into two portions. One portion flows
through a rim inlet port to the hollow rim channel (of similar
design to that noted above) with the primary purpose of the rim
channel to provide the desired bowl cleansing. A second portion
flows through a jet inlet port to a "direct-jet channel" that
connects the primary manifold to a jet opening in the sump of the
toilet bowl. The direct jet channel can take different forms,
sometimes being unidirectional around one side of the toilet, or
being "dual fed," wherein symmetrical channels travel down both
sides connecting the manifold to the jet opening. As with the rim
jetted bowls, the jet opening is sized and positioned to send a
powerful stream of water directly at the opening of the trapway.
When water flows through the jet opening, it serves to fill the
trapway more efficiently and rapidly than can be achieved in a
non-jetted or rim jetted bowl. This more energetic and rapid flow
of water to the trapway enables toilets to be designed with even
larger trapway diameters and minimal bends and constrictions,
which, in turn, improves the performance in bulk waste removal
relative to non-jetted and rim jetted bowls. With such improvement,
better flushing occurs, but rim cleanliness of the rim itself
remains a problem.
[0020] Several inventions have been aimed at improving the
performance of siphonic toilets through optimization of the direct
jetted concept. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,325,
performance of a siphonic toilet is improved by improving the shape
of the trapway. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,162, performance is improved
by the use of a flush valve with a radius incorporated into the
inlet and asymmetrical flow of the water into the bowl.
[0021] As noted above, direct jetted bowls provide better flushing,
however, bowl cleansing ability can be improved. Due to the
hydraulic design of direct jetted bowls, the water that enters the
rim channel is not pressurized. Rather, it spills into the rim
channel only after the jet channel is filled and pressurized. The
result is that the water exiting the rim has very low energy and
the bowl cleansing function of direct jet toilets is generally
inferior to rim jetted and non-jetted. This area is particularly
affected when flush volume is reduced.
[0022] That issue was addressed in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2010/0186158 A1 which describes a toilet that introduces a swirling
effect as a result of splitting flow between a lower jet portion
and a rim portion. In the rim flow, incoming water is split so as
to flow evenly left and right into the rim, and a portion thereof
is directed to various "slots" in the back of the rim portion that
spout water tangentially into the bowl for improving cleaning and
flush action.
[0023] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0241250 A1 also proposes to
resolve problems of the prior art by providing a pressurized rim
and direct fed jet configuration that enables enhanced washing and
adequate siphon for use with low volume water meeting current
environmental water-use standards. It does, however, not address
issues of rim cleanliness.
[0024] International Publication No. WO 2009/030904 A1 teaches a
toilet having no rim on the upper surface of the bowl with an
overhang for introducing water through a series of holes. Instead,
all of the tank flush water enters into the bowl in a primary
manifold and then passes into two opposing inlets at the rear
portion of the top of the bowl. A shelf-like ridge or water guide
is formed into the bowl on which water entering the bowl travels
generally horizontally until it comes closer to the front of the
bowl where it travels generally vertically towards the bottom of
the bowl to create a flush plume. The edge or wave guide can tilt
downwards on an angle to have some portion of the flow spill off
the guide in a vertical direction for some cleansing action.
[0025] British Patent No. GB 2 431 937 shows a modified rim which
narrows towards the front of the bowl, which may minimize some of
the cleaning issues, and water enters through the rear of the bowl
through curved openings in the rim so as to enter the bowl in a
circular or curved manner. The bowl has an inner face to create a
more circular flow on the interior of the bowl for cleansing.
[0026] While designs for gravity-powered flush toilets on the
market today are becoming increasingly effective in pan cleaning,
even as water use standards become more restrictive, particularly
with introduction of a pressurized rim, the traditional rim design
of the toilet bowl (with holes at the bottom for introducing flush
water for cleaning the bowl area) remains an issue in terms of a
lower surface that is harder to clean and keep free of germs.
Recently introduced rimless toilets offer an alternative in terms
of avoiding the rim cleanliness issue, but to date rely on the
swirling action feature or the act of pushing all the flush water
along a guide while balancing vertical and horizontal flow along
the guide path and at the front of the bowl sufficiently to achieve
enough flush action. Furthermore, generally prior art rimless
toilet technologies, aimed at wash down flushing action, present
the disadvantages of a small water spot and easy staining of the
bowl.
[0027] There is a need in the art for a toilet which achieves the
benefits of the more traditional gravity-powered toilets using rim
wash capabilities to assist in bowl surface cleaning while
achieving excellent flushing capability but that can still deliver
those properties without the need for a traditional rim. It is more
preferred that such a toilet also be able to deliver an adequate
siphon in modern, low-water-consumption toilets.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Described herein is a unique rimless toilet that is also a
siphonic, gravity-powered toilet. The toilet includes a toilet bowl
assembly that comprises a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet
bowl assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a
toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an interior
bowl surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the interior
bowl surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area for
receiving fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to
have a shelf formed therein along at least a part of an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface below the upper
peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid
communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in
fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet
outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly outlet and at
least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet and the jet
outlet; a manifold having a manifold area therein, wherein the
manifold is configured so that fluid entering the toilet bowl
assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for entering the
inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the interior
area of the toilet bowl; at least one toilet bowl inlet port
positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl, wherein the
at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the
manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that at
least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet
bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl.
[0029] The toilet bowl assembly may be formed so as to have two
toilet bowl inlet ports, each positioned so that fluid entering the
interior area of the toilet bowl passes in opposing directions
along the shelf. In such an embodiment, an optional opening may
also be provided between the two toilet bowl inlet ports to
introduce a portion of fluid from the manifold and/or jet channel
into the toilet bowl in a generally downward direction for cleaning
a rear area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl
approximately between the two toilet bowl inlet ports. The cover
may be formed so as to direct the flow of water and optimize
cleansing. If an optional opening is used as noted above, the
toilet also preferably includes a distributor positioned so as to
at least partially cover the opening between the two toilet bowl
inlet ports. The distributor may be a cover situated to extend over
the opening. The distributor may also be an assembly comprising a
distributor guide, a fastener, a distributor lock, and optionally a
cover.
[0030] In one embodiment herein, the shelf has a width measured
transversely across an upper surface thereof, and the width of the
shelf is largest at a rear portion of the shelf than at a front
portion of the shelf. The width of the shelf may also decrease
gradually from the rear portion of the shelf to the front portion
of the shelf. The shelf may or may be formed so as to extend around
the entire upper peripheral portion of the toilet bowl. Further,
the jet inlet is preferably located in a lower portion of the
manifold. The toilet assembly may also include a mechanism to
enable operation of the toilet using at least two different flush
volumes for dual flush capability if desired.
[0031] The jet channel(s) can have varied configurations. In one
embodiment, the at least one jet channel may extend within the
interior of the toilet bowl assembly body around the outside of the
toilet bowl and the jet outlet, in this case may be positioned so
that fluid from the jet channel enters into the bottom of the
toilet bowl so as to merge with fluid that traveled at least
partially along the shelf in the toilet bowl. Such a configuration
may be formed so as to have two jet channels formed within the jet,
each such channel extending within the interior of the toilet bowl
assembly body around the outside of the toilet bowl and meeting at
the jet outlet.
[0032] Alternatively, the at least one jet channel may extend from
the jet inlet within the interior of the toilet bowl assembly body
and pass around the outside of the toilet bowl, with the jet
channel positioned so as to be at least partially within a space
defined within the toilet bowl assembly body generally under the
shelf of the toilet bowl. In this embodiment, the jet outlet is
positioned so that fluid from the jet channel enters the bowl at a
front area of the toilet bowl proximate the upper peripheral
portion of the bowl so that fluid from the jet channel and entering
the jet outlet travels generally downwardly along the interior bowl
surface at the front of the bowl so as to merge with fluid that
traveled at least partially along the shelf in the toilet bowl. In
this embodiment, the jet may include two such jet channels, each
channel extending within the interior of the toilet bowl assembly
body around the outside of the toilet bowl and meeting at the jet
outlet. Such a construction could have manufacturing advantages if
produced in vitreous china in that the geometry of the mold forming
the pedestal of the bowl can be simplified.
[0033] In one embodiment, a hollow channel may be formed in the
upper peripheral portion of the toilet beneath the peripheral edge,
having at least one hollow channel inlet in fluid communication
with the manifold and at least one hollow channel outlet in
communication with a second shelf positioned in alignment with at
least one hollow channel outlet for receiving fluid exiting
therefrom and positioned above the shelf aligned with the at least
one inlet port. The second shelf preferably has a width measured
transversely across the second shelf that decreases towards a front
of the toilet bowl so that fluid flowing off of the second shelf
may merge with fluid flowing on the shelf aligned with the at least
one inlet port before the merged flow passes into the lower portion
of the toilet bowl.
[0034] The invention also includes a rimless, siphonic,
gravity-powered toilet having a toilet bowl assembly that comprises
a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet bowl assembly inlet for
receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a toilet bowl in the toilet
bowl assembly body having an interior bowl surface with an upper
peripheral edge, wherein the interior bowl surface of the toilet
bowl defines an interior area for receiving fluid during flushing,
the interior area is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl
assembly inlet, and an upper peripheral portion of the interior
bowl surface is configured to have a shelf formed therein along at
least a part of an upper peripheral portion of the interior bowl
surface below the upper peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly
outlet for fluid communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a
jet inlet in fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly
inlet, a jet outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly
outlet and at least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet
and the jet outlet, wherein the at least one jet channel extends
within the interior of the toilet bowl assembly body around the
outside of the toilet bowl and the jet outlet is positioned so that
fluid from the jet channel enters into the toilet bowl so as to
merge with fluid that traveled at least partially along the shelf
in the toilet bowl; a manifold having a manifold area therein,
wherein the manifold is configured so that fluid entering the
toilet bowl assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for
entering the inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the
interior area of the toilet bowl; two toilet bowl inlet ports
positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl, wherein
each inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the manifold
into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that a portion of
the fluid travels in opposing directions along the shelf of the
toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet
bowl.
[0035] In this embodiment, an optional opening may be provided
between the two toilet bowl inlet ports to introduce a portion of
fluid from the manifold and/or jet channel into the toilet bowl in
a generally downward direction for cleaning a rear area of the
interior surface of the toilet bowl approximately between the two
toilet bowl inlet ports. In addition, if such an optional opening
is used, a cover may be provided over the opening between the two
toilet bowl inlet ports. The toilet bowl may also comprise a
distributor if such opening is used positioned so as to at least
partially cover the opening between the two toilet bowl inlet
ports. The distributor may be or may include a cover situated to
extend over the opening. The distributor may also be an assembly
comprising a distributor guide, a fastener, a distributor lock, and
optionally a cover.
[0036] The shelf may or may not be formed so that it extends around
the entire upper peripheral portion of the toilet bowl. The jet
inlet is preferably in a lower portion of the manifold. The jet
outlet in one embodiment may be positioned so that fluid from the
jet channel enters into the bottom of the toilet bowl. There may
also be two jet channels formed within the jet, each channel
extending within the interior of the toilet bowl assembly body
around the outside of the toilet bowl and meeting at the jet
outlet. Alternatively, the jet channel may be positioned so as to
be at least partially within a space defined within the toilet bowl
assembly body generally under the shelf of the toilet bowl and the
jet outlet is positioned so that fluid from the jet channel enters
the bowl at a front area of the toilet bowl proximate the upper
peripheral portion of the bowl so that fluid from the jet channel
and entering the jet outlet travels generally downwardly along the
interior bowl surface at the front of the bowl.
[0037] In a further embodiment, the invention includes a rimless,
siphonic, gravity-powered toilet comprising:(a) a toilet bowl
assembly comprising a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet bowl
assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a toilet
bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an interior bowl
surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the interior bowl
surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area for receiving
fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid communication
with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper peripheral
portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to have a shelf
formed therein along at least a part of an upper peripheral portion
of the interior bowl surface below the upper peripheral edge; a
toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid communication with a sewage
outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in fluid communication with the
toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet outlet in communication with the
toilet bowl assembly outlet and at least one jet channel extending
between the jet inlet and the jet outlet; a manifold having a
manifold area therein, wherein the manifold is configured so that
fluid entering the toilet bowl assembly inlet will divide into a
first portion for entering the inlet of the jet and a second
portion for entering the interior area of the toilet bowl; at least
one toilet bowl inlet port positioned at an upper rear portion of
the toilet bowl, wherein the at least one inlet port is configured
to receive fluid from the manifold into the interior area of the
toilet bowl such that at least a portion of the fluid travels along
the shelf of the toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion
of the toilet bowl; and (b) a toilet seat configured to fit over
the upper peripheral edge of the toilet, comprising a lower surface
having a seat bumper for contacting the upper peripheral edge of
the toilet bowl, wherein the bumper abuts the upper peripheral edge
of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is in a lowered position
over the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl.
[0038] The invention further includes embodiments having either a
unitarily formed or an externally provided splash guard feature for
the rear of the toilet bowl where water enters the rimless toilet
bowl.
[0039] In one embodiment the splash guard is part of an assembly
having a toilet seat. In that embodiment, the invention includes a
rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet is provided comprising:
(a) a toilet bowl assembly comprising a toilet bowl assembly body
and a toilet bowl assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source
of fluid; a toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an
interior bowl surface with an upper peripheral edge, wherein the
interior bowl surface of the toilet bowl defines an interior area
for receiving fluid during flushing, the interior area is in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, and an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface is configured to
have a shelf formed therein along at least a part of an upper
peripheral portion of the interior bowl surface below the upper
peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly outlet for fluid
communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a jet inlet in
fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet, a jet
outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly outlet and at
least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet and the jet
outlet; a manifold having a manifold area therein, wherein the
manifold is configured so that fluid entering the toilet bowl
assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for entering the
inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the interior
area of the toilet bowl; at least one toilet bowl inlet port
positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl, wherein the
at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the
manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that at
least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet
bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl; (b)
a toilet seat configured to fit over the upper peripheral edge of
the toilet, comprising a lower surface having a seat bumper for
contacting the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl, wherein
the bumper abuts the upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl when
the toilet seat is in a lowered position over the upper peripheral
edge of the toilet; and (c) a splash guard having an upper portion
and a downwardly extending portion, an exterior surface and an
interior surface, wherein the splash guard is configured to fit
beneath the toilet seat and above the rear portion of the toilet
bowl, to complement a shape of the rear portion of the toilet bowl
and to have an outwardly extending end portion extending from the
rear portion of the toilet bowl in a direction of flow at least
partially along the upper peripheral edge of the bowl towards the
front of the toilet so as to at least cover the at least one toilet
inlet port and block upward splashing water.
[0040] The splash guard noted above in one embodiment forms a
generally right angle in transverse cross section along the
outwardly extending portions. The outwardly extending portion of
the splash guard may terminates rearwardly of the bumper on the
toilet seat. The splash guard may also have a rearwardly extending
portion configured to extend backwards towards a hinge on the
toilet seat. In other embodiments, where there are two toilet bowl
inlet ports, there may be two outwardly extending end portions on
the splash guard. Further, the toilet may also comprises an opening
positioned between the two toilet bowl inlet ports to introduce a
portion of fluid from the manifold and/or the jet channel into the
toilet bowl in a generally downward direction for cleaning a rear
area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl approximately
between the two toilet bowl inlet ports and a distributor
positioned so as to at least partially cover the opening between
the two toilet bowl inlet ports. Such optional distributor and the
opening would be positioned under the splash guard as well.
[0041] The invention also includes a toilet splash guard for a
rimless toilet, comprising an upper portion and a downwardly
extending portion, an exterior surface and an interior surface,
wherein the splash guard is configured to fit beneath a toilet seat
and above a rear portion of a rimless toilet bowl, to complement a
shape of a rear portion of a rimless toilet bowl and to have an
outwardly extending end portion extending from a rear portion of a
rimless toilet bowl in a direction of flow at least partially along
an upper peripheral edge of a rimless toilet bowl towards a front
of the rimless toilet bowl so as to block upward splashing
water.
[0042] In another embodiment, a splash guard may be formed into the
toilet bowl of a rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet having a
toilet bowl assembly as an integral feature. In such an embodiment,
the toilet comprises a toilet bowl assembly body and a toilet bowl
assembly inlet for receiving fluid from a source of fluid; a toilet
bowl in the toilet bowl assembly body having an interior bowl
surface with an upper peripheral edge along an upper surface
thereof, wherein the interior bowl surface of the toilet bowl
defines an interior area for receiving fluid during flushing, the
interior area is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl
assembly inlet, and an upper peripheral portion of the interior
bowl surface is configured to have a shelf formed therein along at
least a part of an upper peripheral portion of the interior bowl
surface below the upper peripheral edge; a toilet bowl assembly
outlet for fluid communication with a sewage outlet; a jet having a
jet inlet in fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly
inlet, a jet outlet in communication with the toilet bowl assembly
outlet and at least one jet channel extending between the jet inlet
and the jet outlet; a manifold having a manifold area therein,
wherein the manifold is configured so that fluid entering the
toilet bowl assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for
entering the inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the
interior area of the toilet bowl; at least one toilet bowl inlet
port positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl,
wherein the at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid
from the manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such
that at least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the
toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet
bowl; and wherein a portion of the upper surface of the toilet bowl
is configured to extend downwardly so as to cover the at least one
inlet port and a rear portion of the shelf so as to act as a splash
guard for water entering the shelf from the at least one inlet
port.
[0043] In further embodiments of the above-noted toilet with
integral splash guard, the portion of the upper surface of the
toilet bowl that acts as a splash guard may form a generally right
angle in transverse cross section. The outwardly extending portion
of the portion of the upper surface of the toilet bowl that acts as
a splash guard may be configured so that it terminates rearwardly
of a position where a toilet seat would contact the upper
peripheral edge of the toilet bowl. In an embodiment in which there
are two toilet bowl inlet ports, there may be two outwardly
extending end portions on the upper portion of the toilet bowl that
acts as a splash guard. The toilet may further comprise an opening
positioned between the two toilet bowl inlet ports to introduce a
portion of fluid from the manifold and/or the jet channel into the
toilet bowl in a generally downward direction for cleaning a rear
area of the interior surface of the toilet bowl approximately
between the two toilet bowl inlet ports and a distributor
positioned so as to at least partially cover the opening between
the two toilet bowl inlet ports. Such features would be located
under the splash guard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0044] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet bowl assembly
according to an embodiment herein;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side cross-sectional view of the
toilet bowl assembly of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the toilet bowl assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a enlarged front elevational view of a portion of
the rear of the toilet bowl in the toilet bowl assembly of FIG.
1;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the jet channel of the
toilet bowl assembly of FIG. 1;
[0050] FIG. 5A is a perspective partial-sectional view of a toilet
bowl assembly according to FIG. 1 showing its jet path;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective partial-sectional view of a toilet
bowl assembly according to another embodiment herein;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective partial-section view of the
embodiment of a toilet bowl assembly according to FIG. 1 having a
modified toilet seat according to a further embodiment of the
invention;
[0053] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the toilet
assembly and seat of FIG. 7;
[0054] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an toilet bowl assembly formed
according to a further embodiment herein having an additional upper
peripheral hollow channel;
[0055] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 1 with
an exploded view of the distributor assembly;
[0056] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the distributor assembly of
FIG. 10;
[0057] FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of a distributor guide in
the distributor assembly of FIG. 11;
[0058] FIG. 13 is a perspective rear view of the distributor guide
of FIG. 12;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a angled partial cross-sectional rear view of the
toilet of FIG. 1 showing a rear installed view of the distributor
guide of FIG. 12;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a perspective schematic view of a mold and molded
part illustrating a partially formed toilet according an embodiment
herein;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
toilet assembly herein having a splash guard therein;
[0062] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the toilet assembly of FIG.
16;
[0063] FIG. 18 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of the
toilet assembly of FIG. 16;
[0064] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a toilet assembly according
to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a toilet seat assembly installed
thereon which includes a splash guard;
[0065] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the toilet assembly with the
toilet seat assembly of FIG. 19;
[0066] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the toilet seat assembly of
FIG. 19;
[0067] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the toilet seat assembly of
FIG. 21;
[0068] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the splash guard of the
toilet seat assembly of FIG. 21;
[0069] FIG. 23B is a top plan view of the splash guard of the
toilet seat assembly of FIG. 21; and
[0070] FIG. 23C is a bottom plan view of splash guard of the toilet
seat assembly of FIG. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The rimless toilet described herein is designed to be able
to incorporate advantages achieved in flush efficiency from use of
a jetted toilet flush system as well as the advantages of bowl
cleanliness and an enlarged interior bowl pan or target area
associated with the rimless design configuration. The toilet is
able to provide strong flushing and cleaning capability without use
of a rim channel wash function and without pressurization of rim
water as in traditional prior art jetted toilet bowls.
[0072] The toilet is able to provide good flush capability
consistent with today's 6.0 liters/flush (1.6 gallons/flush
toilets), and preferably with toilets utilizing 4.8 liters/flush
(1.28 gallons/flush), while allowing for a clean bowl after
flushing and without the deposition of dirt and germs that can
occur in conventional toilets having an overhanging rim channel.
The balance in achieving excellent bowl cleanliness in a jetted
bowl typically requires rim channel assistance, especially with
current water standards. Direct-fed jet bowls are known for their
strong ability bulk waste removal capabilities, but have needed
design improvements to assist their cleaning function and
performance as government standards for flush water use have gotten
stricter. Generally the design assistance needed to meet such
standards has come from unique design features focusing on the
traditional rim channel (such as rim pressurization and uniquely
designed wash openings in the rim channel to alter water flow
patterns). Government agencies have continually demanded that
municipal water users reduce the amount of water they use. A
primary focus is reduction of water demand required by flushing.
The amount of water used in a toilet for each flush has gradually
been reduced by governmental agencies from 7 gallons/flush (prior
to the 1950's), to 5.5 gallons/flush (by the end of the 1960's), to
3.5 gallons/flush (in the 1980's). The National Energy Policy Act
of 1995 now mandates that toilets sold in the United States can use
water in an amount of only 1.6 gallons/flush (6 liters/flush).
Regulations have recently been passed in the State of California
which require water usage to be lowered ever further to 1.28
gallons/flush.
[0073] Many prior art 1.6 gallons/flush toilets lose the ability to
consistently siphon when pushed to these lower levels of water
consumption, and furthermore lose ability to effectively wash
surfaces of the bowl. Designs have been introduced to improve
performance at low water use, but generally these improvements
focus on the traditional rim channel design and/or the trapway
design. Use of a traditional rim channel with enhancements has
become a more important focus to maintaining and enhancing
performance in siphonic, jetted toilets. Thus, such designs have
not been able to take advantage of a cleaner rimless design as
provided herein.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 1, a rimless, siphonic,
gravity-powered toilet according to one embodiment is shown. The
toilet bowl, referred to generally as 10 is shown with a tank 14
and a toilet bowl assembly 12. It should be understood based on
this disclosure that the unique features described herein are
described with reference to the toilet bowl assembly 12, and a tank
such as tank 14 is optional in the overall toilet design. Thus, a
toilet having a separately attached toilet tank as shown is within
the scope of the invention as is a one-piece (unitary) toilet
design. The toilet may also be a wall-mounted flush system engaged
with a plumbing system (not shown) to form a toilet according to
the invention wherein water enters through a top-mounted flush
valve or through a rear-facing inlet. Thus, any general type of
toilet can be used in the invention provided it has a toilet bowl
assembly as described herein. The nature and mechanisms through
which fluid is introduced into the toilet bowl assembly inlet for
flushing the toilet, whether from a tank as shown or some other
mechanism, may be varied.
[0075] As will be explained in greater detail below, preferred
embodiments of rimless toilets having a toilet bowl assembly
according to the invention are capable of delivering exceptional
bulk waste removal and bowl cleansing at flush water volumes while
eliminating the issues of germs and difficult manual cleaning
around a traditional overhanging rim, even in toilets having no
greater than about 6.0 liters (1.6 gallons) per flush, preferably
4.8 liters per flush (1.28 gallons) and even as little as no
greater than 3.8 liters (1.0 gallons) per flush. Furthermore, the
preferred embodiments described below can achieve even higher and
more consistent levels of performance in bulk removal, as the
geometry of ports controlling flow to the bowl can be greatly
simplified relative to the traditional, prior art pan-rim-trapway
toilet construction. It should be understood by those skilled in
the art based on this disclosure that by being capable of achieving
these criteria at flush volumes of about 6.0 liters or less, that
does not mean that the toilet as described herein does not function
well at higher flush volumes and generally does achieve good flush
capabilities at higher flush volumes as well.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet bowl assembly 12
includes a toilet bowl assembly body 16 that includes a toilet bowl
assembly inlet 18 for receiving fluid from a source of fluid 20.
The source of fluid may be any tank, pipe, or other mechanism for
delivering water to a toilet, including, but not limited to, use of
a tank such as tank 14, direct pipe, or combination thereof. The
toilet bowl assembly inlet 18 is in fluid communication with the
source of fluid 20 as described above. Thus, flush water may enter
from tank 14, a wall-mounted flusher, etc., each providing fluid
such as water from a city or other fluid supply source, including
through use of various flush valves as known in the art. If a tank
is present as shown, it is typically coupled above the rear portion
21 of the toilet bowl assembly body over the toilet bowl assembly
inlet 18.
[0077] Alternatively, a tank could be integral with the toilet bowl
assembly body 16 of the toilet 10, provided it were located above
the toilet bowl assembly inlet 18. Such a tank would contain water
used for initiating siphoning from the toilet bowl 24 through the
toilet bowl assembly outlet 38 into the sewage line, as well as a
valve mechanism F for refilling the bowl with fresh water after the
flush cycle. Any such valve or flush mechanism F is suitable for
use with the present invention. The invention also is able to be
used with various single, dual- or multi-flush mechanisms. It
should be understood therefore by one skilled in the art based on
this disclosure that any tank, flush mechanism, etc. in
communication with a water source capable of actuating a flushing
siphon and introducing water into the toilet bowl assembly inlet
18, including those mechanisms providing dual- and multi-flush
which are known in the art or to be developed at a future date may
be used with the toilet bowl assembly herein provided that such
mechanism(s) can provide fluid to the bowl assembly and are in
fluid communication with the inlet port of the rim channel and the
inlet port of the direct-fed jet.
[0078] The toilet bowl assembly also includes a trapway 22, a
toilet bowl 24, a jet 26 and a manifold 28. The toilet bowl
assembly body 16 can be formed using standard chinaware
manufacturing techniques and in a single mold or multiple mold
pieces if desired. The chinaware mold(s) can be formed so as to
provide exterior aesthetic designs and the like, provided that the
interior of the toilet bowl assembly body is configured to have the
features as described herein. The outer surface of the toilet bowl
assembly body may be formed with the interior surface 30 of the
toilet bowl 24 to have a continuous glaze exterior appearance which
is aesthetically appealing and easy to clean.
[0079] The toilet bowl 24 in the assembly 12 is configured to have
an interior bowl surface 30 which an upper peripheral edge 32 and
does not have a traditional hollow rim channel. The interior bowl
surface defines an interior area A of the toilet bowl that receives
flush water from a water source during flushing and the interior
area A is also in fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly
inlet through which fluid from a fluid source flows into the toilet
bowl assembly body. The shape of the interior surface 30 provided
by formation through a mold in shaping the chinaware structure can
vary from a standard oblong bowl shape, a more round bowl shape and
a variety of designs, but it is preferred that the bowl have a
lower portion 34 of its interior surface 30 which smoothly slopes
towards the toilet bowl outlet 36 (the entrance to the trapway) so
that flush water washes waste downwardly toward the toilet bowl
outlet 36, through the trapway 22 upon a siphon flush and out the
toilet bowl assembly outlet 38 which is generally designed to allow
waste to flow towards a sewer or septic waste removal area.
[0080] The manifold 28 receives fluid through the toilet bowl
assembly inlet 18 into a manifold area 40 and allows for fluid
communication from the inlet of the toilet bowl assembly to the jet
26 and into inlet port(s) 42 as described further below. The toilet
bowl assembly has a longitudinal axis L-L extending in a direction
transverse to a plane P-P defined by the upper peripheral edge of
the toilet bowl, and in one embodiment, the primary manifold
preferably extends in a direction generally transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the toilet bowl. Thus, the manifold is
preferably configured in a traditional manner so as to extend in a
direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L-L of the
toilet bowl, wherein the longitudinal axis L-L extends in a
direction transverse to a plane P-P defined by the upper peripheral
edge 32 of the toilet bowl. The manifold may have other designs as
desired for various jet configurations including a generally
vertically extending manifold. It is also possible to utilize a
control element, as described in co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/266,241, incorporated in relevant part herein by
reference, for optimizing and controlling flow to the bowl and jet
outlet port. Such a control element is particularly preferred in an
embodiment where flush volume is below about 4.8 liters or the
ratio of the trapway volume to total flush volume exceeds about
40%
[0081] The manifold is configured so that fluid entering the toilet
bowl assembly inlet 18 divides into a first portion of fluid
f.sub.1 as shown by a flow arrow in FIG. 2 for entering the jet 26
through jet inlet 44 and a second portion f.sub.2 designated by a
flow arrow in FIG. 2 for entering the interior area A of the toilet
bowl 24 through one or more inlet ports 42. Preferably, fluid flows
from the toilet bowl assembly inlet 18 through the manifold 28 into
the manifold area 40 where it is pressurized and then divides to
flow into the jet 26 and inlet port(s) 42. The flow to f.sub.2
should be about 10% to about 50% of the total flow, and more
preferably about 20% to about 40% of the total flow.
[0082] The jet inlet 44 is preferably positioned in a lower portion
43 of the manifold 28. The jet inlet 44 is in fluid communication
with the toilet bowl assembly inlet 18. The jet outlet 50 is in
fluid communication with the toilet bowl outlet 36 and the toilet
bowl assembly outlet 38. One or more jet channel(s) 46 connect the
jet inlet 44 to the jet outlet 50. The fluid enters the jet through
jet inlet 44 and flows through one or more jet channel(s) 46 having
a hollow interior 48. The fluid flows out of the jet channel(s) 46
at a jet outlet 50 in the embodiment shown at the bottom 52 of the
toilet bowl 24. The at least one jet channel(s) as shown are
designed to extend within the interior 54 of the toilet bowl
assembly body 16 around the outside 56 of the toilet bowl 24. The
jet outlet 50 is positioned so that fluid flow from the jet
channel(s) 46 as shown in FIG. 5A with reference to flow f.sub.5
enters into or near the bottom 52 of the toilet bowl 24 so as to
merge with fluid that has entered the toilet bowl inlet ports 42
and traveled along a shelf 58 formed in the toilet bowl interior
surface as described further below as shown in FIG. 5A with
reference to flow f.sub.4. In the embodiment shown, the jet
channels can take a form similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,715,162 or U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0241250 A1, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0083] The water in the jet channel(s) 46 flows out of the jet
outlet port 50 in the trapway 22 or sump and directs a strong,
pressurized stream of water at the outlet 36 of the toilet bowl
which is also the trapway opening. This strong pressurized stream
of water is capable of rapidly initiating a siphon in the trapway
22 to evacuate the bowl and its contents to the sewer line in
communication with toilet bowl assembly outlet 38.
[0084] FIG. 5 shows the jet path into the trapway isolated from the
toilet bowl in a partly exploded perspective view according to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. The internal water channels of the
jet toilet, which is a direct-fed jet example, includes passage
first through the toilet bowl assembly inlet 18, then through the
manifold 28, into the jet inlet 44, through two jet channels 46 as
shown, wherein the jet divides after the jet inlet 44 into two
channels 46 that can curve around the outside of the toilet bowl
and merge together at the jet outlet, then passing out the outlet
of the toilet bowl 36 into the trapway 22, wherein the parts are
shown partially disconnected to view the outlet passages and
omitting the toilet bowl.
[0085] The toilet bowl inlet port(s) 46 may be present as one port
facing in one direction or two such ports facing in opposite
directions. In addition, multiple such ports may be formed, but
preferably are positioned to push flow in opposite directions along
the shelf 58. The inlet port(s) are preferably positioned at the
upper rear portion 60 of the toilet bowl 24. A surface 62 that
covers the front-most end 64 of the manifold 28 isolating the
manifold area 40 from the interior area A of the toilet bowl 24 and
can assist the function of pressurizing the fluid flow through the
inlet port(s) 42. As best shown in FIG. 4, surface 62 may be set
into the interior surface 30 of the toilet bowl 24 so as to form a
recessed portion 66 where the shelf 58 can begin to extend away
from the toilet bowl inlet port(s) 42 which can then be formed into
a recessed surface 68 so as to face toward a side of the toilet
bowl 24 and so that if two such ports 42 are used, flow would go in
opposing directions away from the entry point from the upper rear
portion 60 of the toilet bowl toward the front 70 of the toilet
bowl.
[0086] With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the toilet bowl
port(s) 42 can be configured and sized to control flow. Preferably
the inlet port(s) 42 are shaped in a round (generally circular),
shape, but may also be of a variety of shapes, curved slits, oblong
holes, elliptical holes, and the like. The port(s) should have a
diameter (or longest cross-sectional dimension) of about 5 mm to
about 25 mm, and preferably about 10 mm to about 20 mm for optimal
flow pressure. They may be adjusted for various effects in
different toilet configurations.
[0087] As noted above, the toilet bowl inlet port(s) 42 are
positioned at an upper rear portion 60 of the toilet bowl 24. The
inlet port(s) 42 are each configured to receive fluid from the
manifold 28 into the interior area A of the toilet bowl 24 such
that at least a portion of the fluid introduced as flow f.sub.2
passes along the shelf 58 of the toilet bowl as flow f.sub.4 as
shown in FIG. 5A. The shelf 58 is formed in the interior surface 30
thereof before the flow passes into the lower portion or bottom 52
of the toilet bowl. In doing so, if one port is provided, a more
concentrated flow could be introduced to travel either clockwise or
counterclockwise along the shelf. When using two opposing ports 42
(of multiple opposing ports), flow can travel in both the clockwise
and counterclockwise direction away from surface 68 with both
streams flowing towards the front of the toilet bowl.
[0088] The interior surface 30 of the toilet bowl in an upper
peripheral portion 71 thereof may be configured so as to form a
shelf 58 therein along at least a part 73 of the upper peripheral
portion of the interior surface 30 that is below the upper
peripheral edge 32 of the toilet bowl. The shelf 58 is preferably
positioned so as to be sufficiently beneath the upper peripheral
edge 32 to prevent splashing upwards of flush fluid, but also in
alignment beneath the outflow of fluid from the ports in recessed
surface 68 to catch a majority of the fluid exiting the toilet bowl
inlet port(s) 42 and direct the flow along the shelf. The shelf is
preferably positioned about 10 mm to about 100 mm and more
preferably about 20 mm to about 50 mm beneath the upper peripheral
edge of the toilet bowl, but designs may also be varied depending
on flush effects desired from the invention described herein. The
shelf 50 is preferably also positioned about 0 mm to about 20 mm
below the location of the lowermost toilet bowl inlet port(s)
42.
[0089] The shelf 58 may take a variety of structures, and may
include longitudinally extending flow grooves or features to assist
sustaining or directing flow along the shelf to a desired point.
Further slightly raised and/or angled transversely extending
features to force some flush water to drop off the shelf at various
points can also or alternatively be formed along the path can also
be used. Such optional features can be designed for various flow
patterns, however, the shelf may also be simply a generally flat
upper surface as shown. The upper surface 72 of the shelf may also
optionally be angled along its path downwardly with respect to the
transverse width in a manner described in International Publication
WO 2009/030904 A1, incorporated herein by reference in relevant
part with respect to the port and shelf configuration. Preferably
the shelf is angled at about 1.degree. to about 3.degree. towards
the center of the bowl, primarily to prevent the accumulation of
standing water after a flush. The shelf may also be placed on a
slight incline along its longitudinal flow path as it moves from
the rear portion 74 of the shelf 58 towards the front portion 76 of
the shelf if desired.
[0090] The shelf 58 has a width w (as measured transversely across
the shelf). The width of the upper surface 72 of the shelf 58 may
be constant or as shown can be largest towards a rear portion 74 of
the shelf 58 in comparison with the front portion 76 of the shelf.
The shelf 58 may also be configured such that the width w,
decreases gradually as shown in FIG. 3 from a largest width w.sub.1
towards the rear portion 74 of the shelf 58, decreasing through
intermediate widths such as width w.sub.2 along the shelf and
culminating in a small width w.sub.3 near the front portion 76 of
the shelf 58. In one embodiment herein the shelf 58 does not
continue all the way around the upper peripheral portion 71 of the
interior surface 30 of the toilet bowl 24. The shelf 58 may also be
formed so as to continue all the way around the upper peripheral
portion of the interior surface of the toilet bowl. However, as
shown, it is preferred that a shelf 58 having a gradually
decreasing width extend around the upper peripheral portion of the
interior surface of the toilet bowl until at the area where flow
meets at the front 70 of the toilet bowl the shelf 58 has a width w
of only about 0 mm to about 10 mm and is sufficient small as to
allow a large portion of the mating flow from opposite directions
to fall downwardly towards the bottom 52 of the toilet bowl 24 so
as to merge with flow from the jet entering the bowl through jet
outlet 50.
[0091] Optionally, in an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 9,
a toilet bowl assembly 212, wherein like elements have like
reference numbers to the embodiment of FIG. 1, has an upper hollow
channel 299 formed in the upper peripheral area 271 just below the
upper peripheral edge 232. Additional fluid from the manifold under
pressure can also enter an inlet 295 to the hollow channel 299
until it reaches a hollow channel outlet 297. Additional such
outlets 297 may be formed along this path as shown in FIG. 9,
wherein there are two hollow channel outlets 297 each at the 9
o'clock and 3 o'clock positions with respect to the view shown. As
water exits the outlets, it continues on a further, second shelf
259 formed into the upper peripheral area 271 just below the hollow
channel 299 and aligned with the outlet(s) 297. Preferably, as
shown, the second shelf, 259 is positioned above the shelf 258
which receives flow from toilet bowl inlet ports 242 and has a
decreasing width as it approaches the front 270 of the toilet bowl
224. Thus fluid flowing along the shelf having flow f.sub.4 as
noted above merges with flow f.sub.6 shown in FIG. 9 as the two
flows approach the front 270 of the toilet bowl 224 and then flow
downward into the toilet bowl. Such hollow channels can be formed
so as to flow within the existing rimless toilet structure and
without the overhang associated with a traditional prior art rim
channel. If desired, further such outlets like outlets 297 can be
placed in fluid communication with the manifold by forming a hollow
channel and placing outlet openings along its length and/or with
multiple shelves if desired in the upper peripheral area 271
beneath the upper peripheral edge 232 of the toilet bowl 224 in the
assembly 212.
[0092] With reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, an optional
opening 78 may be provided to the toilet 24 herein for providing
additional cleansing specifically focused toward the rear area 60
where it lies within or, preferably beneath, the surface 62
approximately in the transverse center of the toilet bowl. If two
inlet ports 42 are used the opening 78 is preferably approximately
between the two inlet ports 42. The opening 78 if formed in the
surface 62 receives additional pressurized water from the manifold.
However, as shown, the opening positioned beneath the surface 62
may receive pressurized flow from either the manifold 28 or the jet
channel 46 which is typically already traveling in a generally
downwardly flow. The additional fluid entering opening 78 from the
manifold or jet channel should be directed as to enter the toilet
bowl in a generally downward direction for cleaning the rear area
60 of the interior surface 30 of the toilet bowl 24. This can be
accomplished by inclusion of a distributor 79 positioned in or over
the opening 78. The distributor 79 can be formed of a variety of
suitable materials, including but not limited to polymeric,
polymeric composite, or metallic materials, and is preferably
situated on the surface 62 or opening 78 so as to direct fluid
downwardly and outwardly to cleanse the area between bowl inlet
ports 42.
[0093] The distributor 79 is preferably formed so that it can be
removably or permanently attached to the toilet bowl.
Alternatively, the distributor 79 can be formed as an integral part
of the toilet bowl by, for example, placing a vertical wall of
vitreous china about 2 mm to about 20 mm in front of the opening
78, such that fluid exiting the opening during the flush cycle
impacts the wall and is directed downwardly and outwardly to
cleanse the rear portion of the bowl. Such a construction can be
achieved in vitreous china by sticking the distributor feature to
the bowl when both are in their green taste (i.e., before high
temperature firing). This distributor feature, as explained above,
ensures that even with opposing directions of flow along the shelf
and a powerful jet action, a small area where flow is less likely
to be complete along the surface is adequately cleansed.
[0094] In one embodiment, the distributor may be simply a cover 80
that bends flow downwardly into the toilet bowl. Alternatively, as
shown in FIGS. 10-14, the distributor may be an assembly of
components including a cover 80 that in addition to being part of
the distributor as an assembly, may be provided also to improve the
aesthetics of the distributor feature. The cover, whether acting
itself as a distributor or as a cover of a distributor assembly may
have a variety of designs and be formed of various materials,
including but not limited to composites, color match materials,
chinaware, stainless steel and the like. The cover should extend
outwardly toward the interior area of the toilet bowl 24
sufficiently to provide clearance for flow and direct flow
downwardly along the interior surface 30 of the toilet bowl 24.
Alternatively, the distributor and decorative cover can be a single
entity.
[0095] In the assembly as shown in FIG. 10, the distributor
assembly 79 includes the cover 80, an optional distributor guide
77, a distributor lock 81 and a distributor fastener 75. The
fastener may be any of a variety of fasteners, including press-fit,
snap-fit, interlocking pieces, or as shown herein, a screw 75. The
distributor is shown in an exploded view in its intended location
in FIG. 10 and in an enlarged expanded view in FIG. 11. As shown in
FIG. 11, the cover is configured so that it may fit over a
preferred distributor guide. The guide is shaped also for this
purpose with an upper portion 77e for deflecting flow downwards,
and a front surface portion 77a that slopes gradually away from the
rear of the toilet bowl when installed for mating with the cover
and for allowing flow to pass downward and slightly outwardly along
the distributor guide so as to fan out and contact the interior
surface 30 of the toilet bowl 24. The distributor guide 77 also
incorporates a transversely extending hole 77c therethrough, as
best shown in FIG. 12, for receiving the distributor screw 75. When
using a preferred distributor assembly 79, the cover 80 is optional
but can be used to hide the head of the screw for aesthetic
purposes. Further, the cover 80 can be made to be removed, and the
screw 75 also removed, by removing the distributor lock so as to
clean the toilet near the hole 78.
[0096] The distributor lock acts like a nut and can be configured
in a traditional nut or washer form, or as shown for ease of
installation and removal, can have a peripheral shape that is
designed with a gripping feature 81a in mind along its periphery
81b. The distributor lock also has an opening 81c passing
therethrough in a transverse manner as shown for receiving the
distributor screw 75.
[0097] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, from the rear view, the
distributor guide 77 may be made to have a feature 77d for
directing flow. As shown, the area where the screw 75 passes
through the distributor can be extended rearward, with optional
threads on the interior of the hole 77c if desired. The rearward
extending portion 77f can be used to provide a base of attachment
for one or more features such as feature 77d for directing flow
downward along and behind the rear surface 77b so as to flow
downwardly in a fanned out manner toward the interior surface 30 of
the toilet bowl for cleaning the area 60 and below that area on the
interior surface 30. As shown feature 77d is simply a divider,
however, grooves, channels, multiple dividers and the like may be
provided to the rear surface 77b of the distributor guide 77
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0098] When assembled and installed on the toilet as shown in FIG.
14 from the rear view, the distributor lock 81 tightens and fits
over the screw 75 which passes through the distributor guide 77 and
the distributor lock 81 so that the lock is tightened against the
interior manifold surface 29 behind the surface 62 covering the
manifold at the top of the opening 78 and the rear surface 77b of
the distributor guide is tightened against the interior surface 30
of the toilet bowl 24 at the top of the opening 78. Thus the
distributor guide is secure and the cover 80 can be placed over the
distributor guide. Flow thus passes along flow f.sub.3 shown in
FIG. 14 downwardly into the bowl.
[0099] Alternatively the cover 80 can be used over the hole 78
without the distributor guide, screw and lock and function both
aesthetically and functionally as a distributor. In a preferred
embodiment herein, the cover 80 is part of a distributor 79 that is
an assembly as noted above.
[0100] In a further embodiment herein, a toilet may have an
alternative toilet bowl assembly 112 as shown in FIG. 6. Such
alternative assembly may be used in a toilet 100 which other than
the toilet bowl assembly 112 is identical to that described above
for toilet 10 and like numerals are used to refer to like parts
throughout. Toilet bowl assembly 112 is further the same but for
the jet design. In toilet bowl assembly 112, the jet inlet 144 is
preferably still positioned in a lower portion 143 of the toilet
bowl assembly manifold 128. The jet inlet 144 is in fluid
communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet 118. The jet
outlet 150 is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl outlet
136 and the toilet bowl assembly outlet 138. One or more jet
channel(s) 146 connect the jet inlet 144 to the jet outlet 150. The
fluid enters the jet through jet inlet 144 and flows through one or
more jet channel(s) 146 having a hollow interior 148. The fluid
flows in the jet channel(s) along the upper portion of the bowl as
shown through the jet channel(s) 146 and exits at a jet outlet 150
in the embodiment shown but does not pass downward towards the jet
outlet 150 until it flow to the front 170 of the toilet bowl 124
proximate the upper peripheral portion 171 of the toilet bowl 124
along a flow f.sub.7 as shown in FIG. 6.
[0101] The at least one jet channel(s) 146 as shown in FIG. 6 are
designed to extend within the interior 154 of the toilet bowl
assembly body 116 so as to pass around the outside 156 of the
toilet bowl 124 but are positioned to be at least partially within
a space 155 defined within the toilet bowl assembly body 116
generally under or beneath the inwardly extending shelf 158. The
jet outlet 150 is positioned so that fluid from the jet channel(s)
146 enters into the toilet bowl as noted above in the front area
170 anywhere from proximate the upper peripheral portion 171 to the
area 152 near the bottom of the bowl and merges with fluid that
entered the toilet bowl inlet ports 142 and traveled in flow
f.sub.4 along the shelf 158 formed in the toilet bowl interior
surface 130. The flow f.sub.4 merges and the combined fluid flows
together generally downwardly along the interior surface 130 on the
front 170 of the toilet bowl into the bottom 152 of the toilet bowl
112 and merges with flow f.sub.7 and then exits through the toilet
bowl exit 136 in a pressurized stream into the trapway 122. The
advantage of this construction is that the geometry of the
underside of the sump (i.e., the top surface of the pedestal of the
bowl) is greatly simplified by the removal of the more traditional
direct fed jet channels under the bowl, which could result in
improved yields and lower costs when manufacturing the toilet from
vitreous china.
[0102] The water from the jet channel(s) 146 flows out of the jet
outlet port 150 in the trapway 122 or sump and directs that strong,
pressurized stream of water from the outlet 136 of the toilet bowl
to initiate a siphon in the trapway 122 to evacuate the bowl and
its contents to the sewer line in communication with toilet bowl
assembly outlet 138.
[0103] If desired, at least one opening 169 may also be provided to
allow some portion of the jet flow to exit at the front 170 of the
bowl and travel downward with flow f.sub.4 from the shelf to create
a further cleansing capability, however, such opening(s) is/are
optional only.
[0104] As can be appreciated by consideration of FIGS. 2 and 3, the
geometry of the sump 35, interior bowl surface 30, and shelf 58 are
formed so as to present only acute angles with respect to any
reference plane longitudinal to the toilet bowl. Such geometry
provides significant advantages in manufacturing by casting
methods. As shown in FIG. 15, as a single mold M can be inserted
and extracted from the sump 35, interior bowl surface 30, and shelf
58 features without interfering with the cast part P. The presence
of obtuse angles or significant or obvious perpendicular
overhanging features presented by standard prior art
pan-trapway-rim constructions preclude the use of such simple mold
geometry in casting.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a lid 82 can be formed in one
embodiment herein which creates a unique toilet bowl assembly for a
rimless, gravity-powered, siphonic toilet. The lid is shown in
conjunction with the toilet assembly embodiment of FIG. 1, however,
it will be understood based on this disclosure that the lid can
also be combined with the embodiment herein of FIG. 6. The lid 82
preferably has an upper lid portion 84 which may include a spacer
support 86 for avoiding compression against a lower lid and for
providing structural support against an applied load on the toilet
seat such as by a user sitting on top of the lid 82. The toilet lid
82 also preferably has a lower lid 88. The lower lid is configured
to work with the rimless toilets herein. The lower surface 89 of
the lower lid 88 is preferably formed so as to have further
structural support such as lower lid support 90, which may extend
along some or all of the lower surface 89 of the lower lid. Such a
support 90 as well as the spacer support 86, and the toilet lids if
desired, may be formed of a variety of materials, coated wood,
polymeric materials, or composite materials. A seat bumper 92 is
preferably provided to the lower surface of the support (or may be
directly provided to the lower surface of the lower lid without the
support). The bumper may have a curved section 93 along the bottom
thereof which is configured to contact the upper peripheral edge of
the toilet bowl. The lid may have any of a variety of standard bowl
attachment devices at a rear thereof, which are well known in the
art, and may include future such attachment devices within the
scope of this invention.
[0106] The lid as noted above works well with the rimless toilet
designs of the embodiments herein, and provides structural support
and stability to the lid in view of the narrower upper peripheral
edge of the invention.
[0107] With reference to FIGS. 19 to 23C, a further embodiment of a
rimless, siphonic, gravity-powered toilet 300 is shown having a
toilet seat 383. The toilet 310 in the embodiment may be any of
those noted above, including a toilet bowl assembly 312 that has
toilet bowl assembly body 316 with inlets, outlets and other
features as described in other embodiments herein in detail. The
toilet bowl 324 in the assembly body 316 has an interior bowl
surface 330 with an upper peripheral edge 332. The interior area of
the bowl 324 receives fluid and is in fluid communication with a
toilet bowl assembly inlet which may be any of those described
above. The upper peripheral portion 371 of the interior bowl
surface 330 as shown in FIG. 19 is configured to have a shelf 358
formed into the surface that extends along a part of the upper
peripheral portion 371 of the surface below the upper peripheral
edge 332.
[0108] The toilet bowl would also have the other features as noted
above such as an outlet and connection to a drain in the manner of
the other embodiments. The toilet bowl also includes a jet which
may be any of the configurations noted above having an inlet into
the jet in fluid communication with the toilet bowl assembly inlet
and a jet outlet 350 as shown in communication with the toilet bowl
assembly outlet 338. The jet should also have at least one jet
channel extending between the jet inlet and the jet outlet, which
may be any of the configurations noted above with respect to toilet
embodiments 10, 100 and 200. Similarly a manifold is provided
having a manifold area and configured so that fluid entering the
toilet bowl assembly inlet will divide into a first portion for
entering the inlet of the jet and a second portion for entering the
interior area of the toilet bowl. The manifold may likewise
resemble any of those noted above in the toilet bowls of
embodiments 10, 100 and 200.
[0109] Also as noted in embodiments 10, 100 and 200, the toilet 300
also has at least one toilet bowl inlet port positioned at an upper
rear portion 360 of the toilet bowl 324. The at least one, and
preferably two, inlet ports should be configured to receive fluid
from the manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such
that at least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf 358 of
the toilet bowl in the same manner and as shown in embodiments 10,
100 and 200 prior to passing into a lower portion 334 of the toilet
bowl 324. The toilet 300 also includes a toilet seat 383 configured
to fit over the upper peripheral edge 332 of the toilet bowl 324 in
the manner of the toilet seat as described, for example, with
reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, although it should be understood based
on this disclosure that other toilet seat embodiments may be used.
The preferred toilet seat 383 has a lid 382 with an upper lid cover
384 and a lower lid 388 having lower surface 389 having a seat
bumper 392, and preferably two or more such bumpers, and as shown,
four such bumpers. The bumpers 392 are configured to contact the
upper peripheral edge 332 of the rimless toilet bowl so that the
bumpers 392 abut the upper peripheral edge 332 when the toilet seat
383 is in a lowered position over the upper peripheral edge of the
toilet.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 19-23C, a splash guard 398 is provided
which has an upper portion 396 and a downwardly extending portion
394. The exterior surface 391 sits generally flat over the upper
surface 340 in the manifold area and an interior surface 387 is
configured to seat over part of the upper rear portion 360 of the
toilet bowl 324 and preferably over a rear portion 365 of the shelf
358. The splash guard 398 is shaped and configured so as to fit in
the area beneath the toilet seat 383, specifically the lower lid
388 in a two-piece toilet seat and above the upper rear portion 360
of the toilet bowl extending partly over the surface 340 in the
manifold area and complements the shape of the rear portion 360 of
the toilet bowl 324. The splash guard 398 in the embodiment shown
forms a generally right angle .alpha. in transverse cross section
as best shown in FIG. 23A along the outwardly extending portions
385 described below. Preferably, for additional stability and to
avoid water extending upwardly, the splash guard also has a
rearwardly extending portion 369 configured to extend backwards
towards a hinge 367 on the toilet seat.
[0111] The splash guard 398 is also configured to have one or more
outwardly extending end portion(s) 385 extending from the rear
portion 360 of the toilet bowl in a direction of flow D at least
partially along the upper peripheral edge 332 of the bowl towards
the front 370 of the toilet bowl 324 so as to at least cover the at
least one toilet inlet port and block upward splashing water. Such
port(s) in this embodiment are identical to those shown in
embodiments 10, 100 and 200 and would be positioned on the back
portion 360 of the bowl under the splash guard 398 of FIG. 19.
Preferably, there are two toilet bowl inlet ports and two outwardly
extending end portions on the splash guard.
[0112] The outwardly extending portion(s) 385 of the splash guard
398 preferably each terminate rearwardly of any bumpers 392 on the
toilet seat 383, for example at a position E as shown. As the water
may exit with some force at the rear of the bowl, the splash guard
alleviates any upward splashing that may occur particularly if the
seat 383 is not in the downward position.
[0113] As shown in embodiments 10, 100 and 200, the toilet 300 may
also include the optional opening best shown in FIG. 10 as opening
78 positioned between two toilet bowl inlet ports, see, for
example, FIG. 1, opening 42, to introduce a portion of fluid from
the toilet manifold and/or jet channel(s) into the toilet bowl
(also as shown in embodiments 10, 100 and 200) in a generally
downward direction for cleaning a rear area 360 of the interior
surface 330 of the toilet bowl approximately between the two toilet
bowl inlet ports. An optional distributor as shown for examples in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-14 may also be included in the toilet 300, but is
preferably situated as shown so that the splash guard 398 at least
partially, and preferably substantially completely or completely,
covers the distributor. The distributor should be positioned as
shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-14 to at least partially cover the
opening between the two toilet bowl inlet ports. The splash guard,
like the toilet seat, may be removed for cleaning and replaced
easily by the user.
[0114] In another embodiment of a rimless, siphonic,
gravity-powered toilet herein, described as embodiment 400 and
shown in FIGS. 16-18, a toilet bowl assembly 412 is shown that
includes a unitary splash guard 498. The splash guard 498 is
similar to the splash guard 398 with the exception that it is not a
separate and removable piece, but formed into the body of the
toilet bowl while molding the toilet. Such a toilet bowl assembly
body 416 and toilet bowl 424 may in all other respects be identical
to the toilet bowls in embodiments 10, 100, 200 and 300, with the
exception of the molded in splash guard 498, and thus, for the sake
of convenience one skilled in the art based on this disclosure will
understand that each of bowls and bowl assemblies, 12, 24, 112,
124, 212, 224 and 310, 324, respectively, have like parts
throughout other than the additional splash guard 498.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 16, a portion 494 of the upper surface 440
of the toilet bowl in the manifold area is configured to extend
downwardly so as to cover the at least one inlet port 442 and a
rear portion 465 of the shelf 458 so as to act as a splash guard
for water entering the shelf 458 from the at least one inlet port
442. Thus a portion 463 of the upper surface 440 of the toilet bowl
in the manifold area acts as a splash guard. The portion 463
preferably bends to form the downwardly extending portion 494 of
the splash guard 498 and, as with the embodiment of the removable
splash guard 398 described above, forms an angle .alpha.' that is
generally a right angle in transverse cross section as best shown
in FIG. 16. With respect to the removable and unitary splash
guards, but "generally" a right angle, it is meant that some
variation may be provided to the angles .alpha., .alpha.' to
accommodate different designs in the rear portion of the toilet,
for example but not limited to .+-.15.degree., and/or may have a
softer curve instead of a hard angle downward.
[0116] The splash guard 498 preferably also includes outwardly
extending portion(s) 461 of the portion 463 of the upper surface
440 of the toilet bowl that acts as a splash guard, preferably with
the downwardly extending portion 494, which portion(s) 461 is/are
configured so that each terminates rearwardly of a position E'
where a toilet seat would contact the upper peripheral edge 432 of
the toilet bowl 424. As noted above, two toilet bowl inlet ports
442 may be provided, as well as an optional opening in the center
of the two inlets and/or a distributor, which may be the same as
central openings and the distributors noted above in embodiments
10, 100 and 200 and as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-14. If two
inlets are provided, two outwardly extending end portions 461 are
included in the splash guard 498. The distributor should be
positioned also as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-14 to at least
partially cover any central opening between two toilet bowl inlet
ports 442.
[0117] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
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