U.S. patent application number 13/923333 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for toilet assemblies having a moveable trapway and methods of installing same.
This patent application is currently assigned to AS Holdco, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is AS Holdco, LLC. Invention is credited to Christophe Bucher, David Grover, James McHale.
Application Number | 20130340156 13/923333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49769710 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130340156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McHale; James ; et
al. |
December 26, 2013 |
Toilet Assemblies Having a Moveable Trapway and Methods of
Installing Same
Abstract
Toilets, kits and methods for installing toilets using a
moveable trapway are described in the disclosure. The moveable
trapway comprises a conduit body having an exterior surface and an
interior surface defining a passage. The conduit body has an upper
inlet portion defining an inlet opening configured to receive fluid
from a bowl outlet, such as the end of a partial trapway of the
toilet, and an outlet portion defining an outlet opening for fluid
to exit to a sewage drain pipe. The passage extends from the inlet
opening in the upper inlet portion to the outlet opening in the
outlet portion. The trapway also includes a connector configured to
attach the inlet portion of the conduit body so as to be in fluid
communication to the bowl outlet, for example to a partial trapway
of the toilet. The conduit body of the moveable trapway is
configured to be rotatably positioned during installation of the
toilet such that the outlet portion is capable of being displaced
along or away from a longitudinal midline of the toilet.
Inventors: |
McHale; James;
(Hillsborough, NJ) ; Bucher; Christophe;
(Hillsborough, NJ) ; Grover; David; (Hamilton,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AS Holdco, LLC |
Piscataway |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AS Holdco, LLC
Piscataway
NJ
|
Family ID: |
49769710 |
Appl. No.: |
13/923333 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61662170 |
Jun 20, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/420 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/16 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; E03D 11/18 20130101; E03D 11/17
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/420 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/17 20060101
E03D011/17 |
Claims
1. A moveable trapway for use with a toilet, comprising: a conduit
body comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface
defining a passage, the conduit body having an upper inlet portion
defining an inlet opening configured to receive fluid from a bowl
outlet of a toilet, and an outlet portion defining an outlet
opening for fluid to exit to a sewage drain pipe, wherein the
passage extends from the inlet opening of the upper inlet portion
to the outlet opening of the outlet portion; and a connector
configured to join the inlet portion of the conduit body to the
bowl outlet of the toilet, wherein the conduit body of the moveable
trapway is configured to be rotatably positioned during
installation of a toilet such that the outlet portion of the
moveable trapway is capable of being displaced along or away from a
longitudinal midline of a toilet being installed.
2. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
trapway is for use with a toilet having a bowl outlet located on an
end of a partial trapway and the inlet portion of the conduit body
is configured to receive fluid from a bowl outlet on an end of a
partial trapway.
3. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the exterior
surface of the outlet portion of the conduit body is configured to
fit inside of the central opening of a closet flange in facing
engagement.
4. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
body is a unitary structure.
5. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
body is formed from two halves that extend lengthwise along the
conduit body.
6. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the outlet
portion of the conduit body further comprises a flange cover,
wherein the flange cover comprises an upper surface, a lower
surface, at least one central opening extending therethrough from
the upper surface to the lower surface, and at least one peripheral
opening extending therethrough from the upper surface to the lower
surface.
7. The moveable trapway according to claim 6, wherein the upper
surface of the flange cover comprises an indicator for correlating
a trapway displacement angle with a distance the outlet of the
conduit body may be moved laterally from the longitudinal midline
along an installation surface.
8. The moveable trapway according to claim 6, wherein the conduit
body and the flange cover are formed as a unitary structure.
9. The moveable trapway according to claim 6, wherein the flange
cover is configured to be secured over the flange by at least one
fastener extending through the at least one peripheral opening.
10. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
body comprises a material selected from a group containing a molded
polymeric material, an elastomeric material, a composite material,
a metal, a metal alloy, and/or a ceramic material.
11. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
trapway is for use with a toilet having a bowl outlet at an end of
a partial trapway, and the interior surface of the upper inlet
portion of the conduit body is configured to fit around an exterior
surface of a partial trapway of a toilet in facing engagement.
12. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the exterior
surface of the outlet portion of the conduit body is configured to
fit inside of an inlet opening of a sewage drain pipe of the toilet
in facing engagement.
13. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
body is configured so that a center point of the outlet opening of
the outlet portion of the conduit body is capable of being
positioned over a sewage drain pipe at a first distance of about 50
mm to about 400 mm, wherein the first distance is measured in a
transverse plane of an installation surface from a point located
perpendicularly below a center point of the inlet opening of the
inlet portion of the conduit body and on the longitudinal midline
of a toilet being installed on an installation surface to the
center point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the
conduit body.
14. The moveable trapway according to claim 13, wherein the first
distance from the center point of the outlet opening of the outlet
portion of the conduit body to the point perpendicularly below the
center point of the inlet opening is about 100 mm to about 300
mm.
15. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
body is configured so that a center point of the outlet opening of
the outlet portion of the conduit body is capable of being
positioned over the sewage drain pipe at a second distance of about
5 mm to about 160 mm, the second distance being measured in a
transverse plane of an installation surface along a line extending
perpendicularly from a point located on the longitudinal midline to
the center point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the
conduit body.
16. The moveable trapway according to claim 15, wherein the second
distance from the center point of the outlet opening of outlet
portion of the conduit body to the longitudinal midline measured
perpendicularly along the transverse plane of an installation
surface is about 25 mm to about 115 mm.
17. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
body is configured so that a center point of the outlet opening of
the outlet portion of the conduit body is capable of being
positioned at an angle of about .+-.1 degree to about .+-.90
degrees, the angle being measured in a transverse plane of an
installation surface between the longitudinal midline and a line
extending from the center point of the outlet opening to a point
located on the longitudinal midline, in a transverse plane on an
installation surface and perpendicularly below a center point of
the inlet opening of the inlet portion of the conduit body.
18. The moveable trapway according to claim 17, wherein the angle
is about .+-.5 degrees to about .+-.55 degrees.
19. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the moveable
trapway is for use with a toilet having a bowl outlet at an end of
a partial trapway and the connector is configured to be secured to
an outlet of a partial trapway.
20. The moveable trapway according to claim 1, wherein the
connector is selected from an elastomeric ring, an interlocking
ring, a wax ring, and an elastomeric band that is connectable by
hose clamps.
21. A toilet, comprising: a toilet bowl having an inner surface
defining an inner space for receiving fluids and solid waste, an
exterior surface, a sump and a bowl outlet for releasing fluid
and/or waste; a moveable trapway, comprising a conduit body having
an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passage, the
conduit body comprising an upper inlet portion defining an inlet
opening configured to receive fluid from the bowl outlet of the
toilet, and an outlet portion defining an outlet opening for fluid
to exit to a sewage drain pipe, wherein the passage extends from
the inlet opening of the upper inlet portion to the outlet opening
of the outlet portion; and a connector configured to attach the
inlet portion of the conduit body to the toilet bowl so that the
inlet portion is in fluid communication with the bowl outlet,
wherein the conduit body of the moveable trapway is configured to
be rotatably positioned during installation of the toilet such that
the outlet portion of the conduit body is capable of being
displaced along or away from a longitudinal midline of the
toilet.
22. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein the toilet further
comprises a flange cover, wherein the flange cover comprises an
upper surface, a lower surface, at least one central opening
extending therethrough from the upper surface to the lower surface,
and at least one peripheral opening extending therethrough from the
upper surface to the lower surface.
23. The toilet according to claim 22, wherein the upper surface of
the flange cover comprises an indicator for correlating a trapway
displacement angle with a distance the outlet of the conduit body
may be moved laterally from the longitudinal midline along an
installation surface.
24. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein the toilet further
comprises a skirt extending around the exterior surface of the
toilet bowl, wherein the skirt comprises an opening at a rear of
the toilet and the skirt has at least one side opening configured
to allow for moveable placement of the outlet portion of the
conduit body that extends outwardly from the skirt.
25. The toilet according to claim 24, wherein the toilet further
comprises a flange housing configured to cover at least a portion
of the flange cover extending out of the at least one side
opening.
26. The toilet according to claim 25, wherein the flange housing
comprises a stain-resistant material selected from a group
containing a molded polymeric material, an elastomeric of
maintaining a pre-molded, partially circular shape.
27. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein the toilet further
comprises a skirt extending around the exterior surface of the
toilet bowl and around the rear portion of the toilet, wherein a
portion of the skirt in the rear portion of the toilet is
configured to cover at least the conduit body of the moveable
trapway and/or a portion of the toilet skirt extends outwardly on a
side portion of the skirt on at least one side of the toilet to
cover the outlet portion and/or a flange cover of the moveable
trapway when the moveable trapway is displaced from the
longitudinal midline of the toilet.
28. A method of installing a toilet, comprising: a) providing a
toilet comprising: a bowl having an inner surface defining an inner
space for receiving fluids and solid waste, an exterior surface, a
sump and a bowl outlet for releasing fluid and/or waste from the
bowl, a moveable trapway, comprising a conduit body having an
exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passage, the
conduit body comprising an upper inlet portion defining an inlet
opening configured to receive fluid from the bowl outlet, and an
outlet portion defining an outlet opening for fluid to exit to a
sewage drain pipe, wherein the passage extends from the inlet
opening in the upper inlet portion of the conduit body to the
outlet opening in the outlet portion of the conduit body; and a
connector configured to attach the inlet portion of the conduit
body in fluid communication with the bowl outlet, wherein the
conduit body of the moveable trapway is configured to be rotatably
positioned during installation of the toilet such that the outlet
portion is capable of being displaced along or away from a
longitudinal midline of the toilet; b) positioning the conduit body
of the moveable trapway such that the inlet opening is in fluid
communication with the bowl outlet and the outlet opening is
aligned to be in fluid communication with a sewage drain pipe when
the toilet is installed on an installation surface; and c)
positioning the connector such that it joins the upper inlet
portion of the conduit body to the toilet in fluid communication
with the bowl outlet.
29. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 28,
wherein the toilet further comprises a flange cover located on the
outlet portion of the conduit body, and the method further
comprises positioning the flange cover over a flange installed on
an installation surface over the sewage drain pipe; and securing
the flange cover to an installation surface by at least one
fastener extending through at least one peripheral opening in the
flange cover.
30. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 29,
wherein the upper surface of the flange cover comprises an
indicator for correlating a trapway displacement angle with a
distance the outlet of the conduit body may be moved laterally from
the longitudinal midline along an installation surface and the
method further comprises using the indicator for positioning the
moveable trapway.
31. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 28,
wherein the toilet comprises a flange housing and a skirt
positioned around at least the bowl and sides of the toilet,
wherein the skirt has at least one opening in a side thereof, and
the method further comprises positioning the flange housing
adjacent to one of the at least one side opening in the skirt so as
to cover any outwardly extending portion of a flange and/or a
flange cover extending outwardly through the at least one side
opening.
32. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 31,
further comprising compressing the flange housing inside of the at
least one side opening in the skirt.
33. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 28,
further comprising forming an angle of about .+-.1 degree to about
.+-.90 degrees when a center point of the outlet opening of the
outlet portion of the conduit body is over the sewage drain pipe,
wherein the angle formed is measured in a transverse plane along
the installation surface between the longitudinal midline of the
toilet and a line extending from the center point of the outlet
opening of the outlet portion of the conduit body to a point along
the longitudinal midline of the toilet that is perpendicularly
below a center point of the inlet opening of the inlet portion of
the conduit body.
34. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 33,
wherein the angle formed is about .+-.5 degree to about .+-.55
degrees.
35. The method of installing a toilet according to claim 28,
wherein the toilet comprises a skirt extending around the exterior
surface of the toilet bowl, wherein the skirt comprises an opening
at a rear portion of the toilet, at least one mount opening, and at
least one side opening in the skirt, and the method further
comprises securing the skirt using the at least one mount opening
and at least one fastener.
36. A kit for installing a moveable trapway, comprising a) a
moveable trapway, comprising: a conduit body having an exterior
surface and an interior surface defining a passage and having an
upper inlet portion defining an inlet opening configured to receive
fluid from a bowl outlet of a toilet, an outlet portion defining an
outlet opening for fluid to exit to a sewage drain pipe, wherein
the passage extends from the upper inlet portion opening to the
outlet portion opening, and a connector configured to join the
inlet portion of the conduit body to the bowl outlet of the toilet,
wherein the conduit body of the moveable trapway is configured to
be rotatably positioned during installation of the toilet such that
the outlet portion is capable of being displaced along or away from
a longitudinal midline of the toilet; and b) instructions for
installing a moveable trapway.
37. A kit for installing a toilet, comprising a) a toilet,
comprising a toilet bowl having an inner surface defining an inner
space for receiving fluids and solid waste, an exterior surface, a
sump and a bowl outlet for releasing fluid and/or waste, a moveable
trapway, comprising a conduit body having an exterior surface and
an interior surface defining a passage having an upper inlet
portion defining an inlet opening configured to receive fluid from
the bowl outlet, and an outlet portion defining an outlet opening
for fluid to exit to a sewage drain pipe, wherein the passage
extends from the inlet opening in the upper inlet portion to the
outlet opening in the outlet portion, and a connector configured to
attach the inlet portion of the conduit body so as to be in fluid
communication with the bowl outlet, wherein the conduit body of the
moveable trapway is configured to be rotatably positioned during
installation of the toilet such that the outlet portion is capable
of being displaced along or away from a longitudinal midline of the
toilet; and b) instructions for installing the toilet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/662,170, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is related to the field of toilet assemblies
for installation and mounting in connection with an area in
existing construction having a sewage drain. More particularly the
invention relates to toilet assemblies that incorporate a moveable
trapway to allow adjustment of the location of the toilet in a
manner in which the trapway outlet is not aligned along the
mid-line of the toilet assembly with the sewage drain. Such toilets
can be installed in pre-existing construction on a sewage drain
line but be positioned so that the installed toilet leaves
sufficient space to meet the guidelines for disabled persons who
utilize wheelchairs or other mobility aids under the Fair Housing
Act.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Toilet assemblies for removing waste products, such as human
waste, are well known. Toilet assemblies generally have two main
parts: a tank and a bowl. The tank and bowl can be separate pieces
which are coupled together to form the toilet assembly (commonly
referred to as a two-piece toilet) or can be combined into one
integral unit (typically referred to as a one-piece toilet).
Toilets also exist without tanks and can be wall-mounted with an
in-line flush valve.
[0006] If a tank is used, 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.
[0007] The bowl is typically pre-molded so as to be round or
elongated for receiving liquid and solid waste. A trapway is
usually incorporated into a toilet assembly for leading flush water
which may include liquid and/or solid waste from the sump of the
bowl, at the bowl outlet to the drain opening and into the sewage
line.
[0008] A typical trapway has three main parts: a first leg portion
leading generally transversely from the sump and exit port of the
toilet bowl towards the back end of the toilet and which typically
curves slightly upwardly; a trapway down leg leading flow
downwardly from the first leg portion toward the drain along the
back of the toilet and curving back towards the front of the
toilet; and a second generally transversely extending leg of the
trapway that may include a curve for providing a weir, and which
leg runs from the down leg of the trapway towards the drain pipe
and is connected so as to be in communication with the drain pipe
for transmitting all liquid and/or solid waste to a drain of a
sewage line. The trapway is connected to the drain line by mounting
the trapway to the floor using a wax ring and a flange over the
drain pipe. The drain pipe can have a horizontal, vertical or
diagonal flow path for the liquid and/or solid waste to the sewage
line.
[0009] When a flush cycle is initiated, water flows from the tank
and into the bowl through various pathways depending on the bowl
design. This causes a rapid rise in water level and the excess
water enters the trapway and passes over the weir and into the
longitudinal (down leg) portion of the trapway, carrying liquid
and/or solid waste along with it. Once the excess water, liquid
and/or solid waste enter the trapway, they are carried through the
drain pipe to the sewage line for removal. At the conclusion of the
flush cycle, the water level in the bowl is returned to an
equilibrium pre-flush level as determined by the weir of the
trapway and other design features.
[0010] Installation of a toilet typically requires measuring the
distance between the floor drain (or the middle of the bolts on the
base of an already-installed toilet assembly being replaced) and
the wall behind the toilet. This distance is called the "rough-in
distance." Most toilets are designed for rough-in distances of
10'', 12'' or 14''. Toilet drain holes, which are located at the
end of a toilet trapway within the bowl assembly, are manufactured
into the bottom of the bowl to fit a specific rough-in distance and
are centrally aligned along a mid-line taken through a longitudinal
plane through the center of the toilet.
[0011] Once a homeowner or builder/developer has purchased his new
or replacement toilet assembly, a typical prior art method for
installation includes positioning the toilet over an installed
closet flange that is designed to be aligned and spaced with
respect to the wall behind the toilet to be installed based on the
appropriate rough-in distance.
[0012] However, many standard toilet assembly locations for toilet
installations are not designed to accommodate installation in
smaller bathrooms having limited lateral space if also
accommodating other fixtures and are limited by walls within a home
or business. As a result, it is difficult to adapt an existing
toilet installation area so that there is sufficient space to allow
for access for persons with a disability, e.g., someone requiring a
wheelchair or other physical mobility aid.
[0013] One known way in the art to create more space in a small
bathroom area is to use a round bowl base versus an elongated
toilet bowl assembly. While this choice may give more space
accommodation in the front of the toilet, it does not alleviate the
issues resulting from closeness of adjacent fixtures or walls
within a home or business having limited access area for a toilet
measured in the transverse direction or behind the bowl.
[0014] Additionally, to accommodate the disabled, the U.S. Fair
Housing Act requires multifamily dwellings with a building entrance
on an accessible route to contain usable bathrooms with grab bars
attached such that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about
the space. The dimensions describing the distance from the center
(along the longitudinal mid-line) of a toilet assembly to a side
wall and/or to the nearest fixture or obstruction on the opposite
side have been adapted from the ANSI standard. Thus, eighteen (18)
inches from the centerline of the toilet to the wall is the
standard for accommodating a grab bar and the shoulders of a person
seated on the toilet. The Accessibility Guidelines of the Fair
Housing Act provide for a fifteen (15)-inch minimum dimension on
the non-grab bar side.
[0015] Attempts in the art have been made to improve spacing in
bathrooms by changing the rough-in distance without further
construction or renovation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,326 A1
teaches a connecting apparatus that addresses differences in the
specifications of a new toilet versus the position of the
pre-established, building-mounted drainpipe. The three-piece
connecting part of U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,326 has a flushing-side
connecting pipe, a drain-side connecting pipe, and an adjustable
length linking pipe which makes a connection between the
flushing-side and the drain-side connecting pipes to enable changes
in the rough-in distance between the toilet stool and the wall.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,826 A1 discloses an adjustable trap for
a toilet stool to address the differences between the rough-in
distance and vertical height of alternative toilet bowl
assemblies.
[0017] Rubber hoses and flexible trapways are known in the art for
sink drains and the like. However, while some improvements have
been attempted, there is a need in the art for the ability to
adjust the location of a toilet in a manner in which the trapway
outlet may be aligned so as to be moveable from the mid-line of the
toilet assembly with the pre-existing building-mounted sewage drain
to enable installation of toilets that are compliant with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
[0018] Such a design is further needed to enable installation of a
toilet assembly in a small area with adjustability not only along
the longitudinal mid-line of a toilet (i.e., front to back
movement), but also movement in other directions including
transverse displacement (left to right) so that existing
installation areas which may have limited space can be re-designed
both in businesses and homes to accommodate users with disabilities
to meet the minimum spacing requirements of the Fair Housing Act
for wheelchair-bound disabled persons without requiring substantial
remodeling or reconstruction of the space at great cost to the
property owner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In one embodiment hereof, the disclosure includes a moveable
trapway for use with a toilet, comprising a conduit body comprising
an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passage, the
conduit body having an upper inlet portion defining an inlet
opening configured to receive fluid from a bowl outlet of a toilet,
and an outlet portion defining an outlet opening for fluid to exit
to a sewage drain pipe, wherein the passage extends from the inlet
opening of the upper inlet portion to the outlet opening of the
outlet portion; and a connector configured to join the inlet
portion of the conduit body to the bowl outlet of the toilet,
wherein the conduit body of the moveable trapway is configured to
be rotatably positioned during installation of a toilet such that
the outlet portion of the moveable trapway is capable of being
displaced along or away from a longitudinal midline of a toilet
being installed.
[0020] The moveable trapway may be for use with a toilet having a
bowl outlet that is preferably at the end of a partial trapway
extending from the sump to the bowl outlet. In such an embodiment,
the connector is configured to join the inlet portion of the
conduit body to the end of the partial trapway. If the moveable
trapway is for use with toilets having a bowl outlet located on an
end of a partial trapway, the inlet portion of the conduit body may
be configured to receive fluid from a bowl outlet on an end of a
partial trapway.
[0021] The exterior surface of the outlet portion of the conduit
body may, in one embodiment, be configured to fit inside of the
central opening of a closet flange in facing engagement.
[0022] The conduit body may be a unitary structure or may be formed
of more than one piece. In one preferred embodiment, the conduit
body is formed from two halves that extend lengthwise along the
conduit body. The halves may be permanently affixed or snap-fit
pieces that are sealingly engaged.
[0023] The outlet portion of the conduit body may also comprise an
optional flange cover, wherein the flange cover comprises an upper
surface, a lower surface, at least one central opening extending
therethrough from the upper surface to the lower surface, and at
least one peripheral opening extending therethrough from the upper
surface to the lower surface. The conduit body and the flange cover
may be formed as a unitary structure or separate pieces configured
to work together. The optional flange cover is preferably
configured to be secured over a standard closet flange by at least
one fastener extending through the at least one peripheral opening.
In one embodiment, the upper surface of the flange cover may
comprise an optional indicator for correlating a trapway
displacement angle with a distance the outlet of the conduit body
may be moved laterally from the longitudinal midline along an
installation surface.
[0024] The conduit body may comprise various materials such as a
molded polymeric material, an elastomeric material, a composite
material, a metal, a metal alloy, and/or a ceramic material.
[0025] In an embodiment where the moveable trapway is for use with
a toilet having a bowl outlet at the end of a partial trapway, the
interior surface of the upper inlet portion of the conduit body may
be configured to fit around an exterior surface of the partial
trapway of the toilet in facing engagement.
[0026] The exterior surface of the outlet portion of the conduit
body is preferably configured to fit inside of an inlet opening of
a sewage drain pipe of the toilet in facing engagement.
[0027] The conduit body may also be configured so that a center
point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the conduit
body is capable of being positioned over a sewage drain pipe at a
first distance of about 50 mm to about 400 mm, preferably about 100
mm to about 300 mm, wherein the first distance is measured in a
transverse plane of an installation surface from a point located
perpendicularly below a center point of the inlet opening of the
inlet portion of the conduit body and on the longitudinal midline
of a toilet being installed on an installation surface to the
center point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the
conduit body.
[0028] The conduit body may further be configured so that a center
point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the conduit
body is capable of being positioned over the sewage drain pipe at a
second distance of about 5 mm to about 160 mm, preferably about 25
mm to about 115 mm, the second distance being measured in a
transverse plane of an installation surface along a line extending
perpendicularly from a point located on the longitudinal midline to
the center point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the
conduit body.
[0029] The conduit body may also be configured so that a center
point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the conduit
body is capable of being positioned at an angle of about .+-.1
degree to about .+-.90 degrees, preferably about .+-.5 degrees to
about .+-.55 degrees, the angle being measured in a transverse
plane of an installation surface between the longitudinal midline
and a line extending from the center point of the outlet opening to
a point located on the longitudinal midline, in a transverse plane
on an installation surface and perpendicularly below a center point
of the inlet opening of the inlet portion of the conduit body.
[0030] When the moveable trapway is for use with a toilet having a
bowl outlet at an end of a partial trapway, the connector may be
configured to be secured such as by connecting or otherwise
attaching the connector to an outlet of a partial trapway. The
connector may be varied and can be, for example, one of an
interlocking ring, a wax ring, and an elastomeric band that is
connectable by hose clamps.
[0031] The invention disclosure herein also includes toilet. The
toilet comprises a toilet bowl having an inner surface defining an
inner space for receiving fluids and solid waste, an exterior
surface, a sump and a bowl outlet for releasing fluid and/or waste;
a moveable trapway, comprising a conduit body having an exterior
surface and an interior surface defining a passage, the conduit
body comprising an upper inlet portion defining an inlet opening
configured to receive fluid from the bowl outlet of the toilet, and
an outlet portion defining an outlet opening for fluid to exit to a
sewage drain pipe, wherein the passage extends from the inlet
opening of the upper inlet portion to the outlet opening of the
outlet portion; and a connector configured to attach the inlet
portion of the conduit body to the toilet bowl so that the inlet
portion is in fluid communication with the bowl outlet, wherein the
conduit body of the moveable trapway is configured to be rotatably
positioned during installation of the toilet such that the outlet
portion of the conduit body is capable of being displaced along or
away from a longitudinal midline of the toilet. As noted above, the
bowl may have a bowl outlet that is the end of a partial
trapway.
[0032] The toilet may optionally include a flange cover that
comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one central
opening extending therethrough from the upper surface to the lower
surface, and at least one peripheral opening extending therethrough
from the upper surface to the lower surface. The toilet may also
further comprises a skirt extending around the exterior surface of
the toilet bowl. The skirt may optionally comprise an opening at a
rear of the toilet and the skirt may also optionally have at least
one side opening configured to allow for moveable placement of the
outlet portion of the conduit body that extends outwardly from the
skirt. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the flange cover may
comprise an optional indicator for correlating a trapway
displacement angle with a distance the outlet of the conduit body
may be moved laterally from the longitudinal midline along an
installation surface.
[0033] The toilet can optionally also comprise a flange housing
configured to cover at least a portion of any optional flange cover
used and/or a closet flange extending out of the at least one side
opening. The closet flange, may be already installed on the floor
from a prior installation or can be newly installed using any
method known in the art. The optional flange housing may comprise a
stain-resistant material selected from a group containing a molded
polymeric material, an elastomeric of maintaining a pre-molded,
partially circular shape.
[0034] The toilet may also, in an alternative embodiment, comprise
a skirt extending around the exterior surface of the toilet bowl
and around the rear portion of the toilet, wherein a portion of the
skirt in the rear portion of the toilet may be configured to
optionally cover at least the conduit body of the moveable trapway
and/or a portion of the toilet skirt may extend outwardly on a side
portion of the skirt on at least one side of the toilet to cover
the outlet portion and/or a flange cover and/or a closet flange of
the moveable trapway when the moveable trapway is displaced from
the longitudinal midline of the toilet.
[0035] The invention also includes a method of installing a toilet,
comprising: a) providing a toilet comprising: a bowl having an
inner surface defining an inner space for receiving fluids and
solid waste, an exterior surface, a sump and a bowl outlet for
releasing fluid and/or waste from the bowl, a moveable trapway,
comprising a conduit body having an exterior surface and an
interior surface defining a passage, the conduit body comprising an
upper inlet portion defining an inlet opening configured to receive
fluid from the bowl outlet, and an outlet portion defining an
outlet opening for fluid to exit to a sewage drain pipe, wherein
the passage extends from the inlet opening in the upper inlet
portion of the conduit body to the outlet opening in the outlet
portion of the conduit body; and a connector configured to attach
the inlet portion of the conduit body in fluid communication with
the bowl outlet, wherein the conduit body of the moveable trapway
is configured to be rotatably positioned during installation of the
toilet such that the outlet portion is capable of being displaced
along or away from a longitudinal midline of the toilet; b)
positioning the conduit body of the moveable trapway such that the
inlet opening is in fluid communication with the bowl outlet and
the outlet opening is aligned to be in fluid communication with a
sewage drain pipe when the toilet is installed on an installation
surface; and c) positioning the connector such that it joins the
upper inlet portion of the conduit body to the toilet in fluid
communication with the bowl outlet.
[0036] The toilet in the method may further comprise an optional
flange cover located on the outlet portion of the conduit body, in
which case the method may further comprise positioning the flange
cover over a flange installed on an installation surface over the
sewage drain pipe; and securing the flange cover to an installation
surface by at least one fastener extending through at least one
peripheral opening in the flange cover. The toilet may also further
comprise an indicator on the upper surface of the flange cover for
correlating a trapway displacement angle with a distance the outlet
of the conduit body may be moved laterally from the longitudinal
midline along an installation surface, in which case the method
would include using the indicator in positioning the trapway or
toilet.
[0037] In a further embodiment, the toilet used in the method may
comprise an optional flange housing and a skirt positioned around
at least the bowl and sides of the toilet, wherein the skirt has at
least one opening in a side thereof. If so, the method may further
comprise positioning the flange housing adjacent to one of the at
least one side opening in the skirt so as to cover any outwardly
extending portion of a flange and/or a flange cover extending
outwardly through the at least one side opening. The method may
also comprise compressing an optional flange housing inside of the
at least one side opening in the skirt.
[0038] The method may also further comprise forming an angle of
about .+-.1 degree to about .+-.90 degrees, preferably about .+-.5
degree to about .+-.55 degrees, when a center point of the outlet
opening of the outlet portion of the conduit body is over the
sewage drain pipe, wherein the angle formed is measured in a
transverse plane along the installation surface between the
longitudinal midline of the toilet and a line extending from the
center point of the outlet opening of the outlet portion of the
conduit body to a point along the longitudinal midline of the
toilet that is perpendicularly below a center point of the inlet
opening of the inlet portion of the conduit body.
[0039] The toilet in the method may optionally comprise a skirt
extending around the exterior surface of the toilet bowl, wherein
the skirt may comprise an opening at a rear portion of the toilet,
at least one mount opening for receiving a fastener(s), such as a
mount opening in the foot of the skirt, and at least one side
opening in the skirt. In such a configuration, the method may
further comprise securing the skirt using the at least one mount
opening and at least one fastener.
[0040] The invention disclosure also includes a kit for installing
a moveable trapway. The kit comprises a) a moveable trapway,
comprising a conduit body having an exterior surface and an
interior surface defining a passage and having an upper inlet
portion defining an inlet opening configured to receive fluid from
a bowl outlet of a toilet, an outlet portion defining an outlet
opening for fluid to exit to a sewage drain pipe, wherein the
passage extends from the upper inlet portion opening to the outlet
portion opening, and a connector configured to join the inlet
portion of the conduit body to the bowl outlet of the toilet,
wherein the conduit body of the moveable trapway is configured to
be rotatably positioned during installation of the toilet such that
the outlet portion is capable of being displaced along or away from
a longitudinal midline of the toilet; and b) instructions for
installing a moveable trapway.
[0041] Also included is a kit for installing a toilet, comprising
a) a toilet, comprising a toilet bowl having an inner surface
defining an inner space for receiving fluids and solid waste, an
exterior surface, a sump and a bowl outlet for releasing fluid
and/or waste, a moveable trapway, comprising a conduit body having
an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a passage
having an upper inlet portion defining an inlet opening configured
to receive fluid from the bowl outlet, and an outlet portion
defining an outlet opening for fluid to exit to a sewage drain
pipe, wherein the passage extends from the inlet opening in the
upper inlet portion to the outlet opening in the outlet portion,
and a connector configured to attach the inlet portion of the
conduit body so as to be in fluid communication with the bowl
outlet, wherein the conduit body of the moveable trapway is
configured to be rotatably positioned during installation of the
toilet such that the outlet portion is capable of being displaced
along or away from a longitudinal midline of the toilet; and b)
instructions for installing the toilet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] 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:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a toilet
having a moveable trapway;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the toilet of FIG.
1;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the toilet of FIG.
1;
[0046] FIG. 4 is a rear longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
toilet of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0047] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the toilet of FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 6A is a right-side elevational view of the toilet of
FIG. 1;
[0049] FIG. 6B is a left-side elevational view of the toilet of
FIG. 1;
[0050] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a moveable
trapway according to the invention as used in the embodiment of the
toilet of FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the trapway of FIG. 7;
[0052] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the trapway of FIG. 7;
[0053] FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the trapway of FIG.
7;
[0054] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the trapway of FIG.
7;
[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective representation of components of a
kit for installing a moveable trapway according to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 7;
[0056] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connector for use with
the moveable trapway shown in FIG. 7;
[0057] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 13;
[0058] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG.
13;
[0059] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an optional flange housing
for use with the embodiment of the toilet of FIG. 1;
[0060] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the flange housing of
FIG. 16;
[0061] FIG. 17A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
flange housing of FIG. 16;
[0062] FIG. 18 is an exploded rear partial perspective
representation of components of a kit for installing a toilet with
a moveable trapway according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0063] FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toilet
of FIG. 1 installed on a mounting surface S over a sewer drain
pipe;
[0064] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of an optional
closet flange for use in the invention according to an embodiment
herein;
[0065] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a left-handed toilet
according to a further embodiment herein having a moveable trapway
according to an embodiment herein;
[0066] FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the toilet of FIG.
21;
[0067] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative right-handed
toilet otherwise made according to the embodiment of FIG. 21;
[0068] FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the toilet of FIG.
23;
[0069] FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the toilet of FIG.
21;
[0070] FIG. 26 is a top elevational view of the toilet of FIG.
21;
[0071] FIG. 27 is a right side, cross-sectional elevational view of
the bowl portion of the toilet of FIG. 21 taken along line 27-27 of
FIG. 26;
[0072] FIG. 28 is a bottom elevational view of the toilet according
to FIG. 21 with the moveable trapway aligned with the longitudinal
midline of the toilet;
[0073] FIG. 29 is a bottom elevational view of the toilet according
to FIG. 21 with the moveable trapway displaced from the midline
into the outwardly extending portion of the side of the toilet
skirt;
[0074] FIG. 30 is a right side, cross-sectional elevational view of
the toilet of FIG. 21 with the moveable trapway portion of the
toilet shown in exploded view;
[0075] FIG. 31 is a top elevational view of a moveable trapway
according to a further embodiment herein which is shown for use
with the embodiment of FIG. 21;
[0076] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the moveable trapway of
FIG. 31;
[0077] FIG. 33 is a bottom elevational view of the moveable trapway
of FIG. 31 when aligned as in FIG. 28;
[0078] FIG. 34 is a bottom elevational view of the moveable trapway
of FIG. 31 in displaced alignment;
[0079] FIG. 35 is a side-elevational view of the trapway of FIG.
31;
[0080] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of the
trapway of FIG. 31 taken along line 36-36;
[0081] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG.
31;
[0082] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG.
40 taken along line 38-38;
[0083] FIG. 39 is a bottom elevational view of the connector of
FIG. 31;
[0084] FIG. 40 is a top elevational view of the connector of FIG.
31; and
[0085] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the bowl portion of the
toilet of FIG. 21 having the moveable trapway of FIG. 31 installed
thereon in connection with a sewer drain pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0086] The disclosure herein of the invention includes moveable
trapways and toilets having moveable trapways. It also includes
methods of installing toilets with such trapways or for installing
moveable trapways and kits which may be used for installing
moveable trapways and toilets with moveable trapways.
[0087] A moveable trapway, unless indicated otherwise herein, is
intended to encompass a trapways that are manufactured to have a
conduit body, whether a unitary piece or a multi-part conduit body
that is assembled from two or more pieces. A multi-part conduit
body may be made to function as a unitary trapway conduit if the
pieces are permanently attached either by heat molding or a
permanent adhesive. However, multi-part conduits may also be
configured so as to be releasably detachable and when assembled, be
connected in a sealingly engaged manner. The trapway is moveable as
that term is used herein if the trapway is configured to be
displaceable along the longitudinal midline of the toilet with
which it is used or by a transverse distance rotably to the left or
right of the longitudinal midline of the toilet.
[0088] A toilet, as that term is used herein, can refer to a
two-piece toilet assembly in which the toilet bowl and a toilet
tank are separately made and installed by attaching the tank and
bowl together as an assembly, a unitary toilet wherein the bowl and
tank are manufactured as one piece or a toilet that is mounted by
only the bowl portion without use of a tank and having an in-line
flush valve.
[0089] Certain terminology may be used in the following description
for convenience only when referring to objects in the drawings to
assist in locating features in the drawings, and should not be
considered to be limiting. For example, words such as "left" and
"right," "upper" and "lower," "top" and "bottom," "front" and
"rear" and "forward" and "backward," designate directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. Likewise, the words "inwardly"
and "outwardly" are directions toward and away from, respectively,
the geometric center or a referenced point of the referenced object
in the drawings. The terminology includes the words above
specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar
import.
[0090] Kits herein include kits for installing a moveable trapway
and kits for installing toilets having a moveable trapway. Such
toilets or trapways within the kits may be any of the embodiments
described herein and/or within the scope of the invention. The kits
are described in detail herein with respect to the first embodiment
described, but it should be understood that any of the toilets
and/or trapways may be included with instructions in a kit for sale
to a purchaser and/or the parts of the kits may be sold separately
as well either as direct devices or replacement parts.
[0091] When installing either a moveable trapway or a toilet having
a moveable trapway, the kit may include required as well as
optional components for installing the trapway or toilet on an
installation surface, that is, a mounting surface. The method
herein includes steps for installing a toilet on an installation
surface that can be used for just installing a bowl portion or for
installing assemblies that are unitary or multi-part assemblies.
The method may include optional steps for also installing a tank
over a toilet bowl in the case of a two-piece assembly.
[0092] With reference to FIGS. 1-6B, 18-20, a first embodiment of a
toilet, generally referred to herein as toilet 10, and its
component parts is shown including optional tank 11 and a toilet
bowl 20. The toilet 10 also includes one embodiment of a moveable
trapway 30 as described herein. The moveable trapway 30 is shown in
further detail along with its component parts in FIGS. 3-19. The
toilet 10 as shown includes the following optional features as
well: a skirt 23, a flange cover 40 and a flange housing 50. Each
one of the above items for use in a toilet is described in further
detail herein below.
[0093] The optional tank 11 may be any suitable toilet tank and is
configured to generally store a supply of flush water for use in a
flush cycle. Typically when full, such a tank 11 collects between
about 6 and about 17 liters of water over a period of time. The
tank 11 is kept full by a tank fill-valve, which may be any
suitable fill-valve and as such details are omitted herein. The
tank 11 is usually mounted directly upon the bowl using tank bolts
and a sealing ring around any flush valve(s) within the tank that
empty into the toilet bowl inlet. Some tanks may be mounted on the
wall a few feet above the bowl in an attempt to increase the flush
water pressure as it enters the bowl. Typical tanks mounted
directly upon the bowl are generally flushed using a flushing
mechanism such as a flush handle or a push button mechanism. Tanks
near the ceiling can be flushed, for example, by a dangling pull
chain. The flush water is introduced when the flushing mechanism is
activated to lift a flapper (central hat or flapper top) to allow
water introduced in the tank by the fill valve to flow out of the
tank and into the toilet bowl inlet. If a tank is not used, flush
water may be introduced using an inline commercial flush valve to
introduce flush water into an inlet placed on an upper or rear
location of the toilet bowl.
[0094] The toilet bowl 20 may have varied configurations, but most
bowls are pre-molded to be generally round or an elongated oval or
elliptical shape when viewed from the top of the bowl. In the
preferred embodiment described and shown herein, the toilet bowl
has a generally elliptical shape. The toilet bowl 20 has an inlet
opening 19 and interior or inner surface 21 that defines an inner
space 210 or area for receiving fluids and solid waste in flush
water. The bowl further includes an exterior surface 22, and a sump
211 having an exit port 212 for introducing fluid and/or solid
waste into a toilet bowl outlet 214. As shown the toilet bowl
outlet 214 is at the end of a partial trapway 28. In the embodiment
shown herein, the partial trapway 28 has as part of its design a
trapway leg portion 27. In the preferred embodiment described and
shown herein, toilet 10 contains the trapway leg portion 27 leading
generally transversely from the sump 211 and exit port 212 of the
toilet bowl 20 towards the rear of the toilet 10 and which curves
slightly upwardly and then downwardly leading flow toward the
sewage drain pipe 25 along the back of the toilet 10 culminating in
the end 215 of the trapway where the toilet bowl outlet 214 is
located in this embodiment.
[0095] Toilet tanks, bowls, and partial trapways according to the
invention may be made of various materials known or to be developed
in the art, including ceramic, porcelain, plastic, composite, and
stainless and galvanized steel.
[0096] Overall, the basic curvature, shape and dimensions of a
trapway from the sump exit port 212 along the partial trapway 28
and then along the moveable trapway 30 to the sewage drain pipe 25
can vary between many different three-dimensional forms, such as a
sideways or upside-down U-shaped pattern. A molded trapway may be
manufactured to have bends and kinks to retard the flow of water
and facilitate the formation of a powerful siphon. As shown herein,
the partial trapway 28 and the moveable trapway 30, when joined
together, preferably have a sideways U-shaped pattern and trapway
dimensions as are known and acceptable in the art or to be
developed. For example, the design may be varied for different
flush or siphon effects. An example of a trapway shape and
associated dimensions known in the art may be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,438,670 B2 incorporated herein in relevant part by reference.
Two different moveable trapway shapes are shown in the embodiment
30 of FIGS. 3-12 and 18-19 and the trapway 330 of embodiment 300
shown in FIGS. 27-36 and 41, each having a slightly different
pathway shape, but both examples of moveable trapways acceptable
within the scope of the invention herein.
[0097] FIGS. 7-12 more specifically show the moveable trapway 30.
The moveable trapway 30 is intended to replace at least a portion
of and may replace substantially all of a typical toilet trapway.
If only a portion of a typical trapway is replaced, the toilet bowl
outlet becomes the end of a partial trapway 28 that extends from
the sump exit outwardly. As shown herein, the moveable trapway 30
includes two primary components as an assembly, a connector 31 and
a conduit body 32.
[0098] The conduit body 32 serves as part of or substantially all
of a trapway to transport fluid and/or solid waste released from
the toilet bowl upon flushing as well as discarded flush water
which passes through the moveable trapway 30 to the sewage drain
pipe 25. The conduit body 32 may be manufactured from at least one
or a combination of materials selected from a group including but
not limited to molded polymeric materials, elastomeric materials,
composite materials, metals, metal alloys, glass, porcelain and/or
ceramic materials. In the embodiment shown herein, the conduit body
32 may be heat molded from a polymeric material. In one preferred
embodiment, the conduit body 32 is molded from a polyvinyl chloride
(PVC).
[0099] The conduit body 32 can be manufactured as a unitary, single
piece pipe structure as shown herein in embodiment 10, or can be
provided in two or more parts split transversely, which can be
shortened or lengthened, to provide or maintain a desired distance
between the toilet 10 and the back facing wall or split length-wise
along the moveable trapway for ease of assembly as shown in the
embodiment 300 in FIGS. 27-36 and 41 as moveable trapway 330.
[0100] In one preferred embodiment, the conduit body 32 is
manufactured of PVC and provided with sections of varying length
that can be solvent welded at the installation site to achieve the
desired rough-in distance. Alternatively, sections of the conduit
body 32 can be cut and solvent welded to the required dimensions.
In another preferred embodiment, the conduit body is a unitary,
pre-sized piece.
[0101] The conduit body 32 is preferably a generally curved
cylinder and has a length l measured, if straightened, from the
inlet opening 37 at the inlet end 36 of the moveable trapway to the
outlet opening 39 on the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32
of about 100 mm to about 700 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the
conduit body 32 has a length l of about 200 mm to about 400 mm and,
more preferably, of about 250 mm to about 350 mm.
[0102] The conduit body 32 includes an exterior surface 33 and an
interior surface 34 defining a passage 35. The upper inlet portion
36 defines an inlet opening 37 configured to receive fluid and/or
solid waste flowing in fluid communication from the sump exit port
212 to the toilet bowl outlet, and in this case, through the
partial trapway 28 of the toilet 10. The inlet opening 37 may be of
a larger transverse diameter D.sub.1 than the transverse diameter
D.sub.2 of the conduit body 32 to accommodate for different partial
trapway 28 sizes of the toilet 10 and/or to house or seat the
connector of the moveable trapway, such as the connector shown as
connector 31. A preferred embodiment has an upper inlet opening 37
with a transverse diameter D.sub.1 of about 50 mm to 120 mm.
Preferably, the upper inlet portion 36 has a transverse diameter
D.sub.2 of about 80 mm to 90 mm.
[0103] The conduit body 32 also has an outlet portion 38 defining
an outlet opening 39 for fluid and/or solid waste that has passed
through the moveable trapway to exit to a sewage drain pipe 25. The
outlet opening 39 may be of a larger or smaller transverse diameter
D.sub.3 than the transverse diameter D.sub.2 of the conduit body 32
to take account of different sized standard closet flanges, such as
flange 90 associated with varying sizes in toilets.
[0104] The passage 35 extends through the conduit body from the
inlet opening 37 of the upper inlet portion 36 to the outlet
opening 39 of the outlet portion 38. In the embodiment shown
herein, the passage 35 has a length of about 100 mm to about 700
mm, preferably, of about 200 mm to about 400 mm, and, more
preferably, of about 250 mm to about 350 mm.
[0105] The exterior surface 33 and interior surface 34 of the
conduit body 32 may be configured to connect to the sump exit port
212 or to the bowl outlet 214 on the end 215 of the partial trapway
28 of the toilet 10. This connection may be accomplished by
providing to either the exterior surface or interior surface
threads on the upper inlet portion configured to mate with
corresponding threads on either the exterior surface or interior
surface of the exit port or on either an exterior surface or
interior surface of the partial trapway 28 of the toilet 10.
Threads can be machined, soldered, molded or manufactured into the
exterior and interior surfaces of the fixtures by methods known or
to be developed in the art. For example, the exterior surface 33 of
the upper inlet portion 36 is threaded and is configured to mate
with corresponding threads on the interior surface 52 of the
partial trapway 28 of the toilet 10.
[0106] Another more preferred option to connect the partial trapway
28 and the moveable trapway 30 is by configuring the exterior
surface 33 of the upper inlet portion 36 of the conduit body 32 to
fit around the end 215 of the partial trapway at outlet opening 99
of the partial trapway 28 of the toilet in facing engagement, for
example, by a compression sealing, locking in place and/or friction
fit. It may also mate directly in some manner to a bowl outlet
which is at the sump exit. Other mechanisms for connecting the
partial trapway and the moveable trapway include by locking tabs,
teeth, or other connections known or to be developed in the
art.
[0107] The exterior surface 33 of the outlet portion 38 of the
conduit body 32 may also be configured to form a connection to the
flange 90 or to the sewage drain pipe 25. In an embodiment
described herein and as seen in FIG. 19, the exterior surface 33 of
the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 is configured to fit
inside of the central opening 43 of the flange 90 or an optional
flange cover 40 in facing engagement by compression fit. In a
preferred embodiment, the end 215 of the partial trapway 28 fits
inside of the inlet opening 37 of the conduit body 32 of the
moveable trapway 30 and the exterior surface 33 of the outlet
portion 38 fits within the central opening 43 of the closet flange
90, and if an optional flange cover is provided, it also fits
within the central opening of the flange cover 40, and an inlet
opening 95 of the sewage drain 25.
[0108] The connector 31 of the moveable trapway 30 helps to join
and seal the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 to the toilet
bowl outlet 214, which as shown is at the end 215 of the partial
trapway 28 as shown in FIGS. 13-15. The connector 31 may be one of
a variety of connectors, including but not limited to an
elastomeric ring, interlocking ring, wax ring, and an elastomeric
band that is connectable by hose clamps. The size and shape of the
connector is determined by the size and shape of the bowl outlet
215, in this case the end of the partial trapway 28 and the upper
inlet portion 36 of the moveable trapway 30. As shown herein in
FIGS. 3-6B and 18, the connector 31 is configured to join the upper
inlet portion 36 to the partial trapway 28 of the toilet 10. The
connector 31 can be joined to an outlet opening 99 of the partial
trapway 28 by any conventional manner, including compression
sealing, friction fit, or by natural or synthetic adhesives such as
glue, putty, polyvinyl acetate, polychloroprene, epoxy,
polyurethane, cyanoacrylate and acrylic polymers, or rubber
cement.
[0109] In FIG. 5, the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 30
having an outlet opening 39 is configured such that it may be
manually moved and rotatably positioned to enable displacement of
the toilet 10. The moveable trapway can be displaced along or away
from the longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet when viewed along a
transverse plane defined by transverse axis P-P on an installation
surface S during installation. The length l of the conduit body 32
and its configuration as well as the toilet configuration can
determine the extent of displacement for toilet 10 either moving
along or away from the longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet. Each
configuration when rotatably moved can travel along a circular
path. The size and configuration can thus give a varied
displacement. The distance that the conduit body 32 is rotatably
moved can be measured by reference to a lateral measurement of
displacement from the longitudinal midline (distance d.sub.1) on
the installation surface plane and by an angular measurement (angle
.alpha.) defined between the longitudinal midline where it
intersects the plane of the installation surface and a line along
the installation surface at a fixed measurement distance between
the centerpoint of the inlet opening 37 and centerpoint of the
outlet opening 39 of the conduit body 32 (distance d.sub.2).
[0110] The lateral displacement distance is measured in a
transverse plane on an installation surface S along a perpendicular
line d.sub.1 from a point P.sub.1 located on the longitudinal
midline L-L of the toilet 10 to a center point P.sub.2 at the
center of an outlet opening 39 of a conduit body 30 over a sewage
drain pipe 25. The longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet 10 runs
along the bottom of a plane taken longitudinally through the apsis
or diameter of the toilet bowl 20 so as to dissect the tank 11 and
base of toilet 10. Distance d.sub.1 can vary in length. Preferably
d.sub.1 is about 5 mm to about 160 mm, and more preferably about 25
mm to about 115 mm. In one example as described and shown herein,
the lateral displacement of the center of the outlet opening 39 of
the conduit body 32 is measured as the distance d.sub.1 is about 4
inches (101.6 mm) to the left or right of point P.sub.1 from the
longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet 10 perpendicularly towards
the center point of the outlet opening of the conduit body.
[0111] The outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 30 having outlet
opening 39 is also capable of being laterally or rotatably moved
along a circular curvature and positioned so as to displace the
toilet 10 from a longitudinal midline L-L defined in the transverse
plane identified by P-P on an installation surface S during
installation. The distance d.sub.2 for a given conduit body 32 is
measured in the transverse plane on the installation surface from a
point P.sub.3 located on the longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet
10 directly and perpendicularly below the center point P.sub.4 of
the inlet opening 37 of the conduit body 32 to the center point
P.sub.2 of an outlet opening 39 of a conduit body 32 over a sewage
drain pipe 25. As the toilet 10 is being installed and relocated,
the conduit body 32 rotatably moves, causing angular and lateral
displacement of the conduit body 32 such that the angle .alpha.
changes to illustrate angular displacement. The distance d.sub.2
noted above remains fixed for a given conduit design and size, but
the conduit body 32 is displaced so that the center of the outlet
opening 39 moves a changeable distance d.sub.1
laterally/transversely also from the longitudinal midline L-L
(closer or farther away) and the angle .alpha. also changes (larger
for a larger d.sub.1 and smaller for a smaller d.sub.1).
[0112] In an embodiment as described and shown herein for exemplary
purposes, the center point of the outlet opening 39 of the conduit
body 32 is measured at a distance d.sub.2 of about 50 mm to about
400 mm, preferably about 100 mm to about 300 mm from the point
directly and perpendicularly below the center point of the inlet
opening 37 to the center of the outlet opening 39.
[0113] The measurement of the lateral displacement and rotatable
positioning of the outlet opening 39 of the outlet portion 38 of
the conduit body 32 during installation of the toilet 10 may be
measured with respect to an angle .alpha. to the longitudinal
midline L-L of the toilet 10. The angle .alpha. is measured in the
transverse plane P-P of the installation surface S taken through a
base of the toilet 10. The outlet portion 38 can actually be
rotatably positioned around in the transverse plane P-P 360.degree.
when the upper inlet portion 36 is attached to the partial trapway
28. In a preferred embodiment described herein, the angle .alpha.
is measured between the longitudinal midline L-L and line d.sub.2
which extends from the center point P.sub.2 of the outlet opening
39 to a point P.sub.3 perpendicularly and directly below the center
point P.sub.4 of the inlet opening 37 of the conduit body 32 on the
longitudinal midline L-L. The angle .alpha. is preferably about
.+-.1 degree to about .+-.90 degrees off the mid-line, and more
preferably about .+-.5 degrees to about .+-.55 degrees.
[0114] After the lateral displacement, rotatable positioning of the
outlet opening 39 of the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32
during installation of the toilet 10 on or away from a longitudinal
midline L-L of the toilet is complete. The toilet 10, once moved,
will typically be partially displaced from the wall so as to change
the rough-in distance. If a conduit body 32 has a d.sub.2 of 190
mm, it is preferably displaced from the longitudinal midline L-L at
distance d.sub.1 of 90 mm, and the toilet 10 will be displaced from
the wall an additional rough-in distance of 23 mm. The conduit body
32 may be manufactured in several pieces and lengthened if desired
to correct for this change in the rough-in distance as the toilet
10 is displaced from the wall.
[0115] The skirt 23, if used, serves a dual purpose in adding
additional structural support to the toilet 10 and in the
embodiment shown, also providing aesthetic concealment of the
partial trapway 28 or moveable trapway 30 and other toilet bowl
base plumbing fixtures. The skirt 23 is preferably integral to the
toilet bowl 20 but can also be fabricated as a separate part. The
skirt 23 may extend at least partially around the exterior surface
22 of the toilet bowl 20 and in the embodiment shown has an opening
80 at the rear portion of the toilet 10 for access to the toilet
plumbing fixtures. In the embodiment shown, the skirt extends
completely around the bowl 20 front and sides and has an opening 80
at a rear of the toilet 10 near the wall.
[0116] If the skirt 23 is configured as a separate part (i.e., not
integral to the toilet), the skirt 23 optimally also contains at
least one mount opening 26 for securing the skirt to foot of the
toilet 10 and for securing the foot of the toilet 10 to an
installation surface S. In a preferred embodiment shown herein, the
toilet 10 and skirt are integral and the toilet 10 has two mount
openings 26 in the foot of the toilet to secure the toilet 10 in a
desired position on the installation surface S.
[0117] The skirt 23 shown also includes at least one side opening
24 configured to allow for moveable placement of the outlet portion
38 of the conduit body 32 when a flange cover 40 is part of the
moveable trapway 30. In a preferred embodiment describe and shown
herein, the skirt 23 of the toilet 10 has a side opening 24.
[0118] Whether mounted on an installation surface S from a previous
toilet installation or as a part of a kit such as kits 1000 or
2000, a closet flange 90 is preferably, optionally provided. The
flange 90 may be any known toilet flange. Such flanges are
generally round or circular in an outer peripheral configuration
and are sized as are general prior art closet flanges to fit around
the inlet opening 95 of a sewage drain pipe 25. A wide variety of
such flanges exist, and may be used with the moveable trapway 30
and kits described herein. A typical such flange is shown in FIG.
20. The outer peripheral shape may be varied depending on the
design of the toilet, the shape of a sewage drain pipe 25, or for
manufacturing convenience without departing from the spirit of the
invention. A circular shape is preferred in view of the most common
design of the underside of most toilets having a drain opening and
configuration that best accommodates a circular flange. The flange
90 used herein includes an upper surface 96, a lower surface 97, at
least one central opening 91 extending therethrough from the upper
surface 96 to the lower surface 97, and at least one peripheral
opening 98 extending therethrough from the upper surface 96 to the
lower surface 97. In a preferred embodiment as described and shown
herein, the flange 90 has two peripheral openings 98 for mounting
on an installation surface S.
[0119] An optional flange cover 40 is preferably also generally
round or generally circular in an outer peripheral configuration
and sized to fit over a flange 90 attached to the sewage drain pipe
25. A wide variety of such covers exist, and may be used with the
moveable trapway 30 and kits described herein to cover the flange
90. The outer peripheral shape of the flange cover 40 may be varied
depending on the design of the flange 90, the toilet 10, the shape
of a sewage drain pipe 25, or for manufacturing convenience without
departing from the spirit of the invention. A flange cover 40
having a circular shape is preferred in view of the most common
design of the underside of most toilets having a drain opening and
configuration that best accommodates a circular flange. The flange
cover used herein comprises an upper surface 44, a lower surface
45, at least one central opening 41 extending therethrough from the
upper surface 44 to the lower surface 45, and at least one
peripheral opening 42 extending therethrough from the upper surface
44 to the lower surface 45.
[0120] In one embodiment, the flange cover 40 is integral to the
moveable trapway 30 and contains at least one mounting slot 42 to
allow the moveable trapway 30 to be fastened and secured over
and/or to the floor flange 90 and/or the mounting surface. Slots or
series of closely spaced holes are preferable to single circular
holes to allow the moveable trapway 30 to be installed at varying
angles .alpha. with respect to the longitudinal midline plane L-L
of the toilet 10. A sealing device or material can also be
deposited between the floor flange 90 and the mounting surface
and/or the flange cover 40, such as wax rings that are widely used
in prior art toilet installations. More preferably, the flange
cover 40 used herein comprises two peripheral openings 42 for
mounting on an installation surface S. To facilitate proper lateral
displacement of the toilet 10, the upper surface 44 of the flange
cover 40 may include a optional indicator 51, such as a scale,
metric markings, an analog dial or similar or suitable measurement
indicator for correlating the trapway displacement angle, i.e., the
increasing angle .alpha. to an increasing distance that outlet
opening 39 may be displaced laterally (i.e., transversely or
extending perpendicularly in the plane of the installation surface
S) from the longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet 10.
[0121] The flange cover 40, if present, is secured over the flange
90 by at least one fastener 29 extending through the at least one
peripheral opening 42. Typical hardware for fasteners 29 as known
in the art includes bolts, nuts, screws, and caps.
[0122] An optional flange housing 50 can be utilized when a flange
90 or flange cover 40 is not completely contained within the
underside of the toilet 10 when using a skirt 23 after the moveable
trapway 30 is positioned away from the longitudinal midline L-L of
the toilet 10. The flange housing 50 may be configured in a shape
consistent with the size and shape of a flange 90 and/or flange
cover 40 to cover at least a portion of a flange 90 and/or flange
cover 40. The flange housing 50 may be secured to the flange cover
40 or manufactured as a unitary structure. In an embodiment
described herein, the flange housing 50 can also cover at least a
portion of a flange 90 or flange cover 40 that extends outwardly
from the at least one side opening 24 of the skirt 23 of the toilet
10.
[0123] The flange housing 50 may be attached to the side skirt 23
to cover the side opening 24 or sit adjacent to the skirt 23. The
flange housing 50 can also be configured for decorative purposes.
The flange housing 50 may be affixed to the installation surface S
with any of the same types of fasteners 29 listed to attach the
flange 90 or flange cover 40. The flange housing 50 may be
manufactured from a stain-resistant material selected from a group
including but not limited to molded polymeric materials,
elastomeric materials, composite materials, metals, metal alloys,
porcelain, and/or ceramic materials that are capable of maintaining
a pre-molded shape. In FIGS. 16 and 17 and preferred embodiments
herein, the flange housing 50 has a generally partially circular
shape.
[0124] In an embodiment of the method of the invention, after
measurement of the rough-in distance from the wall to the sewage
drain pipe 25 and providing a toilet 10 having a bowl 20 and a
moveable trapway 30, such as the one described herein, the outlet
portion 38 of the conduit body 32 of the moveable trapway 30 is
positioned such that the inlet opening 37 is in fluid communication
with the partial trapway 28 of the toilet 10 and the outlet opening
39 is aligned to be in fluid communication with a sewage drain pipe
25.
[0125] The toilet 10 is positioned by temporarily placing the
longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet 10 in its desired location,
which will generally be located to either the left or right of the
sewage drain pipe 25. The outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32
is then manually and rotatably displaced at an angle .alpha. so as
to be aligned over a floor flange and sewage drain pipe 25. The
amount of the rotation is measured in the transverse plane P-P of
the installation surface S, which is in the x-y direction and taken
through or below the base of the toilet 10. The outlet portion 38,
once aligned, is then connected to the exterior surface 93 or
preferably to the interior surface 94 of the sewage drain pipe 25
in any manner known or being developed in the art and described
herein, or connected to a closet flange and/or the mounting surface
via an integral flange cover 40 and/or wax ring (or other sealing
material). A wax ring is used between the floor flange 90 and the
optional flange cover 40 and/or between the floor or closet flange
90 and the mounting surface to provide an airtight and water tight
seal. Fasteners 29, such as those well known in the art are used to
secure the flange cover 40 over the closet flange 90.
[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the moveable trapway 30 with an
integral flange cover 40 is mounted to a floor flange 90 at an
angle .alpha. that places the center point of the inlet opening 37
of the conduit body 32 at a desired lateral displacement from the
center of the floor flange 90. The center point of the outlet
portion 38 is laterally displaced from the toilet longitudinal
midline as well.
[0127] After connecting the outlet portion 38 and either the
exterior surface 93 or the interior surface 94 of the sewage drain
pipe 25, the connector 31 is positioned such that it joins the
upper inlet portion 36 of the conduit body 32 to the bowl outlet,
in this embodiment, the end of the partial trapway 28. The exterior
surface 33 in the area of the upper inlet portion 36 of the partial
trapway 28 of the toilet 10 is then fitted with a compression
sealing device, such as an elastomeric o-ring, and the toilet 10 is
positioned so that the partial trapway 28 aligns with the inlet
opening 37 of the moveable trapway 30 and lowered into position to
mate the parts and form an airtight and water tight connection.
Preferably, the outlet opening 99 of the partial trapway 28 sits
inside of the upper inlet portion 36 of the conduit body 32. Upon
connecting the upper inlet portion 36 of the conduit body 32 to the
partial trapway 28, the toilet may be manually rotated further
towards or away from the longitudinal midline L-L based upon the
angle .alpha. of rotation that the outlet portion 38 of the conduit
body was moved. Movement of the toilet can be done by any methods
known or to be developed in the art, including by lifts, casters,
rollers, or manual adjustment.
[0128] Once the toilet is in its final position, it may be mounted
upon the installation surface S by any conventional techniques
known or to developed in the art. Alternatively, the conduit body
32 of the moveable trapway 30 may be provided in two or more parts
which are shortened or lengthened to provide or maintain a desired
distance between the toilet 10 and the back facing wall (i.e., the
rough-in distance), regardless of the required angle of rotation
and lateral displacement. After determining the required distance
d.sub.2 that delivers the desired rough-in distance for a lateral
displacement distance d.sub.1, the conduit body 32 is sectioned and
reassembled to the required length l and configured to create the
required distance d.sub.2.
[0129] When a skirt is used, such as an integral skirt 23 as
described herein, the toilet may be manually rotated further
towards or away from the longitudinal midline L-L based upon the
angle .alpha. of rotation that the outlet portion 38 of the conduit
body was moved. If the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 of
the moveable trapway 30 contains a flange cover 40, the toilet may
be rotated over the mounted flange cover 40 by sliding it through
the side opening 24 in the skirt 23. Once the toilet is in its
final position, the toilet 10 may be mounted upon the installation
surface S through the foot of the toilet 10 by fasteners 29 listed
herein and those typically known or to be developed in the art. In
a preferred embodiment, the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body
32 of the moveable trapway 30 contains a flange cover 40, and the
toilet is rotated over the flange cover 40 so that it slides
through the side opening 24 in the skirt 23. If a separate
(non-integral) skirt 23 is used, the skirt 23 is mounted to a foot
of the toilet 10 and the toilet 10 is mounted upon the installation
surface S by at least one mount opening 26.
[0130] In another embodiment of the method of the invention
described herein, after measurement of the rough-in distance from
the wall to the sewage drain pipe 25 and providing a toilet 10
having a bowl 20 and a moveable trapway 30, such as the one
described herein, the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 of
the moveable trapway 30 is positioned such that the inlet opening
37 is in fluid communication with bowl outlet, in this case the
partial trapway 28 of the toilet 10 and the outlet opening 39 is
aligned to be in fluid communication with a sewage drain pipe
25.
[0131] The toilet 10 is positioned by placing both the toilet 10
and the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 of the moveable
trapway 30 in alignment directly over the sewage drain pipe 25 and
a floor flange 90. The outlet portion 38 is then connected to the
exterior surface 93 or interior surface 94 of the sewage drain pipe
25 in any manner known or being developed in the art and described
herein. A wax ring is preferably used between the floor flange 90
and the optional flange cover 40 (and/or between the flange and the
mounting surface) to provide an airtight and water tight seal.
Fasteners 29, such as those well known in the art are used to
secure the flange cover 40 over and/or below the closet flange
90.
[0132] In one embodiment, the moveable trapway 30 with an integral
flange cover 40 is mounted to a floor flange 90 at an angle .alpha.
that places the center of the inlet opening 37 of the conduit body
32 at a desired lateral displacement from the center of the floor
flange 90. After connecting the outlet portion 38 and either the
exterior surface 93 or the interior surface 94 of the sewage drain
pipe 25, the connector 31 is positioned such that it joins the
upper inlet portion 36 of the conduit body 32 to the partial
trapway 28. Upon connecting the upper inlet portion 36 of the
conduit body 32 to the partial trapway 28, the toilet may be
manually rotated from the sewage drain pipe 25 to its final
position. The amount of the rotation is measured in a transverse
plane P-P of the installation surface S, which is in the x-y
directions, and taken through or below the base of the toilet 10.
Movement of the toilet can be done by any methods known or being
developed in the art, including by lifts, casters, rollers, or
manual adjustment. Once the toilet is in its final position, it may
be mounted upon the installation surface by any conventional manner
known or being developed in the art. A wax ring may be used as
noted above to provide an airtight and water tight seal. Fasteners
29, such as those well known in the art are used to secure the
flange cover 40 over the closet flange 90.
[0133] In one embodiment, the moveable trapway 30 with an integral
flange cover 40 is mounted to a floor flange 90 at an angle .alpha.
that places the center of the inlet opening 37 of the conduit body
32 at a desired lateral displacement from the center of the floor
flange 90. Alternatively, the conduit body 32 of the moveable
trapway 30 is provided in two or more parts which are shortened or
lengthened to provide or maintain a desired distance between the
toilet 10 and the back facing wall (i.e., the rough-in distance),
regardless of the required angle of rotation and lateral
displacement. After determining the required distance d.sub.2 that
delivers the desired rough-in distance for a lateral displacement
distance d.sub.1, the conduit body 32 can be sectioned and
reassembled to the required length/to create the needed variable
distance d.sub.2.
[0134] When a skirt is used, such as an integral skirt 23 as
described herein, the toilet may be manually rotated away from the
sewage drain line 25 based upon the angle .alpha. of rotation that
the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body was moved. The foot of
the toilet 10 can then be mounted to the installation surface S. If
a separate (non-integral) skirt 23 is used, the skirt 23 will be
mounted to a foot of the toilet 10 and the toilet 10 is mounted
upon the installation surface S by at least one mount opening
26.
[0135] If the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 of the
moveable trapway 30 contains a flange cover 40 and a skirt 23, the
toilet may be rotated over the mounted flange cover 40 by sliding
it over the mounted flange cover 40 out of the side opening 24 in
the skirt 23. Once the toilet 10 is in its final position, the
toilet 10 may be mounted upon the installation surface S by
fasteners 29 listed herein and those typically known or being
developed in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet portion
38 of the conduit body 32 of the moveable trapway 30 contains an
integral flange cover 40, and the toilet is rotated over the flange
cover 40 by sliding it through the side opening 24 in an integral
skirt 23.
[0136] With reference to FIG. 12, a kit for installing a moveable
trapway, generally referred to herein as kit 1000, is shown
including a moveable trapway 30, a connector 31, and instructions
for installation 1010 consistent with the method as described
above. Optionally, the kit 1000 includes one or more of the
following: a flange 90, a flange cover 40, a flange housing 50 and
fasteners 29 to mount the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32
of the moveable trapway 30 to the sewage drain pipe 25 or flange 90
as known in the art, which may include bolts, nuts, screws, and
caps.
[0137] Instructions 1010 for installing the moveable trapway are
also provided. Such instructions 1010 should preferably be written
so as to provide user instructions for attaching the upper inlet
portion 37 of the conduit body 32 and connector 31 of the moveable
trapway 30 to a partial trapway 28 of a toilet 10 and for attaching
the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 to an exterior surface
93 or interior surface 94 of the sewage drain pipe 25, and
positioning of the outlet opening 39 of the outlet portion 38 of
the conduit body 32 over the sewage drain pipe 25 as described
above. Such instructions can further include mounting of the flange
90 to an installation surface S as described above, attachment of
flange cover 40 to the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32,
placement or attachment of any optional flange housing 50 to the
toilet 10, optional skirt 23 and/or an installation surface S, and
other standard information known in the art for toilet bowl
installation, such as connection of a water or liquid supply line,
sealing the lines and sewage drain outlet opening, attachment of
fasteners, adjustment or leveling if needed, and if connected to a
flush valve without a tank or if the toilet bowl is part of a
unitary toilet assembly, installation and initiation of operation
of a flush valve in a manner known in the art may also be
provided.
[0138] With reference to FIG. 18, a kit for installing a toilet,
generally referred to herein as kit 2000, is shown including a
toilet 10, shown in partial view but which would encompass
preferably a tank 11 and bowl 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a moveable
trapway 30, a connector 31, and instructions for installation 2010.
Optionally, the kit 2000 includes one or more of the following: a
toilet seat, flange 90, flange cover 40, flange housing 50 and
fasteners 29 to mount the toilet 10 to an installation surface S or
to mount the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 of the
moveable trapway 30 to the sewage drain pipe 25 or flange 90 as
known in the art, which may include bolts, nuts, screws, and caps.
Kit 2000 may include all of kit 1000 with additional elements as
described herein.
[0139] Instructions 2010 for installing the moveable trapway are
also provided. Such instructions 1010 should preferably be written
so as to provide user instructions for attaching the upper inlet
portion 37 of the conduit body 32 and connector 31 of the moveable
trapway 30 to a partial trapway 28 of a toilet 10 and for attaching
the outlet portion 38 of the conduit body 32 to an exterior surface
93 or interior surface 94 of the sewage drain pipe 25, and
positioning of the outlet opening 39 of the outlet portion 38 of
the conduit body 32 over the sewage drain pipe 25, and mounting the
toilet 10 to an installation surface S as described above. Such
instructions can further include mounting of the flange 90 to an
installation surface S, attachment of flange cover 40 to the outlet
portion 38 of the conduit body 32, placement or attachment of the
flange housing 50 to the toilet 10, optional non-integral skirt 23
installation around the bowl 20 and mounting on the installation
surface S, and other standard information known in the art for
toilet bowl installation, such as connection of a water or liquid
supply line, sealing the lines and sewage drain outlet opening,
adjustment or leveling if needed, and if connected to a flush valve
without a tank or if the toilet bowl is part of a unitary toilet
assembly, installation and initiation of operation of a flush valve
in a manner known in the art may also be provided. Instructions for
the optional installation of a toilet seat in any manner known in
the art may also be optionally provided.
[0140] With reference to FIGS. 21-41, a further embodiment 300 of a
toilet and trapway are shown. The toilet in this embodiment,
generally referred to herein as toilet 310, and its component parts
are shown including optional tank 311 and a toilet bowl 320. The
toilet 310 also includes another embodiment of a moveable trapway
330 as described herein. The moveable trapway 330 is shown in
further detail along with its component parts in FIGS. 27-36 and
41. The toilet 310 as shown includes the following optional
features as well: a skirt 323 having an outwardly extending side
portion 370, and a flange cover 340. Each one of the above items
for use in a toilet is described in further detail herein below.
Further, all of the features herein having parallel numbering to
the features described in embodiment of the toilet 10 and trapway
30 are the same. Different features have numbers unique to
embodiment 300 and are not parallel to those in the embodiment
10.
[0141] The optional tank 311 may be any suitable toilet tank and is
configured to generally store a supply of flush water for use in a
flush cycle. Typically when full, such a tank 311 collects between
about 6 and about 17 liters of water over a period of time. The
tank 311 is kept full by a tank fill-valve, which may be any
suitable fill-valve and as such details are omitted herein. The
tank 311 is usually mounted directly upon the bowl using tank bolts
and a sealing ring around any flush valve(s) within the tank that
empty into the toilet bowl inlet. Some tanks may be mounted on the
wall a few feet above the bowl in an attempt to increase the flush
water pressure as it enters the bowl. Typical tanks mounted
directly upon the bowl are generally flushed using a flushing
mechanism such as a flush handle or a push button mechanism. Tanks
near the ceiling can be flushed, for example, by a dangling pull
chain. The flush water is introduced when the flushing mechanism is
activated to lift a flapper (central hat or flapper top) to allow
water introduced in the tank by the fill valve to flow out of the
tank and into the toilet bowl inlet. If a tank is not used, flush
water may be introduced using an inline commercial flush valve to
introduce flush water into an inlet placed on an upper or rear
location of the toilet bowl.
[0142] The toilet bowl 320 may have varied configurations, but most
bowls are pre-molded to be generally round or an elongated oval or
elliptical shape when viewed from the top of the bowl. In the
preferred embodiment described and shown herein, the toilet bowl
has a generally elliptical shape. The toilet bowl 320 has an inlet
opening 319 and interior or inner surface 321 that defines an inner
space 3210 or area for receiving fluids and solid waste in flush
water. The bowl further includes an exterior surface 322, and a
sump 3211 having an exit port 3212 for introducing fluid and/or
solid waste into a toilet bowl outlet 3214. As shown the toilet
bowl outlet 3214 is at the end of a partial trapway 328. In the
embodiment shown herein, the partial trapway 328 has as part of its
design a trapway leg portion 327. In the preferred embodiment
described and shown herein, toilet 310 contains the trapway leg
portion 327 leading generally transversely from the sump 3211 and
exit port 3212 of the toilet bowl 320 towards the rear of the
toilet 310 and which curves upwardly as a weir and then downwardly
leading flow toward the sewage drain pipe 325 along the back of the
toilet 310 culminating in the end 3215 of the trapway where the
toilet bowl outlet 3214 is located in this embodiment.
[0143] Toilet tanks, bowls, and partial trapways according to the
invention may be made of various materials known or to be developed
in the art, including ceramic, porcelain, plastic, composite, and
stainless and galvanized steel.
[0144] Overall, the basic curvature, shape and dimensions of a
trapway from the sump exit port 3212 along the partial trapway 328
and then along the moveable trapway 330 to the sewage drain pipe
325 can vary between many different three-dimensional forms, such
as a sideways or upside-down U-shaped pattern. As shown in this
embodiment, the moveable trapway sits somewhat lower than in the
embodiment 30 and has a conduit body 332 having an inlet portion
that is shorter and dips lower and then curves upward toward the
front of the bowl and back down again on the outlet portion for a
different and preferred flushing effect. The inlet portion dips
down to provide a more pronounced standing water lock, that is, a
portion at the bottom of the moveable trapway where water stands to
help initiate the siphon by reducing a section of the trapway while
not restricting it mechanically. In addition, if desired an
alignment indicator extension may extend directly from the back of
the trapway if desired for installation purposes.
[0145] A molded trapway may be manufactured to have bends and kinks
to retard the flow of water and facilitate the formation of a
powerful siphon. As shown herein, the partial trapway 328 and the
moveable trapway 330, when joined together, also preferably have a
sideways roughly U-shaped pattern and trapway dimensions as are
known and acceptable in the art or to be developed as noted
above.
[0146] FIGS. 27-36 more specifically show the moveable trapway 330.
The moveable trapway 330 is intended to replace at least a portion
of the overall trapway, but may be extended upwardly to replace
substantially all of the toilet trapway. If only a portion of the
trapway is replaced, the toilet bowl outlet becomes the end of a
partial trapway 328 that extends from the sump exit outwardly. As
shown herein, the moveable trapway 330 includes two primary
components as an assembly, a connector 331 and a conduit body
332.
[0147] The conduit body 332 serves as part of or substantially all
of a trapway to transport fluid and/or solid waste released from
the toilet bowl upon flushing as well as discarded flush water
which passes through the moveable trapway 330 to the sewage drain
pipe 325. The conduit body 332 may be manufactured from at least
one or a combination of materials selected from a group including
but not limited to molded polymeric materials, elastomeric
materials, composite materials, metals, metal alloys, glass,
porcelain and/or ceramic materials. In the embodiment shown herein,
the conduit body 332 may be heat molded from a polymeric material.
In one preferred embodiment, the conduit body 332 is molded from a
polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
[0148] The conduit body 332 is shown here as a two-part
construction that is split along the conduit body lengthwise.
Although it should be understood that the two halves could also be
cut transversely, to be shortened or lengthened, to provide or
maintain a desired distance between the toilet 310 and the back
facing wall W. The conduit body is split lengthwise for ease of
manufacture and assembly.
[0149] In one preferred embodiment, the conduit body 332 is
manufactured of two portions formed using PVC and provided with
sections of varying length that can be solvent welded at the
installation site to achieve the desired rough-in distance. The
half-sections of the conduit body 332 can be cut and solvent welded
to the required dimensions. They may also snap fit together
preferably with a seal or adhesive therebetween.
[0150] The conduit body 332 is preferably a generally curved
cylinder when assembled and has a length l measured, if
straightened, from the inlet opening 337 at the inlet end 336 of
the moveable trapway to the outlet opening 339 on the outlet
portion 338 of the conduit body 332 of about 100 mm to about 700
mm. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit body 332 has a length l
of about 200 mm to about 400 mm and, more preferably, of about 250
mm to about 350 mm.
[0151] The conduit body 332 includes an exterior surface 333 and an
interior surface 334 defining a passage 335. The upper inlet
portion 336 defines an inlet opening 337 configured to receive
fluid and/or solid waste flowing in fluid communication from the
sump exit port 3212 to the toilet bowl outlet, and in this case,
through the partial trapway 328 of the toilet 310. The inlet
opening 337 may be of a larger transverse diameter D.sub.1 than the
transverse diameter D.sub.2 of the conduit body 332 to accommodate
for different partial trapway 328 sizes of the toilet 310 and/or to
house or seat the connector of the moveable trapway, such as the
connector shown as connector 331. A preferred embodiment has an
upper inlet opening 337 with a transverse diameter D.sub.1 of about
50 mm to 120 mm. Preferably, the upper inlet portion 336 has a
transverse diameter D.sub.2 of about 80 mm to 90 mm.
[0152] The conduit body 332 also has an outlet portion 338 defining
an outlet opening 339 for fluid and/or solid waste that has passed
through the moveable trapway to exit to a sewage drain pipe 325.
The outlet opening 339 may be of a larger or smaller transverse
diameter D.sub.3 than the transverse diameter D.sub.2 of the
conduit body 332 to take account of different sized standard closet
flanges if used. Such flanges would be as described above with
respect to embodiment 10, 30 and so are not described further
herein.
[0153] The passage 335 extends through the conduit body from the
inlet opening 337 of the upper inlet portion 336 to the outlet
opening 339 of the outlet portion 338. In the embodiment shown
herein, the passage 335 has a length of about 100 mm to about 700
mm, preferably, of about 200 mm to about 400 mm, and, more
preferably, of about 250 mm to about 350 mm.
[0154] The exterior surface 333 and interior surface 334 of the
conduit body 332 may be configured to connect to the sump exit port
3212 or to the bowl outlet 3214 on the end 3215 of the partial
trapway 328 of the toilet 310. This connection may be accomplished
in the same manner as described above with respect to embodiment
10,30 above.
[0155] The exterior surface 333 of the outlet portion 338 of the
conduit body 332 may also be configured to form a connection to a
flange or to the sewage drain pipe 325. Preferably, the exterior
surface 333 of the outlet portion 338 of the conduit body 332 is
configured to fit inside of the central opening 343 of the optional
flange cover 340 in facing engagement by compression fit. In a
preferred embodiment, the end 3215 of the partial trapway 328 fits
inside of the inlet opening 337 of the conduit body 332 of the
moveable trapway 330 and the exterior surface 333 of the outlet
portion 338 fits within the central opening central opening of any
optional flange cover 340, and an inlet opening 395 of the sewage
drain 325.
[0156] The connector 331 of the moveable trapway 330 helps to join
and seal the outlet portion 338 of the conduit body 332 to the
toilet bowl outlet 3214, which as shown is at the end 3215 of the
partial trapway 328 as shown in FIGS. 27, 30 and 41. The connector
331 may be one of a variety of connectors such as those listed
above with respect to the embodiment 10, 30 above. The connector
331 can be joined to an outlet opening 399 of the partial trapway
328 by any conventional manner, including compression sealing,
friction fit, or by natural or synthetic adhesives such as glue,
putty, polyvinyl acetate, polychloroprene, epoxy, polyurethane,
cyanoacrylate and acrylic polymers, or rubber cement.
[0157] The outlet portion 338 of the conduit body 330 having an
outlet opening 339 is configured such that it may be manually moved
and rotatably positioned to enable displacement of the toilet 310.
The moveable trapway can be displaced along or away from the
longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet when viewed along a
transverse plane defined by transverse axis P-P on an installation
surface S during installation. The length l of the conduit body 332
and its configuration as well as the toilet configuration can
determine the extent of displacement for toilet 310 either moving
along or away from the longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet. Each
configuration when rotatably moved can travel along a circular
path. The size and configuration can thus give a varied
displacement. The distance that the conduit body 332 is rotatably
moved can be measured by reference to a lateral measurement of
displacement from the longitudinal midline (distance d.sub.1) on
the installation surface plane and by an angular measurement (angle
.alpha.) defined between the longitudinal midline where it
intersects the plane of the installation surface and a line along
the installation surface at a fixed measurement distance between
the centerpoint of the inlet opening 337 and centerpoint of the
outlet opening 339 of the conduit body 332 (distance d.sub.2) in
the same manner noted above.
[0158] The lateral displacement distance is measured in a
transverse plane on an installation surface S along a perpendicular
line d.sub.1 from a point P.sub.1 located on the longitudinal
midline L-L of the toilet 310 to a center point P.sub.2 at the
center of an outlet opening 339 of a conduit body 330 over a sewage
drain pipe 325. The longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet 310 runs
along the bottom of a plane taken longitudinally through the apsis
or diameter of the toilet bowl 320 so as to dissect the tank 311
and base of toilet 310. Distance d.sub.1 can vary in length.
Preferably d.sub.1 is about 5 mm to about 160 mm, and more
preferably about 25 mm to about 115 mm. In one example as described
and shown herein, the lateral displacement of the center of the
outlet opening 339 of the conduit body 332 is measured as the
distance d.sub.1 is about 4 inches (101.6 mm) to the left or right
of point P.sub.1 from the longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet
310 perpendicularly towards the center point of the outlet opening
of the conduit body.
[0159] The outlet portion 338 of the conduit body 330 having outlet
opening 339 is also capable of being laterally or rotatably moved
along a circular curvature and positioned so as to displace the
toilet 310 from a longitudinal midline L-L defined in the
transverse plane identified by P-P on an installation surface S
during installation. The distance d.sub.2 for a given conduit body
332 is measured in the transverse plane on the installation surface
from a point P.sub.3 located on the longitudinal midline L-L of the
toilet 310 directly and perpendicularly below the center point
P.sub.4 of the inlet opening 337 of the conduit body 332 to the
center point P.sub.2 of an outlet opening 339 of a conduit body 332
over a sewage drain pipe 325. As the toilet 310 is being installed
and relocated, the conduit body 332 rotatably moves, causing
angular and lateral displacement of the conduit body 332 such that
the angle .alpha. changes to illustrate angular displacement. The
distance d.sub.2 noted above remains fixed for a given conduit
design and size, but the conduit body 332 is displaced so that the
center of the outlet opening 339 moves a changeable distance
d.sub.1 laterally/transversely also from the longitudinal midline
L-L (closer or farther away) and the angle .alpha. also changes
(larger for a larger d.sub.1 and smaller for a smaller
d.sub.1).
[0160] In an embodiment as described and shown herein for exemplary
purposes, the center point of the outlet opening 339 of the conduit
body 332 is measured at a distance d.sub.2 of about 50 mm to about
400 mm, preferably about 100 mm to about 300 mm from the point
directly and perpendicularly below the center point of the inlet
opening 337 to the center of the outlet opening 339.
[0161] The measurement of the lateral displacement and rotatable
positioning of the outlet opening 339 of the outlet portion 338 of
the conduit body 332 during installation of the toilet 310 may be
measured with respect to an angle .alpha. to the longitudinal
midline L-L of the toilet 310. The angle .alpha. is measured in the
transverse plane P-P of the installation surface S taken through a
base of the toilet 310. The outlet portion 338 can actually be
rotatably positioned around in the transverse plane P-P 360.degree.
when the upper inlet portion 336 is attached to the partial trapway
328. In a preferred embodiment described herein, the angle .alpha.
is measured between the longitudinal midline L-L and line d.sub.2
which extends from the center point P.sub.2 of the outlet opening
339 to a point P.sub.3 perpendicularly and directly below the
center point P.sub.4 of the inlet opening 337 of the conduit body
332 on the longitudinal midline L-L. The angle .alpha. is
preferably about .+-.1 degree to about .+-.90 degrees off the
mid-line, and more preferably about .+-.5 degrees to about .+-.55
degrees.
[0162] After the lateral displacement, rotatable positioning of the
outlet opening 339 of the outlet portion 338 of the conduit body
332 during installation of the toilet 310 on or away from a
longitudinal midline L-L of the toilet is complete. The toilet 310,
once moved, will typically be partially displaced from the wall so
as to change the rough-in distance. If a conduit body 332 has a
d.sub.2 of 190 mm, it is preferably displaced from the longitudinal
midline L-L at distance d.sub.1 of 90 mm, and the toilet 310 will
be displaced from the wall an additional rough-in distance of 23
mm. The conduit body 332 may be manufactured in several pieces and
lengthened if desired to correct for this change in the rough-in
distance as the toilet 310 is displaced from the wall.
[0163] The skirt 323, if used, serves a dual purpose in adding
additional structural support to the toilet 310 and in the
embodiment shown, also providing aesthetic concealment of the
partial trapway 328 or moveable trapway 330 and other toilet bowl
base plumbing fixtures. The skirt 323 is preferably integral to the
toilet bowl 320 but can also be fabricated as a separate part. The
skirt 323 may extend at least partially around the exterior surface
322 of the toilet bowl 320 and in the embodiment shown extends
around the entire toilet bowl, including the rear portion of the
toilet 310. The rear portion 371 of the toilet skirt 323 conforms
to the trapway and other features for a smooth aesthetic
appearance. In the embodiment shown also, the skirt extends
completely around the bowl 320 front and sides as well as the rear
portion 371 near the wall W.
[0164] If the skirt 323 is configured as a separate part (i.e., not
integral to the toilet), the skirt 323 optimally also contains at
least one mount opening for securing the skirt to foot of the
toilet 310 and for securing the foot of the toilet 310 to an
installation surface S.
[0165] The skirt 323 shown also includes an integral outwardly
extending portion 370 molded into the skirt and configured to allow
for moveable placement of the outlet portion 338 of the conduit
body 332 including any optional flange cover 340.
[0166] As shown the outwardly extending portions can be placed on
either side of the toilet This can be see with reference to the
left-handed toilet extending portion 370 on toilet 310 in FIGS.
21-22 and right-hand extension portion 370' on toilet 310' in FIGS.
23-24. In all other respects the toilets are the same. A
left-handed toilet design is indicated when displacing a toilet in
the right-hand direction, and vice versa. Thus, a consumer may buy
a toilet having a cohesive and smooth outer aesthetic appearance on
the skirt 323 and select a toilet having a left-hand or right-hand
(or both sides) depending on the desired displacement direction for
installation.
[0167] Also distinct in this design of the movable trapway is an
optional box 372 for inserting a mounting fastener through the box
372 to ensure the moveable trapway is set in place once positioned
as desired. This feature also serves to hold the trapway 330 down
if the toilet bowl 320 is being removed, thus preventing potential
damage to the floor flange.
[0168] 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.
[0169] Each of the kit 1000, 2000 and instructions 1010, 2010 may
also include various items, such as optional information on
maintenance, cleaning and replacement of parts used or installation
herein, ordering information and warranty information and the like
normally found in instructions for installation of toilet bowls and
toilet assemblies.
[0170] Unlike the methods and kits hereinabove, the moveable
trapway may be used with prior art toilets and other existing
methods, kits, or assemblies that incorporate a partial trapway.
However, the method as described herein is the preferred method and
in not intended to be limiting.
[0171] The moveable trapway also may reduce installation time
significantly and virtually eliminates the need for costly
renovation of existing spaces or new construction. The moveable
trapway allows for those with impairments requiring the use of a
wheelchair or mobility ids or small spaces to modify their
toileting facilities with ease.
[0172] 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.
* * * * *