US20120151667A1 - Toilet flushing assembly - Google Patents
Toilet flushing assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120151667A1 US20120151667A1 US13/326,780 US201113326780A US2012151667A1 US 20120151667 A1 US20120151667 A1 US 20120151667A1 US 201113326780 A US201113326780 A US 201113326780A US 2012151667 A1 US2012151667 A1 US 2012151667A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flush
- passageway
- toilet
- actuating device
- condition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 29
- 241001310793 Podium Species 0.000 claims description 11
- NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N novaluron Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(OC(F)(F)C(OC(F)(F)F)F)=CC=C1NC(=O)NC(=O)C1=C(F)C=CC=C1F NJPPVKZQTLUDBO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
- E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
- E03D1/30—Valves for high or low level cisterns; Their arrangement ; Flushing mechanisms in the cistern, optionally with provisions for a pre-or a post- flushing and for cutting off the flushing mechanism in case of leakage
Definitions
- a toilet commonly comprises a flushing assembly that allows selective flushing of deposits from the bowl receptacle.
- the flushing assembly opens an exit port in the toilet tank to release a predetermined amount of flush water into the toilet bowl. Once this water-releasing step is completed, the flushing assembly re-closes the exit port and the toilet tank refills in preparation for the next flush.
- a toilet flushing assembly is provided that does not depend upon a flapper-type valve to open/close an exit port in a toilet tank thereby eliminating water waste caused by flapper leakage. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet flushing assembly is compatible with dual-flush operation whereby water can be used expeditiously without a compromise in flushing quality. Moreover, the toilet flushing assembly lends itself to retrofitting existing toilets whereby water-conservation objectives may be obtained with minimal parts investment, insignificant labor outlay, and without re-plumbing of existing water/sewer lines.
- FIG. 1 shows a toilet 100 connected to a water supply line 102 and a sewer discharge line 103 .
- FIG. 2 shows the toilet tank 200 .
- FIG. 3 shows the toilet bowl 300 .
- FIGS. 4A-4B show the toilet's filling assembly 400 .
- FIGS. 5A-5B show the toilet's flushing assembly 500 .
- FIGS. 6A-6K show the flush-actuating device 600 .
- FIGS. 7A-7B show the flush-initiating device 700 .
- FIG. 8 shows the electrical connection cable 800 .
- FIGS. 9A-9E show a kit 900 and a method of retrofitting an existing toilet 1000 .
- a gravity-fed toilet 100 is shown connected to water supply line 102 and a sewer line 103 .
- the toilet 100 includes a tank 200 that stores flushing water and a bowl 300 into which deposits are placed.
- the tank 200 is connected to the water supply line 102 and the bowl 300 is connected to the sewer line 103 .
- the tank 200 can have a reservoir 210 formed by a wall structure 220 .
- a fill-water port 221 is provided for plumbing to the supply water line 102 and a flush-water exit 222 is provided for connection to the tank bowl 300 .
- the wall structure 220 also has a handle hole 223 which, in a traditional toilet design, is used for installation of a flush lever.
- the water level in the tank reservoir 210 is intended to be maintained at a height corresponding to a fill line 230 .
- the wall structure 220 comprises a conventional cistern 240 and a conventional removable cover 250 .
- the bowl 300 can have a receptacle 310 formed by wall structure 320 .
- a sewer port 321 is provided for plumbing to the sewer line 103 and a flush-water entrance 322 is provided for connection with the tank's flush water exit 222 .
- the receptacle 310 and the sewer discharge line 103 can be connected by a siphoning passageway 330 .
- the toilet 100 additionally comprises a filling assembly 400 that maintains water within the toilet tank reservoir 210 so it correlates with the fill level 230 .
- the filling assembly 400 can comprise a valve 410 connected to the tank supply port 221 (and thus the water supply line 102 ).
- the valve 410 opens/closes depending upon the level of a float 420 .
- the valve 410 is closed.
- the valve 410 is open to refill the tank 200 in preparation for the next flush.
- the toilet 100 further comprises a flushing assembly 500 including an actuating device 600 , an initiating device 700 , and an electrical connection cable 800 .
- the device 600 actuates the flushing action and the device 700 selectively initiates the flush-actuating device 600 .
- the cable 800 electrically connects the device 700 to the flush-actuating device 600 so that flush-initiating signals can be sent thereto.
- the flush-actuating device 600 comprises an electric motor 610 installable within the reservoir 210 of the toilet tank 200 .
- the motor 610 can provide rotary motion via a rotating shaft.
- the electric motor 610 can be reversible so as to turn both in a clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction.
- Activation of the electric motor 610 via the flush-initiating device 700 , converts a passageway 620 between a flush condition ( FIG. 5A ) and a rest condition ( FIG. 5B ).
- a flush condition liquid within the tank reservoir 220 is conveyed through the passageway 620 to the toilet bowl receptacle 310 (through tank outlet 222 and bowl inlet 322 ).
- the rest condition liquid within the tank reservoir 210 is not conveyed through the passageway 620 .
- the passageway 620 can have an inlet 621 for communication with the tank reservoir 210 and an outlet 622 for communication with the toilet bowl receptacle 310 .
- the inlet 621 When the passageway 620 is in the flush position, the inlet 621 is situated in a flush position at or below the fill line 230 and water flows therethrough.
- FIG. 5A When the passageway 620 is in the rest condition, the inlet 621 is situated in a rest position above the tank's fill line 230 .
- FIG. 5B . The inlet 621 can move generally downward when moved from the rest position to the flush position and it can move generally upward when moved from the flush position.
- the passageway 620 can be formed by a conduit that is extendible-retractable in a generally vertical direction.
- the conduit When the inlet 621 is in the flush position, the conduit is retracted.
- FIG. 5A When the inlet 621 is the flush position, the conduit is extended.
- FIG. 5B When the inlet 621 is the flush position, the conduit is extended.
- the conduit can comprise, for example, a bellowed tube having pleats that contract-expand during retraction-extension.
- the passageway 620 can have its inlet 621 wider than its outlet 622 to encourage flow therethrough when in the flush condition.
- a fill tube can be provided to fill the passageway 620 between flushes to avoid the creation of an air pocket therein.
- the flush-actuating device 600 can also comprise a drive arrangement 630 that transmits motion from the electric motor 610 to the passageway 620 .
- the drive arrangement 630 can comprise a drive screw 631 and a drive nut 632 engaged therewith.
- the drive screw 631 is rotated by the electric motor 610 and it can extend through the passageway 620 .
- the drive screw 631 rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise) when the motor 610 is converting the passageway 620 from the rest condition to the flush condition. And it rotates in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when the motor 610 is converting the passageway 620 from the flush condition to the rest position.
- the drive nut 632 linearly moves along the length the drive screw 631 in response to rotation.
- the drive nut 632 is mounted relative to the passageway 620 so as to cause movement of the inlet 621 between the rest and flush positions.
- the drive nut 632 can be part of a cap 633 secured to the inlet 621 .
- the cap 633 can comprise a rim 634 and spaced-apart spokes 635 extending radially inward therefrom to support the drive nut 632 . Spaces between the spokes 635 form flow channels into the inlet 621 .
- the cap 633 can include a port 636 in one the spokes 635 for receipt of a fill tube.
- a fitting 640 defines a passage 641 from the passageway 620 to the flush-water exit port 222 in the toilet tank 200 .
- the fitting 640 can comprise an upstream nib 642 , a downstream nib 643 , and a radial ledge 644 therebetween.
- the upstream nib 642 is attached to the outlet 622 of the passageway 620 and the downstream nib 643 is attached to the tank's exit port 222 .
- a pedestal 650 can be provided to elevate the electric motor 610 above the fill level 230 in the toilet tank 200 .
- the pedestal 650 forms a central corridor 651 in which the passageway 620 , the drive screw 631 , and the drive nut 632 (and thus the cap 633 ) are located.
- the fitting 640 is located at the bottom end of the corridor 651 .
- the pedestal 650 can comprise four legs 652 that surround the corridor 651 and extend upwardly from the fitting 640 .
- Each leg has a head 653 attached to a motor-housing component (namely a podium 660 introduced below) and a foot 654 attached to the radial ledge 644 of the fitting 640 .
- Bracing arms 655 can extend between pairs of legs 652 .
- a motor-housing podium 660 (having a compartment 661 for the motor 610 ) can be situated above the fill level 230 of the tank reservoir 210 .
- the podium's floor 662 can be attached to the pedestal legs 652 and it can include openings and projections (shown but not specifically numbered) for accommodation of the motor 610 and related components.
- the upper end of the drive screw 631 can extend therethrough.
- the compartment 661 can be covered with an upper platform 663 .
- a gear arrangement 670 can be provided in train with the rotating shaft of the motor 610 .
- a relatively small-diameter gear 671 can be directly turned by motor's shaft and a larger-diameter gear 672 can be meshed therewith.
- the gear arrangement 670 can also be housed within the podium 660 .
- a battery station 680 powers the electric motor 610 and can comprise a terminal dock 681 and batteries 682 installed therein.
- the battery station 680 in the illustrated embodiment is parked on the upper platform 663 of the podium 660 .
- the device 600 can be designed for use of one or more electrochemical batteries 682 , such as six AA batteries.
- a cover 683 can be provided for the terminal dock 651 .
- the battery station 680 is easily accessible for battery receipt and/or battery replacement. Specifically, for example, upon removal of the lid 250 from the cistern 240 , the battery station 680 is easily accessible and above the water level 230 . Used batteries can easily be removed from the dock 681 and replaced with fresh batteries.
- a controller 690 can be programmed so that, upon initiation, the electric motor 610 converts the passageway 620 from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a predetermined time period, returns the passageway 620 to the rest condition.
- the controller 690 can be housed in the podium 660 with the electric motor 610 and the gear arrangement 670 .
- the predetermined time period can always be the same, or the controller 690 can allow a selection of one of a plurality of flush-magnitude time periods.
- the controller 690 can allow selection of a light-flush time period and a heavy-flush time period, depending upon the magnitude of flushing capacity necessary. In this manner, water is conserved because heavy-flush time periods (i.e., maximum capacity flushes) are only used when appropriate.
- the light-flush time period can correspond to conveyance of less than 3 gallons of water, less than 2 gallons of water, less than 1.6 gallons of water, and/or less than 1 gallon of water through the passageway 620 .
- the heavy-flush time period can correspond to the conveyance of more gallons (e.g., at least twice, at least thrice, etc.) through the passageway 620 than the light-flush time period.
- the heavy-flush period can allow conveyance of 1.6 or less gallons through the passageway 620 .
- the controller 690 and its programming allow the flush-actuating device 600 to selectively operate in both a light-flush mode (with a light-flush time period integrated into the flush cycle) and a heavy-flush mode (with a heavy-flush time period integrated into the flush cycle).
- the flush-initiating device 700 includes at least one trigger 710 / 720 which, upon user input, initiates operation of the flush-actuating device 600 .
- the flush-initiating device 700 includes a plurality of triggers and, more preferably, these triggers include a light-flush trigger 710 and a heavy-flush trigger 720 .
- the flush-actuating device 600 operates in the light flush mode.
- the heavy-flush trigger is initiated, the flush-actuating device 600 operates in the heavy flush mode.
- Each trigger 710 / 720 can include an input element 711 / 721 which, upon input, instigates a switch 712 / 722 .
- the input element 711 / 712 can be depressed to cause closure of the switch 712 / 722 . Closure of the respective switch 712 / 722 sends a signal to the flush-actuating device 600 via the cable 800 .
- the input elements 711 / 721 are located outside the tank 200 in the same location as the lever handle in a traditional toilet design.
- the illustrated flush-initiating device 700 comprises a casing 730 forming a chamber for containment of the triggers 710 / 720 .
- the casing 730 comprises a front part 731 and a back part 732 which are joined together in a shell-like fashion.
- An interface frame 733 and a circuit board 734 are situated inside the shell parts 731 - 732 .
- the front part 731 includes a window 735 and the interface frame 733 includes an aligned window 736 .
- the trigger switches 712 / 722 are mounted on the circuit board 734 and positioned within the perimeters of the windows 735 and 736 .
- the shell back part 733 can include a cove 737 for cradling of the circuit board 734 and a post-aligned aperture 738 .
- the trigger input elements 711 and 721 can be mounted on a stage 740 which is insertable into the front-shell window 735 .
- the stage 740 can be secured to the casing 730 by a scaffold 750 secured thereover.
- the scaffold 750 can have windows 751 and 752 for exposing the trigger input elements 711 and 721 .
- the trigger elements 711 and 721 can be input (e.g., pushed and/or pressed) from outside of the casing 730 and still interface with the trigger switches 712 and 722 inside the casing 730 .
- the flush-initiating device 700 can further comprise an externally threaded post 760 , a bung 770 , and an internally threaded bushing 780 .
- the post 760 extends rearward from the back shell part 733 (in alignment with aperture 738 ) and may (or may not) be formed in one piece with the shell part 733 . It is sized and shaped for insertion through the handle hole 223 of the toilet tank 200 .
- the bung 770 is insertable into the post 760 for safe receipt therein.
- the bung 770 includes a circuit pad 771 on one end that interacts with the board 734 within the casing 730 .
- the opposite end of the bung 770 is engagable with the cable 800 .
- the bushing 780 is adapted to reside within the toilet tank 200 and abut against its interior surface.
- the bushing 780 is removably secured to the post 760 (e.g., threaded) to suspend the casing 730 outwardly from the handle hole 223 .
- the cable 800 electrically connects the flush-actuating device 600 and the flush-initiating device 700 .
- the cable 800 has one connector end 810 for connection to the connector 663 in the podium 660 of the flush-actuating device 600 and another connector end 820 for connection to the post 760 and/or bung 770 of the flush-initiating device 700 .
- the electrical connectors 810 and 820 are preferably designed for easy and/or quick connect and disconnect.
- the flush-initiating device 700 is initiated. After such initiation, the flush-actuating device 600 is automatically actuated to flush the deposit down the sewer line 103 . If the toilet 100 has a dual-flush design, the light-flush trigger 710 is instigated after a light-flush deposit and the heavy-flush trigger 720 is instigated after a heavy-flush deposit.
- the flushing assembly 500 and/or the flush-actuating device 600 can certainly be provide in new tanks 200 and/or new toilets 100 as initially purchased by consumers. If so, new tank designs are not necessary whereby a toilet manufacturer can continue using traditional sources for such materials. And the flushing assembly 500 and/or the flushing-actuating device 600 may also accommodate new tank configurations that become popular and/or necessary.
- the flushing assembly 500 can also be provided in a kit 900 for the retrofitting of an existing toilet 1000 .
- This kit 900 could include the flush-activating device 600 , the flush-initiating device 700 , and/or the cable 800 .
- the existing toilet 1000 could include a flapper-flush-actuating device 1600 and a lever device 1700 .
- the existing flapper device 1600 and the existing lever device 1700 are removed.
- the flush-actuating device 600 is then installed by coupling the fitting 640 to the water-exit port 222 .
- the flush-initiating device 700 is installed by inserting the post 740 through the handle hole 223 and then securing it in place with the fastener 741 .
- the cable connector 810 can then be connected to the podium connector 663 and the cable connector 820 can be connected to the post 760 and/or bung 770 .
- the toilet flushing assembly 500 does not depend upon a flapper-type valves, is compatible with dual-flush operation, and/or easily lends itself to retrofitting existing toilets.
- the toilet 100 , the tank 200 , the bowl 300 , the tank-filling assembly 400 , the flushing assembly 500 , the flush-actuating device 600 , the flush-initiating device 700 , and/or the cable 800 have been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
Abstract
A toilet flushing assembly (500) comprising an actuating device (600) installable within the toilet tank (200) and an initiating device (700) accessible from outside the toilet tank (200). The flush-actuating device (600) comprises an electric motor (610) that converts a passageway (620) between a rest condition and a flush condition. The flush-initiating device (700) initiates operation of the flush-actuating device (600), preferably in either a light-flush mode or heavy-flush mode, depending upon the deposit made in the toilet bowl.
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/423,958 filed on Dec. 16, 2010. The entire disclosure of this earlier application is hereby incorporated by reference.
- A toilet commonly comprises a flushing assembly that allows selective flushing of deposits from the bowl receptacle. In a gravity-fed toilet, for example, the flushing assembly opens an exit port in the toilet tank to release a predetermined amount of flush water into the toilet bowl. Once this water-releasing step is completed, the flushing assembly re-closes the exit port and the toilet tank refills in preparation for the next flush.
- A toilet flushing assembly is provided that does not depend upon a flapper-type valve to open/close an exit port in a toilet tank thereby eliminating water waste caused by flapper leakage. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet flushing assembly is compatible with dual-flush operation whereby water can be used expeditiously without a compromise in flushing quality. Moreover, the toilet flushing assembly lends itself to retrofitting existing toilets whereby water-conservation objectives may be obtained with minimal parts investment, insignificant labor outlay, and without re-plumbing of existing water/sewer lines.
-
FIG. 1 shows atoilet 100 connected to awater supply line 102 and asewer discharge line 103. -
FIG. 2 shows thetoilet tank 200. -
FIG. 3 shows thetoilet bowl 300. -
FIGS. 4A-4B show the toilet'sfilling assembly 400. -
FIGS. 5A-5B show the toilet'sflushing assembly 500. -
FIGS. 6A-6K show the flush-actuatingdevice 600. -
FIGS. 7A-7B show the flush-initiatingdevice 700. -
FIG. 8 shows theelectrical connection cable 800. -
FIGS. 9A-9E show akit 900 and a method of retrofitting an existingtoilet 1000. - Referring now to the drawings, and initially to
FIG. 1 , a gravity-fedtoilet 100 is shown connected towater supply line 102 and asewer line 103. Thetoilet 100 includes atank 200 that stores flushing water and abowl 300 into which deposits are placed. Thetank 200 is connected to thewater supply line 102 and thebowl 300 is connected to thesewer line 103. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thetank 200 can have areservoir 210 formed by awall structure 220. A fill-water port 221 is provided for plumbing to thesupply water line 102 and a flush-water exit 222 is provided for connection to thetank bowl 300. Thewall structure 220 also has ahandle hole 223 which, in a traditional toilet design, is used for installation of a flush lever. The water level in thetank reservoir 210 is intended to be maintained at a height corresponding to afill line 230. In the illustrated embodiment, thewall structure 220 comprises a conventional cistern 240 and a conventionalremovable cover 250. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thebowl 300 can have a receptacle 310 formed by wall structure 320. Asewer port 321 is provided for plumbing to thesewer line 103 and a flush-water entrance 322 is provided for connection with the tank'sflush water exit 222. The receptacle 310 and thesewer discharge line 103 can be connected by a siphoning passageway 330. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A-4B , thetoilet 100 additionally comprises afilling assembly 400 that maintains water within thetoilet tank reservoir 210 so it correlates with thefill level 230. Thefilling assembly 400 can comprise avalve 410 connected to the tank supply port 221 (and thus the water supply line 102). Thevalve 410 opens/closes depending upon the level of afloat 420. When water within thetank 200 is at the fill level 230 (FIG. 4A ), thevalve 410 is closed. And when water is below thefill level 230, thevalve 410 is open to refill thetank 200 in preparation for the next flush. - As shown in
FIGS. 5A-5B , thetoilet 100 further comprises aflushing assembly 500 including anactuating device 600, aninitiating device 700, and anelectrical connection cable 800. Thedevice 600 actuates the flushing action and thedevice 700 selectively initiates the flush-actuatingdevice 600. Thecable 800 electrically connects thedevice 700 to the flush-actuatingdevice 600 so that flush-initiating signals can be sent thereto. - The flush-actuating
device 600 comprises anelectric motor 610 installable within thereservoir 210 of thetoilet tank 200. Themotor 610 can provide rotary motion via a rotating shaft. And theelectric motor 610 can be reversible so as to turn both in a clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction. - Activation of the
electric motor 610, via the flush-initiatingdevice 700, converts apassageway 620 between a flush condition (FIG. 5A ) and a rest condition (FIG. 5B ). In the flush condition, liquid within thetank reservoir 220 is conveyed through thepassageway 620 to the toilet bowl receptacle 310 (throughtank outlet 222 and bowl inlet 322). And in the rest condition, liquid within thetank reservoir 210 is not conveyed through thepassageway 620. - The
passageway 620 can have aninlet 621 for communication with thetank reservoir 210 and anoutlet 622 for communication with the toilet bowl receptacle 310. When thepassageway 620 is in the flush position, theinlet 621 is situated in a flush position at or below thefill line 230 and water flows therethrough. (FIG. 5A .) When thepassageway 620 is in the rest condition, theinlet 621 is situated in a rest position above the tank's fillline 230. (FIG. 5B .) Theinlet 621 can move generally downward when moved from the rest position to the flush position and it can move generally upward when moved from the flush position. - Turning now to the sixth set of drawings (
FIGS. 6A-6K ), and initially toFIGS. 6A-6D , thepassageway 620 can be formed by a conduit that is extendible-retractable in a generally vertical direction. When theinlet 621 is in the flush position, the conduit is retracted. (FIG. 5A .) When theinlet 621 is the flush position, the conduit is extended. (FIG. 5B .) - The conduit can comprise, for example, a bellowed tube having pleats that contract-expand during retraction-extension. The
passageway 620 can have itsinlet 621 wider than itsoutlet 622 to encourage flow therethrough when in the flush condition. A fill tube can be provided to fill thepassageway 620 between flushes to avoid the creation of an air pocket therein. - The flush-actuating
device 600 can also comprise adrive arrangement 630 that transmits motion from theelectric motor 610 to thepassageway 620. Thedrive arrangement 630 can comprise adrive screw 631 and adrive nut 632 engaged therewith. Thedrive screw 631 is rotated by theelectric motor 610 and it can extend through thepassageway 620. - The
drive screw 631 rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise) when themotor 610 is converting thepassageway 620 from the rest condition to the flush condition. And it rotates in an opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when themotor 610 is converting thepassageway 620 from the flush condition to the rest position. Thedrive nut 632 linearly moves along the length thedrive screw 631 in response to rotation. - The
drive nut 632 is mounted relative to thepassageway 620 so as to cause movement of theinlet 621 between the rest and flush positions. To this end, thedrive nut 632 can be part of acap 633 secured to theinlet 621. Thecap 633 can comprise arim 634 and spaced-apartspokes 635 extending radially inward therefrom to support thedrive nut 632. Spaces between thespokes 635 form flow channels into theinlet 621. Thecap 633 can include aport 636 in one thespokes 635 for receipt of a fill tube. - A fitting 640 defines a
passage 641 from thepassageway 620 to the flush-water exit port 222 in thetoilet tank 200. The fitting 640 can comprise anupstream nib 642, adownstream nib 643, and aradial ledge 644 therebetween. Theupstream nib 642 is attached to theoutlet 622 of thepassageway 620 and thedownstream nib 643 is attached to the tank'sexit port 222. - A
pedestal 650 can be provided to elevate theelectric motor 610 above thefill level 230 in thetoilet tank 200. Thepedestal 650 forms acentral corridor 651 in which thepassageway 620, thedrive screw 631, and the drive nut 632 (and thus the cap 633) are located. The fitting 640 is located at the bottom end of thecorridor 651. - The
pedestal 650 can comprise fourlegs 652 that surround thecorridor 651 and extend upwardly from the fitting 640. Each leg has ahead 653 attached to a motor-housing component (namely apodium 660 introduced below) and afoot 654 attached to theradial ledge 644 of the fitting 640. Bracingarms 655 can extend between pairs oflegs 652. - A motor-housing podium 660 (having a
compartment 661 for the motor 610) can be situated above thefill level 230 of thetank reservoir 210. The podium'sfloor 662 can be attached to thepedestal legs 652 and it can include openings and projections (shown but not specifically numbered) for accommodation of themotor 610 and related components. For example, the upper end of thedrive screw 631 can extend therethrough. Thecompartment 661 can be covered with anupper platform 663. - A
gear arrangement 670 can be provided in train with the rotating shaft of themotor 610. For example, a relatively small-diameter gear 671 can be directly turned by motor's shaft and a larger-diameter gear 672 can be meshed therewith. Thegear arrangement 670 can also be housed within thepodium 660. - A
battery station 680 powers theelectric motor 610 and can comprise aterminal dock 681 andbatteries 682 installed therein. Thebattery station 680 in the illustrated embodiment is parked on theupper platform 663 of thepodium 660. Thedevice 600 can be designed for use of one or moreelectrochemical batteries 682, such as six AA batteries. Acover 683 can be provided for theterminal dock 651. - The
battery station 680 is easily accessible for battery receipt and/or battery replacement. Specifically, for example, upon removal of thelid 250 from the cistern 240, thebattery station 680 is easily accessible and above thewater level 230. Used batteries can easily be removed from thedock 681 and replaced with fresh batteries. - A
controller 690 can be programmed so that, upon initiation, theelectric motor 610 converts thepassageway 620 from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a predetermined time period, returns thepassageway 620 to the rest condition. Thecontroller 690 can be housed in thepodium 660 with theelectric motor 610 and thegear arrangement 670. - The predetermined time period can always be the same, or the
controller 690 can allow a selection of one of a plurality of flush-magnitude time periods. For example, thecontroller 690 can allow selection of a light-flush time period and a heavy-flush time period, depending upon the magnitude of flushing capacity necessary. In this manner, water is conserved because heavy-flush time periods (i.e., maximum capacity flushes) are only used when appropriate. - The light-flush time period can correspond to conveyance of less than 3 gallons of water, less than 2 gallons of water, less than 1.6 gallons of water, and/or less than 1 gallon of water through the
passageway 620. The heavy-flush time period can correspond to the conveyance of more gallons (e.g., at least twice, at least thrice, etc.) through thepassageway 620 than the light-flush time period. The heavy-flush period can allow conveyance of 1.6 or less gallons through thepassageway 620. - The
controller 690 and its programming allow the flush-actuatingdevice 600 to selectively operate in both a light-flush mode (with a light-flush time period integrated into the flush cycle) and a heavy-flush mode (with a heavy-flush time period integrated into the flush cycle). - Turning now to
FIGS. 7A-7B , the flush-initiatingdevice 700 includes at least onetrigger 710/720 which, upon user input, initiates operation of the flush-actuatingdevice 600. Preferably the flush-initiatingdevice 700 includes a plurality of triggers and, more preferably, these triggers include a light-flush trigger 710 and a heavy-flush trigger 720. When the light-flush trigger 710 is initiated, the flush-actuatingdevice 600 operates in the light flush mode. And when the heavy-flush trigger is initiated, the flush-actuatingdevice 600 operates in the heavy flush mode. - Each
trigger 710/720 can include aninput element 711/721 which, upon input, instigates aswitch 712/722. For example, theinput element 711/712 can be depressed to cause closure of theswitch 712/722. Closure of therespective switch 712/722 sends a signal to the flush-actuatingdevice 600 via thecable 800. Theinput elements 711/721 are located outside thetank 200 in the same location as the lever handle in a traditional toilet design. - The illustrated flush-initiating
device 700 comprises acasing 730 forming a chamber for containment of thetriggers 710/720. Thecasing 730 comprises afront part 731 and aback part 732 which are joined together in a shell-like fashion. Aninterface frame 733 and acircuit board 734 are situated inside the shell parts 731-732. - The
front part 731 includes awindow 735 and theinterface frame 733 includes an alignedwindow 736. The trigger switches 712/722 are mounted on thecircuit board 734 and positioned within the perimeters of thewindows part 733 can include acove 737 for cradling of thecircuit board 734 and apost-aligned aperture 738. - The
trigger input elements stage 740 which is insertable into the front-shell window 735. Thestage 740 can be secured to thecasing 730 by ascaffold 750 secured thereover. Thescaffold 750 can havewindows trigger input elements - Accordingly, the
trigger elements casing 730 and still interface with the trigger switches 712 and 722 inside thecasing 730. - The flush-initiating
device 700 can further comprise an externally threadedpost 760, abung 770, and an internally threadedbushing 780. Thepost 760 extends rearward from the back shell part 733 (in alignment with aperture 738) and may (or may not) be formed in one piece with theshell part 733. It is sized and shaped for insertion through thehandle hole 223 of thetoilet tank 200. - The
bung 770 is insertable into thepost 760 for safe receipt therein. Thebung 770 includes acircuit pad 771 on one end that interacts with theboard 734 within thecasing 730. The opposite end of thebung 770 is engagable with thecable 800. - The
bushing 780 is adapted to reside within thetoilet tank 200 and abut against its interior surface. Thebushing 780 is removably secured to the post 760 (e.g., threaded) to suspend thecasing 730 outwardly from thehandle hole 223. - As was indicated above, the
cable 800 electrically connects the flush-actuatingdevice 600 and the flush-initiatingdevice 700. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, and as shown inFIG. 8 , thecable 800 has oneconnector end 810 for connection to theconnector 663 in thepodium 660 of the flush-actuatingdevice 600 and anotherconnector end 820 for connection to thepost 760 and/or bung 770 of the flush-initiatingdevice 700. Theelectrical connectors - To use the
toilet 100, a deposit is made in the bowl receptacle 310 and then the flush-initiatingdevice 700 is initiated. After such initiation, the flush-actuatingdevice 600 is automatically actuated to flush the deposit down thesewer line 103. If thetoilet 100 has a dual-flush design, the light-flush trigger 710 is instigated after a light-flush deposit and the heavy-flush trigger 720 is instigated after a heavy-flush deposit. - The flushing
assembly 500 and/or the flush-actuatingdevice 600 can certainly be provide innew tanks 200 and/ornew toilets 100 as initially purchased by consumers. If so, new tank designs are not necessary whereby a toilet manufacturer can continue using traditional sources for such materials. And the flushingassembly 500 and/or the flushing-actuatingdevice 600 may also accommodate new tank configurations that become popular and/or necessary. - As shown in the ninth set of drawings (
FIGS. 9A-9E ), the flushingassembly 500 can also be provided in akit 900 for the retrofitting of an existingtoilet 1000. Thiskit 900 could include the flush-activatingdevice 600, the flush-initiatingdevice 700, and/or thecable 800. The existingtoilet 1000 could include a flapper-flush-actuatingdevice 1600 and alever device 1700. - In a method of retrofitting the
toilet 1000, the existingflapper device 1600 and the existinglever device 1700 are removed. The flush-actuatingdevice 600 is then installed by coupling the fitting 640 to the water-exit port 222. The flush-initiatingdevice 700 is installed by inserting thepost 740 through thehandle hole 223 and then securing it in place with the fastener 741. Thecable connector 810 can then be connected to thepodium connector 663 and thecable connector 820 can be connected to thepost 760 and/orbung 770. - One may now appreciate that the
toilet flushing assembly 500 does not depend upon a flapper-type valves, is compatible with dual-flush operation, and/or easily lends itself to retrofitting existing toilets. Although thetoilet 100, thetank 200, thebowl 300, the tank-fillingassembly 400, the flushingassembly 500, the flush-actuatingdevice 600, the flush-initiatingdevice 700, and/or thecable 800 have been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings.
Claims (20)
1. A flush-actuating device for a toilet tank comprising an electric motor installable within a reservoir of the toilet tank;
wherein activation of the electric motor converts a passageway between a flush condition, whereat liquid within the tank reservoir is conveyed therethrough to a toilet bowl receptacle, and a rest condition, whereat liquid within the tank reservoir is not conveyed through the passageway to the toilet bowl receptacle; and
wherein the electric motor is battery-powered.
2. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the electric motor is reversible and comprises a rotating shaft that can rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
3. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the passageway has an inlet for communication with the tank reservoir and an outlet for communication with the toilet bowl receptacle; and wherein:
when the passageway is in the flush condition, the inlet is situated in a flush position whereat liquid is received from the tank reservoir and conveyed through the passageway to the outlet; and
when the passageway is in the rest condition, the inlet is situated in a rest position whereat liquid is not received from the tank reservoir.
4. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the inlet moves generally downward as the passageway is converted from the rest condition to the flush condition;
wherein the inlet moves generally upward when the passageway is converted from the flush condition to the rest condition;
wherein the inlet is situated above the fill line in the toilet tank reservoir when in the rest position; and
wherein the inlet is situated below the fill line in the toilet tank reservoir when in the flush position.
5. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the passageway is formed by an extendable-retractable conduit;
wherein when the inlet is in the rest position, the conduit is extended; and
wherein when the inlet is in the flush position, the conduit is retracted.
6. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 5 , wherein the conduit comprises a bellowed tube having pleats that contract during retraction and expand during extension.
7. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a drive screw which is rotated by the electric motor;
wherein the drive screw rotates one direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and rotates an opposite direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the flush condition to the rest position.
8. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 7 , wherein the drive screw extends through the passageway.
9. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a fitting, a pedestal, and a podium;
wherein the fitting has an upstream nib attached to an outlet of the passageway and downstream nib for attachment to a flush-water exit port in a toilet tank.
wherein the pedestal extends between the fitting and the podium and forms a corridor for the conversion of the passageway between the rest and flush conditions; and
wherein the podium is situated so as to be above the fill level of the toilet tank reservoir and has a compartment for the electric motor and battery station for receipt of motor-powering batteries.
10. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 9 , further comprising a drive screw which is rotated by the electric motor in one direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and rotates an opposite direction when the motor is converting the passageway from the flush condition to the rest position.
11. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a controller programmed so that, upon initiation, the electric motor converts the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a predetermined time period, returns the passageway to the rest condition.
12. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 11 , wherein predetermined period of time is one of a plurality of flush-magnitude time periods, including:
a light-flush time period which allows conveyance of less than 3 gallons of water through the passageway; and
a heavy-flush time period allows conveyance of more gallons through the passageway than the light-flush time period.
13. A flush-actuating device as set forth in claim 12 , wherein the heavy-flush time period allows the conveyance of at least twice as many gallons through the passageway than the light-flush time period.
14. A toilet flushing assembly comprising the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1 , and a flush-initiating device for initiating operation thereof, wherein the flush-initiating device is installable outside the toilet tank reservoir and includes a trigger which, upon input, initiates operation of the flush-actuating device.
15. A toilet flushing assembly as set forth in claim 14 , wherein the flush-initiating device includes a plurality of triggers which, upon input, initiate operation of the flush-actuating device at respective flush-magnitude operations;
wherein the flush-magnitude operations include:
a light-flush operation, whereat the electric motor converts the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a/the light-flush time period, returns the passageway to the rest condition, and
a heavy-flush operation, whereat the electric motor converts the passageway from the rest condition to the flush condition and then, after a/the heavy-flush time period, returns the passageway to the rest condition; and
wherein the heavy-flush time period is longer than the light-flush time period.
16. A toilet tank comprising:
a tank reservoir;
the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1 , wherein the electric motor is installed within the tank reservoir; and
a flush-initiating device at least partially installed outside the tank reservoir.
17. A toilet comprising:
a toilet tank including a reservoir;
a toilet bowl having a receptacle for connection to a flush-water exit port of the toilet tank;
the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1 , wherein the electric motor is installed within the reservoir; and
a flush-initiating device is at least partially installed outside the tank reservoir.
18. A method of using the toilet set forth claim 17 , comprising the steps of:
depositing a light-flush deposit in the toilet bowl and instigating a light-flush trigger to initiate the flush-initiating device to activate the flush-actuating device in a light-flush mode; and
depositing a heavy-flush deposit in the toilet bowl and instigating a heavy-flush trigger to initiate the flush-initiating device to activate the flush-actuating device in a light-flush mode.
19. A method of installing the flush-actuating device set forth in claim 1 on an existing toilet, said method comprising the steps of:
removing an existing flush-actuating device from the tank of the toilet; and
installing the flush-actuating device.
20. A method of installing the toilet flushing assembly of claim 10 on an existing toilet, said method comprising the steps of:
removing an existing flush-actuating device from the tank of the toilet;
installing the flush-actuating device;
removing an existing flush-initiating device from the tank of the toilet; and
installing the flush-initiating device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/326,780 US20120151667A1 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2011-12-15 | Toilet flushing assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US42395810P | 2010-12-16 | 2010-12-16 | |
US13/326,780 US20120151667A1 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2011-12-15 | Toilet flushing assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120151667A1 true US20120151667A1 (en) | 2012-06-21 |
Family
ID=46232463
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/326,780 Abandoned US20120151667A1 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2011-12-15 | Toilet flushing assembly |
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Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120151667A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10428508B1 (en) * | 2018-04-16 | 2019-10-01 | Polly Hudson | Height adjustable toilet assembly |
US10941551B2 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2021-03-09 | Viega Technology Gmbh & Co. Kg | Drain valve for a sanitary cistern |
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US5197151A (en) * | 1991-07-01 | 1993-03-30 | Jasper Jr Louis J | Variable volume flushing device for water conservation |
US6397404B1 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2002-06-04 | Carlos A. Ferreyra | Toilet flushing system |
US20050046681A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2005-03-03 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid ejection apparatus and control method of the liquid ejection apparatus |
US7028347B2 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2006-04-18 | Sanderson Dilworth D | Digital electronic volume/flow control sensor toilet |
US20100263116A1 (en) * | 2009-04-10 | 2010-10-21 | Scott David Pinizzotto | Method and System to Add Multi-Mode Flush Capability to a Single Mode Flush Toilet |
-
2011
- 2011-12-15 US US13/326,780 patent/US20120151667A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5197151A (en) * | 1991-07-01 | 1993-03-30 | Jasper Jr Louis J | Variable volume flushing device for water conservation |
US6397404B1 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2002-06-04 | Carlos A. Ferreyra | Toilet flushing system |
US20050046681A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2005-03-03 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid ejection apparatus and control method of the liquid ejection apparatus |
US7028347B2 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2006-04-18 | Sanderson Dilworth D | Digital electronic volume/flow control sensor toilet |
US20100263116A1 (en) * | 2009-04-10 | 2010-10-21 | Scott David Pinizzotto | Method and System to Add Multi-Mode Flush Capability to a Single Mode Flush Toilet |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10941551B2 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2021-03-09 | Viega Technology Gmbh & Co. Kg | Drain valve for a sanitary cistern |
US10428508B1 (en) * | 2018-04-16 | 2019-10-01 | Polly Hudson | Height adjustable toilet assembly |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EFLUSH, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BERRY, WALTER G.;KELLER, MICHAEL J.;MARSHALL, AARON D.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20111221 TO 20120104;REEL/FRAME:027480/0590 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |