Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
WO 2022/026550
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Pressure-Assist Flush Toilet
The disclosure relates to an in-wall pressure-assist toilet assembly for the
removal of
human and other waste.
Background
Space is becoming more valuable in bathrooms, particularly with a current
world-wide
shift in population toward urban centers having smaller living spaces.
Typically, the space taken
up by a toilet includes a bowl, trapway and tank. The tank is usually
positioned over the back of
the bowl. The tank and bowl can be separate pieces which are coupled together
to form a toilet
system, or can be one integral unit.
Pressure-assisted (pressure-assist) toilets may comprise one or more pressure
tanks.
In some instances, water fills the pressure tanks and is held under pressure.
When a flush
valve is opened, pressure and gravity combine for a flush.
Pressure-assist toilets generally have a large construction to accommodate all
of the
features required. A need exists for an in-wall, small footprint, low profile
toilet having a
pressure-assisted flush, where the flush delivers a sufficient flush rate and
volume to evacuate
the bowl of the toilet. There is a need for an in-wall tankless pressure
toilet. There is also a
need for an in-wall toilet assembly that is accessible and may be maintained.
Summary
Accordingly, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprising a bowl;
and a
pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be
positioned
within a bathroom wall cavity upon installation of the toilet assembly.
Also disclosed is a wall-hung toilet bowl configured for use with an in-wall
water source,
the water source for flushing and/or for a bidet, the bowl comprising an
access area beneath the
bowl and/or a utility port positioned on a side of the bowl. An access area
may be configured to
provide access to one or more of an angle stop, an electric outlet, or a drain
port. A bidet seat
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may be fluidly coupled to an in-wall water source and/or electrically coupled
to an in-wall electric
source via a utility port.
Also disclosed is an in-wall support structure for a toilet bowl. Upon
installation of a toilet
bowl, a rear portion of the bowl is received by and coupled to the support
structure. An in-wall
support structure may be configured to be removed from a bathroom wall cavity,
providing
access to an in-wall flush water source. A flush water source may an in-wall
tank or may be a
tankless pressure system.
Also disclosed is an in-wall pressure tank assembly, configured to be
installed within a
standard 2x4 bathroom wall space.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by
way of
limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of
illustration, features illustrated
in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions
of some features
may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where
considered appropriate,
reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate
corresponding or analogous
elements.
Fig. 1A shows a pressure-assist toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 1B shows a top view of a toilet bowl, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 1C provides a view of a bowl underneath access area, according to an
embodiment.
Fig. 1D provides a rear view of an in-wall support structure and pressure tank
assembly,
according to an embodiment.
Fig. 1E, Fig. IF, and Fig. 1G depict an in-wall support structure in a process
of being removed
from a wall, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 1H is a view of a maintenance space accessible behind a toilet bowl and
behind-wall
access entrance, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2A shows a pressure tank assembly, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2B provides a top view of siphon tubes, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2C shows a disassembled siphon tank, according to an embodiment.
Fig. 3A shows a cross-section view of a pair of tanks with an exemplary flow
path for a
pressurized toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.
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Fig. 3B shows a cross-section view of a pair of tanks with another exemplary
flow path for a
pressurized toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1A shows pressure-assist toilet assembly 100, according to an embodiment.
Assembly 100 comprises wall-hung bowl 101. Bowl 101 contains access area 102
beneath the
bowl, which provides access to an angle stop, an electric outlet, and a drain
port (not visible).
Access area 102 may also provide access to jet and/or rim waterlines, and/or
electrical
connections, e.g. low voltage DC connections for a bidet seat. Bowl 101
contains utility port
103, which provides a space for water line 104 and electric line 105 to be
routed from access
area 102 to bidet seat 106. Pressure tank assembly 122 (Fig. 1D) is positioned
behind the wall.
A rear of bowl 101 covers maintenance space 131 (Fig. 1C and Fig. 1H).
Fig. 1B shows a top view of a portion of bowl 101, according to an embodiment.
Visible
are rim channel 107, jet outlet 108 and trapway inlet 109. Jet outlet 108 and
trapway inlet 109
are positioned in sump area 110.
Fig. 1C provides an underneath front view of bowl 101, showing bowl access
area 102,
according to an embodiment. Visible is jet inlet port 111 in sump area 110.
Jet inlet port 111 is
configured to be coupled to jet hose 112. Jet hose 112 is coupled to in-wall
pressure tank
assembly 122 (Fig. 10). Also visible are water line 104 and electric line 105
which run from
access area 102, and through utility port 103 to bidet seat 106. Water line
104 is coupled to
water source line 113 via angle stop 114 and T-connector 115. Water line 116
runs from area
102 to in-wall pressure tank assembly 122. Electric line 105 is electrically
coupled to electric
outlet 117. Visible also is drain line 118, which is fluid communication with
trapway inlet 109 via
integral trapway 119. Lower rear portions of bowl 101 are coupled to and
supported by rods
120, which are threaded features coupled to portions of in-wall support
structure 121. Slots 127
on bowl 101 receive and are coupled to rods 120. Nuts (not shown) fasten bowl
101 via
threaded rods 120.
Fig. 1D provides a rear view of pressure-assist toilet assembly 100, according
to an
embodiment. Visible are in-wall pressure tank assembly 122 comprising first
tank 150 and
second tank 170. Also shown is in-wall support structure 121, removably
coupled to in-wall stud
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assembly 125 and accessible via maintenance space 131. In-wall support
structure 121
contains telescoping coupling feature 126. Visible are jet hose 112, water
line 116, electric
outlet 117, drain line 118, and support rods 120.
Fig. 1E, Fig. IF, and Fig. 1G show in-wall support structure 121 in a process
of being
removed from behind a wall. To remove, pins 128 are removed, and tabs 129 are
moved
towards the center to retract telescoping features 126 from upper in-wall
studs 125. Support
structure 121 may then be removed from in-wall stud assembly 125, and
ultimately removed
from the wall, providing access to tank assembly 122.
Fig. 1H provides a front view of maintenance space 131 with bowl 101 removed.
Visible
are electric outlet 117 coupled to in-wall support structure 121, threaded
rods 120, angle stop
114, source water line 113. Brackets 130 are configured to be received by and
couple to
recesses positioned on an upper rear portion of bowl 101. To install bowl 101,
the recesses
may be coupled to brackets 130, and bowl 101 may be rotated slightly downward
to receive
rods 120 in slots 127 (Fig. 1C). Nuts (not visible) are threaded onto rods 120
to compress bowl
101 to in-wall structure 121 to secure it.
Fig. 2A shows pressure tank assembly 222, according to an embodiment. Tank
assembly 222 comprises first tank 250 and second tank 270. First tank outlet
252 is integral
with first tank endcap 251 and is fluidly coupled to second tank inlet 272,
which is integral with
second tank endcap 271. Source water line 216 is fluidly coupled to inlet
assembly 233. Inlet
assembly 233 is fluidly coupled to first tank inlet 253 (Fig. 2B). Discharge
assembly 234 is
fluidly coupled to second tank outlet 273 (Fig. 2B). Jet hose 212 is fluidly
coupled to discharge
assembly 234 via jet discharge port 235.
Fig. 2B provides a top view of first siphon tube 254 and second siphon tube
274
disassembled from tanks 250 and 270, respectively. Visible are first endcap
251, second
endcap 271, first tank inlet 253, first tank outlet 252, second tank inlet
272, and second tank
outlet 273.
Fig. 2C shows first tank 250 in an exploded view to show first tank endcap 251
separated from first tank 250. First tank 250 may be substantially cylindrical
with a rounded
upper end and is generally hollow. A lower end of first tank 250 include
threaded feature 255
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for coupling to corresponding threads 256 on first tank endcap 251. First tank
endcap 251
includes first tank inlet 253 and first tank outlet 252. First tank inlet 253
may couple to an inlet
assembly. First tank endcap 251 is coupled to siphon tube 254. Siphon tube 254
may be
substantially centered within first tank 250 when first tank 250 is assembled.
Siphon tube 254
may have a length sufficient to create suction and the length. A length of
tube 254, as well as
other dimensions, may vary depending upon the application and technical
requirements of a
toilet assembly.
Fig. 3A shows a cross-section of pressure tank assembly 222, illustrating
fluid flow
therethrough, according to an embodiment. Pressure tank assembly 222 may admit
a fluid flow
F1 from inlet assembly 233 through first tank inlet 253 (not visible). Fluid
flow F1 may comprise
an air/water mix. For instance, fluid flow F1 may be a mixture, by volume, of
about 65% water
and about 35% air. In some embodiments, fluid flow F1 may comprise a mixture
having water in
the range of about 55% to about 75% and having air in the range of about 25%
to about 45%,
by volume. Fluid flow Fi may flow through first tank inlet 253 of first tank
250 and into first
siphon tube 254. Fluid flow Fi may enter towards a bottom of siphon tube 254
and flow upward
therethrough. Fluid flow Fi may exit at an upper opening 254a near at an upper
end of siphon
tube 254 into a space 254h between an outer surface of siphon tube 254 and an
inner wall of
first tank 250. Space 254b may be a substantially annular space, that is, a
space between a
substantially concentrically positioned siphon tube 254 and first tank 250
forms a substantially
annular space around siphon tube 254. Fluid flow F1 exiting opening 254a may
flow into first
space 254b. Fi begins as a mixture of water and air. As Fi enters first space
254b, flow Fi
separates. Water flows towards the bottom of first space 254b and air towards
the top. Fluid
flow F1 flows in a downward direction through first space 254b surrounding the
outside of siphon
tube 254 and through first tank outlet 252. Fluid flow F1 may exit outlet 252
to conduit 257.
Fluid flow Fi may flow from conduit 257 to second tank inlet 272 of second
tank 270. As
fluid flow F1 enters second tank inlet 272, the flow may have an increased
volume of water
relative to air. Fluid flow F1 may flow through second tank inlet 272 and
towards an upper end
of second space 274b. Second space 274b may be located between an outer
surface of siphon
tube 274 and an inner wall of second tank 270. Second space 274b may be a
substantially
annular space. Fluid flow F1 may convert to fluid flow F2 towards an upper end
of second tank
270 and/or an upper end of tube 274. As fluid flow F2 flows into opening 274a
at upper end of
tube 274 and/or downward through tube 274, F2 may convert to fluid flow F3.
Fluid flow F3 may
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comprise substantially all water in the beginning of a flush cycle. At the
start of a flush cycle,
flow F2 and F3 may comprise a high volume ratio of water to air. Thus, when
water is admitted
into siphon tube 274, the flow may be substantially all water. When air begins
to enter siphon
tube 274, fluid flow F3 may transition from substantially all water to a flow
having more air or an
air/water mixture. As more air enters fluid flow F3, the siphon may terminate,
ending a flush
cycle. Fluid flow may flow downward through tube 274 through second tank
outlet 273 and to
discharge assembly 234.
As shown in Fig. 3A, first siphon tank 250 and second siphon tank 270 may be
provided
in series. First tank 250 may feed second tank 270. That is, first tank 250
may provide
pressurized water to second tank 270 for delivery to a toilet. Thus, second
tank 270 may feed or
provide fluid to bowl 101 of a toilet. First tank 250 and second tank 270
having siphon tubes
254, 274 may provide a siphon assembly. A siphon assembly may create a siphon
effect within
the pressure tank assembly 222 to assist in discharge of fluid to a toilet
bowl. The serial flow
and siphon effect operate to raise pressure of the water from the line
pressure of the main water
source to the pressure of the water discharged into a toilet.
In some embodiments, a fully charged tank, first tank 250 and/or second tank
270, may
begin at about 25 psi (pounds per square inch) to about 35 psi, for example
about 30 psi. When
discharge valve assembly 234 is opened to allow discharge of the flush volume,
there may be
rapid decompression and the pressure may fall to about 0 psi in both first
tank 250 and second
tank 270. As discharge valve assembly 234 closes, the pressure in the tanks
begins to increase
from about 0 psi to the range of about 25 psi to about 35 psi, for example
about 30 psi. Due to
the large flow path at the first tank outlet 252 and the second tank second
tank inlet 272, the
pressure within first tank 250 and second tank 270 may be substantially or
nearly the same or
equal under dynamic flow conditions and may be the same or equal under static
or no flow
conditions.
To charge pressure tank assembly 222, fluid may be admitted through first tank
inlet 253
from inlet assembly 233. As water is admitted from the water supply, air may
be pulled in with a
venturi to provide a water/air mixture (e.g. fluid flow Fi). During charging
of pressure tank
assembly 222, discharge valve assembly 234 may be closed. As fluid flow F1
enters first space
254b of first tank 250, gravity may cause the water within fluid flow Fi to
settle towards the
bottom and air within fluid flow F1 to settle at a level above the water
volume. Thus, there may
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be a water volume and air volume in first tank 250. As fluid flow F1 continues
to flow to second
tank 270, gravity may again cause water to settle towards the bottom of second
tank body 270
and air within the flow to settle at a level above the water volume. As
discharge valve assembly
234 is closed (e.g. the discharge valve reseats), continuous flow of fluid
into second tank 270
may compress the air volume on top of the water volume. Thus, when discharge
valve
assembly 234 is open (i.e. when the toilet is flushed), the compressed air
volume may push the
water volume down siphon tube 274 (as fluid flow F3) to exit second tank
outlet 273. Fluid flow
F3 may then move through discharge assembly 234 to a jet discharge port and a
rim discharge
port. Discharge valve assembly 234 may remain open a predetermined period of
time and/or
until a differential pressure falls below a predetermined opening pressure.
When discharge
valve assembly 234 again closes, the system may recharge pressure tanks 250
and 270 for a
subsequent flush cycle. For example, when discharge valve assembly 234 is
closed after a
flush, inlet assembly 233 may again be opened to admit water and the process
may be
repeated.
Fig. 3B shows an alternative embodiment of fluid flow. Fluid may first flow to
a first
space 254b. Pressure tank assembly 222 may admit a fluid flow Fi from inlet
assembly 233
through first tank inlet 253 of first tank 250. Fluid flow F1 may comprise an
air/water mixture.
Fluid flow F1 may flow through first tank inlet 253 into a lower end of first
space 254b. Fluid flow
F1 may enter a bottom of first tank 250 and flow upward through first space
254b. Fluid flow F1
may convert to fluid flow F2. Fluid flow F1 may convert to fluid flow F2 at an
upper end of first
tank body 250 and/or an upper end 254a of siphon tube 254. Fluid flow Fi may
be an air/water
mixture. As fluid flow Fi enters first space 254b, fluid flow Fi may separate
into water towards a
lower end of first space 254b and air towards an upper end of first space
254b. Fluid flow F2
may flow through opening 254a and downward through tube 254 and exit at a
lower end of
siphon tube 254 to first tank outlet 252 and through conduit 257 (not shown).
Fluid flow F2 may flow from conduit 257 to second tank inlet 272 of second
tank 270.
Fluid flow F2 may flow through second tank inlet 272 and into a lower end of
second space
274b. Second space 274b may be a substantially annular space. As fluid flow F2
flows through
opening 274c and/or downward through tube 274, fluid flow F2 may convert to
fluid flow F3.
Fluid flow F3 may be substantially all water in the beginning of a flush
cycle. As water settles
towards the bottom of second tank 270 due to gravity, opening 274c may be
located in a
volume that is substantially all water. Thus, when water is admitted into
siphon tube 274, the
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flow may comprise substantially all water. When air from the volume above the
water volume
begins to enter siphon tube 274, fluid flow F3 may transition from
substantially all water to a flow
having more air or an air/water mixture. As more air enters fluid flow F3, the
siphon may
terminate and the flush cycle may end. The fluid flow may flow downward
through tube 274
through second tank outlet 273 and to discharge assembly 234 (not shown).
Operation of the
pressure tank system may be as described with respect to Fig. 3A, with the
flow into the first
tank altered as described.
Pressure-assist toilets are described for example in U.S. app. No.
PCT/US2019/053347
(W02020/069249), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
In some embodiments, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprising
a bowl;
and a pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured
to be
positioned within a bathroom wall cavity upon installation of the toilet
assembly.
In some embodiments, a pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned
within a
bathroom wall cavity having a depth of less than about 4.0 inches. A pressure
tank assembly
may be configured to be positioned within a standard 2x4 in-wall cavity. In
some embodiments,
a pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall
cavity having a
depth of less than about 3.9 inches, less than about 3.8 inches, less than
about 3.7 inches, less
than about 3.6 inches, less than about 3.5 inches, less than about 3.4 inches,
less than about
3.3 inches, or less than about 3.2 inches, or less.
In some embodiments, the toilet bowl may be a wall-hung bowl or a floor
standing bowl.
In some embodiments, the bowl comprises a jet inlet port positioned adjacent a
bowl sump
area, wherein the jet inlet port is configured to be coupled to a jet hose. A
jet hose may be
coupled to a pressure tank assembly discharge assembly. In some embodiments,
the bowl
comprises a rim inlet port positioned at a bowl upper perimeter, wherein the
rim inlet port is
configured to be coupled to a rim hose. A rim hose may be coupled to a
pressure tank
discharge assembly.
In some embodiments, upon installation in a bathroom, a bowl may be configured
to
extend less than about 23.0 inches, less than about 22.5 inches, less than
about 22.0 inches,
less than about 21.5 inches, less than about 21.0 inches, or less than about
20.5 inches from a
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bathroom wall. In some embodiments, the bowl comprises an access area beneath
the bowl,
wherein the access area is configured to provide access to one or more of an
angle stop, an
electric outlet, or a drain port. An access area may also provide access to a
jet hose and/or a
rim hose.
It may be convenient to drain a tank assembly in order to service it, or, to
winterize it to
prepare for freezing conditions. In some embodiments, the bowl comprises a
utility port
positioned on a side of the bowl, wherein a bidet seat may be fluidly coupled
to an in-wall water
source and/or electrically coupled to an in-wall electric source via the
utility port.
In some embodiments, the assembly may achieve a MaP score of at least about
800
grams, at least about 850 grams, at least about 900 grams, at least about 950
grams, or at least
about 1000 grams, with a flush volume of about 4.0 liters.
In some embodiments, a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprises an in-wall
support
structure. In some embodiments, upon installation of the assembly, a rear
portion of the bowl
may be received by and coupled to an in-wall support structure. In some
embodiments, an
upper rear portion of a bowl may comprise one or more features, such as
recesses or adapters,
configured to receive one or more brackets or other features positioned on an
upper portion of
an in-wall support structure. In some embodiments, a lower rear portion of the
bowl may
comprise one or more slots configured to receive one or more rods or other
features extending
from a lower portion of an in-wall support structure.
In some embodiments, upon installation of an assembly, the bowl covers a
maintenance
space/access cover, and upon removal of the bowl from an in-wall support
structure, access to
a pressure tank assembly is gained through the maintenance space.
In some embodiments, upon installation of the bowl, the bowl is received by
one or more
brackets or other features positioned on an upper portion of the in-wall
support structure, and
the bowl may be pivoted to rest on one or more rods or other features
extending from a lower
portion of the in-wall support structure.
In some embodiments, an in-wall support structure may comprise steel or
aluminum. In
other embodiments, an in-wall support structure may comprise wood, plastic, or
a composite.
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In some embodiments, an in-wall support structure may be configured to be
removed
from within the bathroom wall cavity, to provide access to the pressure tank
assembly. Access
may be required to maintain or service on or more parts of a tank assembly. In
some
embodiments, an in-wall support structure may be removably coupled to an in-
wall stud
assembly. In certain embodiments, an in-wall support structure comprises a
telescoping
coupling feature. An in-wall stud assembly may comprise one or more of steel,
aluminum,
wood, plastic, or composite.
In some embodiments, disclosed is a pressure tank assembly for a toilet,
comprising a
siphon assembly comprising a first siphon tank having a first tank endcap; a
second siphon tank
having a second tank endcap; and a first siphon tube positioned within the
first tank and a
second siphon tube positioned within the second tank. In some embodiments, a
pressure tank
assembly may comprise an inlet assembly fluidly coupled to and upstream of the
first siphon
tank, and a discharge assembly fluidly coupled to and downstream of the second
siphon tank.
In some embodiments, a pressure tank may have an outer diameter of from about
3.0
inches, about 3.1 inches, about 3.3 inches, about 3.4 inches, or about 3.5
inches, to any of
about 3.6 inches, about 3.7 inches, about 3.8 inches, about 3.9 inches, about
4.0 inches, or
more. In some embodiments, a pressure tank may have an inner diameter of from
any of about
2.2 inches, about 2.3 inches, about 2.4 inches, about 2.5 inches, or about 2.6
inches, to any of
about 2.7 inches, about 2.9 inches, about 3.0 inches, about 3.1 inches, or
more. A pressure
tank wall may have a thickness of from any of about 0.20 inches, about 0.21
inches, about 0.22
inches, about 0.23 inches, or about 0.24 inches, to any of about 0.25 inches,
about 0.26 inches,
about 0.27 inches, about 0.28 inches, about 0.29 inches, or about 0.30 inches,
or more.
In some embodiments, a pressure tank may have a length of from about 15
inches,
about 16 inches, about 17 inches, or about 18 inches, to any of about 19
inches, about 20
inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 23 inches, about 24 inches,
about 25 inches,
about 26 inches, or about 27 inches, or more.
In some embodiments, a pressure tank may comprise a layer of insulation to
prevent
tank sweat, for example a layer of foam insulation surrounding a pressure
tank. A layer of
insulation may be from about 0.05 inches, about 0.06 inches, about 0.08
inches, about 0.11
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inches, about 0.14 inches, or about 0.17 inches, to any of about 0.20, about
0.23 inches, about
0.25 inches, about 0.28 inches, or more.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a pressure-assist toilet having
a
pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be
positioned
within a bathroom wall (within a bathroom wall cavity). The pressure tank
assembly allows for
delivery of a desired flush rate and volume to effectively evacuate contents
of a toilet bowl. The
pressure tank assembly may include a pair of vertically oriented tanks;
wherein flow passes
from an inlet assembly through a first siphon tank, through a second siphon
tank, and to a
discharge assembly. In some embodiments, siphon tubes are provided in the
tanks for
delivering fluid flow along the flow path from inlet to discharge. The tanks
may be arranged with
endcaps having an inlet assembly and discharge assembly located towards a
lower end of each
tank.
In some embodiments, tank endcaps may be arranged at a bottom of the tanks and
facing downward. In other embodiments, tank endcaps may be arranged to be
facing upward
and positioned at a top of the tanks.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first
siphon tank
having a first siphon tube. A first siphon tube may be located substantially
concentrically within a
first siphon tank. The first siphon tube may be coupled to a first endcap of
the first siphon tank,
the first siphon tube configured to admit fluid from an inlet assembly.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a second
siphon
tank having a second siphon tube. A second siphon tube may be positioned
substantially
concentrically within a second siphon tank. A second siphon tube may be
coupled to a second
endcap of a second siphon tank. A second siphon tube may be configured to
discharge fluid to
a discharge assembly.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may be configured so that
fluid
flows through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a first siphon tube,
through a space
between the first siphon tube and a first siphon tank, through a space between
a second siphon
tube and a second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an
outlet of the
second siphon tank.
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According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may be configured so that
fluid
flows through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a space between a first
siphon tube and a
first siphon tank, through a first siphon tube, through a space between a
second siphon tube
and a second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet
of the second
siphon tank.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first
siphon tank
and a second siphon tank, wherein a first endcap of the first siphon tank and
a second endcap
of the second siphon tank are located near or towards a lower end of the
pressure tank
assembly.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first tank,
a
second tank, an inlet assembly, and a discharge assembly. The first tank
further may include a
first tank endcap, and a first siphon tube, and a second tank may include a
second tank endcap,
and a second siphon tube, wherein the first tank endcap and the second tank
endcap are
arranged near or towards a lower end of a pressure tank assembly.
According to an embodiment, a siphon assembly may include a first siphon tube
positioned in a first tank and a second siphon tube positioned in a second
tank.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly for a toilet may include
a first
tank having a first tank endcap; a second tank having a second tank endcap; a
first siphon tube
positioned within the first tank and a second siphon tube positioned within
the second tank.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include an inlet
assembly
and a discharge assembly. The inlet assembly may include a pressure regulator,
a venturi, an
aspirator, and a check valve, wherein the inlet assembly may be located
upstream of the first
tank. The discharge assembly may include a discharge valve, a jet discharge
port, and a rim
discharge port, wherein the discharge assembly may be located downstream of
the second
tank.
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According to an embodiment, a first tank and a second tank are arranged in
series and
are in flow communication. In other embodiments, a first tank and a second
tank may be
arranged in parallel and are in flow communication.
According to an embodiment, a bridge may couple a first tank to a second tank,
the
bridge configured to facilitate removal of the pressure tank assembly from a
wall cavity.
In some embodiments, a bridge may provide a manner in which to remove a
pressure
tank assembly from a wall cavity. A bridge elongated portion may operate as a
handle and
allow for a user to grasp with one or both hands. A pressure tank assembly may
be removed to
allow for maintenance of the pressure tank assembly, or of components,
connections, or
couplings thereof. In some embodiments, a bridge may comprise an elongated
portion and
rounded end portions. In some embodiments, rounded ends may have a similar
shape to a
cross-section of endcaps.
In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a first tank to a second tank. A
bridge may
be a structural connection that secures a first tank endcap to a second tank
endcap. A bridge
may not provide for fluid flow, a fluid flow connection between a first siphon
tank and a second
siphon tank may be via a conduit. In some embodiments, a bridge may be
substantially flat
and/or structurally rigid and provide a connection between a first siphon tank
and a second
siphon tank and may operate as a handle for lifting a pressure tank assembly
into and out of a
wall cavity. In some embodiments, a bridge is positioned near or towards a
lower end of a
pressure tank assembly.
According to an embodiment, a first siphon tube may have a first length, the
first length
configured to allow a predetermined flush volume to be discharged from the
pressure tank
assembly. In some embodiments, a desired flush volume may be about 1.28
gallons per flush
(gpf) or less. In some embodiments, a desired flush volume may be about 1.6
gpf or less.
According to an embodiment, a method for flushing a toilet may include
charging a
pressure tank assembly, the pressure tank assembly having a siphon assembly;
and
discharging a predetermined flush volume from the pressure tank assembly to a
toilet bowl.
According to an embodiment, charging the pressure tank assembly may include
admitting a fluid
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from an inlet assembly to a first tank having a first siphon tube and allowing
fluid flow from the
first tank to a second tank having a second siphon tube.
According to some methods, a fluid flow entering the inlet assembly comprises
a mixture
of air and water. In some embodiments, air is admitted to the fluid flow
through an aspirator and
water is admitted to the fluid flow through a water supply inlet coupling.
In some embodiments, a toilet assembly comprises no toilet water tank.
In some methods, a predetermined flush volume may be based on a length of at
least
one of the first siphon tube and/or the second siphon tube.
In some method embodiments, discharging a predetermined flush volume from a
pressure tank assembly to the toilet bowl includes creating a siphon effect
within a siphon
assembly to assist in flow of a predetermined flush volume from a pressure
tank assembly to
the toilet bowl.
According to an embodiment, fluid flow entering an inlet assembly may include
an
air/water mixture. According to an embodiment, air may be admitted to the
fluid flow through an
aspirator and water may be admitted to the fluid flow through a water supply
inlet coupling.
According to an embodiment, fluid may flow through an inlet of a first tank,
through a first
siphon tube, through a space between the first siphon tube and a first tank,
through a space
between the second siphon tube and a second tank, and through the second
siphon tube to exit
an outlet of the second tank.
According to an embodiment, fluid may flow through an inlet of the first tank,
through a
space between a first siphon tube and a first tank, through a first siphon
tube, through a space
between the second siphon tube and a second tank, and through a second siphon
tube to exit
an outlet of the second tank.
According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first
siphon tank
and a second siphon tank, and wherein discharging a predetermined flush volume
in the toilet
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bowl may include discharging a fluid from the second tank through a discharge
valve and
through a jet discharge port and a rim discharge port.
According to an embodiment, a siphon assembly may include a first siphon tank
having
a first siphon tube and a second siphon tank having a second siphon tube.
According to an embodiment, discharging a predetermined flush volume from a
pressure
tank assembly to a toilet bowl may include creating a siphon effect within a
siphon assembly to
assist in flow of a predetermined flush volume from a pressure tank assembly
to the toilet bowl.
Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the invention.
In a first embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
comprising a bowl;
and a pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured
to be
positioned within a bathroom wall cavity upon installation of the toilet
assembly. In a second
embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to the
first embodiment,
wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a
bathroom wall cavity
having a depth of less than about 4.0 inches.
In a third embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to the
first or second embodiments, wherein the bowl is a wall-hung bowl or a floor
standing bowl. In a
fourth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to
any of the
preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises a jet inlet port positioned
adjacent a bowl
sump area, wherein the jet inlet port is configured to be coupled to a jet
hose.
In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to any of
the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises a rim inlet port
positioned at a bowl
upper perimeter, wherein the rim inlet port is configured to be coupled to a
rim hose.
In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to any of
the preceding embodiments, wherein upon installation in a bathroom, the bowl
extends less
than about 22.0 inches from a bathroom wall.
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In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to
any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises an access area
beneath the
bowl, wherein the access area is configured to provide access to one or more
of an angle stop,
an electric outlet, a drain port, plumbing connections, or electrical
connections.
In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to any
of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises a utility port
positioned on a side of
the bowl, wherein a bidet seat may be fluidly coupled to an in-wall water
source and/or
electrically coupled to an in-wall electric source via the utility port.
In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to any of
the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly achieves a MaP score of at
least about 800
grams with a flush volume of about 4.0 liters.
In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to any of
the preceding embodiments, comprising an in-wall support structure, wherein
upon installation
of the assembly, a rear portion of the bowl is received by and coupled to the
in-wall support
structure.
In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to
any of the preceding embodiments, wherein an upper rear portion of the bowl
comprises one or
more recesses configured to receive one or more brackets positioned on an
upper portion of an
in-wall support structure. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-
assist toilet
assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a lower rear
portion of the
bowl comprises one or more slots configured to receive one or more rods
extending from a
lower portion of an in-wall support structure.
In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to
any of the preceding embodiments, wherein upon installation of the assembly,
the bowl covers a
maintenance space, and upon removal of the bowl from an in-wall support
structure, access to
the pressure tank assembly is gained through the maintenance space.
In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to
any of embodiments 10 to 13, wherein upon installation of the bowl, the bowl
is received by one
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or more brackets positioned on an upper portion of the in-wall support
structure, and the bowl is
pivoted to rest on one or more rods extending from a lower portion of the in-
wall support
structure. In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet
assembly according to
any of embodiments 10 to 14, wherein the in-wall support structure comprises
steel or
aluminum.
In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according to
any of embodiments 10 to 15, wherein the in-wall support structure is
configured to be removed
from within the bathroom wall cavity, to provide access to the pressure tank
assembly.
In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
according
to any of embodiments 10 to 16, wherein the in-wall support structure is
removably coupled to
an in-wall stud assembly. In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-
assist toilet
assembly according to any of embodiments 10 to 17, wherein the in-wall support
structure
comprises a telescoping coupling feature.
In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of
any of the
preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first
siphon tank and
a second siphon tank, wherein the first siphon tank and second siphon tank are
arranged in
series.
In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of
any of
embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first
siphon tank and a
second siphon tank, wherein the first siphon tank and the second siphon tank
are arranged in
parallel.
In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
of any of the
preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to
allow fluid to flow
through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a first siphon tube, through
a space between the
first siphon tube and a first siphon tank, through a space between a second
siphon tube and a
second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of
the second siphon
tank.
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In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
of any of
embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to allow
fluid to flow
through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a space between a first
siphon tube and a first
siphon tank, through the first siphon tube, through a space between a second
siphon tube and a
second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of
the second siphon
tank.
In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
of any of the
preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first
siphon tank and
a second siphon tank, wherein a first endcap of the first siphon tank and a
second endcap of the
second siphon tank are located towards a lower end of the tank assembly.
In a twenty-fourth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
of any of
the preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a
first siphon tank,
a second siphon tank, an inlet assembly, and a discharge assembly. In a twenty-
fifth
embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of the
preceding
embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first siphon tank
comprising a
first tank endcap and a first siphon tube, and comprises a second siphon tank
comprising a
second tank endcap and a second siphon tube.
In a twenty-sixth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly
of
embodiment 24, wherein the inlet assembly comprises a pressure regulator, a
venturi, an
aspirator, and a check valve, and wherein the inlet assembly is located
upstream of the first
siphon tank. In a twenty-seventh embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist
toilet assembly of
embodiments 24 to 26, wherein the discharge assembly comprises a discharge
valve, a jet
discharge port, and a rim discharge port, and wherein the discharge assembly
is located
downstream of the second siphon tank.
In a twenty-eighth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure tank assembly according
to any
of the preceding embodiments. In a twenty-ninth embodiment, disclosed is a
according to any
of embodiments 1 to 27. In a thirtieth embodiment, disclosed is an in-wall
support structure
according to any of embodiments 1 to 27.
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In a thirty-first embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a bowl
according
to embodiment 29 and an in-wall support structure according to embodiment 30.
In a thirty-
second embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 31,
configured to
be coupled to an in-wall tank flush assembly or to a pressure tank assembly of
embodiment 28.
The term "adjacent" may mean "near" or "close-by" or "next to".
The term "coupled" means that an element is "attached to" or "associated with"
another
element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more
other elements.
An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in
a sequential
manner or a non-sequential manner. The term "via" in reference to "via an
element" may mean
"through" or "by" an element. Coupled or "associated with" may also mean
elements not directly
or indirectly attached, but that they "go together" in that one may function
together with the
other.
The term "flow communication" means for example configured for liquid or gas
flow there
through and may be synonymous with "fluidly coupled". The terms "upstream" and
"downstream" indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid
will flow from upstream
to downstream.
The term "towards" in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at
exactly that
location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to
another distinct point, for
example "towards a center" means closer to a center than to an edge.
The term "like" means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance
"ring-like"
means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.
The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at
least one) of the
grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about"
used throughout is
used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may
mean the
numeric value may be modified by 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%,
1%, 2%,
3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% or more. All numeric values are
modified by the
term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by
the term "about"
include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5Ø
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The term "substantially" is similar to "about" in that the defined term may
vary from for
example by 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%,
6%,
7%, 8%, 9%, 10% or more of the definition; for example the term
"substantially
perpendicular" may mean the 900 perpendicular angle may mean "about 90 ". The
term
"generally" may be equivalent to "substantially".
Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be
used
in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.
Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the
embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure
also include any
and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.
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