Water-Saving Toilets and Methods of Using the Same

Abstract

A method of operating a toilet includes: (1) providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; (c) a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode; (2) optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode; and (3) flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed generally to toilets and the operation of toilets, and more particularly to water-saving toilets and the operation of water-saving toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally accepted estimates conclude that 30% of a typical household's water use comes from flushing toilets, making toilets the single largest user of water in the home. Increased population densities strain water supply and treatment, and water conservation is a serious concern.

Prior to a 1992 U.S. federal law mandate, a typical toilet used 3.5 to 6 gallons (13 to 23 liters) per flush. As a result of that law, toilets manufactured after that date use no more than 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush. In an attempt to improve efficiency further, manufacturers have developed high-efficiency toilets that use approximately 1.3 gallons (5 liters) per flush. Although these measures are steps in the right direction with regard to water conservation, further improvements can be made.

A toilet typically flushes the same volume of water (e.g., 1.6 gallons) from a tank to a bowl after each use. This single, relatively high volume of water is suitable for disposing of solid waste. Also, a certain amount of this volume is used to fill the bowl for subsequent use. As such, the toilet bowl typically fills with a predetermined level of water after the toilet has been flushed. This predetermined water level is suitable for receiving solid waste; that is, the relatively high water level serves to minimize odor and/or soiling of the bowl that may accompany solid waste.

However, a lower than typical flush volume can generally be employed to dispose of liquid waste. Likewise, the bowl can generally be filled with a lower than typical water level to receive liquid waste. For example, a volume of less than 0.5 gallons (2 liters) of water is needed to dispose of liquid waste and refill the bowl to a level sufficient to form a seal to prevent sewer gases from the habitable environment. Also, generally accepted estimates conclude that four out of five toilet uses are for liquid waste, with only one out of five uses for solid waste. Therefore, a particular toilet wastes water after approximately four out of five uses.

Dual flush toilets have been described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,591 to Awis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,299 to del Pozo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,180 to Figeroid, U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,859 to Gorginians, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,877 to Peng. These designs include various mechanisms to control the amount of water flushed from the tank to the bowl. For example, a “full flush” may be used to dispose of solid waste and a “limited flush” may be used to dispose of liquid waste. However, these designs do not address the need to flow a limited amount of water into the bowl or to otherwise control the water level in the bowl. They also do not appear to default to a “limited flush” appropriate for the majority of toilet uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, water-saving toilets and methods of using the same are provided. As a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of operating a toilet. The method includes: (1) providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode; (2) optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode; and (3) flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.

In some embodiments, the bowl defines first and second water levels, wherein the second water level is higher than the first water level. The toilet may include a bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl, and the bowl water level mechanism may be biased toward selecting the first water level. In some embodiments, the method further includes optionally actuating the bowl water level mechanism to select the second water level in the bowl at substantially the same time as optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism. In some embodiments, the bowl water level mechanism is configured to be actuated by a first actuator and the flush mode mechanism is configured to be actuated by a second actuator that is different than the first actuator. In some embodiments, the bowl water level and flush mode mechanisms are actuated by a common actuator. The common actuator may be configured to be actuated in a first manner and a second manner that is different than the first manner, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism include actuating the actuator in the first manner, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water includes actuating the actuator in the second manner. The common actuator may be configured to be actuated in first and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism include actuating the actuator in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the first or the second volume of water includes actuating the actuator in the second direction. The common actuator may be a handle pivotable in first and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism include pivoting the handle in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the first or the second volume of water includes pivoting the handle in the second direction.

As a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an alternative method of operating a toilet. The method includes: (1) providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl defining first and second water levels, wherein the first water level is suitable for receiving liquid waste and the second water level is higher than the first water level and suitable for receiving solid waste; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water suitable for disposing of liquid waste is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water and suitable for disposing of solid waste is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) a first mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl and a second mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the mechanisms are biased toward selecting the first water level and the first flush mode; (2) selecting between the first water level in the bowl and the second water level in the bowl, wherein selecting the second water in the bowl includes actuating the first mechanism; (3) selecting between the first flush mode and the second flush mode, wherein selecting the second flush mode includes actuating the second mechanism; (4) flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode; then (5) automatically selecting the first water level in the bowl by flowing water from the tank to the bowl; and (6) automatically selecting the first flush mode.

As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a toilet. The toilet includes: (1) a bowl; (2) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; (3) a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode, and wherein the flush mode mechanism is configured to be actuated to select the second flush mode. The toilet is configured to flush either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode. In some embodiments, the first volume of water flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode is less than about 1.5 liters.

In some embodiments, the bowl defines a first water level and a second water level that is higher than the first water level. The toilet may further include a bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl, wherein the bowl water level mechanism is biased toward selecting the first water level, and wherein the bowl water level mechanism is configured to be actuated to select the second water level. In some embodiments, the first water level corresponds to a volume less than about 1 liter.

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is side partial cutaway view of a toilet including a tank and a bowl according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a toilet tank according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of the tank of FIG. 2 including a lever, wherein the toilet is in a default position and/or prepared for a small flush.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lever of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components of the tank of FIG. 2 including a lever, wherein the toilet is prepared for a large flush.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating exemplary operations of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described more particularly hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the invention to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Where used, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “interconnected,” “contacting,” “coupled,” “mounted,” “overlying” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to toilets and methods of using the same. Referring to FIG. 1, a toilet 10 will typically include a bowl 20 in fluid communication with a tank 40. The bowl 20 can define a plurality of water levels. In some embodiments of the present invention, the bowl 20 defines a first water level (such as water level 20A) and a second water level (such as water level 20B), with the second water level higher than the first water level. The first water level may be suitable for receiving liquid waste and the second water level may be suitable for receiving solid waste. In some embodiments, the “residual” water left in the bowl after a flush may define the first water level. In some embodiments, the first water level corresponds to a volume of water in the bowl of less than about 1 liter.

The toilet 10 (or, in some embodiments, the tank 40) has a plurality of flush modes. A different volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 in each flush mode. In some embodiments of the present invention, the toilet 10 or the tank 40 has a first flush mode, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20, and a second flush mode, wherein a second volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20, with the second volume of water greater than the first volume of water. After the toilet is flushed, the tank 40 typically fills with water to a predetermined level, such as level 40A illustrated in FIG. 1. In the first flush mode, a lesser volume of water in the tank 40 will typically be flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. For example, in the first flush mode, water may be flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 such that the water level in the tank 40 drops from the water lever 40A to an intermediate water level 40B (FIG. 1). In contrast, in the second flush mode, a greater volume of water in the tank 40 will typically be flushed to the bowl 20, with the greater volume possibly equal to substantially the entire volume of water in the tank 40. For example, in the second flush mode, the water level may drop from water level 40A to substantially the bottom of the tank 40. The volume of water flushed in the first flush mode may be suitable for disposing of liquid waste and the greater volume of water flushed in the second flush mode may be suitable for disposing of solid waste. In some embodiments, the volume of water flushed in the first flush mode may be less than about 2 liters, and could be less than about 1.5 liters.

At least some of the plurality of water levels defined by the bowl 20 may be user-selectable and at least some of the plurality of flush modes of the toilet 10 or the tank 40 may be user-selectable. In some embodiments, the first water level is also a “default” water level. In other words, the water level in the bowl 20 may return to the first water level after every toilet use (for example, the first water level may be automatically selected after every use). Likewise, in some embodiments, the first flush mode is also a “default” flush mode. Thus, the toilet 10 or the tank 40 may always return to the first flush mode after every toilet use (for example, the first flush mode may be automatically selected after every use).

In some embodiments, the bowl 20 fills with water to substantially the same water level after every flush. For example, the bowl 20 may fill to the water level 20A, the water level 20B, or some intermediate water level after every flush. In other words, in some embodiments, although a user can select a second flush mode (for example, prior to using the toilet for solid waste), the user does not select a second water level or otherwise increase the water level in the bowl.

Defaulting to the first water level and/or the first flush mode can offer several advantages. The great majority of toilet uses are for liquid waste, and the relatively low first water level and/or the relatively low volume of water associated with the first flush mode may be sufficient to handle the liquid waste. The relatively high second water level and/or the relatively high volume of water associated with the second flush mode may be excessive for receiving and/or disposing of liquid waste, and therefore water could be wasted if this water level and/or flush mode were employed all the time. Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to select the second water level and/or the second flush mode only before using the toilet for solid waste (or if more water is needed for some other reason). However, a concern is that the user could then forget or neglect to select the first water level and/or the first flush mode for subsequent uses. This concern is obviated by automatically defaulting back to the first water level and/or the first flush mode after every toilet use.

Accordingly, toilets according to some embodiments of the present invention can include a first or bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl (or for simply selecting the second water level). The first or bowl water level mechanism may be biased toward selecting the first (or default) water level, and the first or bowl water level mechanism may be configured to be actuated to select the second water level. Likewise, according to some embodiments, the toilet includes a second or flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes (or for simply selecting the second flush mode). The second or flush mode mechanism may be biased toward selecting the first (or default) flush mode, and the second or flush mode mechanism may be configured to be actuated to select the second flush mode. Either the first volume of water or the second volume of water can be flushed from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.

The biasing of the mechanism(s) can allow the toilet to return to default settings. For example, the biasing of the bowl water level and flush mode mechanisms can allow the toilet to return to the first (lower) bowl water level and first flush mode after every use, including after the second bowl water level and second flush mode have been previously selected. In some embodiments, the toilet includes the flush mode mechanism, but does not necessarily include the bowl water level mechanism. Thus, in these embodiments, the bowl may refill to the same water level after every flush, and a user can actuate the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode (i.e., to prepare the toilet for a full flush).

Where used, the first (or bowl water level) and/or second (or flush mode) mechanisms may include a variety of components such as levers, rods, chains, linkages, and the like, and the first and second mechanisms may share one or more components. The first and second mechanisms may be actuated in a variety of ways. For example, the first and second mechanisms may be configured to be actuated by one or more actuators that are mechanically coupled to the mechanisms and/or electrically coupled to the mechanisms (e.g., via one or more controller). Thus, the first and second mechanisms may each be configured to be actuated by a dedicated actuator or the First and second mechanisms may be configured to be actuated by a common actuator. The actuator(s) themselves may be or include one or more handles, knobs, push buttons, electrical control panels, or the like. The actuator(s) may be actuated in a number of ways. For example, the actuator(s) may be pivoted, pushed/pulled, or the like. Where a common actuator is employed, the actuator may be configured to be actuated in a first manner (for example, to select the second water level and the second flush mode) and a second, different manner (for example, to flush either the first or second volume of water responsive to the selected flush mode). For example, the common actuator may be configured to be actuated in first and second opposite directions or in first and second dissimilar actions such as a first action of pushing or pulling and a second action of rotation, or vice versa.

Therefore, it is contemplated that the mechanisms and actuator(s) can be configured in a number of different ways, and the embodiments shown in the Figures and described below are merely exemplary. Furthermore, as understood by those of skill in this art, toilets generally can be configured and can operate in various ways, including as described herein. It will be understood that the present invention can be adapted to toilets having any of these well-known alternative configurations. For example, the Figures and the description below include an actuator comprising a handle (similar to a flush handle commonly found on toilets) that can be pivoted in an upward direction to increase the water level in the bowl and/or select the second flush mode and pivoted in a downward direction to flush the toilet responsive to the selected flush mode. However, it is contemplated that the handle could be actuated in other manners; for example, the handle could be depressed to increase the water level in the bowl and/or select the second flush mode and could be pivoted downward to flush the toilet responsive to the selected flush mode. Furthermore, as described in more detail herein, other actuators are contemplated in addition to or instead of a handle commonly found on toilets.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a curved discharge pipe 30 is in fluid communication with the bowl 20 such that the contents of the bowl 20 can be discharged via the discharge pipe 30. Water flows into the bowl 20 to define a water level. The water level in the bowl 20 should be high enough to seal any odors which may emanate from the discharge pipe 30.

Two distinct water levels in the bowl 20 are illustrated. As described in more detail above, the first or default water level 20A may be suitable to receive liquid waste. The second water level 20B is higher than the first water level 20A and is suitable to receive solid waste. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, a user may select the second water level 20B to prepare the toilet to receive solid waste. In some other embodiments, the water level may not be selectable and may return to substantially the same level after every flush.

Water is flushed from the tank 40 to dispose the contents of the bowl 20 through the discharge pipe 30. More particularly, a siphon effect is created when a volume of water is quickly flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 such that the water level in the bowl 20 exceeds a maximum height 30A of the discharge pipe 30. Two distinct “flush modes” are contemplated. As described in more detail above, a first volume of water suitable to dispose of liquid waste is flushed in the first flush mode and a second, greater volume of water suitable to dispose of solid waste is flushed in the second flush mode. As will be described in more detail below, a user may select the second flush mode to prepare the toilet to dispose of solid waste.

In particular, the second flush mode is typically selected by actuating an actuator. In some embodiments, the second water level may also be selected by actuating the actuator. Furthermore, water is typically flushed responsive to the flush mode by actuating an actuator, which may be a distinct or a common actuator. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator comprises a handle 80 that can be pivoted in first and second opposite directions 80A, 80B (FIG. 1).

An overhead view of the tank 40 is illustrated at FIG. 2. The tank includes a fill valve 50. The fill valve 50 regulates water flow into the tank 40 from a water supply. The fill valve 50 typically includes or is in communication with a float (not shown), such that the water rises to a predetermined level in the tank 40 (for example, the water level 40A seen in FIG. 1). The fill valve 50 is in fluid communication with a refill hose 60, through which water flows to a refill tube 70. The refill tube 70 is in fluid communication with the bowl 20 such that water can flow from the tank 40 to increase the water level in the bowl 20. In some alternative embodiments, a valve 72 within the tank 40 allows water to flow from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 (e.g., to increase the water level in the bowl 20).

In some embodiments, the first water level 20A is defined by the “residual” water left in the bowl after a flush, and therefore little to no water flows from the refill tube 70 (or the valve 72) to the bowl 20 to establish the first water level 20A. In some other embodiments, a relatively small volume of water flows from the refill tube 70 (or the valve 72) after a flush to establish the first water level 20A. In other words, in some embodiments, the first water level 20A may represent an increase over the “residual” water left in the bowl 20 after a flush.

An exemplary toilet “default position” will now be described. In the default position, the bowl 20 can be filled with the relatively low first water level 20A (FIG. 1) and the first flush mode can be employed such that a relatively low volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 (for example, the water level in the tank may drop from the level 40A to the level 40B seen in FIG. 1).

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle 80 is attached to an actuator arm 90. The actuator arm 90 is configured to move in a first direction 90A (e.g., upward) and a second direction 90B (e.g., downward). As illustrated, the actuator arm 90 moves upward in the first direction 90A when the handle 80 is pivoted downward in the first direction 80A (FIG. 1). Adjacent the actuator arm 90 is a lever 100. The lever 100 is pivotably attached to a fixed body (e.g., a portion of the tank 40) at a pivot 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the actuator arm 90 is positioned above the lever 100 in the default position. Thus, the actuator arm 90 moves away from the lever 100 as the actuator arm moves upward in the first direction 90A.

Attached to the actuator arm 90 is a partial flush chain 110. When the handle 80 is pivoted downward in the first direction 80A, the actuator arm 90 moves upward in the first direction 90A and the chain 110 is pulled upward. The chain 110 is attached to a small flap 120 (FIG. 2). Upward motion of the chain 110 pulls open the small flap 120 and a first or default volume of water is released or flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. Therefore, a relatively small volume of water suitable for disposing of liquid waste is flushed responsive to the toilet or tank being, in the first or default flush mode.

The toilet can be prepared for a solid waste use by actuating an actuator, such as the same actuator used to flush the toilet, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet can be so prepared by pivoting the handle 80 upward in the second direction 80B (FIG. 1). In this regard, the toilet or tank is prepared to release or flush a second, higher volume of water that is suitable to dispose of solid waste (i.e., the second flush mode is selected). In some embodiments, the water level is the bowl 20 is also increased to a level suitable to receive solid waste. For example, the water level in the bowl could be increased from the level 20A to the level 20B as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some other embodiments, the water level in the bowl is not increased in response to pivoting the handle 80 upward in the second direction. Thus, the water level in the bowl 20 may remain the same or substantially the same even though the second flush mode has been selected. In these embodiments, the water level may be suitable for receiving solid waste regardless of the selected flush mode.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the actuator arm 90 is attached to a secondary arm 130 at a linkage 140. The secondary arm 130 is configured to move in first and second opposite directions 130A, 130B. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator arm 90 and the secondary arm 130 each have an eyelet, with the eyelets coupled to form the linkage 140. A refill chain 150 is attached to the secondary arm 130. The chain 150 is attached to a refill flap 160 (FIG. 2).

In operation, when the handle 80 is pivoted upward in the second direction 80B, the actuator arm 90 moves downward in the second direction 90B, which causes the secondary arm 130 to move upward in the second direction 13013. The chain 150 is pulled upward causing the refill flap 160 to open. This allows additional water to flow from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 (and more particularly, in some embodiments, from the refill tube 70 to the bowl 20). The water level in the bowl 20 is increased to the second water level 20B (FIG. 1), which is suitable to receive solid waste. As described in more detail above, in some embodiments, the valve 72 is employed rather than the refill tube 70 to increase the water level in the bowl 20. In these embodiments, actuating the actuator (e.g., pivoting the handle 80 upward in the second direction 80B) can actuate the valve 72 such that the water level in bowl 20 is increased to the second water level 20B. For example, there may be one or more mechanisms (e.g., chains, linkages, etc.) connecting the handle 80 or other actuator to the valve 72 or the handle 80 or other actuator may be electrically coupled to the valve 72 via a controller, for example. The valve 72 may include a timer or other flow controlling device or element such that the water level in the bowl 20 can be predictably increased to the second water level 20B.

As described above, in some embodiments, the water level in the bowl 20 is not increased even though the second flush mode has been selected (e.g., the handle 80 has been pivoted upward in the second direction 80B). In these embodiments, the toilet may not include various components described above, including the secondary arm 130, the linkage 140, the refill chain 150, and the refill flap 160, for example.

The lever 100 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. The lever includes an end portion 104 that is pivotably attached to the remainder of the lever 100 at a hinge 106, which may be a spring hinge, for example. The hinge 106 is configured such that the end portion 104 is biased toward the configuration shown in FIG. 4; that is, the end portion 104 is “straightened out” and substantially aligned with the remainder of the lever 100. In this configuration, the hinge 106 allows the end portion 104 to pivot in a downward direction 104B but not an upward direction 104A. Movement of the actuator arm 90 in the downward direction 90B forces the end portion 104 to pivot downward in the direction 104B. Eventually the actuator arm 90 slips past the end portion 104, at which point the end portion pivots upward and “straightens out” due to the biasing of the end portion 104 described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the actuator arm 90 is now positioned beneath the end portion 104 of the lever 100, and the toilet is prepared for a full flush (i.e., the second flush mode has been selected). In the illustrated embodiment, one end of a full flush chain 170 is attached to the underside of the lever 100. The other end of the chain 170 is attached to a large flap 180 (FIG. 2). When a user is ready to flush, the handle 80 is pivoted downward in the first direction 80A, which causes the actuator arm 90 to move upward in the first direction 90A. The actuator arm 90 contacts the underside of the end portion 104 of the lever 100, causing the lever 100 to pivot upward in direction 100B in the “straightened out” configuration shown in FIG. 4. The partial flush chain 110 moves upward due to the upward motion of the actuator arm 90 and the full flush chain 170 moves upward due to the upward motion of the lever 100. As a result, both the small flap 120 and the large flap 180 are opened and water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20.

More specifically, a relatively large volume of water that is suitable to dispose of solid waste is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 responsive to the opening of the large flap 180. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the small flap 120 overlies the large flap 180. The large flap 180 includes an opening 182 indicated by the dashed line such that the small flap 120 covers the opening 182 when the small flap 120 is seated. Thus, when only the small flap 120 is opened for a small or partial flush (i.e., in the first flush mode), water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 via the opening 182, and the large flap 180 remains seated. When the large flap 180 and the small flap 120 both open for a large or full flush (i.e. in the second flush mode), water is flushed from the tank to the bowl via an opening 184 at the bottom of the tank 40, as indicated by the dashed line.

The volumes of water flushed during a small flush and a full flush can be controlled in a variety of ways. For example, the openings 182 and 184 may be sized and configured to allow for a small and large flush, respectively. The small flap 120 may be opened and the relatively small area defined by the opening 182 may permit only a relatively small volume of water to flow from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. The large flap 180 may be opened and the relatively large area defined by the opening 184 may permit a larger volume of water to flow from the tank 40 to the bowl 20.

In some embodiments, flapper valves such as the small flap 120 and the large flap 180 can remain open until the buoyancy force on the flap is no longer sufficient for the flapper to remain in its lifted state. Flapper valves that have reduced buoyancy such that they close before the entire volume of the tank is flushed have been described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,594 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0271233, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. Therefore, in some embodiments, the small flap 120 may have reduced buoyancy such that it closes after only a partial volume of water in the tank 40 is flushed to the bowl 20 in the first flush mode. In contrast, the large flap 180 may include an air pocket or other means to increase its buoyancy. When the large flap 180 is opened, it forces the small flap 120 to remain open due to the increased buoyancy of the large flap 180 and a larger volume of water, such as substantially all of the water in the tank 40, may be flushed during a full flush in the second flush mode.

In some other embodiments, one or more timers can control the amount of water that flows from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. For example, the timer(s) may open the small flap 120 for a period of time to allow for the first volume of water to be flushed in the first flush mode and the timer(s) may open the large flap 180 for a longer period of time to allow for the second volume of water to be flushed in the second flush mode.

It is contemplated that the small flap 120 need not overlie the large flap 180 in some embodiments; in other words, there could be a pair of flaps, which could be of the same or different sizes, with each flap overlying an individual opening at the bottom of the tank. One of the openings could be sized and configured to flush the first volume of water in the first flush mode and the other of the openings could be sized and configured to flush the second volume of water in the second flush mode. Alternatively, one or both flaps could be controlled by a timer or could have reduced buoyancy such that varying amounts of water are flushed depending on which flap is opened.

In still other embodiments, the tank 40 could include a smaller secondary tank that encloses a first valve, such as a flapper valve. The first valve could be configured to open in the first flush mode such that only the volume of water in the secondary tank is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. A second valve, such as a flapper valve, could be housed within the tank 40 but outside the secondary tank. The second valve could be configured to open in the second flush mode such that a greater volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 (the first valve could also open releasing the water in the secondary tank in the second flush mode).

Referring again to FIGS. 3-5, the actuator arm 90 continues to force the lever 100 upward in direction 100B until the actuator arm 90 is no longer positioned beneath the end portion 104. At this point, the lever 100 moves downward in the direction 100A such that the actuator arm 90 is once again positioned above the lever 100 and the end portion 104, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, once the actuator arm 90 is no longer positioned beneath the end portion 104, the lever 100 may move downward in the direction 100A due to gravity or, in some embodiments, the pivot 102 may bias the lever 100 in the downward direction 100A. Because the actuator arm 90 is positioned beneath the lever 100, the default position is once again established after the full flush.

Therefore, embodiments of the present invention allow a user to use a toilet in a default position, wherein a first or default water level and a first flush mode are employed. When appropriate, the user can select the second flush mode (i.e., prepare for a full flush) by actuating an actuator. In some embodiments, the user can also select a second, higher water level by actuating the actuator. The user can then flush the toilet by actuating either a distinct or the same actuator, with the amount of water flushed dependent on the selected flush mode. Where the user selects the second water level and/or the second flush mode and subsequently flushes, the toilet can automatically revert to the default position (e.g., the first water level and/or the first flush mode can be automatically selected).

It is contemplated that at least some of the various mechanisms described above (such as the actuator arm 90, the secondary arm 130, the lever 100, and the chains 110, 150, 170) can be integrated with or attached to an elongated member or “bridge” within the tank 40. For example, the bridge may extend from inside the tank 40 adjacent the handle 80 to the refill tube 70. The bridge may also extend from a fixed point (e.g., the tank 40 adjacent the handle 80 or the refill tube 70) and cantilevered. Alternatively, the bridge could be mounted to the tank 40, such as to the rear of the tank 40. In any event, the bridge could include some of the aforementioned mechanisms or serve as a mounting point for the mechanisms.

Where the bowl 20 defines first and second water levels, it is further contemplated that the toilet can include a mechanism for adjusting the first water level in the bowl. Although the “residual” water level left in the bowl after a flush may define the first water level, a user may want to define a higher first water level for a variety of reasons (e.g., the residual water does not sufficiently seal the trap). Preferably, the mechanism provides for a one-time or relatively infrequent adjustment so as to not defeat the purpose of providing a toilet that requires minimal user input.

As described in more detail above, although a handle that is pivotable in opposite directions has been illustrated, other actuators are contemplated. For example, the actuator could include a handle that operates similar to a standard toilet handle (e.g., pivotable in a downward direction to perform a flush), and the actuator could also include a button or the like that is either integrated with or separate from the handle and could be depressed to increase the water level in the bowl and/or prepare the toilet for a large flush. This is just one example, and various combinations of one or more actuators are envisioned.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a method of operating a toilet according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. A toilet is provided (Block 200). The toilet includes a bowl. The toilet also includes a tank having first and second flush modes. A first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode. The toilet also includes a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank. The flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode. Optionally, the flush mode mechanism can be actuated to select the second flush mode (Block 210). For example, the mechanism can be actuated before the toilet is to be used for solid waste, or during use of the toilet if solid waste becomes present, so as to prepare the toilet to release a higher volume of water when it is flushed. Next, either the first or the second volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode (Block 220).

In some embodiments, the bowl defines first and second water levels, with the second water level higher than the first water level. The toilet may include a bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl. The bowl water level mechanism may be biased toward selecting the first water level. Therefore, in some embodiments, optionally, the bowl water level mechanism can be actuated to select the second water level in the bowl at substantially the same time as actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode (see Block 210). In other words, in some embodiments, the water level in the bowl remains the same or substantially the same even after the user selects the second flush mode; however, in other embodiments, the water level in the bowl may be increased from the first water level to the second water level at substantially the same time as the second flush mode is selected.

Where used, in some embodiments, each of the flush mode and bowl water level mechanisms is actuated by a distinct actuator. In some other embodiments, the flush mode and bowl water level mechanisms are actuated by a common actuator. The common actuator may be configured to be actuated in a first manner and a second manner that is different than the first manner. In this regard, the optional steps of actuating the flush mode mechanism (Block 210) and/or actuating the bowl water level mechanism can be performed by actuating the actuator in the first manner, and the step of flushing either the first or second volume of water (Block 220) can be performed by actuating the actuator in the second manner. In some embodiments, actuating the actuator in the first manner comprises actuating the actuator in a first direction and actuating the actuator in the second manner comprises actuating the actuator in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the common actuator is a handle pivotable in first and second opposite directions. The optional steps of actuating the flush mode mechanism (Block 210) and/or actuating the bowl water level mechanism can be performed by pivoting the handle in the first direction (e.g., upward) and the step of flushing either the first or second volume of water (Block 220) can be performed by pivoting the handle in the second direction (e.g., downward). As previously described, in other embodiments the actuator(s) may be in a shape other than a handle and may be actuated by any combination of actions including pushing, pulling, rotation, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an alternative method of operating a toilet according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. A toilet is provided (Block 300). The toilet includes a bowl which can define first and second water levels, with the second water level higher than the first water level. The toilet also includes a tank having first and second flush modes. A first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode. The toilet can also include a first or bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and the second water levels in the bowl and/or a second or flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank. Where used, the first or bowl water level mechanism is biased toward selecting the first water level and the second or flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode.

In the illustrated embodiment, a user can select between the first water level or the second water level in the bowl (Block 310). More specifically, the user can select the second water level by actuating the first or bowl water level mechanism. A user can also select between the first flush mode and the second flush mode (Block 320). In particular, the user can select the second flush mode by actuating the second or flush mode mechanism. Either the first volume of water or second volume is flushed responsive to the selected flush mode (Block 330). Next, the first water level in the bowl and the first flush modes are automatically selected (Blocks 340 and 350). Where used, the first (or bowl water level) and the second (or flush mode) mechanisms may be actuated by individual actuators or may be actuated by a common actuator, such as a pivotable handle, for example, as described in more detail above.

Although the steps illustrated at Blocks 300-350 indicate a bowl having first and second water levels wherein the second water level is user-selectable, other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the bowl may fill to the same or substantially the same water level after every toilet use and only the second or flush mode mechanism may be employed. In other words, the first or bowl water level mechanism may be omitted and the second or flush mode mechanism can be actuated to select the second flush mode and, after flushing, the first flush mode can be automatically selected.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

1. A method of operating a toilet, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode;

optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode; and

flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the bowl defines first and second water levels, wherein the second water level is higher than the first water level, and wherein the toilet includes a bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl, the bowl water level mechanism being biased toward selecting the first water level, the method further comprising:

optionally actuating the bowl water level mechanism to select the second water level in the bowl at substantially the same time as optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the bowl water level mechanism is actuated by a first actuator and the flush mode mechanism is actuated by a second actuator that is different than the first actuator.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the bowl water level and flush mode mechanisms are actuated by a common actuator.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated in a first manner and a second manner that is different than the first manner, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism comprise actuating the actuator in the first manner, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water comprises actuating the actuator in the second manner.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated in first and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism comprise actuating the actuator in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the first or the second volume of water comprises actuating the actuator in the second direction.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the common actuator comprises a handle pivotable in first and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism comprise pivoting the handle in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the first or the second volume of water comprises pivoting the handle in the second direction.

8. A method of operating a toilet, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl defining first and second water levels, wherein the first water level is suitable for receiving liquid waste and the second water level is higher than the first water level and suitable for receiving solid waste; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water suitable for disposing of liquid waste is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water and suitable for disposing of solid waste is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) a first mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl and a second mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the mechanisms are biased toward selecting the first water level and the first flush mode;

selecting between the first water level in the bowl and the second water level in the bowl, wherein selecting the second water level in the bowl comprises actuating the first mechanism;

selecting between the first flush mode and the second flush mode, wherein selecting the second flush mode comprises actuating the second mechanism;

flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode; then

automatically selecting the first water level in the bowl by flowing water from the tank to the bowl; and

automatically selecting the first flush mode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first mechanism is actuated by a first actuator and the second mechanism is actuated by a second actuator that is different than the first actuator.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and second mechanisms are actuated by a common actuator.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated in a first manner and a second manner that is different than the first manner, wherein actuating the first mechanism and actuating the second mechanism comprise actuating the actuator in the first manner, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water comprises actuating the actuator in the second manner.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated in first and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the first mechanism and actuating the second mechanism comprise actuating the actuator in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water comprises actuating the actuator in the second direction.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the common actuator comprises a handle pivotable in first and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the first mechanism and actuating the second mechanism comprise pivoting the handle in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water comprises pivoting the handle in the second direction.

14. A toilet comprising:

a bowl;

a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and

a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode, and wherein the flush mode mechanism is configured to be actuated to select the second flush mode;

wherein the toilet is configured to flush either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.

15. The toilet of claim 14, wherein the bowl defines a first water level and a second water level that is higher than the first water level, the toilet further comprising a bowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl, wherein the bowl water level mechanism is biased toward selecting the first water level, and wherein the first mechanism is configured to be actuated to select the second water level.

16. The toilet of claim 15, wherein the bowl water level and flush mode mechanisms are configured to be actuated by a common actuator.

17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated in a first manner and a second manner that is different than the first manner, wherein the actuator is configured to be actuated in the first manner to actuate the bowl water level and flush mode mechanisms, and wherein the actuator is configured to be actuated in the second manner to flush either the first volume of water or the second volume of water responsive to the selected flush mode.

18. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the common actuator comprises a handle pivotable in first and second opposite directions, wherein the handle is configured to be pivoted in the first direction to actuate the bowl water level and flush mode mechanisms, and wherein the handle is configured to be pivoted in the second direction to flush either the first volume of water or the second volume of water responsive to the selected flush mode.

19. The toilet of claim 15, wherein the first water level corresponds to a volume of less than about 1 liter.

20. The toilet of claim 14, wherein the first volume of water is less than about 1.5 liters.