Patents Assigned to Kohler
  • Patent number: 12168865
    Abstract: An air drive system for a toilet includes a compression cylinder including an air space, a fluid space, a base orifice adjoining the fluid space, and an outlet orifice adjoining the air space, and an air drive passage configured to carry pressurized air to the toilet. The flow of water increases the fluid space of the compression cylinder or increases an air pressure associated with the air space of the compression cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Jeremiah Rauwerdink
  • Patent number: 12161271
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a toilet seat, comprising a seat lower cover and a seat upper cover. The seat lower cover comprises a lower cover baseplate, a lower cover outer periphery boss, and a lower cover inner periphery boss. The seat upper cover comprises an upper cover baseplate, an upper cover outer periphery flange, an upper cover inner periphery flange, an upper cover outer periphery boss, and an upper cover inner periphery boss. The upper cover inner periphery boss is welded with the lower cover inner periphery boss, the upper cover outer periphery boss is welded with the lower cover outer periphery boss, and the upper cover outer periphery flange and the upper cover inner periphery flange are contacted with the lower cover baseplate respectively. The toilet seat is convenient to be assembled and is stable in structure through welded connection, so that a product quality is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaoquan Sun
  • Patent number: 12163325
    Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl with a sump and a trapway connecting the sump to an outlet of the toilet. The trapway has a zeta shape and is configured to induce a siphon which provides pressure to suction waste water from the bowl during a flush cycle. A trapway supply conduit is connected to the trapway in a tangential orientation to an upleg region of the trapway. The trapway supply conduit supplies water to the trapway, which follows a contour of the inner surface of the trapway supply conduit and continues in the same direction into the upleg region of the trapway by relying on a fluid flow to follow the curve of a convex surface placed proximate to the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Jeremiah J. Rauwerdink, Randal S. Graskamp
  • Patent number: 12163321
    Abstract: A universal canister flush valve having a valve body configured to be fixed relative to a toilet tank and having a hollow wall defining an internal flow passage; a guide post coupled to and extending away from the valve body; a float fitted about and configured to slide relative to the guide post between a closed position and an open position, the float having an open top; and an extender that selectively couples to the open top in a first position, in which a first end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, and in a second position, in which a second end of the extender is received in and coupled to the open top, wherein the extender and float define a first overflow height in the first position and define a second overflow height in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Smith, Billy Jack Ahola, Donald G. Bogenschuetz, Lawrence E. Duwell, Peter W. Swart, Jeffrey T. Laundre, Bradley Strasser, Matthew Krebs, Douglas E. Bogard, Daniel N. Halloran, Scott R. Krebs, Edward F. Malis, Jr., Randy O. Mesun, Eric Derner, Stewart Anthony Schaal
  • Patent number: 12163319
    Abstract: A plumbing system is provided with a digital mixer valve providing a principal stream having a controlled temperature and flow rate. A fluid delivery device is also provided downstream of the digital mixer valve, the fluid delivery device having two or more sets of outlets, each of the two or more sets of outlets comprising at least two outlets, and having an outlet operating valve being disposed upstream of each set of outlets and being operable to control fluid flow to the set of outlets downstream thereof. A communication link is also provided between the digital mixer valve and the outlet operating valves. The digital mixer valve is configured, in use, to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the principal stream in dependence upon which set of outlets or combination of sets of outlets is in operation at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Banham, Charlie Parker, James Bourne, Robin Whitfield, Craig Fitton
  • Patent number: 12163322
    Abstract: A toilet having a one piece structure, a flush valve, and a seal. The structure includes a base having a fluid channel in fluid communication with a bowl; a tank having an internal compartment; a wall disposed between the tank and the base, the wall having an opening fluidly connecting the internal compartment and the fluid channel; and a retaining structure in the internal compartment. The flush valve has a valve body including an inner wall, which is disposed in the opening and extends from a first end in fluid communication with the internal compartment to a second end in fluid communication with the fluid channel, and a locking flange extending radially outward from the inner wall, the locking flange being retained between the retaining structure and the wall in a locking position. The seal is disposed between the locking flange and one of the wall or the retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Halloran, Tony L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 12156618
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a bidet, comprising: a seat ring comprising a rear portion; an accommodating tank disposed at the rear portion of the seat ring and comprising a front side tank wall, wherein at least one tank wall through hole is disposed on the front side tank wall of the accommodating tank; a liquid reservoir configured to store disinfectant and disposed in the accommodating tank; and at least one atomizing nozzle disposed in the accommodating tank and comprising a liquid inlet end communicated with the liquid reservoir and a liquid outlet end communicated with the at least one tank wall through hole. The present disclosure also discloses a toilet cover plate comprising a seat cover and the bidet and discloses an intelligent toilet comprising a controller; a toilet body; and the toilet cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feixiang Chen, Shiping Cheng, Xuedan Zhu
  • Patent number: 12157129
    Abstract: A showerhead includes a flow device and a flow distribution member. The flow device is configured to produce a substantially laminar fluid stream. The flow distribution member is coupled to the flow device and is spaced apart from the flow device. The flow distribution member is configured to receive the substantially laminar fluid stream from the flow device and to produce a distributed fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Michael J. Soetaert, James J. Barczynski, Paul B. Georgeson, Todd W. Leonhard
  • Publication number: 20240393061
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a shower environment includes a panel having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of flow channels. The panel is disposed within the shower environment. The plurality of flow channels fluidly couples the inlet with the outlet. The panel is configured to condense steam to heat a fluid flowing through the plurality of flow channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: William Kalk, William Kuru
  • Patent number: 12152378
    Abstract: A method for making a sink with a supporting structure including providing a sink including at least one basin and a rim extending outwardly from at least one side of the at least one basin, and coupling a support structure in the form of at least one channel to an underside of the at least one side of the rim using a tool. The tool includes a channel support configured to receive one channel of the at least one channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jason R. Miller, Brian Siehr, Theodore Nikolai, Joseph Bolden
  • Patent number: 12152381
    Abstract: A toilet assembly includes a flush engine having a bowl, a sump at a lower portion of the bowl, and a trapway extending from the sump. The toilet assembly further includes a first polymeric layer at least partially surrounding the flush engine, the first polymeric layer comprising a foam. The toilet assembly further includes a second polymeric layer provided on the first polymeric layer, the second polymeric layer comprising resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Mark W. Schibur, Clayton C. Garrels, Jeremiah J. Rauwerdink
  • Patent number: 12151201
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a deodorizing device comprising a housing, an air suction assembly, a water storage chamber and a mixing chamber arranged in the housing. The mixing chamber is located between the air suction assembly and the housing; the air suction assembly is used for sucking odor, the odor and water vapor are mixed and deodorized in the mixing chamber; clean air after deodorization is discharged from the housing. The present disclosure sucks odor by air suction assembly, makes the odor and water vapor mix in the mixing chamber to deodorize. The clean air after deodorization can be discharged from air outlet pipe. Because the main substances in the odor can be dissolved in water and react mutually after the dissolution. Thus, the odor can be decomposed and filtrated and the clean air after deodorization can be discharged outside the deodorizing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Shanghai Kohler Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Desheng Liao
  • Patent number: 12152380
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve control device includes an air cylinder. The air cylinder includes a first piston; an air outlet; and a locking and releasing mechanism configured to lock and release the first piston when the first piston is pushed up. The device also includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder includes a second piston; an air vent disposed on a first side of the second piston; and a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet disposed on a second side of the second piston. The device also includes a partition disposed between the hydraulic cylinder and the air cylinder; a partition channel disposed on the partition; a piston rod connected to the second piston and configured to pass through the partition channel; and a tappet valve connected to the piston rod and configured to leave the partition channel in response to an upward movement of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Guo
  • Publication number: 20240384513
    Abstract: The present application discloses a handle connecting structure. The handle connecting structure comprises a handle body having a connecting shaft sleeve, a connecting base having a connecting sleeve, and a sliding clamping plate assembled in the connecting sleeve and capable of sliding along a radial direction of the connecting sleeve. The connecting shaft sleeve can be pluggably inserted into the connecting sleeve. A clamping groove can be provided on a circumferential surface of the connecting sleeve. The sliding clamping plate may comprise a clamping main plate with a clamping plate through hole, a guiding protrusion, and an elastic member connected to opposite sides of the clamping main plate. The connecting shaft sleeve can be inserted into the connecting sleeve and passes through the clamping plate through hole. The clamping main plate can be clamped in the clamping groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: Beijing Kohler Ltd.
    Inventors: Huan LI, Guang CHENG
  • Patent number: 12146603
    Abstract: A faucet includes a base and a spout. The base is configured to be coupled to a mounting surface. The spout is rotatably coupled to the base. The spout includes a plurality of magnetic joints each including a different number of magnetic members, and a plurality of conduits rotatably coupled to each other by a magnetic joint of the plurality of magnetic joints. The spout extends from the base to a free end configured to discharge a fluid. The plurality of magnetic joints are arranged such that the number of magnetic members on each magnetic joint progressively increases from the free end to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Chanseol Chung, Linghua Chen
  • Patent number: 12146310
    Abstract: The present application discloses a drain valve, comprising a valve body, a valve seat, and an overflow pipe. The valve seat includes a drainage channel. The overflow pipe includes a blocking element and a flow rate regulator. When the overflow pipe is in a raised state, the blocking element leaves a channel water inlet, the flow rate regulator is partially or completely located above the channel water inlet, and a water flow channel is formed between the flow rate regulator and the channel water inlet. An amount of water entering the drainage channel from the channel water inlet in unit time can be defined by the flow rate regulator, and thus a drainage flow rate can be controlled. If a user needs to change the drainage flow rate, the user only replaces different types of flow rate regulators, without replacing the whole drain valve to save costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler (China) Investment Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Youpeng Chen, Congxian Huang, Shutuan Liu, Yunqing Zang
  • Publication number: 20240374086
    Abstract: A shower receptor includes a base having a floor surface configured for a user to stand on. The floor surface includes a first portion having a first coefficient of friction and a second portion having a second coefficient of friction. The first portion is an etched area of the floor surface that defines a surface texture having a depth. The second portion is an unetched area of the floor surface. The first coefficient of friction of the first portion has a first value when the first portion is wet and the second coefficient of friction of the second portion has a second value when the second portion is wet. The first value is higher than the second value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Stout
  • Patent number: 12139899
    Abstract: A tankless toilet includes a bowl, a trapway, and a jet. The bowl includes a rim at an upper portion of the bowl and a sump at a lower portion of the bowl. The trapway extends from the sump to a drain. The jet includes a main channel configured to receive a supply of water from a supply conduit, and a plurality of distribution channels configured to introduce water received from the main channel to at least one of the sump and the trapway. The jet is configured to receive the supply of water from the supply conduit at a first flow rate and induce a flow from the supply of water into the trapway at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate to prime a siphon within the trapway. The second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate prior to priming the siphon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Sudip Mukerji, Michael J. Luettgen, William Kalk, Randy Mesun, Jeff Laundre, Jeremy Rauwerdink, John Esche, Keith Muellenbach, Clayton Garrels
  • Patent number: D1051299
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Drew Johnson
  • Patent number: D1051307
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bowen, Xinyao Liu