TOILET FOR USE IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND BOATS

- DOMETIC CORPORATION

A toilet utilizes a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon. A removable discharge passageway is sealingly coupled at a first end to the toilet waste outlet and at a second end to a floor flange, and defines a trapway for providing a water seal therebetween. In one example, the water seal includes a water column, and the discharge passageway is configured to maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees. In another example, an upleg extends vertically upward a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg necessary to maintain the water seal between the bowl and the floor flange when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees. In another example, a support bracket maintains the second end of the discharge passageway generally fixed relative to the first end.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toilets, and more particularly, to toilets for use in recreational vehicles and boats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water saving toilets are generally known for use in recreational vehicles (RV's) and boats, or other movable vehicles. Indeed, a trend in toilet bowl design is one that achieves adequate flushing while minimizing the use of water. These toilets generally include a bowl, and a vapor seal disposed between the bowl and a waste holding tank. Moreover, these toilets are often mounted upon a floor of the vehicle, and as a result, the bowl and any contents therein are movable along with movement of the vehicle. It is known to utilize a movable, mechanical vapor seal to maintain the vapor seal despite movement of the vehicle. However, such movable mechanical seals are complex, costly, and/or prone to failure. Thus, there is a continuing need for an improved vapor seal in toilets for use in recreational vehicles (RV's) and boats.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, toilet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon. The toilet includes a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and a waste outlet. The toilet further includes a removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange. The discharge passageway defines a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange. The discharge passageway includes an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir. The toilet further includes a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source and including a discharge end in fluid communication with the waste outlet. The water jet nozzle is adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway. The water seal includes a water column, and the discharge passageway is configured to maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a toilet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon. The toilet includes a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a waste outlet. The toilet further includes a removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange. The discharge passageway defines a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange. The discharge passageway includes an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir. The toilet further includes a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second dedicated line. The water jet nozzle includes a discharge end in fluid communication with the waste outlet and oriented upwards at an angle equal to or greater than about 10 degrees. The water jet nozzle is adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway. The upleg extends vertically upward from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg necessary to form the water seal between the bowl and the floor flange when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, toilet is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon. The toilet includes a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a waste outlet. The toilet further includes a flexible, removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange. The discharge passageway defines a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange. The discharge passageway includes an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir. A portion of the upleg of the discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater than about 45 degrees. The toilet further includes a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second dedicated line and including a discharge end in fluid communication with the waste outlet. The water jet nozzle is adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway. The toilet further includes a support bracket coupled to the first end of the discharge passageway and operatively coupled to the second end of the discharge passageway. The support bracket maintains the second end of the discharge passageway generally fixed relative to the first end of the discharge passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a rear view of an example toilet;

FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, partial sectional view of an example discharge passageway and corresponding mounting structure;

FIG. 3A is a side view of an example toilet;

FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example mounting bracket; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partial sectional view of the example toilet of FIG. 1A.

 DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.

Turning to the shown example of FIGS. 1A-1B, a toilet 10 is illustrated for use with a recreational vehicle (RV), boat, or other movable vehicle. The toilet 10 can have a household appearance and function, while still being installed in a movable vehicle providing low water usage and the ability to maintain a trap seal.

The toilet 10 can include a pedestal-shaped base 12 for supporting a toilet bowl body 14 upon a supporting surface 16, such as a floor. The toilet 10 can be primarily formed of a generally rigid material, such as vitreous china, though various other materials can also be used, such as various plastics, metals, etc. Indeed, the pedestal-shaped base 12 and toilet bowl body 14 can be formed as a monolithic unit, or may be separate elements joined together. As shown, the toilet 10 can generally resemble a conventional toilet in both size and material found in homes, businesses, or the like, though it is to be understood that the toilet 10 can have various size and/or material differences for use with a particular environment, such as a RV, boat, or other movable vehicle. Though not illustrated, it is to be understood that the toilet 10 can generally include a toilet seat and/or cover generally disposed over the opening in the bowl body 14.

The toilet 10 described herein is a pressure-assisted, gravity flush toilet. That is, the toilet 10 generally operates as a gravity flush toilet under the known principles of siphonic flush action, though is assisted by a pressure flush system that utilizes a pressurized fluid source, such as pressurized water or the like. In one example, the pressure flush system can be a Flushmate system obtained by the Sloan Valve Company, though other pressure flush systems can also be utilized. The pressure flush system can be adapted to provide a flush volume of less than about 1 gallon, such as about ½ gallon (i.e., about 2 liters), though other flush volumes are also contemplated. As shown, the flush tank 18 is disposed upon a top portion of the toilet 10 and contains a pressurized water tank 20, though the flush tank 18 or other pressurized water supply can be provided remotely and even external of the vehicle. The pressurized water tank 20 can receive an amount of pressurized water via an inlet port 22, and can in turn provide the pressurized fluid for use in the toilet 10 at a flow pressure of about 20-35 psi, and a static pressure of about 30-50 psi, though it is to be understood that various other flow and static water pressures can be utilized. The pressurized flush tank 20 can be operated via a flush button 24 or the like for flushing the toilet 10.

The pressurized water tank 20 can be in fluid communication with one or more portions of the toilet 10. As shown, the toilet body 14 can generally include a bowl 26, a rim 28, and a rim wash 30 disposed generally about the rim 28 and in fluid communication with the pressurized water tank 20. In one example, the rim wash 30 can include a hollow cavity extending partially or completely around the rim 28, and can include a plurality of spouts 31 (only one shown) for discharging water into the bowl 26 for cleaning the bowl 26, for facilitating the siphonic flush action, and/or for refilling the bowl 26 and the trap. The various spouts 31 can have various sizes, geometries, orientations, etc. In one example, about 26 separate spouts 31 can be oriented at an angle of about 40-degrees relative to the rim 28, though various other numbers of spouts and/or angles can be used. The rim wash 30 can be in fluid communication with the pressurized water tank 20 via a dedicated hose 32 or the like, such as a ⅝-inch diameter hose, though various other size hoses can also be utilized. In another example, not shown, the rim wash 30 can be provided as a separate assembly that is coupled to the toilet 10.

A waste outlet 34 can be provided generally towards a bottom portion of the bowl 26, and may be coupled to or formed with a portion of the bowl 26. Generally, during a flush operation, the water, excrement, and the like can be discharged from the bowl 26 via the waste outlet 34 into a discharge passageway 35, which will be discussed more fully herein. The discharge passageway can be sealingly coupled to a discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet 34. A water jet nozzle 36 can be provided with a discharge end 38 in fluid communication with the waste outlet 34. The water jet nozzle 36 can in fluid communication with the pressurized water tank 20 via another dedicated hose 40 or the like, such as a ¾-inch diameter hose, though various other size hoses can also be utilized. Thus, the water jet nozzle 36 can be adapted to expel said pressurized fluid (i.e., water), water contained in the bowl 26, and/or excrement into the discharge passageway 35 during the flush operation to facilitate with the siphonic flush action. As shown, the water jet nozzle 36 can be a separate element that is sealingly engaged with a portion of the waste outlet 34, though can also be formed with the waste outlet 34.

In addition or alternatively, as shown, the discharge end 38 of the water jet nozzle 36 can be oriented variously relative to the discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet 34. In one example, the water jet nozzle 36 can be oriented generally inline with the discharge opening 37, such as at an angle of about 0-degrees relative to a central axis of the discharge opening 37. In another example, the water jet nozzle 36 can be oriented generally upwards relative to a central axis of the discharge opening 37. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the discharge opening 38 can be oriented generally upwards at an angle α of at least about 10-degrees, at least about 20-degrees, or various other angles relative to a central axis of the discharge opening 37. Because a portion of the discharge passageway 35 extends generally upwards relative to the discharge opening 37, orienting the angle of the discharge opening 38 generally upwards can facilitate expelling the pressurized water through the discharge passageway 35 during a flush operation.

It is to be understood that various ratios of pressurized water can be provided to each of the rim wash 30 and the water jet nozzle 36. In one example, about 40% of the flush volume (i.e., about 0.8 liters for a 2 liter flush) can be provided to the rim wash 30, while about 60% (i.e., about 1.2 liters for a 2 liter flush) of the flush volume can be provided to the water jet nozzle 36, though various other ratios can also be used. The ratio can be adjusted in various manners, such as by fixed or adjustable structure of the pressurized water tank 20. In addition or alternatively, the cross-sectional areas of the hoses 32, 40 supplying the rim wash 30 and the water jet nozzle 36, respectively, can be different. For example, as noted herein, the hose 32 supplying the rim wash 30 can be a ⅝-inch diameter hose, while the hose 40 supplying the water jet nozzle 36 can be a ¾-inch diameter hose, such that the hose 40 with the larger cross-sectional area can supply a relatively greater flow volume as compared with the hose 32. Still, various other hose sizes, etc. can be used to supply different flow ratios, etc. In addition or alternatively, structure (not shown) can be provided to adjust the relative flow pressures of the water for either of the rim wash 30 and the water jet nozzle 36. Moreover, it is to be understood that while hoses 32, 40 are described herein, various passageways can be provided (i.e., molded-in, etc.) in portions of the base 12, toilet bowl body 14, and/or discharge passageway 35 for supplying the pressurized fluid to either of the rim wash 30 and the water jet nozzle 36. The total flush time can be about 3-5 seconds, though other times can also be accommodated.

Turning back to FIG. 1B, as noted, the toilet 10 includes a discharge passageway 35 sealingly coupled at a first end 42 to the waste outlet 34 of the toilet bowl 26. For example, the first end 42 can be sealingly coupled to the discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet 34 via a relatively tight slip-on connection, and can be secured thereby by a clamp or the like, such as an adjustable or non-adjustable hose clamp 44 that can extend partially or completely around the first end 42. Still, various other attachment methods can be used, including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. Various seals (i.e., o-rings, etc.) can also be provided therebetween. The discharge passageway 35 can also be sealingly coupled at a second end 46 to a floor flange 48 that is in fluid communication with a waste holding tank, such as a black water tank or the like, or various other waste export elements. Thus, water, excrement, and the like expelled out of the toilet bowl 26 via the waste outlet 34 will travel through the discharge passageway 35 to the floor flange 48, and onto the holding waste tank.

The discharge passageway 35 can be formed as a monolithic unit, as shown, or may be formed of a plurality of separate elements that are removably or non-removably coupled together. In addition or alternatively, the discharge passageway 35 can be formed of a generally flexible material, and may even be formed via a molding operation or the like, such as of flexible PVC or the like. Still, it is to be understood that the discharge passageway 35 can also be partially or completely formed of a generally rigid material.

Turning now to FIG. 2, one example coupling of the discharge passageway 35 between the discharge opening 37 of the waste outlet 34 and the floor flange 48 is illustrated. The discharge passageway 35 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the floor flange 48. The floor flange 48 will generally be already fixed to the supporting surface 16, though can be installed in a manner known to one of skill in the art. The floor flange 48 can have a standard opening, such as a 3-inch diameter opening, though various other openings can also be provided. Because the discharge passageway 35 can have a different size (i.e., diameter) than that of the floor flange 48, as shown, the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35 can be coupled to the floor flange 48 via a generally rigid adapter 50 (i.e., formed of a generally rigid material, such as plastic or metal) that is sealingly coupled to the second end 46. As with the first end 42, the second end 46 can be sealingly coupled to the adapter 50 via a relatively tight slip-on connection, and can be secured thereby by a clamp or other mechanical fastener (not shown), adhesives, welding, etc. In addition or alternatively, a discharge adapter 52 can be disposed between the generally rigid adapter 50 and the floor flange 48.

Thus, during assembly, the discharge adapter 52 can be secured to the floor flange 48, such as by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. Next, the generally rigid adapter 50 can be sealingly coupled to the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35. Various seals (i.e., o-rings, etc.) can also be provided therebetween. Indeed, the adapter 50 may be provided pre-assembled with the discharge passageway 35. Next, the generally rigid adapter 50 can be sealingly coupled with the discharge adapter 52 via a slip-fit connection. In one example, one or more seals, such as o-rings 54 or the like, can be provided on either or both of the adapters 50, 52. Thus, while the floor flange 48 and/or the discharge adapter 52 can be secured to the supporting surface 16, the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35 may be sealingly coupled to the floor flange 48 by a friction fit via the o-ring(s) 54 of the generally rigid adapter 50. Still, it is to be understood that either or both of the second end 46 and the generally rigid adapter 50 can be secured to the adapter 52 and/or floor flange 48 in various manners, including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. In addition or alternatively, as shown, the second end 46 can have an angled geometry, and/or a relatively increased cross-sectional area (i.e., relative to the first end 42 or even other portions leading to the second end 46), for coupling with the floor flange 48. For example, as shown, the second end 46 can have about a 45-degree angle and a relatively increased cross-sectional area for coupling with the adapter 50. Still, in other examples (not shown) it is to be understood that the generally rigid adapter 50 can be provided with an angled geometry (i.e., such as a 45-degree elbow bend structure) and/or an increased cross-sectional area for directly or indirectly coupling with the floor flange 48.

The discharge passageway 35 can define a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48. Thus, a gas-tight vapor seal can be provided between the bowl 26 and the waste system (i.e., black water tank or the like) for inhibiting, such as preventing, waste vapors or the like (i.e., decomposing waste gasses) from entering the vehicle in which the toilet 10 is installed. The discharge passageway 35 can be configured to provide the vapor seal without the use of additional movable, mechanical seals, though such mechanical seals could be employed in conjunction with the passageway 35.

The discharge passageway 35 can include an upleg 60 in fluid communication with a downleg 62, separated by a weir 64. As shown, the discharge passageway 35 can be generally continuous between the first end 42 and the second end 46 such that the upleg 60 extends generally upwards from the first end 42 until the weir 64, at which point the downleg 62 extends generally downwards towards the second end 46. The upleg 60 and downleg 62 can have various geometries and cross-sectional areas. In one example, the upleg 60 can have a generally cylindrical geometry with an internal diameter of at least about 1.5 inches, or at least about 2 inches, though various other diameters are also contemplated. The downleg 62 can have a similar geometry and/or cross-sectional area, or even different. For example, a portion of the discharge passageway 35 can have a generally consistent cross-sectional area, such as about 2 inches extending generally through both the upleg and downleg 60, 62. Still, as shown, the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35 can have a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the first end 42, such as for direct or indirect coupling to the floor flange 48. Though described herein as generally cylindrical, the discharge passageway 35 can have various other cross-sectional geometries

As noted, the discharge passageway 35 can define a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48. The discharge passageway 35 is configured to maintain the vapor seal in the trapway despite the toilet 10 being installed in a movable vehicle that is subject to various forces and/or orientations, such as acceleration or deceleration, hard braking or turning, traveling along rough roads or rough seas, ascending or descending steep grades, etc. In one example, the water seal can include a water column 66 maintained within the upleg 60 of the discharge passageway 35. Moreover, the discharge passageway 35 can be configured to maintain at least about 80% of the water column 66 therein when the toilet 10 is pivoted about 10-degrees from a generally normal (i.e., level) position. In another example, the discharge passageway 35 can be configured to maintain at least about 90%, or even more, of the water column 66 therein. In still other examples, the discharge passageway 35 can be configured to maintain at least about 80%, or even at least about 90%, of the water column 66 therein when the toilet 10 is pivoted about 15-degrees, or even more, from a normal (i.e., level) position.

Thus, by way of example, if the toilet 10 is pivoted at an angle upwards or downwards of about 10-degrees from a normal position, such as may occur in a moving vehicle, the discharge passageway 35 is configured to maintain at least about 80%, 90%, or even more, of the water column 66 therein to maintain the vapor seal between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48. It is to be understood that because of the various situations that the vehicle may be used, the toilet 10 can pivot in various directions (i.e., forward, backward, sideways, or combinations thereof). It is also to be understood that while movement of the vehicle may pivot the toilet 10 upwards or downwards about 10-degrees from a normal position to cause movement of the water maintained within the upleg 60, sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, etc. can similarly cause the water maintained within the upleg 60 to move in a similar manner despite the vehicle staying relatively level. Thus, discussion herein regarding pivoting of the toilet 10 from a normal position is intended to also encompass substantially similar forces that may be applied to the water column 66 via other vehicle motion even if the vehicle remains generally level.

The discharge passageway 35 can include various structure and/or geometry for maintaining the vapor seal despite varying vehicle conditions. In one example, the upleg 60 can extend generally upwards from the discharge opening 37. For example, the upleg 60 can extend generally upwards from first end 42 and towards the weir 64 at an angle β equal to or greater than about 45-degrees. In other examples, the upleg 60 can extend generally upwards towards the weir 64 at an angle β equal to or greater than about 60-degrees, equal to or greater than about 75-degrees, or even other angles. The angle can be generally continuous or varying (i.e., increasing or decreasing linearly, exponentially, etc.) along the upleg 60. The relatively steep upwards angle of the upleg 60 can facilitate maintaining the water seal 66 within the discharge passageway 35 during movement of the vehicle, to thereby maintain the vapor seal therein. The upwards angle β of the upleg 60 can be measured relative to the central axis of the discharge opening 37. It is to be understood that the first end 42 of the discharge passageway 35 can extend immediately upwards from the discharge opening 37, or may extend horizontally a distance prior to extending upwards. In addition or alternatively, the downleg 62 can also be angled generally downwardly, such as at an angle of about 25-degrees (or other angle) downwards measured relative to the central axis of the discharge opening 37 to facilitate movement of the water and/or waste towards the floor flange 48.

Thus, the relatively steep upwards angle β can permit the upleg 60 to extend vertically upwards from the outlet (i.e., the discharge opening 37) of the toilet 10 a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg 60 necessary to form the water seal 66 between the bowl 26 and the floor flange 48 when the toilet 10 is pivoted about 10-degrees from a normal position. As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum vertical distance D1 for the water column 66 can be measured between a top of the interior of the discharge opening 37 to the weir 64 (i.e., a bottom interior of the discharge passageway 35 at the weir 64). As can be appreciated, while a water level extending over the weir 64 will flow downwards into the downleg 62, while water level falling below the a top of the interior of the discharge opening 37 will breach the vapor seal thereby allowing waste gasses into the toilet bowl 26 and interior of the vehicle. In one example, the geometry and/or orientation of the upleg 60 can provide a maximum vertical distance D1 for the water column 66 to be about 3-4 inches, though various other distances can also be provided based upon variations of the geometry and/or orientation of the upleg 60.

In one example, the upleg 60 can extend vertically upwards from the discharge opening 37 a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg 60 equal to or greater than about 1.5 inches (i.e., vertical distance D2 of the water column 66) measured from a top of the interior of the discharge opening 37 to maintain the vapor seal. In another example, the upleg 60 can extend vertically upwards a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg 60 equal to or greater than about 2 inches, or even more. Thus, when the water column 66 has a minimum vertical distance D2 of at least 1.5 inches, pivoting of the toilet by about 10-degrees will still maintain at least about 80% of the water column within the upleg 60 to maintain the vapor seal. Therefore, even if some water overflows the weir 64, enough water will be maintained within the upleg 60 to maintain the vapor seal. In practice, the water column can extend within the upleg 60 to maintain an average vertical distance D3 of about 2 inches, though various other average distances can also be provided based upon variations of the geometry and/or orientation of the upleg 60, positioning of the vehicle, operation of the water tank 20 in re-filling the bowl 26, etc. During a flushing operation, the rim wash 30 and/or water jet 36 can force the water and/or waste through the discharge passageway 35 and over the weir 64 and towards the floor flange 48. As can be appreciated, the upwards angle α of the water jet 36 can facilitate expelling the water and/or waste through the steep upwards angle β of the upleg 60.

The discharge passageway 35 can be formed of a flexible material, which can facilitate installation within the base 12 of the toilet and/or coupling to the discharge opening 37 and the adapter 50. Indeed, the discharge passageway 35 can be maintained generally within the envelope of the toilet 10 so as to provide for a compact installation of the toilet 10 within the vehicle. That is, the discharge passageway 35 can remain substantially within the interior of the toilet 10 bounded by the base 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a portion of the discharge passageway 35 can extend partially beyond the base 12, such as via an opening 68 (see FIG. 1B) disposed generally towards the rear of the base 12. The opening 68 can be formed into the base 12 so as to facilitate manufacture of the base 12, such as during a molding operation, and/or to provide maintenance access to the interior of the toilet 10. Still, though a portion of the discharge passageway 35 can extend beyond the base 12, the discharge passageway 35 may not extend beyond a rear-most extent of the toilet 10. Thus, the toilet 10 can be installed in a relatively compact space within a vehicle. The flexibility of the discharge passageway 35 can also permit various installation geometries of within the toilet base 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the discharge passageway 35 can remain relatively vertically straight between the first and second ends 42, 46. In other examples, not shown, the discharge passageway 35 can be curved or twisted along a vertical extent between the first and second ends 42, 46, such as to accommodate a relatively larger (i.e., having a longer length, increased diameter, etc.) discharge passageway 35 within the interior of the toilet base 12.

However, because the discharge passageway 35 can be formed of a generally flexible material, it can be difficult to maintain the position of the second end 46 relative to the first end 42. The location of the first end 42 can remain generally fixed via the coupling to the discharge opening 37. However, the second end 46, such as during installation, can be generally free to move within the interior of the toilet base 12. Such free movement of the second end 46 can inhibit installation, such as by inhibiting insertion of the generally rigid adapter 50 into the discharge adapter 52 and/or floor flange 48.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3B-5, the toilet 10 can further include a support bracket 70 coupled generally about the first end 42 of the discharge passageway 35 and operatively coupled about the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 35 for maintaining the second end 46 generally fixed relative to the first end 42. In one example, the support bracket 70 can be coupled to the waste outlet 37 and to the generally rigid adapter 50. In another example, as shown, the support bracket 70 can be directly coupled to the first end 42 of the discharge passageway 35 and, indirectly coupled to the second end 46 of the discharge passageway 45 via the generally rigid adapter 50.

For example, the support bracket 70 can include a pair of legs 72, 74 each including a foot 73, 75, respectively. Each of the feet 73, 75 can be removably or non-removably coupled to the generally rigid adapter 50, such as by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. In one example, screws or bolts can couple the feet 73, 75 to the adapter 50 via corresponding apertures. In another example, the feet 73, 75 can be formed with the either of the discharge passageway 35 or the adapter 50. Indeed, some or all of the support bracket 70 can be formed with any of the discharge passageway 35, portions of the toilet bowl 26, discharge opening 37, the adapters 50, 52 and/or other portions of the toilet 10.

A tube support 76 can be carried between the legs 72, 74. As shown, the tube support 76 can have a generally curved geometry for supporting a portion of the first end 42 of the discharge passageway 35, though it is to be understood that the tube support 76 can have various geometries to complement the first end 42 or even the waste outlet 37. The support bracket 70 can be coupled to the first end 42 (or even the waste outlet 37 or other portion of the toilet 10) in various manners. In one example, one or more apertures 78 can extend through portions of the support bracket 70 generally about the tube support 76. For example, one aperture 78 can be provided next to each end of the tube support 76. The apertures 78 can be configured to permit a portion of the clamp 44 (i.e., a tube clamp) to extend therethrough. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 5, first end 42 can rest upon the tube support, while the tube clamp 44 can extend through the apertures 78 and around the first end 42 of the discharge passageway 35 for sealingly coupling the first end 42 to the waste outlet 37. Thus, the tube clamp 44 can simultaneously couple the first end 42 to the waste outlet 37 and the first end 42 to the support bracket 70.

The support bracket 70 can include various generally rigid materials, such as metal, plastic, etc. Thus, when the first end 42 is coupled to the tube support 76, and the feet 73, 75 are coupled to second end 46 via the adapter 50, the support bracket 70 can maintain the position of the second end 46 relative to the first end 42. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 3B, the second end 46 can be maintained generally vertically aligned with the first end 42, though some offset can still be permitted. In other examples, not shown, the second end 46 can be maintained with a predetermined vertical or horizontal offset relative to the first end 42 so as to accommodate various installation situations in various vehicles.

As a result, movement of the second end 46 relative to the first end 42 can be limited so as to facilitate installation, such as by facilitating insertion of the generally rigid adapter 50 into the discharge adapter 52 and/or floor flange 48. Indeed, the support bracket 70 can be pre-installed onto the toilet 10, along with the adapter 50, such that the toilet 10 can be installed in a vehicle as a “plug-in” toilet. That is, the toilet 10 can be positioned generally over the floor flange 48, and the adapter 50 can be directly or indirectly “plugged-into” the floor flange 48 (i.e., such as by the adapter 52).

The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toilet adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon, including:

a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and a waste outlet;
a removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange, the discharge passageway defining a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange, the discharge passageway including an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir; and
a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source and including a discharge end in fluid communication with the waste outlet, the water jet nozzle being adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway,
wherein the water seal includes a water column, and wherein the discharge passageway is configured to maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.

2. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge passageway is configured to maintain at least about 90% of the water column therein when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.

3. The toilet of claim 1, wherein a portion of the upleg of the discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater than about 45 degrees.

4. The toilet of claim 3, wherein a portion of the upleg of the discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater than about 60 degrees.

5. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the upleg of the discharge passageway has an internal diameter of at least about 2 inches.

6. The toilet of claim 1, wherein a portion of the discharge passageway includes a generally consistent cross-sectional area, and wherein the second end of the discharge passageway has a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the first end.

7. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the second end of the discharge passageway is coupled to the floor flange by a generally rigid adapter sealingly coupled to the second end.

8. The toilet of claim 7, further including a support bracket coupled to the waste outlet and to the generally rigid adapter, the support bracket maintaining the second end of the discharge passageway generally vertically aligned with the first end of the discharge passageway.

9. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge passageway is formed as a monolithic unit and includes a flexible material.

10. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the discharge end of the water jet nozzle is oriented upwards at an angle equal to or greater than about 10 degrees.

11. A toilet adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon, including:

a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a waste outlet;
a removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange, the discharge passageway defining a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange, the discharge passageway including an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir; and
a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second dedicated line and including a discharge end in fluid communication with the waste outlet and oriented upwards at an angle equal to or greater than about 10 degrees, the water jet nozzle being adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway,
wherein the upleg extends vertically upward from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg necessary to form the water seal between the bowl and the floor flange when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.

12. The toilet of claim 11, wherein the upleg extends vertically upward from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg equal to or greater than about 1.5 inches measured from a top of the interior the waste outlet to form the water seal between the bowl and the floor flange.

13. The toilet of claim 11, wherein a portion of the upleg of the discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater than about 60 degrees.

14. The toilet of claim 11, wherein the upleg of the discharge passageway has a generally consistent internal diameter of at least about 2 inches, and wherein the second end of the discharge passageway has a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the first end.

15. The toilet of claim 11, wherein the discharge passageway includes a flexible material, and wherein the second end of the discharge passageway is maintained generally vertically aligned with the first end of the discharge passageway by a support bracket coupled to the waste outlet.

16. A toilet adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source providing a flush volume of less than 1 gallon, including:

a toilet body including a bowl, a rim, a rim wash disposed about the rim and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a first dedicated line, and a waste outlet;
a flexible, removable discharge passageway sealingly coupled at a first end to the waste outlet of the toilet bowl and at a second end to a floor flange, the discharge passageway defining a trapway for providing a water seal between the bowl and the floor flange, the discharge passageway including an upleg portion and a downleg portion separated by a weir, wherein a portion of the upleg of the discharge passageway extends upward at an angle equal to or greater than about 45 degrees;
a water jet nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a second dedicated line and including a discharge end in fluid communication with the waste outlet, the water jet nozzle being adapted to expel said pressurized fluid into said discharge passageway; and
a support bracket coupled to the first end of the discharge passageway and operatively coupled to the second end of the discharge passageway, the support bracket maintaining the second end of the discharge passageway generally fixed relative to the first end of the discharge passageway.

17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the support bracket maintains the second end of the discharge passageway generally in vertical alignment with the first end of the discharge passageway.

18. The toilet of claim 16, further including a generally rigid adapter sealingly coupled to the second end of the discharge passageway for operatively coupling the discharge passageway to the floor flange, the support bracket being coupled to the generally rigid adapter.

19. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the upleg extends vertically upward from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the weir a distance sufficient to maintain a minimum water column within the upleg equal to or greater than about 1.5 inches measured from a top of the interior the waste outlet to form the water seal between the bowl and the floor flange.

20. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the water seal includes a water column, and wherein the discharge passageway is configured to maintain at least about 80% of the water column therein when the toilet is pivoted about 10 degrees from a normal position.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100125940
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 26, 2008
Publication Date: May 27, 2010
Applicant: DOMETIC CORPORATION (Big Prairie, OH)
Inventors: James Allen Sigler (Perrysville, OH), Todd M. Bradford (Orrville, OH)
Application Number: 12/324,144
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Flush Supply Pump (4/432)
International Classification: E03D 11/00 (20060101);