Water Efficient Toilet System

Abstract

A water efficient toilet system is provided comprising a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim. The divider may separate the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin and the first toilet basin may comprise a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin may comprise a second drain conduit opening. The first toilet basin may be dimensionally larger than the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening may be dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening. The first toilet basin may comprise a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin may comprise a second set of fluid-flow apertures. The toilet rim may comprise a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/958,570, entitled “WATER EFFICIENT TOILET SYSTEM,” filed Jan. 8, 2020. The contents of this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water is considered potentially to be one of the most scarce resources going forward. Extreme droughts and shifting weather patterns have led to severe economic and health concerns. Rationing of water supplies is common in many countries due to increasing demand in densely populated urban areas. Further, water treatment technologies such as water desalination processes are not yet economically efficient enough at the scale demanded by worldwide water usage. Therefore, it is desired to reduce water usage where possible, such as in common everyday appliances like toilets. Advances in water reduction capacities for such appliances would be welcomed in any water scarce market and would provide economic advantage to related users.

It would be advantageous to provide a toilet that reduces water consumption by providing a user of the toilet the ability to flush the toilet with minimal or no water. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a toilet with a multi-basin interior to allow the user to choose which basin to utilize in order to reduce water consumption. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a flushing system that allows the user to independently flush one or both of the multi-basin interior using a liquid or non-liquid fluid. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a toilet with a flushing system that may be operated via voice, motion or touch in order to provide a more sanitary experience.

Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a toilet having a rim that allows for liquid and/or gaseous flushing while at least in part using the same liquid and/or gas to further cleanse and/or dry the user during and after use of the toilet, thereby further conserving water and providing a more sanitary user experience. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a fluid-tight seal between the toilet rim, seat and lid, thereby preventing any noxious odors from escaping either of the basis of the multi-basin toilet interior and providing the user a more pleasant and sanitary experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overhead view of a water efficient toilet system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a toilet basin of a water efficient toilet system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a water efficient toilet system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a drain conduit system of a water efficient toilet system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a storage tank of a water efficient toilet system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any one of the particular embodiments, which of course may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and therefore is not necessarily intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, terms in the singular and the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a water efficient toilet system” also includes a plurality of water efficient toilet systems, and the like.

In some embodiments, a water efficient toilet system is provided comprising a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim, wherein the divider separates the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin comprises a second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin is dimensionally larger than the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening is dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening, and wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin comprises a second set of fluid-flow apertures, wherein the toilet rim comprises a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim, and wherein the fluid-flow conduit is fluidically coupled to a third set of fluid-flow apertures disposed within an interior surface of the toilet rim; a toilet underbody comprising a front toilet underbody and a rear toilet underbody, wherein the front toilet underbody comprises a removable panel disposed into an exterior body surface of the front toilet underbody and comprises a front drain conduit disposed interior to the exterior body surface, wherein the rear toilet underbody comprises a rear drain conduit and a common drain terminal, wherein the front drain conduit is coupled to the second drain conduit opening and the rear drain conduit is coupled to the first drain conduit opening, and wherein the front drain conduit comprises a p-trap disposed adjacent the common drain terminal that is coupled to both the front drain conduit and the rear drain conduit; and a toilet storage tank comprising a flushing mechanism, an air compressor and an electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller communicates with the flushing mechanism and the air compressor upon a user actuating the flushing mechanism.

In some embodiments, the third set of fluid-flow apertures are dimensionally larger than the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures.

In some embodiments, the water efficient toilet system comprises a toilet lid and a toilet seat that together form a fluid seal with the toilet rim and the toilet basin.

In some embodiments, the first set of fluid-flow apertures are physically separated from the second set of fluid-flow apertures by the divider.

In some embodiments, the first toilet basin comprises a length dimension substantially between 1.25 and 2.5 times a length dimension of the second toilet basin.

In some embodiments, the first toilet basin comprises a width dimension substantially between 1 and 1.5 times a width dimension of the second toilet basin.

In some embodiments, length and width dimensions of the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures are substantially between 2 and 6 centimeters.

In some embodiments, length and width dimensions of the third set of fluid-flow apertures are substantially between 1.5 and 5 centimeters.

In some embodiments, the first toilet basin and the second toilet basin comprise a coating of VSi Parylene, a coating of a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the toilet storage tank comprises an ozone generator that communicates with the electronic controller upon the user actuating the flushing mechanism.

In some embodiments, the electronic controller communicates with a toilet lid and a toilet seat and activates or deactivates the ozone generator based upon the communication with the toilet lid and the toilet seat.

In some embodiments, the flushing mechanism is actuated via one or more of voice activation, motion activation, touch activation, proximity activation or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a water efficient toilet system is provided, comprising a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim, wherein the system further comprises a toilet lid and a toilet seat that together form a fluid seal with the toilet rim and the first and second toilet basins, wherein the divider separates the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin comprises a second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin is dimensionally larger than the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening is dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin comprises a second set of fluid-flow apertures, and wherein the first set of fluid-flow apertures are physically separated from the second set of fluid-flow apertures by the divider, wherein the toilet rim comprises a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim, wherein the fluid-flow conduit is fluidically coupled to a third set of fluid-flow apertures disposed within an interior surface of the toilet rim, and wherein the third set of fluid-flow apertures are dimensionally larger than the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures; a toilet underbody comprising a front toilet underbody and a rear toilet underbody, wherein the front toilet underbody comprises a removable panel disposed into an exterior body surface of the front toilet underbody and comprises a front drain conduit disposed interior to the exterior body surface, wherein the rear toilet underbody comprises a rear drain conduit and a common drain terminal, wherein the front drain conduit is coupled to the second drain conduit opening and the rear drain conduit is coupled to the first drain conduit opening, and wherein the front drain conduit comprises a p-trap disposed adjacent the common drain terminal that is coupled to both the front drain conduit and the rear drain conduit; and a toilet storage tank comprising a flushing mechanism, an air compressor and an electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller communicates with the flushing mechanism and the air compressor upon a user actuating the flushing mechanism.

In some embodiments, a water efficient toilet system is provided, comprising a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim, wherein the first toilet basin and the second toilet basin comprise a coating of VSi Parylene or a coating of a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer, wherein the system further comprises a toilet lid and a toilet seat that together form a fluid seal with the toilet rim and the first and second toilet basins, wherein the divider separates the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin comprises a second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a length dimension substantially between 1.25 and 2.5 times a length dimension of the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening is dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin comprises a second set of fluid-flow apertures, and wherein the first set of fluid-flow apertures are physically separated from the second set of fluid-flow apertures by the divider, wherein the toilet rim comprises a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim, wherein the fluid-flow conduit is fluidically coupled to a third set of fluid-flow apertures disposed within an interior surface of the toilet rim, and wherein the third set of fluid-flow apertures are dimensionally larger than the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures; a toilet underbody comprising a front toilet underbody and a rear toilet underbody, wherein the front toilet underbody comprises a removable panel disposed into an exterior body surface of the front toilet underbody and comprises a front drain conduit disposed interior to the exterior body surface, wherein the rear toilet underbody comprises a rear drain conduit and a common drain terminal, wherein the front drain conduit is coupled to the second drain conduit opening and the rear drain conduit is coupled to the first drain conduit opening, and wherein the front drain conduit comprises a p-trap disposed adjacent the common drain terminal that is coupled to both the front drain conduit and the rear drain conduit; and a toilet storage tank comprising a flushing mechanism, an air compressor and an electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller communicates with the flushing mechanism and the air compressor upon a user actuating the flushing mechanism.

In the preceding and following description, various techniques are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of possible ways of implementing the techniques. However, it will also be apparent that the techniques described below may be practiced in different configurations without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified to avoid obscuring the techniques being described.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying figures. As shown in FIG. 1, an overhead view of a water efficient toilet system 100 is portrayed. The system 100 generally comprises a first toilet basin 110 and a second toilet basin 120 separated by a divider 130. The first toilet basin 110 and the second toilet basin 120 are disposed within a toilet rim 140. The toilet rim 140 supports a toilet seat 150 which itself supports a toilet lid 160. Further, a storage tank 170 is coupled to a rear portion of the toilet rim 140.

Further, the first toilet basin 110 comprises a first drain conduit opening 112 disposed substantially within the center of the first basin 110. The first drain conduit opening 112 allows for flushing liquid (not shown) within the first basin 110 to flush any contents therein down into a first drain conduit coupled with the opening 112. The second toilet basin 120 comprises a second drain conduit opening 122 disposed substantially within the center of the second basin 120. The second drain conduit opening 122 allows for flushing liquid (not shown) within the second basin 120 to flush any contents therein down into a second drain conduit coupled with the opening 122. Alternatively, the second toilet basin 120 may operate dry without the use of any flushing liquid.

Additionally, the first toilet basin 110 may have a larger dimensional surface area than the second toilet basin 120 in order to allow a user to align relevant body parts with each basin when sitting upon the seat 150. Specifically, using the FIG. 1 overhead view as reference, the first toilet basin 110 may have a front-to-back length dimension substantially between 1.25-2.5 times the front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 120, but preferably between 1.25-2 times the front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 120, and more preferably between 1.25-1.75 times the front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 120.

The front-to-back length dimension of the first toilet basin 110 may be measured from a rear of the toilet rim 140 to the divider 130. The front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 120 may be measured from a front of the toilet rim 140 to the divider 130. Further, the front-to-back length dimension of each of the first toilet basin 110 and the second toilet basin 120 may be measured using an averaged length value between the toilet rim 140 and the divider 130 for respective first toilet basin 110 measurements and second toilet basin 120 measurements.

Similarly, the first toilet basin 110 may have a side-to-side width dimension substantially between 1-1.5 times the side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 120, but preferably between 1.1-1.4 times the side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 120, and more preferably between 1.15-1.35 times the side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 120.

The side-to-side width dimension of the first toilet basin 110 may be measured from a first side of the toilet rim 140 within the first toilet basin 110 region to a second side of the toilet rim 140 within the first toilet basin 110 region. The side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 120 may be measured from the first side of the toilet rim 140 within the second toilet basin 120 region to the second side of the toilet rim within the second toilet basin region. Further, the side-to-side width dimension of each of the first toilet basin 110 and the second toilet basin 120 may be measured using an averaged width value between the first and second sides of the toilet rim 140 within respective first and second toilet basin 110, 120 regions.

Additionally, the toilet rim 140 structurally supports and is disposed adjacent to the toilet seat 150. The toilet seat 150 may be structured to accommodate the shape of the toilet rim 140 and associated first and second toilet basins 110, 120. Further, the toilet seat 150 may be structurally coupled to the toilet lid 160. Each of the toilet seat 150 and toilet lid 160 may be rotationally coupled to the rear of the toilet rim 140 such that the seat 150 and lid 160 may be rotated between a first position adjacent the rim 140 and a second position adjacent the storage tank 170.

Moreover, when the seat 150 and lid 160 are arranged in the first position, the rim 140, seat 150 and lid 160 may form a fluid seal to contain any odors remaining within the cavity of the first and second basins 110, 120. One or both of the top and bottom sides of the seat 150 and lid 160 may comprise fluid-sealing material including, but not limited to, polymer material, structural metal (e.g., structural steel or structural aluminum), co-polymer material, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, resin-containing material, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, Acrylanitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC), Mix of ABS and PC, Acetal (POM), Acetate, Acrylic (PMMA), Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), Mylar, Polyamid-Nylon, Polyamid-Nylon 6, Polyamid-Nylon 11, Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyethylene (PE), Low Density PE (LDPE), High Density PE (HDPE), Ultra High Molecular Weight PE (UHMW PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), PolPolypropylene (PP), Polyphthalamide (PPA), Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), Polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), Teflon TFE, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and/or Engineered Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU) or other similar materials and any combinations thereof.

Further, while the toilet seat 150 and toilet lid 160 are in the first position sealing fluid within the first toilet basin 110 and second toilet basin 120, odor-eliminating materials may be directed into the first toilet basin 110 and second toilet basin 120. Such odor-eliminating materials may include, but are not limited to, ozone, essential oils, synthetic fragrances, disinfectants or other similar materials and any combinations thereof. In the example of ozone being utilized, an ozone generator may be disposed within the storage tank 170, shown in FIG. 5, to pass ozone through one or conduits into the cavity defined by the first toilet basin 110, the second toilet basin 120, the toilet seat and the toilet lid 160. Other exemplary odor-eliminating materials may be introduced into the cavity in a similar means.

The storage tank 170 may be structurally coupled to the rear of the toilet rim 140 and a toilet underbody (not shown) while supporting the toilet seat 150 and toilet lid 160 when each are placed into the second position. The storage tank 170 may function substantially according to prior art toilet storage tanks by storing flushing liquid to be dispersed into the toilet basin upon a user flushing the toilet. Specifically, the storage tank 170 may supply flushing liquid to the first toilet basin 110 and/or the second toilet basin 120 based upon the type of user selection of a flushing actuation mechanism explained in more detail in FIGS. 3 & 5.

Specifically, the particular user selection of the flushing actuation mechanism may be based upon the type of excrement contained within the first toilet basin 110 and/or the second toilet basin 120. If semi-solid or solid excrement is contained within the first toilet basin 110 and/or the second toilet basin 120, then a first type of user selection of the flushing mechanism may be selected. If liquid excrement is contained within the first toilet basin 110 and/or the second toilet basin 120, then a second type of user selection of the flushing mechanism may be selected. Alternatively, the first and second types of user selection of the flushing mechanisms may determine whether the first toilet basin 110 and/or the second toilet basin 120 is flushed using the flushing liquid contained in the storage tank 170.

As shown in FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of a toilet basin 200 of a water efficient toilet system is portrayed. The toilet basin 200 may comprise a first toilet basin 210 and a second toilet basin 220 separated by a divider 230. The first toilet basin 210 and the second toilet basin 220 are disposed within a toilet rim 240. The toilet rim 240 may comprise a plurality of fluid-flow apertures 242 for allowing one or more types of fluid to flow through to portions of the user disposed within the toilet rim 240. Further, the toilet rim 240 may comprise a plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244 divided between a first plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244a disposed within the first toilet basin 210 and a second plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244b disposed within the second toilet basin 220. The plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244 allow one or more types of liquid to flow through to one or both of the first and second toilet basins 210, 220. Additionally, the toilet rim 240 comprises a conduit 246 for containing one or more sub-conduits associated with the plurality of fluid-flow apertures 242 and/or the plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244. Alternatively, the conduit 246 may itself function as the primary fluid-flow or liquid-flow conduit for the plurality of fluid-flow apertures 242 or the plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244.

The first toilet basin 210 and/or the second toilet basin 220 may be coated with one or more moisture barrier materials including, but not limited to, VSi Parylene, chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymers, epoxy materials and similar polymer materials or any combinations thereof. The remainder of the material utilized in manufacturing the first toilet basin 210 and/or the second toilet basin 220 may be materials including, but not limited to, ceramics, porcelain, polymers and similar materials or any combinations thereof.

Additionally, the first toilet basin 210 may have a larger dimensional surface area than the second toilet basin 220. Specifically, the first toilet basin 210 may have a front-to-back length dimension substantially between 1.25-2.5 times the front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 220, but preferably between 1.25-2 times the front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 220, and more preferably between 1.25-1.75 times the front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 220.

The front-to-back length dimension of the first toilet basin 210 may be measured from a rear of the toilet rim 240 to the divider 230. The front-to-back length dimension of the second toilet basin 220 may be measured from a front of the toilet rim 240 to the divider 230. Further, the front-to-back length dimension of each of the first toilet basin 210 and the second toilet basin 220 may be measured using an averaged length value between the toilet rim 240 and the divider 230 for respective first toilet basin 210 measurements and second toilet basin 220 measurements.

Similarly, the first toilet basin 210 may have a side-to-side width dimension substantially between 1-1.5 times the side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 220, but preferably between 1.1-1.4 times the side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 220, and more preferably between 1.15-1.35 times the side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 220.

The side-to-side width dimension of the first toilet basin 210 may be measured from a first side of the toilet rim 240 within the first toilet basin 210 region to a second side of the toilet rim 240 within the first toilet basin 210 region. The side-to-side width dimension of the second toilet basin 220 may be measured from the first side of the toilet rim 240 within the second toilet basin 220 region to the second side of the toilet rim within the second toilet basin region. Further, the side-to-side width dimension of each of the first toilet basin 210 and the second toilet basin 220 may be measured using an averaged width value between the first and second sides of the toilet rim 240 within respective first and second toilet basin 210, 220 regions.

While the plurality of fluid-flow apertures 242 are shown to be substantially rectangular in FIG. 2, the apertures 242 may be sized and shaped in any suitable manner. Specifically, the length and width dimensions of the fluid-flow apertures 242 may be between 1-8 centimeters, but preferably between 2-6 centimeters, and more preferably between 3-4 centimeters. Further, the shape of the fluid-flow apertures 242 may include, but are not limited to, rectangular, circular, elliptical, triangular and similar shapes or combinations thereof.

The fluid-flow apertures 242 may pass one or more types of fluid therethrough to portions of the user that are disposed within the toilet rim 240. The one or more types of fluid may include, but are not limited to, environmental air, oxygenated air, pure ozone, water, essential oils, synthetic fragrances, sanitizing solutions, disinfecting solutions, cleaning solutions, non-toxic solutions and similar materials or any combinations thereof. Further, an air compressor (further detailed in FIG. 5) contained within the storage tank may be utilized to compress the one or more fluids and expel those compressed fluids through the apertures 242 via the conduit 246 and/or one or more sub-conduits contained within the conduit 246. The one or more compressed fluids may be utilized to clean portions of the user that are disposed within the toilet rim 240. Further, the one or more compressed fluids may be utilized to dry portions of the user that are disposed within the toilet rim 240 after those same portions of the user within the toilet rim 240 have been cleaned.

While the plurality of liquid-flow apertures 244 of each of the first toilet basin 210 and second toilet basin 220 are shown to be substantially circular in FIG. 2, the apertures 244 may be sized and shaped in any suitable manner. Specifically, the length and width dimensions of the liquid-flow apertures 244 may be between 1-6 centimeters, but preferably between 1.5-5 centimeters, and more preferably between 2-4 centimeters. Further, the shape of the liquid-flow apertures 244 may include, but are not limited to, rectangular, circular, elliptical, triangular and similar shapes or combinations thereof.

The liquid-flow apertures 244 may pass one or more types of liquid there through to one or both of the first toilet basin 210 and second toilet basin 220. The one or more types of liquid may include, but are not limited to, water, ozonated water, essential oils, synthetic fragrances, sanitizing solutions, disinfecting solutions, cleaning solutions and similar materials or any combinations thereof. A first set of liquid-flow apertures 244a associated with the first toilet basin 210 may be operated independently of a second set of liquid flow apertures 244b associated with the second toilet basin 220. A particular user selection of the flushing actuation mechanism determines whether the first set of liquid-flow apertures 244a and/or the second set of liquid-flow apertures 244b are utilized.

Specifically, the particular user selection of the flushing actuation mechanism may be based upon the type of excrement contained within the first toilet basin 210 and/or the second toilet basin 220. If semi-solid or solid excrement is contained within the first toilet basin 210 and/or the second toilet basin 220, then a first type of user selection of the flushing mechanism may be selected. If liquid excrement is contained within the first toilet basin 210 and/or the second toilet basin 220, then a second type of user selection of the flushing mechanism may be selected. Alternatively, the first and second types of user selection of the flushing mechanisms may determine whether the first toilet basin 210 and/or the second toilet basin 220 is flushed using the flushing liquid contained in the storage tank.

Further, an electronic controller (further detailed in FIG. 5) may further control the operation of the first set of liquid-flow apertures 244a and the second set of liquid-flow apertures 244b. Specifically, the electronic controller may operate in conjunction with the flushing mechanism to execute the functionality associated with the particular user selection of the flushing mechanism. Additionally, the electronic controller may operate in conjunction with an electronic timing device in order to periodically and iteratively release the one or more fluids through the first set of liquid-flow apertures 244a and/or the second set of liquid-flow apertures 244b. Thereby, the cleanliness and sanitary state of first toilet basin 210 and the second toilet basin 220 may be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 3, a side view of a water efficient toilet system 300 is portrayed. The system 300 may comprise a rear toilet underbody 310 having a first drain conduit 312 and a second drain conduit 314. The system 300 may further comprise a front toilet underbody 320 that may contain portions of the first drain conduit 312 and the second drain conduit 314 and may support a toilet basin 330. The toilet basin 330 comprises a toilet rim 340 that allows for a toilet seat 350 and a toilet lid 360 to rest thereupon.

The toilet rim 340 structurally supports and is disposed adjacent to the toilet seat 350. The toilet seat 350 may be structured to accommodate the shape of the toilet rim 340 and the toilet basin 330. Further, the toilet seat 350 may be structurally coupled to the toilet lid 360. Each of the toilet seat 350 and toilet lid 360 may be rotationally coupled to the rear of the toilet rim 340 such that the seat 350 and lid 360 may be rotated between a first position adjacent the rim 340 and a second position adjacent a storage tank 370.

The storage tank 370 may be structurally coupled to the rear of the toilet rim 340 and the rear toilet underbody 310 while supporting the toilet seat 350 and toilet lid 360 when each are placed into the second position. The storage tank 370 may function substantially according to prior art toilet storage tanks by storing flushing liquid to be dispersed into the toilet basin 330 upon a user flushing the water efficient toilet system 300. Specifically, the storage tank 370 may supply flushing liquid to the toilet basin 330 upon user selection of a flushing actuation mechanism 374. Further, a tank lid 372 is disposed upon a top portion of the storage tank 370 allowing the user to selectively remove the tank lid 372 to permit the user access to the interior of the storage tank 370 for maintenance and like activities.

While the flushing mechanism 374 is shown in FIG. 3 to be a traditional manually-levered handle flushing mechanism, any suitable style of flushing mechanism 374 may be utilized including, but not limited to, flushing mechanisms operated via mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, manual and similar means or any combination thereof. Specifically, the flushing mechanism 374 may be actuated via voice activation, motion activation, touch activation and similar means or any combinations thereof. The electromechanical functionality associated with the voice activation, motion activation, touch activation, proximity activation etc. may in part be executed by an electronic controller (further detailed in FIG. 5) contained within the storage tank 370. Further, the flushing mechanism 374 may be at least in part located external or internal to the toilet basin 330, the toilet rim 340, the toilet seat 350, the toilet lid 360, the storage tank 370 and/or the tank lid 372.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of a portion of a water efficient toilet system 400 is portrayed. The system 400 generally comprises a first drain conduit 410 and a second drain conduit 420 each terminating at a common drain terminal 412. Further, the second drain conduit 420 comprises a u-shaped p-trap 422 between the terminal ends of the second drain conduit 420. A divider 430 is coupled to a toilet rim 440 and divides two portions of a toilet basin disposed within the toilet rim 440. The toilet rim 440 comprises a plurality of fluid-flow apertures 442, a plurality of liquid-flow apertures 444 and a conduit 446.

The liquid-flow apertures 444 may be separated by the divider 430 into a first set of liquid-flow apertures 444a and a second set of liquid-flow apertures 444b. Further, a storage tank terminal conduit 460 may be disposed at a rear portion of the toilet rim 440 and may couple directly to the toilet rim conduit 446 which itself terminates at the plurality of fluid-flow apertures 442 and the plurality of liquid-flow apertures 444. Additionally, a front underbody portion of the water efficient toilet system 400 may comprise a removable plate 450 in order to allow a user access to the interior of the front underbody portion for purposes of routine maintenance by a professional.

As shown in FIG. 5, a detailed view of a storage tank 500 of a water efficient toilet system is portrayed. The storage tank 500 generally comprises an exterior body 510, a tank lid 512, a flushing mechanism 514, a storage tank terminal conduit 520 and tank plumbing 530. The exterior body 510 defines a cavity therein that may be filled with flushing fluid to be flushed out of the cavity via the storage tank terminal conduit 520 upon actuation of the flushing mechanism 514 and operation of the tank plumbing 530. The tank plumbing 530 may operate substantially as prior art tank plumbing. Alternatively, the tank plumbing 530 may operate according to the type of flushing mechanism 514 chosen.

For example, while the flushing mechanism 514 is shown in FIG. 5 to be a traditional manually-levered handle flushing mechanism, any suitable style of flushing mechanism 514 may be utilized including, but not limited to, flushing mechanisms operated via mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, manual and similar means or any combination thereof. Specifically, the flushing mechanism 514 may be actuated via voice activation, motion activation, touch activation and similar means or any combinations thereof. The electromechanical functionality associated with the voice activation, motion activation, touch activation etc. may in part be executed by an electronic controller 550 contained within the storage tank 500. Further, the flushing mechanism 514 may be at least in part located external or internal to the toilet basin 330 of FIG. 3, the toilet rim 340 of FIG. 3, the toilet seat 350 of FIG. 3, the toilet lid 360 of FIG. 3, the storage tank 500 and/or the tank lid 512.

Further, the storage tank 500 may comprise an air compressor 540 for compressing one or more fluids to be passed through one or more conduits (not shown) to the storage tank terminal conduit 520 and to the apertures 442, 444 via conduit 446 as shown in FIG. 4. The air compressor 540 may cooperate with the electronic controller 550 to operate in conjunction with the flushing mechanism 514 or similar means.

Similarly, the storage tank 500 may comprise an ozone generator 560 for generating fluid ozone to be passed through one or more conduits (not shown) to the storage tank terminal conduit 520 and to the apertures 442, 444 via conduits 446 as shown in FIG. 4. The ozone generator 560 may cooperate with the electronic controller 550 to operate in conjunction with the flushing mechanism 514 or similar means. Alternatively, the ozone generator 560 may cooperate with eh electronic controller 550 to operate according to a preprogrammed iterative schedule for ozonating the interior of the toilet basin at regular intervals. Ozonation of the toilet basin interior allows for a decrease in noxious odors emanating from the toilet basin and further may disinfect the fluid contents and surfaces therein.

For example, the electronic controller 550 may operate in conjunction with the toilet seat 350 of FIG. 3 and toilet lid 360 of FIG. 3 to detect a fluid seal being formed around the interior of the toilet basin 330 of FIG. 3. Such detection may be accomplished via one or more proximity or rotation sensors disposed upon and/or within the toilet basin 330 of FIG. 3, the toilet rim 340 of FIG. 3, the toilet seat 350 of FIG. 3, the toilet lid 360 of FIG. 3 and/or the exterior body 514. Proximity sensing may be accomplished via one or more of capacitive sensors, photodetectors, weight sensors, pressure sensors and similar sensing devices or any combinations thereof. Rotational detection may be accomplished via the rotational positioning of the toilet seat 350 and toilet lid 360 between the first and second positions between toilet rim 340 and storage tank exterior body 514 as described with reference to FIG. 3. Such rotational detection may be captured via one or more of optical encoders, incremental encoders, absolute encoders, magnetic sensors, Hall-effect sensors, variable-reluctance sensors, eddy-current killed oscillators, Wiegand sensors, gear tooth sensors and similar sensing devices or any combinations thereof. The aforementioned proximity and rotational sensors may be utilized in conjunction with any other electronic component described in any of the aforementioned FIGS. 1-5, but particularly with respect to the flushing mechanism of FIG. 3 and the other electrical components illustrated in FIG. 5.

The specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. However, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected,” where unmodified and referring to physical connections, is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited. The use of the term “set” (e.g., “a set of items”) or “subset” unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, is to be construed as a nonempty collection comprising one or more members. Further, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “subset” of a corresponding set does not necessarily denote a proper subset of the corresponding set, but the subset and the corresponding set may be equal.

Conjunctive language, such as phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B and C,” is understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either A or B or C, or any nonempty subset of the set of A and B and C, unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. For instance, in the illustrative example of a set having three members, the conjunctive phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B and C” refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C each to be present. In addition, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “plurality” indicates a state of being plural (e.g., “a plurality of items” indicates multiple items). The number of items in a plurality is at least two, but can be more when so indicated either explicitly or by context.

The use of any examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Embodiments of this disclosure are described, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend for embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, although above-described elements may be described in the context of certain embodiments of the specification, unless stated otherwise or otherwise clear from context, these elements are not mutually exclusive to only those embodiments in which they are described; any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety.

Claims

1. A water efficient toilet system, comprising:

a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim, wherein the divider separates the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin comprises a second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin is dimensionally larger than the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening is dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening, and wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin comprises a second set of fluid-flow apertures, wherein the toilet rim comprises a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim, and wherein the fluid-flow conduit is fluidically coupled to a third set of fluid-flow apertures disposed within an interior surface of the toilet rim;

a toilet underbody comprising a front toilet underbody and a rear toilet underbody, wherein the front toilet underbody comprises a removable panel disposed into an exterior body surface of the front toilet underbody and comprises a front drain conduit disposed interior to the exterior body surface, wherein the rear toilet underbody comprises a rear drain conduit and a common drain terminal, wherein the front drain conduit is coupled to the second drain conduit opening and the rear drain conduit is coupled to the first drain conduit opening, and wherein the front drain conduit comprises a p-trap disposed adjacent the common drain terminal that is coupled to both the front drain conduit and the rear drain conduit; and

a toilet storage tank comprising a flushing mechanism, an air compressor and an electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller communicates with the flushing mechanism and the air compressor upon a user actuating the flushing mechanism.

2. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the third set of fluid-flow apertures are dimensionally larger than the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures.

3. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, further comprising a toilet lid and a toilet seat that together form a fluid seal with the toilet rim and the first and second toilet basins.

4. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the first set of fluid-flow apertures are physically separated from the second set of fluid-flow apertures by the divider.

5. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a length dimension substantially between 1.25 and 2.5 times a length dimension of the second toilet basin.

6. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a width dimension substantially between 1 and 1.5 times a width dimension of the second toilet basin.

7. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein length and width dimensions of the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures are substantially between 2 and 6 centimeters.

8. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein length and width dimensions of the third set of fluid-flow apertures are substantially between 1.5 and 5 centimeters.

9. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the first toilet basin and the second toilet basin comprise a coating of VSi Parylene, a coating of a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer or any combination thereof.

10. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the toilet storage tank comprises an ozone generator that communicates with the electronic controller upon the user actuating the flushing mechanism.

11. The water efficient toilet system of claim 10, wherein the electronic controller communicates with a toilet lid and a toilet seat and activates or deactivates the ozone generator based upon the communication with the toilet lid and the toilet seat.

12. The water efficient toilet system of claim 1, wherein the flushing mechanism is actuated via one or more of voice activation, motion activation, touch activation, proximity activation or any combination thereof.

13. A water efficient toilet system, comprising:

a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim, wherein the system further comprises a toilet lid and a toilet seat that together form a fluid seal with the toilet rim and the first and second toilet basins, wherein the divider separates the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin comprises a second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin is dimensionally larger than the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening is dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin comprises a second set of fluid-flow apertures, and wherein the first set of fluid-flow apertures are physically separated from the second set of fluid-flow apertures by the divider, wherein the toilet rim comprises a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim, wherein the fluid-flow conduit is fluidically coupled to a third set of fluid-flow apertures disposed within an interior surface of the toilet rim, and wherein the third set of fluid-flow apertures are dimensionally larger than the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures;

a toilet underbody comprising a front toilet underbody and a rear toilet underbody, wherein the front toilet underbody comprises a removable panel disposed into an exterior body surface of the front toilet underbody and comprises a front drain conduit disposed interior to the exterior body surface, wherein the rear toilet underbody comprises a rear drain conduit and a common drain terminal, wherein the front drain conduit is coupled to the second drain conduit opening and the rear drain conduit is coupled to the first drain conduit opening, and wherein the front drain conduit comprises a p-trap disposed adjacent the common drain terminal that is coupled to both the front drain conduit and the rear drain conduit; and

a toilet storage tank comprising a flushing mechanism, an air compressor and an electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller communicates with the flushing mechanism and the air compressor upon a user actuating the flushing mechanism.

14. The water efficient toilet system of claim 13, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a length dimension substantially between 1.25 and 2.5 times a length dimension of the second toilet basin.

15. The water efficient toilet system of claim 13, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a width dimension substantially between 1 and 1.5 times a width dimension of the second toilet basin.

16. The water efficient toilet system of claim 13, wherein length and width dimensions of the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures are substantially between 2 and 6 centimeters.

17. The water efficient toilet system of claim 13, wherein length and width dimensions of the third set of fluid-flow apertures are substantially between 1.5 and 5 centimeters.

18. The water efficient toilet system of claim 13, wherein the first toilet basin and the second toilet basin comprise a coating of VSi Parylene, a coating of a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer or any combination thereof.

19. A water efficient toilet system, comprising:

a toilet basin comprising a divider, a first toilet basin, a second toilet basin and a toilet rim, wherein the first toilet basin and the second toilet basin comprise a coating of VSi Parylene or a coating of a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer, wherein the system further comprises a toilet lid and a toilet seat that together form a fluid seal with the toilet rim and the first and second toilet basins, wherein the divider separates the first toilet basin from the second toilet basin, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first drain conduit opening and the second toilet basin comprises a second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a length dimension substantially between 1.25 and 2.5 times a length dimension of the second toilet basin and the first drain conduit opening is dimensionally larger than the second drain conduit opening, wherein the first toilet basin comprises a first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second toilet basin comprises a second set of fluid-flow apertures, and wherein the first set of fluid-flow apertures are physically separated from the second set of fluid-flow apertures by the divider, wherein the toilet rim comprises a fluid-flow conduit disposed interior to and unitary with a body of the toilet rim, wherein the fluid-flow conduit is fluidically coupled to a third set of fluid-flow apertures disposed within an interior surface of the toilet rim, and wherein the third set of fluid-flow apertures are dimensionally larger than the first set of fluid-flow apertures and the second set of fluid-flow apertures;

a toilet underbody comprising a front toilet underbody and a rear toilet underbody, wherein the front toilet underbody comprises a removable panel disposed into an exterior body surface of the front toilet underbody and comprises a front drain conduit disposed interior to the exterior body surface, wherein the rear toilet underbody comprises a rear drain conduit and a common drain terminal, wherein the front drain conduit is coupled to the second drain conduit opening and the rear drain conduit is coupled to the first drain conduit opening, and wherein the front drain conduit comprises a p-trap disposed adjacent the common drain terminal that is coupled to both the front drain conduit and the rear drain conduit; and

a toilet storage tank comprising a flushing mechanism, an air compressor and an electronic controller, wherein the electronic controller communicates with the flushing mechanism and the air compressor upon a user actuating the flushing mechanism.

20. The water efficient toilet system of claim 19, wherein the toilet storage tank comprises an ozone generator that communicates with the electronic controller upon the user actuating the flushing mechanism, and wherein the electronic controller communicates with the toilet lid and the toilet seat and activates or deactivates the ozone generator based upon the communication with the toilet lid and the toilet seat.