High Efficiency Toilet

Abstract

A high efficiency toilet assembly comprising a vacuum-assist container positioned at a toilet tank interior; a connecting tube fluidly coupled to a trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap and extending to an interior upper end of the container, wherein upon initiation of a flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in a container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway, and wherein the toilet bowl comprises one or more lateral rim outlets positioned towards an upper perimeter of a toilet bowl interior surface, and the one or more lateral rim outlets are configured to direct flush water in a lateral direction circumferentially about the bowl interior surface to effectively clean the bowl.

Description

The disclosure relates to a toilet assembly, for instance, to a toilet assembly configured to operate at reduced flush volumes while providing for a clean bowl.

BACKGROUND

Typically, toilets incorporate three systems that work together to perform a flushing action: a bowl siphon, a flush mechanism, and a refill mechanism. Working in concert, these three systems constitute flush cycle of a toilet. A toilet tank, usually positioned on a toilet deck towards a back of a bowl, contains water used to initiate siphoning from the bowl to a sewage line, after which fresh water refills the bowl. When one desires to flush a toilet, he or she may manipulate a flush lever positioned on an outside of a tank, which is connected on the inside of the tank to a movable chain or lever. Upon operation, a flush lever moves a chain or lever in a tank interior, thereby lifting and opening a flush valve and causing water to flow from the tank and into the bowl initiate a toilet flush cycle.

In many toilet designs, water flows directly into the bowl and disperses into a bowl rim. The water releases into the bowl rather quickly, with flow from the tank into the bowl typically lasting approximately 2 to 4 seconds. Water may be configured to flow from a rim into a bowl, and down a channel within the bowl and through a hole at the bottom of the toilet (commonly known as a siphon jet). A siphon jet releases water into an adjoining trapway, thereby initiating a siphon action. A siphon action draws water and waste out of the bowl and into a trapway. Waste and water continues through the trapway and is released into a wastewater line. Once a tank is emptied of its contents during a flush cycle, the flush valve closes, and a floating mechanism which has now dropped in the tank to a lower position is configured to initiate opening of a fill valve or “refill valve”. A refill valve may be configured to provide fresh water to both a toilet tank and a bowl through separate flows. Eventually the toilet tank fills with water to a high enough level to cause the float to rise, thus shutting off the fill valve. At this point, a flush cycle is complete.

Typically, a toilet rim may comprise a hollow member comprising a plurality of outlets configured to dispense flush water onto a bowl surface for cleaning. A plurality of rim outlets are generally positioned on a rim underside, and configured to direct flush water flow downward onto a bowl surface. Such a bowl cleaning mechanism may not be optimal. Further, an underside of a typical rim (a so-called “box rim”) is not generally visible and may collect dangerous pathogens.

Desired are toilet assemblies configured to provide for efficient bowl cleaning during a flush cycle. Also desired are toilet assemblies configured to provide for efficient bowl cleaning and efficient waste removal while employing a low volume of flush water.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl having a deck positioned at a rear of the toilet bowl; a toilet tank assembly comprising a toilet tank positioned on the deck; a container positioned at a toilet tank interior; a flush valve assembly positioned at the toilet tank interior; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of the container, wherein the container is configured to hold flush water, the toilet tank is configured to hold flush water surrounding the container, the container comprises an open lower end and a closed upper end, the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank interior, the container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles, the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway into the container upper end, the connecting tube is in flow communication with the first volume of pressurized air and the second volume of pressurized air, the sump trap and the lower trap are configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, and upon initiation of the flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in the container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway, and wherein the toilet bowl comprises one or more lateral rim outlets and an interior surface, the one or more lateral rim outlets are positioned towards an upper perimeter of the toilet bowl interior surface, and the one or more lateral rim outlets are configured to direct flush water in a lateral direction circumferentially about the bowl interior surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, provide a views of a toilet bowl, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E show cross-section views of a toilet bowl, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1F shows a portion of a top cross-section view of a toilet bowl, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B provide views of a toilet bowl, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows a toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B provides a view of a toilet bowl assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a toilet tank assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C provide views of a tank container assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-section view of a toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1A shows a front, top view toilet bowl 100, according to some embodiments. Bowl 100 comprises bowl inner surface 100i, bowl rim 105, and toilet deck 101. Deck 101 is positioned vertically higher relative to bowl upper planar circumferential surface 108. Circumferential planar surface 108 encircles rim 105. Deck 101 comprises openings 102, 103, and 104, configured to receive a flush valve assembly, a connecting tube assembly, and a refill valve assembly (each not shown), respectively. Positioned below and adjacent rim 105 are left side rim outlet 106l and right side rim outlet 106r. Flow director 107, also positioned below and adjacent rim 105, is configured to direct flush water in a first direction from left side rim outlet 106l and along left side rim outlet shelf 106ls, and in a second direction from right side rim outlet 106r and along right side rim outlet shelf 106rs. Flush water is configured to flow from left side rim outlet 106l and right side rim outlet 106r in opposite directions along associated shelves 106ls and 106rs and around bowl inner surface 100i. Lateral rim outlets 106l and 106r are positioned towards an upper perimeter of inner surface 100i and are configured to direct flush water in a lateral direction circumferentially about bowl interior surface 100i. An underside of flow director 107 comprises a plurality of openings 118 (not visible), configured to direct flush water towards a rear portion of bowl inner surface 100i.

FIG. 1B shows a rear, top view of toilet bowl 100, according to some embodiments. It is seen that left side rim outlet shelf 106ls tapers in width from outlet 106l (not visible) along bowl inner surface 100i. Also visible is trapway 109, configured to carry bowl contents to a sewer line. Trapway 109 is coupled to and in flow communication with interface 110. Interface 110 is in flow communication with opening 103.

FIG. 1C shows a top view of toilet bowl 100, according to an embodiment. Toilet deck 101 comprises openings 102, 103, and 104, configured to receive a flush valve assembly, a connecting tube assembly, and a refill valve assembly (each not shown), respectively. Bowl sump area 111, positioned at a bottom end of bowl inner surface 100i, comprises trapway inlet 112, and jet outlet 116 (not visible). Sump area 111 is configured to hold a sanitary water seal between flush cycles, and is in flow communication with trapway 109 (not shown) via trapway inlet 112.

FIG. 1D provides a cross-section view of toilet bowl 100, according to some embodiments. Flush water waterway 115 is fluidly coupled to opening 102, and configured to receive flush water from a toilet water tank (not shown, positioned on deck 101), and to direct flush water to rim outlets 106l, 106r, and 118. Toilet bowl 100 comprises sump trap 113, configured to hold water between flush cycles. Sump trap 113 is configured to hold water from downstream water level STD to upstream water level STU. Trapway 109 comprises lower trap 114, also configured to hold water between flush cycles. Lower trap 114 is configured to hold water from downstream water level LTD to upstream water level LTU. Trapway 109 is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air from STD to LTU between flush cycles. A pressure of a second volume of pressurized air may be measured in mm of water with distance P1. Trapway 109 comprises first upstream weir 109wu and second downstream weir 109wd. Jet outlet 116 is a small hole positioned opposite trapway inlet 112 in sump area 111. Trapway outlet 117 is configured to fluidly couple to a sewer line.

FIG. 1E provides a cross-section, bottom view of toilet bowl 100, according to an embodiment. This view shows a plurality of longitudinal rim outlets 118 positioned at an underside of flow director 107. In this embodiment, seven outlets 118 are positioned at an underside of flow director 107, one at a center point of 107, three to the left of center (visible), and three to the right of center (not visible). Longitudinal rim outlets 118 are configured to clean bowl inner surface 100i between lateral rim outlets 106l and 106r. Waterway 115 is configured to direct flush water to outlets 106l, 106r, and 118, also to jet hole 116. Waterway 115 is fluidly coupled to jet channel 115s, and configured to direct flush water through jet channel 115s to jet hole 116 during a flush cycle. In an embodiment, there are two jet channels 115s within a left and right side of bowl 100 fluidly coupled to waterway 115 and jet hole 116.

FIG. 1F shows a close-up, cross-section top view of toilet bowl 100 comprising outlets 118 and flow director 107. Visible are left side rim outlet 106l, right side rim outlet 106r, flow director 107, jet channel 115s, and waterway 115. Also visible is trapway inlet 112 positioned in sump area 111. Outlet 118 positioned at a center point of flow director 107 is configured to direct flush water straight down onto bowl surface 100i (0° flow angle). Remaining outlets 118 comprise an increasing angle away from a Y axis center line. The increasing “oval-shape” appearance of outlets 118 away from center are due to an angle of a water channel associated with each outlet 118 (which channels are essentially otherwise identical). The three outlets 118 from center to left and from center to right are configured to direct flush water at increasing angles along bowl surface 100i from 0° to 15°, to 35°, and to 45°. Varying angles of outlets 118 provide a greater cleaning area of surface 100i.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B provide views of toilet bowl 200, according to some embodiments. Toilet deck 201 comprises openings 202 and 203, configured to receive a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube assembly (each not shown), respectively. Bowl 200 comprises “box rim” 205 extending about an entire perimeter of bowl circumferential planar surface 208. Box rim 205 comprises a plurality of small rim outlets 218 positioned about an underside thereof. During a flush cycle, flush water is configured to flow through waterway 215, through rim channel 219, and through outlets 218 onto bowl inner surface 200i to clean the bowl. Trapway 209 is fluidly coupled to interface 210 and comprises upstream weir 209wu and downstream weir 209wd. Trapway 209 is configured to hold a sanitary water seal in sump trap 213 and in lower trap 214. Bowl sump area 211 comprises sump jet outlet 216 and trapway inlet 212. During a flush cycle, flush water is configured to pass bowl contents through trapway 209 and through trapway outlet 217 to a sewer line.

FIG. 3A shows a view of toilet assembly 325, according to some embodiments. Toilet assembly 325 comprises toilet tank assembly 326 positioned on deck 301 of toilet bowl 300. During a flush cycle, tank assembly 326 is configured to deliver flush water to left side rim outlet 306l and right side rim outlet 306r. Lateral rim outlets 306l and 306r are each positioned at an upper perimeter of inner surface 300i and are configured to direct flush water in a same (counter clockwise) lateral direction circumferentially about bowl inner surface 300i to clean the bowl and through trapway outlet 317. Left side rim outlet 306l is associated with tapered outlet shelf 306ls, and right side rim outlet 306r is associated with tapered outlet shelf 306rs. Rim outlet 306l and rim outlet 306r are positioned at a left side and right side of a line bisecting bowl 300 along a Y axis (from a top view), respectively. Outlets 306l and 306r are positioned about equidistant from the Y axis bisecting line. Right side shelf 306rs tapers to (tapers down to) about the Y axis bisecting line. Left side shelf 306ls tapers to beyond an X axis line bisecting bowl 300 (from a top view).

FIG. 3B shows a top, cross-section view of toilet bowl 300, according to some embodiments. Shown is sump area 311 positioned at a bottom of bowl interior 300i, and comprising jet outlet 316 and trapway inlet 312. Visible also is a portion of waterway 315, configured to deliver flush water from tank assembly 326 to rim outlets 306l and 306r, and to jet outlet 316 via jet channel 315s. Lateral rim outlets 306l and 306r are positioned at about a same vertical distance from upper planar circumferential surface 308. Upon initiation of a flush cycle, flush water is configured to flow to waterway 315, left side rim outlet 306l, and right side rim outlet 306r. Arcuate wall flow director 307 is positioned in a flush water flow path. Flush water is configured to flow from tank assembly 326, through waterway 315, along flow director 307 in first direction F1, past a left side end of flow director 307, and to left side rim outlet 306l. Flush water is also configured to flow along flow director 307 in second direction F2, to curve around a right side end of flow director 307, and to flow in third direction F3 to exit right side rim outlet 306r. Flush water is configured to exit left side rim outlet 306l, travel along shelf 306ls, and around bowl interior 300i during a flush cycle. Flush water is also configured to exit right side rim outlet 306r, and travel along shelf 306rs to clean an area of surface 300i between rim outlet 306r and rim outlet 306l. Flush water exiting outlets 306l and 306r is configured to travel in a same circumferential direction, counter-clockwise from a top view.

FIG. 4A provides an exploded view of toilet tank assembly 426, according to some embodiments. Toilet tank assembly 426 may be suitable for mounting on toilet bowls, 100, 200, or 300, according to some embodiments. Tank assembly 426 comprises tank 438 and tank lid 437. Container assembly 427 is configured to be positioned at an interior of tank 438. Flush valve assembly 435 is configured to be positioned in container inner chamber 428. Actuation assembly 434 is configured to be coupled to flush valve 435. Manipulating the handle of actuation assembly 434 to initiate a flush cycle will cause a seal of flush valve assembly 435 to lift, allowing flush water from tank 438 and from container 427 to pass to a toilet bowl. Towards an end of a flush cycle, refill valve 436, also positioned at an interior of tank 438, is configured direct fresh water to tank assembly 426 for use in a subsequent flush cycle. Also shown are annular gaskets 439 and 440, configured to seal flush valve 435 and connecting tube 441 (see FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 5) to a toilet bowl deck, respectively.

FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C provide bottom and see-through views of container assembly 427, according to some embodiments. Container assembly 427 comprises gasket 442 configured to provide a seal between container bottom end 448 and an interior floor of tank 438. Gasket 443 is configured to provide a seal around connecting tube 441 and between container bottom end 448 and an interior floor of tank 438. Nut 444 is configured to be positioned in gasket 440 between a bottom exterior of tank 438 and a toilet deck and to seal, with gasket 440, connecting tube 441 to toilet tank 438 and a toilet deck. Both gaskets 439 and 440 comprise a “nut shaped” cut-out to receive a nut to fix flush valve 435 and to fix connecting tube 441, respectively, between a bottom end of tank 438 and a toilet bowl deck. Container assembly 427 comprises inner chamber 428, defined by inner wall 432. Inner chamber 428 is configured to receive flush valve assembly 435. Container assembly comprises continuous side wall 431 and closed upper end 433.

Connecting tube 441 is configured to couple to a trapway interface, for instance interface 110 or 210, and an upper end of connecting tube 441 is positioned in container upper portion 429. An upper end of connecting tube 441 comprises an opening, thereby providing flow communication between container upper portion 429 and a trapway. Container assembly 427 comprises vacuum chamber 430, defined by annular inner wall 432, continuous side wall 431, closed upper end 433, and upper portion 429. Vacuum chamber 430 and inner chamber 428 are configured to hold flush water between flush cycles, while container upper portion 429 is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles. Space 445 is positioned between a lower end of inner wall 432 and container bottom end 448, providing for flow communication between vacuum chamber 430 and inner chamber 428. Container bottom end 448 comprises a plurality of openings 446, configured to provide flow communication between an interior of container assembly 427 and surrounding flush water of toilet tank 438. An upper end of a connecting tube may comprise a check valve, configured to prevent a sewer gases from entering container 427, for example if one were to use a plunger on a bowl.

As a seal of flush valve 435 is lifted off a valve inlet to initiate a flush cycle, flush water will exit inner chamber 428, vacuum chamber 430, and toilet tank 438 and pass through to a bowl to perform a flush. Surrounding tank water will pass through openings 446 to enter container assembly 427 and pass through open flush valve assembly 435 during a flush. As a water level in vacuum chamber 430 falls, negative pressure is formed in container upper portion 429, which exerts a negative pressure through connecting tube 441 on a trapway portion between STD and LTU (FIG. 1D), thereby aiding a siphon flow of flush water through a trapway. As a float of refill valve 436 falls with falling tank water, refill valve 436 is activated to provide fresh water to again fill tank 438. Refill water fills tank 438 and passes through openings 446 and through space 445 to refill inner chamber 428 and vacuum chamber 430. As vacuum chamber 430 is refilled with fresh water, a first volume of air in container upper portion 429 and a second volume of air in a trapway between STD and LTU is again pressurized, ending a flush cycle.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-section view of toilet assembly 525, according to an embodiment. Toilet assembly 525 comprises tank assembly 426 coupled to toilet bowl 200. Shown are container assembly 427 comprising connecting tube 441, which is coupled to interface 210 with gasket 440. Interface 210 is in flow communication with trapway 209 and with connecting tube 441. Space 445 is visible below a lower end of wall 432. Flush valve 435 is coupled to toilet deck 201 with gasket 439, and is positioned in inner chamber 428. Chamber continuous side wall 431 is positioned about inner wall 432.

In some embodiments, a present toilet assembly may be considered a “rimless” toilet. For instance, a present toilet may not comprise a conventional “box” rim. A box rim will typically have a plurality of openings at a rim bottom surface for introducing flush water longitudinally downward to clean a bowl interior surface. Alternatively, a present toilet may comprise one or more, for instance one or two, lateral rim outlets positioned towards an upper perimeter bowl interior surface. Flush water exiting a lateral rim outlet and into a bowl surface may be configured to flow circumferentially around a bowl interior surface to clean the bowl during a flush cycle. In other embodiments, a present toilet assembly may comprise a box rim. Toilet assemblies as disclosed herein may be configured to provide for a clean bowl during a flush cycle at reduced flush volumes.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet, both positioned towards an upper perimeter surface of a bowl interior surface. A first rim outlet and a second rim outlet may be configured to discharge flush water onto a bowl interior surface and to direct the flush water around the bowl interior surface in a same or an opposite direction during a flush cycle. A first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet may be vertically aligned, for example may be positioned at substantially a same distance from a bowl upper planar circumferential surface. In some embodiments, toilet bowl interior surface may meet a top planar surface at a bowl upper planar surface.

In some embodiments, a first lateral rim outlet may be positioned on a left side of a Y axis center line bisecting a toilet bowl. A first lateral rim outlet may be positioned from any of about 10%, about 12%, about 14%, about 16%, about 18%, about 20%, about 22%, about 24%, about 26%, about 28%, about 30%, about 32%, or more, of a distance measured along Y axis center line bisecting a toilet bowl from front to back. A distance measured along a Y axis center line may be measured form an upper planar rim circumferential surface rear inner point to an upper planar rim circumferential surface front inner point.

A second lateral rim outlet may be positioned at a right side of a Y axis center line bisecting a toilet bowl. A second rim outlet may be positioned from any of about 10%, about 12%, about 14%, about 16%, about 18%, about 20%, about 22%, to any of about 24%, about 26%, about 28%, about 30%, about 32%, or more, of a distance measured along the Y axis bowl center line. In some embodiments, a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet may both be positioned towards a rear of a toilet bowl, as shown in the figures.

In some embodiments, a lateral rim outlet may comprise a substantially rectangular shape. In some embodiments, a lateral rim outlet may be associated with and in flow communication with a shelf. A first lateral rim outlet may be associated with a first rim shelf and a second rim outlet may be associated with a second rim shelf. A first shelf may taper from a first lateral rim outlet, i.e., may extend from a widest point to a narrowest point. A first shelf may taper from a first lateral rim outlet to a point on a left side of a bowl center line. A first shelf may taper from the first lateral rim outlet to a point of from any of about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, or about 50%, to any of about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, or more of a distance measured along a bowl Y axis center line.

A second rim shelf may taper from a second rim outlet to a point between a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet. A second shelf may taper from a second rim outlet to about a bowl Y axis center line. A first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet may be configured to direct flush water along a first rim shelf and a second rim shelf, respectively, and circumferentially around a bowl interior to clean the bowl during a flush cycle in a same direction.

In another embodiment, a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet may be configured to direct flush water along a first rim shelf and a second rim shelf, laterally and circumferentially about a bowl interior surface in opposite directions. A first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet may positioned about a same distance from a Y axis center line. A second shelf may taper from the second lateral rim outlet to a point of from any of about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, or about 50%, to any of about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, or more of a distance measured along a bowl Y axis center line.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise one or more longitudinal rim outlets configured to direct flush water in a longitudinal direction downward onto a bowl inner surface to clean the bowl during a flush cycle. A toilet assembly may comprise a plurality of longitudinal rim outlets configured to direct flush water downward onto a bowl inner surface a varying spray angles, for instance at angles from any of about 5°, about 10°, about 15°, about 20°, about 25°, or about 30°, to any of about 35°, about 40°, about 45°, about 50°, about 55°, about 65°, about 70°, about 75°, or more, relative to a Y axis center line. Longitudinal rim outlets may comprise a substantially round or oval shape, for example having a diameter of from any of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, to any of about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, or more.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or more longitudinal rim outlets. In some embodiments, there may be an odd number of longitudinal rim outlets, with one centered at a line bisecting a toilet bowl from front to back, and an equal number of longitudinal rim outlets positioned on a left side of center and on a right side of center. In some embodiments, longitudinal rim outlets positioned on a left side of center may be configured to direct flush water at an increasing angle away from a center line onto a bowl inner surface, likewise for longitudinal rim outlets positioned on a right side of center. In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a single slot-shaped longitudinal outlet.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a jet outlet hole positioned in a bowl sump area, opposite a trapway inlet. A jet hold outlet may be configured to not necessarily direct flush water to a sump area to initiate a siphon, but rather to refill a sump trap to re-form a sanitary water seal during a flush cycle. Sump trap refill may be accomplished by slow draining of flush water through a jet outlet hole during a flush cycle. A jet outlet hole may comprise a relatively small diameter, for instance from any of about 4 mm, about 5 mm, or about 6 mm, to any of about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, or more. A toilet assembly may comprise a jet channel in fluid communication with a flush valve and configured to deliver flush water to a jet outlet during a flush cycle. One or more lateral rim outlets, one or more longitudinal rim outlets, a waterway, a jet channel, a jet outlet, and a flush valve may be in flow communication. A toilet assembly may comprise a pair of jet channels positioned on opposite side of a bowl and running from a waterway in flow communication with a flush valve to a jet outlet.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may be configured to deliver from any of about 2.5 liters, about 2.6 liters, about 2.7 liters, about 2.8 liters, about 2.9 liters, about 3.0 liters, about 3.1 liters, about 3.2 liters, about 3.3 liters, or about 3.4 liters, to any of about 3.5 liters, about 3.6 liters, about 3.7 liters, about 3.8 liters, about 3.9 liters, about 4.0 liters, or more flush water during a flush cycle, in total. A toilet assembly may be configured to deliver about 3.8 liters of flush water or less during a flush cycle, in total.

Flush water delivered to a toilet bowl during a flush cycle may be directed to one or more rim outlets and a jet outlet. In some embodiments, an amount of flush water directed to one or more rim outlets combined (lateral and/or longitudinal), during a flush cycle, may be greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 85%, by volume, based on a total amount of flush water delivered. For instance, an amount of flush water directed to one or more rim outlets combined, during a flush cycle, may be from any of about 75%, about 77%, about 79%, about 81%, or about 83%, to any of about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 89%, about 91%, about 92%, or about 93%, by volume, based on a total amount of flush water delivered. A high percentage of flush water delivered to the one or more rim outlets (lateral and/or longitudinal) is configured to effectively clean a toilet bowl interior surface during a flush cycle, while employing an overall low volume of flush water.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a waterway in fluid communication with a flush valve and with one or more rim outlets and a jet outlet. In some embodiments, a flow director may be positioned in a waterway, which flow director may comprise an arcuate wall. A flow director may be configured to direct flush water to a rim outlet, for example to a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet. A flow director may have a convex portion facing away from a toilet bowl, and a concave portion facing towards a toilet bowl. In an embodiment, flush water may be configured to be directed through a waterway and along a flow director in a first direction, past a first end of the flow director, and to a first lateral rim outlet. A flow director first end may be positioned adjacent a first lateral rim outlet.

In an embodiment, flush water may be configured to be directed through a waterway and along a flow director in a second direction, opposite a first direction. Flush water may be configured to be directed past a second end of a flow director, and to a second lateral rim outlet. A flow director second may be positioned adjacent a second lateral rim outlet. In another embodiment, flush water may be configured to be directed around a second end of the flow director, and in a third direction along the flow director, and to a second lateral rim outlet. A flow second direction and third direction may comprise essentially a 180 degree turn.

Flush water exiting a lateral rim outlet may be configured to flow about a bowl interior surface to clean the bowl during a flush cycle. Flush water exiting a lateral rim outlet may be configured to travel about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, or more of a total bowl surface area. In some embodiments, flush water exiting a second lateral rim outlet may be configured to effectively clean a bowl interior surface between a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet. In some embodiments, flush water exiting one or more longitudinal rim outlets may be configured to effectively clean a bowl interior surface portion, for example a portion between a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet.

A toilet assembly may comprise a toilet tank assembly positioned on a deck positioned towards a rear of a toilet bowl. A flush valve assembly may be positioned at an interior of a toilet tank. A refill valve may also be positioned at an interior of a toilet tank.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a “vacuum-assist” system. A vacuum-assist system may comprise a trapway having a sump trap and a second, lower trap. A vacuum-assist toilet assembly may also comprise a container positioned in a toilet water tank positioned on a toilet deck. An open conduit, or connecting tube, may be positioned in a container and fluidly coupled to the trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap. A container may have a closed upper end, an open lower end, and a continuous side wall, defining a container interior space. Toilet tank water between flush cycles will be present in the container and surround the container, with a top upper end of the container being positioned above the water level. Between flush cycles, a container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of air, and a trapway portion between a sump trap and a lower trap is configured to hold a second volume or air. The connection tube comprises an upper open end positioned in the first volume of air, and is fluidly coupled to the trapway second volume of air.

In some embodiments, a second volume of air may also include air located in a connecting tube and/or air located in an interface portion coupled to a connecting tube and a trapway.

A volume of a first volume of air in a container may be less than that of a second volume of air in a trapway. A ratio of a first volume of air to a second volume of air in percent by volume may be from any of about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, or about 30%, to any of about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, or more.

A first volume of air and a second volume of air may be at atmospheric pressure, or may be pressurized, that is, may have a pressure above atmospheric. In some embodiments, a pressure of a first and second volume of pressurized air may be from any of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 8 mm, about 11 mm, or about 14 mm, to any of about 17 mm, about 20 mm, about 23 mm, about 26 mm, about 29 mm, about 32 mm, about 35 mm, about 38 mm, about 41 mm, about 44 mm, about 47 mm, of about 50 mm of water, or more.

A toilet assembly may configured such that, upon directing flush water from a toilet tank to a bowl, a water level in a container falls, resulting in a reduced pressure in the first volume of air in the container upper end. The reduced pressure exerts a reduced pressure on the second volume of air in the trapway between the sump trap and the lower trap. The reduced pressure will aid a siphon flow of bowl contents into and through the trapway. As a tank water level falls, a refill valve positioned in the tank is configured to begin providing fresh water to refill the tank for a next flush cycle. New fresh tank water will enter the tank and the container, thereby re-pressurizing a first volume of air and a second volume of air to atmospheric pressure or above.

In some embodiments, a container may comprise a closed upper end, a continuous side wall, and an inner wall. A container may comprise an inner chamber defined by the inner wall. An inner wall and an inner chamber may comprise a cylinder-like shape. A container may comprise a vacuum chamber defined by the continuous side wall, the closed upper end, and the inner wall. A vacuum chamber may surround, or encircle an inner chamber. An upper end of a vacuum chamber may be configured to hold a first volume of air. A flush valve assembly may be positioned within an inner chamber. An upper end of a flush valve assembly may be accessible via the inner chamber. An upper end of a flush valve assembly may be coupled to a chain or lever configured to be actuated manually or electronically to lift a flush valve seal to open the valve to start a flush cycle by allowing tank water to flow into a toilet bowl.

A container lower end, or “bottom end”, may be essentially solid, and comprise one or more openings configured to provide flow communication between surrounding tank water and an interior of the container. An inner wall may extend downward towards a container lower end, and may have an open space, e.g. an annular open space, between an inner wall lower bottom end and a container lower end. A vacuum chamber and an inner chamber may be in flow communication, and both may be in flow communication with surrounding toilet tank water.

Upon initiation of a flush cycle, flush water passing through a flush valve to a toilet bowl may originate from each of a surrounding toilet tank water, a vacuum chamber, and an inner chamber. In some embodiments, a portion of flush water by volume delivered from the inner chamber may be greater than a portion of flush water delivered from each of the surrounding toilet tank water and the vacuum chamber. In an embodiment, a portion of flush water by volume originating from the inner chamber may be from any of about 40%, about 44%, or about 48%, to any of about 52%, about 56%, about 60%, or more, based on a total volume of flush water. In an embodiment, a portion of flush water by volume originating from the vacuum chamber may be from any of about 15%, about 19%, about 23%, or about 27%, to any of about 31%, about 35%, or about 39%, based on a total volume of flush water delivered during a flush cycle. In an embodiment, a portion of flush water by volume originating from the surrounding toilet tank water may be from any of about 5%, about 9%, about 13%, or about 17%, to any of about 21%, about 25%, about 29%, or about 33%, based on a total volume of flush water. In some embodiments, a volume of flush water delivered from the inner chamber is greater than a volume of flush water delivered from the vacuum chamber, which is greater than a volume of flush water delivered from surrounding tank water, during a flush cycle. In some embodiments, a volume of flush water delivered from an inner chamber may be greater than or equal to about 40%, a volume of flush water delivered from a vacuum chamber may be less than or equal to about 40%, and an amount of flush water delivered from surrounding toilet tank water may be less than or equal to about 30%, based on a total volume of flush water delivered to a toilet bowl during a flush cycle.

A trapway comprising a sump trap and a lower trap will comprise a first upstream weir and a second downstream weir. In an embodiment, a first upstream weir may be positioned above a highest point of a trapway inlet by a vertical offset distance of from any of about 0.5 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 1.1 inches, about 1.4 inches, or about 1.7 inches, to any of about 2.0 inches, about 2.3 inches, about 2.6 inches, about 2.9 inches, about 3.3 inches, about 3.6 inches, about 3.9 inches, or more.

A dual trap assembly comprising a sump trap and a lower trap may be configured to have a sanitary water seal positioned in the sump trap and a second water seal positioned in the lower trap between flush cycles. In some embodiments, a first upstream weir may be positioned vertically above a surface of the sump trap water seal by an offset distance of from any of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 5 mm, about 7 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, or about 20 mm, to any of about 25 mm, about 30 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or more.

In some embodiments, between flush cycles, a water level of an upstream end of a lower trap may be lower than an downstream level of a lower trap. In some embodiments, a vertical offset difference in water level between an upstream and downstream water level of a lower trap may be from any of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, or about 5 mm, to any of about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 18 mm, about 20 mm, or more.

In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise a connecting portion extending downward from a first upstream weir and towards a lower trap. A trapway may comprise a series of curved shapes, for example, may comprise a first upstream weir having a first arced path arcing about a first center point, a lower trap having a second arced path arcing about a second center point, and a connecting portion having a central arced path between the first upstream weir and the lower trap. A central arced path may extend laterally away from the first upstream weir and extend laterally back toward the lower trap. A trapway shape may have a first line extending through the first center point and the second center point. A first line may be parallel with and offset from a second line tangent to the central arced path. A first line and second line offset distance may be from any of about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or about 55 mm, to any of about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, about 75 mm, about 80 mm, about 85 mm, about 90 mm, or more.

In an embodiment, a second line may intersect a central arced path at a location that is closer to the first upstream weir than to the lower trap. In an embodiment, a first arced path may comprise a larger radius than a second arced path. An upstream weir first arced path may have a radius of from any of about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or about 55 mm, to any of about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, about 75 mm, about 80 mm, or more. A lower trap second arced path may have a radius of from any of about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, or about 35 mm, to any of about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm or more. In some embodiments, an arced path may run through a center of a trapway.

In some embodiments, a connecting tube extending from a container upper end may be fluidly coupled to a trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap by an interface. An interface may comprise a shape and a position configured to aid in a siphon flow of bowl contents through a trapway. An interface may comprise a “fin-like” or a substantially triangular-like shape. An upper portion of an interface may be fluidly coupled to a connecting tube, and a lower portion of an interface may be fluidly coupled to a top wall of a trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap. An interface lower end may comprise an upper edge and a lower edge, which are an upstream-most point and a downstream-most point of transition of an interface to a trapway upper exterior wall. In some embodiments, an interface lower end upper edge may be positioned above a first upstream weir. In some embodiments, an interface lower end upper edge may be positioned about directly above a first upstream weir.

In some embodiments, an interface, trapway, and toilet bowl may be a unitary ceramic construct. In other embodiments, an interface and/or a trapway may comprise a separate construction coupled to a toilet bowl. A separate interface and/or trapway may comprise ceramic or a thermoplastic. In some embodiments, a connecting tube and a container may comprise a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics may include a polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, a polystyrene, mixtures thereof, or copolymers thereof. Thermoplastics may include engineering thermoplastics., Engineering thermoplastics include for example polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polysulfones (PSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polyphenylene oxides (PPO), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyphenylenesulfones (PPSU), polyether ether ketones (PEEK), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphthalamides (PPA), polyacetals, copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. Polyamides include nylon and polyphthalamide (PPA). Polyacetals include polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer may comprise a glass-filled thermoplastic. Parts comprising a thermoplastic may be prepared via a molding process, for example injection molding.

In some embodiments, an interface lower portion upper edge may be positioned at about a trapway outer wall highest point. An interface lower portion lower edge may be positioned at about a same height as a first upstream weir. An interface outer wall may be about tangent to a trapway outer wall at an interface lower portion upper edge. In some embodiments, an interface outer wall may be about tangent to a trapway outer wall at an interface lower portion lower edge. In some embodiments, an interface may comprise a substantially cylinder-shaped upper portion and comprise a triangular-like lower portion. An interface lower portion may have width extending from narrow to wide from an interface upper portion to a trapway coupling.

In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise an internal diameter configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway. A trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a lowest point of a lower trap than at a second downstream weir. A trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a lowest point of a lower trap than at an upstream end of the lower trap. An upstream water level in a lower trap may be defined as an upstream end of the lower trap. In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a first upstream weir than at an upstream end of a lower trap. In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a first upstream weir than at a lowest point of a lower trap.

A toilet assembly may comprise a construction such that a flush valve and a connecting tube are air-tight. In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a first annular gasket positioned between a toilet tank bottom and a toilet deck, and configured to form a seal around a flush valve assembly. A toilet assembly may comprise a second annular gasket positioned between a toilet tank bottom and a toilet deck, and configured to form a seal around the connecting tube.

A first annular gasket and a second annular gasket may each comprise a recess portion configured to receive a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube assembly, respectively. A first annular gasket and a second annular gasket may each comprise an annular protrusion configured to extend into a toilet deck. A first gasket and a second gasket may each comprise an annular collar portion, positioned around a protrusion portion, and having a larger diameter than the protrusion portion. Respective gasket annular collar portions may comprise a “cut-out” configured to receive a nut configured to couple to a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube, respectively.

In some embodiments, a tank assembly may comprise a manifold plate, the manifold plate comprising a plurality of legs or “feet” configured to rest on a bottom interior surface of a toilet tank. A manifold plate may comprise an opening to receive a flush valve, and an opening to receive a connecting tube. A manifold plate may be configured to compress gaskets to provide for an air-tight seal, for example gaskets 439 and 440 between a manifold plate bottom surface and a toilet deck, and gaskets 442 and 443, between a manifold plate top surface and a container bottom surface, and around a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube, respectively.

A toilet assembly as described herein is configured to provide an efficient siphon to empty a bowl of bowl contents, while also providing flush water configured to clean the bowl, all while using a minimum amount of total flush water. Vacuum-assist assemblies are described for instance in international application Nos. PCT/US2023/018698 and PCT/US2023/18703, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl having a deck positioned at a rear of the toilet bowl; a toilet tank assembly comprising a toilet tank positioned on the deck; a container positioned at a toilet tank interior; a flush valve assembly positioned at the toilet tank interior; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of the container, wherein the container is configured to hold flush water, the toilet tank is configured to hold flush water surrounding the container, the container comprises an open lower end and a closed upper end, the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank interior, the container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles, the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway into the container upper end, the connecting tube is in flow communication with the first volume of pressurized air and the second volume of pressurized air, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, and upon initiation of the flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in the container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway, and wherein the toilet bowl comprises one or more lateral rim outlets and an interior surface, the one or more lateral rim outlets are positioned towards an upper perimeter of the toilet bowl interior surface, and the one or more lateral rim outlets are configured to direct flush water in a lateral direction circumferentially about the bowl interior surface.

In a second embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to the first embodiment, comprising a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet, wherein the first and second lateral rim outlets are positioned on opposite sides of a line bisecting the toilet bowl from a bowl front to the bowl rear. In a third embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the first lateral rim outlet and the second lateral rim outlet are configured to direct flush water in a same direction about the bowl interior surface. In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the first lateral rim outlet and the second lateral rim outlet are configured to direct flush water in an opposite direction about the bowl interior surface.

In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising one or more longitudinal rim outlets, the longitudinal rim outlets configured to direct flush water vertically downward onto the bowl interior surface. In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a plurality of longitudinal rim outlets. In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 longitudinal rim outlets.

In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the one or more longitudinal rim outlets are positioned at a toilet bowl rim underside. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 5 to 8, comprising a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet, wherein the one or more longitudinal rim outlets are positioned between the first lateral rim outlet and the second lateral rim outlet. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 5 to 9, wherein the one or more lateral rim outlets comprise a substantially rectangular shape, and the one or more longitudinal rim outlets comprise a substantially round or oval shape. In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 5 to 10, wherein the one or more longitudinal rim outlets are positioned towards the rear of the toilet bowl. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 5 to 11, wherein during a flush cycle, greater than about 75% of total flush water by volume, is delivered to the one or more lateral rim outlets and the one or more longitudinal rim outlets. In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 6 to 12, wherein the plurality of longitudinal rim outlets are configured to direct flush water vertically downward onto the bowl interior surface at varying angles.

In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a waterway extending from a flush valve outlet to the one or more lateral rim outlets, the waterway comprising a flow director positioned therein, the flow director configured to direct flush water to the one or more lateral rim outlets. In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a jet outlet positioned in the bowl sump area, the jet outlet in flow communication with the bowl sump area and with a waterway. In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 15, wherein during a flush cycle, from about 7% to about 25% of total flush water by volume, is delivered to the jet outlet.

In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more lateral rim outlets are each associated with and in flow communication with a rim shelf, wherein the rim shelf tapers from the one or more lateral outlets to a point on the bowl upper perimeter interior surface.

In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to direct a total volume of flush water of about 3.8 liters or less to the toilet bowl during the flush cycle. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flush water directed in a lateral direction circumferentially about the bowl interior surface is configured to effectively clean the bowl interior surface.

In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the container comprises a continuous side wall and an inner wall, the container comprises an inner chamber defined by the inner wall, the container comprises a vacuum chamber defined by the continuous side wall, the closed upper end, and the inner wall, the vacuum chamber encircles the inner chamber, the flush valve assembly is positioned in the inner chamber, and the container lower end comprises one or more openings configured to provide flow communication between the surrounding toilet tank water and the vacuum chamber and the inner chamber.

Also subject of the disclosure are toilet bowls as described herein. Also subject of the disclosure are toilet assemblies configured to deliver a total flush volume of about 3.8 liters or less during a flush cycle, wherein greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 85%, by volume, based on a total volume of flush water delivered, are delivered to one or more rim outlets. A toilet assembly may comprise a vacuum-assist feature.

For instance, an amount of flush water directed to one or more rim outlets combined, during a flush cycle, may be from any of about 75%, about 77%, about 79%, about 81%, or about 83%, to any of about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 89%, about 91%, about 92%, or about 93%, by volume, based on a total amount of flush water delivered

The term “flow communication” or “fluid communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow therethrough and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

Likewise, “electrical communication” may mean “electrically coupled”. Electrical communication may be via wired connection or may be wireless.

The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. Coupled or connected may also mean permanently coupled or removably coupled. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles “a” and “an” herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term “about” used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, “about” may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10%. All numeric values are modified by the term “about” whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term “about” include the specific identified value. For example “about 5.0” includes 5.0.

The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10% of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.

Claims

1. A toilet assembly comprising

a toilet bowl having a deck positioned at a rear of the toilet bowl;

a toilet tank assembly comprising a toilet tank positioned on the deck;

a container positioned at a toilet tank interior;

a flush valve assembly positioned at the toilet tank interior;

a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; and

a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of the container,

wherein

the container is configured to hold flush water,

the toilet tank is configured to hold flush water surrounding the container,

the container comprises an open lower end and a closed upper end,

the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank interior,

the container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles,

the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir,

the trapway is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles,

the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway into the container upper end,

the connecting tube is in flow communication with the first volume of pressurized air and the second volume of pressurized air,

the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, and

upon initiation of the flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in the container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway, and

wherein

the toilet bowl comprises one or more lateral rim outlets and an interior surface,

the one or more lateral rim outlets are positioned towards an upper perimeter of the toilet bowl interior surface, and

the one or more lateral rim outlets are configured to direct flush water in a lateral direction circumferentially about the bowl interior surface.

2. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, comprising a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet, wherein the first and second lateral rim outlets are positioned on opposite sides of a line bisecting the toilet bowl from a bowl front to the bowl rear.

3. The toilet assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first lateral rim outlet and the second lateral rim outlet are configured to direct flush water in a same direction about the bowl interior surface.

4. The toilet assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first lateral rim outlet and the second lateral rim outlet are configured to direct flush water in an opposite direction about the bowl interior surface.

5. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, comprising one or more longitudinal rim outlets, the longitudinal rim outlets configured to direct flush water vertically downward onto the bowl interior surface.

6. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, comprising a plurality of longitudinal rim outlets.

7. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, comprising 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 longitudinal rim outlets.

8. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, wherein the one or more longitudinal rim outlets are positioned at a toilet bowl rim underside.

9. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, comprising a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet, wherein the one or more longitudinal rim outlets are positioned between the first lateral rim outlet and the second lateral rim outlet.

10. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, wherein the one or more lateral rim outlets comprise a substantially rectangular shape, and the one or more longitudinal rim outlets comprise a substantially round or oval shape.

11. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, wherein the one or more longitudinal rim outlets are positioned towards the rear of the toilet bowl.

12. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, wherein during a flush cycle, greater than about 75% of total flush water by volume, is delivered to the one or more lateral rim outlets and the one or more longitudinal rim outlets.

13. The toilet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal rim outlets are configured to direct flush water vertically downward onto the bowl interior surface at varying angles.

14. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a waterway extending from a flush valve outlet to the one or more lateral rim outlets, the waterway comprising a flow director positioned therein, the flow director configured to direct flush water to the one or more lateral rim outlets.

15. The toilet assembly according to claim 14, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a jet outlet positioned in the bowl sump area, the jet outlet in flow communication with the bowl sump area and with the waterway.

16. The toilet assembly according to claim 15, wherein during a flush cycle, from about 7% to about 25% of total flush water by volume, is delivered to the jet outlet.

17. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more lateral rim outlets are each associated with and in flow communication with a rim shelf, wherein the rim shelf tapers from the one or more lateral outlets to a point on the bowl upper perimeter interior surface.

18. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, configured to direct a total volume of flush water of about 3.8 liters or less to the toilet bowl during the flush cycle.

19. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flush water directed in a lateral direction circumferentially about the bowl interior surface is configured to effectively clean the bowl interior surface.

20. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the container comprises a continuous side wall and an inner wall,

the container comprises an inner chamber defined by the inner wall,

the container comprises a vacuum chamber defined by the continuous side wall, the closed upper end, and the inner wall,

the vacuum chamber encircles the inner chamber,

the flush valve assembly is positioned in the inner chamber, and

the container lower end comprises one or more openings configured to provide flow communication between the surrounding toilet tank water and the vacuum chamber and the inner chamber.