Tank Only Patents (Class 4/353)
  • Patent number: 11718981
    Abstract: Provided is a tank device capable of restraining splashing of flush water during water supply to suppress a water slapping sound. A tank device for supplying flush water stored therein to a flush toilet comprises: a tank main unit for storing flush water in an internal space 24C thereof defined by an inner wall surface which comprises a transverse surface 27B extending in a transverse direction and a standing surface 27A extending in an up-down direction; and a water supply member 26 for supplying flush water from a water supply port 26A to the internal space of the tank main unit, the water supply member 26 being configured to spout flush water toward the inner wall surface defining the internal space 24C, wherein the tank main unit comprises a flow rectifying portion 46 provided in a region of the inner wall surface to which flush water is spouted, the flow rectifying portion 46 having a convex part 46A and a concave part 46B each formed on the inner wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Tone, Shu Kashirajima, Yuuki Shinohara, Koji Shibuya
  • Patent number: 11613880
    Abstract: An adjustable height square outer cover with a built-in cylinder includes a water tank shell and a square outer cover, the water tank shell is provided with an installation accommodation cavity for containing the square outer cover, the water tank shell is also provided with support rack teeth, a locking release device is arranged in the square outer cover, and the locking release device is provided with locking release rack teeth matched with the support rack teeth. A first mounting cavity is arranged in the square outer cover, a support which can be adjusted horizontally is movably arranged in the first mounting cavity, a cylinder which can be adjusted longitudinally is movably arranged on the support, a pressing button is arranged on the cylinder, and the square outer cover is also clamped with a decorative cover for covering the first mounting cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: ZHONGSHAN MEITU PLASTIC IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenhui Zhou, Hai Zhang, Haojia Huang, Qian Shen, Ke Xiao
  • Patent number: 10941551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drain valve (1) for a sanitary cistern, in particular a concealed cistern, having a valve housing (2) with a drain opening (4), the drain opening (4) being delimited by a valve seat (6), and a valve body (7), which rests in a sealing manner on the valve seat (6) in the closed state of the drain valve, the valve housing (2) having a housing chamber (11), arranged upstream of the valve seat (6) in the direction of flow, for receiving water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arndt, Gerhard Rothstein, Heinz-Werner Wessel
  • Patent number: 10711444
    Abstract: A toilet assembly includes a pedestal, a tank disposed on the pedestal, and an inlet chamber formed in the pedestal. The inlet chamber includes an inlet portion comprising an upstream end defining an upstream inner diameter, and a downstream end defining a downstream inner diameter less than the upstream inner diameter. The inlet chamber further includes an elbow extending downstream from the inlet portion, the elbow defining an elbow diameter substantially the same as the downstream inner diameter. The inlet portion is configured to receive water from the tank. The toilet assembly further includes a flush valve disposed in the tank, the valve defining a valve outlet disposed below the tank and in the inlet portion of the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Tony L. Lambert, Daniel N. Halloran, Randy O. Mesun, Andrew H. Matznick
  • Patent number: 9732503
    Abstract: A clean water conservation tank for a toilet providing a secondary clean water source to a toilet holding tank from a secondary holding tank mounted to a surface above and in fluid communication therewith. The secondary holding tank includes an outer container having an actuation body therein, a drain, a hollow puncture body attachable to the drain, and a portable internal container, or a substitute container such as a milk jug, removably disposed therein. The internal container has a one-way spring valve controlling the water level therein. Upon the engagement of the actuation body with the spring valve, the spring valve provides selective fluid communication between the internal container and the toilet holding tank. The puncture body, removably disposed within a cap inside the internal container, is used to puncture the substitute container for water flow through the drain and into the toilet holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Erbach
  • Patent number: 9554676
    Abstract: The water dispenser and drain for use with a toilet is a device that is used to wet toilet paper. The water dispenser and drain is an accessory that is adapted to be positioned atop of or adjacent to a toilet. Moreover, the water dispenser and drain is adapted to tie into a water line that is associated with said toilet. The water dispenser and drain includes a drainpipe that is adapted to be fed into the toilet tank in order to drain excess water therein. The water dispenser and drain includes a catch basis that includes a drain in fluid connection with the drainpipe. A nozzle is connected to a valve that is in turn in fluid connection with the water line associated with the toilet. The nozzle is positioned directly over the catch basin and drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Bernard Bisciotti
  • Publication number: 20150096114
    Abstract: A toilet having a base wherein the base is configured with an integrated storage compartment. The integrated storage compartment is secured to the base using suitable techniques and includes a rear wall, bottom and outer wall configured to define an interior volume. The outer wall is hingedly secured to the bottom and is operable to transition to a second open position providing access to the interior volume. A plurality of shelves and/or storage containers are disposed within the interior volume operable to receive and store items therein. The outer wall is formed so as to mateably align with at least a portion of the bowl so as to create a seamless appearance therewith. The rear wall of the storage compartment further includes a protruded portion operable to mate with a plumbing recess on the base of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Kharey Wisdom
  • Patent number: 8938822
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for use with a toilet and a method of storing and cleaning a toilet utensil. The apparatus includes a toilet having a toilet bowl, a tank storing a quantity of water, and a flushing device controlling a flow of the quantity of water from the tank to the toilet bowl. A toilet utensil holding structure is located within the tank, wherein the toilet utensil holding structure positioned to hold at least one toilet utensil. A tank cover is positioned over an opening in the tank. The tank cover has at least two cover portions independently movable to one another, wherein at least one of the two cover portions controls access to the at least one toilet utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: George Yiergos Eleftheriou
  • Publication number: 20140215703
    Abstract: A routing structure of an intelligent toilet contains: a ceramic body, a seat assembly, a cavity, at least one through hole, and two inserting portions. The ceramic body includes a water tank one piece formed thereon. The seat assembly is disposed on the ceramic body and includes a toilet seat, a cover, a power cord, and a water supply pipe. The cavity is one piece formed below the water tank of the ceramic body and includes an opening facing to a rear wall. The at least one through hole communicates with an upper wall above the cavity and is located behind a water rim of the ceramic body. The two inserting portions are arranged around two rear ends of the two side walls of the cavity. Thereby, the power cord and the water supply pipe are inserted into the cavity from the at least one through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Ning Chuang, Chengyi Cheng, Hang You, Jinliang Fu
  • Publication number: 20140059755
    Abstract: A toilet comprising a tank configured to hold a first supply of water therein; a bowl having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the tank, such that the bowl is configured to receive the first supply of water; and a passage having a first end, a second end, and an inlet opening provided between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the outlet of the bowl, wherein the second end is configured to be in fluid communication with a drain pipe, and wherein the passage is configured to receive a second supply of water through the inlet opening during a flush cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, William C. Kuru, Randy S. Graskamp
  • Publication number: 20130227773
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet bowl including a rotary discharge pipe. A toilet bowl according to the present invention includes: a bowl on which a user sits; an outlet disposed behind the bowl; a discharge guide pipe communicating with the outlet, and connecting to a pipe embedded in a floor to discharge water; and a rotary discharge pipe having a discharge hole in the top thereof, and an inflow hole in an end thereof. According to the present invention, both the restoring force generated from a balancing structure of the rotary discharge pipe and torque generated from the kinetic energy of water (wastewater) discharged from the bowl are used to operate the rotary discharge pipe, thereby reducing the possibility of malfunction. In addition, since the toilet bowl has a simple structure, the manufacturing cost thereof can be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Hee-beom Park
  • Patent number: 8468615
    Abstract: The mounting device has a mounting frame (2) that includes means for securing the sanitary body. A covering (14, 15, 26) is positioned on the mounting frame (2), said covering concealing the mounting frame at least at the front. The covering (14, 15, 26) has at least one first decorative element (15) that conceals the mounting frame (2) at the front and is secured to the mounting frame (2) and at least one second decorative element (26) that conceals the mounting frame (2) at the top. The second decorative element (26) forms a removable cover for a cistern (5) mounted in the mounting frame (2). The covering (14, 15, 26) preferably has at least two further decorative elements (14) that conceal the mounting frame (2) at the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Geberit International AG
    Inventor: Reto Tremp
  • Patent number: 8132273
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve having a mechanism for preventing leakage from a tank of the toilet between flush cycles. The mechanism includes links that are normally locked to prevent the fill valve from opening. The links are operatively connected to a handle of the toilet such that the links are unlocked and allow the fill valve to open only when the handle of the toilet is purposely operated to initiate a flush cycle. Otherwise, the links do not allow the fill valve to open even if water leaks from the tank and causes a float of the fill valve to be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8015634
    Abstract: An insulated cover for toilet water closets intended to prevent condensation and its associated damaging properties is herein disclosed. The water closet section of the toilet is covered on the bottom and all four (4) side surfaces up to a water line with a preformed foam covering. The foam is envisioned to be of a closed cell design similar to that used on insulating sleeves for glasses and canned beverages. The foam is approximately one-quarter (¼) inch thick and available in a wide variety of colors to match all bathroom decors. The foam covering would be made in halves that meet in a shiplap joint on the sides of the water closet. Finally, the cover would be held in place on the water closet with multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material, thus allowing it to be easily removed for replacement or cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: James P. Lessard
  • Patent number: 7996928
    Abstract: A toilet includes a dehumidifier operable to draw water vapor from the air and discharge water. A tank is configured to store the water discharged from the dehumidifier. A drain valve is movable from a closed position to an open position whereby the toilet is flushed solely with the water discharged from the dehumidifier and stored in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Martin H. Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20110167551
    Abstract: The present invention describes an anti-sedimentation tank for an ecological toilet that uses previously-used water containing organic and inorganic solid and/or semi-solid residues, said anti-sedimentation tank comprising a main body that includes a front wall, a rear wall, a flat bottom and a pair of side walls that jointly define an interior volume; an anti-sedimentation member arranged within the interior space that includes generally inclined walls and a generally concave bottom to increase the entrainment force of the water, thus preventing the adherence to or encrustation on its walls of any solid or semi-solid residue, as well as preventing the formation of sediments; a modification of any kind of washbasin mixer valve that allows the washbasin which is integrated into and/or interconnected with a toilet to be used without having to discharge the toilet tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Marcelo Gerardo Garza Lagüera Garza
  • Publication number: 20110099702
    Abstract: A tank insert for converting a conventional flush toilet into a flapperless, dump bucket-style toilet. The tank insert is sized and shaped to be snugly received within a water tank of the toilet, and includes a water reservoir pivotably received within a catch basin. The water reservoir is filled by the toilets water valve and the toilet's handle actuates the water reservoir to flush the toilet. Upon actuation, water within the water reservoir is discharged into the catch basin, and from there into the toilet bowl, which is effectively cleared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn E. Bevan, Ryan D. Saffels
  • Patent number: 7913328
    Abstract: “Two piece” toilets have a toilet tank outlet valve that links the tank water with a bowl. A nut and gasket structure are provided to provide an essentially ball and socket type joint between the tank and bowl to permit correction for out of plumb conditions without significantly compromising seal integrity. The gasket has an outward lower curvature and is supported from the inside by the nut. Preferably the lower end of the nut is cut away or curved such that in some configurations the gasket can flex inwardly, while being otherwise supported by the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Halloran
  • Patent number: 7870868
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing filtered rainwater during wet weather, storing the filtered rainwater in an elevated storage tank, conveying the filtered rainwater by gravity to a toilet tank and controlling its introduction into the toilet tank. The apparatus preferably comprises an inline filter for installation in a horizontal or sloping section of a rain gutter, a storage tank that is mountable at an elevation higher than the elevation of the toilet tank, water transfer tubing or piping for conveyance of filtered rainwater to the storage tank, water supply tubing or piping for conveyance of stored water to the toilet tank, and a control valve for introducing the stored water into the toilet tank when it is needed. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the apparatus are provided to the consumer in the form of an easily installed kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Gary K. Ilalaole
  • Publication number: 20100319116
    Abstract: A waste pumping system is provided that includes a tank having a floor, a body, and a tank inlet. Embodiments include those wherein the system includes a first designated area formed by a first baffle portion and the body, a second designated area formed by a second baffle portion and the body, and a third baffle portion for directing material toward the first designated area. In some embodiments, the system includes a pump substantially disposed within the first designated area and a sensing system substantially disposed within the second designated area for activating the pump when material within the tank reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: William Schmidt, David R. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20100251470
    Abstract: A cistern assembly for a flush toilet includes a cistern housing including a cistern lid and a cistern base, a cistern member pivotally attached within the cistern housing, and an actuator to pivot the cistern member relative to the cistern housing to discharge the stored water. The cistern member has a base wall that forms a chamber to store the water and a passageway to discharge the water from the chamber, the passageway has an internal inlet and a cistern outlet and is shaped to siphon water through the passageway. The actuator tilts the cistern member to actuate discharge of water through the passageway so that when the cistern member is pivoted and the passageway is moved below the water level of the stored water of the chamber, the water is drawn through the passageway to the cistern outlet until air within the chamber enters the passageway preventing further water from being drawn into the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: METAFLUSH PTY LTD
    Inventor: Antony James Lake
  • Publication number: 20100107325
    Abstract: A toilet includes a dehumidifier operable to draw water vapor from the air and discharge water. A tank is configured to store the water discharged from the dehumidifier. A drain valve is movable from a closed position to an open position whereby the toilet is flushed solely with the water discharged from the dehumidifier and stored in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Judith
    Inventor: Martin H. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 7650652
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sustainable Source, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Michael J. D'Aurelio
  • Publication number: 20090260145
    Abstract: Toilet buoy unit to control water flow is a device to control water flow to let only small amount of water draining into toilet to flush human liquid waste. A flash light bulb is provided to tell us small amount of water being drained. People defecate once a day and urinate several times a day. If we use toilet buoy unit to guide us to drain small amount of water to flush liquid human waste we can save a large amount of water to relieve the shortage of water supply in big cities in the United Status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Kun Yuan Tong
  • Patent number: 7565706
    Abstract: A pressure assisted flush assembly for use with a toilet includes a compressed air assisted flush water tank that includes a plunger device. One or more plumbing lines are used to connect an incoming water line to the flush water tank and the flush water tank to a toilet bowl. At least one panel is used to enclose the flush water tank (e.g., mounted against a wall). The enclosure comprises an access door configured to allow access to the flush water tank and the access door is secured with a lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the flush water tank. Further, for example, an accessible activator mechanism is configured to activate the plunger of the flush water tank. The assembly may be, for example, configured to retrofit a previously installed flush valve toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Terrance E. Janssen
  • Patent number: 7562399
    Abstract: A tank-type flusher is located in the water storage tank for flushing a toilet. The tank-type flusher includes an intake valve and a flush valve. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to the water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The tank-type flusher may be controlled by a sensor module located at a reference location external to the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, David Hadley
  • Publication number: 20090119827
    Abstract: In combination with a toilet tank of a toilet in a bathroom, the improvement comprising a dehumidifier having a predetermined shape for one of being wall mounted or disposed on a top of such toilet tank. A humidity sensor is disposed one of on and in the dehumidifier for sensing humidity in such bathroom. A tray member is disposed one of on and in the dehumidifier for collecting water removed from air by such dehumidifier. A flexible member is engageable on a first end thereof with the tray member for removing and transporting such water collected by the dehumidifier and for disposing such water into the toilet tank. There is, also, a power member engageable with the dehumidifier and the humidity sensor for providing electrical power to such apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Richard M. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 7496977
    Abstract: A toilet tank accessory rack has a fixing element and a holding element. The fixing element is assembled on a wall near a toilet tank of a toilet, and forms first assembling portions thereon. The holding element forms second assembling portions for corresponding to and locking with the first assembling portion. At least a storing chamber is provided on a side of the holding element for storing articles, such as shampoo, washing foam, books and magazines, where a user may conveniently fetch during defecating or washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ouyang Huei
  • Publication number: 20090013457
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning device comprising: a container for storing toilet bowl cleaning material adapted to rest upon the toilet's existing water tank; a filling arrangement for charging the cleaning material into said container; and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a dosage of cleaning material from the container into the water tank, the dispensing mechanism disposed above the level of water in the water tank and comprising: a pipe having a distal end and a proximal end; an opening for cleaning material to enter therein; a dispensing actuation mechanism; and an actuator return mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Eyal Mirochnik
  • Patent number: 7458110
    Abstract: A commode chair with reversed seat facing a water tank and with a system for opening the labia of female user for hygienic urination and excretion is provided. The seat assembly including bowl, seat, and lid are formed to support a user to sit on a commode facing the water tank. The seating assembly has a narrow width to the direction of a water tank and has wider width on the opposite side. An overview of the seating assembly has a shape of an oval facing the water tank with the sharp end, a bicycle saddle shape, facing the water tank. The side view of the seating assembly shows elevated part that is close to the water tank. The water tank is leaned backwards in relation to the commode to allow a user to rest her upper body thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Jin Rie
  • Patent number: 7454801
    Abstract: A commode chair with user's upper-body support is provided. The seat assembly of the commode, including bowl, seat, and lid, is formed to support a user to sit on a commode facing the upper-body support. The seating assembly has a narrow width to the direction of the upper-body support and has wider width on the opposite side. An overview of the seating assembly has a shape of an oval facing the upper-body support with the sharp end, a bicycle saddle. The upper-body support is leaned opposite direction of the commode to allow a user to rest his/her upper body thereon. This sitting position reduces pressure build up of the lower body of the user around the commode seat and provides a convenient and more comfortable resting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jin Rie
  • Publication number: 20080201841
    Abstract: A decorative toilet tank covering designed to be easily removed, as to allow for the alteration of décor to occur as personal preference dictates. An extensive selection of colors, themes, patterns, and textures will be offered to compliment any taste. Not only an accent, the covering also proves functional as it provides a non-slip surface on which to place items on, preventing them from sliding off of the tank lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Lynn Bush
  • Patent number: 7363662
    Abstract: Many times when a home sewage line becomes clogged it results in overflow of the matter in the toilet bowl onto the floor. It is a difficult matter at the time to easily and immediately stop overflowing from occurring. STOPRZ solves this problem. If the affluent in the bowl keeps rising to an uncomfortable level one only has to raise the finial atop the toilet tank lid. Since the finial is connected to the lift-bar of the shut-off valve controlling the water flow into the toilet bowl by the brass rod, raising the finial shuts the inflow of water. Spinning the wing nut down to the top of the toilet tank lid shuts off the water supply for as long as is necessary. Correcting the complete problem can then be done at one's leisure. STORZ consists of three items—a lift-rod shaft (a ? by 6 inch rod threaded at one end and the other end curved into a semi-circle as the curved end of a fish-hook), a wing nut and a finial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ray Francis Broyles
  • Publication number: 20080066223
    Abstract: Disclosed are “two piece” toilets where a toilet tank outlet valve links the tank water with a bowl. A nut and gasket structure are provided to provide an essentially ball and socket type joint between the tank and bowl to permit correction for out of plumb conditions without significantly compromising seal integrity. The gasket has an outward lower curvature and is supported from the inside by the nut. Preferably the lower end of the nut is cut away or curved such that in some configurations the gasket can flex inwardly, while being otherwise supported by the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel N. Halloran
  • Publication number: 20080035206
    Abstract: A fill valve for a toilet tank includes a multi-piece shank assembly. The shank assembly includes a first hollow member coupled with a second hollow member using a snap joint. The first hollow member has a tortuous outer surface, which together with the second hollow member forms a plurality of flow paths. The flow paths are configured to reduce water noise. The first and second hollow members are provided separately, resulting in simplified molding process and improved assembly automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Bill DeKeyser, Robert Collin
  • Publication number: 20070277301
    Abstract: A two-piece toilet aquarium assembly is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to replace a conventional toilet water tank in an existing two-piece toilet assembly and comprises a separate aquarium tank and a toilet water tank adapted to be mounted on a toilet bowl. The toilet water tank provides water for flushing of the toilet bowl and includes a push-button that is operably connected to a toilet flapper flush mechanism. The aquarium tank is removably coupled to the toilet water tank and defines an interior space for holding a water reservoir where aquatic creatures, ornamental objects, a terrarium and the like can be enclosed. A lid substantially covers the top of the toilet aquarium assembly. The aquarium tank and toilet water tank are generally transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Quintana
  • Patent number: 7194772
    Abstract: A commode chair with reversed seat facing a water tank is provided. The seat assembly including bowl, seat, and lid are formed to support a user to sit on a commode facing the water tank. The seating assembly has a narrow width to the direction of a water tank and has wider width on the opposite side. An overview of the seating assembly has a shape of an oval facing the water tank with the sharp end, a bicycle saddle, facing the water tank. The water tank is leaned backwards in relation to the commode to allow a user to rest his/her upper body thereon. This sitting position reduces pressure build up of the lower body of the user around the commode seat and provides a convenient and more compatible resting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jin Rie
  • Patent number: 6910232
    Abstract: A toilet tank flushing system including a ballcock valve for maintaining a storage level of water in the tank, a tank valve to release stored water on demand, and a linkage system which requires a reduced physical effort to initiate flushing. A hollow, open-ended closure for the tank valve enables a large cross-section area of discharge port to be used, and which can pass bowl refill water during the flushing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 6899309
    Abstract: A beverage container support for supporting a beverage upon a component of a flush valve for use in public restroom facilities includes a support surface upon which a beverage container could be placed as well as a depending skirt that can be used as a display surface for advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: David E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6883189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for concealing a cleaning device such as a toilet plunger within a toilet flush tank. A modified toilet plunger has been designed to include a hinge so that the plunger cup can pivot on the end of the plunger handle, thereby taking up less space. The folded toilet plunger is secured to the inside of the toilet flush tank by a holder, preferably on the toilet flush tank cover, so that the toilet plunger is readily accessible yet out of sight and will drain into the toilet flush tank after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Kristi Pierce
  • Patent number: 6877170
    Abstract: A toilet water measuring and flow control system, including leak and overflow detection and prevention elements. The system has inlet and outlet flow sensors operably connected to inlet and outlet control valves and to water level sensors to measure and control water flow to and from the toilet. Water level sensors held in a toilet tank are connected to the system to control the volume of water fed to the toilet tank and passing through the outlet. The toilet tank may be provided with a movable reservoir to more accurately control the amount of water held in the tank and exiting the tank upon flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Niccole Family Trust
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, Devon Niccole
  • Patent number: 6823537
    Abstract: A water diversion apparatus for a standard toilet tank having a fitting connected to a discharge tube and a water supply, such that the discharge tube discharges into an aesthetic container. The aesthetic container may be an aquarium or a cascade and pool. When the toilet is flushed, water is partially diverted from the toilet to the aesthetic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander J. Cummings, III
  • Publication number: 20040231038
    Abstract: A fill control for a toilet tank of the type having a water supply, a fill valve operable to allow water from the water supply to enter the toilet tank, and a float control for the fill valve for closing the fill valve when the float control reaches a full position representing a full condition of the toilet tank, the fill control comprising: a float control override coupled to the float control and having an inactive condition allowing the float control to operate in a conventional way, and an active condition retaining the float control in the full position; and means for selectively retaining the float control override in the active condition. This invention is of particular utility when a first person is utilizing toilet facilities while a second person is utilizing adjacent shower facilities, thereby preventing toilet tank refilling and the undesirable resulting shower water temperature increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis King
  • Patent number: 6779203
    Abstract: An emergency toilet shutoff assembly for shutting off flow of water into the tank of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: William T. Quillen
  • Publication number: 20040139536
    Abstract: The tank cover with an improved fit and function reflected in its method and material of construction is presented. The use of angled darts or other suitable angled fitting mechanisms of the cover in certain embodiments of the present invention provide desired snugness and fit, greatly reducing the prior art problems of sliding or shifting. Moreover, the optional use of quality material, such as drapery/upholstery grade fabric, characterized as having a weight sufficient to retain the cover in a certain position once fitted, greatly aids the present invention in providing the improved fit. The weight of the fabric is further accentuated through the use of quality construction techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Bonnie Lauder Deibler, Robin Lauder
  • Publication number: 20040117900
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for concealing a cleaning device such as a toilet plunger within a toilet flush tank. A modified toilet plunger has been designed to include a hinge so that the plunger cup can pivot on the end of the plunger handle, thereby taking up less space. The folded toilet plunger is secured to the inside of the toilet flush tank by a holder, preferably on the toilet flush tank cover, so that the toilet plunger is readily accessible yet out of sight and will drain into the toilet flush tank after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kristi Pierce
  • Patent number: 6651260
    Abstract: A toilet tank top with easy access to drop in deodorizing discs for effectively deodorizing and disinfecting a toilet bowl. The toilet tank top with easy access to drop in deodorizing discs includes a main lid portion designed for abutting a top edge of a toilet tank. The main lid portion has an aperture that extends therethrough. The aperture is for receiving a tank cleansing tablet. A cover member is couplable to the main lid portion. The cover member is for selectively closing the aperture such that the tank cleansing tablet is insertable into the toilet tank without removal of the main lid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Vernon Dodson
  • Publication number: 20030213053
    Abstract: A level adjuster of a water supply of a water box serves for adjusting the amount of water in a water box conveniently and easily. The level adjuster comprises a press, a supporting rod, an pressable button, a positioning seat, a pontoon, an inner water injecting tube and an outer water injecting tube of a water injector. The amount of water in the water box can be precisely controlled and the operation is easy without using any other auxiliary tool. No problem of element fatigue and change of water level occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: So-Mel Huang
  • Patent number: 6581216
    Abstract: A commode shutoff device having a diverter housing, diverter valve within diverter housing, diverter arm, a means for actuating the diverter arm, support bracket, and an alternate water line is disclosed. Water is redirected from the overflow water line to the alternate water line by actuating the diverter arm through manually pulling up on the flush handle. Once the water is redirected, it can no longer flow into the bowl, thus preventing an overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Halsell
  • Patent number: 6546568
    Abstract: A toilet tank with a sediment removal assembly comprises a flexible tube connected to the upper discharge spout of the intake standpipe in the toilet tank cavity, and a configured length of copper tubing connected to the flexible tube for water to flow therethrough when the float valve is open to flow water into the tank during a flushing operation. The copper tubing has a longitudinal section which extends downwardly and vertically from its connection to the flexible tube, an integrally joined first lateral or horizontal section curved or bent to lie on the bottom wall of the tank adjacent to the rear wall, and an integrally joined second lateral or horizontal section curved or bent to extend substantially normal to the first lateral section and lie on the bottom wall of the tank adjacent to the then facing end wall of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster