PRESSURE-ASSIST FLUSH TOILET

The disclosure relates to an in-wall pressure-assist toilet assembly for the removal of human and other waste.

BACKGROUND

Space is becoming more valuable in bathrooms, particularly with a current world-wide shift in population toward urban centers having smaller living spaces. Typically, the space taken up by a toilet includes a bowl, trapway and tank. The tank is usually positioned over the back of the bowl. The tank and bowl can be separate pieces which are coupled together to form a toilet system, or can be one integral unit.

Pressure-assisted (pressure-assist) toilets may comprise one or more pressure tanks. In some instances, water fills the pressure tanks and is held under pressure. When a flush valve is opened, pressure and gravity combine for a flush.

Pressure-assist toilets generally have a large construction to accommodate all of the features required. A need exists for an in-wall, small footprint, low profile toilet having a pressure-assisted flush, where the flush delivers a sufficient flush rate and volume to evacuate the bowl of the toilet. There is a need for an in-wall tankless pressure toilet. There is also a need for an in-wall toilet assembly that is accessible and may be maintained.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprising a bowl; and a pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall cavity upon installation of the toilet assembly.

Also disclosed is a wall-hung toilet bowl configured for use with an in-wall water source, the water source for flushing and/or for a bidet, the bowl comprising an access area beneath the bowl and/or a utility port positioned on a side of the bowl. An access area may be configured to provide access to one or more of an angle stop, an electric outlet, or a drain port. A bidet seat may be fluidly coupled to an in-wall water source and/or electrically coupled to an in-wall electric source via a utility port.

Also disclosed is an in-wall support structure for a toilet bowl. Upon installation of a toilet bowl, a rear portion of the bowl is received by and coupled to the support structure. An in-wall support structure may be configured to be removed from a bathroom wall cavity, providing access to an in-wall flush water source. A flush water source may an in-wall tank or may be a tankless pressure system.

Also disclosed is an in-wall pressure tank assembly, configured to be installed within a standard 2×4 bathroom wall space.

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 shows a pressure-assist toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a top view of a toilet bowl, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1C provides a view of a bowl underneath access area, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1D provides a rear view of an in-wall support structure and pressure tank assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1E, FIG. 1F, and FIG. 1G depict an in-wall support structure in a process of being removed from a wall, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1H is a view of a maintenance space accessible behind a toilet bowl and behind-wall access entrance, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a pressure tank assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B provides a top view of siphon tubes, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2C shows a disassembled siphon tank, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section view of a pair of tanks with an exemplary flow path for a pressurized toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section view of a pair of tanks with another exemplary flow path for a pressurized toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows pressure-assist toilet assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Assembly 100 comprises wall-hung bowl 101. Bowl 101 contains access area 102 beneath the bowl, which provides access to an angle stop, an electric outlet, and a drain port (not visible). Access area 102 may also provide access to jet and/or rim water lines, and/or electrical connections, e.g. low voltage DC connections for a bidet seat. Bowl 101 contains utility port 103, which provides a space for water line 104 and electric line 105 to be routed from access area 102 to bidet seat 106. Pressure tank assembly 122 (FIG. 1D) is positioned behind the wall. A rear of bowl 101 covers maintenance space 131 (FIG. 1C and FIG. 1H).

FIG. 1B shows a top view of a portion of bowl 101, according to an embodiment. Visible are rim channel 107, jet outlet 108 and trapway inlet 109. Jet outlet 108 and trapway inlet 109 are positioned in sump area 110.

FIG. 1C provides an underneath front view of bowl 101, showing bowl access area 102, according to an embodiment. Visible is jet inlet port 111 in sump area 110. Jet inlet port 111 is configured to be coupled to jet hose 112. Jet hose 112 is coupled to in-wall pressure tank assembly 122 (FIG. 1D). Also visible are water line 104 and electric line 105 which run from access area 102, and through utility port 103 to bidet seat 106. Water line 104 is coupled to water source line 113 via angle stop 114 and T-connector 115. Water line 116 runs from area 102 to in-wall pressure tank assembly 122. Electric line 105 is electrically coupled to electric outlet 117. Visible also is drain line 118, which is fluid communication with trapway inlet 109 via integral trapway 119. Lower rear portions of bowl 101 are coupled to and supported by rods 120, which are threaded features coupled to portions of in-wall support structure 121. Slots 127 on bowl 101 receive and are coupled to rods 120. Nuts (not shown) fasten bowl 101 via threaded rods 120.

FIG. 1D provides a rear view of pressure-assist toilet assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Visible are in-wall pressure tank assembly 122 comprising first tank 150 and second tank 170. Also shown is in-wall support structure 121, removably coupled to in-wall stud assembly 125 and accessible via maintenance space 131. In-wall support structure 121 contains telescoping coupling feature 126. Visible are jet hose 112, water line 116, electric outlet 117, drain line 118, and support rods 120.

FIG. 1E, FIG. 1F, and FIG. 1G show in-wall support structure 121 in a process of being removed from behind a wall. To remove, pins 128 are removed, and tabs 129 are moved towards the center to retract telescoping features 126 from upper in-wall studs 125. Support structure 121 may then be removed from in-wall stud assembly 125, and ultimately removed from the wall, providing access to tank assembly 122.

FIG. 1H provides a front view of maintenance space 131 with bowl 101 removed. Visible are electric outlet 117 coupled to in-wall support structure 121, threaded rods 120, angle stop 114, source water line 113. Brackets 130 are configured to be received by and couple to recesses positioned on an upper rear portion of bowl 101. To install bowl 101, the recesses may be coupled to brackets 130, and bowl 101 may be rotated slightly downward to receive rods 120 in slots 127 (FIG. 1C). Nuts (not visible) are threaded onto rods 120 to compress bowl 101 to in-wall structure 121 to secure it.

FIG. 2A shows pressure tank assembly 222, according to an embodiment. Tank assembly 222 comprises first tank 250 and second tank 270. First tank outlet 252 is integral with first tank endcap 251 and is fluidly coupled to second tank inlet 272, which is integral with second tank endcap 271. Source water line 216 is fluidly coupled to inlet assembly 233. Inlet assembly 233 is fluidly coupled to first tank inlet 253 (FIG. 2B). Discharge assembly 234 is fluidly coupled to second tank outlet 273 (FIG. 2B). Jet hose 212 is fluidly coupled to discharge assembly 234 via jet discharge port 235.

FIG. 2B provides a top view of first siphon tube 254 and second siphon tube 274 disassembled from tanks 250 and 270, respectively. Visible are first endcap 251, second endcap 271, first tank inlet 253, first tank outlet 252, second tank inlet 272, and second tank outlet 273.

FIG. 2C shows first tank 250 in an exploded view to show first tank endcap 251 separated from first tank 250. First tank 250 may be substantially cylindrical with a rounded upper end and is generally hollow. A lower end of first tank 250 include threaded feature 255 for coupling to corresponding threads 256 on first tank endcap 251. First tank endcap 251 includes first tank inlet 253 and first tank outlet 252. First tank inlet 253 may couple to an inlet assembly. First tank endcap 251 is coupled to siphon tube 254. Siphon tube 254 may be substantially centered within first tank 250 when first tank 250 is assembled. Siphon tube 254 may have a length sufficient to create suction and the length. A length of tube 254, as well as other dimensions, may vary depending upon the application and technical requirements of a toilet assembly.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section of pressure tank assembly 222, illustrating fluid flow therethrough, according to an embodiment. Pressure tank assembly 222 may admit a fluid flow F₁from inlet assembly 233 through first tank inlet 253 (not visible). Fluid flow F₁may comprise an air/water mix. For instance, fluid flow F₁may be a mixture, by volume, of about 65% water and about 35% air. In some embodiments, fluid flow F₁may comprise a mixture having water in the range of about 55% to about 75% and having air in the range of about 25% to about 45%, by volume. Fluid flow F₁may flow through first tank inlet 253 of first tank 250 and into first siphon tube 254. Fluid flow F₁may enter towards a bottom of siphon tube 254 and flow upward therethrough. Fluid flow F₁may exit at an upper opening 254a near at an upper end of siphon tube 254 into a space 254b between an outer surface of siphon tube 254 and an inner wall of first tank 250. Space 254b may be a substantially annular space, that is, a space between a substantially concentrically positioned siphon tube 254 and first tank 250 forms a substantially annular space around siphon tube 254. Fluid flow F₁exiting opening 254a may flow into first space 254b. F₁begins as a mixture of water and air. As F₁enters first space 254b, flow F₁separates. Water flows towards the bottom of first space 254b and air towards the top. Fluid flow F₁flows in a downward direction through first space 254b surrounding the outside of siphon tube 254 and through first tank outlet 252. Fluid flow F₁may exit outlet 252 to conduit 257.

Fluid flow F₁may flow from conduit 257 to second tank inlet 272 of second tank 270. As fluid flow F₁enters second tank inlet 272, the flow may have an increased volume of water relative to air. Fluid flow F₁may flow through second tank inlet 272 and towards an upper end of second space 274b. Second space 274b may be located between an outer surface of siphon tube 274 and an inner wall of second tank 270. Second space 274b may be a substantially annular space. Fluid flow F₁may convert to fluid flow F₂towards an upper end of second tank 270 and/or an upper end of tube 274. As fluid flow F₂flows into opening 274a at upper end of tube 274 and/or downward through tube 274, F₂may convert to fluid flow F₃. Fluid flow F₃may comprise substantially all water in the beginning of a flush cycle. At the start of a flush cycle, flow F₂and F₃may comprise a high volume ratio of water to air. Thus, when water is admitted into siphon tube 274, the flow may be substantially all water. When air begins to enter siphon tube 274, fluid flow F₃may transition from substantially all water to a flow having more air or an air/water mixture. As more air enters fluid flow F₃, the siphon may terminate, ending a flush cycle. Fluid flow may flow downward through tube 274 through second tank outlet 273 and to discharge assembly 234.

As shown in FIG. 3A, first siphon tank 250 and second siphon tank 270 may be provided in series. First tank 250 may feed second tank 270. That is, first tank 250 may provide pressurized water to second tank 270 for delivery to a toilet. Thus, second tank 270 may feed or provide fluid to bowl 101 of a toilet. First tank 250 and second tank 270 having siphon tubes 254, 274 may provide a siphon assembly. A siphon assembly may create a siphon effect within the pressure tank assembly 222 to assist in discharge of fluid to a toilet bowl. The serial flow and siphon effect operate to raise pressure of the water from the line pressure of the main water source to the pressure of the water discharged into a toilet.

In some embodiments, a fully charged tank, first tank 250 and/or second tank 270, may begin at about 25 psi (pounds per square inch) to about 35 psi, for example about 30 psi. When discharge valve assembly 234 is opened to allow discharge of the flush volume, there may be rapid decompression and the pressure may fall to about 0 psi in both first tank 250 and second tank 270. As discharge valve assembly 234 closes, the pressure in the tanks begins to increase from about 0 psi to the range of about 25 psi to about 35 psi, for example about 30 psi. Due to the large flow path at the first tank outlet 252 and the second tank second tank inlet 272, the pressure within first tank 250 and second tank 270 may be substantially or nearly the same or equal under dynamic flow conditions and may be the same or equal under static or no flow conditions.

To charge pressure tank assembly 222, fluid may be admitted through first tank inlet 253 from inlet assembly 233. As water is admitted from the water supply, air may be pulled in with a venturi to provide a water/air mixture (e.g. fluid flow F₁). During charging of pressure tank assembly 222, discharge valve assembly 234 may be closed. As fluid flow F₁enters first space 254b of first tank 250, gravity may cause the water within fluid flow F₁to settle towards the bottom and air within fluid flow F₁to settle at a level above the water volume. Thus, there may be a water volume and air volume in first tank 250. As fluid flow F₁continues to flow to second tank 270, gravity may again cause water to settle towards the bottom of second tank body 270 and air within the flow to settle at a level above the water volume. As discharge valve assembly 234 is closed (e.g. the discharge valve reseats), continuous flow of fluid into second tank 270 may compress the air volume on top of the water volume. Thus, when discharge valve assembly 234 is open (i.e. when the toilet is flushed), the compressed air volume may push the water volume down siphon tube 274 (as fluid flow F₃) to exit second tank outlet 273. Fluid flow F₃may then move through discharge assembly 234 to a jet discharge port and a rim discharge port. Discharge valve assembly 234 may remain open a predetermined period of time and/or until a differential pressure falls below a predetermined opening pressure. When discharge valve assembly 234 again closes, the system may recharge pressure tanks 250 and 270 for a subsequent flush cycle. For example, when discharge valve assembly 234 is closed after a flush, inlet assembly 233 may again be opened to admit water and the process may be repeated.

FIG. 3B shows an alternative embodiment of fluid flow. Fluid may first flow to a first space 254b. Pressure tank assembly 222 may admit a fluid flow F₁from inlet assembly 233 through first tank inlet 253 of first tank 250. Fluid flow F₁may comprise an air/water mixture. Fluid flow F₁may flow through first tank inlet 253 into a lower end of first space 254b. Fluid flow F₁may enter a bottom of first tank 250 and flow upward through first space 254b. Fluid flow F₁may convert to fluid flow F₂. Fluid flow F₁may convert to fluid flow F₂at an upper end of first tank body 250 and/or an upper end 254a of siphon tube 254. Fluid flow F₁may be an air/water mixture. As fluid flow F₁enters first space 254b, fluid flow F₁may separate into water towards a lower end of first space 254b and air towards an upper end of first space 254b. Fluid flow F₂may flow through opening 254a and downward through tube 254 and exit at a lower end of siphon tube 254 to first tank outlet 252 and through conduit 257 (not shown).

Fluid flow F₂may flow from conduit 257 to second tank inlet 272 of second tank 270. Fluid flow F₂may flow through second tank inlet 272 and into a lower end of second space 274b. Second space 274b may be a substantially annular space. As fluid flow F₂flows through opening 274c and/or downward through tube 274, fluid flow F₂may convert to fluid flow F₃. Fluid flow F₃may be substantially all water in the beginning of a flush cycle. As water settles towards the bottom of second tank 270 due to gravity, opening 274c may be located in a volume that is substantially all water. Thus, when water is admitted into siphon tube 274, the flow may comprise substantially all water. When air from the volume above the water volume begins to enter siphon tube 274, fluid flow F₃may transition from substantially all water to a flow having more air or an air/water mixture. As more air enters fluid flow F₃, the siphon may terminate and the flush cycle may end. The fluid flow may flow downward through tube 274 through second tank outlet 273 and to discharge assembly 234 (not shown). Operation of the pressure tank system may be as described with respect to FIG. 3A, with the flow into the first tank altered as described.

Pressure-assist toilets are described for example in U.S. app. No. PCT/US2019/053347 (WO2020/069249), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprising a bowl; and a pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall cavity upon installation of the toilet assembly.

In some embodiments, a pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall cavity having a depth of less than about 4.0 inches. A pressure tank assembly may be configured to be positioned within a standard 2×4 in-wall cavity. In some embodiments, a pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall cavity having a depth of less than about 3.9 inches, less than about 3.8 inches, less than about 3.7 inches, less than about 3.6 inches, less than about 3.5 inches, less than about 3.4 inches, less than about 3.3 inches, or less than about 3.2 inches, or less.

In some embodiments, the toilet bowl may be a wall-hung bowl or a floor standing bowl. In some embodiments, the bowl comprises a jet inlet port positioned adjacent a bowl sump area, wherein the jet inlet port is configured to be coupled to a jet hose. A jet hose may be coupled to a pressure tank assembly discharge assembly. In some embodiments, the bowl comprises a rim inlet port positioned at a bowl upper perimeter, wherein the rim inlet port is configured to be coupled to a rim hose. A rim hose may be coupled to a pressure tank discharge assembly.

In some embodiments, upon installation in a bathroom, a bowl may be configured to extend less than about 23.0 inches, less than about 22.5 inches, less than about 22.0 inches, less than about 21.5 inches, less than about 21.0 inches, or less than about 20.5 inches from a bathroom wall. In some embodiments, the bowl comprises an access area beneath the bowl, wherein the access area is configured to provide access to one or more of an angle stop, an electric outlet, or a drain port. An access area may also provide access to a jet hose and/or a rim hose.

It may be convenient to drain a tank assembly in order to service it, or, to winterize it to prepare for freezing conditions. In some embodiments, the bowl comprises a utility port positioned on a side of the bowl, wherein a bidet seat may be fluidly coupled to an in-wall water source and/or electrically coupled to an in-wall electric source via the utility port.

In some embodiments, the assembly may achieve a MaP score of at least about 800 grams, at least about 850 grams, at least about 900 grams, at least about 950 grams, or at least about 1000 grams, with a flush volume of about 4.0 liters.

In some embodiments, a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprises an in-wall support structure. In some embodiments, upon installation of the assembly, a rear portion of the bowl may be received by and coupled to an in-wall support structure. In some embodiments, an upper rear portion of a bowl may comprise one or more features, such as recesses or adapters, configured to receive one or more brackets or other features positioned on an upper portion of an in-wall support structure. In some embodiments, a lower rear portion of the bowl may comprise one or more slots configured to receive one or more rods or other features extending from a lower portion of an in-wall support structure.

In some embodiments, upon installation of an assembly, the bowl covers a maintenance space/access cover, and upon removal of the bowl from an in-wall support structure, access to a pressure tank assembly is gained through the maintenance space.

In some embodiments, upon installation of the bowl, the bowl is received by one or more brackets or other features positioned on an upper portion of the in-wall support structure, and the bowl may be pivoted to rest on one or more rods or other features extending from a lower portion of the in-wall support structure.

In some embodiments, an in-wall support structure may comprise steel or aluminum. In other embodiments, an in-wall support structure may comprise wood, plastic, or a composite.

In some embodiments, an in-wall support structure may be configured to be removed from within the bathroom wall cavity, to provide access to the pressure tank assembly. Access may be required to maintain or service on or more parts of a tank assembly. In some embodiments, an in-wall support structure may be removably coupled to an in-wall stud assembly. In certain embodiments, an in-wall support structure comprises a telescoping coupling feature. An in-wall stud assembly may comprise one or more of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, or composite.

In some embodiments, disclosed is a pressure tank assembly for a toilet, comprising a siphon assembly comprising a first siphon tank having a first tank endcap; a second siphon tank having a second tank endcap; and a first siphon tube positioned within the first tank and a second siphon tube positioned within the second tank. In some embodiments, a pressure tank assembly may comprise an inlet assembly fluidly coupled to and upstream of the first siphon tank, and a discharge assembly fluidly coupled to and downstream of the second siphon tank.

In some embodiments, a pressure tank may have an outer diameter of from about 3.0 inches, about 3.1 inches, about 3.3 inches, about 3.4 inches, or about 3.5 inches, to any of about 3.6 inches, about 3.7 inches, about 3.8 inches, about 3.9 inches, about 4.0 inches, or more. In some embodiments, a pressure tank may have an inner diameter of from any of about 2.2 inches, about 2.3 inches, about 2.4 inches, about 2.5 inches, or about 2.6 inches, to any of about 2.7 inches, about 2.9 inches, about 3.0 inches, about 3.1 inches, or more. A pressure tank wall may have a thickness of from any of about 0.20 inches, about 0.21 inches, about 0.22 inches, about 0.23 inches, or about 0.24 inches, to any of about 0.25 inches, about 0.26 inches, about 0.27 inches, about 0.28 inches, about 0.29 inches, or about 0.30 inches, or more.

In some embodiments, a pressure tank may have a length of from about 15 inches, about 16 inches, about 17 inches, or about 18 inches, to any of about 19 inches, about 20 inches, about 21 inches, about 22 inches, about 23 inches, about 24 inches, about 25 inches, about 26 inches, or about 27 inches, or more.

In some embodiments, a pressure tank may comprise a layer of insulation to prevent tank sweat, for example a layer of foam insulation surrounding a pressure tank. A layer of insulation may be from about 0.05 inches, about 0.06 inches, about 0.08 inches, about 0.11 inches, about 0.14 inches, or about 0.17 inches, to any of about 0.20, about 0.23 inches, about 0.25 inches, about 0.28 inches, or more.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a pressure-assist toilet having a pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall (within a bathroom wall cavity). The pressure tank assembly allows for delivery of a desired flush rate and volume to effectively evacuate contents of a toilet bowl. The pressure tank assembly may include a pair of vertically oriented tanks; wherein flow passes from an inlet assembly through a first siphon tank, through a second siphon tank, and to a discharge assembly. In some embodiments, siphon tubes are provided in the tanks for delivering fluid flow along the flow path from inlet to discharge. The tanks may be arranged with endcaps having an inlet assembly and discharge assembly located towards a lower end of each tank.

In some embodiments, tank endcaps may be arranged at a bottom of the tanks and facing downward. In other embodiments, tank endcaps may be arranged to be facing upward and positioned at a top of the tanks.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first siphon tank having a first siphon tube. A first siphon tube may be located substantially concentrically within a first siphon tank. The first siphon tube may be coupled to a first endcap of the first siphon tank, the first siphon tube configured to admit fluid from an inlet assembly.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a second siphon tank having a second siphon tube. A second siphon tube may be positioned substantially concentrically within a second siphon tank. A second siphon tube may be coupled to a second endcap of a second siphon tank. A second siphon tube may be configured to discharge fluid to a discharge assembly.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may be configured so that fluid flows through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a first siphon tube, through a space between the first siphon tube and a first siphon tank, through a space between a second siphon tube and a second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of the second siphon tank.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may be configured so that fluid flows through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a space between a first siphon tube and a first siphon tank, through a first siphon tube, through a space between a second siphon tube and a second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of the second siphon tank.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank, wherein a first endcap of the first siphon tank and a second endcap of the second siphon tank are located near or towards a lower end of the pressure tank assembly.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first tank, a second tank, an inlet assembly, and a discharge assembly. The first tank further may include a first tank endcap, and a first siphon tube, and a second tank may include a second tank endcap, and a second siphon tube, wherein the first tank endcap and the second tank endcap are arranged near or towards a lower end of a pressure tank assembly.

According to an embodiment, a siphon assembly may include a first siphon tube positioned in a first tank and a second siphon tube positioned in a second tank.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly for a toilet may include a first tank having a first tank endcap; a second tank having a second tank endcap; a first siphon tube positioned within the first tank and a second siphon tube positioned within the second tank.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include an inlet assembly and a discharge assembly. The inlet assembly may include a pressure regulator, a venturi, an aspirator, and a check valve, wherein the inlet assembly may be located upstream of the first tank. The discharge assembly may include a discharge valve, a jet discharge port, and a rim discharge port, wherein the discharge assembly may be located downstream of the second tank.

According to an embodiment, a first tank and a second tank are arranged in series and are in flow communication. In other embodiments, a first tank and a second tank may be arranged in parallel and are in flow communication.

According to an embodiment, a bridge may couple a first tank to a second tank, the bridge configured to facilitate removal of the pressure tank assembly from a wall cavity.

In some embodiments, a bridge may provide a manner in which to remove a pressure tank assembly from a wall cavity. A bridge elongated portion may operate as a handle and allow for a user to grasp with one or both hands. A pressure tank assembly may be removed to allow for maintenance of the pressure tank assembly, or of components, connections, or couplings thereof. In some embodiments, a bridge may comprise an elongated portion and rounded end portions. In some embodiments, rounded ends may have a similar shape to a cross-section of endcaps.

In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a first tank to a second tank. A bridge may be a structural connection that secures a first tank endcap to a second tank endcap. A bridge may not provide for fluid flow, a fluid flow connection between a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank may be via a conduit. In some embodiments, a bridge may be substantially flat and/or structurally rigid and provide a connection between a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank and may operate as a handle for lifting a pressure tank assembly into and out of a wall cavity. In some embodiments, a bridge is positioned near or towards a lower end of a pressure tank assembly.

According to an embodiment, a first siphon tube may have a first length, the first length configured to allow a predetermined flush volume to be discharged from the pressure tank assembly. In some embodiments, a desired flush volume may be about 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less. In some embodiments, a desired flush volume may be about 1.6 gpf or less.

According to an embodiment, a method for flushing a toilet may include charging a pressure tank assembly, the pressure tank assembly having a siphon assembly; and discharging a predetermined flush volume from the pressure tank assembly to a toilet bowl. According to an embodiment, charging the pressure tank assembly may include admitting a fluid from an inlet assembly to a first tank having a first siphon tube and allowing fluid flow from the first tank to a second tank having a second siphon tube.

According to some methods, a fluid flow entering the inlet assembly comprises a mixture of air and water. In some embodiments, air is admitted to the fluid flow through an aspirator and water is admitted to the fluid flow through a water supply inlet coupling.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly comprises no toilet water tank.

In some methods, a predetermined flush volume may be based on a length of at least one of the first siphon tube and/or the second siphon tube.

In some method embodiments, discharging a predetermined flush volume from a pressure tank assembly to the toilet bowl includes creating a siphon effect within a siphon assembly to assist in flow of a predetermined flush volume from a pressure tank assembly to the toilet bowl.

According to an embodiment, fluid flow entering an inlet assembly may include an air/water mixture. According to an embodiment, air may be admitted to the fluid flow through an aspirator and water may be admitted to the fluid flow through a water supply inlet coupling.

According to an embodiment, fluid may flow through an inlet of a first tank, through a first siphon tube, through a space between the first siphon tube and a first tank, through a space between the second siphon tube and a second tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of the second tank.

According to an embodiment, fluid may flow through an inlet of the first tank, through a space between a first siphon tube and a first tank, through a first siphon tube, through a space between the second siphon tube and a second tank, and through a second siphon tube to exit an outlet of the second tank.

According to an embodiment, a pressure tank assembly may include a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank, and wherein discharging a predetermined flush volume in the toilet bowl may include discharging a fluid from the second tank through a discharge valve and through a jet discharge port and a rim discharge port.

According to an embodiment, a siphon assembly may include a first siphon tank having a first siphon tube and a second siphon tank having a second siphon tube.

According to an embodiment, discharging a predetermined flush volume from a pressure tank assembly to a toilet bowl may include creating a siphon effect within a siphon assembly to assist in flow of a predetermined flush volume from a pressure tank assembly to the toilet bowl.

Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

In a first embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly comprising a bowl; and a pressure tank assembly, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall cavity upon installation of the toilet assembly. In a second embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to be positioned within a bathroom wall cavity having a depth of less than about 4.0 inches.

In a third embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to the first or second embodiments, wherein the bowl is a wall-hung bowl or a floor standing bowl. In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises a jet inlet port positioned adjacent a bowl sump area, wherein the jet inlet port is configured to be coupled to a jet hose.

In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises a rim inlet port positioned at a bowl upper perimeter, wherein the rim inlet port is configured to be coupled to a rim hose.

In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein upon installation in a bathroom, the bowl extends less than about 22.0 inches from a bathroom wall.

In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises an access area beneath the bowl, wherein the access area is configured to provide access to one or more of an angle stop, an electric outlet, a drain port, plumbing connections, or electrical connections.

In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bowl comprises a utility port positioned on a side of the bowl, wherein a bidet seat may be fluidly coupled to an in-wall water source and/or electrically coupled to an in-wall electric source via the utility port.

In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly achieves a MaP score of at least about 800 grams with a flush volume of about 4.0 liters.

In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising an in-wall support structure, wherein upon installation of the assembly, a rear portion of the bowl is received by and coupled to the in-wall support structure.

In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein an upper rear portion of the bowl comprises one or more recesses configured to receive one or more brackets positioned on an upper portion of an in-wall support structure. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a lower rear portion of the bowl comprises one or more slots configured to receive one or more rods extending from a lower portion of an in-wall support structure.

In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein upon installation of the assembly, the bowl covers a maintenance space, and upon removal of the bowl from an in-wall support structure, access to the pressure tank assembly is gained through the maintenance space.

In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 10 to 13, wherein upon installation of the bowl, the bowl is received by one or more brackets positioned on an upper portion of the in-wall support structure, and the bowl is pivoted to rest on one or more rods extending from a lower portion of the in-wall support structure. In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 10 to 14, wherein the in-wall support structure comprises steel or aluminum.

In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 10 to 15, wherein the in-wall support structure is configured to be removed from within the bathroom wall cavity, to provide access to the pressure tank assembly.

In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 10 to 16, wherein the in-wall support structure is removably coupled to an in-wall stud assembly. In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 10 to 17, wherein the in-wall support structure comprises a telescoping coupling feature.

In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank, wherein the first siphon tank and second siphon tank are arranged in series.

In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank, wherein the first siphon tank and the second siphon tank are arranged in parallel.

In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to allow fluid to flow through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a first siphon tube, through a space between the first siphon tube and a first siphon tank, through a space between a second siphon tube and a second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of the second siphon tank.

In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the pressure tank assembly is configured to allow fluid to flow through an inlet of a first siphon tank, through a space between a first siphon tube and a first siphon tank, through the first siphon tube, through a space between a second siphon tube and a second siphon tank, and through the second siphon tube to exit an outlet of the second siphon tank.

In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first siphon tank and a second siphon tank, wherein a first endcap of the first siphon tank and a second endcap of the second siphon tank are located towards a lower end of the tank assembly.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first siphon tank, a second siphon tank, an inlet assembly, and a discharge assembly. In a twenty-fifth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pressure tank assembly comprises a first siphon tank comprising a first tank endcap and a first siphon tube, and comprises a second siphon tank comprising a second tank endcap and a second siphon tube.

In a twenty-sixth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of embodiment 24, wherein the inlet assembly comprises a pressure regulator, a venturi, an aspirator, and a check valve, and wherein the inlet assembly is located upstream of the first siphon tank. In a twenty-seventh embodiment, disclosed is a pressure-assist toilet assembly of embodiments 24 to 26, wherein the discharge assembly comprises a discharge valve, a jet discharge port, and a rim discharge port, and wherein the discharge assembly is located downstream of the second siphon tank.

In a twenty-eighth embodiment, disclosed is a pressure tank assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments. In a twenty-ninth embodiment, disclosed is a according to any of embodiments 1 to 27. In a thirtieth embodiment, disclosed is an in-wall support structure according to any of embodiments 1 to 27.

In a thirty-first embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a bowl according to embodiment 29 and an in-wall support structure according to embodiment 30. In a thirty-second embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 31, configured to be coupled to an in-wall tank flush assembly or to a pressure tank assembly of embodiment 28.

The term “adjacent” may mean “near” or “close-by” or “next to”.

The term “coupled” means that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. 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 “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 “flow communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there through 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.

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%, ±10% or more. 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%, ±10% or more 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.

PRESSURE-ASSIST FLUSH TOILET

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