Patent Application
20250092656
The present application relates generally to toilets and/or bidets.
Bidets include one or more sprayers configured to spray water for cleaning a portion of a user's body. The sprayer includes a spray head provided on a wand or arm. The spray head is connected to a water source in a manner that enables fluidic communication between the water source and the spray head. The wand is configured to move to active configurations, in which water may be sprayed for cleaning a user's body, such as to position the spray head under the user and/or angling the spray head toward the user. The wand may also be configured to move to an inactive configuration, in which the wand and spray head are positioned so as not to interfere with the user.
Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure should become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
The figures illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details and methodology set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
It should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the base 20, seat assembly 30, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the embodiments shown and described herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. It should be noted that various components of the toilet 10 may be made of a vitreous material such as clay. It should be noted that various components of the toilet 10 may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet 10. The toilet 10 disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended as illustration only of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments.
The base 20 of the toilet 10 may include a housing made up of one or more structural components. At least a portion of the housing may be formed from vitreous material such as clay. At least a portion of the housing may be formed of resin, polymer or plastic materials.
The base 20 (e.g., housing) of the toilet 10 may include a wall 23 having any suitable shape that is configured to form a bowl 21 having an opening formed by an upper rim at the top of the opening. The base 20, or shroud, may also be configured to include a plurality of walls having varying shapes that together form the bowl 21 having an opening formed by a rim. The wall 23 of the pedestal may extend downward and/or rearward from the bowl 21 to form a lower portion 22 (e.g., platform) configured to support the base 20 and the toilet 10. The lower portion 22 may be formed by the end (e.g., lower rim) of the wall 23, or may include a member that extends generally in a horizontal plane from one or more than one end of the wall 23.
The base 20 (e.g., housing) may also include a top member 25 that extends between two sides of the wall 23 (or between two opposing walls) and is provided rearward (or behind) the bowl 21 as well as forward (or in front of) the toilet bowl 21. The top member 25 may form the rim surface of the toilet 10.
The top member 25 forms a plateau for supporting the seat assembly 30. The top member 25 is a surface plate covering a rim 24 and the bowl opening 33 and extending to a rear edge 35 of the toilet 10. The top member 25 may be formed of plastic, vitreous, or another material. The top member 25 forms the entire top surface of the toilet 10. Thus, the top member 25 extends around both sides of the rim 24, extends to the front of the rim 24, and to the rear of the rim 24. Between the rear of the rim 24 and the rear edge 35 of the toilet 10, the top member 25 extends across a planar region including two openings 28.
For example, the top member 25 may include one or more than one opening 28, wherein each opening is configured to receive a fastening device 26 (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g., attach) the seat assembly 30 to the top member 25 of the base 20. As another example, the top member 25 may include one or more than one fastening device 27 (e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.). The seat assembly 30 may include a hinge, hinge shoulders configured to receive a fastener, a seat coupled to the hinge and a cover coupled to the hinge. The seat assembly 30 may include fastening device 27. The fastening device 27 may be integral to the base 20 (i.e., already provided connected or coupled to the base 20). In either implementation, the fastening device 27 may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the seat assembly 30 to the base 20. The fastening device 27 may be an opening or hole to receive the fastening device 26 as a bolt, screw, etc. In another example, the fastening device 26 is an opening or hole, and the fastening device 26 includes a bolt or screw associated with the top member 25. In other examples, the fastening devices 26 and 27 include mating structures that couple with each other.
As shown in
The user input or remote may provide instructions to start an operational cycles (e.g., flush cycles) of the toilet 10. Between operational cycles, the water (and waste) is collected in the first portion of the trapway 29 (in addition to the receptacle of the bowl 21), such that the weir 34 prohibits the water from passing past the weir and into the second portion of the trapway.
The toilet 10 may include another type of actuator configured to initiate an operational cycle when activated. The actuator may be a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, or any suitable device configured to activate based upon an input manipulation by a user. In some examples, an operational cycle may be initiated using one or more control signals sent wirelessly (e.g., via the internet) from a computer (e.g., cell phone) to the toilet 10.
The seat member 31 may be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet 10. The seat member 31 may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 32 may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet. The cover member 32 may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 32 may be provided above the seat member in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member 31, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowl 21 of the base 20. The cover member 32 may be configured to be disposed in an upright position, such that the cover member 32 remains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member 31.
The in-line toilet 10 may also include one or more valves and/or one or more corresponding drive mechanism to facilitate flushing of the toilet 10. The one or more drive mechanism may include a solenoid, motor, or other device to operate the one or more valves. A flushing cycle may begin upon activation of the actuator. Upon activation of the actuator, additional water (e.g., from an in-line water supply) may be discharged into the bowl 21 of the base 20, resulting in the flushing action and waste removal through the soil pipe. For example, water may be discharged into the bowl from one or more rim outlets (for example rim wash outlet 49 described herein) located in or below a rim of the toilet 10 and/or a sump jet disposed in a sump (e.g., first part of the trapway) of the toilet 10. The flushing cycle may include generation of a siphon to assist the flushing action and waste removal.
A rim water channel 44 follows at least a portion or the entirety of a circumference around the rim 24 of the bowl 21. Water travels through the rim water channel 44 and delivers rinse water to the bowl 21 through rim wash opening 49 (as shown, for example, in
A bidet wand 41 may be in the shape of a wand, having a longitudinal axis extending into the bowl 21. The bidet wand 41 may be curved. The curved shape allows the bidet wand 41 to be retracted over the rim channel 44 and into the bidet cavity 45. The bidet wand 41 pass through an opening or cutout 48 in the top member 25. The curved shape allows the bidet wand 41 to be retracted under the fastening device 27 at the seat mounting position of the top member 25 and into the bidet cavity 45. In other words, the bidet wand 41 travels through a path between the rim water channel 44 and the fastening device 27. At certain positions, the bidet wand 41 includes a first portion above the rim water channel 44 and a second portion below the rim water channel 44.
A bidet driving unit may include at least one gear 43 that is configured to mesh with an opposing gear 46 secured to the bidet wand 41. The opposing gear 46 may be a track along at least a portion of the bidet wand 41 and coupled to the bidet wand 41. The opposing gear 46 may include a longitudinal gear or rack such that the opposing gear 46 and gear 43 form a rack and pinion.
The bidet driving unit may include a motor M for rotating the gear 43. Other drive train devices are possible including rods, belts, wheels, or other components. The motor M is connected to a power source (e.g., battery, utility power) that energizes the motor and causes the motor M to rotate and drive the gear or other drive unit. The motor M may be connected to a controller, as described herein, that provides a motor command to the motor M to turn on and off the motor. The motor command may also specify the direction of the motor. A first direction for the motor M (e.g., clockwise) may correspond to retracting the bidet wand 41. A second direction for the motor M (e.g., counter-clockwise) may correspond to extending the bidet wand 41. The motor command may specify a predetermined number of rotations for the motor M to move the bidet wand 41 from the extracted position into the retracted position in the bidet cavity 45.
Referring to
In act S101, a user input is received. The user input may be received at the toilet via a button, screen, or lever. The user input may be received wirelessly from a remote or another mobile device.
In act S103, a controller interprets or analyzes the user input and generates a bidet command in response to the user input. The controller may select a timing from memory. The timing may be part of a flush sequence. The flush sequence may dictate that first the bidet is extended and supplied with water and then the bowl is flushed.
In another example, a sensor may detect when the bidet has reached the extended position and/or the retracted position. The controller may generate the bidet command in response to the sensor data. For example, the controller may operate the drive unit until the extended position and/or the retracted position is detected by the sensor.
Similarly, the controller may operate according to feedback from the motor itself. The bidet may hit a physical hardstop at the extended position and/or the retracted position. The controller may detect the hardstop based on current drawn by the motor or torque detected at the motor.
In act S105, the controller operates a drive unit for the bidet. The bidet command may specify a direction and a duration that the drive unit is operated to extend the bidet. The bidet command may data indicative of a direction and a duration that the drive unit is operated to retract the bidet.
In act S107, the controller determines a retraction event. In some examples, another user input is received as the retraction event. For example, turning off the bidet or pressing retract are example retraction events. The controller may also determine the retraction event from a timer. For example, the bidet may time out after a predetermined amount of time that the water supply is turned off for the bidet. Once the predetermined time has passed, the controller determines the retraction event.
In act S109, the controller operates the drive unit for the bidet in response to the retraction event. The controller may generate another bidet command. The second bidet command may also include data indicative of a direction and a duration that the drive unit is operated to retract the bidet.
The bidet unit 40 is coupled to the surface plate 25 and mounted below the surface plate. At least one of the apertures 28 is above the bidet unit 40. The aperture 28 may be directly above the bidet unit 40 such that a line from the bidet unit 40 and through the aperture 28 is substantially parallel to the direction opposite of gravity.
A deodorizing unit 50 is configured to treat air from the toilet 10. The deodorizing unit 50 may include filters, charcoal, or other structure configured to change the composition of air or remove particulates from the air. At least one of the apertures 28 is above the deodorizing unit 50 is above the deodorizing unit 50. The aperture 28 may be directly above the deodorizing unit 50. In some examples, two apertures are above the bidet unit 40 or two apertures are above the deodorizing unit 50. The deodorizing unit 50 includes at least a pump, a duct forming a passage 51 or opening where air is vacuumed into the deodorizing unit 50 using the pump.
Referring to
The contents of the database 703 may include one or more time durations for the bidet, for example, the database 703 may include a duration for retracting the bidet wand and/or extending the bidet wand. The database 703 may include a duration for supplying water via the bidet want.
The contents of the database 703 may include one or more volumes of water, for example, a volume of water dispensed by the bidet wand, a volume of water to pre-rinse the bowl, a volume of water dispensed from a sump jet outlet during an operational cycle, and/or a volume of water required to fill the bowl.
The memory 704 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory 704 may include one or more read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electronic erasable program read only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory. The memory 704 may be removable from the apparatus 700, such as a secure digital (SD) memory card. The memory 704 may temporarily store any data accessed by the controller 702 from the database 703.
The memory 704 and/or the computer readable medium 705 may include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the controller to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein.
A user may initiate an operational cycle, input one or more volumes, and/or input one or more time periods relevant to an operational cycle of the bidet using the display 712 and/or user input device 713. The display 712 may comprise a screen and the user input device 713 may comprise one or more buttons on the apparatus 700. In some embodiments, the display 712 and user input device 713 may comprise a touch sensitive surface (i.e., a touch screen). In some examples, the user input device may be an actuator as described above with respect to
The communication interface 714 may be connected to the network 720, which may be the internet. In some embodiments, the network 720 may be connected to one or more mobile devices 722. The one or more mobile devices may be configured to send a signal to the communication interface 714 via the network 720. For example, a more mobile devices may send a signal to the communication interface to initiate an operational cycle of the toilet 400 or change one or more volumes of water and/or time periods (e.g., predetermined time periods) associated with an operation cycle of the toilet.
The communication interface 714 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical connections and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 714 provides for wireless and/or wired communications in any known or later developed format.
When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/617,364 (Docket No. 010222-23056B-US) filed on Jan. 3, 2024, and Provisional Application No. 63/539,313 (Docket No. 010222-23056A-US) filed on Sep. 19, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63539313 | Sep 2023 | US | |
| 63617364 | Jan 2024 | US |
