SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-CLEANING TOILET RIM

BACKGROUND
Field

The field of the invention includes flush toilets, and more particularly certain gravity-powered wash down or siphonic flush toilets.

Background

There are a wide variety of types of toilets and toilet assemblies having toilet bowls, including gravity-powered siphonic and wash down toilets. Siphonic toilets may include rim-fed bowls, non-jetted, rim-jetted and direct jetted bowls. Such toilets for removing waste products such as human waste, are well-known. Typically, toilets such as gravity-powered toilets generally have two main parts: a tank and a bowl. The tank and bowl can be separate pieces coupled together to form the toilet system (commonly referred to as a two-piece toilet) or can be combined into one integral unit (typically referred to as a one-piece toilet).

The tank, if present, is usually positioned over the back of the bowl, contains water that is used for initiating flushing of waste from the bowl to the sewage line, as well as refilling the bowl with fresh water. When a user desires to flush the toilet, he pushes down on a flush lever on the outside of the tank, which lever is connected on the inside of the tank to a moveable chain or lever within the tank. When the flush lever is depressed, it moves a chain on the inside of the tank that acts to lift and open the flush valve, causing water to flow from the tank and into the bowl, thus initiating the toilet flush. Other toilets operate without a tank using in-line plumbing fed from a water source and in-line flush valves which actuate by action of an actuation device such as a flush handle, a push button or the like.

There are three general purposes to be served in a flush cycle. The first is to remove any solid, liquid or other waste to the drain line. The second is cleaning the bowl to remove any solid, liquid or other waste which was deposited or adhered to the surfaces of the bowl during use. The third is exchange of pre-flush water in the bowl so that relatively clean water remains in the bowl between uses, restoring the seal depth against backflow of sewer gas, and readying the toilet for the next use and flush cycle.

The second requirement, cleaning the bowl, is usually achieved by way of the hollow rim found in most toilets that extends around the upper perimeter of the toilet bowl. Some or all of the flush water is directed through such a hollow rim channel and flows through openings positioned therein to disperse water over the entire surface of the bowl and accomplish the required cleaning.

Gravity powered toilets can be classified in two general categories: wash down and siphonic. In a wash-down toilet, the water level within the bowl of the toilet remains relatively constant at all times. When a flush cycle is initiated, water flows from the tank or other water source and spills into the bowl. This causes a rapid rise in water level and the excess water spills over the weir of the trapway, carrying liquid and solid waste along with it. At the conclusion of the flush cycle, the water level in the bowl naturally returns to the equilibrium level determined by the height of the weir.

In a siphonic toilet, the trapway and other hydraulic channels are designed such that a siphon is initiated in the trapway upon addition of water to the bowl. This siphonic action and gravity effect is commonly used in another context to siphon gasoline, where the channel or hose is used to draw gasoline from one storage container to another. The siphonic action works even though the gasoline may be drawn upwards in the hose, seemingly defying gravity; the entry elevation to the hose, however, is always higher than the exit point of the hose. In the case of toilets, the siphon tube itself is an upside down U-shaped tube that draws water from the toilet bowl to the wastewater line. When the flush cycle is initiated, water flows into the bowl and spills over the weir in the trapway faster than it can exit the outlet to the sewer drain line. Sufficient air is eventually removed from the down leg of the trapway to initiate a siphon which in turn pulls the remaining water out of the bowl. The water level in the bowl when the siphon breaks is consequently well below the level of the weir, and a separate mechanism needs to be provided to refill the bowl of the toilet at the end of a siphonic flush cycle to establish the original water level and protective seal preventing back flow of sewer gas.

Generally, siphon and wash-down toilets have inherent advantages and disadvantages. Siphonic toilets, due to the requirement that most of the air be removed from the down leg of the trapway in order to initiate a siphon, tend to have smaller trapways which can result in clogging. Wash-down toilets can function with large trapways but may generally require a smaller amount of pre-flush water in the bowl. This small pre-flush volume manifests itself as a small “water spot.” The water spot, or surface area of the pre-flush water in the bowl, plays an important role in maintaining the cleanliness of a toilet. A large water spot increases the probability that waste matter will contact water before contacting the ceramic surface of the toilet. This reduces adhesion of waste matter to the ceramic surface making it easier for the toilet to clean itself via the flush cycle. The flush cycle, however, leaves certain areas, such as the top rim surface, without cleaning. Wash-down toilets with their small water spots therefore frequently require manual cleaning of the bowl after use.

Siphonic toilets have the advantage of being able to function with a greater pre-flush water volume in the bowl and greater water spot. This is possible because the siphon action pulls the majority of the pre-flush water volume from the bowl at the end of the flush cycle. As the tank refills, a portion of the refill water is directed into the bowl to return the pre-flush water volume to its original level.

Gravity powered siphon toilets can be further classified into three general categories depending on the design of the hydraulic channels used to achieve the flushing action. These categories are: non-jetted, rim-jetted, and direct-jetted.

In typical non-jetted bowls, all of the flush water exits the tank into a bowl inlet area and flows through a primary manifold into the rim channel. The water is dispersed around the perimeter of the bowl via a series of holes positioned underneath the rim. Some of the holes may be designed to be larger in size to allow greater flow of water into the bowl. A relatively high flow rate is needed to spill water over the weir of the trapway rapidly enough to displace sufficient air in the down leg and initiate a siphon. Non-jetted bowls typically have adequate to good performance with respect to cleaning of the bowl and exchange of the pre-flush water, but are relatively poor in performance in terms of bulk removal. The feed of water to the trapway is inefficient and turbulent, which makes it more difficult to sufficiently fill the down leg of the trapway and initiate a strong siphon. Consequently, the trapway of a non-jetted toilet is typically smaller in diameter and contains bends and constrictions designed to impede the flow of water. Without the smaller size, bends, and constrictions, a strong siphon would not be achieved. Unfortunately, the smaller size, bends, and constrictions result in poor performance in terms of bulk waste remove and frequent clogging, conditions that are extremely dissatisfying to end users.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the disclosure, a toilet assembly with a self-cleaning rim system is provided. The toilet assembly includes a toilet tank for storing water used by the toilet assembly. The toilet assembly includes a flush valve disposed within the toilet tank that opens and closes to deliver the stored water in the toilet tank. The toilet assembly includes a toilet bowl comprising a rim having a hollow section and a top surface forming an area suitable for water flow. The toilet assembly includes a rinse channel including a rinse channel inlet for receiving water from the toilet tank, the rinse channel configured to deliver the water for cleaning the top surface of the rim with each activation of the flush valve.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a toilet assembly with a self-cleaning rim system is provided. The toilet assembly includes a toilet tank for storing water used by the toilet assembly. The toilet assembly includes a flush valve disposed within the toilet tank that opens and closes to deliver the stored water in the toilet tank. The toilet assembly includes a toilet bowl including a rim having a hollow section and a top surface forming an area suitable for water flow. The toilet assembly includes a rinse channel including a rinse channel inlet for receiving water from the toilet tank, the rinse channel configured to deliver the water for cleaning the top surface of the rim with activation of a coupled element that functions independently of the flush valve.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for using a toilet assembly with a self-cleaning rim system is provided. The method includes activating a flush lever coupled to a flush valve disposed within a toilet tank that opens and closes to deliver the stored water in the toilet tank, wherein the flush valve opens upon activation of the flush lever. The method includes upon activation of the flush lever, water from the toilet tank flowing through a rim inlet port for cleaning liquid and solid waste in a bowl comprising a rim having a hollow section and a top surface forming an area suitable for water flow. The method includes upon activation of the flush lever, water from the toilet tank flowing through a rinse channel configured to deliver the water for cleaning the top surface of the rim.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a toilet assembly with a self-cleaning rim system is provided. The toilet assembly includes a flush valve disposed within a toilet body of the toilet assembly, the flush valve opening and closing a diaphragm to deliver water from an inlet valve. The toilet assembly includes a toilet bowl comprising a rim having a hollow section and a top surface forming an area suitable for water flow. The toilet assembly includes a rinse channel comprising a rinse channel inlet for receiving water from the inlet valve, the rinse channel configured to deliver the water for cleaning the top surface of the rim with each activation of the flush valve.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a toilet assembly with a self-cleaning rim system is provided. The toilet assembly includes a toilet tank for storing water used by the toilet assembly. The toilet assembly includes a fill valve disposed within the toilet tank that opens and closes to deliver water from an inlet to the toilet tank. The toilet assembly includes a flush valve disposed within the toilet tank that opens and closes to deliver the stored water from the toilet tank for removing waste from a toilet bowl. The toilet assembly includes the toilet bowl including a rim having a hollow section and a top surface forming an area suitable for water flow. The toilet assembly includes a rinse channel including a rinse channel inlet coupled to the fill valve via an overflow tube, the rinse channel configured for receiving water for cleaning the top surface of the rim with each activation of the flush valve during a refill operation initiated by the fill valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and may be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the figures below.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary two-piece construction toilet that includes a siphon jet pathway.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the exemplary two-piece construction toilet of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary toilet including a rinse channel for cleaning the upper rim surface area, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-C show alternative exemplary rinse channel embodiments that may be used in the exemplary toilet of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary shut off valve design that may be used in the exemplary toilet of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A-B show example configurations of the exemplary shut off valve of FIG. 4, as used with the exemplary rinse channel embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary toilet including the rinse channel with pathway coupled to an exemplary shut-off valve.

FIGS. 7A-C show an exemplary toilet including the rinse channels used for cleaning the toilet rim, and cross section views of the rim geometry of the toilet rim.

FIGS. 8A-B show an exemplary stopper mechanism for the rinse channel pathway, showing an open position (FIG. 8A) and closed position (FIG. 8B).

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary toilet including a modified rinse channel design.

FIGS. 10A-B show an exemplary embodiment of a flushometer type control valve, with FIG. 10A showing a closed position valve and FIG. 10B showing an open position valve.

FIGS. 11A-B show an exemplary embodiment of a flushometer type control valve including a rinse channel and shut-off valve.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment using refill water to rinse the rim surface.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating methods for using an exemplary toilet, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. It will, however, be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Several aspects of an improved toilet with a self-cleaning rim will now be presented with reference to various apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, steps, processes, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). While the methods may be described in an ordered series of steps, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods may be practiced in any operative order and each step may be practiced in various forms that are apparent to those skilled in the art. As well, the various elements may be arranged in any suitable configuration based on user preference or based on design. In some embodiments, aesthetic considerations may be included to alter the configuration for user preference.

Toilets typically include a bowl with a rim that folds inward at the top (forming a hollow rim). The inward fold acts as a splash guard, preventing liquid and solid waste from splashing up during the flushing action. In prior art toilets the jet of water from the tank flows out through the hollow rim or below the rim so that the bowl is cleaned during each flush cycle without affecting or cleaning the top of the rim. In this disclosure, embodiments are provided for cleaning the top side or top surface of the rim.

The self-cleaning toilet presents many advantages over the prior art, including a design for a rinse channel for cleaning the toilet rim, with the rinse channel having flexibility to be constructed as an integral part of the toilet bowl piece or as an integral part of the water tank piece. In other embodiments, the rinse channel may be a separate independent piece that may be retrofitted onto some existing or modified toilets.

In many toilets, the flush valve is at or below the height of the rim surface. In the present invention, the flush valve may be at a higher elevation relative to rim surface height, such that water does not need to flow upwards from a reservoir to exit onto the rim surface. This beneficial feature preserves the water pressure and/or velocity (based on Bernoulli's principle), which is related to the cleaning ability of the rim surface water. This feature may also be important because variables such as water usage per flush or whether a siphon jet pathway is present, all impact water pressure and velocity. If the flush valve is not elevated relative to the rim surface, then the flush water may not have enough pressure and/or velocity to travel upwards and exit onto the rim surface with any meaningful cleaning force. An elevated or higher flush valve relative to rim surface height may not be necessary in some embodiments such as the example shown in FIG. 9 where flush water travels downwards to enter the rinse channel pathway inlet.

Another benefit of the invention may include an interchangeable rinse channel part that may contain any combination of constrictors, expanders, and aerator caps in order to control both the volume and velocity of the water used to rinse the rim surface. The beneficial feature may allow for mass production of embodiments of the present invention with a fixed rinse channel portion. The comparatively smaller, cheaper, and interchangeable rinse channel portion can be attached on later to preserve the rim surface cleaning water capabilities while addressing the different water usage regulations due to state requirements or user preferences. By controlling the volume of water used for rim surface cleaning, the present invention can increase the volume of flush water in a reservoir reserved for a siphon jet pathway. As a corollary, this means the time duration of the siphon action can be lengthened. This feature may be significant because the rim surface cleaning water reduces the amount of water normally used for the siphon action. If the rim surface water drains back into the toilet bowl too early (before siphon action starts) or too late (after siphon action is finished), then the toilet flushing strength is negatively impacted. With the ability to affect both the siphon action duration, as well as the rim surface cleaning water velocity, it may be possible to have the rim surface water drain into the toilet bowl during the siphon action. In this way, the toilet's flushing strength is minimally impacted (if at all).

Another benefit of the invention includes being able to enable or disable the rim surface cleaning function by merely lifting up or putting down the toilet seat to prevent unnecessary rim surface cleaning.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary two-piece-construction toilet 100 that includes a siphon jet pathway 110. These toilets 100 may include two main parts: a tank 118 acting as a water reservoir (or tank reservoir) and a bowl 114 that the water empties into. On the bottom of the tank 118 is a flush valve 102 that is normally closed allowing the tank 118 to act as the reservoir. Coupled to the tank 118 is the lower reservoir 104 which in turn couples to a rim channel pathway 108 for water to flow and the siphon jet pathway 110 that empties into the trapway 116. Any of the toilet cavities may be considered a “reservoir,” and the term “lower reservoir” is used for clarity and not as limiting terminology.

In operation, when the toilet 100 is flushed, water in tank 118 flows through flush valve 102 and fills up the lower reservoir 104. Some portion of the flush water flows through the rim channel pathway 108 and exits holes in the underside of rim 106 to clean the toilet bowl. The balance of the flush water flows through siphon jet pathway 110 and exits near the bottom of the toilet bowl to engage the siphon action by removing sufficient air from the trapway 116.

In the example of FIG. 1A, the top surface of the rim 106 is not provided with water to clean that portion of the surface.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the exemplary two-piece construction toilet 100 of FIG. 1A. Corresponding elements between FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are labelled similarly with the descriptions omitted for brevity. The view shown in FIG. 1B better illustrates the areas of the rim 106 including the interior 120 of the rim 106 where water flows from the rim channel pathway 108 (not labeled in FIG. 1B). The rim includes the top surface 107 that water from the rim channel pathway 108 does not flow through or clean. As illustrated in the example toilet 100 of FIG. 1B, the top surface 107 has no water inlets or channels for water to flow to the surface 107 for cleaning the surface 107.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary toilet 200 including a rinse channel 212 for cleaning the upper rim surface area, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The rinse channel or rinse channel pathway 212 allows some water to be diverted for cleaning the rim surface. The rinse channel 212 may be called a rinse line, conduit, duct, pipe, guide, and the like.

Toilet 200 may include features similar to those of toilet 100 of FIG. 1. Where the features are similar, the description may be omitted for brevity. Returning to the example of FIG. 2, toilet 200 may include the rinse channel 212 extending out from lower reservoir 204. In some embodiments, there may be one rinse channel pathway 212 with an internal divider that splits the water flow to outlets on the left half and right half of the toilet rim surface. In yet other embodiments, there may be any number of channel pathways and outlets from each pathway, dictated by user preference or design.

Flush valve 202 is located at a higher elevation relative to the rim surface, such that when lower reservoir 204 is filled with tank water, some portion of the flush water is at or above the height of the rinse channel pathway 212 inlet. This may ensure that water will not have to travel upwards as it flows through the rinse channel pathway 212. While the example illustration of FIG. 2 shows the rinse channel pathway with an outlet/opening near the location where the lower reservoir 204 meets the rim, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is not so limited. In other embodiments, the opening may be designed in any shape and in any configuration that allows water to flow from the lower reservoir 204 to clean the rim surface area. In yet other embodiments, water may arrive through any path from the tank 218 or in some cases bypassing the tank 218 to the rinse channel pathway 212.

In some embodiments, rim 206 may be oriented in a declined fashion with a negative slope from the base (area 250) to the edge of the rim (area 252); in the illustration of FIG. 2 the right side (edge area 252) is sloped downward from the base area 250. Cleaning water exiting the rinse channel 212 will be aided by gravity when flowing towards the anterior portion (at front of toilet). Moreover, the rim 206 may be constructed such that the exterior and/or interior edge is slightly higher to form a lip to prevent any rim surface cleaning water from spilling over. In general, the rim 206 may take any shape/form suitable for the toilet designs.

In some embodiments, the opening of the flush valve 202 may be larger than that of a traditional flush valve in order to transfer water from the tank 218 to the lower reservoir 204 at a faster rate. In other examples, any mechanism may be used for directing the water and increasing or decreasing the flow rate.

While the disclosure and drawings are described in relation to an example two-piece toilet, those skilled in the art will recognize that other designs are possible. The embodiments may be applicable to any toilet designs, whether gravity-powered, wash down, one-piece toilets, etc.

FIGS. 3A-C show alternative exemplary rinse channel embodiments that may be used in the exemplary toilet of FIG. 2. FIG. 3A is a cross section view showing one embodiment for the rinse channel 310 design. While the example of FIG. 3A shows the example rinse channel 310 as a cylinder or tube, those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable shape or structure may be used. Rinse channel 310 may include two parts with a fixed segment 312 extending from the lower reservoir (e.g., lower reservoir 204 of FIG. 2), and an interchangeable segment 316a leading to the toilet rim, with the two parts joined at location 319a. The interchangeable segment 316a may be called a flow rate adjuster, flow rate adjuster module, flow rate limiter, or the like.

In the example rinse channel 310 water enters from the left side into the fixed segment 312, through the interchangeable segment 316a and out the right side onto the toilet rim surface. The interchangeable segment may be swapped for alternative designs for controlling the water flow including volume, outlet area, velocity, etc. of the water.

In some embodiments, the interchangeable segment 316a may be selected and fixed during factory assembly. In other embodiments, the interchangeable segment 316a may be user configurable; for example, a set of options may be available to the user for end user installation and reconfiguration.

FIG. 3B shows another embodiment for the rinse channel 330 design including a constricted segment 316b. The constricted segment 316b may function like a hose nozzle, reducing the volume of water (reducing outlet area) used for the rim cleaning surface but increasing the velocity of that water because water flow rate may be related to the volume per unit time. This feature may be helpful in some cases where less water is desired (e.g., based on municipal regulations, user preferences, etc.) and/or higher velocity of water is desirable.

The example shape of the constricted segment 316b shows a straight-line constriction; in other examples, the constriction may be variable such as those embodiments using a diaphragm design that may be adjusted to any size aperture based on user preference with the adjustable aperture placed at any section of the rinse channel 330.

FIG. 3C shows another embodiment for the rinse channel 350 design 316c including a restrictor/constrictor section 352 and expander section 354. The constrictor section 352 reduces the water volume used for cleaning the rim surface but increases the water velocity. The expander section 354 reduces the water's velocity, which may be helpful in cases where the water velocity is too high and splashes out of the toilet when it exits onto the rim surface. The constriction section 352 and expander section 354 may be sized larger or smaller based on user preference and design. In other embodiments, the constrictor section 352 and expander section 354 may use variable/adjustable elements where suitable. In other embodiments, aerators (or aerator caps) may be included in the design such that any combination of constrictors, expanders, and aerators may be included.

While the disclosure shows the three embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that other rinse channel designs are possible. For example, while FIGS. 3A-C show rigid cylinder-shaped embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that any shapes, sizes, and contours may be used where suitable. For example, the rinse channel may include curved surfaces, multi-channel designs, etc. Other moveable, detachable segments and other adaptable elements may be used where suitable. In other embodiments, the constriction and/or expander sections may be provided in stages for a gradual restriction/expansion.

In addition, while the disclosure shows the rinse channel as an element located between the reservoir and toilet rim, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be applied in various ways, including by restricting water flow within the lower reservoir or the exit of the lower reservoir.

FIG. 4 shows a profile view of an exemplary shut off valve 400 design that may be used in the exemplary toilet of FIG. 2. Due to the profile perspective, the arms are shown as rectangles—while in proper perspective the arms are circular or have plate-shaped area to be able to cover any or all of the opening of the rinse channel.

The shut off valve 400 may include a set of arms or tabs 402, 402′, 404, 406 that may spin about the center point 401 to let through a certain volume of water before the long arm 404 rotates into position to block off all or substantially all water flow. Tabs 402, 402′ are shorter tabs configured to allow water to flow before the long arm 404 rotates into position. Tab 406 is a weighted arm that allows the valve to return to the open position after shutting off the water flow. Any combination of the features such as the length of the arms 402, 402′, 404, 406, weight of arm 406, area of the arms 402, 402′, 404, 406, etc. may be used and/or altered to adjust the water flow and water volume.

The embodiment in FIG. 4 is merely an illustrative example shut off valve. Other designs of shut off valves or mechanisms that may include other manual or automatic aspects to block off water flow may be used based on user preference or design. In other examples, alternative volumetric shut off valves may be used in place or in addition to the example of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5A-B show example configurations of the shut off valve 400′ of FIG. 4, as used with the rinse channel 310′ embodiment of FIG. 3A. FIGS. 5A-B, together, show the shut off valve 400′ in operation with FIG. 5A showing the shut off valve in the initial resting position or open position allowing water to flow toward the right (as illustrated) into the rinse channel 310′; as water flows past the shut off valve 400′ from left to right, the water catches the shorter arms and rotates (clockwise 502 as illustrated) the entire shut off valve 400′ until the long arm is rotated upwards to block water flow (closed position) through the rinse channel 310′. Once the long arm blocks off the rinse channel 310′ pathway, additional water flow serves to keep the long arm pinned until the additional water flow is no longer present, whereby the weighted arm rotates the shut off valve 310′ to its initial resting state or the open position.

FIG. 5B shows the shut off valve 400″ in the closed position blocking the flow of water. After shutting off the water flow, the shut off valve 400″ returns to the open position shown in FIG. 5A due to the weighted arm rotating (counterclockwise 504 as illustrated) the shut off valve 400″ into the open position.

By adjusting the weights of the arms, the number of arms, and the rotational friction, it is possible to control how much water flows through rinse channel 310′ before the shut off valve 400′ blocks off the rinse channel 310′ pathway. This may be helpful in addressing different water usage scenarios based on municipal codes and user preferences. And because the shut off valve 400′ can be comparatively cheaper to manufacturer than the toilet tank/bowl pieces, this allows for mass manufacturing of the toilet with a cheaper customized shut off valve part to tailor the toilet to different water regulations.

In some embodiments, both the rinse channel 310′ pathway and the rim channel pathway may contain shut off valves.

FIG. 6 shows another exemplary toilet 600 including the rinse channel pathway coupled to an exemplary shut-off valve 400. In this embodiment flush water from the tank 618 flows through the rinse channel pathway 612 before flowing through to the rim channel pathway 608 and siphon jet pathway 610. The toilet 600 utilizes the example shut off valve 400 embodiment from FIG. 4. The rinse channel pathway 612 extends into reservoir 604 and upwards to catch flush water coming through from flush valve 602. In operation, when the toilet is flushed, water from tank 618 flows through flush valve 602. Since the pathway of rinse channel 612 is directly under flush valve 602, most of the flush water flows into rinse channel 612.

The shut off valve 400 begins to rotate until some threshold of water has entered rinse channel 612, whereby then shut off valve's 400 long arm blocks off the rinse channel pathway 612. As a consequence, the rest of the flush water will wind up in reservoir 604 and flow through rim channel pathway 608 and siphon jet pathway 610.

FIGS. 7A-C show an exemplary toilet 700 including the rinse channels 712a-b used for cleaning the toilet rim surface 706, and cross section views of the rim geometry of the toilet rim 706. FIG. 7A shows a top-down view of the toilet 700 embodiment containing two rinse channels 712a-b, one on each side of the rim surface 706.

As illustrated, rim surface 706 is shaped similarly to a geometric stadium as opposed to the traditional elliptical design (although any suitable shape is possible). Those skilled in the art will recognize the shape may be designed or selected for convenience, features, and/or functionality, so that water exiting the rinse channel will have a substantially straight pathway until reaching the curved outer portion of the toilet 700. This geometric shape may minimize the turns traveled by the rim surface cleaning water, thus minimizing splashing and preserving water velocity to enhance cleaning ability. Other designs are possible including water outlets located along the length of the rim.

FIGS. 7B-7C show cross sections 730, 740 of embodiments of the rim surface 706 (other parts of the rim such as the rim channel are not shown). As shown in FIG. 7B, the outer/exterior edge of the rim surface 706 is slightly higher in order to prevent the rim surface 706 cleaning water from potentially spilling out of the toilet 700. While the rim surface 706 is substantially flat elsewhere in FIG. 7B, in contrast, FIG. 7C shows the rim surface 706 severely sloped downwards at the inner side of the toilet bowl 707 in order to allow draining of the rim surface 706 cleaning water into the toilet bowl 707.

Whereas in FIG. 7B the rim surface is substantially flat, in some embodiments, the entire rim surface 706 is sloped towards the toilet bowl 707. In other embodiments, the rim surface 706 is flat throughout, or inclined so as to form a trough following the rim surface 706 pathway. In some embodiments, the rim surface 706 at the top section will connect to the siphon jet pathway. In other embodiments, at least some segments of both the exterior edge and the interior edge of the rim surface 706 are slightly elevated to prevent the rim surface cleaning water from spilling both outside and inside the toilet bowl 707. Other embodiments are possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any shape or geometric design that optimizes the function and cleaning function may be used, or in some cases where aesthetics is preferred.

FIGS. 8A-B show an exemplary stopper 802 mechanism used in another embodiment of the rinse channel 810 pathway, showing the rinse channel 810 open to water flow (open position in FIG. 8A) and closed to water flow (closed position in FIG. 8B). The stopper 802 allows shut off of the rim surface cleaning function. The embodiment may include the stopper 802 fixed to springs 804a-b used to bias the stopper 802 in the open position (as shown in FIG. 8A).

In operation (FIG. 8A), the stopper 802 is raised such that the stopper 802 body/shaft does not protrude into the rinse channel 810 to avoid occluding the rinse channel 810 pathway. In some embodiments body/shaft of the stopper 802 may be flush with the rinse channel 810 to avoid interference with the water flow dynamics. When the stopper 802′ is pressed down (FIG. 8B), the body/shaft part blocks off the rinse channel 810′ pathway. Stopper 802 can be automatically actuated by a modified toilet seat (not shown) in which a portion extends over and presses down on stopper 802 when the seat is down without requiring a user to directly interact with the stopper 802. This prevents the rim surface cleaning function while the toilet seat is down. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the stopper 802 is merely illustrative and not provided as a limiting example, and any shut off mechanism may be used in place of or in addition to the stopper 802 mechanism. In some embodiments, the stopper 802 may be directly user adjustable in addition or in the alternative to actuation by the modified toilet seat.

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary toilet 900 including a modified rinse channel 912 design. In this embodiment, the outlet of the rinse channel 912 may extend out from the reservoir 904 (similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2), or, alternatively, the outlet of rinse channel 912 may extend out from tank 918 (as illustrated in FIG. 9). A rinse valve 914, such as a weighted hinged flapper, covers the inlet to rinse channel 912. In some embodiments, the rinse valve 914 may be actuated by a flush lever.

In operation, when the flush lever is pressed, it opens both the flush valve 902 and the rinse valve 914. Some portion of the tank water will travel through rinse channel 912 until rinse valve 914 closes off the rinse channel inlet. Water through flush valve 902 travels through the rim channel pathway and siphon jet pathway to flush the toilet.

By adjusting the properties of rinse valve 914 (such as the weight, the range of motion, the rotational friction, etc.), it is possible to control the volume of water entering rinse channel 912 to wash the rim surface 906. Rinse valve 914 can be a relatively inexpensive piece that can be installed onto the toilet 900 or swapped out for other ones with different aforementioned properties. In some embodiments, the rinse valve 914 may be in the form of the shut off valve 400 of FIG. 4.

In this embodiment, flush valve 902 does not need to be at a higher elevation relative to the rim surface height because the flush water from tank 918 is already at a higher elevation when entering the inlet to rinse channel 912.

In some embodiments, the rinse valve 914 may be actuated independently of the flush operation so that the rim surface may be cleaned without activating the flush operation. In some embodiments, the rinse valve 914 may be coupled to one or more of the toilet elements such as the seat so that some interactions with the toilet (such as using the seat) may activate the rinse valve 914 to clean the rim surface or lock rinse valve 914 to prevent the rim surface cleaning function.

FIGS. 10A-B show an exemplary embodiment of a flushometer type control valve, with FIG. 10A showing a closed position valve and FIG. 10B showing an open position valve. Flushometer type toilet 1000 may include a bottom chamber 1020 and top chamber 1022 for storing water between flush cycles. A flexible diaphragm 1032 within the body 1006 separates the bottom chamber 1020 and top chamber 1022; as shown in FIG. 10A, the diaphragm 1032 is relaxed with the valve 1030 in the closed position so that water is retained in the top chamber 1022 and bottom chamber 1020, respectively. Normally (e.g., while not undergoing a flush cycle) water in the bottom chamber 1020 is in equilibrium pressure with the water in the top chamber 1022. A vacuum breaker 1004 (which may also be called a back pressure stopper) prevents water returning up the guide channel 1036 to contaminate the area 1036.

When a user activates the lever 1002 (e.g., by pushing or pulling on the lever 1002), the inside extension of the lever 1002 presses against the relief valve 1030 that creates an opening in the guide channel 1036 (or alternatively called a guide assembly).

In FIG. 10B, the lever 1002′ has been depressed and activated so that the inside extension has pushed the relief valve 1030′ to create the opening within the guide channel. Water in the top chamber 1022′ flows (e.g., via path 1060) down the guide channel. As water exits the top chamber 1022′, the water pressure from the bottom chamber 1020′ forces the diaphragm upward and water from the inlet 1050′ flows (e.g., via path 1062) through the body 1006′. The water flowing through the body creates the flush cycle for removing liquid and solid waste from the toilet 1000′.

As water flows through the toilet 1000′, some portion flows through a bypass hole 1034′ (as shown in FIG. 10A) (e.g., via path 1064) to fill the top chamber 1022′. As the top chamber 1022′ fills with water, water pressure begins to equalize between the top chamber 1022′ and bottom chamber 1020′. The diaphragm returns to the closed position; the relief valve 1030′ returns to its original position (e.g., in the vertical position) to wait for the next flush cycle.

FIGS. 11A-B show an exemplary embodiment of a flushometer type control valve including a rinse channel and shut-off valve.

In FIG. 11A the embodiment of a flushometer toilet 1100A utilizes a shut off valve 1101. The flushometer toilet 1100A may be based on the flushometer type toilet 1000 of FIG. 10A. Flushometer toilet 1100A pipes branch into rinse channel pathway 1112 with outlets at the rim surface (not shown) and toilet bowl pathway 1120 (which may engage the siphon action in some embodiments). The shut off valve 1101 resides in an opening, and comprises weighted arm 1106, two long arms 1104, 1104′, and several short arms 1102, 1102′. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the lever 1115 is pressed, flushometer toilet 1100A releases pressurized water downwards through rinse channel pathway 1112 to clean the rim surface. In the process, shut off valve 1101 is rotated (either clockwise or counterclockwise based on preference and design). In FIG. 11B, the shut off valve 1101 has rotated such that long arms 1104a, 1104a′ divert the remaining flushometer toilet 1100B water to the toilet bowl pathway 1120′ (to engage the siphon action in some embodiments).

In some embodiments, pathways 1112′ and 1120′ can be flipped such that water released by flushometer toilet 1100B will initially travel down the toilet bowl pathway before the shut off valve 1101 diverts the remaining water to the rinse channel pathway 1112′. In some embodiments, putting the toilet seat down prevents water from passing through the rinse channel pathway 1112′ (such as by preventing rotation of valve 1101, or occluding pathway 1112′).

In relation to the example flushometer toilet 1000 of FIG. 10A, the shut off valve may be placed at any suitable point within the body of the toilet. In some examples, the shut off valve may be located above the vacuum breaker; in other embodiments, the shut off valve may be located below the vacuum breaker.

While the various embodiments are shown using mechanical elements such as mechanical levers, actuators, diaphragms, etc., those skilled in the art will recognize that other mechanism including electrical elements may be used based on preference or design.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment using refill water to rinse the rim surface. FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment to FIG. 2, with the embodiment including a fill valve 1220, a refill tube 1222, and an overflow tube 1224. While in some toilet embodiments the overflow tube 1224 directs water into the toilet bowl to refill the water level after a flush, in the embodiment of FIG. 12 the overflow tube 1224 is connected to the rinse channel 1212 pathway.

In operation, after a flush cycle of the toilet 1200, the fill valve 1220 is opened and starts to fill up toilet tank 1218 with water. Simultaneously, some of the fill valve 1220 water is conducted through refill tube 1222 to the overflow tube 1224. The water traveling through overflow tube 1224 passes through rinse channel 1212 and exits onto the surface of rim 1206 to rinse the rim surface. Eventually this rim surface cleaning water drains into the toilet bowl, filling up the toilet bowl water level. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the source of the water directed to and through the rinse channel 1212 may originate from any number of locations including the toilet tank 1218 in the example of FIG. 12 or the reservoir 204 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating methods for using an exemplary toilet, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The exemplary toilet may be any one of toilets 100 of FIG. 1, 200 of FIG. 2, 600 of FIG. 6, 700 of FIG. 7, 900 of FIG. 9, 1000A/1000B of FIGS. 10A-B, or 1100 of FIG. 11.

The method may include, at step 1310, activating a flush lever coupled to a flush valve. For example, the step may include activating a flush lever coupled to a flush valve disposed within a toilet tank that opens and closes to deliver the stored water in the toilet tank, with the flush valve opening upon activation of the flush lever.

The method may include, at step 1320, upon activation of the flush lever, delivering water for cleaning liquid and solid waste in the toilet bowl. For example, the step may include upon activation of the flush lever, delivering water from the toilet tank through a rim inlet port for cleaning liquid and solid waste in the bowl including the rim having a hollow section and a top surface forming an area suitable for water flow.

The method may include, at step 1330, upon activation of the flush lever, delivering water for cleaning the top surface of the rim. For example, the step may include, upon activation of the flush lever, delivering water from the toilet tank through a rinse channel configured to deliver the water for cleaning the top surface of the rim.

The steps of 1320 and 1330 may be coupled and performed together and/or simultaneously in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the delivery of water for cleaning the toilet bowl and the rim surface may be decoupled; the two cleaning steps may be performed independently of each other. In some embodiments, a different mechanism or element (from the flush lever) may be coupled to the rinse channel for cleaning the rim surface in step 1330.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be recognized that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and embodiments disclosed are illustrations of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes or design layouts may be rearranged. Further, some steps may be combined or omitted. Any accompanying method claims may present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-CLEANING TOILET RIM

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