TOILET SUB-ASSEMBLY WITH MULTIPLE WASTE TUBE COUPLING POSITIONS

Abstract

A toilet sub-assembly including a toilet base and at least two waste tube couplings. The toilet base includes a bowl supported by a housing and having an upper lip and a bowl outlet that is configured for connecting to one of the two waste tube couplings. Each of the waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a different position, relative to the housing, for a waste outlet connecting end when the waste tube coupling is attached to the waste conduit.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to toilets. More specifically, the invention relates to a toilet sub-assembly for retro-fit applications.

2. Related Technology

When providing toilet assemblies for retro-fit applications, it is necessary for a manufacturer to keep on hand a large inventory of toilet assemblies to accommodate a wide variety of toilet rough-ins. As used herein, rough-in or rough-in dimension is the measurement or dimension defined as the distance from the wall behind the toilet out to the center of the closet/toilet flange or from the floor up to the center of the closet/toilet flange, which is mounted in the floor or wall, respectively, of the restroom area and connected a drain pipe. Sometimes rough-in dimensions also refer to minimum distances to the sides and front of the toilet assembly, but as used herein the term relates to the aforementioned dimension.

The standard rough-in dimension is 12 inches. It is not uncommon, however, to have rough-ins of 10 or 14 inches. Notwithstanding the above, rough-ins down to about 4 inches are also sometimes encountered. In such instances, long lead times are required for the custom manufacturing of a toilet for the obscure rough-in dimension. Such long lead times can be problematic in the course of a construction project, particularly when the project involves the retro-fitting of an institution having a large number of restroom areas with varying rough-ins. Such institutions may include, without limitation, correctional, mental, long-term care, physical rehabilitation and residential (short-term or long-term) institutions. This issue is problematic for both the institution and the toilet manufacturer.

SUMMARY

In overcoming the enumerated drawbacks and other limitations of the related art, the present invention provides a toilet sub-assembly.

In one aspect, the invention provides a toilet sub-assembly. The toilet sub-assembly including a toilet base having a bowl with an upper lip and a lower wall, the latter of which defines a sump and a bowl outlet. The toilet base also includes a waste conduit connected at a first end to the sump through the bowl outlet for the discharging of water and waste from the bowl. The waste conduit has a second end that is distal to the first end. The toiled sub-assembly further includes at least two waste tube couplings. Each of the waste tube couplings includes a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end. The conduit connecting end is configured for attachment to the second end of the waste conduit. Each of the waste tube couplings has a configuration that defines a different position for the waste outlet connecting end, relative to the conduit connecting end, when attached to the waste conduit.

In another aspect of the invention, each of the waste tube couplings includes a rigid tube member.

In a further aspect of the invention, the second ends of the waste tube couplings are configured for connecting to the second end of the waste conduit through a pipe coupling.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the pipe coupling is a flexible pipe coupling.

In still another aspect of the invention, one of the waste tube couplings is connected to the second end of the waste conduit.

In another aspect, the invention provides a toilet sub-assembly including a toilet base including a bowl having an upper lip and a lower wall defining a sump and a bowl outlet. The toilet base also including a waste conduit connected at a first end to the sump through the bowl outlet for the discharging of water and waste from the bowl, the waste conduit having a second end distal to the first end; at least two waste tube couplings, each of the waste tube couplings having a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end, the conduit connecting end being configured for attachment to the second end of the waste conduit, each of the waste tube couplings having a configuration defining a different positioning of the waste outlet connecting end relative to the bowl when attached to the waste conduit.

In still another aspect of the invention, each of the waste tube couplings includes a rigid tube member.

In a further aspect of the invention, the second ends of the waste tube couplings are configured for connecting to the second end of the waste conduit through a pipe coupling.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the pipe coupling is a flexible pipe coupling.

In yet another aspect of the invention, one of the waste tube couplings is connected to the second end of the waste conduit.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a toilet sub-assembly including a toilet base with a bowl having an upper lip and a lower wall that defines a sump and a bowl outlet. The toilet sub-assembly also includes a housing supporting the bowl and a waste conduit connected at a first end to the sump, through the bowl outlet, for discharging water and waste from the bowl. The waste conduit includes a second end, distal to the first end. The toilet sub-assembly includes at least two waste tube couplings, each of the waste tube couplings has a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end. The conduit connecting ends are configured for attachment to the second end of the waste conduit. Additionally, each of the waste tube couplings has a configuration that defines a different positioning of the waste outlet connecting end, relative to the housing, when attached to the waste conduit.

In a further aspect of the invention, the housing includes a plurality of mounting features defining different mounting locations along the housing for connecting of the waste tube couplings to the housing.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the mounting features are a plurality of mounting bores defined through the housing.

In a yet another aspect of the invention, the mounting bores are defined through a bottom flange of the housing.

In a still further aspect of the invention, a mounting bracket connected to one or more of the mounting features, the mounting bracket being repositionable relative to the housing by connecting of the mounting bracket to different ones of the mounting features.

In yet an additional aspect of the invention, each of the waste tube couplings includes a rigid tube member.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the second ends of the waste tube couplings are configured for connecting to the second end of the waste conduit through a pipe coupling.

In a yet a further aspect of the invention, the pipe coupling is a flexible pipe coupling.

In yet in an additional aspect of the invention, one of the waste tube couplings is connected at its conduit connecting end to the second end of the waste conduit and at its waste outlet connecting end to the housing.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the invention provides a toilet sub-assembly having a toilet base including a bowl with an upper lip and a lower wall that defines a sump and a bowl outlet. The toilet base additionally includes a waste conduit connected to the bowl outlet for discharging water and waste from the bowl. At least two waste tube couplings are provided with each having a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end. The conduit connecting end is configured for attachment to an end of the waste conduit, and each of the waste tube couplings have a configuration defining a different rough-in dimension for an assembled toilet incorporating that waste tube coupling.

In a further aspect of the invention, one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a standard rough-in dimension of about 12 inches.

In an additional aspect of the invention, one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a non-standard rough-in dimension greater than 12 inches.

In also another aspect of the invention, at least two waste tube couplings have a configuration defining a non-standard rough-in dimension less than 12 inches.

In still another aspect of the invention, one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a rough-in dimension for a wall outlet.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after reviewing the following description, including the claims, with reference to the drawings that are appended to and form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a toilet sub-assembly of the toilet seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a side, elevational view of a waste tube coupling for a first rough-in dimension;

FIG. 3B is a partial top, plan view of the waste tube coupling seen in FIG. 3A connected to a portion of the housing in a first position corresponding to the first rough-in dimension;

FIG. 4A is a side, elevational view of a waste tube coupling for a second rough-in dimension;

FIG. 4B is a partial top, plan view of the waste tube coupling seen in FIG. 4A connected to a portion of the housing in a second position corresponding to the second rough-in dimension;

FIG. 5A is a side, elevational view of a waste tube coupling for a third rough-in dimension;

FIG. 5B is a partial top, plan view of the waste tube coupling seen in FIG. 5A connected to a portion of the housing in a third position corresponding to the third rough-in dimension;

FIG. 6A is a side, elevational view of a waste tube coupling for a wall outlet embodiment of a toilet sub-assembly embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a partial end view of the waste tube coupling seen in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wall outlet embodiment of the toilet embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the toilet seen in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is rear view of the toilet seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in the description that follows, directional terms such as “upper” and “lower” are used with reference to the orientation of the elements as presented in the Figures. Accordingly, “upper” indicates a direction toward the top of the Figure and “lower” indicates a direction toward the bottom of the Figure. The terms “left” and “right” are similarly interpreted. The terms “inward” or “inner” and “outward” or “outer” indicate a direction that is generally toward or away from a central axis of the referred to part whether or not such an access is designated in the Figures. An axial surface is therefore one that faces in the axial direction. In other words, an axial surface faces in a direction along the central axis. A radial surface therefore faces radially, generally away from or toward the central axis. It will be understood, however, that in actual implementation, the directional references used herein may not necessarily correspond with the installation and orientation of the corresponding components or device.

Referring now to the drawings, a toilet sub-assembly embodying the principles of the present invention is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-9 and designated at 10. The toilet sub-assembly 10 includes as its principal components a toilet base 11 and at least two different waste tube couplings 18. The toilet base 11 principally includes a bowl 12, a skirt 14, and a waste conduit 16, to which may be mounted one of the different waste tube couplings 18.

Referring now to the perspective view of FIG. 1, as seen therein, the bowl 12 of the toilet base 11 is supported by the skirt 14 in an upwardly facing direction. A shelf 20 extends rearward from the bowl 12 and a water inlet 22 for the toilet base 11 extends upward through the shelf 20. Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 7-9, the water inlet 22 may extend rearward out of the toilet base 11 and the shelf 20 may be provided without an opening for the water inlet 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, the upper perimeter of the bowl 12 is provided with an integral or unitary seat 24. The seat 24 extends inward and downward from the outer perimeter or lip 26 of the bowl 12 and may cooperate to define a hollow rim 28 that is fluidly coupled to the water inlet 22 configured to receive and distribute flush water about the interior surface 30 of the bowl 12. Alternatively, the rim 28 may be formed solely by the upper extent of the bowl 12 or may be replaced by manifold and series of water distribution conduits configured to achieve the same end result.

The lower end of the bowl 12 defines a sump 32, which terminates in a bowl outlet 34 through which waste and water is discharged from the bowl 12.

Connected to the bowl 12 at the bowl outlet 34 is one end, the proximal end 36, of the waste conduit 16. In the industry, the waste conduit 16 is also referred to as a P-trap and is provided in a round tubular form.

Between the proximal end 36 and an opposing distal end 38, the waste conduit 16 is provided with a curvature 40 such that it initially extends downward from the bowl outlet 34 then curves rearward and upward to the distal end 38. Provided in this manner, residual water in the waste conduit 16 prevents odorous gas traveling upward from the drain pipe from being emitted through the bowl outlet 34 and the bowl 12 and into the room where the resulting toilet assembly is installed.

The toilet base 11 is adapted for individual attachment of one of at least two waste tube couplings, generally designated at 18, that are differently configured. The provision of multiple, differently configured waste tube couplings 18 allows a common toilet base 11 to accommodate a variety of different rough-ins. A manufacturer is therefore not require stock a complete inventory of toilets with different rough-ins that are sparingly ordered or to extend long lead times in order to supply toilets of different rough-ins.

While the toilet base 11 may be adapted to couple to as many waste tube couplings 18 as desired, for illustrative purposes, however, four different waste tube couplings 18 are discussed herein. These are individually seen in FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A. In combination with the toilet base 11, the provision of at least two different waste tube couplings 18 for use with the toilet base 11 is herein defined as the toilet sub-assembly 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. It will be understood that the toilet sub-assembly 10 may readily include any number of different waste tube couplings 18 so as to accommodate a greater number of rough-in dimensions.

Illustrated in 3A, 4A and 5A are waste tube couplings 18 intended to accommodate a different rough-in dimensions of a floor outlet. For example, the waste tube coupling 18 of FIG. 3A may be provided with a configuration that accommodates a rough-in dimension of about 4.25 inches, while the waste tube couplings 18 of FIGS. 4A and 5A may respectively accommodate rough-in dimensions of about 10 inches and 12 inches. Illustrated in FIG. 6A is a waste tube coupling 18 intended to accommodate an installation requiring a wall outlet, as opposed to a floor outlet, from the toilet sub-assembly 10.

Each waste tube coupling 18 includes a conduit 42, preferably of a round tubular form, defining a passageway from a coupling end 44 and a discharge end 46. Between the coupling end 44 and the discharge end 46, the conduit 42 is provided with a curvature 48 that redirects the passageway from an upwardly extending direction, seen at the coupling end 44, to a downwardly extending direction, seen at the discharge end 46. Additionally, the configuration of the curvature 48 is such that it cooperates in defining the location of the discharge end 46 and the rough-in dimension of the assembled toilet.

It is noted that, as used herein, the term “curvature” in naming the curvature 48 of the waste tube couplings 18 is not intended to mean or imply that the portion of the conduit 42 between the coupling end 44 and the discharge end 46 is curved over its entire length. As used described herein, the curvature 48 may include straight sections as well as curved sections over its length.

Referring now to the waste tube coupling 18 of FIG. 3A, proceeding from the coupling end 44 is an initially straight length portion 50 of the curvature 48. This straight length portion 50 facilitates attachment of the coupling end 44 of the waste tube coupling 18 to the distal end 38 of the waste conduit 16. Attachment of these two ends 38, 46 may be achieved through use of a pipe coupling 52, which is preferably a flexible pipe coupling 52 secured by band clamps 54 or other securing mechanism including, without limitation, securing mechanisms such as cable ties or adhesive. Alternatively, the pipe coupling 52 may be omitted and the ends 38, 46 attached to one another by welding or a similar process.

After the straight length portion 50, the curvature 48 includes a curved length portion 56. The curved length portion 56 is curved over an angle that may be less than, equal to, or greater than 180°. As seen in FIG. 3A, the curved length portion 56 is curved over an angle of less than 180°. In FIGS. 4A and 5A, the curved length portion 56 is curved over an angle of greater than 180° and in FIG. 6A, the curved length portion 56 is curved over an angle of less than 180°. As previously noted, one purpose of this curved length portion 56 is to redirect flow through the waste tube coupling 18 into a downward direction.

Subsequent to the curved length portion 56, in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A the curvature 48 extends in another straight length portion, an intermediate straight length portion 58, before an elbow portion 60 turns the curvature 48 so as to direct the discharge end 46 into the drain pipe (not shown). In FIG. 6A, the intermediate straight length portion 58 is omitted and the curved length portion 56 transitions into an elbow portion 60, which turns the curvature 48 so as to direct the discharge end 46 rearward and into the drain pipe (not shown). Accordingly, the elbow portion 60 generally curves in a direction opposite to that of the curved length portion 56. In the Figures and according to the direction of flow through the waste tube coupling 18, the curved length portion 56 curves in a clockwise direction while the elbow portion 60 curves in the counterclockwise direction. Obviously, depending on the direction of viewing, these curves could be described oppositely. The discharge end 46 may be provided at the end of a final straight length portion 62 of the curvature 48, as seen in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, or may be provided directly at the end of the elbow portion 60, as seen in FIG. 6A.

Depending on the length of the various straight sections and the angle of curvature of the various curved sections, the position of the discharge end 46 relative to the coupling end 44 may be varied, which in turn varies the position of the discharge end 46 relative to the bowl 12 and the rough in dimension of the assembled toilet.

Varying these dimensions can and may alter the overall height and overall axial length of the waste tube coupling 18. For example, the waste tube coupling 18 of FIG. 3A may have a height greater than the waste tube couplings 18 seen in FIGS. 4A and 5A, which may respectively be progressively shorter. Similarly, the waste tube coupling 18 of FIG. 5A may have an overall axial length that is greater than the overall axial length of the waste tube couplings seen in FIGS. 4A and 3A, which may respectively be progressively shorter.

At the discharge end 46, the waste tube coupling 18 may include with a gasket flange 64. The gasket flange 64 cooperates with a wax seal or other feature to form a watertight seal around the closet flange at the installation site. The gasket flange 64 may be secured to the final straight length portion 62 or elbow portion 60 by welding or other known methods.

Referring now exclusively to FIGS. 3A to 5B, to secure the waste tube coupling 18 relative to the remainder of the toilet, and in particular to the skirt 14, the waste tube coupling 18 may be provided with a mounting bracket 66 on the upper side of the gasket flange 54. Preferably, the final straight length portion 62 extends through a central opening in the mounting bracket 66. The particular shape mounting bracket 66 may take many forms, including that of the U-shaped channel as seen in the Figures.

At its opposing lateral ends, the mounting bracket 66 is provided with a series of mounting bores 68. The bores 68 allow for the securement of the mounting bracket 66, and therefore the waste tube coupling 18, to a weldment 70 that is further secured to the bottom of the toilet's skirt 14. While also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the weldment 70 is best seen in FIGS. 3B, 4B and 5B.

Referring now to those latter figures, the weldment 70 includes left and right side brackets 72 that are connected at their forward ends by a front support plate or bracket 74 and at their rearward ends by a rear support bracket 76. Collectively, the various components of the weldment 70 provide additional rigidity to the bottom of the skirt 14 and the toilet overall.

Each of the side brackets 72 is provided with a series of bores 78 along its length, which may be over a substantial length of the base of the toilet (as defined by the portion of the skirt adjacent floor on which the toilet is to be placed). Preferably series of bores 78 are provided over at least a quarter of the length of the base, more preferably over half of the length of the base and most preferably over three quarters of the length of the base. Providing the bores 78 in this manner, over a length of the weldment 70, allows for a wide range of accommodation for attachment of the waste tube coupling 18 via its mounting bracket 66.

In FIG. 3B, the waste tube coupling 18 of FIG. 3A is shown attached to the weldment 70, with the remaining portions of the toilet being omitted from the figure for clarity purposes. As seen therein, the mounting bracket 66 of the waste tube coupling 18 is secured to the side brackets 72 of the weldment 70 through the use of fasteners 80, such as threaded fasteners or the like. Prior to attachment, the waste tube coupling 18 is attached to the waste conduit 16, as previously discussed, so as to generally locate the mounting bracket 66 relative to the side brackets 72 of the weldment 70. Thereafter, the mounting bracket 66 is more specifically located so as to align mounting bores 68 of the mounting bracket 66 with the bores 78 provided in the side brackets 72. Once aligned, the fasteners 80 are inserted through the bores and secured to the fixedly locate the mounting bracket 66 and the discharge end 46 of the waste tube coupling 18 at the appropriate rough-in dimension. As represented in FIG. 3B, the final straight length portion 62 is provided a rough-in dimension of about 4.25 inches; as represented in FIG. 4B, the final straight length portion 62 is provided a rough-in dimension of about 10 inches; and as represented in FIG. 5B, the final straight length portion 62 is provided a rough-in dimension of about 12 inches.

While illustrated as being attached to one another through the use of fasteners 80 and bores 66, 78 provided in the mounting bracket 66 and the side brackets 72, it will be appreciated that other securement mechanisms could alternatively be used. For example, the respective bores 66 and 78 could be omitted and the mounting bracket 66 welded to the side brackets 72 once generally located relative to each other.

Regarding the wall outlet embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, as previously noted, this embodiment differs from that of FIGS. 1-5 in that it is configured for a wall outlet as opposed to a floor outlet. Accordingly, the discharge end of the waste tube coupling 18 extends through the rear of the toilet base 11, as seen in FIGS. 7-9. This alternative embodiment is described only in connection with its differences, it being understood that the remaining portions of the toilet sub-assembly 10 are as previously described in connection with FIGS. 1-5.

To secure the waste tube coupling 18 to toilet base 11, the waste tube coupling 18 may be provided with a track bracket 82 on the inner sider of the gasket flange 54. Preferably, the end of the elbow portion 60 extends through a central opening in the track bracket 82. The track bracket 82 is secured by fasteners 84 at its upper and lower ends to upper and lower cross supports 86, 88. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A to 9, the lower cross support 88 is part of the weldment 70 and is functionally the equivalent to the rear support bracket 76. The lower cross support 88, however, includes an upwardly extending flange 89 to facilitate securing with the track bracket 82. The upper cross support 86 extends laterally across the upper portion of the rear of toilet sub-assembly 10 between the side walls of the skirt 14.

In all embodiments, to secure an assembled toilet 10′ at the wall of the installation site, a mounting channel 90 is attached to the sidewalls of the skirt 14 at the very rear of the toilet base 11. The mounting channel 90 is generally U-shaped in cross section and utilizes side flanges 92 for mounting to the skirt 14. Extending between the side flanges 92 is a bottom wall 94 of the mounting channel 90. The bottom wall 94 includes a central opening 96 and thereby defines a frame about the perimeter of the rear of the toilet 10. When provided in the wall outlet embodiment, the discharge end 48 of the waste tube coupling 18 extends through the central opening 96.

The bottom wall 94 also includes four mounting openings 98, which are generally located in the four corners of the frame defined by the bottom wall 94. The mounting openings 98 receive studs or bolts to facilitate securement and flush mounting of the assembled toilet 10′ to the wall of the installation site.

As a person skilled in the art will really appreciate, the above description is meant as an illustration of at least one implementation of the principles of the present invention. This description is not intended to limit the scope or application of this invention since the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A toilet sub-assembly comprising: a toilet base including a bowl having an upper lip and a lower wall defining a sump and a bowl outlet, the toilet base also including a waste conduit connected at a first end to the sump through the bowl outlet for the discharging of water and waste from the bowl, the waste conduit having a second end distal to the first end; andat least two waste tube couplings, each of the waste tube couplings having a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end, the conduit connecting end being configured for attachment to the second end of the waste conduit, each of the waste tube couplings having a configuration defining a different positioning of the waste outlet connecting end relative to the conduit connecting end when attached to the waste conduit.

2. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the waste tube couplings includes a rigid tube member.

3. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein the second ends of the waste tube couplings are configured for connecting to the second end of the waste conduit through a pipe coupling.

4. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 3, wherein the pipe coupling is a flexible pipe coupling.

5. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the waste tube couplings is connected to the second end of the waste conduit.

6. A toilet sub-assembly comprising: a toilet base including a bowl having an upper lip and a lower wall defining a sump and a bowl outlet, the toilet base also including a waste conduit connected at a first end to the sump through the bowl outlet for the discharging of water and waste from the bowl, the waste conduit having a second end distal to the first end; andat least two waste tube couplings, each of the waste tube couplings having a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end, the conduit connecting end being configured for attachment to the second end of the waste conduit, each of the waste tube couplings having a configuration defining a different positioning of the waste outlet connecting end relative to the bowl when attached to the waste conduit.

7. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the waste tube couplings includes a rigid tube member.

8. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 6, wherein the second ends of the waste tube couplings are configured for connecting to the second end of the waste conduit through a pipe coupling.

9. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 8, wherein the pipe coupling is a flexible pipe coupling.

10. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 6, wherein one of the waste tube couplings is connected to the second end of the waste conduit.

11. A toilet sub-assembly comprising: a toilet base including a bowl having an upper lip and a lower wall defining a sump and a bowl outlet, a housing supporting the bowl, and a waste conduit connected at a first end to the sump through the bowl outlet for the discharging of water and waste from the bowl, the waste conduit having a second end distal to the first end; andat least two waste tube couplings, each of the waste tube couplings having a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end, the conduit connecting end being configured for attachment to the second end of the waste conduit, each of the waste tube couplings having a configuration defining a different positioning of the waste outlet connecting end relative to the housing when attached to the waste conduit.

12. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing includes a plurality of mounting features, the plurality of mounting features defining different mounting locations along the housing for connecting of the waste tube couplings to the housing.

13. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 11, wherein the mounting features are a plurality of mounting bores defined through the housing.

14. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 13, wherein the mounting bores are defining through a bottom flange of the housing.

15. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 13, further comprising a mounting bracket connected to one or more of the mounting features, the mounting bracket being repositionable relative to the housing by connecting of the mounting bracket to different ones of the mounting features.

16. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the waste tube couplings includes a rigid tube member.

17. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 11, wherein the second ends of the waste tube couplings are configured for connecting to the second end of the waste conduit through a pipe coupling.

18. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 17, wherein the pipe coupling is a flexible pipe coupling.

19. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 11, wherein one of the waste tube couplings is connected at its conduit connecting end to the second end of the waste conduit and at its waste outlet connecting end to the housing.

20. A toilet sub-assembly comprising: a toilet base including a bowl having an upper lip and a lower wall defining a sump and a bowl outlet, the toilet base including a waste conduit connected to the bowl outlet for the discharging of water and waste from the bowl; andat least two waste tube couplings having a conduit connecting end and a waste outlet connecting end, the conduit connecting end being configured for attachment to an end of the waste conduit, each of the waste tube couplings having a configuration defining a different rough-in dimension for an assembled toilet incorporating the waste tube coupling.

21. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 20, wherein one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a standard rough-in dimension of about 12 inches.

22. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 20, wherein one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a non-standard rough-in dimension greater than 12 inches.

23. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 20, wherein one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a non-standard rough-in dimension less than 12 inches.

24. The toilet sub-assembly of claim 20, wherein one of the at least two waste tube couplings has a configuration defining a rough-in dimension for a wall outlet.