US20180209127A1

US20180209127A1 - Constant Flush Toilet

Info

Publication number: US20180209127A1
Application number: US15/876,165
Authority: US
Inventors: Leslie Cobb; Brittny Lane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-26
Filing date: 2018-01-21
Publication date: 2018-07-26

Abstract

A constant flush toilet assembly to remove deposited waste is disclosed. The constant flush toilet assembly comprises one or more pressure sensors to actuate the flow of water in the toilet bowl via a plurality of nozzles when a user sits on the toilet assembly. The pressure sensors shut off the flow of water when the user gets up from the toilet assembly. A time delay pressure valve is provided to allow the flow of water to run from a T connector out to the toilet bowl. The nozzles are connected to the main supply line to spread water flow to maximize the cleaning force of the water against the toilet bowl. The present invention is also configured to be retrofitted in any existing toilet configuration as a toilet seat with plumbing and pressure sensors to clean the toilet bowl.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a flush toilet assembly. The invention is specifically related to a constant flush toilet assembly to remove waste immediately once deposited, by action of a pressure engaged continual flushing mechanism.

B. Description of Related Art

Sanitation is an inevitable aspect when it comes to promote hygiene and health to people by preventing them from contacting human waste and sewage. Traditionally, people would move to outhouses or the like are situated out of site and away from people and social gathering to use them as toilets. Distance was a primitive solution for privacy from others experiencing nuisance smells and embarrassing noises that are associated with elimination during that time. Then conventional toilets are configured with a storage tank that collects an amount of flush water that is supplied from a water main or water supply line were used. Upon the actuation of a lever or other control mechanism; a valve, such as a flapper valve, is opened and the collected flush water is released from the tank into a bowl to remove the grime. However, the dilemma of smell and noises associated with in-home toilets have yielded a courtesy flush, scented sprays, running of water to mask noises, and even the strike of a match.
Currently, the in-home toilets with the traditional flush toilet system fails to eliminate the odors and grime completely as the flushing mechanism does not allow adequate flow of water in the bowl to remove the grime on a constant basis. Things get worse when it comes to home with guests or in a public setting as the repeated use of the toilet causes embarrassment among the users. The noise is also a factor that induces embarrassment and shame on the users when they experience it. Further, the unpleasant odors cause lot of uneasiness to the occupants of the home and in worst cases, it could lead to numerous health issues.
In some cases, the grime contents start getting deposited on the toilet bowl creates surface tension and material of the bowl disintegrates the structure of the bowl. Further, all the available flush toilets require lot of pressure to flush the water to remove the contents and some people tend to use the flush repeatedly which creates noise as well as the amount of water spent increases. Sometimes, noise reduction is created due to the action of deposits being dropped into moving water, preventing the surface tension from breaking, which occurs when something is dropped into still water
Therefore, there is a need for a toilet flush assembly with a constant water supply system to remove waste immediately once deposited to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provides a constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl. In an embodiment, the constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl comprises, an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl, connected via a T-connector, to a braided water supply tubing. The flush assembly further comprises one or more water supply lines incorporated on a bottom portion of a toilet seat. The water supply lines include, one or more water nozzles. In one embodiment, the water supply lines are connected to the braided water supply tubing at an end of the toilet seat. In one embodiment, the flush assembly further comprises, one or more pressure valve around the bottom surface of the toilet seat, such that, that water supply lines via one or more water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on the toilet seat. In some embodiments, the pressure valve is a time delay pressure valve.
In one embodiment, the braided water supply tubing is connected, via a toilet seat supply nipple, to the water supply lines incorporated on the bottom portion of the toilet seat. In some embodiments, one outlet end of the T-connector is connected to a threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank and another outlet end of the T-connector is connected to the braided water supply tubing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl comprises an internal water supply valve connected to a tank fill valve inside a toilet tank of the toilet bowl. The flush assembly further comprises a built-in nozzle tube with one or more water nozzles, embedded around a rim of the toilet bowl. The built-in nozzle tube is connected to an outlet of the internal water supply valve, via a time delay pressure valve, such that the water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on a toilet seat of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the time delay pressure valve comprises a pressure switch. The pressure switch is placed under one or more hinges of the toilet seat.
Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, a constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl comprises an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl. The external water inlet valve is connected via a shut-off valve, to an external water lines. The flush assembly further comprises a constant flow adapter fixedly arranged on a rim of the toilet bowl. The constant flow adapter comprises one or more water nozzles, and connected to the external water lines at an end of the toilet seat. In one embodiment, the flush assembly further comprises a time delay pressure valve, which is positioned around the constant flow adapter, such that, the constant flow adapter via one or more water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on the toilet seat. In some embodiments, one outlet end of the T-connector is connected to a threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank and another outlet end of the T-connector is connected to the external water lines.
Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, a constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl comprises an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl. The external water inlet valve is connected via a shut-off valve, to an internal water supply valve inside a toilet tank. The internal water supply valve is connected to an internal water lines. In one embodiment, the internal water supply valve is embedded in the toilet bowl and extended towards a rim of the toilet bowl. In one embodiment, the flush assembly further comprises a built-in nozzle tube with one or more water nozzles. The built-in nozzle tube comprises a time delay pressure valve, embedded around a rim of the toilet bowl. The pressure valve is connected to an outlet of the internal water lines. In one embodiment, the time delay pressure valve is protruded and positioned above the rim of the toilet bowl, such that the water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on the toilet bowl. In one embodiment, the flush assembly further comprises an on/off valve, which is connected to the internal water supply valve inside the toilet tank. In some embodiments, the time delay pressure valve is incorporated with a dampening spring for controlled release of pressure from the time delay pressure valve.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a constant flush toilet assembly in retrofitted version, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates of an exploded view of a constant flush toilet assembly in retrofitted version, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the components of the constant flush toilet assembly in retrofitted version, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a seat member of the constant flush toilet assembly in retrofitted version, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the perspective view of a built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the sectional view of the built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly, incorporating the aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
The present invention relates to a constant flush toilet assembly 100 to remove waste immediately once deposited, by action of a pressure engaged continual flushing mechanism. The constant flush toilet assembly 100 is made in two different embodiments as a retrofitted version and a built-in version to provide steady gentle stream of water into the toilet bowl to reduce the chance of clogs in a crowded restroom.
According to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a constant flush toilet assembly 100 in retrofitted version is illustrated. The constant flush toilet assembly 100 comprises one or more pressure sensors 102 to actuate the flow of water in the toilet bowl 104 via a plurality of nozzles 106 when a user sits on the toilet assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The pressure sensors 102 shut off the flow of water when the user gets up from the toilet assembly 100. The retrofitted version of the constant flush toilet assembly 100 is added to any existing toilet as a modified toilet seat 108 with the plumbing lines and pressure sensors 102 built in to it. The modified toilet seat 108 of the retrofitted version could simply replace the existing toilet seat. The water is supplied to the via a T-Connector 110 attached to the toilet's main supply line 112 just between where the water supply enters the toilet bowl 104. The supply line 112 of the retrofitted version is the connected to the T-connector 110 to feed the constant flush toilet assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1 from the tank 126. The seat 108 is configured to include three pressure sensors 102 to detect when the user sits down to activate the flush. When the user stands, a time delay mechanical pressure valve is provided to allow the flush to continue briefly to completely clean the toilet bowl 104. An on/off button 130 is located on the tank 126 to deactivate the constant flushing action. A flapper seal valve 128 is also provided in the tank 126 for proper water supply to the toilet bowl 104.
In an embodiment, the constant flush assembly 100 for a toilet bowl 104 comprises, an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl 104, connected via a T-connector 110, to a braided water supply tubing. The flush assembly 100 further comprises one or more water supply lines incorporated on a bottom portion of a toilet seat 108. The water supply lines include, one or more water nozzles. In one embodiment, the water supply lines are connected to the braided water supply tubing at an end of the toilet seat 108. In one embodiment, the flush assembly 100 further comprises, one or more pressure valve or sensors 102 around the bottom surface of the toilet seat 108, such that, that water supply lines via one or more water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve 102 incorporated on the toilet seat 108. In some embodiments, the pressure valve 102 is a time delay pressure valve.
In one embodiment, the braided water supply tubing is connected, via a toilet seat supply nipple, to the water supply lines incorporated on the bottom portion of the toilet seat 108. In some embodiments, one outlet end of the T-connector 110 is connected to a threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank 126 and another outlet end of the T-connector 110 is connected to the braided water supply tubing.
Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, a constant flush assembly 100 for a toilet bowl 104 comprises an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl 104. The external water inlet valve is connected via a shut-off valve, to an external water lines. The flush assembly 100 further comprises a constant flow adapter fixedly arranged on a rim of the toilet bowl 104. The constant flow adapter comprises one or more water nozzles, and connected to the external water lines at an end of the toilet seat 108. In one embodiment, the flush assembly 100 further comprises a time delay pressure valve 102, which is positioned around the constant flow adapter, such that, the constant flow adapter via one or more water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve 102 incorporated on the toilet seat 108. In some embodiments, one outlet end of the T-connector 110 is connected to a threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank 126 and another outlet end of the T-connector 110 is connected to the external water lines.
In preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 2, an exploded view of the constant flush toilet assembly 100 in retrofitted version is disclosed. A small water inlet valve 116 is added to the water inlet line 118 that also serves as an on/off valve and a water source as shown in FIG. 4. The circular adapter 122 is configured to project a gentle flow of water into the toilet bowl 104 from the rim 124 via a seat supply line 134. This retrofitted version of constant flush toilet assembly 100 could be fitted to any toilet design and configuration. The seat 108 is mounted on 5.5″ centered standard mounting hardware and two different configurations are made to match the curves of circular and elongated bowls of the toilet assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 3.
In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly 200 is illustrated. A set of two pressure sensors 202 provided under the toilet seat 204 is configured to activate when a person sits on the toilet seat 204. Once the pressure sensors 202 are active, the constant flush toilet assembly 200 produces a gentle flow of water from under the rim 206 of the toilet bowl 208 via a plurality of nozzles 228. The configuration of the built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly 200 includes the plumbing line and the water supply line 210 built into the lower part of the toilet bowl 208 and under the rim 206 like a standard toilet and therefore external supply lines are not required. Further, the time delay pressure valves 230 are configured to be built into the rim 206 so that the toilet seat 204 could be changed according to the user preference as shown in FIG. 6. A water inlet valve 224 is also provided to allow the water to pass through the supply line 210 to the seat water line 212. An external water line 226 is then fitted to the outside of the toilet assembly 200 and this leads to the adapter ring 216 wherein the adapter ring 216 fits on the upper circular adapter rim 206 of the toilet assembly 200 and under the seat 204. A fastener is provided to secure the circular adapter rim 206 to the toilet bowl 208 of the toilet assembly 200.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a constant flush assembly 200 for a toilet bowl 208 comprises an internal water supply valve connected to a tank fill valve inside a toilet tank of the toilet bowl 208. The flush assembly 200 further comprises a built-in nozzle tube with one or more water nozzles 228, embedded around a rim 206 of the toilet bowl 208. The built-in nozzle tube is connected to an outlet of the internal water supply valve, via a time delay pressure valve 230, such that the water nozzles 228 supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve 230 incorporated on a toilet seat 204 of the toilet bowl 208. In some embodiments, the time delay pressure valve 230 comprises a pressure switch. The pressure switch is placed under one or more hinges of the toilet seat.
Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, a constant flush assembly 200 for a toilet bowl 208 comprises an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl 208. The external water inlet valve is connected via a shut-off valve, to an internal water supply valve inside a toilet tank. The internal water supply valve is connected to an internal water lines. In one embodiment, the internal water supply valve is embedded in the toilet bowl 208 and extended towards a rim 206 of the toilet bowl 208. In one embodiment, the flush assembly 200 further comprises a built-in nozzle tube with one or more water nozzles 228. The built-in nozzle tube comprises a time delay pressure valve 230, embedded around a rim 206 of the toilet bowl 208. The pressure valve 230 is connected to an outlet of the internal water lines. In one embodiment, the time delay pressure valve 230 is protruded and positioned above the rim 206 of the toilet bowl 208, such that the water nozzles 228 supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve 230 incorporated on the toilet bowl 208. In one embodiment, the flush assembly 200 further comprises an on/off valve, which is connected to the internal water supply valve inside the toilet tank. In some embodiments, the time delay pressure valve 230 is incorporated with a dampening spring for controlled release of pressure from the time delay pressure valve 230.
Referring to FIG. 6, the water line in the built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly 200 originates from the bottom of the toilet, at the ring of the flapper seal valve 214. The water line leads to a ring 216 located under the top rim 206 of the toilet bowl 208 via the seat water line 212. The constant flow of water will eliminate waste while the toilet is in use and efficient in reducing odor and noise. An on/off button 218 is located on the tank 220 to deactivate the constant flushing action, if the user so desires.
In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the time delay pressure valve 230 for the constant flush toilet assembly 200 is disclosed. The time delay pressure valve 230 allows the water to run from the T-connector 222 out to the toilet bowl 208 and calibrated to accept the weight of any user. All three valves are configured to be open for the water to gently run into the toilet bowl 208. The valves 230 are set on a time delay mechanism wherein when the pressure is released, the valves slowly close over about 3-5 seconds. This could be accomplished with a dampening spring.
In a different embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the nozzles 106 to allow the flow of water in the toilet bowl 104 of the constant flush toilet assembly 100 is disclosed. In the retrofitted version of the constant flush toilet assembly 100, the nozzles 106 are configured to be built onto the underside of the toilet seat 108 aiming into the toilet bowl 104 at an angle to create a vortex of water going down the toilet bow 104. The nozzle openings create a spread stream to maximize the cleaning force of the water against the toilet bowl 104. There are eight nozzles 106 configured to work together to cover the entire bowl-wall and ensure that no grime stays after use. All the nozzles 106 are all connected to the main supply line 112 which is running under the toilet bowl 104 and is controlled by the pressure sensors 102.
In different embodiments as shown in FIG. 4, a toilet seat supply nipple is provided to the braided tubing 132 to allow the water to run into the toilet seat supply line 112. The nipple is mounted to a plastic part which has a connector to allow the supply tubing to be fixed to it permanently. A brass T-connector 110 is provided to create a sealed connection between the existing plumbing line and the attached seat in the retrofitted version of the constant flush toilet assembly. The T connector 110 is connected between the supply line and the threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank. The braided tubing 132 runs between the T connector 110 and the toilet seat supply nipple in the retrofitted version of the constant flush toilet assembly 100. The braided tubing 132 is made of stainless steel material that runs between the toilet seat 108 and the T connector 110. The length of the braided tubing 132 could be made to work with the different configuration of the toilets.
In preferred embodiments, a standard mounting hardware is used for the built-in version and retrofitted version of the constant flush toilet assembly 200, the modified seat 108 is mounted to the toilets using the included stainless steel standard mounting hardware. This hardware is configured to hold the hinge to the toilet bowl 104 securely on 5½″ centers as shown in FIG. 1. In the built-in version of the constant flush toilet assembly 200, all the nozzles 228 internal and a pressure sensor 202 is built just under the hinge of the toilet seat 204 to allow the user to customize their toilet seat 204, if so desired and any off the shelf toilet seat could activate the built-in pressure sensor 202 as shown in FIG. 5.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclose the constant flush toilet assembly 100 is configured to remove waste immediately once deposited, by action of a pressure engaged continual flushing mechanism. With a constant flush, unsanitary deposits are removed right away. This eliminates odors from building due to the deposited contents of the toilet bowl 104 sitting stagnate, for even a small amount of time. With moving water, contents will flow down gently, therefore no dropping sound is created nor splash up from waste contaminated waters. Some secondary sounds will be masked by the sound of swirling water. It is not required to do a wasteful courtesy flush that may also create unsanitary splash up. As the waste is being removed immediately with each deposit, the risk of clogging is deceased. The bulk of contents in the toilet bowl 104, at a given time is dramatically reduced and reduces the tank pressure needed to overcome large bulk with a single flush action, as seen with today's toilets. No embarrassing repeated flushes is required, thus reducing time spent in the bathroom and noise that is created with doing so. The embarrassment of close quarter elimination is not only reduced but omitted with the action of the constant flushing mechanism. The constant flush toilet assembly 100 helps to eliminate the problems associated with sounds, sanitation, and unpleasant odors generated with the use of a toilet. An on/off valve 130 helps the user to activate the constant flush toilet based on their requirements. The constant flush toilet assembly 100 is easy to install and cost-effective and could be adapted to fit already existing designs of toilet.
Although a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the above detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment developed herein, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl, comprising:

an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl, connected via a T-connector, to a braided water supply tubing;

one or more water supply lines incorporated on a bottom portion of a toilet seat, comprises one or more water nozzles, wherein the water supply lines is connected to the braided water supply tubing at an end of the toilet seat, and

one or more time delay pressure valve around the bottom surface of the toilet seat, such that, that water supply lines via one or more water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on the toilet seat.

2. The flush assembly of claim 1, wherein the braided water supply tubing is connected, via toilet seat supply nipple, to the water supply lines incorporated on the bottom portion of the toilet seat.

3. The flush assembly of claim 1, wherein one outlet end of the T-connector is connected to a threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank and another outlet end of the T-connector is connected to the braided water supply tubing.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. A constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl, comprising:

an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl, connected via shut-off valve, to an external water lines;

a constant flow adapter fixedly arranged on a rim of the toilet bowl, comprises one or more water nozzles, wherein the constant flow adapter is connected to the external water lines at an end of the toilet seat, and one or more-time delay pressure valve is positioned around constant flow adapted, such that, the constant flow adapter via one or more water nozzles supply water in response to the application pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on the toilet seat.

7. The flush assembly of claim 6, wherein one outlet end of the T-connector is connected to a threaded nipple on the bottom of the toilet tank and another outlet end of the T-connector is connected to the external water lines.

8. A constant flush assembly for a toilet bowl, comprising:

an external water inlet valve positioned adjacent to the toilet bowl, connected via a shut-off valve, to an internal water supply valve inside a toilet tank, wherein the internal water supply valve connected to an internal water lines, embedded in the toilet bowl and extended towards a rim of the toilet bowl;

a built-in nozzle tube with one or more water nozzles comprises one or more time delay pressure valve, embedded around a rim of the toilet bowl is connected to an outlet of the internal water lines, wherein the time delay pressure valve is protruded and positioned above the rim of the toilet bowl, such that the water nozzles supply water in response to the application of pressure by a user on the pressure valve incorporated on the toilet bowl.

9. The flush assembly of claim 8, further comprising an on/off valve connected to the internal water supply valve inside the toilet tank.rigi

10. The flush assembly of claim 8, wherein the time delay pressure valve is incorporated with a dampening spring for controlled release of pressure from the time delay pressure valve.

11. The flush assembly of claim 8, wherein the built-in nozzle tube with multiple water nozzles are faced down into the bowl at a predetermined angle to enable flushing the toilet bowl.