Quick connection mechanism for toilet and its usage method

Abstract

At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a quick-connect mechanism that includes a clamping spring configured to receive a valve body. The clamping spring is coupled to a release button that is configured to manipulate one or more arms of the clamping spring. The quick-connect mechanism includes a base structure coupled to the toilet base / bowl. The base structure is configured to hold the clamping spring in place. In a locked state, the clamping spring seats in a recess in the valve body, thereby securing the valve body in place and preventing axial movement of the valve body relative to the clamping spring. In an unlocked state, the release button causes the arms of the clamping spring to bend outward to increase the diameter of the clamping portion, thereby releasing the valve body so that the valve body can move axially relative to the clamping spring.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Provisional Application No. 62 / 990,030 (Docket No. 010222-20139A-US), filed on March 16, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present invention relates generally to toilet bowl and tank accessories. More particularly, the present invention relates to a quick-connect toilet bowl and tank accessory and a method of attaching a toilet bowl tank to a toilet bowl using such a quick-connect accessory / assembly.

[0004] Current systems like these require a moderate level of mechanical skill, which may exceed the capabilities of some potential customers who wish to install the system without professional assistance. Furthermore, attaching and / or leveling the system can be somewhat time-consuming. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a secure, leak-free toilet tank-to-bowl coupling system that overcomes the aforementioned challenges and has significantly faster and easier installation. These and other advantageous features will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] At least one embodiment relates to a quick coupling mechanism. The quick coupling mechanism includes a clamping spring configured to receive a valve body. The clamping spring is coupled to a release button that is configured to manipulate one or more arms of the clamping spring, such as to change the diameter of a clamping portion of the clamping spring. The quick coupling mechanism includes a base structure coupled to the toilet base / bowl. The base structure is configured to hold the clamping spring in place. In a locked state, the clamping spring seats in a recess in the valve body, thereby securing the valve body in place and preventing axial movement of the valve body relative to the clamping spring. In an unlocked state, the release button bends the arms of the clamping spring outward to increase the diameter of the clamping portion, thereby releasing the valve body so that the valve body can move axially relative to the clamping spring.

[0006] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1A Included is a toilet configured with a quick-connect mechanism.

[0009] Figure 1B is a top view of a quick coupling mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the quick connection mechanism of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 are top cross-sectional views of the quick coupling mechanism of FIG. 1 in an unlocked state and a locked state, respectively.

[0012] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using the quick coupling mechanism of FIG. 1 .

[0013] Figure 7 is a top view of a quick coupling mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of the quick connection mechanism.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the quick connection mechanism.

[0016] Figures 10 to 13 is a bottom view of an alternative toilet tank for coupling with a quick-connect mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following description focuses primarily on a quick-connect mechanism for connecting a toilet tank and toilet bowl, but it should be understood that the disclosed quick-connect mechanism can be applied to other connecting components in sanitary environments (e.g., bidets, urinals, etc.) to provide a quick attachment mode. Current coupling or gasket systems for two-piece toilets (i.e., the tank and bowl are formed separately and then coupled together) require two or three studs to extend through the mounting bracket to engage holes in the top of the bowl / base. Nuts are coupled to the studs to secure the system to the bowl.

[0018] Before turning to the drawings showing certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0019] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a quick coupling mechanism, for example, for connecting a toilet tank to a toilet bowl or base, is disclosed herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the quick coupling mechanism has a clamping spring coupled to a release protrusion / button, wherein the clamping spring receives a valve body and seats in a recess in the valve body. Additionally, a base structure coupled to the toilet base / bowl holds the clamping spring in place. In some embodiments, the base structure can be coupled to the bottom of the toilet tank such that a tube extends upward from the bowl to engage the clamping spring and flush valve body in the toilet tank. The release button manipulates (e.g., bends, opens, etc.) the clamping spring, thereby releasing the valve body. Some benefits of this configuration include, for example, (1) reduced installation time, (2) reduced installation difficulty, and (3) a secure connection between the toilet bowl and the tank that prevents leaks.

[0020] Now refer to Figure 1A , shows a toilet 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment, which includes a quick-connect mechanism. The toilet 1100 includes a water tank (e.g., a container, a reservoir, etc.), shown as a water tank 1102, and a base (e.g., a base, a bracket, a support, etc.), shown as a base 1104. The water tank 1102 is coupled to and supported by the base 1104, which is configured to be positioned on a floor. The water tank 1102 is configured to receive water (e.g., via a fill valve of the toilet 1100, etc.) and store the water between flushes. The base 1104 includes a toilet bowl and is configured to receive water from the water tank 1102 to flush the contents of the toilet bowl into a sewage line. The water tank 1102 is configured to be secured to the base 1104 via a quick-connect mechanism.

[0021] Tank 1102 includes a wall (e.g., a boundary, a body, a structure, etc.), shown as bottom wall 1106, and base 1104 includes a protrusion (e.g., a projection, an extension, etc.), shown as lip 1108. Bottom wall 1106 defines a surface (e.g., a side, a face, etc.), shown as bottom surface 110. Lip 1108 extends (e.g., a projection, a protrusion, etc.) below bottom wall 1106 and includes a surface shown as top surface 1112. Tank 1102 is coupled to base 1104 such that bottom surface 1110 of bottom wall 1106 is adjacent to (e.g., opposite, facing, etc.) top surface 1112 of base 1104.

[0022] Reference Figure 1B 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5, shows a quick coupling mechanism 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The quick coupling mechanism 100 can be applied to a toilet 1100. The quick coupling mechanism 100 includes a clamping spring 102, which is shown as an elastic member. As shown in FIG1 , the clamping spring 102 includes a base portion 104 having a first arm 106 and a second arm 108 extending therefrom. The base portion 104 may include a straight and / or flat portion of the clamping spring 102. The first arm 106 and the second arm 108 extend parallel to each other and away from the base portion 104 from the base portion 104, such that the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 each form a right angle with the base portion 104. The first arm 106 and the second arm 108 may form a rounded corner with the base portion 104. In some embodiments, the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 are obliquely angled relative to the base portion 104 (e.g., 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 100 degrees, etc.). The first arm 106 and the second arm 108 extend symmetrically over a length L1 and curve toward each other, with the first end 110 of the first arm 106 and the second end 111 of the second arm 108 meeting at a point opposite the base portion 104. The first and second ends 110, 111 are separated from the base portion 104 by the valve body 101. In other words, the base portion 104 and the length L1 of the first and second arms 106, 108 form, for example, three sides of a rectangular shape, or a "C" or "U" shape, and the curved portions of the first and second arms 106, 108 form a semicircular shape having a diameter D1. Thus, the clamping spring 102 is sized and shaped to receive the valve body 101. The clamping spring 102 also includes a first protrusion 112 and a second protrusion 114 extending from the first and second ends 110, 111, respectively. As shown, the first and second protrusions 112, 114 have facing curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the first and second protrusions 112 and 114 may have outwardly curved surfaces or straight surfaces (eg, the first and second protrusions 112 and 114 extend parallel to each other or away from each other at a 45-degree angle).

[0023] The quick coupling mechanism 100 includes a base structure 116 configured to hold the clamp spring 102 in place. Figure 2 As shown, the base structure 116 includes a bottom member 118, a top member 122, and a wall 120 extending between the bottom member 118 and the top member 122. The wall 120 generally corresponds to the shape of the clamping spring 102 as described herein. The bottom member 118 is configured to be coupled to the toilet base / bowl, such as using fasteners that engage the base 1104 through one or more holes 121. The fasteners can be bolts, screws, or another device. The fasteners can be formed of metal, plastic, or polymer. The fasteners can include one or more nuts, washers, or seals (e.g., O-rings).

[0024] The base structure 116 includes a bore 123 extending in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve body 101. Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal direction is transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the base of the bottom member 118. The cavity 123 shown has a circular cross-sectional shape to receive the valve body 101. The base structure 116 also includes an annular channel 124. The bottom member 118, the wall 120, and the top member 122 cooperate to define the annular chamber 124. Figure 2 As shown, the annular channel 124 receives the spring clip 102 or at least a portion thereof (e.g., the base portion 104, the first arm 106, the second arm 108, etc.). Figure 2 As shown, the valve body 101 is inserted into the bore 123 and into the interior of the clamp spring 102 such that the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 of the clamp spring 102 are positioned between a portion of the valve body 101 and a portion of the wall 120 defining the annular channel 124. The base structure 116 may also include securing features (e.g., protrusions, corners, walls, etc.) that hold portions of the clamp spring 102, such as the base portion 104 and / or the first arm 106 and the second arm 108, in place. Additionally, in the locked state ( FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ), the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 of the clamp spring 102 are positioned between the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 of the clamp spring 102. Figure 5 ), the clamping spring 102 is seated in a recess 125 in the valve body 101 to hold the valve body 101 in position relative to the base structure 116. Thus, the base portion 104 and the portions of the first and second arms 106, 108 seated in the recess 125 define what is referred to herein as a clamping portion. The base structure 116 prevents the clamping spring 102 from moving relative to the base structure 116 along the longitudinal axis of the valve body 101, as described in detail herein. In the locked state, the clamping spring 102 prevents the valve body 101 from moving relative to the clamping spring 102 along the longitudinal axis of the valve body 101.

[0025] The quick coupling mechanism 100 shown includes a release button 126. The release button 126 is a surface configured to be engaged by a user. The release button 126 may include a cubic shape with a flat surface, a spherical shape with a rounded surface, or any other suitable shape for an actuator or button. Figure 4As shown, the release button 126 can have a first drive feature 128 and a second drive feature 130. The first drive feature 128 and the second drive feature 130 can include ramped surfaces or inclined (e.g., diagonal) surfaces. As shown, the first drive feature 128 and the second drive feature 130 are located on opposite ends of the release button 126, such that each of the first drive feature 128 and the second drive feature 130 is associated with one protrusion 112, 114 of the clamp spring and is angled (e.g., inwardly) toward the first end 110 and the second end 111. The release button 126 is operably coupled to the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 114. The first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 114 are coupled to the release button 126 on the outer side surfaces of the first drive feature 128 and the second drive feature 130. When a user engages the release button 126 (e.g., presses or pushes on a surface of the release button 126, causing the button 126 to move toward the valve body 101), the first and second drive features 128, 130 engage the first and second protrusions 112, 114, causing the first and second protrusions 112, 114 to move away from each other. The opposing movement of the first and second protrusions 112, 114 widens the diameters of the first and second arms 106, 108 and positions the clamp spring 102 in the unlocked state, as shown. Figure 4 In the unlocked state, the diameter D1' of the clamping portion is greater than the outer diameter of the valve body 101, allowing the valve body 101 to move (e.g., slide) along the longitudinal axis relative to the clamping spring 102. To facilitate this configuration, the base structure 116 also prevents any lateral movement of the base portion 104, thereby generating a force that allows the first and second arms 106, 118 to flex or bend outward when the release button 126 is engaged.

[0026] refer to Figure 6 , a method 600 for using the quick coupling mechanism 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 104. The quick-connect mechanism, not shown, couples the tank 1102 to the base 1104 via a single action. That is, the tank 1102 rests on the base 1104 and automatically snaps into place due to gravity and / or force from a user (e.g., a technician or installer). The valve body 101 can be inserted into the quick-connect coupling mechanism 100 (i.e., into the hollow portion 123 of the base structure 116 and into the diameter of the clamping spring 102) and aligned to attach the tank 1102 to the bowl or base 1104.

[0027] Figure 6A method 600 is shown for releasing a water tank 1102 from a base 1104 using a quick-connect mechanism. At step 602 (e.g., a first step), the method 600 includes pressing the release button 126, causing the release button 126 to push inwardly toward the valve body 101. The release button 126 releases the water tank 1102 from the bowl or base 1104. By pushing the release button 126 inwardly toward the valve body 101, the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 114 are pressed toward the valve body 101. As a result, the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 are radially bent, thereby increasing the diameter of the clamp spring 102.

[0028] At step 604, the release button 126 can be continuously depressed to maintain the diameter of the clamp spring 102 larger than the diameter of the valve body 101. Thus, at step 606, the valve body 101 is removed from the base structure 116. Once the valve body 101 is removed from the base structure 116 (e.g., to allow the tank 1102 to be removed from the bowl or pedestal 1104), at step 608, the release button 126 can be released (i.e., no longer depressed), and the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 return to the locked position. The first arm 106 and the second arm 108 are secured within the recess 125 of the valve body 101 by the force generated by the clamp spring 102.

[0029] Reference Figures 7 to 9, shows a quick-connect mechanism 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The quick-connect mechanism 200 includes a base portion 202. The base portion 202 may include a plate, panel, or similar relatively flat surface. The base portion 202 defines a hollow portion 204 configured to receive the valve body 101. The hollow portion 204 has a base diameter D2 corresponding to the diameter of the valve body 101. The base portion 202 is configured to couple to a toilet bowl. For example, in some embodiments, the base portion 202 may include an attachment feature 206 configured to couple with a complementary feature on the top surface of the toilet bowl. For example, the attachment feature 206 may include a slot configured to receive a fastener that clamps the base portion 202 to the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the base portion 202 may include a dry-lock plate that is factory-assembled to the bowl. The quick-connect mechanism 200 includes a collar 208. The base portion 202 and the collar 208 are separate and operably coupled to at least one retaining spring 210. The retaining spring 210 is configured to provide the force required to hold the quick coupling mechanism 200 in place and release the quick coupling mechanism 200 when released by the user, as explained herein. The quick coupling mechanism 200 includes an extension feature 212. The extension feature 212 can have a frustoconical shape, with the top end having a top diameter and the bottom end having a bottom diameter that is different from the top diameter. The top diameter corresponds to the diameter of the hollow portion 204 of the valve body 101 and the base portion 202, allowing the valve body 101 to be inserted into the quick coupling mechanism 200. As shown, the bottom diameter portion is coupled to the collar 208 and is larger than the top diameter to provide stability.

[0030] The extension feature 212 includes a plurality of balls 214. The balls 214 are arranged along an inner ring 216 of the extension feature 212. The balls 214 can be evenly or unevenly spaced along the inner ring 216. According to one example, the balls 214 are made of stainless steel. The balls 214 are configured to move radially when the valve body 101 is inserted into the quick-connect mechanism 200 and snap back into place when the valve body 101 reaches a locked position with the bowl. When the balls 214 return to their locked position, they are secured within grooves in the valve body 101, thereby securing or locking the valve body 101 as it is coupled to the quick-connect mechanism 200. The quick-connect mechanism may also include one or more O-rings to provide a seal between coupled components (e.g., the quick-connect mechanism 200 and the valve body 101, the quick-connect mechanism 200 and the tank, the quick-connect mechanism 200 and the bowl, etc.). The collar 208 can be pulled downwardly toward the base portion 202 to release the plurality of balls 214 and unlock the valve body 101 from the quick coupling mechanism 200. In various embodiments, the bottom of the water tank 300 to the water tank 600 can include various compatible configurations depending on the size and shape of the quick coupling mechanism 200 (or quick coupling mechanism 100), such as Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the base portion 202 can include a circular or rectangular shape and can be factory assembled. Thus, it is beneficial to provide tank designs that accommodate the different fits required to connect tanks and toilet bowls with the quick-connect mechanism 200. For example, the bottoms of tanks 300 and 500 can be circular, and the bottom of tank 400 can accommodate a base portion 202 having a flange.

[0031] Thus, the present disclosure describes a quick-connect mechanism that can advantageously provide a secure connection between a toilet bowl and a tank while reducing installation time and difficulty.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and acceptable usage by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure belongs. It should be understood by those skilled in the art reading this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0033] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are intended only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may differ, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0034] The construction and arrangement of the elements shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who read this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

[0035] Additionally, the word "exemplary" is used to indicate use as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such terms are not intended to imply that such implementations are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). On the contrary, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred embodiments and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0036] Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. In addition, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configurations, and arrangement of the preferred embodiments and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0037] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on any invention or the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may in some cases be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0038] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as requiring that the operations be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequence, or that all illustrated operations be performed, in order to achieve the desired results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0039] Therefore, specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. In some cases, the actions described herein can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

1. A quick connection mechanism for a toilet, comprising: a base structure coupled to a base of the toilet; a clamping spring having at least two arms coupled to the base structure, the clamping spring configured to receive a valve body associated with a tank of the toilet, wherein the valve body is a flush valve configured to flush the toilet; as well as a release button configured to manipulate one or more arms of the clamping spring to disconnect the base of the toilet from the tank of the toilet, wherein the base structure includes an annular channel configured to receive the clamping spring, and the base structure holds the clamping spring in a fixed position relative to the base of the toilet, The clamping spring is seated in a groove in the valve body to fix the valve body and prevent the valve body from axially moving relative to the clamping spring.

2. The quick connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The release button is configured to bend the one or more arms to release the valve body so that the valve body can move axially relative to the clamping spring.

3. The quick connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The release button causes a change in the diameter of the clamping portion of the clamping spring.

4. The quick connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The base structure includes a bottom member, a top member, and a wall extending between the bottom member and the top member.

5. The quick connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The base structure includes a bore extending in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve body.

6. The quick connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The release button includes at least one drive mechanism having an inclined surface.

7. The quick coupling mechanism of claim 6, further comprising at least one protrusion associated with the one or more arms of the clamping spring and configured to widen under the action of a force from the at least one drive mechanism.

8. A method for separating a toilet tank and a base using the quick coupling mechanism of independent claim 1, The method comprises: pressing a release button of the quick coupling mechanism, wherein the release button is connected to a clamping spring; maintaining the release mechanism and the clamping spring in an unlocked position; as well as Detach the water tank from the base.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: pressing the first protrusion and the second protrusion toward the valve body; as well as At least one arm of the clamping spring is bent under the action of a force from the first protrusion or the second protrusion.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein The release device includes a plurality of balls disposed along an inner ring configured to move radially.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The release device includes a release button having at least one drive mechanism having an inclined surface.

12. A toilet, comprising: base; as well as a water tank configured to be secured to the base via a quick-connect mechanism of the toilet, the quick-connect mechanism comprising: a base structure coupled to a base of the toilet; a clamping spring having at least two arms coupled to the base structure, the clamping spring configured to receive a valve body associated with a tank of the toilet, wherein the valve body is a flush valve configured to flush the toilet; and a release device for disconnecting or connecting the base of the toilet and the water tank of the toilet, wherein the base structure includes an annular channel configured to receive the clamping spring, and the base structure holds the clamping spring in a fixed position relative to the base of the toilet, The clamping spring is seated in a groove in the valve body to fix the valve body and prevent the valve body from axially moving relative to the clamping spring.

13. The toilet according to claim 12, wherein: The release device includes a plurality of balls disposed along an inner ring configured to move radially when the valve body is inserted into the quick coupling mechanism.

14. The toilet according to claim 12, wherein: The release device includes a release button.

15. The toilet according to claim 14, wherein The release button is configured to bend the one or more arms to release the valve body so that the valve body can move axially relative to the clamping spring.

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