High efficiency toilets

Abstract

Dual-trap toilet assemblies having an upstream sump trap positioned in a toilet bowl sump area, and a trapway coupled to the bowl sump area, the trapway having a lower downstream trap, such that the trapway is configured to hold a volume of air in a space between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles. Upon initiation of a flush cycle, the volume of air in the trapway is subject to reduced pressure, thereby aiding a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway. A connecting tube having a check valve is fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of a container positioned in a toilet tank, the tank configured to hold flush water between flush cycles.

Description

[0001] High Efficiency Toilets

[0002] The disclosure relates to toilet assemblies, for instance, to toilet assemblies configured to operate at reduced flush volumes.

[0003] Background

[0004] Typically, toilets incorporate three systems that work together to perform a flushing action: a bowl siphon, a flush mechanism, and a refill mechanism. Working in concert, these three systems constitute flush cycle of a toilet. A toilet tank, usually positioned on a toilet deck towards a back of a bowl, contains water used to initiate siphoning from the bowl to a sewage line, after which fresh water refills the bowl. When one desires to flush a toilet, he or she may manipulate a flush lever positioned at an outside of a tank, which is connected on the inside of the tank to a movable chain or lever. Upon operation, a flush lever moves a chain or lever in a tank interior, thereby lifting and opening a flush valve and causing water to flow from the tank and into the bowl initiate a toilet flush cycle.

[0005] In many toilet designs, water flows directly into the bowl and disperses into a bowl rim. The water releases into the bowl rather quickly, with flow from the tank into the bowl typically lasting a few seconds. Water may be configured to flow from a rim into a bowl, and down a channel within the bowl and through a hole at the bottom of the toilet (commonly known as a siphon jet). A siphon jet releases water into an adjoining trapway, thereby initiating a siphon action. A siphon action draws water and waste out of the bowl and into a trapway. Waste and water continues through the trapway and is released into a wastewater line. Once a tank is emptied of its contents during a flush cycle, the flush valve closes, and a floating mechanism which has now dropped in the tank to a lower position is configured to initiate opening of a fill valve or “refill valve”. A refill valve may be configured to provide fresh water to both a toilet tank and a bowl through separate flows. Eventually the toilet tank fills with water to a high enough level to cause the float to rise, thus shutting off the fill valve. At this point, a flush cycle is complete.

[0006] 1

[0007] PH4384WO01 Toilets are by far the main source of water use in a home, accounting for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption. Desired are toilet assemblies configured to provide efficient waste removal while employing a low volume of flush water.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Accordingly, disclosed are dual-trap (or dual-seal) toilet assemblies comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet tank assembly comprising a toilet tank; a container positioned at a toilet tank interior; a flush valve assembly positioned at the toilet tank interior; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of the container, wherein the container is configured to hold flush water, the toilet tank is configured to hold flush water surrounding the container, the container comprises an open lower end and a closed upper end, the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank interior, the container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles, the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway into the container upper end, the connecting tube is in flow communication with the first volume of pressurized air and the second volume of pressurized air, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, and upon initiation of the flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in the container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway.

[0010] In some embodiments, a connecting tube upper end may comprise a check valve. In some embodiments a trapway may comprise a ceramic portion and a thermoplastic portion. In some embodiments, a toilet tank may be positioned on a toilet deck towards a rear of a toilet bowl, in other embodiments, a toilet tank may be positioned “in-wall”, i.e. , behind a bathroom wall. In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a jet channel having a jet outlet positioned in a bowl sump area, wherein the jet channel is configured to be closed to atmosphere and to be primed with water between flush cycles.

[0011] 2

[0012] PH4384WO01 In other embodiments, dual-trap toilet assemblies disclosed herein may be “tankless” and not comprise a toilet tank having a container positioned therein. Toilet assemblies may be configured to manually or electronically initiate reduced pressure in a trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap to aid a siphon formation with for example a vacuum pump or a piston / cylinder assembly.

[0013] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0015] Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show views of a dual-trap toilet bowl, according to some embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 1C and Fig. 1D show sectional views of a dual-trap toilet bowl, according to some embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 2A provides an exploded view of a toilet tank assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C provide a bottom view and a see-through view of a tank vacuum container assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0019] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, and Fig. 4C provide views of check valve assemblies, according to some embodiments.

[0021] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show views of toilet assemblies, according to some embodiments.

[0022] Fig. 5C shows a gasket, according to an embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B show a flush valve assembly and a flush valve actuator, according to some embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B provide sectional views of a toilet bowl, according to some embodiments. Fig. 7C shows a partial sectional view of flush valve, according to an embodiment.

[0025] 3

[0026] PH4384WO01 Detailed Disclosure

[0027] Fig. 1 A shows a rear, top view of toilet bowl 100, according to some embodiments. Visible is trapway 109, configured to carry bowl contents to a sewer line. Trapway 109 is coupled to and in flow communication with interface 110. Interface 110 is in flow communication with opening 103. Bowl 100 comprises bowl inner surface 10Oi, bowl rim 105, and toilet deck 101 . Deck 101 is positioned vertically higher relative to bowl upper planar circumferential surface 108. Circumferential planar surface 108 encircles rim 105. Deck 101 comprises openings 102, 103, and 104, configured to receive a flush valve assembly, a connecting tube assembly, and a refill valve assembly (each not shown), respectively.

[0028] Fig. 1 B shows a top view of toilet bowl 100, according to an embodiment. Toilet deck 101 comprises openings 102, 103, and 104, configured to receive a flush valve assembly, a connecting tube assembly, and a refill valve assembly (each not shown), respectively. Bowl sump area 111 , positioned at a bottom end of bowl inner surface 10Oi, comprises trapway inlet 112, and jet outlet 116 (opposite trapway inlet 112). Sump area 111 is configured to hold a sanitary water seal between flush cycles, and is in flow communication with trapway 109 via trapway inlet 112.

[0029] Fig. 1C provides a cross-section view of toilet bowl 100, according to some embodiments. Flush water waterway 115 is fluidly coupled to opening 102, and configured to receive flush water from a toilet water tank (not shown, positioned on deck 101), and to direct flush water to rim outlets adjacent rim 105 configured to direct flush water onto bowl inner surface 10Oi. Toilet bowl 100 comprises sump trap 113, configured to hold water between flush cycles. Sump trap 113 is configured to hold water from downstream water level STD to upstream water level STU. Trapway 109 comprises lower trap 114, also configured to hold water between flush cycles. Lower trap 114 is configured to hold water from downstream water level LTD to upstream water level LTU. Trapway 109 is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air from STD to LTU between flush cycles. A pressure of a second volume of pressurized air may be measured in mm of water with distance P1. Trapway 109 comprises first upstream weir 109wu and second downstream weir 109wd. Jet outlet 116 is a small hole positioned opposite trapway inlet 112 in sump area 111. Trapway outlet 117 is configured to fluidly couple to a sewer line.

[0030] 4

[0031] PH4384WO01 Fig. 1D provides a cross-section, bottom view of toilet bowl 100, according to an embodiment. Waterway 115 is configured to direct flush water to rim outlets and also to jet hole 116. Waterway 115 is fluidly coupled to jet channel 115s, and configured to direct flush water through jet channel 115s to jet hole 116 during a flush cycle. In an embodiment, there are two jet channels 115s within a left and right side of bowl 100 fluidly coupled to waterway 115 and jet hole 116.

[0032] Fig. 2A provides an exploded view of toilet tank assembly 226, according to some embodiments. Toilet tank assembly 226 may be suitable for mounting on toilet bowl 100, according to some embodiments. Tank assembly 226 comprises tank 238 and tank lid 237. Container assembly 227 is configured to be positioned at an interior of tank 238. Flush valve assembly 235 is configured to be positioned in container inner chamber 228. Actuation assembly 234 is configured to be coupled to flush valve 235. Manipulating the handle of actuation assembly 234 to initiate a flush cycle will cause a seal of flush valve assembly 235 to lift, allowing flush water from tank 238 and from container 227 to pass to a toilet bowl. Towards an end of a flush cycle, refill valve 236, also positioned at an interior of tank 238, is configured direct fresh water to tank assembly 226 for use in a subsequent flush cycle. Also shown are annular gaskets 239 and 240, configured to seal flush valve 235 and connecting tube 241 (see Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C, and Fig. 4) to a toilet bowl deck, respectively.

[0033] Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C provide bottom and see-through views of container assembly 227, according to some embodiments. Container assembly 227 comprises gasket 242 configured to provide a seal between container bottom end 248 and an interior floor of tank 238. Gasket 243 is configured to provide a seal around connecting tube 241 and between container bottom end 248 and an interior floor of tank 238. Nut 244 is configured to be positioned in gasket 240 between a bottom exterior of tank 238 and a toilet deck and to seal, with gasket 240, connecting tube 241 to toilet tank 238 and a toilet deck. Both gaskets 239 and 240 comprise a “nut shaped” cut-out to receive a nut to fix flush valve 235 and to fix connecting tube 241 , respectively, between a bottom end of tank 238 and a toilet bowl deck. Container assembly 227 comprises inner chamber 228, defined by inner wall 232. Inner chamber 228 is configured to receive flush valve assembly 235. Container assembly comprises continuous side wall 231 and closed upper end 233.

[0034] 5

[0035] PH4384WO01 Connecting tube 241 is configured to couple to a trapway interface, for instance interface 110, and an upper end of connecting tube 241 is positioned in container upper portion 229. An upper end of connecting tube 241 comprises an opening, thereby providing flow communication between container upper portion 229 and a trapway. Container assembly 227 comprises vacuum chamber 230, defined by annular inner wall 232, continuous side wall 231 , closed upper end 233, and upper portion 229. Vacuum chamber 230 and inner chamber 228 are configured to hold flush water between flush cycles, while container upper portion 229 is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles. Space 245 is positioned between a lower end of inner wall 232 and container bottom end 248, providing for flow communication between vacuum chamber 230 and inner chamber 228. Container bottom end 248 comprises a plurality of openings 246, configured to provide flow communication between an interior of container assembly 227 and surrounding flush water of toilet tank 238. An upper end of connecting tube 241 may comprise a check valve, configured to prevent a sewer gases from entering container 227, for example if one were to use a plunger on a bowl.

[0036] As a seal of flush valve 235 is lifted off a valve inlet to initiate a flush cycle, flush water will exit inner chamber 228, vacuum chamber 230, and toilet tank 238 and pass through to a bowl to perform a flush. Surrounding tank water will pass through openings 246 to enter container assembly 227 and pass through open flush valve assembly 235 during a flush. As a water level in vacuum chamber 230 falls, negative pressure is formed in container upper portion 229, which exerts a negative pressure through connecting tube 241 on a trapway portion between STD and LTU (Fig. 1C), thereby aiding a siphon flow of flush water through a trapway. As a float of refill valve 236 falls with falling tank water, refill valve 236 is activated to provide fresh water to again fill tank 238. Refill water fills tank 238 and passes through openings 246 and through space 245 to refill inner chamber 228 and vacuum chamber 230. As vacuum chamber 230 is refilled with fresh water, a first volume of air in container upper portion 229 and a second volume of air in a trapway between STD and LTU is again pressurized, ending a flush cycle.

[0037] Fig. 3 provides a cross-section view of toilet assembly 325, according to an embodiment. Toilet assembly 325 comprises tank assembly 226 coupled to toilet bowl 100. Shown are container assembly 227 comprising connecting tube 241 , which is coupled to interface 110 with gasket 240. Interface 110 is in flow communication with trapway 109 and

[0038] 6

[0039] PH4384WO01 with connecting tube 241. Space 245 is visible below a lower end of wall 232. Flush valve 235 is coupled to toilet deck 101 with gasket 239, and is positioned in inner chamber 228. Chamber continuous side wall 231 is positioned about inner wall 232.

[0040] Fig. 4A shows an exploded view of check valve assembly 455a, according to an embodiment. Check valve 455a is configured to be positioned at a top of a connecting tube within a container, e.g. connecting tube 241 in container 227. A check valve is configured to prevent sewer gases from entering a container if one were to use a plunger on a bowl. A body of check valve 455a comprises top 458t and bottom 458b configured to snap together with a plurality of tabs 460 configured to mate with a plurality of corresponding slots 459. Check ball 457a is positioned within assembly 455a. Assembly 455a has open top 456a and is in flow communication with a connecting tube. Check ball 457a will rest on basket 461 in a normal resting state, and is configured to move upward to seal opening 456a if pressure is exerted on ball 457a from below (e.g. during plunging).

[0041] Fig. 4B shows cross-section views of check valve assembly 455b, in a resting, open state (left) and in a closed state (right). Assembly 455b is a “swing” valve, wherein door 457b is connected to body 458c with for example a hinge, e.g. a living hinge. If pressure is exerted on assembly 455b from below, door 457b is configured to swing shut in order to close opening 456b to prevent sewer gases from entering a container. Fig. 4C shows cross-section views of check valve assembly 455c in a normal, open state (left) and a closed state (right). Assembly 455c comprises cylinder 457c positioned in cylinder basket 462. An inner space of assembly 455c is in flow communication with opening 456c. Upon pressure being exerted on valve 455c from below, cylinder 457c is configured to slide upward within basket 462 and to close off opening 456a.

[0042] Fig. 5A shows a cross-section view of toilet assembly 565, according to an embodiment. Trapway 509 comprises upstream ceramic portion 509c which is a unitary construct with bowl 500. Trapway upstream ceramic portion 509c is coupled to downstream thermoplastic (plastic) part 509p. Upstream ceramic part 509c is coupled to downstream plastic part 509p with trapway connection 566. Trapway connection 566 is sealed with gasket assembly 567. Gasket assembly 567 may comprise a gasket having a shape similar to that of gaskets 239 and 240. That is, gasket assembly 567 may comprise a gasket having an upper recess portion configured

[0043] 7

[0044] PH4384WO01 to receive an upstream ceramic trapway part. A recess portion may be positioned in an upper collar portion. A collar portion may be positioned around a lower protrusion portion configured to extend into lower plastic trapway part 509p. An annular collar portion may be positioned around a protrusion portion, and have a larger diameter than a protrusion portion. In some embodiments, a plastic trapway may comprise a lower trap. In other embodiments, both a sump trap and a lower trap may comprise ceramic, wherein a ceramic part having a lower trap is coupled to a trapway plastic part. Connection 566 is configured to be air-tight, such that a vacuum-assist system discussed herein may be employed. Fig. 5A shows a trapway comprising a ceramic down-leg portion fluidly coupled to a trapway thermoplastic portion.

[0045] Fig. 5B shows skirted ceramic toilet 569 having horizontally extending trap outlet 570 configured to couple to a plastic trapway having a lower trap. A plastic trapway may be coupled to a ceramic extending horizontal outlet with a sump connection comprising one or more of a primary seal and a secondary seal, a flexible sleeve, or a sump outlet adapter. Such sump connections are disclosed for example in U.S. Pub. Nos. 2021 / 0317649 and 2023 / 0175245. Such embodiments may allow for a dual-seal toilet assembly to have a toilet tank and vacuum container positioned “in-wall”, behind a bathroom wall and not coupled to a toilet bowl deck. A lower trap may be positioned in-wall, or may be positioned near outlet 570 at a bathroom wall exterior (bathroom interior). Such configurations may allow for a wall-hung bowl, i.e. , a bowl coupled to an in-wall frame or support and not resting on a floor. Fig. 5B shows a horizontally extending outlet configured to fluidly couple to a thermoplastic trapway. A skirted toilet comprises a wall extending about the bowl and trapway, such that the trapway is not visible, as shown.

[0046] Fig. 5C shows gasket 567a of gasket assembly 567 discussed above. Upper collar portion 571 is positioned about lower protrusion portion 572. Upper recess portion 573 is configured to receive a ceramic trapway (e.g. 509c), and protrusion portion 572 is configured to extend into a plastic trapway part (e.g. 509p). Gasket assembly 567 may comprise a further annular gasket configured to mate with an upper ceramic trapway and an upper annular space in recess portion 573, and positioned on annular shelf 574. Gasket 567a has a similar shape to gaskets 239 and 240, but without a “nut-shaped” cutout. Such a gasket assembly may provide for an air-tight seal to allow for vacuum-assist methods disclosed herein.

[0047] 8

[0048] PH4384WO01 Fig. 6A shows flush valve assembly 635, according to some embodiments. Flush valve 635 is coupled to actuator assembly 634 by cable 634c. Actuator handle 634h is configured to be turned a first direction (e.g. clockwise) to provide for a “full flush” and to be turned in a second direction (e.g. counter-clockwise) to provide for a partial or “short” flush. Fig. 6B shows movement of handle 634h from a horizontal “rest” position, clockwise to perform a full flush (left) and counter-clockwise to perform a short flush (right). In some embodiments, a full flush may comprise a flush water volume of from about 3.0 liters to about 4.4 liters, and a short flush may comprise a flush water volume of from about 1.4 liters to about 2.2 liters. In some embodiments, a short flush may comprise a flush water volume about half that of a full flush. In some embodiments, a push button may be employed in place of an actuation handle. For example, an assembly may comprise a button having a first part to be pushed for a full flush and a second part to be pushed for a short flush. In other embodiments, an actuation assembly may comprise a first button and a second button, a first button configured to be pushed to provide a full flush and a second button configured to be pushed to provide a short flush.

[0049] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B provide cross-section views of toilet bowl 700, according to some embodiments. Toilet bowl 700 is shown between flush cycles, with sump trap 713 holding a sanitary water seal from downstream water level STD adjacent first upstream weir 709wu to upstream water level STU. Fig. 7A shows bowl 700 in an “un-primed” state, wherein sump trap 713 holds a sanitary water seal, but an upper portion of jet channel 715s does not hold water. Fig. 7B shows jet channel 715s filled with water (primed) from bowl opening 702 configured to receive a flush valve assembly. Gasket 739 is shown, configured to be positioned about a flush valve assembly between toilet deck 701 and a toilet tank.

[0050] Fig. 7C shows valve outlet portion 754, positioned in opening 702 between tank 738 and bowl deck 701 , according to some embodiments. Valve outlet portion comprises jet tube 755 positioned within rim tube 756. Jet tube 755 comprises jet inlet 758, and rim tube 756 comprises rim inlet 757, positioned above jet inlet 758. Jet inlet 758 and rim inlet 757 are configured to be sealed with two independent sealing surfaces of a flush valve assembly. Jet channel 715s, once primed, may be configured to hold flush water from inlet 758 to jet outlet 716 as shown in Fig. 7B. A primed jet channel may provide for a more powerful flush. Jet outlet 716 is positioned opposite trapway inlet 712 of trapway 709. Jet channel 715s is configured to be closed to atmosphere between flush cycles, allowing it to remain primed with

[0051] 9

[0052] PH4384WO01 water. Toilet assemblies having a primed jet channel are described for instance in U.S. Pat. No. 10,145,097, U.S. Pat. No. 10,246,865, and U.S. app. No. 63 / 658,922, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0053] In some embodiments, a present toilet assembly may be a “rimless” toilet. For instance, a present toilet may or may not comprise a conventional “box” rim. A box rim will typically have a plurality of openings at a rim bottom surface for introducing flush water downward to clean a bowl interior surface. Alternatively, a present toilet may comprise one or more, for instance one or two, lateral rim outlets positioned towards an upper perimeter bowl interior surface. Flush water exiting a lateral rim outlet and into a bowl surface may be configured to flow circumferentially around a bowl interior surface to clean the bowl during a flush cycle. In other embodiments, a present toilet assembly may comprise a box rim. Toilet assemblies as disclosed herein may be configured to provide for a clean bowl during a flush cycle at reduced flush volumes.

[0054] In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a jet outlet hole positioned in a bowl sump area, opposite a trapway inlet. A jet hole outlet may be configured to not necessarily direct flush water to a sump area to initiate a siphon, but rather to refill a sump trap to re-form a sanitary water seal during a flush cycle. Sump trap refill may be accomplished by slow draining of flush water through a jet outlet hole during a flush cycle. A jet outlet hole may comprise a relatively small diameter, for instance from any of about 4 mm, about 5 mm, or about 6 mm, to any of about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, or more. A toilet assembly may comprise a jet channel in fluid communication with a flush valve and configured to deliver flush water to a jet outlet during a flush cycle. One or more lateral rim outlets, one or more longitudinal rim outlets, a waterway, a jet channel, a jet outlet, and a flush valve may be in flow communication. A toilet assembly may comprise a pair of jet channels positioned on opposite side of a bowl and running from a waterway in flow communication with a flush valve to a jet outlet.

[0055] In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may be configured to deliver from any of about 2.0 liters, about 2.1 liters, about 2.2 liters, about 2.3 liters, about 2.4 liters, about 2.5 liters, about 2.6 liters, about 2.7 liters, about 2.8 liters, about 2.9 liters, about 3.0 liters, about 3.1 liters, about 3.2 liters, about 3.3 liters, or about 3.4 liters, to any of about 3.5 liters, about 3.6 liters, about 3.7

[0056] 10

[0057] PH4384WO01 liters, about 3.8 liters, about 3.9 liters, about 4.0 liters, about 4.1 liters, about 4.2 liters, about 4.3 liters, about 4.4 liters, or more flush water during a flush cycle, in total. A toilet assembly may be configured to deliver about 3.8 liters of flush water or less during a flush cycle, in total.

[0058] Flush water delivered to a toilet bowl during a flush cycle may be directed to one or more rim outlets and a jet outlet. In some embodiments, an amount of flush water directed to one or more rim outlets combined (lateral and / or longitudinal), during a flush cycle, may be greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 85%, by volume, based on a total amount of flush water delivered. For instance, an amount of flush water directed to one or more rim outlets combined, during a flush cycle, may be from any of about 75%, about 77%, about 79%, about 81%, or about 83%, to any of about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 89%, about 91%, about 92%, or about 93%, by volume, based on a total amount of flush water delivered. A high percentage of flush water delivered to the one or more rim outlets (lateral and / or longitudinal) is configured to effectively clean a toilet bowl interior surface during a flush cycle, while employing an overall low volume of flush water.

[0059] In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a waterway in fluid communication with a flush valve and with one or more rim outlets and a jet outlet. In some embodiments, a flow director may be positioned in a waterway, which flow director may comprise an arcuate wall. A flow director may be configured to direct flush water to a rim outlet, for example to a first lateral rim outlet and a second lateral rim outlet. A flow director may have a convex portion facing away from a toilet bowl, and a concave portion facing towards a toilet bowl.

[0060] A toilet assembly may comprise a toilet tank assembly positioned on a deck positioned towards a rear of a toilet bowl. A flush valve assembly may be positioned at an interior of a toilet tank. A refill valve may also be positioned at an interior of a toilet tank.

[0061] In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a “vacuum-assist” system. A vacuum-assist system may comprise a trapway having a sump trap and a second, lower trap. A vacuum-assist toilet assembly may also comprise a container positioned in a toilet water tank positioned on a toilet deck. An open conduit, or connecting tube, may be positioned in a container and fluidly coupled to the trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap. A container

[0062] 11

[0063] PH4384WO01 may have a closed upper end, an open lower end, and a continuous side wall, defining a container interior space. Toilet tank water between flush cycles will be present in the container and surround the container, with a top upper end of the container being positioned above the water level. Between flush cycles, a container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of air, and a trapway portion between a sump trap and a lower trap is configured to hold a second volume or air. The connection tube comprises an upper open end positioned in the first volume of air, and is fluidly coupled to the trapway second volume of air.

[0064] In some embodiments, a second volume of air may also include air located in a connecting tube and / or air located in an interface portion coupled to a connecting tube and a trapway.

[0065] A volume of a first volume of air in a container may be less than that of a second volume of air in a trapway. A ratio of a first volume of air to a second volume of air in percent by volume may be from any of about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 21 %, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, or about 30%, to any of about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, or more.

[0066] A first volume of air and a second volume of air may be at atmospheric pressure, or may be pressurized, that is, may have a pressure above atmospheric. In some embodiments, a pressure of a first and second volume of pressurized air may be from any of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 8 mm, about 11 mm, or about 14 mm, to any of about 17 mm, about 20 mm, about 23 mm, about 26 mm, about 29 mm, about 32 mm, about 35 mm, about 38 mm, about 41 mm, about 44 mm, about 47 mm, of about 50 mm of water, or more.

[0067] A toilet assembly may configured such that, upon directing flush water from a toilet tank to a bowl, a water level in a container falls, resulting in a reduced pressure in the first volume of air in a container upper end. The reduced pressure exerts a reduced pressure on the second volume of air in the trapway between the sump trap and the lower trap. The reduced pressure will aid a siphon flow of bowl contents into and through the trapway. As a tank water level falls, a refill valve positioned in the tank is configured to begin providing fresh water to refill the tank

[0068] 12

[0069] PH4384WO01 for a next flush cycle. New fresh tank water will enter the tank and the container, thereby repressurizing a first volume of air and a second volume of air to atmospheric pressure or above.

[0070] In some embodiments, a container may comprise a closed upper end, a continuous side wall, and an inner wall. A container may comprise an inner chamber defined by the inner wall. An inner wall and an inner chamber may comprise a cylinder-like shape. A container may comprise a vacuum chamber defined by the continuous side wall, the closed upper end, and the inner wall. A vacuum chamber may surround, or encircle an inner chamber. An upper end of a vacuum chamber may be configured to hold a first volume of air. A flush valve assembly may be positioned within an inner chamber. An upper end of a flush valve assembly may be accessible via the inner chamber. An upper end of a flush valve assembly may be coupled to a chain or lever configured to be actuated manually or electronically to lift a flush valve seal to open the valve to start a flush cycle by allowing tank water to flow into a toilet bowl.

[0071] A container lower end, or “bottom end”, may be essentially solid, and comprise one or more openings configured to provide flow communication between surrounding tank water and an interior of the container. An inner wall may extend downward towards a container lower end, and may have an open space, e.g. an annular open space, between an inner wall lower bottom end and a container lower end. A vacuum chamber and an inner chamber may be in flow communication, and both may be in flow communication with surrounding toilet tank water.

[0072] Upon initiation of a flush cycle, flush water passing through a flush valve to a toilet bowl may originate from each of a surrounding toilet tank water, a vacuum chamber, and an inner chamber. In some embodiments, a portion of flush water by volume delivered from the inner chamber may be greater than a portion of flush water delivered from each of the surrounding toilet tank water and the vacuum chamber. In an embodiment, a portion of flush water by volume originating from the inner chamber may be from any of about 40%, about 44%, or about 48%, to any of about 52%, about 56%, about 60%, or more, based on a total volume of flush water. In an embodiment, a portion of flush water by volume originating from the vacuum chamber may be from any of about 15%, about 19%, about 23%, or about 27%, to any of about 31%, about 35%, or about 39%, based on a total volume of flush water delivered during a flush cycle. In an embodiment, a portion of flush water by volume originating from the surrounding toilet tank water may be from any of about 5%, about 9%, about 13%, or about 17%, to any of

[0073] 13

[0074] PH4384WO01 about 21%, about 25%, about 29%, or about 33%, based on a total volume of flush water. In some embodiments, a volume of flush water delivered from the inner chamber is greater than a volume of flush water delivered from the vacuum chamber, which is greater than a volume of flush water delivered from surrounding tank water, during a flush cycle. In some embodiments, a volume of flush water delivered from an inner chamber may be greater than or equal to about 40%, a volume of flush water delivered from a vacuum chamber may be less than or equal to about 40%, and an amount of flush water delivered from surrounding toilet tank water may be less than or equal to about 30%, based on a total volume of flush water delivered to a toilet bowl during a flush cycle.

[0075] A trapway comprising a sump trap and a lower trap will comprise a first upstream weir and a second downstream weir. In an embodiment, a first upstream weir may be positioned above a highest point of a trapway inlet by a vertical offset distance of from any of about 0.5 inches, about 0.8 inches, about 1.1 inches, about 1.4 inches, or about 1 .7 inches, to any of about 2.0 inches, about 2.3 inches, about 2.6 inches, about 2.9 inches, about 3.3 inches, about 3.6 inches, about 3.9 inches, or more.

[0076] A dual-trap assembly comprising a sump trap and a lower trap may be configured to have a sanitary water seal positioned in the sump trap and a second water seal positioned in the lower trap between flush cycles. In some embodiments, a first upstream weir may be positioned vertically above a surface of the sump trap water seal by an offset distance of from any of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 5 mm, about 7 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, or about 20 mm, to any of about 25 mm, about 30 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or more.

[0077] In some embodiments, between flush cycles, a water level of an upstream end of a lower trap may be lower than a downstream level of a lower trap. In some embodiments, a vertical offset difference in water level between an upstream and downstream water level of a lower trap may be from any of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, or about 5 mm, to any of about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 18 mm, about 20 mm, or more.

[0078] 14

[0079] PH4384WO01 In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise a connecting portion extending downward from a first upstream weir and towards a lower trap. A trapway may comprise a series of curved shapes, for example, may comprise a first upstream weir having a first arced path arcing about a first center point, a lower trap having a second arced path arcing about a second center point, and a connecting portion having a central arced path between the first upstream weir and the lower trap. A central arced path may extend laterally away from the first upstream weir and extend laterally back toward the lower trap. A trapway shape may have a first line extending through the first center point and the second center point. A first line may be parallel with and offset from a second line tangent to the central arced path. A first line and second line offset distance may be from any of about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or about 55 mm, to any of about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, about 75 mm, about 80 mm, about 85 mm, about 90 mm, or more.

[0080] In an embodiment, a second line may intersect a central arced path at a location that is closer to the first upstream weir than to the lower trap. In an embodiment, a first arced path may comprise a larger radius than a second arced path. An upstream weir first arced path may have a radius of from any of about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or about 55 mm, to any of about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm, about 75 mm, about 80 mm, or more. A lower trap second arced path may have a radius of from any of about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, or about 35 mm, to any of about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, about 70 mm or more. In some embodiments, an arced path may run through a center of a trapway.

[0081] In some embodiments, a connecting tube extending from a container upper end may be fluidly coupled to a trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap by an interface. An interface may comprise a shape and a position configured to aid in a siphon flow of bowl contents through a trapway. An interface may comprise a “fin-like” or a substantially triangular-like shape. An upper portion of an interface may be fluidly coupled to a connecting tube, and a lower portion of an interface may be fluidly coupled to a top wall of a trapway between a sump trap and a lower trap. An interface lower end may comprise an upper edge and a lower edge, which are an upstream-most point and a downstream-most point of transition of an interface to a trapway upper exterior wall. In some embodiments, an interface lower end upper edge may be

[0082] 15

[0083] PH4384WO01 positioned above a first upstream weir. In some embodiments, an interface lower end upper edge may be positioned about directly above a first upstream weir.

[0084] In some embodiments, an interface, trapway, and toilet bowl may be a unitary ceramic construct. In other embodiments, an interface and / or a trapway may comprise a separate construction coupled to a toilet bowl. A separate interface and / or trapway may comprise ceramic or a thermoplastic. In some embodiments, a connecting tube and a container may comprise a thermoplastic. Thermoplastics may include a polypropylene, a polyethylene, a polyester, a polyamide, a polystyrene, mixtures thereof, or copolymers thereof. Thermoplastics may include engineering thermoplastics., Engineering thermoplastics include for example polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polysulfones (PSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), polyphenylene oxides (PPO), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polyphenylenesulfones (PPSU), polyether ether ketones (PEEK), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyphthalamides (PPA), polyacetals, copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. Polyamides include nylon and polyphthalamide (PPA). Polyacetals include polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer may comprise a glass-filled thermoplastic. Parts comprising a thermoplastic may be prepared via a molding process, for example injection molding.

[0085] In some embodiments, an interface lower portion upper edge may be positioned at about a trapway outer wall highest point. An interface lower portion lower edge may be positioned at about a same height as a first upstream weir. An interface outer wall may be about tangent to a trapway outer wall at an interface lower portion upper edge. In some embodiments, an interface outer wall may be about tangent to a trapway outer wall at an interface lower portion lower edge. In some embodiments, an interface may comprise a substantially cylinder-shaped upper portion and comprise a triangular-like lower portion. An interface lower portion may have width extending from narrow to wide from an interface upper portion to a trapway coupling.

[0086] In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise an internal diameter configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway. A trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a lowest point of a lower trap than at a second downstream weir. A trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a lowest point of a lower trap than at an upstream end of the lower trap. An upstream water level in a lower trap may be defined as an upstream end of

[0087] 16

[0088] PH4384WO01 the lower trap. In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a first upstream weir than at an upstream end of a lower trap. In some embodiments, a trapway may comprise a larger internal diameter at a first upstream weir than at a lowest point of a lower trap.

[0089] A toilet assembly may comprise a construction such that a flush valve and a connecting tube are air-tight. In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a first annular gasket positioned between a toilet tank bottom and a toilet deck, and configured to form a seal around a flush valve assembly. A toilet assembly may comprise a second annular gasket positioned between a toilet tank bottom and a toilet deck, and configured to form a seal around the connecting tube.

[0090] A first annular gasket and a second annular gasket may each comprise a recess portion configured to receive a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube assembly, respectively. A first annular gasket and a second annular gasket may each comprise an annular protrusion configured to extend into a toilet deck. A first gasket and a second gasket may each comprise an annular collar portion, positioned around a protrusion portion, and having a larger diameter than the protrusion portion. Respective gasket annular collar portions may comprise a “cut-out” configured to receive a nut configured to couple to a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube, respectively.

[0091] In some embodiments, a tank assembly may comprise a manifold plate, the manifold plate comprising a plurality of legs or “feet” configured to rest on a bottom interior surface of a toilet tank. A manifold plate may comprise an opening to receive a flush valve, and an opening to receive a connecting tube. A manifold plate may be configured to compress gaskets to provide for an air-tight seal, for example gaskets 239 and 240 between a manifold plate bottom surface and a toilet deck, and gaskets 242 and 243, between a manifold plate top surface and a container bottom surface, and around a flush valve assembly and a connecting tube, respectively.

[0092] A toilet assembly as described herein is configured to provide an efficient siphon to empty a bowl of bowl contents, while also providing flush water configured to clean the bowl, all while using a minimum amount of total flush water. Vacuum-assist assemblies are described

[0093] 17

[0094] PH4384WO01 for instance in international application Nos. PCT / US2023 / 018698, PCT / US2023 / 18703, and PCT / US2023 / 080028, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0095] In some embodiments, toilet assemblies may be “tankless” and not comprise a toilet tank and a container positioned therein having a connecting tube positioned in a container upper end, configured to initiate reduced pressure in a trapway. Alternatively, disclosed are toilet assemblies having a sump trap and a lower trap, wherein a connecting tube is coupled to a trapway between the sump trap and the lower trap, and also coupled to a device configured to provide a reduced pressure in a trapway air volume between the sump trap and the lower trap to aid a siphon flow.

[0096] Disclosed are toilet assemblies comprising a toilet bowl; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; a vacuum pump; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and the vacuum pump, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold an air volume between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway to the vacuum pump, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, the vacuum pump is electrically coupled to an actuation assembly, and upon operating the actuation assembly to initiate the flush cycle, the vacuum pump is activated in order to create reduced pressure in the trapway air volume to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway.

[0097] In this embodiment, operation of the actuation assembly may also be configured to direct a volume of flush water to the toilet bowl during the flush cycle. A vacuum pump may be electrically operated and electrically coupled to a power source, for example a battery or a building main power source.

[0098] In other embodiments, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; a piston / cylinder assembly; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and the piston / cylinder assembly, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a

[0099] 18

[0100] PH4384WO01 lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold an air volume between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway to the piston / cylinder assembly, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, the piston / cylinder assembly is coupled to an actuation assembly, and upon operating the actuation assembly to initiate the flush cycle, the piston / cylinder assembly is activated in order to create reduced pressure in the trapway air volume to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway.

[0101] In some embodiments, a piston / cylinder assembly may be manually operated without electric power. For instance, a piston / cylinder assembly may be coupled to an actuation assembly with a cable, e.g. a wire cable configured to operate not unlike a bicycle brake assembly.

[0102] In some embodiments, a piston / cylinder assembly may be electrically operated and may be electrically coupled to the actuation assembly and to a power source.

[0103] Also subject of the disclosure are toilet bowls as described herein. Also subject of the disclosure are toilet assemblies configured to deliver a total flush volume of about 3.8 liters or less during a flush cycle, wherein greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 85%, by volume, based on a total volume of flush water delivered, are delivered to one or more rim outlets. A toilet assembly may comprise a vacuum-assist feature.

[0104] For instance, an amount of flush water directed to one or more rim outlets combined, during a flush cycle, may be from any of about 75%, about 77%, about 79%, about 81 %, or about 83%, to any of about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 89%, about 91%, about 92%, or about 93%, by volume, based on a total amount of flush water delivered.

[0105] Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

[0106] In a first embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet tank assembly comprising a toilet tank; a container positioned at a toilet tank interior; a flush valve assembly positioned at the toilet tank interior; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to

[0107] 19

[0108] PH4384WO01 a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of the container, wherein the container is configured to hold flush water, the toilet tank is configured to hold flush water surrounding the container, the container comprises an open lower end and a closed upper end, the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank interior, the container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles, the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway into the container upper end, the connecting tube is in flow communication with the first volume of pressurized air and the second volume of pressurized air, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, and upon initiation of the flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in the container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway.

[0109] In a second embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein a connecting tube upper end comprises a check valve, for example a ball / basket check valve, a door / hinge check valve, or a cylinder / basket check valve.

[0110] In a third embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the trapway lower trap and the second downstream weir comprise a thermoplastic.

[0111] In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is an assembly according to embodiment 3, wherein the trapway comprises a ceramic down-leg portion fluidly coupled to a trapway thermoplastic portion. In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 3, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a horizontally extending ceramic outlet, and a trapway thermoplastic portion is fluidly coupled to the ceramic outlet. In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 3 to 5, wherein the toilet assembly comprises a skirted toilet bowl.

[0112] In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet tank and the container are configured to be

[0113] 20

[0114] PH4384WO01 positioned in-wall. In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 7, wherein the toilet bowl is configured to be a wall-hung bowl. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 7 or 8, wherein the lower trap is configured to be positioned in-wall. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the lower trap is configured to be positioned at a bathroom interior.

[0115] In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a jet channel extending from a flush valve inlet to a jet outlet, the jet channel configured to be closed to atmosphere between flush cycles. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 11 , wherein the jet channel is configured to remain primed with water between flush cycles.

[0116] In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the toilet assembly is configured to provide a full flush and a short flush, the short flush providing for a lower volume of flush water directed to the toilet bowl during a flush cycle than the full flush. In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 13, wherein the full flush provides for a flush water volume of from about 3.0 liters to about 4.4 liters per flush cycle, and the short flush provides for a flush water volume of from about 1.4 liters to about 2.2 liters per flush cycle.

[0117] In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 13 or 14, comprising an actuation assembly having a handle, wherein turning the handle in a first direction provides for the full flush, and turning the handle in a second direction provides for the short flush. In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 13 to 15, comprising an actuation assembly having a button comprising a first part and a second part, or having a first button and a second button, wherein pushing the first part or the first button is configured to provide the full flush, and pushing the second part or the second button is configured to provide the short flush.

[0118] In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; a vacuum pump; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and the

[0119] 21

[0120] PH4384WO01 vacuum pump, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold an air volume between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway to the vacuum pump, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, the vacuum pump is electrically coupled to an actuation assembly, and upon operating the actuation assembly to initiate the flush cycle, the vacuum pump is activated in order to create reduced pressure in the trapway air volume to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway.

[0121] In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 17, wherein operation of the actuation assembly is configured to direct a volume of flush water to the toilet bowl during the flush cycle. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 17 or 18, wherein the vacuum pump is electrically coupled to a battery or a building main power source.

[0122] In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; a piston / cylinder assembly; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and the piston / cylinder assembly, wherein the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold an air volume between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway to the piston / cylinder assembly, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, the piston / cylinder assembly is coupled to an actuation assembly, and upon operating the actuation assembly to initiate the flush cycle, the piston / cylinder assembly is activated in order to create reduced pressure in the trapway air volume to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway.

[0123] In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiment 20, wherein the piston / cylinder assembly is coupled to the actuation assembly with a cable. In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to embodiments 20 or 21, wherein the piston / cylinder assembly is electrically coupled to the actuation assembly.

[0124] 22

[0125] PH4384WO01 In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a toilet assembly according to any of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the container comprises a continuous side wall and an inner wall, the container comprises an inner chamber defined by the inner wall, the container comprises a vacuum chamber defined by the continuous side wall, the closed upper end, and the inner wall, the vacuum chamber encircles the inner chamber, the flush valve assembly is positioned in the inner chamber, and the container lower end comprises one or more openings configured to provide flow communication between the surrounding toilet tank water and the vacuum chamber and the inner chamber.

[0126] The term “flow communication” or “fluid communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there through and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0127] Likewise, “electrical communication” may mean “electrically coupled”. Electrical communication may be via wired connection or may be wireless.

[0128] The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. Coupled or connected may also mean permanently coupled or removably coupled. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

[0129] The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

[0130] The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[0131] 23

[0132] PH4384WO01 The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1 %, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1 %, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10%. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

[0133] The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10% of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

[0134] Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[0135] Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and / or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and / or sub-combinations of embodiments.

[0136] U.S. applications, U.S. published applications, and U.S. patents referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0137] 24

[0138] PH4384WO01

Claims

Claims1 . A toilet assembly comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet tank assembly comprising a toilet tank; a container positioned at a toilet tank interior; a flush valve assembly positioned at the toilet tank interior; a trapway having a trapway inlet fluidly coupled to a bowl sump area positioned at a toilet bowl bottom end; and a connecting tube fluidly coupled to the trapway and extending to an interior upper end of the container, wherein the container is configured to hold flush water, the toilet tank is configured to hold flush water surrounding the container, the container comprises an open lower end and a closed upper end, the container is in flow communication with the toilet tank interior, the container upper end is configured to hold a first volume of pressurized air between flush cycles, the trapway comprises a sump trap, a first upstream weir, a lower trap, and a second downstream weir, the trapway is configured to hold a second volume of pressurized air between the sump trap and the lower trap between flush cycles, the connecting tube is coupled to the trapway at a point between the sump trap and the lower trap, and extends from the trapway into the container upper end, the connecting tube is in flow communication with the first volume of pressurized air and the second volume of pressurized air, the sump trap and the lower trap are each configured to contain a sanitary water seal prior to initiation of a flush cycle, and upon initiation of the flush cycle, a lowering flush water level in the toilet tank assembly creates reduced pressure in the container upper end, the reduced pressure configured to aid a siphon flow of bowl contents through the trapway, and25PH4384WO01wherein a connecting tube upper end comprises a check valve.

2. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the check valve comprises a ball / basket check valve.

3. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the check valve comprises a door / hinge check valve.

4. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the check valve comprises a cylinder / basket check valve.

5. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a continuous side wall and an inner wall, the container comprises an inner chamber defined by the inner wall, the container comprises a vacuum chamber defined by the continuous side wall, the closed upper end, and the inner wall, the vacuum chamber encircles the inner chamber, the flush valve assembly is positioned in the inner chamber, and the container lower end comprises one or more openings configured to provide flow communication between the surrounding toilet tank water and the vacuum chamber and the inner chamber.

6. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the trapway lower trap and the second downstream weir comprise a thermoplastic.

7. The toilet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the trapway comprises a ceramic down-leg portion fluidly coupled to a trapway thermoplastic portion.

8. The toilet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the toilet bowl comprises a horizontally extending ceramic outlet, and a trapway thermoplastic portion is fluidly coupled to the ceramic outlet.26PH4384WO019. The toilet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the toilet assembly comprises a skirted toilet bowl.

10. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the toilet tank and the container are configured to be positioned in-wall.

11. The toilet assembly according to claim 10, wherein the toilet bowl is configured to be a wall- hung bowl.

12. The toilet assembly according to claim 10, wherein the lower trap is configured to be positioned in-wall.

13. The toilet assembly according to claim 10, wherein the lower trap is configured to be positioned at a bathroom interior.

14. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the toilet bowl comprises a jet channel extending from a flush valve inlet to a jet outlet, the jet channel configured to be closed to atmosphere between flush cycles.

15. The toilet assembly according to claim 14, wherein the jet channel is configured to remain primed with water between flush cycles.

16. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the toilet assembly is configured to provide a full flush and a short flush, the short flush providing for a lower volume of flush water directed to the toilet bowl during the flush cycle than the full flush.

17. The toilet assembly according to claim 16, wherein the full flush provides for a flush water volume of from about 3.0 liters to about 4.4 liters per the flush cycle, and the short flush provides for a flush water volume of from about 1.4 liters to about 2.2 liters per the flush cycle.

18. The toilet assembly according to claim 16, comprising an actuation assembly having a handle, wherein turning the handle in a first direction provides for the full flush, and turning the handle in a second direction provides for the short flush.27PH4384WO0119. The toilet assembly according to claim 16, comprising an actuation assembly having a button comprising a first part and a second part, or having a first button and a second button, wherein pushing the first part or the first button is configured to provide the full flush, and pushing the second part or the second button is configured to provide the short flush.PH4384WO01

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