Description:CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/634,198 (Docket No. 010222-24018A-US) filed on April 15, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to toilets.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional toilets may be formed nearly entirely from porcelain or other ceramic materials. The porcelain may be treated or coated with vitreous china. As part of the manufacturing process, the toilet is fired at a high temperature until it is hardened.
[0004] Certain advantages may be realized when portions of the toilet are manufactured from other materials. A toilet, with interchangeable or removable parts that allow access to the internal components of the toilet, can improve the ease of maintenance and repair of the toilet. For example, removable panels provide access to the inside of the toilet, improving maintenance possibilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a view of a toilet according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an example assembly for the toilet of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a first example frame for the toilet of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a flush engine in the toilet of the FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a front shell on the toilet of the FIG. 1.
[0011] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates an example latching mechanism for the toilet of the FIG. 1.
[0012] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates an example side panels for the toilet of the FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a second example frame for the toilet of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a release of a side panel for the toilet of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate pivoting attach points for the side panel in a first example.
[0016] FIGS. 11A-C illustrate an example removal of the side panel in a second example.
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates an example latching mechanism for the front shell.
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates a second example frame for the toilet of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates an example cowling.
[0020] FIGS. 15A-B illustrate a seal for the cowling.
[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates another view for the seal for the cowling.
[0022] FIG. 17A illustrates a screw for coupling the cowling to the bowl shelf.
[0023] FIG. 17B illustrates a screw for coupling the cowling to the front shell.
[0024] FIG. 18A illustrates a screw for coupling the cowling to a separate mount.
[0025] FIG. 18B illustrates a snap fit for coupling the cowling to the bowl shelf.
[0026] FIG. 19 illustrates a thin cover for the cowling.
[0027] FIG. 20 illustrates a stationary skirt for the toilet.
[0028] FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a securing mechanism for the front shell of the toilet.
[0029] FIG. 22 illustrates a track for the front shell.
[0030] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate opening the side panel.
[0031] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate internal hooks for the side panel.
[0032] FIG. 25 illustrates internal storage in the toilet.
[0033] FIG. 26 illustrate a storage compartment coupled to the side panel.
[0034] FIG. 27 illustrates a flow chart for assembly of the toilet.
[0035] FIG. 28 illustrates an example controller for operation of the toilet.
[0036] FIG. 29 illustrates a flow chart for the controller of FIG. 28.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Various examples of a toilet with modular panels Are described. Various colors, textures, designs, artwork, images, patterns, photographs, or combinations thereof may be added to the modular panels. The modular panels may be removed and replaced with other panels with different aesthetics.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a view of a toilet 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is an example exploded view or assembly of the toilet of FIG. 1. The exterior of the toilet is formed by a cowling 110, a front shell 111, at least one side panel 112 (e.g., left side panel and right side panel), and a skirt 113. Optionally, a raised platform 114 of the cowling 110 may house an internal component such as a vacuum breaker. The interior of the toilet 100, described in more detail below, includes a flush engine having at least a bowl 101, a frame, and a base. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet 100 may be assembled by attaching components of the shell in a predetermined order. For example, the front shell 111 may be attached to the flush engine and/or the cowling 110 first, then the side panels 112 are attached to the flush engine and/or the cowling 110 second, and the skirt 113 is attached over the side panels 112 and/or the front shell 111 to secure the components together. That is, the skirt 113 is configured to overlap the side panels 112 and the base. Other sequences for assembly are possible. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.
[0039] The cowling 110 may be formed from resin, polymer or plastic materials. The cowling 110 may include one or more openings 108 for securing a toilet seat assembly to the toilet 100. The toilet seat assembly may include a cover member (e.g., lid), a seat member (e.g., ring), and a hinge that facilitates relative movement between the cover member and the seat member.
[0040] The cowling 110 includes a bowl opening 107 form a rim 307 around a circumference of toilet bowl 101. The shroud formed from side panel 112 and front shell 111 may also be configured to include a plurality of walls having varying shapes that together form the enclosure for the toilet bowl 101 having an opening formed by the rim 307. The wall of the pedestal may extend downward and/or rearward from the bowl 101 to form a lower portion (e.g., platform) configured to support the toilet bowl 101.
[0041] The side panels are designed to be easily removable for cleaning and access to the internal components (e.g. trap valve) for servicing. In one embodiment, the side panels install by pivoting on the bottom edge and then hooking and/or snapping into features on the cowl core. There is a vertical groove on the back edge of the front shell and a horizontal groove on the cowling 110 that mate with the side panel 112 for alignment. The user removes the side panel 112 by gripping the back edge (for example, depressing a snap fit button on the cowl core). The side panel 112 may be removed before the front shell 111.
[0042] The cowling 110 (e.g., top member) forms a plateau for supporting the seat assembly. The cowling 110 may be a surface plate covering the rim of the toilet bowl 101. The cowling 110 may include one or more than one opening, wherein each opening is configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g., attach) the seat assembly to the top member. As another example, the top member may include one or more than one fastening device (e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.). The seat assembly may include a hinge, hinge shoulders configured to receive a fastener, a seat coupled to the hinge and a cover coupled to the hinge. FIG. 26 illustrates an example seat 20.
[0043] The cowling 110 may include a raised platform 114. The raised platform 114 may cover a vacuum breaker that controls the water supply to the toilet 100. The vacuum breaker prevents water from being siphoned from the toilet 100 in a direction reverse to that of the water supply. The raised platform 114 may also include a user input (e.g., button) for operation of the toilet. The raised platform 114 may include a mount and/or a charger for a remote control for the toilet 100. The vacuum breaker may include a bibcock valve. The vacuum breaker may include a disc (e.g., plastic) that is pressed forward by water supply pressure to close or otherwise cover one or more holes. If the supply line pressure goes down, the disc opens the holes to let in air (e.g., atmospheric air) to prevent the backflow of water.
[0044] The cowling 110 serves as the rigid internal structure for a plastic cover, as described below. The cowling 110 may load vertically onto the top rim surface of the toilet bowl 101 of the flush engine. The cowling 110 may include an elastomer overmolding to create functional seals against the internal rim surface of the vitreous of the toilet bowl 101. The seals are configured to keep water and other materials contained within the toilet bowl 101. The seals are also configured to dampen loads on the top cowling 110. This may prevent noise and shifting between the components. The cowling 110 may also serve as the top positioning and mounting interface for the front shell 111 and side panels 112. The cowling 110 may also support a top flush button assembly, which may be coupled to the cowling 110. The cowling 110 may also support a bidet wand assembly, which may be coupled to the cowling 110.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a first example frame and base 115 for the toilet of FIG. 1. The frame includes at least one horizontal frame or support member 117 and at least one vertical frame or support member 118. The horizontal support members 117 and vertical support members 118 may be joined or fastened together at joints 116. The rear vertical support members 118 provide support for the rear of the cowl 110.
[0046] The base 115 may be formed from resin, or plastic material. The frame may be formed from metal acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, or another hard material having high tensile strength.
[0047] The base 115 includes at least one opening 119 configured to pass a trapway or other drain pipe coupled to the flush engine. Flushing the toilet 100 causes water and other material deposited into the toilet 100 to travel through the drain pipe and the at least one opening 119. The base 115 is a connection interface between a floor flange and the drain pipe or trapway outlet. The base 115 provide support for the flush engine. The base 115 is a mount for the frame (directly for support member 118 and indirectly for support member 117). The base 115 provides anchor points for mounting the external components including the side panel 112 and the front shell 111.
[0048] The base 115 may include one or more openings 109 configured to support the flush engine. The openings 109 may be configured to position the flush at a particular position so that the toilet bowl 101 alights with the bowl opening 107. The flush engine may include protrusions that extend into the openings 109. The protrusions may include locking members configured to lock the flush engine to the base 115.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a flush engine in the toilet of the FIG. 1. FIG. 5 provides another view of the toilet 100 and flush engine. The flush include includes the bowl 101, a trapway 120, at least one jet port 121, and a drain pipe 123.
[0050] The flush engine may also include a supply line support 124 configured to support a water line 126 that feeds the at least one jet port 121. The jet port 121 may include an electronically controlled valve that opens the water passage to provide water to the sump of the toilet. The jet port 121 may include a water pump (e.g., using pressurize air) to propel water to the sump. The water pushes water in the water seal of the trapway 120 to break the siphon or otherwise force water to the drain of the toilet. A floor gasket 127 connects the toilet 100 to a sewer pipe, septic pipe, or other sanitary path.
[0051] A spacer 125 may couple the supply line support 124 to the base 115. The spacer sets the height of the surface of the rim of the bowl opening 107 to a predetermined height. The spacer 125 may compensate for the variation in the height of the bowl and flatness of the pedestal bottom.
[0052] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates an example latching mechanism for the toilet of the FIG. 1.
[0053] The latching mechanism (on the base 115 side) may include a flexible board 139 attached to the base 115. The flexible board may include a plastic sheet in a U-shaped such that one arm of the sheet may flex toward the other sheet. The latching mechanism (on the front shell 111 side) may include a spring loaded ball or bearing 138 (spring member). As the front shell 111 is placed on the base 115, the latching mechanism couples the front shell 111 to the base 115. In one example, the spring ball 138 and the flexible board 139 both flex until the front shell 111 snaps into place (as shown in other examples, the front shell 111 may include a détente or projection that mates with the base 115 or cowling 110). When the front shell 111 is released from the base 115, for example by reaching through window 148 and pulling tab 149, the spring ball 138 and the flexible board 139 push against each other to provide an upward force to the front shell 111.
[0054] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates an example side panels 112 for the toilet of the FIG. 1. The side panels 112 in this example include tabs 135. In some examples, tabs 135 may be fastened to the vertical arms 118 of the frame. In other examples, the tabs 135 may press against the vertical arms 118 and be held in place by the elastic force of the tabs or friction.
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates a second example frame for the toilet of FIG. 1. In this example, the frame includes vertical arms 118, horizontal arms 117, and at least one slanted arm 128. The horizontal arm 117 and slanted arm 128 may be braced against the vertical arm 118. The horizontal arm 117 and slanted arm 128 may form a lateral brace coupled to the frame that at least partially supports the frame. The lateral brace may include grips 129 configured to grip the flush engine (e.g., toilet bowl 101).
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates a release of a side panel 112 for the toilet of FIG. 1. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate pivoting attach points for the side panel 112 in a first example.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 10A, the side panel 112, may include a pivoting slot 132 (first pivoting member) that receives a post 131 (second pivoting member) of the cowling 110 or the frame. The rear of the side panel 112 is first angled into come in contact with the toilet 100 so that the slot 132 receiving the post 131. One set of post 131 and slot 132 may be on the top of the side panel 112 (FIG. 10A) and another set of post 131 and slot 132 may be on the bottom of the side panel 112 (FIG. 10B). The rotation of the post 131 in the slot 132 permits the angled partial removal or installation of the side panel 112 as shown in FIG. 9.
[0058] In the alternative or in addition, the base 115 of the toilet 100 may include an angle limit hook 134 configured to hold the at least one side panel 112 to the base 115 at a predetermined angle range. For example, the side panel 112 may include another slot 133 that receives the angle limit hook 134. The angle limit hook 134 engages the slot 133 to hold the side panel 112 to the base 115. As the side panel 112 pivots away from the base 115, at some predetermined angle, the angle limit hook 134 disengages the slot 133, which release the side panel 112 to be removed from the toilet 100. Example predetermined angles for the angle limit hook 134 include 15 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees. Other angles are possible.
[0059] FIGS. 11A-C illustrate an example removal of the side panel in a second example. In this example, the side panels 122 are translated back towards the wall to disengage a series of tabs 137 interfacing with the cowling 110, and then the side panel 112 pivots and slides out from the bottom skirt 113. The tabs 137 and receiving openings in the cowling 110 form a snap lock. In FIG. 11A, the side panels 112 slide backward until the snap locks is disengaged. In FIG. 11B, the side panel 112 is rotated to create clearance from the cowling 110. In FIG. 11C, the side panel is raised and removed from the skirt 113.
[0060] FIG. 12 illustrates an example latching mechanism for the front shell 111. The shell 111 may include a projection 141. The cowling 110 may be coupled with or integrally include an extension mount 142 including an aperture 143. The aperture 143 and projection 141 may lock together. The extension mount 142 and the aperture 143 form a latching mechanism. In one example, the front shell 111 or the cowling 110 flexes under a force that causes the projection to push into the aperture 143 and position the front shell 111 and extension 142 mount in a predetermined position. Also shown in FIG. 12, the cowling 110 may be semi-permanently connected to the bowl using a screw 146 or other fastener. The mount 142 may include threads 145 to receive the screw 146.
[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates a second example frame for the toilet of FIG. 1 including cowling 210. The cowling may include a pattern of openings 211.
[0062] FIG. 14 illustrates an example cowling 210. The cowling 210 may include flexible support 202 that supports the skin or top cover. The flexible support 202 may follow a predetermined pattern around the perimeter of the cowling 210. The flexible support 202 may be a first seal between the cowling 210 and the flush engine. A wiper 206 may be coupled to the seal or flexible support 202 and provide a second seal between the cowling 210 and the flush engine. As shown in FIGS. 15A-B, the wiper 206 is position between the cowling 210 and the toilet bowl 101. The wiper 206 prevents contamination or entry of water or other materials in the toilet bowl 101 from escaping into the space around the cowling 210 such as between the cowling 210 and the top cover. FIG. 16 illustrates another view for the seal for the cowling.
[0063] FIG. 17A illustrates a screw for coupling the cowling 110 to the toilet bowl 101. The cowling 110 fits over the outer rim of the toilet bowl 101. A fastener such as a screw 231 may screw in below a lip of the outer rim of the toilet bowl 101. The screw 231 is configured to prevent the cowling 110 from being removed from the toilet bowl 101 without first at least partially removing the screw 231.
[0064] FIG. 17B illustrates a screw for coupling the cowling 110 to the front shell 111. The cowling 110 fits over the outer rim of the toilet bowl 101. A fastener such as a screw 232 may couple the cowling 110 to the front shell 111 to the cowling 110. The screw 232 is configured to prevent the cowling 110 from being removed from the toilet bowl 101 without first at least partially removing the screw 232.
[0065] FIG. 18A illustrates a screw for cowling 110 the cowling to a separate mount 235. The mount 235 may be affixed (e.g., glued) to the toilet bowl 101. A fastener such as a screw 233 may couple the cowling 110 to the mount 235 in order to secure the cowling 110 to the toilet bowl 101. The screw 233 is configured to prevent the cowling 110 from being removed from the toilet bowl 101 without first at least partially removing the screw 233.
[0066] FIG. 18B illustrates a snap fit for coupling the cowling 110 to the bowl shelf of the toilet bowl 101 using a snap fit. For example, snap fastener 234 may receive a protrusion from the toilet bowl 101.
[0067] FIG. 19 illustrates another view of cowling 210 and cowling cover 220. The cowling cover 220 or skin may be a single layer outer shell for the top surface. The cowling cover 220 may be antibacterial. The cowling cover 220 may be considered an aesthetic layer and find structure support in the cowling 210. The cowling cover 220 may be held in with the seat bolts fastened to openings 109 for the seat assembly and a snap fit to an elastomer outer lip on the cowling 210.
[0068] FIG. 20 illustrates a skirt 240 and a stationary skirt track 241. The skirt 240 may be a single, standalone part that is fastened to the base 115 (and/or frame legs). The skirt 240 may include three parts as with the panels to facilitate molding, in which case it could also be made integral with the side and front shells to reduce overall part costs. One or more fasteners 242 may fasten the skirt 240 to the vertical arms 118 of the frame.
[0069] FIG. 21A and 21B illustrate an example attachment for the front shell 111. The cowling 110 and/or the base 115 may include a bracket 253 to receive a fastener 252 that is coupled to the front shell 111 and openings 251 (e.g., threaded holes). In this embodiment the front shell 111 may include a series of tabs 254 at the top that slot into grooves in the cowling 110 to position it. The front shell 111 is then fastened to both the cowling 110 and base 1115 with screws 252 that may or may not require a tool. It is intended to be removable by the user for cleaning. Alternatively, the screws 252 could be eliminated and the panel could be retained with snap or ball and detent features.
[0070] FIG. 22 illustrate another example with a track 260, as described above. The front shell 111 slides in on the track 260 on the base 115 and then lifts vertically up into snap fits in the cowling 110. Grips 261 on the bottom of the front shell 111 allow the user to pull the panel down and out.
[0071] FIG. 23A and 23B illustrate pivoting side panels. In an alternate version the side panel pivots about the back edge like a cabinet door and is held at the front by a push-to-open latch that is mounted on either the frame, base or cowl core. The panel pivots on features protruding from the base and cowl core. After a prescribed amount of rotation (e.g. 15 degrees) the panel can slide out of the pivot to be completely removed.
[0072] FIG. 24 illustrates a set of example latch hooks 281 on the side panel 112 that are configured to snap fit with openings 182 on the cowling 110 and/or the base 115.
[0073] FIG. 25 illustrates a storage space 285 within the toilet 100. The sided panel 112 may be removed or partially open to reveal the storage space 285. The interior of the toilet 100 may include a liner or frame to partition off the storage space 285. The storage space 285 may include multiple sections or dividers. The storage space 286 may include shelves, pockets, or other structure that is secured to the frame of the toilet 100.
[0074] In another example, as shown by FIG. 26, the side panel 112 may include an integrated storage compartment 291. The storage compartment 291 may be coupled to the sided panel 112 and rotate along with the side panel 112.
[0075] The storage spaces may be configured for toilet paper, feminine products, magazines, cleaning tablets, tools, or other objects.
[0076] FIG. 27 illustrates one example flow chart for assembly of the toilet 100.
[0077] At act S101, attached the front shell 111 to the base 115 or the cowling 210.
[0078] At act S103, pivotally attach a first end of the side panel 112 to the base 115 or the cowling 210.
[0079] At act S105, snap a second end of the side panel 112 to the base 115 or the cowling 210.
[0080] At act S107, slide a skirt 113 over the sided panel 112.
[0081] At act S109, secure the skirt 113 to the base 115 or the cowling 210.
[0082] FIG. 28 illustrates an example controller 301 for operation of the toilet 100. The controller 301 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices or to the internet and/or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from sensors (e.g., proximity sensors to trigger the operation of the toilet 100).
[0083] The controller 301 may include various inputs or interfaces for receiving electrical signals. A first interface may be connected to a manual input. A second interface (e.g., communication interface 353) may be connected to a wireless input (e.g., Bluetooth or Wifi). The controller 301 is configured to generate a valve command in response to the manual input or the wireless input. In addition, a third interface may be connected to a sensor configured to detect presence of a user or motion of the user.
[0084] The components of the control system may communicate using bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., control panel) and/or a database for receiving user inputs, system characteristics, and any of the values described herein.
[0085] Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit S. The sensors may detect the assembly, or correct assembly, of the toilet. The sensors may detect the presence of the user, the identity of the user, or gestures from the user. The input device may include any of the user inputs such as buttons, touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone for voice inputs, a camera for gesture inputs, and/or another mechanism.
[0086] Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein. A display 350 may be an indicator or other screen output device. The display 350 may be combined with the user input device 355.
[0087] FIG. 29 illustrates a flow chart for the apparatus of FIG. 28. The acts of the flow chart may be performed by the controller 301. Additional, different of fewer acts may be included.
[0088] At act S201, an assembly of a component of a panel toilet is detected. Example components may include the side panel 112, the front shell 111, the skirt 240, or any other component described herein.
[0089] In one example, the component is detected by a contact sensor S. Example placements of the sensor S are included in FIG. 20 (on the skirt 240 to detect attachment of the side panel 112), FIG. 21A (on the cowling to detect the front shell 111), and FIG. 22 (on the flush engine to detect the front shell 111). Any combination of these S placements and/or others may be used.
[0090] The contact sensor S may complete a circuit to detect the assembly of the component of the panel toilet. In other examples, the sensor S may be infrared sensor, proximity sensors, or other examples.
[0091] At act S203, a device is activated in response to the detection of the assembly of the panel toilet. In some examples, the device is a solenoid for opening a valve and providing water to the flush engine. In other examples, the device is a light emitting diode (LED), display 350, user input device 355, or other indicator of a status of the toilet. The status may indicate standby, ready, or assembled.
[0092] Processor 300 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.
[0093] Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicably connected to processor 300 via a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, memory 298 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating graphical user interfaces for display and/or for use in interpreting user interface inputs to make command, control, or communication decisions.
[0094] In addition to ingress ports and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.
[0095] While the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.
[0096] In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.
[0097] In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0098] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0099] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0100] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
[0101] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A toilet including:
a frame;
a flush engine;
a base configured to support the frame and the flush engine;
a cowling supported by the flush engine and frame; and
a skirt configured to overlap at least one side panel or the base.
2. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a front shell configured to couple to the frame, the base or the cowling.
3. The toilet of claim 2, further comprising:
a spring member configured to couple the front shell to the base.
4. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a pivoting member on the at least one side panel.
5. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
an angle limit hook configured to hold the at least one side panel to the base at a predetermined angle range.
6. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a storage compartment between the flush engine and the at least one side panel.
7. The toilet of claim 6, wherein the storage compartment is coupled to the at least one side panel.
8. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the at least one side panel is configured to attach to the frame.
9. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a lateral brace coupled to the frame, wherein the lateral brace at least partially supports the flush engine.
10. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a skin mounted on the cowling, wherein a seal is provided between the seal and a bowl of the flush engine.
11. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a wiper configured to seal a space between the flush engine and cowling.
12. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes a groove that aligns with the base.
13. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a jet attached to the flush engine and configured to supply water to the flush engine.
14. A toilet comprising:
a frame;
a toilet bowl coupled to the frame;
a base configured to support the frame;
a cowling supported by the frame;
at least one removable side panel; and
a skirt configured to overlap at least one side panel or the base.
15. The toilet of claim 14, wherein the side panel is detachable on a first end and pivotable on a second end.
16. The toilet of claim 15, further comprising:
a spring member on the first end configured to push the side panel away from the toilet.
17. A method for assembling a toilet, the method comprising:
attaching a front shroud to a base of the toilet;
pivoting at least one side panel on to the base of the toilet; and
sliding a skit over at least a portion of the front shroud or at least a portion of the at least one side panel.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
coupling a flush engine to the base of the toilet; and
attaching a hose from a water supply to the flush engine.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
coupling a cowling to the flush engine; and
attaching a skin over the cowling.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein a wiper forms a seal between the skin and the flush engine.