[0002] The present application relates generally to toilet bowl and tank
attachments. More specifically, the present application relates to quick-coupling
10 toilet bowl and tank attachments and the methods of attaching toilet tanks to toilet
bowls using such quick-coupling attachments/assemblies.
[0003] Current systems like this require moderate level of mechanical aptitude,
which may be beyond the ability of some potential customers who would like to
install the system without the assistance of a professional. Further, the attachment
15 and/or leveling systems can be somewhat time consuming. Thus, it would be
advantageous to provide a secure, leak free toilet tank-to-bowl coupling system,
with significantly faster and easier installation that overcomes the foregoing
challenges. These and other advantageous features will become apparent to those
reviewing the present disclosure.
20 SUMMARY
[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a quick-coupling mechanism. The
quick-coupling mechanism includes a clamp spring configured to receive a valve
body. The clamp spring is coupled to a release button configured to manipulate
one or more arms of the clamp spring, such as to change a diameter of a clamping
25 portion of the clamp spring. The quick-coupling mechanism includes a base
structure coupled to the toilet pedestal/bowl. The base structure is configured to
hold the clamp spring in place. In a locking-state, the clamp spring seats in a groove
in the valve body thus securing the valve body in place and preventing an axial
movement of the valve body relative to the clamp spring. In a non-locking state,
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the release button bends the arms of the clamp spring outwardly to increase the
diameter of the clamping portion, thus releasing valve body such that the valve
body can move axially relative to the clamp spring.
[0005] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
5 limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein
like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
10 [0007] FIG. 1A includes a toilet configured with a quick-coupling mechanism.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a top view of the quick-coupling mechanism, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
[0009] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the quick-coupling mechanism
of FIG. 1.
15 [0010] FIGS. 4 and 5 are top cross-sectional views of the quick-coupling
mechanism of FIG. 1 in non-locking and locking states, respectively.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for using the quick-coupling
mechanism of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top view of a quick-coupling mechanism, in accordance with
20 an exemplary embodiment of the present application.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the quick-coupling mechanism of FIG.
7.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the quick-coupling mechanism of
FIG. 7.
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[0015] FIGS. 10-13 are bottom views of alternative toilet tanks for coupling
with a quick-coupling mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
5 [0016] The following description focuses primarily on quick-coupling
mechanisms for connecting a toilet tank and a toilet bowl, but it should be
appreciated that the disclosed quick-coupling mechanism can be applied to other
coupled components in the sanitation environment (e.g., bidets, urinals, etc.) to
provide a quick mode of attachment. Current coupling, or gasket, systems for two
10 piece toilets (i.e., where the tank and bowl are formed separately then coupled
together) require two or three studs extend through the mounting bracket to engage
holes in the top of the bowl/pedestal. Nuts are coupled to the studs to secure the
system to the bowl.
[0017] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary
15 embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not
limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the
figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein are quick-coupling
20 mechanisms for connecting a toilet tank to a toilet bowl, or pedestal, for instance.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the quick-coupling mechanism has a
clamp spring coupled to a release tab/button, wherein the clamp spring receives a
valve body and seats in a groove in the valve body. Further, a base structure,
coupled to the toilet pedestal/bowl, holds the clamp spring in place. In some
25 embodiments, the base structure may be coupled to the bottom of the toilet tank,
such that a tube extends up from the bowl to engage the clamp spring and the flush
valve body in the toilet tank. The release button manipulates (e.g., bends, splays,
etc.) the clamp spring, thus releasing valve body. Some benefits of such a
configuration include, for example, (1) reduced installation time, (2) reduces
30 installation difficulty, and (3) a secure connection between the toilet bowl and tank
that prevents leaks.
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[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a toilet 1100 is illustrated according to an
exemplary embodiment including a quick-coupling mechanism. The toilet 1100
includes a tank (e.g., container, reservoir, etc.), shown as a tank 1102, and a pedestal
(e.g., base, stand, support, etc.), shown as a pedestal 1104. The tank 1102 is coupled
5 to, and supported by, the pedestal 1104, which is configured to be positioned on a
floor. The tank 1102 is configured to receive water (e.g., via a fill valve of the toilet
1100, etc.) and store the water in between flushes. The pedestal 1104 includes a
bowl and is configured to receive the water from the tank 1102 to flush contents of
bowl into a sewage line. The tank 1102 is configured to be secured to the pedestal
10 1104 via a quick-coupling mechanism.
[0020] The tank 1102 includes a wall (e.g., boundary, body, structure, etc.),
shown as a bottom wall 1106, and the pedestal 1104 includes a protrusion (e.g.,
projection, extension, etc.), shown as a lip 1108. The bottom wall 1106 defines a
surface (e.g., side, face, etc.), shown as a bottom surface 110. The lip 1108 extends
15 (e.g., protrudes, projects, etc.) underneath the bottom wall 1106 and includes a
surface, shown as a top surface 1112. The tank 1102 is coupled to the pedestal 1104
such that the bottom surface 1110 of the bottom wall 1106 is adjacent to (e.g.,
opposite of, in confronting relation with, etc.) the top surface 1112 of the pedestal
1104.
20 [0021] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 2, 3, 4, and 5, a quick-coupling mechanism 100
is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The quick-coupling mechanism
100 may be applied to the toilet 1100. The quick-coupling mechanism 100 includes
a clamp spring 102, which is shown as a resilient member. As shown in FIG. 1, the
clamp spring 102 includes a base portion 104 with a first arm 106 and a second arm
25 108 extending therefrom. The base portion 104 can include a straight and/or flat
portion of the clamp spring 102. The first and second arms 106, 108 extend from
the base portion 104 parallel to each other and away from the base portion 104,
such that the first and second arms 106, 108 each form right angles with the base
portion 104. The first and second arms 106, 108 may form rounded angles with the
30 base portion 104. In some embodiments, the first and second arms 106, 108 are
obliquely angled relative to the base portion 104 (e.g., 75 degrees, 80 degrees, 100
degrees, etc.). The first and second arms 106, 108 symmetrically extend for a
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length L1 and curve toward one another, with a first end 110 of the first arm 106
and a second end 111 of the second arm 108 meeting at a point opposite from the
base portion 104 such that the first and second ends 110, 111 are separated from
the base portion 104 by a valve body 101. In other words, the base portion 104 and
5 the length L1 of the first and second arms 106, 108 form three sides of a rectangular
shape, or a “C” or “U” shape, for instance, and the curved portion of the first and
second arms 106, 108 form a semicircular shape with a diameter D1. As such, the
clamp spring 102 is sized and shaped to receive the valve body 101. The clamp
spring 102 further includes a first tab 112 and a second tab 114 extending out from
10 the first and second ends 110, 111, respectively. As illustrated, the first and second
tabs 112, 114 have confronting curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the first
and second tabs 112, 114 may have outwardly curved surfaces or straight surfaces
(e.g., the first and second tabs 112, 114 extend parallel to each other or away from
each other at 45 degree angles).
15 [0022] The quick-coupling mechanism 100 includes a base structure 116,
which is configured to hold the clamp spring 102 in place. As shown in FIG. 2, the
base structure 116 includes a bottom member 118, a top member 122, and a wall
120 extending between the bottom member 118 and the top member 122. The wall
120 generally corresponds to the shape of the clamp spring 102 as described herein.
20 The bottom member 118 is configured to couple to the toilet pedestal/bowl, such
as using fasteners that engage the pedestal 1104 through one or more holes 121.
The fasteners may be bolts, screws, or another device. The fasteners may be formed
of metal, plastic or a polymer. The fasteners may include one or more nuts, washers
or seals (e.g., o-ring).
25 [0023] The base structure 116 includes a bore 123 that extends in a
longitudinal direction relative to the valve body 101. As show in FIG. 2, the
longitudinal direction is transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to a base of the bottom
member 118. The illustrated bore 123 has a circular cross-sectional shape to
receive the valve body 101. The base structure 116 further includes an annular
30 channel 124. The bottom member 118, the wall 120, and the top member 122
cooperate to define the annular chamber 124. As shown in FIG. 2, the annular
channel 124 receives the spring clamp 102 or at least a portion thereof (e.g., the
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base portion 104, the first or second arms 106, 108, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, the
valve body 101 is inserted into the bore 123 and inside the clamp spring 102, such
that the first and second arms 106, 108 of the clamp spring 102 are positioned
between a portion of the valve body 101 and a portion of the wall 120 defining the
5 annular channel 124. The base structure 116 may further include securing features
(e.g., tabs, nooks, walls, etc.) that hold parts of the clamp spring 102 in place, such
as base portion 104 and/or the first and second arms 106, 108. Additionally, in a
locking state (FIGS. 1 and 5), the clamp spring 102 seats in a groove 125 in the
valve body 101 to hold the valve body 101 in place relative to the base structure
10 116. As such, the portions of the base portion 104 and the first and second arms
106, 108 that are seated in the groove 125 define what is referred to herein as the
clamping portion. The base structure 116 prevents movement of the clamp spring
102 relative to the base structure 116 along a longitudinal axis of the valve body
101, as described in detail herein. In the locking state, the clamp spring 102
15 prevents movement of the valve body 101 relative to the clamp spring 102 along
the longitudinal axis of the valve body 101.
[0024] The illustrated quick-coupling mechanism 100 includes a release button
126. The release button 126 is a surface configured to be engaged by a user. The
release button 126 may have a cuboidal shape having a flat surface, a spherical
20 shape having a round surface, or have any suitable shape for an actuator or button.
As shown in FIG. 4, the release button 126 may have a first driving feature 128 and
a second driving feature 130. The first and second driving features 128, 130 may
include a ramped or oblique (e.g., diagonal) surface. As shown, the first and second
driving features 128, 130 are on opposite ends of the release button 126 such that
25 each of the first and second driving features 128, 130 are associated with one tab
112, 114 of the clamp spring and are angled (e.g., inward) toward the first and
second ends 110, 111. The release button 126 is operatively coupled to the first
and second tabs 112, 114. The first and second tabs 112, 114 are coupled to the
release button 126 on the outside surfaces of the first and second driving features
30 128, 130. When a user engages the release button 126 (e.g., depresses or pushes a
surface of the release button 126, such that the button 126 moves toward the valve
body 101), the first and second driving features 128, 130 interface with the first and
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second tabs 112, 114 such that the first and second tabs 112, 114 move away from
each other. An opposing movement of the first and second tabs 112, 114 widens
the diameter of the first and second arms 106, 108 and positions the clamp spring
102 in a non-locking state, as shown in FIG. 4. In the non-locking state, a diameter
5 D1’ of the clamping portion is larger than the outer diameter of the valve body 101
so that the valve body 101 can move (e.g., slide) relative to the clamp spring 102
along the longitudinal axis. In order to facilitate this configuration, the base
structure 116 further prevents the base portion 104 from any lateral movement, thus
creating the force allow the first and second arms 106, 118 to bend, or curve
10 outwardly when the release button 126 is engaged.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 for using a quick-coupling
mechanism 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Not illustrated
in FIG. 6, the quick-coupling mechanism couples the tank 1102 to the pedestal 1104
via a single action. That is, the tank 1102 is placed on the pedestal 1104 and snapped
15 into place automatically through a force from gravity and/or a force from the user
(e.g., technician or installer). The valve body 101, may be inserted into the quickconnect coupling mechanism 100 (i.e., into the hollow 123 of the base structure
116 and inside the diameter of the clamp spring 102) and aligned to attach the tank
1102 to the bowl or pedestal 1104.
20 [0026] FIG. 6 illustrates the method 600 for releasing the tank 1102 from the
pedestal 1104 using the quick-coupling mechanism. At step 602 (e.g., a first step),
the method 600 includes depressing the release button 126 such that the release
button 126 is pushed inward toward the valve body 101. The release button 126
releases the tank 1102 from the bowl or pedestal 1104. By pushing the release
25 button 126 inward toward the valve body 101, the first and second tabs 112, 114
are pressed in toward the valve body 101. As such, the first and second arms 106,
108 are bent radially, increasing the diameter of the clamp spring 102.
[0027] At step 604, the release button 126 may be continuously depressed to
retain a larger diameter of the clamp spring 102 than the diameter of the valve body
30 101. As such, at step 606, valve body 101 is removed from the base structure 116.
Once the valve body 101 is removed from the base structure 116 (e.g., allowing the
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tank 1102 to be removed from the bowl or pedestal 1104), at step 608, the release
button 126 may be released (i.e., no longer depressed), and the first and second
arms 106, 108 return to the locking position. The first and second arms 106, 108
are secured within the groove 125 of the valve body 101 under the force generated
5 by the clamp spring 102.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a quick-coupling mechanism 200 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. The quick-coupling mechanism 200
includes a base portion 202. The base portion 202 may include a plate, panel, or
similar relatively flat surface. The base portion 202 defines a hollow portion 204
10 configured to receive the valve body 101. The hollow portion 204 has a base
diameter D2 corresponding with the diameter of the valve body 101. The base
portion 202 is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl. For instance, in some
embodiments, the base portion 202 may have an attachment feature 206 configured
to couple with a complimentary feature on the top surface of the toilet bowl. For
15 instance, the attachment features 206 can include slots configured to receive
fasteners that clamp the base portion 202 to the toilet bowl. In some embodiments,
the base portion 202 may include a dry-lock plate factory assembled to the bowl.
The quick-coupling mechanism 200 includes a collar 208. The base portion 202
and the collar 208 are separated and operatively coupled to at least one retention
20 spring 210. The retention spring 210 is configured to provide the force required to
hold the quick-coupling mechanism 200 in place and to release it when released by
the user, as explained herein. The quick-coupling mechanism 200 includes an
extending feature 212. The extending feature 212 may have a frustoconical shape
such that the top end has with a top diameter and a bottom end having a bottom
25 diameter, which is different than the top diameter. The top diameter corresponds
with the diameter of the valve body 101 and the hollow portion 204 of the base
portion 202 such that the valve body 101 may be inserted into the quick-coupling
mechanism 200. As shown, the bottom diameter is coupled to the collar 208 and
is larger than the top diameter to provide stability.
30 [0029] The extending feature 212 includes a plurality of roller balls 214. The
plurality of roller balls 214 are disposed along an inner ring 216 of the extending
feature 212. The plurality of roller balls 214 may be evenly or unevenly spaced
-10-
along the inner ring 216. The plurality of roller balls 214 according to one example
are stainless steel. The plurality of roller balls 214 are configured to be moved
radially as the valve body 101 is inserted into the quick-coupling mechanism 200
and to snap back into place when the valve body 101 reaches a locked position with
5 the bowl. When the plurality of roller balls 214 return to their locked position, they
are secured within a groove of the valve body 101, thus securing, or locking, the
valve body 101 as coupled to the quick-coupling mechanism 200. The quickcoupling mechanism may further include one or more O-rings to provide a seal
between the coupled components (e.g., the quick-coupling mechanism 200 to the
10 valve body 101, the quick coupling mechanism 200 to the tank, the quick coupling
mechanism 200 to the bowl, etc.). The collar 208 may be pulled downward toward
the base portion 202 to release the plurality of roller balls 214 and unlock the valve
body 101 from the quick-coupling mechanism 200. In various embodiment, the
bottom of the tank 300-600 may include a variety of compatible configurations
15 dependent on the size and shape of the quick-coupling mechanism 200 (or the
quick-coupling mechanism 100), as shown in FIGS. 10-13. The base portion 202
may include a circular shape or a rectangular shape, and may be factory assembled.
As such, it is beneficial to provide tank designs to accommodate the different fit
necessary to couple the tank and the bowl with the quick-coupling mechanism 200.
20 For instance, the bottom of the tank 300, 500 are configured circularly, and the
bottom of the tank 400 can accommodate a base portion 202 with flanges.
[0030] Thus, the present disclosure describes a quick-coupling mechanism that
can, advantageously, provide a secure connection between the toilet bowl and tank
while reducing the installation time and difficulty.
25 [0031] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,
and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the
common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject
matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the
art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description
30 of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these
features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should
be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or
-11-
alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within
the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
[0032] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”
“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various
5 elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various
elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such
variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0033] The construction and arrangement of the elements as shown in the
exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments
10 of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who
review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible
(e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the
various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials,
colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
15 advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements
may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements
or positions may be altered or varied.
[0034] Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an
20 example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as
“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such
embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use
of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.
25 Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions
may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred
and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the
appended claims.
30 [0035] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be
made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary
-12-
embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For
example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized
with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or
sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according
5 to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover
the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,
modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating
configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments
10 without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
[0036] While this specification contains many specific implementation details,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of
what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular
embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this
15 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
20 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.
[0037] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular
order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed
25 in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations
be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking
and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various
system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood
as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that
30 the described program components and systems can generally be integrated
together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
-13-
[0038] Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.
In some cases, the actions recited herein can be performed in a different order and
still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the
accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or
5 sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations,
multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

WE CLAIM:
1. A quick-coupling mechanism for a toilet, the quick coupling mechanism
comprising:
a base structure coupled to a pedestal of the toilet;
a clamp spring having at least two arms coupled to the base structure, the
clamp spring configured to receive a valve body associated with a tank of the toilet;
and
a release button configured to manipulate one or more arms of the clamp
spring to disconnect the pedestal of the toilet and the tank of the toilet.
2. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the valve body is a flush
valve configured to flush the toilet.
3. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the base structure
fixedly holds the clamp in place with respect to the pedestal of the toilet.
4. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the clamp spring seats
in a groove in the valve body to secure the valve body and prevent an axial
movement of the valve body relative to the clamp spring.
5. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the release button is
configured to bend the one or more arms to release the valve body such that the
valve body can move axially relative to the clamp spring.
6. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the release button
causes a change in diameter of a clamping portion of the clamp spring.
7. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the base structure
includes a bottom member, a top member, and a wall extending between the bottom
member and the top member.
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8. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the base structure
includes a bore that extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve body.
9. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the base structure
includes an annular channel configured to receive the spring clamp.
10. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the release button
includes a at least one driving mechanism having a slanted surface.
11. The quick-coupling mechanism of claim 10, further comprising:
at least one tab associated with the one or more arms of the clamp spring
and configured to be widened under force from the at least one driving mechanism.
12. A method for decoupling a tank and a pedestal of a toilet using a quickcoupling mechanism, the method comprising:
depressing a release device of the quick-coupling mechanism, the release
button connected to a clamp spring;
holding the release device and the clamp spring in an unlocked position;
and
detaching the tank from the pedestal.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
pressing a first tab and a second tab toward the valve body; and
bending at least one arm of the clamp spring under a force from the first tab
or the second tab.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the release device includes a plurality of
roller balls disposed along an inner ring configured to be moved radially.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the release device includes a release
button having at least one driving mechanism having a slanted surface.
16. A toilet comprising:
-16-
a pedestal; and
a tank configured to be secured to the pedestal via a quick-coupling
mechanism for a toilet, the quick coupling mechanism comprising:
a base structure coupled to a pedestal of the toilet;
a clamp spring having at least two arms coupled to the base
structure, the clamp spring configured to receive a valve body associated
with a tank of the toilet; and
a release device to disconnect or connect the pedestal of the toilet
and the tank of the toilet.
17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the release device includes a plurality of
roller balls disposed along an inner ring configured to be moved radially as the
valve body is inserted into the quick-coupling mechanism.
18. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the release device includes a release button.
19. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the clamp spring seats in a groove in the
valve body to secure the valve body and prevent an axial movement of the valve
body relative to the clamp spring.
20. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the release button is configured to bend the
one or more arms to release the valve body such that the valve body can move
axially relative to the clamp spring.