SYSTEM FOR COUPLING A TANK OF A TOILET TO A PEDESTAL OF
THE TOILET
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

(0001) This application claims the benefit of the priority to U.S. Patent
Application No. 16/558522 filed on 3rd September 2019, the entire disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
10 TECHNICAL FIELD
(0002) The present application relates generally to systems and methods for
coupling a tank of a toilet to a pedestal of the toilet. In particular, this application
relates to a mounting assembly that facilitates adjustment of the tank relative to the
15 pedestal prior to coupling the tank to the pedestal.
BACKGROUND
(0003) Generally speaking, a two-piece toilet may include a tank that is
20 separate from and coupled to a pedestal (e.g., using a two-bolt connection, etc.) that
includes the toilet bowl. In such toilets, the tank is typically mounted on top of the
pedestal. This mounting is typically facilitated by coupling a flush canister,
positioned within the tank and extending from the tank, to a mounting plate using a
nut, and then subsequently aligning a gasket with the nut, pressing the gasket onto the
25 nut, aligning the gasket with a pedestal inlet on the pedestal, and coupling the
mounting plate to the pedestal. Using this arrangement, vertical alignment of the tank
relative to the pedestal is accomplished by tightening or loosening the nut and
horizontal alignment of the tank relative to the pedestal is accomplished by
3
horizontally moving the mounting plate relative to the pedestal. Further, the nut may
have flat sides and the gasket may have an opening with flat sides that are configured
to mate with the flat sides of the nut. This flat-on-flat interface between the nut and
the gasket provides a seal. However, as a consequence of this flat-on-flat interface
5 between the nut and the gasket, tilting of the nut relative to a center axis of the
opening in the pedestal is prohibited. As a result, the ability of a user to adjust the
tank relative to the pedestal is limited. For example, tilting of the tank relative to the
pedestal is not possible.
10 (0004) As such, alignment of the tank relative to the pedestal is tedious and
often difficult to perform. This alignment can be made even more difficult if the
mounting plate were inadvertently bent by a user. Furthermore, the multitude of
connection points between the tank and the pedestal increase the likelihood that a leak
of the toilet will occur.
15
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
(0005) One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
toilet, including a tank, a pedestal, and a mounting assembly. The tank includes a
20 bottom wall, which further includes an opening and a bottom surface. The pedestal
includes an opening and a top surface. The opening of the pedestal is aligned with the
opening of the bottom wall. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate, a nut,
and a gasket. The mounting plate is configured to be coupled to the pedestal and
includes an opening aligned with the opening of the pedestal. The nut holds the
25 mounting plate against the bottom surface of the bottom wall and includes a rounded
portion. The gasket is disposed about the opening of the pedestal and along the top
surface of the pedestal and includes a concave surface that is configured for receiving
the rounded portion of the nut. The nut and gasket facilitate tilting of the tank relative
4
to the pedestal when the mounting plate is partially coupled to the pedestal. The
rounded portion of the nut rotates within the concave surface of the gasket when the
tank is tilted relative to the pedestal to facilitate positioning of the tank.
5 (0006) Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
mounting assembly for a toilet having a tank and a pedestal. The mounting assembly
includes a mounting plate, a nut, and a gasket. The mounting plate is configured to be
coupled to the pedestal and the tank and includes an opening. The nut is configured to
hold the mounting plate against a bottom wall of the tank and includes a rounded
10 portion. The gasket includes a concave surface that is configured to receive the
rounded portion of the nut and to be held against a top surface of the pedestal when
the mounting plate is coupled to the pedestal. The gasket and the nut are configured
to facilitate tilting of the tank relative to the pedestal when the nut is holding the
mounting plate against the bottom wall and the gasket is held against the top surface
15 of the pedestal.
(0007) Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a process
for coupling a tank of a toilet to a pedestal of a toilet. The process includes inserting
an insert portion of a flush canister into an opening of a bottom wall of the tank. The
20 process also includes threading a nut onto the insert portion of the flush canister. The
process also includes placing a gasket on a top surface of the pedestal. The process
also includes inserting the nut into the gasket. The process also includes inserting
fasteners into holes of the pedestal. The process also includes partially threading the
fasteners into fastener nuts. The process also includes tilting the tank relative to the
25 pedestal so as to cause a rounded portion of the nut to rotate within a concave surface
of the gasket. The process also includes tightening the fasteners into the fastener nuts,
after tilting the tank relative to the pedestal, so that the tank is secured to the pedestal.
5
(0008) It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and
the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention as claimed.
5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(0009) The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of
operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by
reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying
10 drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The following
description and the accompanying drawings are furnished only by way of illustration
and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:
(0010) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet, according to an exemplary
15 embodiment of the present disclosure;
(0011) FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the toilet shown in FIG. 1,
taken about plane A-A, and illustrating a mounting assembly, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
20
(0012) FIG. 3 is another detailed cross-sectional view of the toilet shown in
FIG. 1, taken about plane A-A, and illustrating a mounting assembly, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
25 (0013) FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the toilet shown in FIG. 1,
taken about plane B-B, and illustrating a mounting assembly, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
6
(0014) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mounting plate for a mounting
assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
(0015) FIG. 6 is a flow chart for a process for coupling a tank of a toilet to a
5 pedestal of the toilet such that the tank is aligned in a target position relative to the
pedestal when the tank is coupled to the pedestal, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
10
(0016) Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are various
exemplary embodiments of a toilet, including a tank, a pedestal, and a mounting
assembly. The mounting assembly includes a flush canister, a seal, a nut, a gasket, a
mounting plate, and fasteners. In contrast to conventional toilets, the toilet described
15 herein facilitates adjustment of the tank relative to the pedestal through the mounting
assembly. The mounting assembly is assembled by placing the seal over the flush
canister, inserting the flush canister through an opening in the tank, placing the
mounting plate over the flush canister and against the tank, threading the nut onto the
flush canister so that the mounting plate is held against the tank, placing the gasket on
20 the pedestal, inserting the fasteners through the mounting plate, placing the nut on the
gasket, partially threading the fasteners into the pedestal, adjusting the tank relative to
the pedestal, and tightening the fasteners so that the tank is secured to the pedestal.
Unlike some toilets, the nut and gasket form a ball and socket relationship which
facilitates tilting of the tank relative to the pedestal and provides sealing between the
25 nut and the gasket. In this way, the toilet described herein provides increased
functionality compared to other toilets which have nuts and gaskets that require a flaton-flat interface and prohibit tilting of the tank relative to the pedestal.
7
(0017) Referring now to FIG. 1, a toilet [100] is illustrated according to an
exemplary embodiment. The toilet [100] includes a tank (e.g., container, reservoir,
etc.), shown as a tank [102], and a pedestal (e.g., base, stand, support, etc.), shown as
a pedestal [104]. The tank [102] is coupled to, and supported by, the pedestal [104],
5 which is configured to be positioned on a floor. The tank [102] is configured to
receive water (e.g., via a fill valve of the toilet [100], etc.) and store the water in
between flushes. The pedestal [104] includes a bowl and is configured to receive the
water from the tank [102] to flush contents of bowl into a sewage line.
10 (0018) The tank [102] includes a wall (e.g., boundary, body, structure, etc.),
shown as a bottom wall [106], and the pedestal [104] includes a protrusion (e.g.,
projection, extension, etc.), shown as a lip [108]. The bottom wall [106] defines a
surface (e.g., side, face, etc.), shown as a bottom surface [110]. The lip [108] extends
(e.g., protrudes, projects, etc.) underneath the bottom wall [106] and includes a
15 surface, shown as a top surface [112]. The tank [102] is coupled to the pedestal [104]
such that the bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106] is adjacent to (e.g.,
opposite of, in confronting relation with, etc.) the top surface [112] of the pedestal
[104].
20 (0019) FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a cross-sectional view of a portion of the toilet
[100] taken about plane A-A, illustrating the mounting assembly. The bottom wall
[106] defines an opening (e.g., hole, etc.), shown as an opening [200]. The opening
[200] of the bottom wall 106 is defined by a bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo.
25 (0020) The toilet [100] further includes a system (e.g., assembly, etc.), shown
as a mounting assembly [201]. As will be explained in more detail herein, the
mounting assembly 201 is configured to couple the tank [102] to the pedestal [104]
and to facilitate tilting of the tank [102] relative to the pedestal [104] prior to securing
8
the tank [102] to the pedestal [104] such that the tank [102] can easily be aligned in a
target position relative to the pedestal [104] (e.g., by moving the tank [102]
independent of the pedestal [104], etc.).
5 (0021) The mounting assembly 201 includes a flushing base (e.g., canister,
conduit, pipe, etc.), shown as a flush canister [202]. As will be explained in more
detail herein, the flush canister [202] is configured to convey water from the tank
[102] into the pedestal [104] so as to facilitate flushing of the toilet [100].
10 (0022) The flush canister [202] includes a portion (e.g., body, etc.), shown as
an insert portion [204] that is configured to be inserted through the opening [200] of
the bottom wall [106]. The insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202] is defined
by a flush canister outer insert portion diameter Dfcoip and a flush canister inner insert
portion diameter Dfciip. The bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo is greater than the
15 flush canister outer insert portion diameter Dfcoip, which is greater than the flush
canister inner insert portion diameter Dfciip. In various embodiments, the flush canister
inner insert portion diameter Dfciip is between 1.5 inches and 2.75 inches, inclusive
(e.g., the flush canister inner insert portion diameter Dfciip is 1.5 inches, the flush
canister inner insert portion diameter Dfciip is 2.05 inches, the flush canister inner
20 insert portion diameter Dfciip is 2.25 inches, the flush canister inner insert portion
diameter Dfciip is 2.5 inches, the flush canister inner insert portion diameter Dfciip is
2.75 inches, etc.).
(0023) The flush canister [202] also includes a portion, shown as a flange
25 portion [206] of the flush canister [202]. The flange portion [206] of the flush canister
[202] is contiguous with (e.g., shares a border with, etc.), and extends radially from,
the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]. In various embodiments, the
flange portion [206] of the flush canister [202] extends radially from the insert
9
portion [204] of the flush canister [202] such that the flange portion [206] of the flush
canister [202] is orthogonal to the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]. The
flange portion [206] of the flush canister [202] is defined by a flush canister flange
portion diameter Dfcfp. The flush canister flange portion diameter Dfcfp is greater than
5 the bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo.
(0024) The flange portion [206] of the flush canister [202] is configured to
remain within the tank [102] when the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]
is inserted through the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106]. Additionally, the
10 flange portion [206] of the flush canister [202] is adjacent to a surface, shown as a top
surface [208], of the bottom wall [106] when the insert portion [204] of the flush
canister [202] is inserted through the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106]. The top
surface [208] of the bottom wall [106] is inside of the tank [102] and is opposite the
bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106].
15
(0025) The mounting assembly [201] also includes a seal (e.g., gasket, Oring, seal member, etc.), shown as a seal [210]. The seal [210] is configured to be
disposed about the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202] and against the
flange portion [206] of the flush canister [202]. When the insert portion [204] of the
20 flush canister [202] is inserted through the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106],
the flange portion [206] of the flush canister [202] may be brought closer to the top
surface [208] of the bottom wall [106] such that the seal [210] is compressed against
the top surface [208] of the bottom wall [106], the flange portion [206] of the flush
canister [202], and the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]. Compression of
25 the seal [210] in this way creates a seal between the flush canister [202] and the tank
[102] (e.g., such that any leakage of water from the tank [102] via the opening [200]
of the bottom wall [106] is mitigated or substantially eliminated, etc.). Additionally,
compression of the seal [210] may cause a portion of the seal [210] to expand into a
10
void (e.g., gap, etc.) defined between the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106] and
the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202].
(0026) The mounting assembly [201] also includes a nut (e.g., threaded
5 member, spherical nut, curved nut, etc.), shown as a nut [212]. The nut [212] has a
surface, shown as a threaded surface [214], extendible about an opening, shown as an
opening [215], of the nut [212]. The threaded surface [214] of the nut [212] is defined
by a nut diameter Dn. The nut diameter Dn may be approximately equal to the flush
canister insert portion outer diameter Dfcoip. The insert portion [204] of the flush
10 canister [202] is partially threaded and includes a surface (e.g., side, face, etc.),
shown as a threaded surface [216]. The threaded surface [214] of the nut [212] has
threads that match threads on the threaded surface [216] of the flush canister [202].
Through the threaded surface [214] of the nut [212] and the threaded surface [216] of
the flush canister [202], the nut [212] may be threaded onto the insert portion [204] of
15 the flush canister [202].
(0027) The nut [212] includes a portion, shown as an insert portion [218]. The
insert portion [218] of the nut [212] is configured to be received within the opening
[200] of the bottom wall [106]. A portion of the threaded surface [214] of the nut
20 [212] is an inner surface of the insert portion [218] of the nut [212]. The insert
portion [218] of the nut [212] is defined by a nut insert portion diameter Dmp. The nut
insert portion diameter Dmp is less than the bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo.
According to various embodiments, the nut insert portion diameter Dmp is greater than
or equal to 95% of the bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo. In this way, a void
25 between the insert portion [218] of the nut [212] and the opening [200] of the bottom
wall [106] is minimized. This functions to ensure alignment of the nut [212] and the
flush canister [202] in the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106] (e.g., such that a
center axis of the opening [215] of the nut [212], a center axis of an opening of the
11
flush canister, and a center axis of the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106] are
substantially coincident, etc.). This may aid in mitigating or substantially eliminating
any leakage of water between the insert portion [218] of the nut [212] and the
opening [200] of the bottom wall [106].
5
(0028) The nut [212] also includes another portion, shown as a flange portion
[220]. The flange portion [220] of the nut [212] is contiguous with the insert portion
[218] of the nut [212]. A portion ofthe threaded surface [214] of the nut [212] is an
inner surface of the flange portion [220] of the nut [212]. The flange portion [220] of
10 the nut [212] is configured to extend radially outward from the insert portion [218] of
the nut [212]. As will be explained in more detail herein, the flange portion [220] of
the nut [212] extends underneath the bottom wall [106] of the tank [102]. The flange
portion [220] of the nut [212] is defined by a nut flange portion diameter Dmp that is
greater than the bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo. In various embodiments, the nut
15 flange portion diameter Dmp is greater than the flush canister flange portion diameter
Dfcfp.
(0029) The nut [212] also includes another portion, shown as a rounded
portion [222] of the nut [212]. The rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] is
20 contiguous with the flange portion [220] of the nut [212]. A portion of the threaded
surface [214] of the nut [212] is an inner surface of the rounded portion [222] of the
nut [212]. The rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] is defined by a nut rounded
portion diameter Dnbp and a nut rounded portion height Hnbp. The nut rounded portion
diameter Dnbp is greater than the nut diameter Dn. In various embodiments, the nut
25 rounded portion diameter Dnbp is greater than the bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo.
(0030) The rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] includes a surface, shown
as a rounded surface [224], of the nut [212], and another surface, shown as a concave
12
surface [226], of the nut [212]. The rounded surface [224] of the rounded portion
[222] of the nut [212] is generally rounded with respect to the threaded surface [214]
of the nut [212]. In other words, the rounded surface [224] of the rounded portion
[222] of the nut [212] is contiguous with the threaded surface [214] of the nut [212]
5 and curves (e.g., slopes, transitions, etc.) gradually away from the threaded surface
[214] of the nut [212] while curving gradually towards the flange portion [220] of the
nut [212]. The rounded surface [224] of the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212]
may be considered substantially 'spherical' due to this rounded shape. As will be
explained in more detail herein, the rounded surface [224]of the rounded portion
10 [222] of the nut [212] forms a ball of a first ball and socket relationship that facilitates
tilting of the nut [212] relative to the pedestal [104]. The concave surface [226] of the
rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] is generally concave and forms a socket of a
second ball and socket relationship that will be described in more detail herein. In
various embodiments, the nut [212] is made from a plastic. In other embodiments, the
15 nut [212] is metallic (e.g., brass, aluminum, etc.).
(0031) The mounting assembly [201] also includes a seal, shown as a
gasket [228]. The gasket [228] is configured to be located between the nut [212]
and the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104]. The gasket [228] is defined by a
gasket outer diameter Dgo, a gasket inner diameter Dgi 20 , and a gasket height Hg. The
gasket outer diameter Dgo is greater than the nut diameter Dn and less than the nut
flange portion diameter Dmp. The gasket inner diameter Dgi is less than the nut
diameter Dn. In various embodiments, the nut diameter Dn is greater than the flush
canister insert portion inner diameter Dfciip. The gasket height Hg is greater than the
25 nut rounded portion height Hnbp. In various embodiments, the gasket height Hg is
between 1.4 and 1.6 times the nut rounded portion height Hnbp. It is understood that
the gasket height Hg, the nut rounded portion height Hnbp, and other values may be
varied and selected such that the mounting assembly [201] is tailored for a target
13
application.
(0032) The gasket [228] includes a surface, shown as a concave surface [230],
and another surface, shown as a rounded surface [232] of the gasket [228]. The
5 concave surface [230] of the gasket [228] is generally concave and, together with the
rounded surface [224] of the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212], forms a first ball
and socket relationship. The rounded surface [232] of the gasket [228] is similar to
the rounded surface [224] of the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] and is
generally rounded. Together, with the concave surface [226] of the rounded portion
10 [222] of the nut [212], the rounded surface [232] of the gasket [228] forms a second
ball and socket relationship. The concave surface [230] of the gasket [228], the
rounded surface [224] of the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212], the rounded
surface [232] of the gasket [228], and the concave surface [226] of the rounded
portion [222] of the nut [212] cooperate to facilitate tilting of the nut [212] relative to
15 the pedestal [104]. Specifically, the rounded shape of the rounded surface [224] of the
rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] is configured to rotate within the concave
shape of the concave surface [230] of the gasket 228 and the rounded shape of the
rounded surface [232] of the gasket [228] is configured to rotate within the concave
surface [226] of the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212]. This tilting can be in a
20 first direction (e.g., about a first axis that bisects the opening [215] of the nut [212],
etc.), in a second direction (e.g., about a second axis that bisects the opening [215] of
the nut [212] and is orthogonal to the first axis that bisects the opening [215] of the
nut [212], etc.), or in the first direction and the second direction. An example tilting
of the nut [212] relative to the pedestal [104] is shown in FIG. 3.
25
(0033) The gasket [228] defines an opening, shown as an opening [234]. The
opening [234] of the gasket [228] is in fluid communication (e.g., configured to
receive water from, etc.) an opening, shown as an opening [236], of the flush canister
14
[202] and in fluid communication (e.g., configured to provide water to, etc.) an
opening, shown as an opening [238], in the pedestal [104]. In various embodiments,
the gasket [228] and the pedestal [104] are configured such that the opening [234] of
the gasket [228] and the opening [238] of the pedestal [104] are aligned and remain
5 aligned irrespective of tilting of the nut [212] relative to the pedestal [104].
(0034) The gasket 228 also includes a protrusion, shown as a rib [240]. The
rib [240] of the gasket [228] partially or completely circumscribes the opening [234]
of the gasket [228]. In some embodiments, the rib [240] of the gasket [228] is
10 contiguous with the opening [234] of the gasket [228]. The pedestal [104] includes a
recess (e.g., void, depression, etc.), shown as a recess [242]. The recess [242] of the
pedestal [104] is contiguous with the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104]. The
recess [242] of the pedestal [104] partially or completely circumscribes the opening
[238] of the pedestal [104]. The recess [242] of the pedestal [104] is configured to
15 receive the rib [240] of the gasket [228]. The engagement between the rib [240] of the
gasket [228] and the recess [242] of the pedestal [104] creates a co-axial relationship
between the opening [238] of the pedestal [104] and the opening [234] of the gasket
[228]. This may also create a co-axial relationship between the opening [238] of the
pedestal [104], the opening [215] of the nut [212], the opening [236] of the flush
20 canister [202], and the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106]. Additionally, the
engagement between the rib [240] of the gasket [228] and the recess [242] of the
pedestal [104] may function to enhance the seal formed between the gasket [228] and
the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104]. In some embodiments, the gasket [228]
does not include the rib [240] of the gasket [228] and the pedestal [104] does not
25 include the recess [242] of the pedestal [104]. In various embodiments, the gasket
[228] is made from an elastomeric material (e.g., nitrile rubber, Buna-N, Viton®
fluroelastomer, etc.).
15
(0035) The mounting assembly [201] also includes a plate (e.g., flange, etc.),
shown as a mounting plate [244]. The mounting plate [244] is configured located
between the nut [212] and the bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106]. The
mounting plate [244] defines an opening, shown as an opening [245]. The opening
5 [245] of the mounting plate [244] is configured to receive the insert portion [218] of
the nut [212]. The opening [245] of the mounting plate [244] is defined by a
mounting plate opening diameter Dmpo. The mounting plate opening diameter Dmpo is
greater than the nut insert portion diameter Dmp and less than the nut flange portion
diameter Dmp. In various embodiments, the mounting plate opening diameter Dmpo is
10 greater than the bottom wall opening diameter Dbwo.
(0036) The mounting plate [244] includes a surface, shown as a top surface
[246], that is configured to interface with (e.g., contact, etc.) the bottom surface [110]
of the bottom wall [106] and another surface, shown as a bottom surface [248], that is
15 configured to interface with a surface, shown as a top surface [250], of the flange
portion [220] of the nut [212]. The top surface [250] of the flange portion [220] of the
nut [212] is opposite the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212]. The mounting plate
[244] and the bottom wall [106] may be configured to create a seal between the
bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106] and the top surface [246] of the
20 mounting plate [244] proximate the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106] because
the bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106] is flat proximate the opening [200]
of the bottom wall [106] and the top surface [246] of the mounting plate [244] is flat
proximate the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106]. The mounting plate [244] and
the nut [212] may also be configured to create a seal between the bottom surface
25 [248] of the mounting plate [244] and the top surface [250] of the flange portion
[220] of the nut [212] proximate the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106] because
the bottom surface [248] of the mounting plate is flat proximate the opening [200] of
the bottom wall [106] and the top surface [250] of the flange portion [220] of the nut
16
[212] is flat proximate the opening [200] of the bottom wall [106].
(0037) The mounting plate [244] also includes two openings, shown as holes
[252]. The holes [252] of the mounting plate [244] extend through the mounting plate
5 [244], from the top surface [246] of the mounting plate [244] to the bottom surface
[248] of the mounting plate [244]. The holes [252] of the mounting plate [244] are
each configured to receive a fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, fastening member, etc.),
shown as a fastener [254]. In various embodiments, the holes [252] of the mounting
plate [244] are not threaded. However, in other embodiments, the holes [252] of the
10 mounting plate [244] are threaded.
(0038) The pedestal [104] includes holes, shown as holes [256], that are
configured to receive the fasteners [254]. The holes [256] in the pedestal [104] extend
from the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104] into the pedestal [104]. In various
15 applications, the holes [256] are through holes (e.g., are not threaded, etc.). In such
applications, the fasteners [254] are secured to the pedestal [104] using nuts, shown
as fastener nuts [253], and washers, shown as washers [255]. In other applications,
the holes [256] in the pedestal [104] are threaded and configured to engage the
fasteners [254].
20
(0039) The mounting plate [244] and the pedestal [104] are configured such
that when the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202] is received within the
opening [200] of the bottom wall [106], the insert portion [218] of the nut [212] is
received within the opening [245] of the mounting plate [244], the insert portion
25 [204] of the flush canister [202] is received within the opening [215] of the nut [212]
(e.g., the threaded surface [214] of the nut [212] is engaged with the threaded surface
[216] of the flush canister [202], the rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] is
received within the gasket [228], and the rib [240] of the gasket [228] is received
17
within the recess [242] of the pedestal [104], the holes [252] of the mounting plate
[244] are aligned with the holes [256] in the pedestal [104] such that each fastener
[254] can extend through both a hole [256] in the pedestal [104] and a hole [252] in
the mounting plate [244]. The fasteners [254] can then be tightened (e.g., using the
5 fastener nuts [253] and the washers [255], etc.) such that the mounting plate [244] is
coupled to the pedestal [104]. The mounting plate [244] is not coupled to the tank
[102] using a fastener. Instead, the interaction between the nut [212], the flush
canister [202], the mounting plate [244] and the bottom wall [106] couples the
mounting plate [244] to the tank [102]. In this way, the tank [102] is coupled to the
10 pedestal [104].
(0040) When using the mounting assembly [201], the fasteners [254] are first
inserted into the holes [256] in the pedestal [104]. The fasteners [254] are then
partially threaded into the fastener nuts [253]. This provides a limited coupling of the
15 mounting plate [244], and therefore of the tank [102], to the pedestal [104].
Additionally, friction (e.g., static friction, etc.) between the nut [212] and the gasket
[228] resists movement of the tank [102] relative to the pedestal [104] during this
limited coupling. At this point, the tank [102] may be tilted relative to the pedestal
[104] such that the tank [102] can be aligned in a target position relative to the
20 pedestal [104] when the tank [102] is coupled to the pedestal [104]. Once the tank
[102] is aligned in the target position, the fasteners [254] are further threaded into the
fastener nuts [253] that the mounting plate [244], and therefore the tank [102], is
coupled to the pedestal [104]. When the fasteners [254] are further tightened into the
fastener nuts [253], the nut [212] is drawn against the gasket [228]. The nut [212] is
25 rigid and the gasket [228] is compressible. As a result, this drawing of the nut [212]
against the gasket [228] causes the nut [212] to compress the gasket [228]. This
compression causes a seal to be formed between the nut [212] and the gasket [228].
This compression also increases the friction between the nut [212] and the gasket
18
[228], which resists movement of the tank [102] relative to the pedestal [104] such
that the tank [102] is secured to the pedestal [104] while also forming a seal between
the nut [212] and the gasket [228] (e.g., such that any leakage of water between the
nut [212] and the gasket [228] is mitigated or substantially eliminated, etc.).
5
(0041) The mounting plate [244] also includes a flange, shown as a flange
[258]. The flange [258] of the mounting plate [244] is configured to extend towards
the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104]. The flange [258] of the mounting plate
[244] adds strength to the mounting plate [244] to resist bending forces caused by the
10 fasteners [254] (e.g., due to tightening of the fasteners [254] into the fastener nuts
[253], etc.) and reaction forces caused by compression of the gasket [228]. In some
applications, the flange [258] of the mounting plate [244] may be configured to limit
tilting of the nut [212] relative to the pedestal [104] and to limit tightening of the
mounting plate [244] onto the pedestal [104]. These limits are caused by contact
15 between the flange [258] of the mounting plate [244] and the top surface [112] of the
pedestal [104].
(0042) The mounting plate [244] also includes projections (e.g., tabs,
protuberances, etc.), shown as tabs [259], projecting upwards from the top surface
20 [246] of the mounting plate [244] (e.g., away from the bottom surface [248] of the
mounting plate [244]. Each of the tabs [259] is configured to deflect downwards (e.g.,
towards the bottom surface [248] of the mounting plate [244], etc.).
(0043) The bottom wall [106] of the tank [102] also includes recesses, shown
25 as pockets [260]. Each of the pockets [260] is configured to receive one of the tabs
[259]. When the tabs [259] are received within the pockets [260], rotation of the
mounting plate [244] relative to the bottom wall [106] of the tank [102] is resisted or
substantially prevented. Each of the tabs [259] is configured to be compressed (e.g.,
19
deflected towards the bottom surface [248] of the mounting plate [244], etc.) when
the tab [259] contacts the bottom wall [106] of the tank [102] but the tab [259] is not
received in one of the pockets [260] and to be extended (e.g., deflected away from the
bottom surface [248] of the mounting plate [244], etc.) when the tab [259] is received
5 in one of the pockets [260].
(0044) In contrast to some current toilets, the mounting assembly [201]
facilitates coupling of the tank [102] to the pedestal [104] using only two of the
fasteners [254] and does not require the use of three fasteners. By only using two of
10 the fasteners [254], the required manufacturing precession (e.g., tolerance, etc.) of
various components of the mounting assembly [201], such as the mounting plate
[244], may be decreased, thereby enabling these components to be manufactured at a
lower cost than would be required if three fasteners were required.
15 (0045) A water pathway is formed through the flush canister [202] (e.g.,
through an interior of the flush canister [202], etc.), the opening [200] of the bottom
wall [106], the nut [212], the mounting plate [244], the gasket [228], and the opening
[238] of the pedestal [104]. When the tank [102] is coupled to the pedestal [104],
leakage out of this water pathway is mitigated or substantially eliminated due to the
20 construction of the mounting assembly [201].
(0046) FIG. 3 illustrates the toilet [100] with the tank [102] tilted relative to
the pedestal [104]. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening [238] of the pedestal [104] is
defined by a point, shown as a center point [300]. In various embodiments, the center
25 point [300] of the pedestal [104] is a center of the opening [238] of the pedestal [104]
along a plane upon which the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104] is disposed. The
opening [238] of the pedestal [104] is bisected by an axis, shown as a first axis [302],
another axis, shown as a second axis [304], and another axis, shown as a third axis
20
[306] of the pedestal [104]. The second axis [304] of the pedestal [104] is orthogonal
to the first axis [302] of the pedestal [104]. The third axis [306] of the pedestal [104]
is orthogonal to the first axis [302] of the pedestal [104] and the second axis [304] of
the pedestal [104]. The first axis [302] of the pedestal [104], the second axis [304] of
5 the pedestal [104], and the third axis [306] of the pedestal [104] intersect at the center
point [300] of the pedestal [104].
(0047) The nut [212] is defined by a point, shown as a center point [308]. In
various embodiments, the center point [308] of the nut [212] is a center of the
10 opening [215] of the nut [212] along a plane upon which the top surface [250] of the
flange portion [220] of the nut [212] is disposed. The opening [215] of the nut [212]
is bisected by an axis, shown as a first axis [310], another axis, shown as a second
axis [312], and another axis, shown as a third axis [314]. The second axis [312] of the
nut [212] is orthogonal to the first axis [310] of the nut [212]. The third axis [314] of
15 the nut [212] is orthogonal to the first axis [310] of the nut [212] and the second axis
[312] of the nut [212]. The first axis [310] of the nut [212], the second axis [312] of
the nut [212], and the third axis [314] of the nut [212] intersect at the center point
[308] of the nut [212].
20 (0048) A first angle, shown as a first tilt angle [316], is defined between the
first axis [302] of the pedestal [104] and the first axis [310] of the nut [212]. A second
tilt angle is defined between the second axis [304] of the pedestal [104] and the
second axis [312] of the nut [212]. A third angle, shown as a third tilt angle [318], is
defined between the third axis [306] of the pedestal [104] and the third axis [314] of
25 the nut [212]. Tilting of the nut [212] relative to the pedestal [104] causes changes in
at least one of the first tilt angle [316], the second tilt angle, or the third tilt angle
[318]. When the nut [212] is not tilted relative to the pedestal [104], the first axis
[310] of the nut 212 is substantially parallel (e.g., within 0.25° of parallel, within 0.5°
21
of parallel, etc.) to the first axis [302] of the pedestal [104], the second axis [312] of
the nut [212] is substantially parallel to the second axis [304] of the pedestal [104],
and the third axis [314] of the nut [212] is substantially parallel to the third axis [306]
of the pedestal [104]. In various embodiments, the mounting assembly [201] is
5 configured such that the first tilt angle [316], the second tilt angle, and the third tilt
angle [318] may be 3° or greater (e.g., 3°, 3.25°, 3.5°, 4°, 4.25°, 4.5°, 5°, etc.).
(0049) FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the toilet [100]
taken about plane B-B according to various embodiments. In FIG. 4, the nut [212]
10 and the mounting plate [244] are differently configured than in FIGS. 2 and 3. The
nut [212] is configured such that the rounded portion [222] does not include the
concave surface [226] and instead only includes the rounded surface [224]. As a
result, at least a portion of the rounded surface [232] of the gasket 228 may not be
received in any portion of the nut [212].
15
(0050) FIG. 5 illustrates the mounting plate [244] in greater detail. As shown
in FIG. 5, two of the tabs [259] are each contiguous with one of the holes [252] in the
mounting plate [244] while the remaining four tabs [259] are separate from the holes
[252] of the mounting plate [244]. The mounting plate [244] is shown as including
20 six of the tabs [259]. However, it is understood that the mounting plate [244] may not
include any of the tabs [259] in some embodiments or may include different numbers
(e.g., one, two, three, four, five, seven, eight, ten, etc.) of the tabs [259] in other
embodiments.
25 (0051) FIG. 6 illustrates a process, shown as a process [900], for coupling the
tank [102] to the pedestal [104] such that the tank [102] is aligned in a target position
relative to the pedestal [104] when the tank [102] is coupled to the pedestal [104].
The process [900] is implemented using the mounting assembly [201].
22
(0052) The process [900] begins, in block [902], with placing a seal [210]
over an insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]. The block [902] may be
performed such that the seal [210] contacts, or is in close proximity to, a flange
5 portion [206] of the flush canister [202]. The process [900] continues in block [904]
with inserting the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202] into an opening
[200] of the bottom wall [106] in a bottom wall [106] of the tank [102]. The block
[904] may be performed such that the seal [210] contacts, or is in close proximity to,
a top surface [208] of the bottom wall [106].
10
(0053) The process [900] continues, in block [906], with placing a mounting
plate [244] over the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]. The block [906] is
performed such that the mounting plate [244] is separated from the flange portion
[206] of the flush canister [202] and the seal [210] by the bottom wall [106]. The
15 block [906] may be performed such that the mounting plate [244] contacts, or is in
close proximity to, a bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106] of the bottom
wall [106].
(0054) The process [900] continues, in block [908], with aligning a nut [212
20 ]with the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202]. The process continues, in
block [910], with threading the nut [212] onto the insert portion [204] of the flush
canister [202] such that the nut [212] is tightly holding the mounting plate [244]
against the bottom surface [110] of the bottom wall [106]. The threading of the nut
[212] onto the insert portion [204] of the flush canister [202] is effectuated through
25 engagement of the threaded surface [214] of the nut [212] with the threaded surface
[216] of the flush canister [202].
(0055) The process [900] continues, in block [912], with aligning a gasket
23
[228] with an opening [238] of the pedestal [104]. The process [900] continues, in
block [914], with inserting a projection (e.g., protuberance, etc.), shown as a rib
[240], of the gasket [228] into a recess (e.g., void, annular cavity, etc.), shown as a
recess [242], of the pedestal [104] on a top surface [112] of the pedestal [104] of the
5 pedestal [104]. It is understood that the process [900] may be reconfigured in some
applications such that the blocks [912] and [914] occur before any of the block [902],
the block [904], the block [906], the block [908], and the block [910]. In
embodiments where the mounting assembly [201] is configured such that the gasket
[228] does not include the rib [240] of the gasket [228] and the pedestal [104] does
10 not include the recess [242] of the pedestal [104], the process [900] does not include
the block [914].
(0056) The process [900] continues, in block [916], with aligning the nut
[212] with the gasket [228]. The process [900] continues, in block [918], with
15 inserting the nut [212] into the gasket [228] such that the rounded surface [224] of the
rounded portion [222] of the nut [212] is received within the concave surface [230] of
the gasket [228] and such that the rounded surface [232] of the gasket [228] is
received within the concave surface [226] of the rounded portion [222] of the nut
[212].
20
(0057) The process [900] continues with, in block [920], with aligning holes
[252] of the mounting plate [244] in the mounting plate [244] with holes [256] in the
pedestal [104] in the top surface [112] of the pedestal [104] of the pedestal [104]. The
process [900] continues with, in block [922], with inserting the fasteners [254]
25 through the holes [252] of the mounting plate [244] and into the holes [256] in the
pedestal [104]. The process [900] continues with, in block [924], partially threading
the fasteners [254] into the fastener nuts [253]. The block [924] is performed such
that movement of the mounting plate [244], and therefore of the tank [102], relative
24
to the pedestal [104] is facilitated after the partial threading of the fasteners [254] into
the fastener nuts [253].
(0058) The process [900] continues with, in block [926], with adjusting the
5 tank [102] relative to the pedestal [104]. In block [926], a user may grasp the tank
[102] and cause the tank [102] to tilt relative to the pedestal [104] such that the tank
[102] is in a target position relative to the pedestal [104]. For example, a user may
place a level on top of the tank [102] and adjust the tank [102] until the level indicates
that the tank [102] is level (e.g., relative to a ground surface, etc.). Once the tank
10 [102] has been adjusted (e.g., is in the target position relative to the pedestal [104],
etc.), the process [900] continues with, in block [928], tightening the fasteners [254]
into the fastener nuts [253].
(0059) Once the fasteners [254] are tightened into the fastener nuts [253], the
15 tank [102] is substantially held in the target position relative to the pedestal [104].
However, should additional adjustment of the tank [102] relative to the pedestal [104]
be desired, a user would only have to loosen the fasteners [254] (e.g., by loosening
the fastener nuts [253], etc.) and adjust the tank [102] relative to the pedestal [104], as
described in the block [926].
20
(0060) As utilized herein, the terms "about," "parallel," "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
25 this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description 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 alterations of the
25
subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the
invention as recited in the appended claims. It is understood that the term "parallel" is
intended to encompass de minimus variations as would be understood to be within
the scope of the disclosure by those of ordinary skill in the art.
5
(0061) Additionally, the word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such
10 embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of
the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of
the present disclosure.
15 (0062) The terms "coupled," "fastened," "threaded," and the like, as used
herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such
joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or
releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members
and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
20 body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any
additional intermediate members being jointed to one another.
(0063) References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom,"
etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES.
25 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.
26
(0064) The construction and arrangement of the elements of the toilet [100],
the mounting assembly [201], the process [900], and all other elements and
assemblies as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although
only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those
5 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 advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,
10 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.
(0065) While the mounting assembly [201] is illustrated as including two
15 fasteners [254], it is understood that the mounting assembly [201] may include only
one fastener [254], or may include three, four, or more fasteners [254].
(0066) Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also
be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various
20 exemplary 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 to
alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the
25 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 without departing
27
from the scope of the appended claims.
(0067) Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its
exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the
5 term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language
such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise,
is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item,
term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any
combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally
10 intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of
Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
(0068) Also, the use of ranges of values herein are inclusive of their
maximum values and minimum values (e.g., W to P includes W and includes P, etc.),
15 unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, a range of values (e.g., W to P, etc.) does
not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the range of values
(e.g., W to P can include only W and P, etc.), unless otherwise indicated.

WE CLAIM:
1. A toilet comprising:
a tank comprising a bottom wall, the bottom wall including an opening and a
bottom surface;
a pedestal comprising an opening and a top surface, the opening of the
pedestal aligned with the opening of the bottom wall; and
a mounting assembly comprising:
a mounting plate configured to be coupled to the pedestal and
comprising an opening aligned with the opening of the pedestal;
a nut holding the mounting plate against the bottom surface of the
bottom wall and comprising a rounded portion; and
a gasket disposed about the opening of the pedestal and along the top
surface of the pedestal and comprising a concave surface configured for receiving the
rounded portion of the nut;
wherein the nut and gasket facilitate tilting of the tank relative to the pedestal
when the mounting plate is partially coupled to the pedestal; and
wherein the rounded portion of the nut rotates within the concave surface of
the gasket when the tank is tilted relative to the pedestal to facilitate positioning of the
tank.
2. The toilet of Claim 1, further comprising a flush canister comprising an insert
portion extending through the opening of the bottom wall;
wherein the opening of the mounting plate receives the insert portion of the
flush canister;
wherein the nut is coupled to the insert portion of the flush canister; wherein
the bottom wall further includes a top surface;
29
wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a seal receiving the insert
portion of the flush canister and disposed about the opening of the bottom wall; and
wherein the flush canister comprises a flange portion compressing the seal
against the top surface of the bottom wall