This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/968,718, filed on March 21, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application relates generally to the field of toilets (e.g., water closets,
flush toilets, etc.). According to one aspect of the present application, a rimless toilet
includes an improved jet hole (e.g., an orifice, hole, water jet, etc.) to more effectively utilize
the flush water to clean the toilet bowl. Another aspect of the present application relates to an
improved shelf (e.g., a ledge, terrace, bowl surface shape, etc.) for the rimless toilet that is
configured to more effectively direct the flush water around the toilet bowl, and wash the
bowl surface. One or both of these advantageous features may be employed in a particular
toilet according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0003] Conventional toilets typically include a bowl that is configured to receive waste.
Water is introduced into the bowl to wash the bowl and facilitate in transferring the waste to a
drain, such as a municipal sewer drain. In view of a variety of factors, such as legislation
regulating the amount of water a toilet may use per flush cycle and the cost and availability of
municipal water, toilet manufacturers have tried to design toilets which have a more efficient
flush cycle (i.e., the toilets use less water per flush cycle). As toilets use less and less water
for a flush cycle, one challenge is to retain the effectiveness of the toilet to clean surfaces and
evacuate waste from the bowl.
[0004] In toilets that include rims for directing flush water into the drain, a typical
configuration includes an upper rim that may be positioned near the top of the bowl (e.g.,
overhanging the bowl) and that includes several holes (e.g., apertures, orifices, spray holes,
jets, etc.) in an underside of the rim through which flush water may flow in order to wash the
bowl and transfer any waste to a drain. One example of a conventional rim design is a boxtype
rim, which may have a closed, hollow cross-section through which water may flow.
Another example of a conventional rim design is an open-type rim, which may have a crosssection
shaped like an inverted "U." As compared to the box-type rim, the open rim does not
include a bottom wall for at least part of its length.
[0005] Toilet rims, such as box-type rims and the open-type rims, typically overhang at
least a portion of the toilet bowl (i.e., usually near an upper, outward portion of the toilet
bowl). Consequently, water flowing from such a toilet rim typically enters a top portion of
the toilet bowl from discretely positioned holes around the perimeter of the bowl. The
relatively small size of these holes reduces the energy of the flowing water, and the discrete
positions reduce the overall coverage of the surface cleansing water. Additionally, water that
is retained within the rim and does not flow out of the rim wash holes flows backwards to a
primary jet channel. This water is effectively wasted as it does not contribute to the cleaning
of the bowl surface or to bulk waste removal. Therefore, water efficiency is undesirably
reduced in these toilets.
[0006] Further, the bowl surface directly underneath an overhanging closed or open rim and
the underside of the rim itself may be concealed from view to a user looking down on the
bowl from above. Accordingly, these portions of toilet bowl surface might be inadvertently
neglected when the user cleans the toilet. As a result, waste and contamination (e.g., bacteria)
may undesirably collect underneath an overhanging toilet rim.
[0007] Recently, there has been increased interest in designing toilets that do not include a
typical rim for distributing water about the bowl. Some of these designs incorporate a bowl
design that includes features intended to keep the water swirling about the bowl from
splashing upward toward a user, such as a top portion of the bowl that curves inward toward
the center of the bowl to create a "channel" in which the water will travel (see, e.g., FIG. 1A).
Such features result in an "undercut" configuration for the bowl, which may undesirably
increase the overall cost to manufacture the toilet bowl since additional molding steps may be
required to form the undercut features. It would be advantageous to provide a rimless toilet
that is configured to prevent water from splashing out of the bowl, but that does not include
an undercut feature such as that described above.
[0008] Known rimless toilets typically include one or two primary orifices (water jets, jet
holes, etc.) to introduce flush water into the toilet bowl. In cases where the toilet utilizes a
pressurized water supply, one jet hole may be used. In gravity-fed toilets, however, two jet
holes are typically used because the configuration of the toilet system may not provide
adequate water pressure for one jet hole to distribute flush water around the entire surface of
the toilet bowl. As an example, gravity-fed rimless toilets may include two water jets near
the rear of the toilet bowl such that each jet hole may be used to wash approximately 50% of
the toilet bowl (see, e.g., FIG. IB, showing a toilet having a bowl 1 and two water jets 5
directing water outward from a manifold 3 at the rear of the bowl 1). It would be desirable
from a manufacturing standpoint to provide a rimless gravity-fed toilet that utilizes only a
single jet hole to introduce flush water into the bowl.
[0009] For gravity flush toilet products using two bowl wash jets, there are two typical
configurations, the first is to direct both of the jets in the same direction, and the other is to
direct the water in opposite directions; typically from the back of the bowl with water flowing
toward the front of the bowl. Both of these configurations result in performance issues. With
both bowl wash jets flow in the same direction, one of the jet feed paths must bring the wash
water from the back of the bowl, and then turn the direction of the water 180 degrees with a
U-turn in the flow channel. This substantially reduces flow velocity and energy that could be
used to wash the bowl. With the dual opposing jet configuration, no water flow energy is lost,
but wash water must be provide with a secondary means to the back of the toilet bowl
between the opposing jets. This is typically done with such means as a separate nozzle,
added ceramic pieces, or special hole cutting methods. These special efforts result in
additional cost and complexity.
[0010] One tactic used by manufacturers of gravity-fed rimless toilets to increase the flow
velocity of the flush water exiting the jet holes is to decrease the size of the jet hole. One
tradeoff of employing smaller jet holes, however, is that the water flowing through the hole
will have increased turbulence, thus increasing the likelihood that water will splash out of the
bowl toward a user. It would be advantageous to employ a jet hole that decreases the amount
of turbulence in the flush water while maintaining or improving the velocity of the flush
water being introduced through the hole.
[0011] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a rimless toilet design that
addresses one or more of the issues discussed above, and that is relatively simple and
efficient to manufacture.
SUMMARY
[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, a toilet includes a bowl and a verticallyelongated
jet hole located near a top of the bowl between a rear of the bowl and a side of the
bowl. The vertically-elongated jet hole is configured to direct flush water around an inner
surface of the bowl to wash the inner surface of the bowl.
[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment, a toilet includes a bowl having a
vertically-elongated jet orifice near a top of the bowl that is configured to introduce flush
water into the bowl from an interior water channel through a surface of an inner wall of the
bowl, and the flush water is directed around the inner wall of the bowl to wash the inner wall.
The toilet also includes a shelf for directing the flush water, and the toilet is a gravity-fed
toilet that does not include an overhanging rim.
[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment, a toilet includes a tank configured to
contain flush water, a bowl having an opening, an outlet, a jet hole in fluid communication
with the tank via a water channel, a valve to control water through the water channel during a
flush cycle, and a shelf configured to distribute water from the jet hole around the bowl. The
jet hole is elongated in a vertical direction such that the height of the hole is greater than the
width of the hole at its greatest width.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a cutaway view of a prior art rimless toilet.
[0016] FIG. IB illustrates a perspective view of another prior art rimless toilet.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rimless toilet according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the rimless toilet shown in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the rimless toilet shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG 5 illustrates a perspective view of a rimless toilet, according to another
exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the rimless toilet shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rimless toilet shown in FIG. 6, taken along
the line 7-7.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rimless toilet shown in FIG. 6, taken along
the line 8-8.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a detail view of an elongated jet hole of a rimless toilet.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates various shapes of an elongated jet hole of a rimless toilet.
[0026] FIGS. 11A and 1IB illustrate three line graphs for the flow rates of three different
toilets.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates the movement of air in a jet channel of a toilet.
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates the different areas included in the graphs shown in FIGS. 14A
and 14B.
[0029] FIGS. 14A and 14B are graphs illustrating the distribution of water in a toilet bowl
over time.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a rimless toilet according to another exemplary embodiment that does not
include an elongated shelf or terrace for directing water around the inner surface of the bowl.
[0031] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a rimless toilet having a short shelf which does
not extend to a forward portion of a toilet bowl.
[0032] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a rimless toilet having a shelf extending to a
forward portion of the bowl and a rear portion of the bowl, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the comparison between the rimless
toilets shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] As discussed in the background section, there are certain shortcomings in the field
of known rimless toilet designs and in the manner in which flush water is introduced into
such toilets. The present application discloses various embodiments intended to address one
or more of these deficiencies, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved rimless toilet is configured to
provide effective bowl wash, ease of cleaning, and simplified low-cost manufacture.
According to this embodiment, water from the toilet tank flows through a single jet orifice
(e.g., hole, rim orifice, etc.) located towards the rear of the toilet bowl, near the top thereof.
The water flows onto a shelf (e.g., terrace, ledge, plateau, protrusion, etc.) around the inside
periphery of the bowl, which allows the water from a single orifice to flow completely around
the periphery of the bowl. By controlling the shape, angle, length, and depth of the shelf, the
amount of water that flows around the periphery and down the side of the bowl can be
controlled, thus washing the sides of the bowl completely. The water flowing from a single
jet hole (e.g., bowl wash jet, etc.) also creates a swirling flow in the toilet bowl aiding in the
flushing action of the toilet, better removing waste contents in the bowl. By using an open
shelf approach to distributing bowl wash water, there are no overhangs or undercuts of the
ceramic bowl material. By doing this, the casting process to make this product is greatly
simplified, and the toilet bowl can be completely cast with a simple four-part mold.
[0036] Additionally, the inventors of the present application have discovered that by
increasing the dimensions of the jet orifice or hole, the splattering (i.e., turbulence, etc.) of
the flush water entering the bowl may be advantageously lessened. Thus, increasing the
dimensions of the jet orifice may allow for improved flow characteristics of flush water. For
example, increased dimensions of the jet orifice may allow greater retention of energy of the
flush for a longer period, as well as a reduced likelihood of water splashing out of the bowl.
Such an improved jet orifice configuration may be used in rimless toilets that incorporate a
shelf or ledge for directing the flow of the water around the inner surface of the bowl and
may also advantageously allow for the manufacture of rimless toilets that do not include
shelves or ledges (thus simplifying the design and providing for improved aesthetics for the
toilet).
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, according to an exemplary embodiment, a rimless toilet
includes a toilet bowl 10 having a jet hole 12 that is positioned near the top of the bowl at
between approximately a one o'clock position and a two o'clock position (i.e., the rearmost
portion of the toilet bowl 10 being 12 o'clock). In other words, the jet hole 12 is positioned
approximately between the rearmost portion of the bowl 10 and a lateral side (either a left or
right side, although shown in FIGS. 2-3 as the right side from the perspective of an individual
standing in front of the toilet facing the toilet) of the bowl 10. For example, the position of
the jet hole 12 may be approximately 30-60° laterally (e.g., to the left or right) of the rearmost
portion of the bowl 10. For example, 30° to the right of the rearmost portion of the bowl 10
(as seen from a top view, while standing in front of the bowl 10) would correspond to a one
o' clock position and 60° would correspond to a two o' clock position. Similarly, 30° to the
left of the rearmost position would correspond to an eleven o' clock position, and 60° to the
left would correspond to a ten o' clock position. It should be understood that the jet hole 12
may be located at any suitable position within the bowl 10, and that the positions of the jet
hole 12 disclosed herein are not intended as limiting.
[0038] In addition to washing the bowl 10, the jet hole 12 is the only vent in the system.
That is, during a flushing cycle, air within a water channel 18 between the jet hole 12 and an
inlet 14 is vented through the jet hole 12 only.
[0039] A shelf 16 (ledge, terrace, etc.) is positioned below the jet hole 12 and is configured
to guide flush water around the periphery of the bowl 10 such that water is distributed around
the bowl surface. In other words, the shelf 16 is configured such that water distributed from
the jet hole 12 is swirled around the toilet bowl 10. According to other exemplary
embodiments (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12), the toilet bowl may be provided without a shelf, or
with a partial shelf, for distributing the flush water.
[0040] Still referring to FIGS. 2-4, the bowl 10 includes an inlet 14 configured to receive
flush water from a source. According to an exemplary embodiment, the inlet 14 is
configured to be fluidly coupled to a tank (not shown) or another source in a gravity-fed
arrangement. Thus, the rimless toilet shown in FIGS. 2-4 is a gravity-fed toilet. A valve (not
shown, but positioned between the inlet 14 and a tank) may be used to control water through
a water channel (see, e.g., the water channel 18 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) during a flush cycle.
According to other exemplary embodiments, the bowl 10 may be provided with an inlet that
is intended to couple to a pressurized source of water.
[0041] A water channel or chamber 18 behind the jet hole 12 is provided for supplying the
flush water from the inlet 14 to the jet hole 12. Prior to a flushing action, a pocket (e.g., a
volume, quantity, etc.) of air resides within the water channel 18 and the jet hole 12. During
a flushing action, water flows from a water supply (e.g., a water tank, pressurized water
supply, etc.) through the inlet 14, the water channel, and the jet hole 12. As water flows
through the water channel and the jet hole 12, the pocket of air residing therein is displaced
(e.g., evacuated). Smaller water channels and shorter jet holes provide less room and less
opportunity for displacement of air. If the pocket of air is not adequately displaced during a
flushing action, the air may become entrained within the flush water as bubbles, which
increases the flow resistance of the flush water, and the splatter of the water issuing from the
jet hole.
[0042] In an effort to provide a smoother and less turbulent flow of flush water through the
jet hole 12, the inventors experimented with various shapes and positions of the jet hole 12
relative to the inlet 14, as well as the ratio of jet hole size to sump jet orifice size (i.e., a hole
in or near the toilet bowl sump area (not shown in accompanying figures, but well known in
the art as being positioned near the bottom of the bowl to direct water toward the toilet sump).
The sump jet orifice directs flush water into a sump of the bowl. Because the water supplied
during a flushing cycle flows to either the jet hole 12 or a sump jet orifice, the relative sizes
of the jet hole 12 and the sump jet orifice will determine the quantity of water that flows to
the jet hole 12 and the sump jet orifice. During experimentation, the inventors have found
that if the jet hole 12 is too small, venting will be inadequate and the flushing cycle will
become slower as more air is trapped within the water channel 18. On the other hand, if the
jet hole 12 is too large, too much flush water will be directed to the rim, and siphon priming
will be slower (e.g., decreased). Other effects of a jet hole 12 that is too large include a
higher propensity for water splashing out of the bowl 10, and a poorer distribution of flush
water on the bowl 10 (mostly at locations just below the jet hole 12). Through
experimentation, the inventors have found that a ratio of the area of the vertically-elongated
jet orifice to the area of the sump jet orifice of approximately 0.5 and 5.0 provides for
adequate venting through the jet hole 12, optimal distribution of flush water on the bowl 10,
and adequate siphon priming.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, according to an exemplary embodiment, a rimless toilet
10 is shown, which includes an inlet 14 and a jet hole 12. The jet hole 12 may be
approximately 30-60° to the left or right of the rearmost portion of the bowl 10. According to
another exemplary embodiment, the jet hole 12 may be up to approximately 90° to the left or
right of the rearmost portion of the bowl 10. As shown in FIGS. 5-8 (and most easily seen in
FIG. 8), the surface of the bowl is configured as having a concave portion which transitions
into a convex portion, and the jet hole 12 is positioned above the convex portion. This shape
may advantageously allow water dispensed from the jet hole 12 to flow around the bowl 10,
and at least a portion of the water dispensed from the jet hole 12 may make a complete
revolution around the bowl 10. The water may "ride" along the convex portion similar to the
way water would travel along the shelves described above with respect to FIGS. 2-4. Thus,
cleaning of the toilet bowl 10 may be greatly improved. Similar to the toilet 10 shown in
FIGS. 2-4, air may be evenly displaced from within a water channel between the jet hole 12
and the inlet 14. Thus, the improved jet hole 12 reduces splashing and provides for a less
turbulent flow of flush water. As a result, an upper portion of the toilet bowl 10 may be
designed without any overhangs or undercuts of the ceramic bowl material.
[0044] Referring now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the curvature of the bowl 10 is
shown. According to an exemplary embodiment, the curvature of the bowl 10 is configured
to facilitate the flow of flush water from the jet hole 12 around the bowl 10, and as the flush
water makes a revolution around the bowl, at least a portion of the flush water washes down
every portion of the bowl in order to effectively wash the bowl. The bowl curvature shown in
FIG. 8 includes a concave portion which is positioned above a convex portion. The jet hole
12 is vertically aligned above the convex portion. Thus, the concave portion of the bowl 10
is designed to carry flush water around the bowl 10.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment, a major axis 12a
may define a height of the jet hole 12, and a minor axis 12b may define a width of the jet hole
12. In other words, the jet hole 12 may be vertically elongated such that a height of the hole
is greater than the width of the hole at its greatest width (e.g., oval or slot-shaped).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the effectiveness of the water flow through the jet
hole 12 and the length of the major axis 12a may be directly proportional. In other words, as
the length of the major axis 12a increases, the flow rate of flush water through the jet hole 12
may increase. According to an exemplary embodiment, the length of the major axis 12a is at
least 1 1/8" long. According to another exemplary embodiment, the length of the major axis
12a is at least 1 1/4" long. According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the length of
the major axis 12a is at least 1 3/8" long. It should be understood by those skilled in the art
that the length of the major axis 12a may be any suitable length, and that the lengths
disclosed herein are not limiting.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment, the jet hole may have
any suitable shape, such as generally oval, slot-shaped, egg-shaped, hexagonal, polygonal, or
may have any other suitable shape. It should be understood that the shapes of a jet hole
disclosed herein are not limiting. The surface surrounding the jet hole may also be on various
compound angles or have various baffling features to conceal the jet hole or reduce the
amount of splatter during a flush.
[0047] As pointed out above, the inventors experimented with different sizes and shapes of
jet holes in order to discover the effects on flow rate of flush water. For example, referring to
FIGS. 11A and 1IB, experimental data demonstrates the differences in flow rates over time
among three different toilet configurations. The first toilet configuration is referred to as the
"Iterl," which includes two jet holes. The second and third toilet configurations are referred
to as the "Single Swirl small" and the "Single Swirl large," respectively, which each include
one jet hole. In particular, the area of the Single Swirl large jet hole is 0.65 in.2 (nominally,
0.87" high by 0.75" wide) and the Single Swirl small jet hole is 0.40 in.2 (nominally, 0.68"
high by 0.60" wide). For the three toilet configurations, flow rate measurements were taken
at the tank (see, e.g., the top line charts in FIGS. 11A and 1IB), the jet hole (see, e.g., the
middle line charts shown in FIGS. 11A and 1IB), and the bottom jet near the trapway (see,
e.g., the bottom line charts shown in FIGS. 11A and 1IB).
[0048] Referring to the top line charts for the tank flow rate, several distinctions are
obvious. First, the water flowed over 0.5 seconds longer through the tanks of the "Single
Swirl small" and the "Single Swirl large" toilets (i.e., compared to the Iter 1 toilet). Second,
whereas the tank of the Iter 1 toilet experienced a spike in the water flow rate at
approximately 0.5 seconds, the tanks of the "Single Swirl small" and the "Single Swirl large"
experienced a drop in the water flow rate at approximately the same time. One explanation
for the decrease in the Single Swirl toilets is that more air is locked in the single swirl supply.
As a result, the flow rates from the tank are slightly reduced.
[0049] Between 0.5-1.0 seconds, the flow rates out of the three tanks becomes nearly
constant (steady-state) until the valve closes (i.e., drops), after which the flow rate from the
tank is zero. Accordingly, it can be seen in the middle and bottom line graphs that the rim
and jet flow rates experience a drop at approximately the same time that the valve closes. In
particular, the steady-state portion of the "Iter 1" appears to last for approximately 0.5
seconds, whereas the steady-state portions of the "Single Swirl small" and the "Single Swirl
large" appear to last for approximately 1.3 seconds and 1.2 seconds, respectively. The longer
steady-state flow rates from the tanks of the Single Swirl toilets may be attributed to a larger
amount of actual water in the tank (sometimes referred to as "ATW," or "actual tank water,"
which represents the amount of water that flows from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl during
a flush cycle).
[0050] Referring to the middle line charts in FIGS. 11A and 1IB, the Iterl toilet
experienced an initial spike in its rim flow rate, which was followed by a drop and another
spike (a "hiccup"). In contrast, the rim flow rates of the Single Swirl toilets experienced an
initial spike and then a rather even (i.e., steady, constant, etc.) flow rate until the valve closed.
One explanation for the steady flow rate of the Single Swirl toilets is that these toilets are
designed to expel air throughout the duration of the flush cycle. Further, the flow rate at the
jet hole of the Single Swirl large appears to be greater than that of the Single Swirl small,
which is attributed to the larger jet hole of the Single Swirl large. The experimenters
measured overall jet hole cumulative water volumes of0.13, 0.16, and 0.23 gallons for the
Iterl, the Single Swirl small, and the Single Swirl large, respectively.
[0051] Referring to the bottom line graphs in FIGS. 11A and 1IB, the Iterl toilet
experienced an initial "hiccup" in the bottom jet flow rate. In contrast, the bottom jet flow
rates of the Single Swirl toilets experienced an initial spike and then a rather steady flow rate
until the valve closed. The steady flow rate experienced by the Single Swirl toilets represents
that air is evenly evacuated from the jet hole during the flush cycle. Also, the steady-state
flow rate of the Iterl appears to be approximately 8-12% greater than the steady-state jet flow
rates of the Single Swirl toilets. One reason for this difference is that the larger jet hole of the
Single Swirl designs results in less water flowing to the sump jet.
[0052] Another aspect that the inventors measured was the distribution of air over time
within a water channel. For example, referring to FIG. 12, the movement of air over time in
the Single Swirl toilet (having a larger jet opening of 0.65 in.2) is shown. At 0.40 seconds,
the left and right jet channels appear to contain approximately equal amounts of air. At 0.55
seconds, air is preferentially evacuated from the left channel. Air continues to evacuate from
the left channel at 0.70 seconds. At 0.85 seconds, the right channel appears to contain a
larger amount of air than the left channel. One reason for the reduction in the jet flow rate of
the Single Swirl toilets is the unequal air evacuation between the left and right channels.
[0053] Yet another feature that the inventors investigated was the distribution of flush water
along the toilet bowl surface of the Single Swirl toilets. Computer simulation of the bowl
wash of this bowl configuration shows that a larger bowl wash jet provides better coverage of
the bowl (i.e., the water washing over the bowl surface is more evenly distributed). This
indicates that there may be more water available for the Single Swirl toilets. Momentum and
the volume of water cause the water to ride higher along the terrace. As water flows along
the terrace, a fraction of the water is shed therefrom causing the water above it to fall lower
and ride the terrace. This allows a portion of the water to complete the path around the entire
length of the terrace and make a complete revolution around the toilet bowl.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 13, four quadrants of the Single Swirl toilet bowl surfaces are
illustrated in a schematic form. In particular, the four quadrants (i.e., sections) that are shown
include the front, left, back, and rear. Further, the jet hole is located between the back and
right quadrants (e.g., between the 1:00 and 2:00 positions when looking down at the toilet
bowl, where the 12:00 position is at the back or rear of the bowl).
[0055] FIG. 14A shows the distribution of flush water for the Single Swirl small toilet. As
FIG. 14A shows, approximately 15% of the flush water during a flush cycle flows down the
right section, 23% flows down the left section, 23% flows down the front section, and 38%
flows down the back section. Alternatively, FIG. 14B shows the distribution of flush water
for the Single Swirl large toilet. As shown, approximately 18% of the flush water flows
down the right section, 29% flows down the left section, 24% flows down the front section,
and 29% flows down the back section. Thus, the flush cycle of the Single Swirl large toilet is
generally more evenly distributed than the Single Swirl small toilet. In addition, for the
Single Swirl large toilet, water from the flush cycle flows further around the bowl (such that
some of the water flows to at least a rearmost portion of the toilet bowl and wraps nearly
around the bowl almost to the jet hole).
[0056] Based on experimentation between the Single Swirl toilets and the Iterl toilet, it is
evident that the size and shape of the jet hole influences the distribution of flush water around
the toilet bowl. For example, the single swirl designs may retain more air in the water
channel, which may result in reduced jet flow rates of approximately 8-12%. Further, larger
jet holes may wash the toilet bowl surface better than smaller jet holes.
[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, in addition to increasing the flow rate of
flush water through a jet hole, an orifice that is formed as an elongated hole may provide
ancillary improvements to a toilet system. Such a toilet may also be more aesthetically
pleasing than conventional toilets.
[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the proportion or ratio of a length of a
major axis of an elongated hole relative to the distance between a bottom edge of the hole and
a bottom edge of the inlet of the bowl may provide ancillary effects which are similar to those
described above in regards to the elongated shape of a jet hole (i.e., reduced splash, reduced
sound, etc.).
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, because the improved jet hole 12 reduces
splashing and provides for a less turbulent flow of flush water, an upper portion of the toilet
bowl 10 may be designed without any overhangs or undercuts of the ceramic bowl material.
Accordingly, the casting process to make the toilet 10 may be greatly simplified.
[0060] Because of the improved flow characteristics attributable to the improved jet hole,
the flush water flowing from the jet hole has sufficient kinetic energy and volume to flow
around all four quadrants/sections (i.e., front, back, left, and right) of the toilet bowl. This
may allow for the production of rimless toilets that include shelves or terraces or which omit
such features (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 15).
[0061] According to one exemplary embodiment as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2-4, the
toilet bowl 10 may include a single terrace (i.e., a ledge, shelf, ramp, etc.) that is used and
configured to direct flush water along a specific flow path. Such a terrace is configured to
provide some initial direction (i.e., guidance) to the flush water flowing from the jet hole.
The kinetic energy of the water flowing from the jet hole 12 may be sufficient to carry the
water along a flow path established by the terrace.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a toilet may include a single terrace that extends from
approximately a jet hole, around a front of the toilet bowl, and to approximately a rear portion
of the bowl (see, e.g., a terrace 22 shown in FIG. 3). However, it should be understood that a
toilet may include a single terrace having any suitable length, which extends around to any
suitable portion of the toilet bowl (e.g., only between the jet hole and to a location near the
front of the toilet bowl, etc.).
[0063] Further, the terrace 22 may extend from the jet hole in either an upward, downward,
or level (i.e., horizontal) direction. For example, the terrace 22 may rise in height from the jet
hole to a front portion of the toilet bowl 10, and then may decrease in height from the front
portion of the bowl 10 to an opposite rear portion of the bowl 10. A width of the terrace 22
may also vary across its length. For example, the width of the terrace may decrease from the
jet hole to an end of the terrace. Also, the position of the terrace within the bowl may be
configured to control splashing of flush water flowing along the terrace. For example, the
terrace may be positioned at a suitable height to prevent flush water from splashing. The
terrace 22 may also be canted (i.e., tilted, sloped, etc.) downwards or upwards relative to the
curvature of the bowl surface of the toilet bowl 10 in order to control splashing or to control
the amount of water that falls off the terrace. For example, the terrace 22 may be configured
such that an outer portion of the terrace adjacent the inner wall of the bowl 10 is higher than
an inner portion of the terrace so as to direct the flush water down the inner wall into the
bowl. It should be understood that a terrace may be configured in any suitable way, and that
the lengths, slopes, shapes, and widths of the terraces described herein are not limiting.
[0064] Whereas the terrace 22 shown in FIGS. 2-4 is shown as extending around a majority
of the toilet bowl 10, a toilet bowl may include a much shorter terrace, according to an
exemplary embodiment. Although not shown in the FIGURES, the toilet bowl 10 may
include a short terrace, relative to the terrace shown in FIGS. 2-4, that is configured to direct
flush water along a specific flow path. For example, the length of such a terrace may not
extend all the way to a front portion of the toilet bowl 10. In particular, the length of the
terrace may be approximately 5-6 inches long, which may be sufficient to direct the flow path
of flush water around the entire toilet bowl 10. Further, beginning from proximately the jet
hole, the width of the terrace may gradually decrease. It should be understood that the terrace
may be any suitable length in order to provide direction to the flush water flowing from the
jet hole, and that the lengths of the terrace disclosed herein are not limiting.
[0065] According to another exemplary embodiment, the toilet bowl may omit the terrace
and rely on the kinetic energy of the flush water for ensuring that the flush water is carried
around the inner surface of the bowl. One example of such a configuration is shown in FIG.
12, where the jet hole is positioned in a similar location as illustrated with respect to the other
embodiments described herein. Of course, the size, shape, and position of the jet hole may
vary according to other exemplary embodiments, and all such variations are intended to fall
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0066] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate the differences between a toilet bowl having a relatively
long terrace and a bowl having a relatively short terrace which does not extend to a forward
position of the bowl (or, alternatively, a bowl without a terrace). In particular, FIG. 16A
shows a cross-section of a toilet bowl having a relatively short terrace (or, alternatively, a
bowl without a terrace). FIG. 16B shows a toilet bowl having a relatively long terrace that
extends at least to a forward position of the bowl. FIG. 16C shows how the toilet bowls of
FIGS. 16A-16B compare to each other when the bowl of FIG. 16A is superimposed over the
bowl of FIG. 16B. For example, the bowl openings and outlets for both toilet bowls are
approximately the same dimensions, but the terrace is "smoothed over" for the toilet bowl
having a relatively short terrace (or, alternatively, no terrace).
[0067] It was discovered during experimentation that water distribution over a toilet bowl
having a smoothed-over terrace (or a relatively short terrace) is not compromised relative to
the water distribution of toilet bowls having longer terraces. Also, compared to toilets having
relatively long terraces, a toilet having a shorter terrace may advantageously require less
material (e.g., vitreous china, porcelain, etc.) to cast the toilet bowl. Also, a toilet having a
shorter terrace may be advantageously easier to manufacture because the molds may include
features that are less complicated to cast. Thus, toilets having relatively short terraces may be
less expensive to manufacture, while at the same time provide performance that is
comparable to toilets having longer terraces. Further, reducing the size, length, and/or
presence of a terrace may also improve the ease of cleaning of the toilet bowl as a result of
less surface area and fewer creases (i.e. inflection points, changes in curvature, etc.). It
should be understood that toilet bowls of various heights and lengths may be designed
without a terrace.
[0068] Further, because of the improved swirl flow of the rim water for the various toilets
described herein, lower amounts of rim water may be used to wash the toilet bowl. The
improved swirl flow may be due in part to the flush water having a greater kinetic energy in a
horizontal portion of the flow. As the horizontal kinetic energy of flush water increases, the
capability of the flush water to rinse dirt and debris from the sides of the toilet bowl may
increase. As the capability of the flush water to reach greater portions of the toilet bowl
increases, less rim water may be needed. Thus, more water may be allowed to go to the sump
jet, which may improve the flush performance.
[0069] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially,"
"essentially," 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 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 subject matter described and claimed are
considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.
[0070] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" as used herein to describe various
embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples,
representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended
to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0071] The terms "coupled," "connected," 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 body with one another or with the two members or the
two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
[0072] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above,"
"below," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various 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.
[0073] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the toilet as shown in
the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments
have been described in detail in this disclosure, 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, manufacturing
processes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter described herein. 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. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced
according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and
omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the
various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A toilet, comprising:
a bowl; and
a vertically-elongated jet hole located near a top of the bowl between a rear of the
bowl and a side of the bowl;
wherein the vertically-elongated jet hole is configured to direct flush water around
an inner surface of the bowl to wash the inner surface of the bowl.
2. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising a shelf configured to direct water from
the jet hole around the bowl.
3. The toilet of claim 2, wherein a width of the shelf decreases from a first end
proximate the jet hole to an opposite second end.
4. The toilet of claim 2 or 3, wherein the shelf extends from the first end past a
rearmost portion of the bowl.
5. The toilet of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the shelf is configured such that an
outer portion of the shelf adjacent the inner wall is higher than an inner portion of the shelf so as
to direct the flush water down the inner wall into the bowl.
6. The toilet of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the shelf has a length of less than
approximately 6 inches.
7. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, wherein the jet hole is positioned
approximately 30-60 degrees away from a rearmost portion of the bowl.
8. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, wherein the bowl does not include a rim
that overhangs a portion of the bowl.
9. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet is a gravity-fed toilet.
10. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sump jet orifice,
wherein the ratio of the area of the vertically-elongated jet orifice to the area of the sump jet
orifice is between approximately 0.5 and 5.0.
11. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, wherein a height of the verticallyelongated
jet hole is at least 1 1/8 inches.
12. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet includes only a single
jet orifice near the top of the bowl.
13. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, wherein the jet hole has a generally
polygonal shape.
14. The toilet of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a tank for storing
flush water and a water channel fluidly coupled to the tank and to the jet hole.
15. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the bowl has a concave portion
that transitions into a convex portion, and wherein the inner surface is configured to direct water
from the jet hole around the bowl to wash the surface of the bowl.