[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 62/209,198, filed August 24, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This application relates generally to the field of cleaning systems for use with toilets and accessories thereof. More specifically, this application relates to cleaning systems configured to dispense cleaning compounds for use in and around toilets and accessories thereof to improve the cleanliness in and around the toilets.

[0003] Overtime from use, scale (e.g., urine scale), minerals, bacteria, and other undesirable deposits (e.g., biofilm) build-up on the surfaces of toilets and, in particular, on the inner surfaces of the bowl and trapway. Moreover, these deposits may become lodged in small imperfections in the inner surfaces of the toilet, which may be a vitreous material. These built-up deposits can lead to undesirable odors and stains, as well as harbor germs and bacteria. It would be advantageous to provide a toilet having cleaning systems (e.g., internal, external) that provide improved cleanliness to address the aforementioned problems, such as prohibiting or reducing scale and/or providing odor abatement.

[0004] Additionally, external surfaces of toilets, accessories for use with toilets (e.g., toilet paper holders), and users of toilets come into contact with germs and bacteria, such as through contact with the toilet and use thereof. It would be advantageous to provide a toilet and/or accessory that includes a cleaning system to provide improved cleanliness for the toilet, accessory, and/or user.

SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment relates to a toilet that includes a bowl, a tank configured to hold water, and a flush valve within the tank. The flush valve includes a valve body fluidly connecting the tank and the bowl, a float moveable relative to the valve body to open and close the flush valve, and a guide member coupled to the valve body for guiding movement of the float, where the guide member includes a chamber that is configured to hold a cleaning compound including a chemical compound and water. The cleaning compound is configured to be dispensed into the bowl through the valve body with the flush valve open.

[0006] An end of the guide member may be directly coupled to the valve body and the chamber of the guide member is fluidly connected to an inner chamber of the valve body.

[0007] The flush valve may include a dispenser fluidly connected to the chamber of the guide member that is configured to selectively dispense the cleaning compound toward the bowl through an inner chamber of the valve body. The dispenser may include a body, at least one nozzle through which the cleaning compound is dispensed, and a fluid passage through the body fluidly connecting the at least one nozzle and the chamber of the guide member.

[0008] The toilet may include a fill valve that is disposed in the tank. The fill valve may include an inlet for receiving water from a source and a fluid conduit supplying water to the flush valve. The chamber of the guide member may be a longitudinal bore extending through an end of the guide member that is opposite the valve member, where the fluid conduit supplies the water to a supply ring that is coupled to the end of the guide member, and the supply ring supplies water to the chamber of the guide member.

[0009] The toilet may include a sensor, which may be disposed in the flush valve to measure a concentration of the cleaning compound and communicates the measured concentration to a controller. The toilet may include an indicator having a light source, where the light source is illuminated by a signal from the controller based on the concentration of the cleaning compound. The light source may be illuminated upon the concentration of the cleaning compound falling below a threshold concentration. The toilet may include a lid that is configured to be removably coupled to the tank for concealing the contents of the tank. The light source may be disposed on the lid. The controller may be coupled to the lid and may communicate with the sensor wirelessly. The lid may include a user interface for adjusting the concentration of the cleaning compound.

[0010] Another embodiment relates to a toilet that is configured to receive water from a water supply. The toilet includes a bowl; a tank configured to retain the water; a fill valve disposed in the tank and configured to receive the water; a container disposed in the tank and fluidly connected to the fill valve to receive the water, where the container is configured to contain a chemical compound; a flush valve that is connected to the container to receive the chemical compound and the water. The flush valve includes a movable member and a valve body fluidly connecting the bowl and the tank. The movable member is configured to move relative to the valve body to open the flush valve to dispense an amount of the chemical compound and the water to the bowl through the valve body.

[0011] The container may be supported by a wall of the tank. The toilet may include a housing mounted to the wall and configured to retain the container; an inlet line fluidly connecting the fill valve with an inlet of the container; and an outlet line fluidly connecting an outlet of the container with the flush valve. The toilet may include a diffusing tube that is fluidly connected to the inlet line and the outlet line, where the diffusing tube includes a plurality of spaced apart openings fluidly connecting an inside of the tube to a reservoir of the container containing the chemical compound. The toilet may include a strainer that is disposed in the reservoir of the container, where the strainer is configured to contain the chemical compound and where the strainer includes at least one hole to fluidly communicate the chemical compound with the water in the reservoir. The toilet may include a cap that couples to and decouples from an inlet of the container through an attachment feature, where the strainer is removable from the container with the cap decoupled from the inlet. The toilet may include a removable shroud covering an opening in the tank to conceal the fill valve and the flush valve in the tank, the shroud including an opening for accessing the cap without removing the shroud from the tank; and a removable lid covering the shroud.

[0012] The toilet may include a controller that is configured to control the volume of the cleaning compound. The controller may be configured to control a concentration of the cleaning compound by controlling at least one of a volume in a reservoir of the container, a flow rate of the chemical compound and the water from the container, or a volume of the chemical compound in the reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a toilet.

[0015] FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a delivery system for use with toilets.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 3 A.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional front view of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system for use with toilets.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system for use with toilets.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 3 A with a portion of a toilet tank and lid.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 4A with a portion of a toilet tank and lid.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a delivery system mounted within a wall of a toilet tank.

[0023] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system mounted within a wall of a toilet tank.

[0024] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system mounted within a wall of a toilet tank.

[0025] FIG. 1 OA is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system mounted within a wall of a toilet tank.

[0026] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 10A.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system for use with toilets.

[0028] FIGS. 12 is a front view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another delivery system for use with toilets.

[0030] FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system for use with toilets, showing the system in coupled and decoupled states, respectively.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a partially exploded and cross-sectional perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery system shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a delivery system incorporated into a toilet.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 18.

[0035] FIG. 20 is a front view of another delivery system integrated with a trip lever.

[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 20.

[0037] FIG. 22 is a partial cutaway perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system for use with toilets.

[0038] FIG. 23 is a partial exploded perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 22.

[0039] FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of standalone delivery systems.

[0040] FIG. 26A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system with a dispenser docked to a base.

[0041] FIG. 26B is another perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 26A with the dispenser undocked from the base.

[0042] FIG. 26C shows various modes of operation of the dispenser shown in FIG. 26A and 26B.

[0043] FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system.

[0044] FIG. 27B is a side view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 27A with various bowl sizes.

[0045] FIGS. 28 A and 28B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system with a dispenser docked and undocked, respectively.

[0046] FIG. 29A is a perspective view of other exemplary embodiments of standalone delivery systems.

[0047] FIGS. 29B and 29C include various views of another exemplary embodiment of standalone delivery system.

[0048] FIGS. 29D and 29E include various views of another exemplary embodiment of standalone delivery system.

[0049] FIG. 30A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of standalone delivery system in a closed position.

[0050] FIG. 30B is a perspective view of the delivery system shown in FIG. 30A in an open position.

[0051] FIGS. 31 A- 3 IE are various perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of standalone delivery systems.

[0052] FIGS. 32A-32D are various views of yet another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system having a detachable dispenser.

[0053] FIGS. 33 A and 33B are side views of the detachable dispenser for use with the delivery system shown in FIGS. 32A-32D.

[0054] FIGS. 34A-34E are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a paper dispensing system.

[0055] FIGS. 35A-36B are various views of the paper dispensing system shown in FIGS. 34A-34E.

[0056] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a paper dispensing system in an open position.

[0057] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the paper dispensing system shown in FIG. 37 in a closed position.

[0058] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a paper dispensing system.

[0059] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a paper dispensing system.

[0060] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0061] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0062] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0063] FIG. 44 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0064] FIG. 45 is a detailed view of the internal dispensing system shown in FIG. 44.

[0065] FIG. 46 is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0066] FIGS. 47 and 48 are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system having a removable container.

[0067] FIGS. 49A-49F are a series of front views showing steps of a flush cycle for an exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0068] FIG. 50 includes a perspective partial cutaway view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0069] FIG. 51 is a detail view of a portion of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 50.

[0070] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system outside a tank.

[0071] FIG. 53 is a front cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system in a tank.

[0072] FIG. 54A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the internal dispensing system shown in FIG. 53 showing refilling of solid pellets of compound into the system.

[0073] FIG. 54B is a front view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 54A.

[0074] FIG. 55A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0075] FIG. 55B is a detail view of a portion of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 55A.

[0076] FIG. 55C is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 55A.

[0077] FIG. 56A-56D includes various perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a flush valve including a dispensing system.

[0078] FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an internal dispensing system.

[0079] FIG. 58 is a partially exploded front view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 57. [0080] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet seat assembly.

[0081] FIG. 60 is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet seat assembly.

[0082] FIGS. 61 A and 61B are perspective and side views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet seat assembly.

[0083] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a toilet seat and a dispensing system.

[0084] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a toilet seat and a dispensing system.

[0085] FIG. 64 is a front view of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 63.

[0086] FIGS. 65 A and 65B are perspective and side views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet seat assembly.

[0087] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 65A.

[0088] FIGS. 67A-67C are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0089] FIG. 67D is a front view of the dispenser shown in FIGS. 67A-67C.

[0090] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0091] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0092] FIGS. 70 A and 70B are perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of dispensers for use with a dispensing system.

[0093] FIG. 70C is a side cross-sectional view of the an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser.

[0094] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0095] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0096] FIG. 73 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0097] FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0098] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser of a dispensing system with a toilet.

[0099] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the dispenser of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 75.

[0100] FIG. 77A is another perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 76.

[0101] FIG. 77B is a plan view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 76 showing the dual dispensing capability of the dispenser.

[0102] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet.

[0103] FIGS. 79A and 79B are detail views of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 78 showing the dispenser in a retracted position and an extracted position.

[0104] FIGS. 80A and 80B are perspective and side views of another dispenser, such as for use in the system shown in FIG. 78.

[0105] FIGS. 81A-81D are perspective and side views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0106] FIG. 82 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0107] FIGS. 83A and 83B are side and perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0108] FIGS. 84A and 84B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0109] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser for use with a dispensing system.

[0110] FIGS. 86A and 86B are front view and cross-sectional views of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. 85.

[0111] FIGS. 87A-87C illustrate several modes of operation of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet.

[0112] FIG. 88 includes several views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system for use with a toilet.

[0113] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet.

[0114] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet.

[0115] FIG. 91 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet.

[0116] FIG. 92 is another perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 91.

[0117] FIGS. 93A and 93B are perspective views of other exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems integrated with toilet seat assemblies.

[0118] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet seat assembly.

[0119] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system integrated with a toilet seat assembly.

[0120] FIG. 96A is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system including a dispenser and a chemical generator.

[0121] FIG. 96B is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 96A integrated with a paper dispenser.

[0122] FIGS. 97A and 97B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispensing system including a dispenser and a chemical generator.

[0123] FIGS. 98A and 98B are perspective and side views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser with a chemical generator.

[0124] FIGS. 99A and 99B are side views of another exemplary embodiment of a dispenser with a chemical generator.

[0125] FIG. 100 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of toilet including a system configured to use a cleaning compound, such as flow beads.

[0126] FIG. 101 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a toilet including a flow bead system configured to use a cleaning compound.

[0127] FIG. 102 is a perspective view of the flow bead assembly shown in FIG. 101.

[0128] FIG. 103 includes perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a system configured to use a cleaning compound, such as flow beads.

[0129] FIG. 104 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a flow bead assembly for a toilet and configured to use a cleaning compound.

[0130] FIGS. 105A-105C are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a system configured to use a cleaning compound, such as flow beads.

[0131] FIGS. 106A and 106B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a toilet including a system configured to use a cleaning compound, such as flow beads.

[0132] FIGS. 107A and 107B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a system configured to use a cleaning compound, such as flow beads.

[0133] FIGS. 108A and 108B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a system configured to use a cleaning compound, such as flow beads.

[0134] FIGS. 109A and 109B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of toilet systems with integrated sensors for use with systems, such as cleaning systems.

[0135] FIGS. 110A and HOB are perspective views of sensors for use with cleaning systems.

[0136] FIG. I l l is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet with integrated sensors for use with cleaning systems.

[0137] FIG. 112 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet with an integrated sensor for use with cleaning systems.

[0138] FIG. 113 A is an exploded perspective view of a toilet including an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system.

[0139] FIG. 113B is another perspective view of the toilet shown in FIG. 113 A.

[0140] FIGS. 113C-113E are side and perspective views of the toilet shown in FIGS. 113A and 113B.

[0141] FIG. 114 is a perspective view of a toilet including another exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system.

[0142] FIG. 115 is a perspective view of a cleaning system for use with a toilet.

[0143] FIG. 116 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clean toilet having a seat assembly with integrated dispensing system.

[0144] FIG. 117 is an exploded perspective view of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 116.

[0145] FIG. 118 is a perspective view of a portion of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 116.

[0146] FIG. 119 is a perspective view of another portion of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 116.

[0147] FIG. 120A is a partially exploded view of the base assembly of the toilet shown in FIG. 116.

[0148] FIG. 120B is a side view of the toilet shown in FIG. 116.

0149] FIG. 120C is an alternative cross-section of that shown in FIG. 120B.

0150] FIG. 121 is a top view of the toilet shown in FIG. 116.

0151] FIG. 122 is another perspective view of the toilet shown in FIG. 116.

0152] FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view of a clean toilet, such as the toilet shown in FIG. 116.

0153] FIGS. 124A-124C are perspective views of another embodiment of a clean toilet.

0154] FIGS. 125A-125C are perspective views of portions of the toilet shown in FIG. 124A.

0155] FIG. 126A-126D are cross-sectional views illustrating operation of the toilet shown in FIG. 124 A.

0156] FIG. 127A is a top view of the clean toilet shown in FIG. 124A.

0157] FIGS. 127B-127D are perspective views of a portion of the toilet shown in FIG. 127A.

0158] FIG. 128 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a touchless dispensing system.

0159] FIG. 129 is another perspective view of the touchless dispensing system shown in FIG. 128.

0160] FIG. 130 is a perspective view of a portion of another clean toilet.

0161] FIG. 131 is a perspective view of the toilet shown in FIG. 130 with the lid open.

0162] FIG. 132 is a perspective view of an example of a visual indicator for a clean toilet.

0163] FIG. 133 is a perspective view of an example of a user interface for a clean toilet.

0164] FIG. 134 is a perspective view of a clean toilet with a cap decoupled to refill cleaning compound into the system.

0165] FIG. 135 is a perspective view of a shroud in a tank for a clean toilet.

0166] FIG. 136 is a perspective view of the shroud shown in FIG. 135 removed from the tank.

0167] FIG. 137 is a perspective view of the tank for a clean toilet with the shroud removed. [0168] FIG. 138 is a perspective view of the tank shown in FIG. 137 with a container lifted for clarity.

[0169] FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view of a tank for a clean toilet.

[0170] FIG. 140 is a perspective view of a container system for housing a cleaning compound for use with a clean toilet.

[0171] FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional view of another tank for a clean toilet.

[0172] FIG. 142 is a perspective view of a toilet with wireless connectivity to a handheld electronic device, such as a phone.

[0173] FIGS. 143-147 are schematics of examples of controllers for use with clean toilets.

[0174] FIGS. 148-151 are side views of examples of doing control systems for use with clean toilets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0175] Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed in this application are delivery (e.g., dispensing) systems and methods for dispensing chemicals/cleaning compounds, as part of an integrated system (e.g., a toilet, toilet accessory, etc.) or as a standalone system to improve the cleanliness of the system and/or surrounding (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, etc.).

[0176] As non-limiting examples, the systems and methods, as disclosed herein, may be configured to influence scale, slippery, and/or sanitation to thereby have improved cleanliness. For example, the systems and methods of this application may reduce scale, increase slippery, and/or increase sanitation. As used herein, the term "scale" generally refers to mineral deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, etc.), that collect or build-up on the surfaces of the components of systems, such as toilets. As used herein, the term "slippery" generally refers to coating(s) that may be applied to the surfaces of the components of the systems to influence the coefficient of friction of the surfaces. For example, a non-stick coating, such as a diamon-fusion coating, may be applied to surfaces of the components to reduce the coefficient of friction of the surfaces to which the coating is applied. As used herein, the term "sanitation" generally refers to the application (e.g., introduction, etc.) of anti-microbial chemicals.

[0177] One such application for the systems and methods are for use with toilets in order to provide improved cleanliness of the toilet, the area around the toilet, and/or for the user of the toilet. The toilets may be configured to include a delivery system for introducing a chemistry (e.g., a cleaning compound) to thereby reduce, scale, slippery, and/or sanitation. The systems and methods of this application may influence other aspects related to cleanliness or perceived cleanliness of the components. For example, scent(s) related to the systems (and the use thereof) may be influenced (e.g., masked, ameliorated, reduced, etc.) by the systems and methods of this application, such as, but not limited to the use of active filters (e.g., hydroxyl, etc.), passive filters (e.g., carbon, gas, etc.), and/or scent(s) applied to or contained within components of the system. Also for example, the shape of the components of the system may be configured to influence the cleanliness of the systems, such as, but not limited to, the use of rimless bowls, skirting (e.g., around the bowl/pedestal), the reduction in the number of surfaces, improved hinges, tankless water systems, the smoothing of surfaces, as well as other examples disclosed herein. The various aspects (e.g., chemistry, configuration, etc.) are disclosed in greater detail below and the improved delivery systems are disclosed in greater detail below.

[0178] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a toilet 100 including a base 110 (e.g., pedestal, bowl, etc.) and a tank 120 supported by the base 110. The base 110 is configured to be secured to another object, such as a drain pipe, floor, combination thereof, or any other suitable object. The base 110 includes a bowl 111 and a passageway 113 fluidly connecting the bowl 111 to the drain pipe. The tank 120 may be supported by a support (e.g., a rear support) of the base 110, such as an upper surface of a rim 115. The tank 120 may be integrally formed with the base 110 (e.g., the support), which is commonly referred to as a one-piece toilet. Alternatively, the tank 120 may be formed separately from the base 110 and coupled (e.g., secured, fastened, connected, etc.) thereto, which is commonly referred to as a two-piece toilet. A lid 122 may be included to cover an opening and an inner cavity of the tank 120. The toilet 100 may include a seat assembly 130. As shown, the seat assembly 130 includes a seat 131 and a seat cover 132

both of which are pivotally (e.g., rotatably) coupled to the base 110, such as through one or more than one pivot (e.g., hinge). FIG. 1 shows a hinge assembly 135 mounted to the rim 115 and rotatably supporting the seat 131 and the seat cover 132.

[0179] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 200 including a base 210 and a seat assembly 230 coupled to the base 210. The base 210 based includes a bowl 211 and a passageway (not shown in FIG. 2) fluidly connecting the bowl 211 to a drain pipe. The toilet 200 does not include a tank, at least that is supported by the base 210. A water line 240 is shown supplying the toilet 200 with water through an inlet. It is noted that the two examples of toilets 100, 200 are meant to provide context to the various aspects discussed below and are non-limiting examples of toilets that may be configured to utilize the aspects discussed. Therefore, the various aspects of these systems (e.g., dispensing systems, cleaning systems,

chemistries/cleaning compounds, etc.) that are discussed in this application may be configured for use with other types of toilets, bidets, and other sanitary devices.

Chemistry

[0180] The systems (e.g., toilets, dispensers, etc.) described in this application may be configured to utilize chemistry to advantageously help clean (e.g., up to a level just below disinfection) or help maintain the cleanliness longer than toilets not having the improved chemistry. As non-limiting examples, the chemistries disclosed herein may advantageously help prevent the formation of scale, remove scale that has formed, prevent or remove biofilm, prevent or mask odors, and/or sanitize components of toilets or other devices disclosed in this application. The toilets utilizing the improved chemistry may be able to go for one to six months (e.g., eight weeks) or longer without having to be cleaned (e.g., before the build-up of deposits). More specific examples of chemistry/cleaning compounds are described below in greater detail.

[0181] The chemistry/cleaning compounds may be delivered to specific components of the systems (e.g., the bowl, tank, and/or trap of a toilet) alone or mixed with another compound or element. The compounds may be provided into the toilets, such as prepared external to the toilet and introduced into the toilet for use therein. The compounds may be generated in the toilets, such as generated within systems and/or subsystems of the toilets for use therein. For example, chemical/compound generators may be employed by a toilet and/or an accessory to produce a cleaning compound used to clean the toilet and/or accessory. These and other aspects are described below in greater detail.

i. Cleaning Compounds

[0182] The systems (e.g., toilets, accessories, etc.) and methods of this application may be configured to utilize one or more than one compound/chemistry to improve the cleanliness of the system. In this application, the terms "chemistry," "compound," and "cleaning compound" are used interchangeably to connote the use of a chemical, chemical compound, chemical element, or any combination thereof that is beyond that of mere water. Thus, while the systems described in this application may use water (e.g., to dilute a cleaning compound, for flushing, etc.) and the cleaning compounds may include water, the chemistry/compounds/cleaning compounds include at least one additional chemical (e.g., elements, compounds, etc.) other than water.

[0183] The systems may introduce one or more cleaning compounds into or onto a component (e.g., element), surface, and/or feature of the system or another system. For example, toilets may be configured to introduce one or more cleaning compounds into or onto a bowl, a valve, a tank, a trap or trapway, and/or any other part of the toilet. As one such example, a toilet may be configured to introduce hydrogen peroxide (H202) into the bowl of the toilet to help clean the internal surfaces that come into contact with liquid and solid waste. Other examples are discussed in this application regarding toilets, as well as other systems, such as standalone dispensers, paper dispenser, and so forth.

[0184] In addition to H202, chlorines and peracedic acid (PAA) are additional non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems and methods of this application. Some additional non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems and methods of this application include (but are not limited to) polyphosphates (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SUMP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP), etc.), low pH acids (e.g., hydrogen chloride (HCL), dihydrogen phosphate (H2P04), trisodium phosphate

(TSP), ethylenediaminetetraacidic acid (EDTA), and compounds thereof, as well as other acids and/or sequestering agents. These chemicals/compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and/or removing scale. Yet other examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems of this application include (but are not limited to) didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), H202, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) such as bleach, PAA, triclosan, formic acid, TSP, and compounds thereof, as well as other disinfectants (e.g., quaternary disinfectants) and biocides. These chemicals/compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and/or removing biofilm. It is noted that other chemicals/compounds may be used in the systems and methods disclosed in this application, and any such

chemical/compound disclosed may be used with any system and/or method disclosed.

[0185] The chemicals/compounds can take various forms, such as liquids or solids. One example is in the form of phosphate beads, which may be spherical (e.g., 12.7 - 25.4 mm in diameter) or may have any suitable shape. Another example includes a shell (e.g., glass shell) that houses a chemical (e.g., phosphate) inside and is released or brought into contact with a diluent, such as through an opening. The concentration of the chemical may be relatively high, so that it can last over a long period of time (e.g., about one year) without having to be replaced.

ii. Compound Generators

[0186] The toilets may include a system that generates a chemical/compound, such as one of those disclosed above. For example, a system may include a generator that produces H202, such as from oxygen (e.g., in air) and water from a water source. Thus, a chemical/compound generator may be provided within a system, such as a toilet, to produce the cleaning compound. According to one example, a generator may be configured to produce a chemical (e.g., H202) that is diluted to 30 ppm (parts per million), such as with water or other suitable diluent.

According to one example, a generator is configured to produce a chemical that is diluted to 100 ppm.

[0187] The cleaning compounds may also be used with other systems discussed in this application, such as standalone dispensers, paper dispenser, and so forth. Thus, these other

systems may include dispensers for dispensing H202, 02, chlorines, PAA, and any other suitable cleaning compound, as well as any combination thereof.

[0188] The systems for introducing a cleaning compound may be built into the system and/or toilet (e.g., an OEM produced toilet) or may be an "add-on" system that can be installed onto a traditional system and/or toilet (after its manufacture, such as an "after-market" system or assembly) to improve the cleanliness of the traditional system and/or toilet.

[0189] The systems and methods described in this application may include an electrochemical generator or method of electrochemical generation, which may involve using oxygen, water, and an electrical current to generate a chemical/compound.

[0190] Some examples of compound generators that are disclosed in this application are those shown in FIGS. 96-99, which are described in more detail below.

Flow beads

[0191] A non-chemical approach to mitigating (e.g., reducing, removing, etc.) scale and other contaminants may be employed. One such example is the use of beads (e.g., flow beads, OneFlow® media or beads, etc.), which may involve template assisted crystallization (TAC). Certain minerals (e.g., calcium, magnesium, etc.) when in an ionic form (e.g., state) may attach to surfaces (e.g., inner surface of the bowl of a toilet), but do not attach to surfaces when crystalized (i.e., in a crystalline form). The beads involving TAC change the mineral(s) from their ionic form to their crystalline form to prevent the minerals from attaching to surfaces of the systems and/or induce the in minerals to become detached from the surfaces. Thus, flow beads can utilize chemical interaction and/or friction to help clean surfaces of a system by preventing mineral deposits from attaching to the surfaces and/or knocking off mineral deposits attached to the surfaces.

[0192] Beads may be used in any system, such as, for example, a toilet to reduce or prohibit the build-up of scale and other contaminants on the surfaces of the toilet. By way of example, flow beads can be used to clean a bowl, a trap, a tank, as well as other surfaces/elements of the toilet. Accordingly, beads may break up the agglomeration of scale on the inside surfaces of the

components of the toilet, such as the tank, bowl, etc. By reducing the amount of scale on the surfaces of the toilet, biofilm and other contaminants have less potential of attaching to the surfaces/scale. The flow beads, therefore, may advantageously increase the slippery and/or sanitation of the toilet. Beads may be made from any suitable material that involves TAC. The beads may be blended with other materials. The beads may be configured to attach to the deposits (e.g., urine scale) on surfaces of the system to be cleaned (e.g., toilets) then crystallize to increase in size to thereby allow the bead and attached deposit to be knocked off by a fluid passing over the bead and deposit, such as from the fluidized stream of fluid flowing through the toilet or from a flow of fluid from a dispenser described in this application.

[0193] The beads may be configured having any suitable size. According to one non-limiting example, the beads have a diameter of about 0.5 to 1.0 mm. However, the size of the beads can be larger or smaller than 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

[0194] One exemplary use for flow beads is for cleaning a toilet, such as the surfaces exposed to water and/or waste. The chemicals and compounds provided by the beads may be introduced into the toilet in different ways. As non-limiting examples, beads may be utilized with any fluid line of the toilet, such as a water inlet line (e.g., line that introduces water into the toilet), inside a tank of the toilet (e.g., exposed directly or indirectly to the water in the tank), inside a valve of the toilet (e.g., fill valve, flush valve, etc.), or in other suitable ways. Described below are several non-limiting examples of toilets configured to use flow beads for cleaning the toilet.

[0195] FIG. 100 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a toilet 170 configured to use flow beads. The toilet 170 includes a base 171 having a fixed member 172 (e.g., panel) and a movable member 173 that is configured to move between a first (e.g., closed) position, as shown in FIG. 100 using phantom lines and reference numeral 173', and a second (e.g., open) position, as shown in FIG. 100 using solid lines. In the closed position, the movable member 173 conceals a cavity 174 in the base 171, and in the open position, the cavity 174 is revealed. The cavity 174 houses a flow bead ("FB") assembly 175 that is configured to introduce one or more chemicals, compounds, or other elements from the one or more flow beads of the FB

assembly 175 into the toilet 170, such as during a flush cycle and/or a cleaning cycle. The FB

assembly 175 includes a container 176 for holding a volume of flow beads, an inlet for receiving a flow of fluid, such as water, and an outlet for transferring a mixture of water and chemical(s) provided by the flow beads from the container to another element of the toilet 170. The inlet may be fluidly connected to a water supply. The outlet may be fluidly connected to, for example, a flush channel (e.g., a rim channel in the bowl of the base) of the toilet, such that upon actuation of a flush cycle, chemical(s) provided by the flow beads are introduced along with water into the toilet bowl. Thus, the water can be a diluent of the chemical(s) provided by the flow beads and/or a carrier of the chemical(s), as well as aid in flushing the contents from the bowl of the toilet.

[0196] FIGS. 101 and 102 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 270 configured to use flow beads. The toilet 270 includes a base 271 and a tank 272. The tank 272 is configured to house a volume of water for use during a flush cycle. The tank 272 may include a fill valve and/or a flush valve, such as described in this application or according to conventional valves. The toilet 270 includes a FB assembly 275 that mixes flow beads and water to form a cleaning compound for use in the toilet 270. As shown in FIG. 102, the FB assembly 275 includes a container 276 for housing flow beads, an inlet line 277 fluidly connecting an inlet of the container 276 to a water supply, and an outlet line 278 fluidly connecting an outlet of the container 276 with an inlet of another element of the toilet (e.g., the tank 272). Water received from the water supply enters an inlet of the inlet line 277 and passes through the inlet line to the container. Water in the container 276 mixes with flow beads to form a cleaning compound, which then passes from the container 276 to the outlet line 278. The cleaning compound enters the tank 272 via an outlet of the outlet line 278. As shown in FIG. 101, the container 276 may be coupled to an external portion of the base 271, such as a portion that is rearward of the bowl near the exterior surfaces of the trapway. The container 276 may include a lid that allows access into the container, such as to refill the system with flow beads or other chemical compounds.

[0197] FIG. 103 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an integrated toilet seat assembly and FB assembly 370. The assembly includes a seat that is rotatable relative to a toilet base 371. The assembly may include a cover that is provided above the seat and rotatable relative to the seat and the toilet base 371. The assembly also includes a container 372 that is configured to house flow beads, an inlet line 373 fluidly connecting an inlet of the container 372 to a water supply, and an outlet line. As shown, the assembly includes a first outlet line 374a and a second outlet line 374b. The first outlet line 374a fluidly connects the container 372 to a dispenser configured to discharge a mixture of water and a cleaning compound (e.g., from the flow beads) into the bowl of the toilet base 371. The second outlet line 374b fluidly connects the container 372 to another object, such as, for example, a tank 272 of a toilet to transfer a mixture of water and a cleaning compound to the tank. Thus, the cleaning compound delivered through the first outlet line 374a is configured to clean the bowl directly, and the cleaning compound delivered through the second outlet line 374b first cleans the tank and any internal components within the tank (e.g., fill valve, flush valve, etc.) then, second, may clean the bowl. This system may advantageously provide additional cleaning. The flow beads may be removed from the container, such as to replace the flow beads with new ones. As shown, the container 372 includes a base 372a and a cover 372b that is removable from the base 372a to gain access to inside the container 372 (e.g., a reservoir therein).

[0198] FIG. 104 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 390 configured to use flow beads. The toilet 390 includes a base 391 and a tank 392 that is for holding water and is supported by the base 391. The tank 392 houses a FB assembly 393 having a container 394 that houses flow beads. An inlet 395 fluidly connects a water supply and the container 394 to introduce water into the container 394. A mixture of water and chemical/compound (e.g., from the flow beads) is transferred via an outlet 396 (e.g., outlet line, outlet opening, etc.) to the tank 392 or another element in the tank 392, such as a fill valve.

[0199] FIGS. 105A-105C illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of FB assemblies 570, 590 for housing flow beads. As shown in FIG. 105 A, the FB assembly 570 includes a container 571 configured to house flow beads and a housing 572 for supporting the container 571. The housing 572 includes an inlet 573, which is configured to be fluidly connected to an inlet line 574 carrying water, and an outlet 575, which is configured to be fluidly connected with another element of the toilet through an outlet line 576. The container 571 may be removable from the

housing 572 in order to refill and/or replace the flow beads once they are used up. A cavity (e.g., chamber) is provided in the FB assembly 570, such as in the container 571 and/or housing 572, in which one or more chemicals from the flow beads mix with water from the inlet line 574. The mixture is then passed to another element through the outlet 575. The container 571 may include a lid 577 that is movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to a base 578 to allow a user to access the inside of the container 571 to refill/replace the flow beads. As shown, the lid 577 is hinged to the base 578, such that the lid 577 and base 578 remain coupled even in the open position shown in FIG. 105 A.

[0200] As shown in FIGS. 105B and 105C, the FB assembly 590 includes a container 591 supported by a housing 592, an inlet line 594, and an outlet line 596 (like with the FB assembly 590). FIG. 105C shows the housing 592 removed for clarity. As shown, the container 591 includes an inlet opening 593 and an outlet opening 595 that allow fluid to pass through.

According to another example, the container 591 is porous (e.g., made with mesh material or other material having a plurality of holes) to allow fluid to pass through while retaining the flow beads in the container 591, such as when the container 591 is removed from the housing 592. A lid 597 is detachably coupled to the container 591 (or to the housing 592 in another example).

[0201] FIGS. 106A and 106B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a FB assembly 670 configured to introduce flow beads and/or a cleaning compound into the toilet 100. The FB assembly 670 includes a housing having a first portion 671 and a second portion 672 that is rotatable relative to the first portion 671 about a pivot. The first portion 671 is a generally cylindrical element having a top 673, a bottom 674, and a generally cylindrical wall 675 extending between the top 673 and bottom 674. An opening 676 is provided in the cylindrical wall 675, such that in the area of the opening, the wall is semi-cylindrical. The opening 676 leads to cavity that is configured to receive the second portion 672. The second portion 672 is rotatable relative to the first portion 671 between a first (e.g., closed) position, in which the second portion 672 is disposed in the cavity of the first portion 671 (see FIG. 106A), and a second (e.g., open) position, in which the second portion 672 is outside (e.g., removed from) the cavity (see FIG. 106B). The second portion 672 includes a compartment 677 configured to

house flow beads. When the second portion 672 is in the second position, the compartment is accessible allowing for the flow beads to be replaced or refilled. For example, a lid may be removably (e.g., detachably) attached to the second portion 672 to provide access to the compartment and/or an opening 678 may be provided in the second portion 672 (e.g., to pass flow beads through and to allow fluid to pass from the second portion 672 to the first portion 671). The FB assembly 670 includes an inlet 679 for receiving a supply of water. A mixing chamber (not shown) may be provided in one of the portions to mix the water with the flow beads. The FB assembly 670 includes an outlet 680 for passing the mixture to another element of the toilet. For example, the second portion 672 may include the outlet 680, which may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the tank 120.

[0202] FIGS. 107 A and 107B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a FB assembly 780 for use in-line with a water line 781, such as a water inlet, of a toilet. The FB assembly 780 includes a hollow inlet connector 782 configured to connect to a water line connector 783. The inlet connector 782 is configured to receive water from the water line 781. As shown, the inlet connector 782 includes external threads that mate with internal threads in a bore of the water line connector 783. A passage in the inlet connector 782 fluidly connects the water inlet connector

783 with a mixing chamber in the FB assembly 780. The FB assembly 780 includes a container

784 for housing flow beads, which are configured to be mixed with water in the mixing chamber. The FB assembly 780 includes an outlet connector 785 including a bore 786 having internal threads that mate with external threads of an outlet line 787 to fluidly connect the outlet of the FB assembly 780 with another element of the toilet, such as a tank (e.g., fill valve) or a bowl through the outlet line 787.

[0203] FIGS. 108 A and 108B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a FB assembly 870 for use in-line with a water line 871, such as a water inlet, of a toilet. The FB assembly 870 is configured to be disposed within a cavity 872 of the water line 871. The water line 871 includes an inlet 873 for receiving a supply of water and an outlet 874. The water line 871 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape, except in the area of the cavity where the water line has a semi- circular cross-sectional shape. Disposed on each end of the cavity in the water line is a mesh member 875, which can catch (e.g., filter out) particles.

[0204] The FB assembly 870 includes a cylindrical canister 877 having two open opposite ends. Disposed in each end of the canister is a mesh member 878, which can be removed, such as to add or remove flow beads from the canister. The canister 877 is sized and shaped to nest in the cavity 872 of the water line 871 and complement the water line. The FB assembly 870 may include a flexible strip 879 extending from an outer surface of the canister. The strip 879 is configured to protrude from the cavity 872 to aid a user in removing the canister 877 from the cavity 872, such as to refill the flow beads, by pulling on the strip 879. Thus, a portion of the strip 879 is connected to the canister 877 and another portion of the strip 879 is not connected to the canister 877. Water passing through the canister 877 mixes with the flow beads to form a cleaning compound that can be used elsewhere in a toilet that is fluidly connected downstream from the FB assembly 870, such as fluidly connected to the outlet 874.

Delivery Systems and Methods

[0205] The systems (e.g., toilets, standalone, etc.) of this application may be configured to utilize the various chemistries/cleaning compounds described herein through various delivery (e.g., dispensing) systems and methods. The delivery systems may be integrated with the toilets, with other systems, or may be standalone systems that can be used as an accessory or retrofitted with existing toilets to utilize the various chemistries. The delivery systems may be manually operated, automated (e.g., touchless actuation), or a combination thereof. The delivery systems may be located within a subassembly of the toilet (e.g., the tank), external to the toilet, or a combination thereof, such as having a portion of the system within the toilet and a portion external to the toilet. The delivery systems may be configured to clean the toilet, such as surfaces and/or features of the toilet (e.g., the bowl, handle, etc.), or the systems may be configured to clean other objects, such as paper products and/or a user (e.g., a user's hands) by dispensing a cleaning compound to sanitize the toilet/object. These aspects and more are discussed in greater detail in the various non-limiting examples of delivery systems and methods described below.

in. Examples of Tank Exterior Dispensing "Hook" Systems

[0206] The toilets described in this application may include a delivery system that is configured to attach (e.g., mount, couple, connect, etc.) to a structure of the toilet, such as a tank (e.g., the water tank 120 shown in FIG. 1) and delivery a chemistry/cleaning compound external to the tank. FIGS. 3 - 7 illustrate examples of these types of delivery systems 301, 331, 361 (e.g., dispensing system, sprayer, etc.). As shown, each delivery system 301, 331, 361 includes a housing 303, 333, 363 with a reservoir 304, 334, 364 (e.g., tank, container, vessel, etc.) that is provided within the housing 303, 333, 363 and is configured to hold a volume of a compound (e.g., a cleaning compound, such as any chemistry discussed in this application), and a dispenser 305, 335, 365 configured to discharge (e.g., dispense, emit, project, etc.) a portion (e.g., a metered amount) of the compound when activated.

[0207] Each housing 303, 333, 363 is configured to be coupled to the tank, such as inside the tank. The housing 303, 333, 363 may be coupled to the tank via a conventional fastener, a retaining member, or other suitable element. As shown in FIG. 3B, the retaining member of the system 301 is configured as a hook 307 that is configured to hang from a wall 121 of the tank 120. The hook 307 includes a first end that is coupled to the housing 303 and a second end that is coupled to (e.g., supports) the dispenser 305. The retaining member may further be configured to include a fluid passage 309 (e.g., conduit, passageway, etc.) fluidly connecting the reservoir 304 and the dispenser 305, such that the cleaning compound can be delivered from the reservoir 304 to the dispenser 305 through the fluid passage 309 of the retaining member. The fluid passage 309 may include or be fluidly connected to a flexible passage 310 that may extend into the reservoir (and the cleaning compound in the reservoir) to allow cleaning compound to be drawn into the passage 310.

[0208] The reservoir 304 is configured to hold a volume of a compound, such as any chemistry discussed in this application. The compound (e.g., chemical compound) may be a solid or a liquid. The reservoir 304 may be configured as an open container, such as a cup with an open top, where the cup is defined by portions (e.g., walls) of the housing 303. As shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the reservoir 304 is configured as a sealed container having a base, which is formed by

portions of the housing 303, and a lid 311 or other feature, which is moveable relative to the base to allow access to the reservoir 304, such as to refill the reservoir 304 with a compound when the reservoir 304 is empty or low. For example, the lid 311 may be screwed to the base through mating threads. Also, for example, the lid 311 may snap to the base or be hinge to the base. Thus, the lid 311 may be detachable from the base to provide access to the compartment housing the cleaning compound. A seal may be provided between the lid 31 1 and a base of the housing 303 defining the reservoir 304.

[0209] The dispenser 305 is configured to discharge the cleaning compound when the dispenser 305 is activated (e.g., by a user). The system 301 may include a manual actuator (e.g., a knob, a lever, button, switch, etc.) and/or an automated actuator that controls the operation of the dispenser. Upon activation (e.g. rotating, pushing, sliding, etc.) of the manual and/or automated actuator, such as by a user, the dispenser discharges a predetermined amount of cleaning compound. FIG. 3 A illustrates a button 313 (using phantom lines to show it is optional) located on the dispenser 305 for manually actuating the dispenser 305. The automated actuator may be configured to operate based on presence, time, or any other suitable criterion/criteria. The system 301 may include a sensor 313 that is configured to detect the presence of an object (e.g., a user) that is located within a zone of detection, such as by emitting a signal or a beam (e.g., of light) that is reflected back by the object. The dispenser 305 discharges the compound (e.g., cleaning compound) upon a trigger evening, such as a detection of an object in the zone of detection, upon removal of an object from the zone of detection, after a predetermined time following removal of the object from the zone of detection, or in any suitable manner. The sensor 313 may be located in or on a top surface of the dispenser 305 as shown in FIG. 3 A, on another surface of the dispenser 305, on the retaining member, or any other suitable part of the toilet. The sensor 313 may be configured as an infrared (IR) sensor or any other suitable optical sensing device. The dispenser 305 may include more than one sensor, such as to provide multiple zones of detection or different functionality.

[0210] The dispenser 305 includes one or more nozzles (e.g., orifices, outlets, ports, etc.) configured to direct the cleaning compound from the dispenser 305. As shown in FIGS. 3A and

3B, the system 301 includes a plurality of nozzles 315 having a side by side and spaced apart arrangement that discharge cleaning compound (shown as phantom lines 316 in FIG. 3 A). The plurality of nozzles 315 discharge the compound in similar or different directions, such as at angles (e.g., oblique angles) relative to one another to provide a broader distribution of the compound to advantageously sanitize a larger area (e.g., of the toilet). Also shown in FIG. 3 A, the dispenser 305 includes a body 317 that is coupled to the retaining member (e.g., an end thereof), such that each nozzle 315 is configured to discharge the compound in a direction away from the retaining member.

[0211] FIGS. 4A - 5 illustrate dispensing systems 331, 361 configured similar to dispensing system 301, except the dispensers 331, 361 include a spout 332, 362 (e.g. neck) that extends away from the associated retaining member 337. As shown in FIG. 4B, the spout 332 may be configured having a generally inverted J-shape including an elongated first member 341 that is coupled to the retaining member 337 at a first end and in fluid communication therewith. The spout 332 may further include a curved second member 342 that extends from a second end of the first member 341. The spout 332 may include a third member 343 (e.g. a generally straight third member) extending from the second member 342. Disposed at the end of the spout 332 is at least one nozzle 345 configured to direct the compound from the dispenser 331. A fluid passage may extend through the spout 332 to fluidly connect each nozzle 345 to the cleaning compound in the reservoir 334. One or more sensors for detecting presence of a user may also be disposed at the end of the spout 332. By way of example, the sensor 336 may be disposed in or on a top side of the third member 343. The relatively long spouts 332, 362 may be advantageous for applications where the compound is to be directed at a location that is remote (e.g., far) from the housing 333, 363 and/or retaining member 337, such as where the compound is to be dispensed in a direction toward the bowl or where a dispenser disposed on a side of the tank would be difficult to access.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 5, the spout 362 may be flexibly configured, such that the shape of the spout 362 may be manipulated by a user to change the location of the dispenser (e.g., nozzle 375) and/or the dispensing direction of the dispenser. By way of example, the spout 362 may be reconfigured into the spout 362' shown in FIG. 5. However, it is understood that the flexible spout 362 may be reconfigured into any shape. The spout 362 may include a plurality of segments 368 that are movable relative to the adjacent segment(s) 368 to allow the shape of the spout 362 to be changed. A fluid passage may be located in the spout and may be flexible so that a shape of the fluid passage generally conforms to the shape of the spout as the spout is reconfigured. Also shown in FIG. 5, the lid 122 may cover the tank 120 (e.g., an opening into the tank), the housing 363 (e.g., reservoir) in the tank 120 and at least a portion of the retaining member when the lid 122 is in a coupled position with the tank 120. The lid 122 is moveable to an open position to provide access to an inside of the tank and the housing 363 and reservoir.

[0213] The delivery systems 301, 331, 361 may include a pump or other suitable device configured to move the compound through the system, such as from the reservoir to the dispenser. The pump may be disposed within or coupled to the housing, disposed within or coupled to the retaining member, disposed within or coupled to the dispenser, or provided separate from the housing, retaining member and/or the dispenser. As shown in FIG. 3B, the pump 318 may be located in the dispenser 305, if provided.

[0214] The delivery systems 301, 331, 361 may include an electronic controller configured to control dispensing of the system. The electronic controller may include a printed circuit board (PCB) having a microprocessor, such as to communicate with and control other electronic elements of the system. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the electronic controller 321, 351 may be disposed within the housing 303, 333. The controller 321, 351 may be in electronic communication, either wired or wireless communication, with any sensor, any pump, and/or any other electrical/electronic elements/components of the system 301, 331, 361. For example, the controller 351 may receive a signal output from the sensor 336 indicating that an object has entered a zone of detection of the sensor 336, and in response to the signal output from the sensor 336, the controller 351 may activate the pump to provide pressure on fluid in the fluid passage to dispense a metered amount of cleaning compound from the dispenser 305. FIG. 3B also shows an alternative configuration with the controller 321 ' disposed in the dispenser 305. It is noted that the controller, if provided, can be located anywhere in the system.

[0215] The delivery systems 301, 331, 361 may include an internal power source 322, 352, such as a battery that is configured to supply electric power to the system, such as any sensor, any pump, any controller, or any other electronic component. Thus, the power source 322, 352 may be electrically connected to (e.g., in electric connection with) other any other electronic component of the system. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4A, each power source 322, 352 is provided within the associated housing 303, 333, such as in a battery compartment of the housing 303, 333. According to other examples, the electronic components of the delivery systems 301, 331, 361 may be powered by external power sources, which may be located elsewhere in the toilet or external to the toilet.

[0216] The housing 303, 333, 363 may advantageously include a hermetically sealed compartment configured to house one or more electronic components (e.g., the electronic controller, power source, etc.) to prohibit the intrusion (e.g., ingress) of a fluid (e.g., water, cleaning compound, etc.) into the compartment to prevent contact between the fluid and the electronic component(s). For example, the housing 303, 333 may include a sealed compartment that houses both the controller 321, 351 and the power source 322, 352. Also, for example, the housing may include a first sealed compartment configured to house a first electronic component (e.g., the controller) and a second, separate sealed compartment configured to house a second electronic component (e.g., the battery). The sealed housing may advantageously protect the electronic component(s) from being damaged due to exposure to a fluid, such as water in the tank of the toilet and/or cleaning compound in the reservoir of the system.

[0217] As shown in FIGS. 6A - 7, the delivery system 301, 331, 361 may be moveable relative to the toilet 100. For example, the retaining member of the system 301 may be configured to connect to (e.g., hang from) a side wall 121 of the tank 120, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, such that the dispenser 335 discharges compound in a lateral direction (e.g., side-to-side direction relative to the toilet position). The dispenser 335 may discharge the compound to the side of the toilet. This arrangement may be advantageous if the compound is a sanitizing compound intended for the user, such as to sanitize the hands of the user. Also, for example, the retaining member of the system 331 may be configured to connect to a rear wall 121 of the tank 120, as shown in FIG. 7, such that the dispenser 365 discharges compound in a fore-and-aft direction (e.g., front to rear direction relative to the toilet position). The dispenser 365 may discharge the compound directly onto the toilet, such as the seat, bowl, handle, or any other feature of the toilet. This arrangement may be advantageous if the compound is for cleaning the toilet.

[0218] One advantage of providing the housing within the tank and the dispenser external to the tank is that the cleaning compound can be diluted with water from the tank, should it be desirable to dilute the compound. For such an example, the housing of the system may be configured to include an inlet that is received by a tube (e.g., conduit, pipe, etc.), which is fluidly connected to the water in the tank of the toilet. The delivery system (e.g., the systems 301, 331, 361) may further include a device (e.g., mixing valve) to mix a volume of the compound with a volume of water for dispensing. The valve may be provided within or coupled to the housing.

iv. Examples of Tank Exterior Dispensing "Integrated Hole " Systems

[0219] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate exemplary embodiments of delivery systems 401, 421, 441, 461, 481 for a toilet (e.g., the toilet 100) that is configured to attach (e.g., mount, couple, connect, etc.) to an opening (e.g., hole, aperture, etc.) in a tank of the toilet and deliver a

chemistry/cleaning compound external to the tank. For example, each system 401, 421, 441, 461, 481 may be configured to engage a hole in the toilet tank, such as that might otherwise be configured to allow an external trip lever to access the internal flush valve therethrough. The delivery system systems 401, 421, 441, 461, 481 can be integrated with the trip lever for manual flushing toilets or can be separate from the trip lever (e.g., a standalone system), such as for automatic (e.g., touchless) flushing toilets.

[0220] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the system 401, 421 includes a housing 403, 423 that is located inside of the toilet tank. The housing 403, 423 may be configured similar to, the same as, or different than the housing for any other system (e.g., system 301, 331, 361). The housing 403, 423 includes a reservoir 404, 424 configured to hold a volume of a cleaning compound (e.g., any chemistry discussed herein). As shown in FIG. 9A, the housing 403 may be an open container having an opening 406 through a top of the housing to refill the reservoir with compound. As

shown in FIG. 9B, the housing 423 is a closed container having a lid 431 that closes the reservoir in a coupled position with the housing 423.

[0221] The systems 401, 421 also include a dispenser 405, 425 that is configured to discharge the cleaning compound when activated. The system 421 may be configured to further include any element/component discussed herein for other examples, such as but not limited to a controller, a power source, a sensor, etc. The dispenser 405 may be controlled by a manual actuator 407, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 A. Alternatively or in addition to the manual actuation, the system 421 may be configured to provide "hands-free" (i.e., touchless) activation by including a sensor 427 that detects presence of an object within a zone of detection, and upon such a detection triggers activation (e.g., dispensing of the compound). As shown in FIG. 9B, the sensor 427 is disposed in the dispensing end of the dispenser 305 adjacent to the nozzle(s) 428, so that the zone of detection is directly below the sensor 427 and nozzle(s) 428.

Alternatively, the zone of detection may be the space in front of the tank 120 and above the bowl of the toilet that would be occupied by a user. For this zone, the dispenser may be configured to discharge the cleaning compound toward the seat after the user leaves the detection zone.

[0222] As shown in FIGS. 8 - 9B, the systems 401, 421 do not need an additional retaining member, because the dispenser 405, 425 is configured to secure the system 401, 421 to the toilet tank, either alone or in combination with the housing. As shown, a body 409, 429 of the dispenser 405, 425 is directly coupled to the wall 121 of the tank 120 to secure the system in place relative to the tank. Each body 409, 429 may be secured to the wall 121 through friction (e.g., press-fit), fasteners, adhesive, or any other suitable manner. Each dispenser 405, 425 is in direct fluid communication with the associated reservoir 404, 424 of the housing 403, 423 through the hole or opening in a wall 121 of the tank, such that the compound flows to the dispenser 405, 425 from the reservoir 404, 424 to be discharged from each nozzle in the dispenser 405, 425. A fluid conduit 410, 430 may be provided to fluidly connect each reservoir 404, 424 with the associated dispenser 405, 425.

[0223] The dispenser may be configured to be activated manually by a user. As shown in FIG. 9B, the dispenser 425 (may optionally) include a button 432 disposed thereon, such as on an upper surface, to control dispensing of the cleaning compound from the nozzle(s) 428. When the button 432 is depressed, a metered amount of cleaning compound is dispensed from the dispenser 425 of the system 421. The system 421 may include one of the button 432 and the sensor 427 or both to provide multiple ways to actuate the dispenser. Alternatively, the dispensing systems may be manually actuated, such as by a switch, lever, handle, or other suitable actuator. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, a knob 407 may control dispensing the cleaning compound. The knob 407 may be located on the body 409 of the dispenser 405 and may control dispensation through rotation or another movement of the knob. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the system 461 includes both a knob 467a and a button 467b, where the knob 467a controls an amount of cleaning compound dispensed from the dispenser 465 and the button 467b activates dispensing the compound. This embodiment is discussed more below.

[0224] The dispenser may be configured to be activated automatically by a user input, based on a unit of time, or another suitable criterion/criteria. For example, the system 421 may optionally include a sensor 427 having a zone of detection configured to activate dispensing upon a triggering event occurring within the zone of detection, such as the events discussed above for the systems 301, 331, 361. The automated sensing system 421 may also be paired with hands-free flushing. In other words, the toilet (e.g., the toilet 100, 200, etc.) may be configured to provide hands-free flushing, such as by including one or more than one sensor that monitors usage of toilet (such as discussed herein) and automatically flushes the toilet after each usage. The delivery systems of this application may be actuated by the same automatic flushing system to discharge cleaning compound during or following a flush cycle of the toilet. This arrangement may advantageously simplify the toilet and reduce cost by having a single system monitor and control multiple operations of the toilet (e.g., flushing, cleaning). The system may be configured to provide both flushing and cleaning independently of the other. For example, the system may employ two sensors, where the first sensor is configured to activate flushing upon a first detection and the second sensor is configured to activate cleaning upon a second detection.

[0225] The systems 401, 421, 461, 481 may be configured such that the associated reservoir 424 can be refilled with cleaning compound from inside the tank, outside the tank, or a

combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 9 A, the housing 403 of the system 401 includes an access opening 406 into the reservoir to allow compound to be added to the reservoir

therethrough from inside the tank. Thus, for a tank having a lid 122, the access opening 406 in the housing 403 may be accessible upon removal of the lid 122. The system 421 may include a cap 431 or other suitable component to cover and/or close the access opening in the housing 423. The cap 431 may be configured to thread onto the housing, such as through mating threads, or snap onto and off from the housing to cover the access opening. Thus, the systems 401 and 421, as shown, are configured to refill the compound from inside the tank.

[0226] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a system 441 that allows for the compound to be refilled from outside the tank 120. As shown in FIG. 10B, the system 401 the fluid conduit 450 also serves as a refill line (e.g., tube, passageway) that extends from the reservoir 444 in the housing 443 through the opening in the toilet tank to a location (e.g., external to the toilet tank, such as proximate the dispenser) that allows the reservoir 444 to be refilled from outside the tank 120. A method for refilling the tank from outside the tank (e.g., externally) may be desirable for end users, since such an arrangement would be easier and simpler for the user to execute. The fluid conduit/refill line 450 has a first end 451 located in the reservoir 444 and a second end 452 that accessible from outside the tank 120. The first end 451 is the inlet and the second end 452 is the outlet when compound is being dispensed from the dispenser 455. The first end 451 is the outlet and the second end 452 is the inlet when compound is being refilled into the reservoir 444.

Thus, the fluid conduit/refill line 450 may be used to transfer fluid from the reservoir 444 to the dispenser 405, as well as to transfer fluid back into the reservoir 444.

[0227] The system 401 may include a cap 457 or other suitable component to selectively close off access to the second end 452 of the fluid conduit/refill line 450. FIG. 10A shows the cap 457 in an open position allowing access to the second end 452, such that a portable handheld bottle 442 housing more compound can refill the reservoir with compound. FIG. 10B shows the cap 457 is a closed position preventing access to the second end 452. Also shown in FIG. 10B, the cap 457 includes a first (e.g., exterior) portion 458 and a second (e.g., interior) portion 459. The second portion 459 is connected to the wall 121 through the opening therein and retains the fluid conduit/refill line 450 through a bore. The first portion 458 is movably connected, such as through a hinge 460 (e.g., a living hinge), to the second portion 459, such that the first portion 458 can be moved relative to the second portion 459 between the open position and the closed position. Access to the second end 452 of the fluid conduit/refill line 450 is provided when the portions 458, 459 are in the open position. The second end 452 in inaccessible when the portions 458, 459 are in the closed position. Each portion 458, 459 may have a generally cup shape defining a cavity therebetween.

[0228] The dispenser 455 may be coupled to one of the portions 458, 459, such as, for example, the first portion 458 as shown in FIG. 10B and the dispenser 455 may include a projection 455a (e.g., a plug) that is configured to engage the second end 452 in the closed position. The projection 455a may help seal between the dispenser 455 and the second end 452 to prohibit leaking. Thus, the projection 455a may be made from or include a material, such as an elastomeric material, that provides an improved seal. The first and second portions 458, 459 may be configured to lock together in the closed position, such as through a snap, latch, detent, or other suitable feature, to secure the portions together. The second end 452 of the fluid conduit/refill line 450 and/or the opening in the second portion 459 may be configured (e.g., shaped) to receive a complementary feature (e.g., a nozzle) of the refill device (e.g., the portable handheld bottle 442) that houses the compound. The bottle may include a projection with an opening that is configured to engage the inlet of the first portion to allow the compound to be inserted into the reservoir through the fill line from the bottle.

[0229] A shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the system 461 can be adjustable, such as to dispense different amounts of compound based on the setting of the system 461. For example, the dispenser may include an adjusting element (e.g., the knob 467a) having multiple settings 468 (e.g., two positions, three positions, eight positions, etc.), where each setting corresponds to a different level of dispensing of the compound. As shown best in FIG. 12, the knob 467a is configured to be rotated, whereby rotation in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) increases the amount of compound dispensed and rotation in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) decreases the amount of compound dispensed from the system 401 by changing the setting. The

system 401 may include a valve 470 that controls the amount of compound dispensed, and the knob 467a may be configured to adjust the valve 470. The valve 470 may be disposed in the dispenser, such as along the fluid passageway 471 thereof. The valve 470 may advantageously be provided within the end (e.g., the outlet end) of the dispenser 455 and the adjusting element may be provided on the end, such that the adjusting element and the valve are proximate one another. The adjusting element may be configured as a switch (e.g., slide switch, toggle switch, etc.) or as any other suitable element that provides the desired adjustment. As noted above, the button 467b may activate dispensing while the knob 467a controls the amount of compound dispensed.

[0230] A system may include a user interface for controlling operation of the dispenser and/or providing an indication to the user as to the status (e.g., setting, mode, etc.) of the system.

FIG. 12 shows a user interface 474 for use with the system 461 (or any other system). The user interface 474 is configured to control operation of the dispenser 455 and/or indicate the setting of the dispenser 455 to indicate the amount of cleaning compound that will be dispensed upon activation. The user can change the setting of the system 461 through manipulation of the user interface 474, such that after the setting of the system has been changed, the user interface 474 indicates to the user the new setting. The user interface 474 may include a touchscreen and/or display screen. The user interface 474 may be coupled to the toilet or located remotely from the toilet, such as fixed to a wall or other object or configured as a portable device.

[0231] The delivery system 401 may be configured to dispense the compound both externally and internally relative to the toilet. For example, the system 401 may include a first dispenser provided external to the tank, such as described above, and a second dispenser provided within the toilet tank. The second dispenser may be configured to distribute compound to the fill valve of the toilet, to the flush valve of the toilet, into the water that is introduced into the tank via the fill valve, or into the water exiting the tank to the bowl via the flush valve. The internal second dispenser may be configured the same as, similar to, or different than any other internal dispenser described in this application.

[0232] FIG. 13 illustrates another delivery system 481 configured to provide for refilling chemical compound from a position forward of a front wall 121 of the tank 120 and for dispensing in a forward direction from the front wall 121. The system 481 may be configured similar to the system 441, except the system 481 is configured for use with solid pellets 495 of chemical compound. To accommodate the solid pellets 495, a passage 486 (e.g., bore) is defined by a sleeve 487 of the housing 483 that extends through the wall 121. The passage 486 is sized to receive the solid pellets 495. A fluid conduit 490 may fluidly connect the liquid cleaning compound in the reservoir 484 with the dispenser 485. Water may be automatically introduced into the reservoir through an inlet tube 491, which may have a first end coupled to the housing 483 (e.g., at an inlet) and a second end coupled to water in the tank, to a fill valve of the toilet, or other suitable water supply/source. Water may be manually introduced into the reservoir 484, such as through an inlet opening. The dispenser 481 may include a cap 497 (or other feature) that is moveable between a closed position, in which the passage 486 is inaccessible, and an open position, in which the passage 486 is accessible to insert the solid pellets 495 into the passage 486 and into the reservoir 484. The dispenser 485 may include one or more nozzles configured to dispense fluid (e.g., liquid cleaning compound) in one or more directions.

[0233] The systems 401, 421, 461, 481 may include a controller, a power supply, or any other element discussed herein for other systems. By way of example, the system 401 shown in FIG. 9 A may be configured to include an electronic controller 411 that receives a signal from a sensor 427 (as shown in FIG. 9B) upon detecting the presence of the object and controls activation of the dispenser based on the signal to provide touchless activation in place of or in addition to the manual actuation. Accordingly, the system 401 may include a power supply 412 to power the controller 411 and/or the sensor 427. For example, the power supply 412 may be a battery that is rechargeable and/or replaceable. The housing 403 may house the container, the controller, and/or the battery.

[0234] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a delivery system 501 for a toilet that is configured to attach (e.g., mount, couple, connect, etc.) to a toilet tank 120 through an opening 123 therein and delivery a chemistry/cleaning compound external and/or internal to

the tank. As shown best in FIGS. 16 and 17, the system 501 includes a housing 503 that is mountable to the inside of the tank, such as through the opening 123. The housing 503 includes a container 531 defining a reservoir 532 for holding a fluid (e.g., water, cleaning compound). The housing 503 may include a sleeve 533 having a first end that is disposed in the container 531 to help define the reservoir 532 and a second end extends through the opening 123 in the tank 120. A fastener 534 may be employed to engage the sleeve 533 and the tank 120 (e.g., around the opening 123) to secure the system 501 to the tank by clamping the wall 121 between the housing 503 and the fastener 534. By way of example, the fastener 534 may include internal threads that thread to mating external threads on the sleeve. The sleeve 533 defines a bore 535 (e.g., channel, passage, etc.) that is configured to receive a dispenser 505 to fluidly connect the dispenser 505 to a reservoir 532 within the housing 503. The reservoir 532 may be configured to hold a liquid cleaning compound, and the dispenser 505 may be configured to dispense the cleaning compound upon actuation of the system 501. Further, a fluid connector 538 fluidly connects the bore 535 and the reservoir 532. The fluid connector 538 may be configured as a bore. As shown in FIG. 17, the fluid connector 538 is a bore through a projection from the end of the sleeve 533. The system 501 may include a feature that seals the fluid connector 538 to prevent fluid to flow from the reservoir 532 into the bore 535 when the dispenser 505 is removed. For example, the fluid connector 538 may include a diaphragm that is closed when the dispenser 505 is removed from the bore 535, but is open when the dispenser 505 engages the bore 535 to allow fluid to flow from the reservoir 532 into the bore 535. The body 521 may include a finger (e.g., shown in FIG. 17 as the end of the lower portion that supports the pellet 511) that extends from the head 521 to engage the bore 535 to couple the dispenser 505 to the housing 503.

[0235] Alternatively, the compound may be in a solid form (e.g., a pellet 511 as shown in FIG. 16) that is configured to mix with a fluid, such as water prior to dispensing to form a liquid cleaning compound that is dispensed from the system 501. As shown in FIG. 17, the reservoir 532 may be configured to hold water, which may be received from the tank 120 via a water inlet 536, and the dispenser 505 is configured to retain a portion of a solid compound (e.g., the pellet 511) in a cavity 520 of a shaft of the dispenser 505. The shaft of the dispenser 505 may be

configured as a hollow body 521 (e.g., a sleeve) and a head 522 may be disposed at one end of the body 521. The body 521 is configured to retain the solid compound in the cavity 520 when the body 521 is coupled to the sleeve 533 and/or the fastener 534.

[0236] The shape of the body 521 may be tailored to the shape of the solid compound or the shape of the solid compound may be tailored to the shape of the body. For example, the body may be generally cylindrical (or partially cylindrical), such as to receive a generally cylindrical solid compound. The body 521 includes a passageway 523 fluidly connected to one or more nozzles 524 in the head 522 to transfer the liquid compound to the head. The passageway 523 includes an inlet configured to receive a fluid (e.g., water, cleaning compound, etc.). As shown in FIG. 17, the inlet is provided in the end opposite the end that is coupled to the head 522. The body may include (or define such as with the sleeve 533) a mixing chamber for the solid chemical compound and the fluid (e.g., water) to mix to form the liquid cleaning compound. The mixing may be performed prior to activation of the system (i.e., pre-mixed) or may be performed after activation of the system but prior to dispensing. For the former, a portion of the solid compound is pre-mixed with a volume of fluid to generate a volume of liquid compound, which then remains in the mixing chamber until activation of the dispenser, upon which the pre-mixed liquid compound is dispensed. For the latter, the solid compound and fluid remain separated until activation of the dispenser, at which time fluid is introduced into the body of the dispenser through the inlet to mix with a portion of solid compound to form a volume of liquid compound, which is then dispensed from the system through the head.

[0237] As shown in FIG. 15, the dispenser 505 is removable (e.g., detachable) from the fastener 534 and/or the sleeve 533 to allow the solid compound to be refilled. According to one example, the dispenser 505 may be threaded to the fastener 534 and/or the sleeve 533 to detachably couple the dispenser to the fastener and/or the housing. For example, external threads of the body 521 may thread to internal threads of the fastener 534 and/or the sleeve 533 to detachably couple the components together. Thus, the dispenser 505 may be rotated into and out of engagement with the fastener 534 and/or the sleeve 533. According to another example, the dispenser 505 may include a bayonet style locking member where the body 521 includes a post

525 that detachably engages a slot 537 in the fastener 534 and/or the housing 503. The dispenser 505 may be rotated into and out of engagement with the fastener and/or the housing, similar to the threaded example. The rotation of the dispensers to lock them in place may be tailored. For example, the dispensers may be configured to lock after a predetermined angle of rotation (e.g., 45°, 90°, etc.).

[0238] Once the dispenser 505 is removed from the bore 535, the body 521 may be accessible to remove or replace the solid compound. For example, the body 521 may include a

compartment that is configured to hold the solid compound, and once the dispenser 505 is decoupled from the fastener 534 and/or the housing 503, the compartment can be refilled with solid compound.

[0239] The system 501 may be activated (e.g., actuated) manually, such as by the push button 124 in the lid 122 as shown in FIG. 14, or by any other suitable mechanical actuators. The push button 124 can be located elsewhere, such as on the head 522 of the dispenser 505, on the tank 120 or any other suitable location. Alternatively, the system 501 may be activated automatically to provide touchless cleaning. As shown in FIG. 15, the flush cycle of the toilet may be actuated via the sensor 125 located on the top of the lid 122 on the tank 120, and the cleaning cycle may be activated automatically to dispense compound from the system 501 during or after the flush cycle. By way of example, the system 501 may be configured to dispense a predetermined amount of compound after a predetermined time following actuation of the flush cycle by the sensor 125. As another example, the system 501 may automatically dispense compound upon detection of an object by the sensor 125 in the zone of detection, and the flush cycle may be activated by another actuator (e.g., a trip lever, another sensor, etc.). The sensor 125 may be located elsewhere, such as on the head 522 of the dispenser, on the tank 120 (e.g., proximate to the dispenser 505 in/on the front wall 121 of the tank), or on any other location. Both the manually and automatically activated systems 501 can be used to clean the toilet and/or sanitize a user of the toilet, such as the user's hands after using the toilet.

[0240] FIG. 19 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an external dispensing system 601 that is configured to mix solid compounds (e.g., shown as pellets 611) and water inside the tank, and is further configured to dispense the mixed compounds outside the tank. The system 601 includes a housing 603 having a container 631 and an engaging member 632. The engaging member 632 extends from the container 631 through an opening in a wall 121 of the tank 120 to couple the system 501 to the tank 120. One or more fasteners may be used to couple the container to the tank. The container 631 defines a reservoir 633 that is configured to hold a volume of water (e.g., up to the water level line). The housing 603 may include an inlet opening that is configured to receive water, such as to fill the reservoir 633 with water up to a water level line. The inlet opening may receive water from the tank, such as through a fill tube 636 (as shown), water channel, or other suitable element.

[0241] The engaging member 632 includes a bore 634 that extends from an outside end to an inside end (at the container 631) that opens into the reservoir 633 at a location above the water level line. The bore 634 is configured to receive solid compounds (e.g., pellets 611) therein and, as shown in FIG. 19, is accessible from outside the tank 120, such as to refill the system with additional compound. The engaging member 632 may include or be configure to receive a cap 635 or other feature that allows access to the outside end of the bore 634 when removed to refill the compound into the system. The solid compound in the bore 634 may be moved along the bore (in a direction from the outside end toward the inside end) to move a portion of the compound from the bore 634 into the reservoir 633 with the water to form a liquid cleaning compound. Thus, the solid compound is water soluble. The portion of solid compound may be manually moved into the reservoir 633, such as by a user pushing on the solid compound from the outside end. Alternatively, the portion of solid compound may be automatically moved into the reservoir 633 by the system when actuated.

[0242] The engaging member 632 of the system 601 may also include one or more nozzles 623 fluidly connected to the reservoir 633 by a passageway 621. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the nozzle 623 and passageway 621 are disposed below the bore 634 at the bottom of the engaging member 632. The passageway 621 may extend into the reservoir 633, or the passageway 621 may be fluidly connected to a fluid conduit 622 that is disposed in the reservoir 633. Upon actuation of the system 601, a portion of the liquid cleaning compound is dispensed from each

nozzle 623. The actuation method could be any one of the manual and/or automatic methods disclosed elsewhere in this application.

v. Examples of Trip Lever Dispensing Systems

[0243] The toilets disclosed herein may include a delivery system that is integrated with a lever (e.g., handle, trip lever, actuator, etc.) configured to actuate a flush cycle of the toilet. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an example of a delivery system 701 (e.g., dispensing system, sprayer, etc.) integrated with an actuator shown as a lever 702 that actuates a flush cycle. The lever 702 may be configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 703 between a first position and a second position (shown as lever 702' in FIG. 20 using phantom lines), which activates a flush cycle of the toilet. The lever 702 may be configured to rotate to a third position, which may activate a different flush cycle such as a lower volume flush (e.g., for use in dual flush toilets). The toilet includes a tank 120 that is configured to hold water from a water supply and a reservoir fluidly connected to the tank and configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the reservoir 704 is integrated with the actuator. However, according to other examples, the reservoir may be a container located in the tank.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 21, the actuator of the system 701 includes a base 711 and an arm 712 that are configured to pivot about the axis of rotation 703 between the first position and the second position. The first position may correspond to non-use position, in which no compound is dispensed from the system 701. The second position may correspond to a use position, in which a compound is dispensed from the system 701. The base 711 may be concentric or eccentric with the axis of rotation 703. As shown, the base 711 houses the reservoir 704. The base 711 may include a visual indicator 715 indicating the level of cleaning compound in the reservoir 704. The visual indicator 715 may include a transparent portion with a marking identifying the level of cleaning compound in the reservoir 704, which can be seen through the transparent portion. According to other examples, the visual indicator including a light source 718 that illuminates to indicate the level of cleaning compound in the reservoir 704. The light source may illuminate upon the level of the cleaning compound dropping below a threshold

level. Alternatively, a size of the illumination from the light source may be proportional to the level of the cleaning compound in the reservoir 704.

[0245] The system 701 may include a sensor 719. For example, the system 701 may include a level sensor that detects the level of the cleaning compound. The level sensor may be configured to float in the liquid compound or have another configuration. Also, for example, the system 701 may include a concentration sensor that measures a concentration of the cleaning compound. The system 701 may include a controller that communicates electronically with the one or more sensors. By way of example, the controller may receive a signal from each sensor and may control illumination of the light source based on the signal, such as illuminating a light source upon the concentration of the cleaning compound falling below a threshold concentration.

[0246] The arm 712 may extend radially outwardly from the base 711, such as in an opposite direction as the lever 702. The base 711 may be a hollow member that is configured to retain a compound (e.g., a liquid compound) therein. Upon rotation of the arm 712 of the system 701, a portion of the cleaning compound may be dispensed via a nozzle 717 from the system. For example, the nozzle 717 may be located on an annular portion of the base 711. Also, for example, the nozzle 717 may be located on the arm 712, such as at an end thereof.

[0247] The arm 712 of the system 701 may be configured to move (e.g., rotate) relative to the lever 702. For example, the lever 702 may be configured to rotate in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) and the arm 712 may be configured to rotate in a second direction (e.g., clockwise). Also, for example, the arm 712 may be configured to rotate in the same direction (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise) that the lever 702 rotates, but may rotate independently thereof. Also, for example, the arm 712 may move differently than the lever 702, such as pivot about a pivot axis that is transverse to the axis of rotation of the lever 702.

[0248] The system 701 may be configured to rotate from a non-use position to more than one use positions, where the different positions are configured to dispense different amounts of compound. For example, the farther the system 701, such as the arm, is rotated from a first use position, the system 701 is configured to dispense an increasing amount of compound. The lever 702 may be configured to actuate dispensing of the cleaning compound as well, according to

other examples. This arrangement would allow a user to dispense the cleaning compound without flushing the toilet by rotating the arm 712, as well as dispensing the cleaning compound while flushing the toilet by rotating the lever 702.

vi. Examples of Lid Dispensing Systems

[0249] The delivery systems may be integrated into the lid of the tank of a toilet. For example, the delivery systems described elsewhere in this application, such as the tank integrated systems, may be integrated with the lid in place of the tank. Other systems may be configured specifically for use with the lid of the toilet tank.

[0250] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate exemplary embodiments of lid integrated delivery systems 801 for dispensing a cleaning compound. The systems 801 are configured for use with toilets that include a tank 120 having a cavity configured to hold water from a water supply and a lid 122 that is moveable relative to the tank 120 to provide access to the cavity. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, each system 801 includes a container 810, 830 and a dispensing member 820, 840. The container 810 is located in the cavity and configured to receive water from the tank (e.g., a fill valve located in the tank, water stored in the tank, etc.) through a fill line 803. This arrangement provides for automatic filling of the container 810 with water, such as, for example, by having the fill valve meter (e.g., to supply in a measured or regulated amount) water to the container 810. The container 810 is configured to hold a volume of a compound (e.g., a liquid cleaning compound). For example, the container 810 has a reservoir 811 that is configured to mix water with a chemical compound to form a cleaning compound. The container 830 shown in FIG. 23 is configured basically the same as the container 810 shown in FIG. 22, except the container 830 does not include a fill line. Thus, the container 830 is configured to be manually filled with water, such as through the open top when the dispensing member (e.g., body) is decoupled (e.g., removed) from the container 830.

[0251] Each dispensing member 820, 840 is fluidly connected to the container 810, 830 to receive the cleaning compound in the container and to dispense an amount of the cleaning compound externally relative to the toilet (e.g., the tank 120, the lid 122) upon activation. Each dispensing member 820, 840 may include one or more nozzles 821, 841 that discharge (e.g., spray) the cleaning compound. As shown, each dispensing member 820, 840 includes a body 823, 843 that is coupled to the lid 122 through an opening 123 (e.g., aperture) therein. The dispensing member 820, 840 (e.g., the body 823, 843) may be detachably coupled to the associated container 810, 830, such as through a threaded engagement, snap engagement, or other suitable engagement. The body 823, 843 of each dispensing member 820, 840 is configured to be detachably coupled to the lid 122, such as through a threaded engagement, snap engagement, or other suitable engagement. For example, each body 823, 843 may include external threads that thread to mating internal threads of the lid 122 defining the opening 123. As shown, an upper portion of the body 823, 743 of the dispensing member 820, 840 is accessible from above the lid 120 (e.g., through the opening 123).

[0252] Each system 810 includes an actuator that is configured to activate the dispenser of each dispensing member 820, 840. The actuator may include a knob, a button, a switch, a lever or any other suitable device that is manually activated by a user to activate dispensing. The actuator may include a sensor that is disposed on or in the body and/or the toilet (e.g., lid, tank), where the sensor activates the dispenser upon detecting a presence of an object in a detection zone (e.g., above the lid, forward of the lid, to the side of the lid, etc.) or another suitable predetermined detection. The sensor may provide for touchless actuation. The system may provide for both manual and touchless actuation. The actuator(s) may be located on or in the dispensing member 820, 840, such as the body 820 as shown in FIG. 22. The actuator 823 shown in FIG. 22 includes a sensor, but could include a manual actuator in place of or in addition to the sensor. The actuator(s) may be located on or in the toilet, such as the push button 124 in a top of the lid 122 as shown in FIG. 23. The push button 124 may be located elsewhere, such as in the lid proximate the dispensing member 820. A portion of compound in the container 810, 830 is dispensed from the system 801 when the actuator is actuated.

[0253] Each system 810 may include other elements, such as sensors or light sources (e.g., those discussed elsewhere in this application). By way of example, each system 810 may include a sensor that measures the concentration of the cleaning compound and/or the level

cleaning compound in the container. As a further example, each system 810 may include a light source that provide a visual indication (e.g., illuminates) based on the concentration and/or level of the cleaning compound, such as those discussed elsewhere in this application. Such additional sensors and light sources may be controlled by a controller, which may be powered by a battery or other internal power source.

[0254] The dispensing members 820, 840 can be configured the same as or similar to other embodiments disclosed in this application. By way of example, the dispensing members 820, 840 can incorporate aspects, features, elements, etc. of the systems shown in FIGS. 135-140. For example, a strainer may be disposed in the container 810, 830 that holds pellets of chemical compound, where the strainer includes one or more holes that fluidly communicate with water in the reservoir 811, 831. The strainer may be removed from the container 810, 830. Also, for example, a diffusing tube fluidly connecting an inlet of the container and the dispenser may be provided. The diffusing tube may include a plurality of spaced apart openings fluidly connecting an inside of the tube to the reservoir.

vii. Examples of Standalone Dispensing Systems

[0255] The delivery systems (e.g., chemical dispensing systems) utilizing the

chemistries/cleaning compounds discussed in this application may be configured as standalone systems, which may be integrated with toilets or may be configured as separate systems for use in bathrooms, kitchens, as well as in other locations where the chemistries may provide improved cleanliness.

[0256] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of delivery systems 901, 931 that are configured for use with a lid 122 of a toilet tank 120 and configured to deliver a cleaning compound. Each system 901, 931 may be nested with the lid 122 or may be configured to rest on top of the lid 122. For example, the lid 122 may include a feature (e.g., a recess, projection, opening, etc.) that is configured to receive a portion of the delivery system 901, 931 to support and/or retain the system.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 24, the system 901 includes a container 903, a dispenser 905, and an actuator 907. The container 903 has a reservoir 911 that is configured to store (e.g., holding) a compound (e.g., a liquid cleaning compound) therein and to sit in a recess 126 in the top of the lid 122. The dispenser 905 is configured to dispense an amount of cleaning compound through one or more nozzles. The dispenser 905 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 911, such as, for example, through a fluid conduit 913 to access the cleaning compound. The dispenser 905 and/or the container 903 may be coupled to the feature of the lid 122 to retain the system in place relative to the lid. The lid may include multiple features. As shown in FIG. 24, the recess 126 in the lid holds the container and a projection 127 of the lid 122 retains a roll of paper 105 (e.g., toilet paper roll). The projection 127 may include a shoulder 127a that is configured to engage a bore in the roll of paper 105. The shoulder 127a may be configured to include a dispenser, such as discussed below with respect to FIG. 25. The actuator 907 is configured to activate the dispenser 905. The actuator 907 may be a manual actuator or an automatic actuator, such as any other actuator disclosed in this application. As shown, the actuator 907 is a manual actuator that activates dispensing when pumped or pressed.

[0258] As shown in FIG. 25, the delivery system 931 includes a base 932 that is configured to cooperate with the lid 122 and is configured to support an integrated container and dispenser shown as a chemical dispensing system 933, as well as other objects (e.g., a toilet paper roll 105). The base 932 may be configured as a plate that is configured to be coupled to or rested on top of the lid 122 of the toilet. The base 932 may include one or more features configured to receive and/or support other objects (e.g., a container, a toilet paper roll, etc.). According to one example, the lid or base includes a first feature, such as a recess, for supporting an integrated container and dispenser and a second feature, such as a post, for supporting a roll of toilet paper. The first and second features are provided adjacent to one another to allow the dispenser to dispense a compound onto the toilet paper. As shown in FIG. 25, the base 932 includes a first recess 941 configured to hold the toilet paper roll 105 and the chemical dispensing system 933, a second recess 942 adjacent to the first recess 941 on a first side thereof, and a third recess 943 adjacent to the first recess 941 on a second side thereof. The second and third recesses 942, 944 can support other devices disclosed in this application, such as the combined container/dispenser shown in FIG. 24.

[0259] The chemical dispensing system 933 is configured as a handheld dispenser that detachably docks to the base 932 and supports the toilet paper roll 105. The system 933 includes a container 934 having a reservoir configured to hold a cleaning compound (e.g., that includes a chemical compound and water), a dispenser 935 fluidly connected to the reservoir and having at least one nozzle 936 through which the amount of the cleaning compound is discharged upon activation, and an actuator 937 configured to activate the dispenser 935. The container 934 has a generally cylindrical shape that is sized to fit inside and support the toilet paper roll 105. A pivot 945 may be provided to pivotally couple the container 934 and the base 932, so that the container 934 is rotatable relative to the base 932, such as when paper is withdrawn from the toilet paper roll 105. The chemical dispensing system 933 may include a chemical generator that generates the chemical compound. The chemical dispensing system 933 may include a power source to power the chemical generator, which may be an electrochemical generator that generates H202 using oxygen from air external to the handheld dispenser, the water from the tank, and an electrical current generated by the power source. The chemical generator and/or the power source may be disposed within one of the container 934 (e.g., below the dispenser 935) or in the dispenser 935.

[0260] The dispenser may be configured to be manually or automatically actuated, such as through incorporating any other aspects or elements disclosed elsewhere in this application. The container may be configured to include a premixed cleaning compound, including water and a chemistry, or may include a water inlet from the toilet tank to mix, for example, a solid, soluble compound with water to form a liquid cleaning compound that can be dispensed. According to another example, the post that supports the toilet paper roll may be configured to include a dispenser that dispenses a compound stored in a container, which may be located in the post, in the tank, coupled to the lid, or any other suitable place. The post may include a button for manually actuating the dispenser. The post may include a sensor that is configured to provide touchless dispensing.

[0261] FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system 1001 that includes a base 1002 (e.g., base structure) and a dispenser 1003 (e.g., a handheld dispenser) detachably coupled to the base 1002 and configured to dispense a compound. The base 1002 includes one or more walls including a bottom wall 1011 that is configured to rest on or couple to another surface, such as a top surface of a toilet tank lid, a countertop, or other surface. As shown, the base includes a plurality of side walls 1012, the bottom wall 1011, and a top wall 1013 interconnected with the bottom wall 1011 to form a generally cuboidal structure. The base 1002 may include compartments defined by the one or more walls, such as to house other elements (e.g., components) in the base structure. For example, the base 1002 may be configured to house a container, such as a tissue container, toilet paper roll, etc. The base 1002 may further include a door 1016 pivotally coupled to another feature of the base 1002, such as a wall (e.g., side wall), through a hinge (e.g., pivot) to provide access to a compartment 1015 (as shown in FIG. 26B) for housing the container. The door 1016 may be pivoted or rotated relative to the wall between a first (e.g., open) position (as shown in FIG. 26B), in which the compartment 1015 is accessible, and a second (e.g., closed) position (as shown in FIG. 26A), in which the compartment is closed-off by the base. The door 1016 may include an opening 1017 (e.g., a slot) to allow, for example, tissue to be removed from the container in the compartment 1015 without having to open the door 1016.

[0262] Also shown in FIG. 26 A, the base 1002 may be configured to house a dehumidifier 1020 within the structure to extract water (e.g. vapor) from the air around the base 1002. The dehumidifier 1020 may be integrated with the base 1002 or may be separable from the base 1002. Alternatively, the dehumidifier 1020 may be disposed in the dispenser 1003. Having a dehumidifier 1020 included in the system 1001 may advantageously provide for cleaning of the air (e.g., by outputting filtered air) while reducing the level of moisture (e.g., water, water vapor, etc,). An integrated dehumidifier 1020 is advantageous for the systems that dispense chemicals diluted in water, since the system can pull the water vapor out of the air, collect the condensed water, and use the collected water to dilute the chemicals, which can be produced by a chemical generator, prior to dispensing the compound. The dehumidifier 1020 can be powered by a power supply (which is further discussed below).

[0263] It is noted that for the systems and methods described in this application, water may be used as a reactant in creating the chemical, as a diluent to dilute an existing chemical, or as a carrier to carry a chemical, such as through a system (e.g., a flush system of a toilet).

[0264] The base 1002 may also be configured to house a chemical generator 1021, such as, for example, any such generator discussed in this application. For example, the system 1001 may include a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generator disposed within the base 1002. The chemical generator 1021 may be configured to reload the dispenser 1003, such as when the dispenser 1003 is docked to the base and low of chemical/compound. The base 1002 may include a recess 1022 that is configured to receive the dispenser 1002 in a docked position. The base 1002 may also include a projection 1023 that is fluidly connected to the generator, such that when the dispenser 1003 is docked in the recess 1022 of the base 1002, the projection 1023 engages an opening 1030 (shown in FIG. 26C) in the dispenser 1003 to refill the dispenser with compound. A flow control 1024 (e.g., a valve, a diaphragm, etc.) may disposed in the base 1002 to regulate the flow of fluid (e.g., water, cleaning compound, etc.) into the dispenser 1003. For example, the flow control 1024 may be open in a docked position of the dispenser 1003 to allow the fluid to flow from the base 1002 into the dispenser 1003, and the flow control 1024 may be closed in an undocked position of the dispenser 1003 to prevent leaking of the fluid when the dispenser 1003 is decoupled from the base 1002.

[0265] The dispenser 1003 may be configured to dispense a compound, such as H2O2, when activated. The dispenser 1003 may include a container 1031 to store the compound therein. As shown in FIGS. 26A-26C, the dispenser 1003 has a generally closed cylindrical shape (e.g., a cylinder with top and bottom surfaces closing the cylinder). The dispenser 1003 may include a pump 1032 or other element configured to move the compound from a stored location to exit the dispenser, such as through one or more nozzles. The pump 1032 may be an electric pump that is electrically coupled to a power source located in the dispenser, such as a battery 1033. The base 1002 may include a power cord 1025 that is configured to plug into a conventional electrical wall outlet or socket. The base 1002 may also be configured to recharge the battery 1033 in the dispenser 1003, such as when plugged into a wall outlet with the dispenser docked.

[0266] The dispenser 1003 may include multiple nozzles that are co-located or that are located at different portions on the dispenser. For example, the dispenser 1003 may include a first nozzle 1041 (or set of nozzles) located on a side wall, a second nozzle 1042 (or set of nozzles) located on the top surface, and/or a third nozzle 1043 (or set of nozzles) located on a bottom surface. Each nozzle (or set of nozzles) may be configured to dispense cleaning compound, such as in different spray patterns. For example, the first nozzle(s) 1041 may dispense the cleaning compound in a first spray pattern (e.g., a mist), the second nozzle(s) 1042 may dispense the cleaning compound in a second spray pattern (e.g., a foam), and the third nozzle(s) 1043 may dispense the cleaning compound in a third spray pattern (e.g., a stream). It is noted that the spray patterns may be changed. The dispenser 1003 may include an actuator, which may be a manual or an automatic actuator, to activate the dispenser 1003. As shown in FIG. 26A, the dispenser 1003 includes a button 1045. As shown in FIG. 26B, the dispenser 1003 includes the button 1045 and a switch 1046, where the switch 1046 controls through nozzle (or set of nozzles) the cleaning compound is dispensed and the button 1045 activates dispensing (e.g., when depressed). The switch 1046 can be toggled between three positions, with each position corresponding to one of the nozzles 1041, 1042, 1043 to select the nozzle for dispensing. The dispenser 1003 may include more than one actuator, such as one actuator for each nozzle (or set of nozzles). The actuator may include a sensor, such as disclosed in this application.

[0267] The system 1001 may be configured to dispense a compound on the tissue paper that is being removed from the opening 1017 in the base 1002. The dispenser 1003 may also be removed from the base 1002 to dispense the compound onto an object that is located remotely from the base 1002. Also, for example, the dispenser may be removed to be used with another system. For example, the dispenser 1003 may be removed to be used with the food sanitizing system 1081 shown in FIGS. 27 A and 27B. As shown in FIG. 27, the system 1081 includes a container 1082 (e.g., a bowl) configured to hold food therein, a cover 1083 (e.g., lid) for covering the container 1082, and the dispenser 1003 that is configured to sanitize food (e.g., fruits, vegetables, etc.) located in the container 1082 through the cover 1082. The cover 1083 is shown having a frusto-conical shaped side wall 1084 and a top wall 1085 at the top of the side wall 1084. The cover 1083 includes a docking feature, such as on a top side of the top wall

1085. The docking feature may include the post 1086 extending upwardly from the top side of the top wall 1085 to engage the opening 1030 in the dispenser 1003 (in a docked position) and/or the annular finger 1087 extending upwardly at the intersection of the top wall 1085 and the side wall 1084. The finger 1087 is configured to retain an outside surface of the dispenser 1003 to retain the dispenser 1003 in place in the docked position. A bore 1088 extends through the post 1086 and the top wall 1085 to allow the sanitizing compound to be dispensed onto the food through the bore 1088.

[0268] As shown in FIG. 27B, the cover 1083 is configured to work with a plurality of different sized bowls 1082a, 1082b, 1082c to provide additional utility. The cover 1083 may have a generally frusto-conical shape including a recessed base at the smaller end (e.g., the top) to receive the dispenser and an opening at that larger end (e.g., the bottom) to allow the cover to be placed over one of the plurality of bowls. Along the inside surface, the cover 1083 may include one or more detents, protrusions, or other suitable locking members to allow the cover to engage (e.g., snap-over) an edge of each bowl. The recessed base may also include one or more than one aperture to allow the sanitizing compound in the dispenser to be dispensed therethrough to the food in the bowl. The cover 1083 may include a locking element that detachably locks the dispenser to the cover.

[0269] FIGS. 28 A and 28B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system 1101 that is similar to the system 1001. The system 1101 includes a base 1102 and a dispenser 1103 for dispensing a compound. The dispenser 1103 is configured similar to a bottle and is removable from the base 1102 to allow the dispenser 1103 to be portable. The base 1102 may include a container (e.g., tissue box) integrated (e.g., embedded, disposed) within an internal compartment of the base 1102 to dispense a paper product 106 through an opening 1117. The base 1102 may also include a generator, such as, for example, an H2O2 generator 1105 integrated in the base. The generator 1105 may be housed in another internal compartment of the base. The dispenser 1103 may be configured similar to the dispenser 1003, such as having similar elements/components with a different shape. The dispenser 1103 is configured to dispense a compound discussed in this application through the nozzle 1121 when the actuator 1122 is

actuated. For example, the dispenser 1103 may be configured to dispense H202 generated by the H202 generator 1105 in the base 1102 of the system 1101. For example, the H202 generated may be applied directly to the paper product 106 (shown as tissue paper) being withdrawn from an internal compartment in the base 1102 or may be applied by a user via the dispenser while docked or undocked from the base.

[0270] Also shown in FIG. 28 A, the dispenser 1103 can dock with the base 1102 of the system 1101, such as to recharge electric power and/or refill cleaning compound to the dispenser 1103. The base 1102 may include a recharger that receives electric power from an internal or external power supply. When the dispenser is docked to the base, the recharger may automatically recharge the dispenser by way of the power supply. The base and/or the dispenser may include an indicator (e.g., light, visual on a user interface, an alarm, etc.) that indicates when the dispenser is in need of recharging and when it has been fully recharged. A light 1118 is shown in FIG. 28 A, which illuminates during recharging or when the dispenser 1103 is recharged.

[0271] FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate other exemplary embodiments of standalone dispenser systems 1201, 1301 that are configured to dispense paper products (e.g., paper towels, toilet paper, tissue paper, napkins, etc.) and a compound, which may be used to clean (e.g., sanitize) the paper product or a user of the system or another device in proximity to the system (e.g., a toilet). Thus, the systems 1201, 1301 are configured as paper and chemical dispensing systems.

[0272] The system 1201 includes a housing 1211 including a plurality of walls 1212 defining one or more interior chambers (e.g., compartments), a first dispenser 1203 that is configured to dispense a paper product 106, and a second dispenser 1205 that is configured to dispense the cleaning compound. As shown in FIG. 29A, the walls 1212 of the housing 1211 define a first interior chamber 1221 and a second interior chamber 1222. The first interior chamber 1221 is configured to house the paper product 106 (e.g., one or more rolls of toilet paper or paper towel, one or more boxes of tissue paper or napkins, etc.). The first dispenser 1203 includes an outlet 1223 (e.g., opening, aperture, slot) through which the paper product 106 can be withdrawn and obtained. For example, the first outlet 1223 may be located in a bottom wall of the housing 1211. The housing 1211 may include a feature that allows access to the first interior chamber 1221, such as to replenish the paper product 106 once depleted. For example, a door 1215 may be pivotally coupled to the housing 1211, such that the door 1215 can rotate between a closed position, in which the first interior chamber 1221 is not accessible, and an open position, in which the first interior chamber 1221 is accessible. The door 1215 may be configured to lock to the housing 1211. Also, for example, a cover (e.g., tray) may be provided to close off the first interior chamber, but is removable from the housing to gain access to the chamber. The cover may be configured to be secured to the housing, such as through fasteners, snap features, detent features, or any other suitable securing device. The cover may include a tray, such as to support another object (e.g., a second paper product) disposed on the tray.

[0273] The system 1201 may include an actuator. As shown in FIG. 29 A, a first actuator 1217 is provided on the housing 1211 to allow a user to move the paper product 106 from inside the first interior chamber 1221 out through the first outlet 1223 in order for the user to obtain the paper product 106. The first actuator 1217 may be a manually operated actuator, such as a handle, a knob, a lever, or other suitable actuating device, which is configured to move (e.g., rotate, slide, swing, etc.) in order to move the product from inside the housing to at least partially outside the housing through the first outlet. The first actuator 1217 may be an automatically operated actuator (e.g., touchless actuator) such as by employing one or more sensors configured to detect presence of a user (which are discussed elsewhere in this application and are equally applicable to this example or any other example in this application). As shown, the first actuator 1217 is a rotatable knob that advances the paper product 106 upon rotation.

[0274] The second interior chamber 1222 (e.g., second compartment) of the housing 1211 is configured to hold a volume of compound (e.g., a solid cleaning compound, a liquid cleaning compound, etc.). For example, the second chamber 1222 may be provided on one side of the housing 1211, while the first chamber 1221 is provided on an opposite side of the housing. The two chambers may be separated by an internal wall 1212, which (as shown) extends between forward and rearward walls 1212 to prohibit the compound from moving from the second chamber 1222 to the first chamber 1221.

[0275] The second dispenser 1205 (e.g., second outlet) includes one or more nozzles, apertures, openings, etc. for dispensing the cleaning compound therefrom. The second dispenser 1205 may be configured to dispense the cleaning compound onto the paper product or in a different direction, such as to dispense the cleaning compound onto the user or another object. For example, the dispenser 1205 may include one or more nozzles 1225 located on a bottom side of the housing 1211, which are configured to dispense the compound in a generally downward direction (e.g., downward and/or oblique to downward), such as onto a person's hand(s). The system 1201 includes an actuator, such as the second actuator 1226, to activate the dispenser to dispense the cleaning compound. The second actuator 1226 may be a sensor that activates the second dispenser 1205 upon detecting the presence of an object in a detection zone. The sensing second actuator 1226 may be located adjacent to the nozzle(s) 1225 so that the sensor can detect a person's hand beneath the nozzle(s) 1225 and dispense cleaning compound onto the hand.

[0276] The housing 1211 may have a viewport 1218 including a clear portion through which the level of compound remaining in the second interior chamber 1222 can be viewed. The viewport 1218 may be generally rectangular in shape and may be made from a transparent or translucent material that is generally see-through. A user can visually see the level of compound remaining in the housing 1211 through the viewport 1218 to know when the compound should be refilled. Alternatively or in addition to the viewport 1218, an indicator (e.g., visual, audio) may be provided by the system to alert the user to when the compound is low or out and needs to be refilled. By way of example, a light source, such as disclosed elsewhere in this application, can be located on or in the housing 1211 to provide a visual indication as to the level of cleaning compound.

[0277] Also shown in FIG. 29B, the standalone dispenser system 1301 is configured to dispense a paper product (e.g., paper towel, toilet paper, tissue paper, napkins, etc.) and a compound, which may be used to clean (e.g., sanitize) the paper product or a user. For example, the system 1301 can be used to turn a dry paper product into a sanitizing wet wipe or other suitable cleaning wipe. The system 1301 includes a housing 1311 that defines a chamber 1312 for housing the paper product. As shown, the chamber 1312 may be configured to receive a

toilet paper roll 105. The housing 1311 includes an opening 1314 through which the toilet paper roll 105 is configured to be withdrawn (e.g., dispensed). The housing 1311 may include a support wall (e.g., a bottom wall) upon which the toilet paper roll 105 is configured to rest, where the support wall includes the opening that allows the dispensing end of the paper product to be fed through into a secondary chamber provided between the support wall and a bottom wall of the housing. The opening in the bottom wall allows the paper product to be removed (e.g., withdrawn) from the system 1301.

[0278] The system 1301 also includes a dispenser 1305 for dispensing the compound. The dispenser 1305 may be configured the same as or similar to any other dispenser disclosed in this application (e.g., the dispenser 933). The dispenser 1305 may be a pump dispenser having a generally cylindrical shape, such as to fit within the cylindrical bore in the toilet paper roll 105. Thus, the dispenser 1305 may act as a bearing to allow the toilet paper roll 105 to be rotated relative to the housing to unroll the product. The dispenser 1305 may also dispense cleaning compound via a nozzle or other discharging member. The cleaning compound may be dispensed directly onto the paper product (e.g., the end that is being unrolled or withdrawn), such as into the secondary chamber through an opening in the support wall. Also, for example, the compound may be dispensed away from the paper product, such as in an upwardly direction. A user could dispense the cleaning compound onto paper removed from the roll or onto another object, such as the user's hands. The dispenser may be manually or automatically activated using any method or arrangement disclosed elsewhere in this application.

[0279] The system 1301 may be configured to include additional compartments or storage spaces. As shown, secondary storage compartments 1316 are incorporated with the housing 1311 or as a separate structure. The secondary storage compartments 1316 may include one or more open spaces for storing other objects, such as additional rolls of paper product. For example, the secondary storage compartments 1316 may include a shelf that further divides the compartment into sub-compartments. The secondary storage compartment may include one or more closed spaces for storing other objects. For example, the system 1301 may include a slider (e.g., a sliding drawer) that is configured to slide outwardly from a closed position, in which the compartment is concealed or closed by the slider and the housing, to an open position, in which the compartment is revealed via an opening.

[0280] FIGS. 29D and 29E illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a standalone dispensing system 1401 that includes a mounting member 1402, a support member 1403, a movable member 1404, and a dispensing member 1405. The mounting member 1402 is configured to attach to another object (e.g., wall). As shown in FIG. 29D, the mounting member 1402 is a circular shaped plate. The mounting member 1402 may include one or more openings to receive fasteners or one or more fasteners for attaching the mounting member 1402 to the object. The support member 1403 is configured to support a paper product, such as the roll of toilet paper 106 shown in FIG. 29D. The support member 1403 is coupled to a lower portion of the mounting member 1402. The support member 1403 may be integrally formed with or formed separately from and connected to the mounting member 1402. As shown in FIG. 29D, the support member 1403 includes a semi-cylindrical first portion 1411 coupled to the mounting member 1402 at one side and coupled to an end portion 1412 at the other side. The support and mounting members 1403, 1402 define a first portion of a cavity configured to receive the paper product (e.g., the roll of toilet paper 106). The movable member 1404 forms a second part of the cavity and is configured to rotate relative to the support and mounting members 1403, 1402 about a pivot axis to provide access to the cavity. The movable member 1404 may be pivotally coupled to the support member 1402 via a pivot 1413 (e.g., a hinge). The movable member 1404 has a shape that complements the support member 1403 (e.g., a semi-cylindrical shape with a closed end). The moveable member 1404 may be generally symmetrically opposite to the support member 1403, such that the moveable member 1404 and the support member 1403 form two halves of a clam-shell, and wherein the moveable member 1404 rotates relative to the support member 1403 about a pivot. The support and movable members 1403, 1404 include an opening (e.g., semi-circular notch, a central circular opening) configured to receive a portion of the dispensing member 1405.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 29E, the dispensing member 1405 has an annular shape with a central dispensing aperture 1420 through which the paper (e.g., an end of the paper) is withdrawn.

[0282] The dispensing member 1405 includes one or more nozzles 1423 provided in an inner wall 1421 (e.g., inner surface) of the dispensing member 1405 (that defines the dispensing aperture) and/or one or more nozzles 1423' located on a forward facing surface of the annular member. The nozzles 1423 on or in the inner wall 1421 direct the compound inwardly (e.g., radially inward) toward a portion of the roll of paper that is being withdrawn through the dispensing aperture, whereas the nozzles 1423' on or in the forward facing surface may direct the compound outwardly toward a portion of the paper. Each nozzle 1423, 1423' is configured to dispense a cleaning compound. Each nozzle 1423 is fluidly connected to a container housing cleaning compound. Accordingly, the dispensing member 1405 is a chemical dispenser configured to dispense a compound (e.g., cleaning, chemical, etc.). The container may be located within the system 1402 or may be remotely located. As shown in FIG. 29D, a container 1407 is disposed in a generally cylindrical holder, which is sized to fit inside the roll of paper, and wherein the holder is detachable from the dispensing member 1405 and/or the mounting member 1402. A fluid conduit 1416 may extend through the support member 1403 and fluidly connecting the container and the dispensing member. The container 1407 may be a sealed container having a base and a lid that is removable from the base to provide access to a reservoir so that the reservoir can be refilled with additional compound, such as the same or similar to other containers disclosed in this application.

[0283] The system 1401 may include an actuator that is configured to activate the chemical dispenser. As shown in FIG. 29E, an actuator in the form a sensor 1425 is located in the inner surface 1421 adjacent to the nozzle(s) 1423. The sensor 1425 may be a motion sensor that is configured to detect motion within a zone, so that the compound is dispensed upon detection of motion within the zone. The sensor 1425 being located on or in the inner surface 1421 of the dispensing member 1405 is able to detect motion of the paper being withdrawn through the dispensing aperture 1420, so that the compound is dispensed onto the paper being withdrawn through the dispensing aperture 1420. The sensor may be disposed on or in a forward facing surface of the dispensing member 1405 (see the sensor 1425' shown in FIG. 29E), where the sensor activates dispensing upon detecting a presence of an object in a detection zone that is forward of and above the dispensing aperture 1420.

[0284] The dispensing member 1405 may include a chemical generator for generating the compound, and the chemical generator may be located in the container 1407. The dispensing member 1405 may include a visual indicator 1427 indicating a level of the compound in the container 1407 and a level sensor configured to measure the level of the compound in the container 1407 and communicate the measured level to the visual indicator.

[0285] FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a standalone dispenser system 1501 that is configured to dispense a paper product 105 (e.g., paper towel, toilet paper, tissue paper, napkins, etc.) and a compound, which may be used to clean (e.g., sanitize) the paper product or a user. The system 1501 includes a fixed frame 1502 (e.g., frame structure) that is configured to mount or be affixed to another object, such as a wall or countertop. As shown, the frame 1502 includes a plurality of interconnected members 1511 that define a central opening configured to receive a pivoting structure 1503 (e.g., a housing). Thus, the frame 1502 surrounds the pivoting structure 1503, which is rotatable relative to the frame 1502 about one or more pivots between a closed (e.g., recessed) position, in which the pivoting structure appears as the "picture" in the frame 1502 (FIG. 30A) and one or more internal compartments of the structure 1503 are hidden, and an open (e.g., exposed) position, in which the internal compartments are revealed (FIG. 30B). The frame 1502 may rotate about two pivots on opposite sides of the frame 1502 and the structure 1503. The compartments may be configured to hold a paper product, dispensers of compound, or other objects. The compound dispenser 1505 may dispense compound onto the paper product 105, as shown in FIG. 30A, or may dispense the compound in another direction, such as onto a user. An actuator 1506 may open the structure 1503 when depressed or actuated. Another actuator may activate the dispenser, such as a sensor or a manual actuator, according to the examples disclosed herein.

[0286] FIGS. 31 A- 3 IE illustrate dispensing systems incorporated into various utilitarian products commonly used in bathrooms. As shown in FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB, the dispensing systems 1601, 160 are incorporated into an elongated structural member shown as a support bar 1602, 1602' (e.g., a towel bar, towel rod, handle bar, etc.). The support bar 1602, 1602' may be configured as a generally C-shaped bar, linear bar, curved bar, or any other suitable shape, which may be continuous or discontinuous. Each support bar 1602, 1602' include a first end 1611 and a second end 1612 that are configured to mount to a support member such as a wall or other object. Each support bar 1602, 1602' also includes a hollow portion 1613, 1613'.

[0287] Each dispensing system 1601, 160 includes a container having a reservoir for housing a cleaning compound and a chemical dispenser 1605, 1605' configured to detachably dock with the associated support bar 1602, 1602' and configured to dispense an amount of the cleaning compound upon activation. Thus, the dispenser 1605, 1605' is moveable relative to the associated support bar 1602, 1602' in an undocked position. As shown in FIG. 31 A, the dispenser 1605 docks with a central portion of the support bar 1602 and takes the place of a missing section (e.g., a gap) therewith in the docked position. As shown in FIG. 3 IB, the dispenser 1605' docks with a corner section through an opening therein. Each dispenser 1605, 1605' has one or more nozzles 1606, 1606' that dispense a cleaning compound, which is stored in the container.

[0288] The container may be located in the dispenser 1605, 1605' (e.g., as provided for other dispensers discussed in this application), or may be located outside the dispenser, such as in the support bar 1602, 1602' or elsewhere. As shown in FIG. 31 A, the container 1615 is located in a hollow part of the central portion of the support bar 1602 that is adjacent to the missing section . A flexible fluid conduit 1617 fluidly connects the dispenser 1605 and the container 1615. As shown in FIG. 3 IB, the container 1615' is located in a hollow side part of the support bar 1602' that is adjacent to the second end 1612. A locking feature may be provided to secure the dispenser 1605, 1605' to the associated support bar 1602, 1602' in the docked position. It is noted that each dispenser 1605, 1605' may be configured the same as, similar to, or different than any other dispenser disclosed in this application. The detachable portion (e.g., dispenser) may be located in the base member of a C-shaped support bar or in one of the two leg members extending away from the base member. For example, the support bar may include an opening (e.g., bore), such as in a transition portion (e.g., where the base member and a leg member meet) that is configured to receive the dispenser therein. Thus, the dispenser may be nested within the support bar (e.g., the main portion), such that only a portion of the dispenser is visible when in the nested position.

[0289] FIG. 31C illustrates another dispensing system 1620 that is integrated with a seat 131. The seat 131 is configured to be coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to a toilet or bidet, such as through a hinge. A cover may be provided that is pivotally coupled to the seat and/or the toilet/bidet. As shown in FIG. 31C, the elongated member and dispenser may be configured to couple to a side of the seat 131. The system 1620 includes an elongated member 1622 having an opening therein to receive a detachable dispenser 1625 that is configured to dispense a cleaning compound held in a container, such as the container 1626 in the elongated member 1622. The container 1626 may be removable from the elongated member 1622 (e.g., see the systems shown in FIGS. 108 A, 108B, and 127A-127C as examples). The container 1626 may be fluidly connected to the tank, such as through a water passage 1628 or any other example disclosed in this application. The dispenser 1625 may include a chemical generator (e.g., as described elsewhere in this application) that generates the chemical compound, such that no fluid conduit is required (and the container 1626 is not required) or a fluid conduit 1627 may be provided to introduce water into the dispenser 1625. The dispenser may generate the compound that is dispensed when activated, such as via a push button, switch, or other actuator. This arrangement may include a flexible conduit 1627 that connects the detachable portion to the main portion of the system, such as where the connector carries electric power to the dispenser or acts as only a tether to limit extraction of the dispenser, yet does not provide fluid or electric power.

[0290] The dispenser 1625 may be integrated with a bidet wand, such as to provide dual functional dispensing. The dispenser may be fluidly connected to a water supply (e.g., a water tank, a water inlet line, etc.) to dispense water as a first function. The dispenser may dispense a cleaning compound as a second function, such as to sanitize an object (e.g., toilet seat). The dispenser may include a switch (e.g., lever) that is configured to switch the dispenser between dispensing water and the cleaning compound.

[0291] FIGS. 3 ID and 3 IE illustrate another example of a dispensing system 1630 that is incorporated into a toilet paper holder 1631 to hold the roll of toilet paper 105 (shown using phantom lines in FIG. 3 ID). The holder 1631 may be configured to be free standing (e.g., resting on a generally horizontal surface, such as a floor) or may be connected to a wall, furniture, or other suitable object. As shown, the holder 1631 includes a base 1632 that is configured to rest on a surface and a post 1633 that extends upwardly along a longitudinal axis from the base 1632. The post 1633 has a relatively smaller size (e.g., diameter), which may be tailored to the size of a paper product (e.g., the toilet paper roll 105), compared to the base 1632. The holder 1631 may include one or more shoulders (e.g., supports) that extend outward radially from the post 1633 relative to the longitudinal axis. Each shoulder may have a set vertical spacing from the base 1632, such as the length of a roll of paper product. The system 1630 includes a dispenser 1635 that is configured to dock to and undock (e.g., detachably couple) from the holder 1631, such as a hollow end 1634 of the post 1633, which may include an opening, a bore, or other suitable feature that is configured to receive the dispenser. The dispenser 1635 may be configured similar to, the same as, or different than any other dispenser discussed in this application. For example, the dispenser may include a chemical box (e.g., container, chemical generator, etc.) that is configured to house a cleaning compound, a pump (or other suitable device to move the cleaning compound), and one or more nozzles 1636 from which the compound is dispensed. A flexible conduit 1637 may couple the dispenser 1635 to the holder 1631. The conduit 1637 may carry fluid, electric power, and/or provide freedom of movement of the dispenser 1635 relative to the holder 1631.

[0292] FIGS. 32A-33B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a standalone delivery system 1701 that includes a base 1702 (e.g., base structure) and a dispenser 1703 for dispensing a compound. The base 1702 is configured to mount to a surface. For example, a wall 1721 (e.g., rear wall) or surface of the base 1702 is mountable to a wall. The base 1702 may include a top surface 1722 that is configured to serve as a shelf and support other objects. As shown in FIG. 32B, the base 1702 includes a dehumidifier 1710 configured to remove water vapor from air introduced through an inlet opening 1723 in the base 1702. As shown in FIGS. 32B and 32C, the base 1702 includes a reservoir 1711 for holding a cleaning compound. For example, the cleaning compound may be used to sanitize the air exiting the base, routed to the dispenser 1703, and/or any other suitable use. The base 1702 includes an outlet opening 1724 through which the

sanitized dry air from the dehumidifier 1710 is returned to the living space in which the system

1701 is located. The dehumidifier 1710 and the reservoir 1711 may be provided within a housing 1720 of the base 1702, where the inlet opening 1723 and the outlet opening 1724 are provided in the housing 1720. The housing 1720 may also include one or more access panels (e.g., door, sliding panels, rotating panels, etc.) that are configured to move from a closed position, in which the dehumidifier and/or reservoir are concealed, to an open position, in which the dehumidifier 1710 and/or the reservoir 1711 are accessible, such as to refill the reservoir for embodiments not having a dehumidifier or if the water level runs low on embodiments having the dehumidifier. The moisture (e.g., water vapor) removed from the air by the dehumidifier 1710 may be used to form the cleaning compound, such as by mixing the water with a liquid or solid compound. For example, an H202 generator may be provided in the base or in a dispenser, where the generator produces H202 from the removed moisture. The base 1702 may include one or more fluid conduits to fluidly connect the elements/components of the base 1702. As shown in FIG. 32B, a first line 1725 brings air and water vapor into the dehumidifier 1710. The first line 1725 may also fluidly connect the reservoir 1711 with the dehumidifier 1710 such that the water recovered can be routed to the reservoir 1711. A second line 1726 may fluidly connect the dehumidifier 1710 and the outlet opening 1724 to output clean air and/or air removed of water vapor into the surrounding atmosphere.

[0293] The base 1702 may further include an attachment feature to facilitate coupling (e.g., docking) and decoupling (e.g., undocking) between the dispenser 1703 to the base 1702. As shown in FIG. 32D, the attachment feature 1712 is provided on a bottom surface of the base

1702 and includes a recess 1713 for receiving the dispenser 1703 in the docked position. The recess 1713 may be a circular opening to receive a cylindrical dispenser 1703. A locking feature may be employed to detachably secure the dispenser 1703 in place when coupled to the base 1702. As shown in FIG. 32D, the locking feature may include an tab 1731 extending from the casing 1730 of the dispenser 1703 and configured to engage an aperture 1727 in the attachment feature 1712 to dock the dispenser 1703 to the base 1702. The locking feature may include a plurality of tabs and apertures. By way of example, two or more tabs 1731 may extend radially outward from the casing 1730 to engage two or more mating apertures 1727 extending radially

inward into the attachment feature 1712 or another element of the base 1702. Further, the tab(s) 1731 may be located in the base 1702 and the aperture(s) 1727 may be located in the dispenser 1703. A release (e.g., the button 1732) may be provided to release each tab 1731 from the associated aperture 1727, such as by moving the tab 1731 inwardly to disengage the aperture 1727. The attachment feature 1712 may advantageously be located proximate to the reservoir 1711 holding the water/compound, so that when the dispenser 1703 is docked with the base 1702, the dispenser 1703 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 1711 and can be refiled with water/compound as necessary. As shown in FIG. 32C, a fluid connection 1728 is located between the reservoir 1711 and the attachment feature 1712 that is provided. The attachment feature 1712 may be configured to open the fluid connection when the dispenser 1703 is docked and close the fluid connection when the dispenser 1703 is decoupled from the base 1702 to prevent compound from flowing out the fluid connection.

[0294] The system 1701 may include a microprocessor 1713 having a PCB (or other suitable device) to control the dehumidifier 1711, refilling of the dispenser 1703 with compound, and/or other functions of the system. The system 1701 may include a control panel 1714 that is configured to provide a user interface and to control the microprocessor 1713. For example, a user may be able to turn on the dehumidifier 1710 and adjust the settings (e.g., whether to sanitize, dehumidify, or both) via the control panel 1714. Also, for example, the dehumidifier 1710 may have more than one adjustment (e.g., speed, flow rate through the system, etc.), which can be controlled by the user via the control panel 1714. The control panel 1714 may also display to the user various functions of the system 1701, such as the mode of operation of the dehumidifier 1710, the level of water and/or cleaning compound in the reservoir 1711 and/or the dispenser 1703, as well as any other suitable output.

[0295] The system 1701 may include one or more sensors to monitor various characteristics of the system. For example, the system 1701 may include an air sensor that monitors moisture content (e.g., humidity, a level or amount of water vapor) in the incoming air. The air sensor may be part of the dehumidifier 1710 and may communicate via a signal to the microprocessor 1713 the moisture content, wherein the microprocessor 1713 may automatically adjust the

operation of the dehumidifier based on the moisture content in the incoming air. For example, a user may program in a desired moisture content via the control panel and the air sensor cooperates with the microprocessor to adjust the system 1701 until the air coming into the system has the desired moisture content. Also, for example, the system 1701 may include a fill sensor that monitors the level of compound in the system and upon the level dropping below a threshold, the system will indicate such via an indicator. The indicator may be a visual indicator (e.g., a light on the base), an audio indicator (e.g., a bell, an alarm, etc.), or a combination thereof. Also, for example, the system 1701 may include a touchless actuator, such as on the base or on the dispenser, including a sensor that detects presence of an object in a zone of detection.

[0296] The system 1701 may be configured to operate on an internal power source (e.g., battery), an external power source (e.g., wall outlet), or a combination thereof. The electronic components (e.g., the microprocessor, control panel, sensors, etc.) may be electrically connected to the power source(s) to power the component(s).

[0297] As shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the dispenser 1703 is configured to dispense a compound 1733 stored in the dispenser 1703. The dispenser 1703 may include a spray dispenser 1734, a pump dispenser 1735, or a combination thereof. As shown, the dispenser 1703 includes a housing 1730, a spray dispenser 1734 provided at a first location on the housing 1730 (e.g., at the top), and a pump dispenser 1735 provided at a second location on the housing 1730 (e.g., at the bottom). The dispenser 1703 may include a reservoir 1736 configured to hold a volume of compound 1733. A side wall of the housing 1730 may define the reservoir 1736 or a portion thereof, which is provided between the first and second locations.

[0298] The spray dispenser 1734 may be configured to provide a spray pattern (e.g., misting) of compound 1733 upon activation of the spray dispensing function. The spray pattern can be used to sanitize an object (e.g., a toilet, sink, countertop, etc.) that is positioned remotely from the spray dispenser at a spray distance. The spray dispenser 1734 includes one or more nozzles that are fluidly connected to the reservoir 1736, which holds the compound 1733, such as through a fluid conduit 1737. As shown, the fluid conduit 1737 is a flexible hose that is

configured to extend into the compound 1733 and includes an open end configured to be positioned in the compound. The other end of the hose is fluidly connected to the nozzle(s) of the spray dispenser 1734. The spray dispenser 1734 may include a propellant to propel the compound and/or a pressure device configured to pressurize the compound to force it out through the nozzle(s) of the dispenser. The spray dispenser 1734 may be configured to atomize the compound, such that it is sprayed as a relatively fine mist. The dispenser 1703 may include a manual actuator, automatic actuator, or a combination thereof for activating the spray dispensing function. As shown in FIG. 33A, a manual actuator in the form of a button 1738 is provided, such that the spray dispensing function is activated when the button 1738 is depressed.

[0299] The pump dispenser 1735 may be configured to provide one or more droplets of compound upon activation of the pump dispensing function. The pump dispensing function can be used to sanitize, for example, a user's (e.g., hands), a paper product (e.g., tissue, toilet paper, paper towel, etc.), as well as other objects that is positioned below the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser 1735 includes an outlet 1739 that is fluidly connected to the reservoir 1736, which holds the compound 1733, through a fluid conduit. As shown in FIG. 33B, the fluid conduit 1740 is formed by an interior wall of the housing 1730 that extends from a bottom side of the reservoir 1711 to the outlet 1739. Thus, gravity can be used to feed the compound into the fluid conduit 1740 and out the outlet 1739 of the pump dispenser 1735. The dispenser 1703 may include a manual actuator, automatic actuator, or a combination thereof for activating the dispensing function of the pump dispenser. The actuators can be arranged according to any other actuator disclosed in this application.

[0300] FIGS. 34-40 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of standalone delivery systems that are configured to dispense a paper product, which may be sanitized with a cleaning compound. FIGS. 34A-36B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a paper dispensing system 1801 configured to dispense paper (e.g., toilet paper, paper towel, hand wipes, etc.) from two different apertures (e.g., openings, notches, orifices, etc.). FIGS. 34A-34E also illustrate various states (e.g., positions, modes, etc.) of the paper dispensing system 1801. FIG. 34A shows the system 1801 in a closed position (e.g., state) without any paper product being dispensed. FIGS.

34B and 34C show the system 1801 in different partially open positions. FIG. 34D shows the system 1801 in a fully open position (e.g., state) with paper product being dispensed from two different dispensing apertures. FIG. 34E shows the system 1801 in the closed position with paper product being dispensed from two different dispensing apertures.

[0301] As shown in FIGS. 34A-36B, the paper dispensing system 1801 includes a housing 1802 configured to house a unit of paper (e.g., roll of toilet paper 106, roll of paper towel, etc.). The housing 1802 includes a fixed member 1803 that includes a base 1804 that is configured to mount (e.g., attach, couple, etc.) to another object, such as a wall. For example, the base 1804 may include one or more openings (e.g., holes, etc.) that receive fasteners to couple the housing 1802 to the wall. The fixed member 1803 also includes a pair of spaced apart and opposing side members (e.g., a first side member 1805 and a second side member 1806) provided on each end of and extending from the base 1804. The base 1804 and the side members 1805, 1806 may form a cavity 1807 that houses the unit of paper.

[0302] The housing 1802 also includes a movable member 1808 (e.g., a panel) that is movable relative to the fixed member 1803 between a closed position, in which the cavity 1807 is inaccessible, and a fully open position, in which the cavity 1807 is fully accessible. The cavity 1807 may be accessible (e.g., partially accessible) with the movable member 1808 in

intermediate positions between the open and closed positions. Thus, the movable member 1808 may be moved to additional positions between the fully open and the closed positions, which provide varying sized openings (e.g., intermediate partially open positions).

[0303] The side members 1805, 1806 may be integrally formed with the base 1804 or formed separately and then coupled to the base 1804, such that base 1804 and side members 1805, 1806 are fixed relative to one another. As shown in FIGS. 34A-34E, the fixed member 1803 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape with a semi-cylindrical opening for the movable member 1808), such as to complement the exterior shape of a full roll of paper.

However, the fixed member 1803 may have other shapes, which may or may not complement the shape of the paper product.

[0304] Each side member 1805, 1806 is provided on one side or end of the base 1804 forming the ends of the cylinder. As shown best in FIG. 34C, each side member 1805, 1806 has a generally circular shape to complement the semi-cylindrical base 1804. However, each side member 1805, 1806 may be configured having other shapes, which may or may not complement the fixed member. Each side member 1805, 1806 may include a guide 1809 (e.g., track, channel, groove, etc.) that is configured to receive and guide movement of the movable member. For example, each side member 1805, 1806 may include a groove having a circular or semi-circular shape disposed in an inner surface (e.g., the surface facing the opposing side member), where the groove receives a portion (e.g., an edge, tab(s), etc.) of the movable member 1808 to guide movement of the movable member 1808 in a circular direction. Thus, for this example, there are two opposing grooves (with one in each side member) that receive opposite ends/sides of the movable member 1808 to guide the movement of the movable member 1808. Each guide 1809 may be provided near the outer periphery (e.g., an outer diameter) of the side member, which may advantageously maximize interior space in the cavity. Also, for example, each side member 1805, 1806 may include a pair of projections that extend inwardly from an inner surface of the member to form a channel in which the movable member 1808 may be moved within.

[0305] At least one side member 1805, 1806 includes an opening (e.g., the second dispensing aperture 1822 shown in FIG. 36B) for dispensing a paper product from the unit of paper housed in the housing 1802 to outside the system for a user to obtain. Each opening (e.g., aperture) may have a circular shape or other suitable shape. Each opening may extend through the side member into the cavity 1807.

[0306] As shown best in FIGS. 34C and 36B, the first side member 1805 (e.g., panel) includes a bore 1811 extending through the first side member 1805 to allow paper (e.g., a sheet of paper) to be withdrawn from inside the cavity 1807 of the system 1801 to outside the system. The bore 1811 may be defined by an inner surface 1812. The inner surface 1812 includes a first portion extending from an interior side (e.g., from the cavity), which may have a cylindrical shape (as shown). The inner surface 1812 may include a second portion extending from the first portion to an exterior side. The second portion may be configured as a curved portion (e.g., convex curve), a tapered portion, a chamfer, or other suitable shape to provide for a relatively larger exterior opening compared to the interior opening of the bore. The first side member 1805 may include a protrusion 1813 extending outwardly from a base to provide additional material, such as to house additional elements (e.g., a sensor, a dispenser, etc.).

[0307] The movable member 1808 is configured to move relative to the fixed member 1803 (e.g., side members) between a fully open position and a closed position to allow or prevent access to the cavity 1807, respectively. As noted above, the movable member 1808 may be configured to be guided by other elements of the system 1801. For example, the movable member 1808 may ride in a channel, groove, or other feature of one side member or each side member. As shown best in FIGS. 34A-34E, the movable member 1808 has a semi-cylindrical shape that complements the shape of the side members 1805, 1806 (e.g., the channels, grooves, etc. therein). The semi-cylindrical movable member 1808 may pivot (e.g., rotate, etc.) about a pivot axis 1814 (e.g., an axis of rotation) as shown in FIG. 36A between the fully open and closed positions. The movable member 1808 is configurable in any number of intervening partially open positions (i.e., between the fully open and closed positions).

[0308] A chute 1816 may be provided on the fixed member 1803, the movable member 1808, or both the fixed and movable member, such as to direct the paper through an opening. As shown in FIGS. 34A-34E, the movable member 1808 includes a chute 1816 that is configured to at least partially define the first dispensing aperture 1821, such as when the movable member 1808 is in the closed position. The chute 1816 in cooperation with the fixed member 1803 define the first dispensing aperture 1821 when the movable member 1808 is in the closed position. As shown, the chute 1816 may include a radially extending base member and a side member provided on each end of the base member. Each side member may be configured generally perpendicular to the base member to form a generally inverted U-shape (or C-shape) chute defining an opening (e.g., the first dispensing aperture 1821 in FIG. 35 A) for the paper to be dispensed therethrough.

[0309] The paper dispensing system 1801 may include a compound 1823 (e.g., chemistry) that is configured to clean (e.g., sanitize) the paper product being dispensed through one or more openings in the system. As shown in FIG. 36, the paper dispensing system 1801 includes a sensor 1824, a chemical dispenser 1825, and a container 1826 (e.g., reservoir).

[0310] The chemical dispenser 1825 of system 1801 is configured to dispense the cleaning compound onto the paper product that is being dispensed (e.g., withdrawn) from the system 1801 through one or more of the openings (e.g., dispensing apertures) in the system. For example, the dispenser 1825 may be provided in the first side member 1805, such as in in the base and/or the protrusion 1813, and may be configured to dispense the cleaning compound onto the paper product being dispensed through the bore 1811 defining the second dispensing aperture 1822. The dispenser 1825 may be configured to dispense the compound as a spray (e.g., atomized), a stream, or in any suitable manner. The system 1801 may include multiple chemical dispensers. By way of example, the dispensers 1825' shown in FIG. 35B can be used in addition to or in place of the dispenser 1825.

[0311] The sensor 1824 of system 1801 is configured to detect the paper product to control dispensing of the cleaning compound from the dispenser 1825. The sensor 1824 may be configured to detect presence of the paper. For example, the sensor 1824 may be provided in the first side member 1805, such as along the inner surface 1812 that defines the bore 1811, and configured to detect the presence of the paper product 106 in the bore 1811 of the first side member 1805 (see FIG. 36B), and upon detecting such presence, the sensor 1824 may communicate a signal output to the dispenser 1825 to trigger (e.g., actuate) dispensing of the cleaning compound 1823. The sensor 1824 may be configured to detect movement. For example, the sensor 1824 may be configured to detect the movement of the paper product 106 in the bore 1811 of the first side member 1805, and upon detecting such movement, the sensor 1824 may communicate a signal output to the dispenser 1825 to trigger (e.g., actuate) dispensing of the cleaning compound. The dispenser 1825 may be configured to dispense the compound during withdrawal of the paper product, such as to impart the cleaning compound onto the paper product 106 just prior to withdrawal from the system. This method may be more advantageous in several circumstances. For example, it may be advantageous to dispense the compound as each sheet is withdrawn to impart the compound onto each and every sheet. Also, for example, if the effectiveness of the compound may deteriorate (e.g., due to evaporation) over time from exposure to air and/or the paper, it may be advantageous to dispense the compound during withdrawal to limit exposure time of the compound to the air/paper. Alternatively, the dispenser 1825 may be configured to dispense the compound after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., a time delay), such as to impart the compound onto the paper product 106 that is going to be withdrawn. For example, the system 1801 may dispense the compound after a set time following completion of the withdrawal of the paper product 106. Thus, the system 1801 may impart the compound onto the next sheet to be withdrawn from the system. This method may be more advantageous if, for example, the effectiveness of the compound increases over time with exposure to air and/or the paper.

[0312] The container 1826 of system 1801 is configured to house the cleaning compound 1823 in a compartment (e.g., cavity) therein. The container 1826 may be a sealed container that is configured to house a liquid compound. The container 1826 may be disposed in the housing 1802 or coupled to the housing. The container 1826 may be coupled to an outer surface of the base 1804 proximate the second side member 1806, such that the container 1826 is accessible to refill the compartment with cleaning compound without having to move the movable member 1808 or remove the paper product from the system 1801. Alternatively, the container 1826 may be coupled to the second side member 1806 or to any other element (e.g., fixed member, first side member, etc.) of the system 1801. Alternatively, the container 1826 may be integrally formed with an element of the system 1801. For example, the base 1804 may be formed including the container 1826. The container 1826 may include a lid 1827, cap, or other feature that is removable from a body 1828 of the container 1826 to provide access to the compartment once removed. The lid 1827 may be coupled to the body 1828 through any suitable feature (e.g., threads, snaps, etc.).

[0313] The system 1801 may include a fluid conduit 1829 through which the cleaning compound is transferred from the container 1826 to the chemical dispenser 1825. As shown in FIG. 35 A, the fluid conduit 1829 extends from the container 1826 through the base 1804 (e.g., rearward of the roll of the paper product) to the first side member 1805 and connects to the dispenser 1825 provided in the first side member 1805. The fluid conduit 1829 may be routed differently depending on the location of the container 1826. For example, when the container 1826 is located on the second side member 1806, the fluid conduit may be routed through the second side member 1806 (e.g., an opening therein) through a central region of the system to the dispenser provided in the first side member.

[0314] The paper dispensing system 1801 may be configured to receive a unit of paper, such as a roll of paper 106. The roll of paper 106 may be configured having two ends from which sheets of paper may be withdrawn and separated from the roll containing the remaining sheets. As shown in FIG. 36A, the first end 106a of the roll of paper 106 is an outside end that is located at an outer periphery (e.g., outer diameter) and is configured to dispense through the first dispensing aperture 1821; and the second end 106b of the roll of paper 106 is an inside end that is located proximate the pivot axis 1814 (e.g., an inner diameter) and is configured to dispense through the second dispensing aperture 1822. This arrangement may advantageously allow for a single roll of paper to provide both paper that is free (e.g., devoid) of cleaning compound, such as from the first end, and paper that includes cleaning compound, such as from the second end. Thus, the user can decide whether to use compound free paper or paper including compound.

[0315] As an alternate embodiment, the system 1801 may be configured having two dispensers and two containers, with one dispenser associated with each dispensing aperture and one container. The first dispenser may be configured to dispense a first compound and the second dispenser may be configured to dispense a second compound, which may be different than the first compound.

[0316] FIGS. 37-40 illustrate other alternate embodiments of paper dispensing systems 1901, 2001, 2101 that are configured to dispense paper (e.g., toilet paper, paper towel, hand wipes, etc.) from two different apertures (e.g., openings, notches, orifices, etc.).

[0317] As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the system 1901 includes first and second side members 1905, 1906 (e.g., panels), a base 1904, and a movable member 1908 (e.g., panel). Each member may be configured the same as or similar to the members discussed above, except for the noted differences. The movable member 1908 of the system 1901 is configured to pivot about a pivot

1909 (e.g., hinge) that is disposed on the fixed member (e.g., the base 1904) between a closed position and a fully open position. The pivot 1909 is offset from a longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis about which the paper rotates) in a radial direction. Preferably, the pivot 1909 of the movable member 1908 is located on the side of the fixed member that is opposite the mounting surface of the base 1904 to allow the movable member 1908 to pivot away from the object (e.g., wall, vanity, etc.) that the base is secured to. The system 1901 may include a locking element (e.g., latch, detent, etc.) that is configured to selectively lock the movable member 1908 and the fixed member together in the closed position. The system 1901 may include a releasing element (e.g., button, lever, etc.) that is configured to release the locking element to allow the movable member to pivot relative to the fixed member to an open position.

[0318] Also shown, the first side member 1905 includes a first dispensing aperture 1911 through which a first paper product (e.g., a first end 106a of the roll) can be dispensed; and the second side member 1906 includes a second dispensing aperture through which a second paper product (e.g., a second end 106b of the roll) can be dispensed. The first and second dispensing apertures may be located on opposite sides of the system to dispense paper (e.g., sheets of toilet paper) from each side. Thus, the system 1901, as shown, is configured as a horizontal dispenser. The system 1901 may include a dispenser configured to spray cleaning compound onto one of the first and second paper products while the other of the products may not include the cleaning compound or may include a different cleaning compound. For example, a dispenser 1915 may be located on the first side member 1905 to direct the compound onto the first end 106a of the roll while the paper is withdrawn through the first dispensing aperture 1911. A dispenser may be located on the second side member 1906 to direct the compound onto the second end 106b of the roll while the paper is withdrawn through the second dispensing aperture.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toilet comprising:

a bowl;

a tank configured to hold water;

a flush valve within the tank, comprising:

a valve body fluidly connecting the tank and the bowl;

a float moveable relative to the valve body to open and close the flush valve; and

a guide member coupled to the valve body for guiding movement of the float, wherein the guide member includes a chamber that is configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water;

wherein the cleaning compound is dispensed into the bowl through the valve body with the flush valve open.

2. The toilet of Claim 1, wherein an end of the guide member is directly coupled to the valve body and the chamber of the guide member is fluidly connected to an inner chamber of the valve body.

3. The toilet of any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the flush valve further includes a dispenser fluidly connected to the chamber of the guide member that is configured to selectively dispense the cleaning compound toward the bowl through an inner chamber of the valve body.

4. The toilet of Claim 3, wherein the dispenser includes a body, at least one nozzle through which the cleaning compound is dispensed, and a fluid passage through the body fluidly connecting the at least one nozzle and the chamber of the guide member.

5. The toilet of any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a fill valve that is disposed in the tank, the fill valve comprising:

an inlet for receiving water from a source; and

a fluid conduit supplying water to the flush valve.

6. The toilet of Claim 5, wherein the chamber of the guide member is a longitudinal bore extending through an end of the guide member that is opposite the valve member, and wherein the fluid conduit supplies the water to a supply ring that is coupled to the end of the guide member, and the supply ring supplies water to the chamber of the guide member.

7. The toilet of any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a sensor disposed in the flush valve that measures a concentration of the cleaning compound and communicates the measured concentration to a controller.

8. The toilet of Claim 7, further comprising an indicator comprising a light source, wherein the light source is illuminated by a signal from the controller based on the concentration of the cleaning compound.

9. The toilet of Claim 8, wherein the light source is illuminated upon the concentration of the cleaning compound falling below a threshold concentration.

10. The toilet of Claim 9, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the tank for concealing the contents of the tank, wherein the light source is disposed on the lid.

11. The toilet of Claim 10, wherein the controller is coupled to the lid and communicates with the sensor wirelessly, and wherein the lid includes a user interface for adjusting the concentration of the cleaning compound.

12. A toilet configured to receive water from a water supply, the toilet comprising: a bowl;

a tank configured to retain the water;

a fill valve disposed in the tank and configured to receive the water; a container disposed in the tank and fluidly connected to the fill valve to receive the water, the container configured to contain a chemical compound; and

a flush valve connected to the container to receive the chemical compound and the water, the flush valve comprising:

a valve body fluidly connecting the bowl and the tank; and

a movable member that is configured to move relative to the valve body to open the flush valve to dispense an amount of the chemical compound and the water to the bowl through the valve body.

13. The toilet of Claim 12, wherein the container is supported by a wall of the tank.

14. The toilet of Claim 13, further comprising:

a housing mounted to the wall and configured to retain the container;

an inlet line fluidly connecting the fill valve with an inlet of the container; and an outlet line fluidly connecting an outlet of the container with the flush valve.

15. The toilet of Claim 14, further comprising a diffusing tube fluidly connected to the inlet line and the outlet line, the diffusing tube comprising a plurality of spaced apart openings fluidly connecting an inside of the tube to a reservoir of the container containing the chemical compound.

16. The toilet of Claim 15, further comprising a strainer disposed in the reservoir of the container and configured to contain the chemical compound, wherein the strainer includes at least one hole to fluidly communicate the chemical compound with the water in the reservoir.

17. The toilet of Claim 16, further comprising a cap that couples to and decouples from an inlet of the container through an attachment feature, wherein the strainer is removable from the container with the cap decoupled from the inlet.

18. The toilet of Claim 17, further comprising:

a removable shroud covering an opening in the tank to conceal the fill valve and the flush valve in the tank, the shroud including an opening for accessing the cap without removing the shroud from the tank; and

a removable lid covering the shroud.

19. The toilet of any one of Claims 12-18, further comprising a controller that controls the volume of the cleaning compound.

20. The toilet of Claim 19, wherein the controller also controls a concentration of the cleaning compound by controlling at least one of a volume in a reservoir of the container, a flow rate of the chemical compound and the water from the container, or a volume of the chemical compound in the reservoir.

AMENDED CLAIMS

received by the International Bureau on 24 January 2017 (24.01 .2017)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toilet comprising:

a bowl;

a tank configured to hold water;

a flush valve within the tank, comprising:

a valve body fluidly connecting the tank and the bowl;

a float moveable relative to the valve body to open and close the flush valve; and

a guide member coupled to the valve body for guiding movement of the float, wherein the guide member includes a chamber that is configured to hold a cleaning compound comprising a chemical compound and water;

wherein the cleaning compound is dispensed into the bowl through the valve body with the flush valve open.

2. The toilet of Claim 1, wherein an end of the guide member is directly coupled to the valve body and the chamber of the guide member is fluidly connected to an inner chamber of the valve body.

3. The toilet of any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the flush valve further includes a dispenser fluidly connected to the chamber of the guide member that is configured to selectively dispense the cleaning compound toward the bowl through an inner chamber of the valve body.

4. The toilet of Claim 3, wherein the dispenser includes a body, at least one nozzle through which the cleaning compound is dispensed, and a fluid passage through the body fluidly connecting the at least one nozzle and the chamber of the guide member.

5. The toilet of any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a fill valve that is disposed in the tank, the fill valve comprising:

an inlet for receiving water from a source; and

a fluid conduit supplying water to the flush valve.

6. The toilet of Claim 5, wherein the chamber of the guide member is a longitudinal bore extending through an end of the guide member that is opposite the valve member, and wherein the fluid conduit supplies the water to a supply ring that is coupled to the end of the guide member, and the supply ring supplies water to the chamber of the guide member.

7. The toilet of any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a sensor disposed in the flush valve that measures a concentration of the cleaning compound and communicates the measured concentration to a controller.

8. The toilet of Claim 7, further comprising an indicator comprising a light source, wherein the light source is illuminated by a signal from the controller based on the concentration of the cleaning compound.

9. The toilet of Claim 8, wherein the light source is illuminated upon the concentration of the cleaning compound falling below a threshold concentration.

10. The toilet of Claim 9, further comprising a lid removably coupled to the tank for concealing the contents of the tank, wherein the light source is disposed on the lid.

11. The toilet of Claim 10, wherein the controller is coupled to the lid and communicates with the sensor wirelessly, and wherein the lid includes a user interface for adjusting the concentration of the cleaning compound.

12. A toilet configured to receive water from a water supply, the toilet comprising: a bowl;

a tank configured to retain the water;

a fill valve disposed in the tank and configured to receive the water;

a container disposed in the tank and fluidly connected to the fill valve to receive the water, the container having a reservoir;

a strainer disposed in the reservoir of the container and configured to contain a chemical compound, wherein the strainer includes at least one hole to fluidly communicate the chemical compound with the water in the container;

a cap that couples to and decouples from an inlet of the container through an attachment feature, wherein the strainer is removable from the container with the cap decoupled from the inlet; and

a flush valve connected to the container to receive the chemical compound and the water, the flush valve comprising:

a valve body fluidly connecting the bowl and the tank; and

a movable member that is configured to move relative to the valve body to open the flush valve to dispense an amount of the chemical compound and the water to the bowl through the valve body.

13. The toilet of Claim 12, wherein the container is supported by a wall of the tank.

14. The toilet of Claim 13, further comprising:

a housing mounted to the wall and configured to retain the container;

an inlet line fluidly connecting the fill valve with an inlet of the container; and an outlet line fluidly connecting an outlet of the container with the flush valve.

15. The toilet of Claim 14, further comprising a diffusing tube fluidly connected to the inlet line and the outlet line, the diffusing tube comprising a plurality of spaced apart openings fluidly connecting an inside of the tube to the reservoir of the container containing the strainer and the chemical compound.

16. (Canceled)

17. (Canceled)

18. The toilet of Claim 12, further comprising:

a removable shroud covering an opening in the tank to conceal the fill valve and the flush valve in the tank, the shroud including an opening for accessing the cap without removing the shroud from the tank; and

a removable lid covering the shroud.

19. The toilet of any one of Claims 12-15 and 18, further comprising a controller that controls the volume of the cleaning compound.

20. The toilet of Claim 19, wherein the controller also controls a concentration of the cleaning compound by controlling at least one of a volume in a reservoir of the container, a flow rate of the chemical compound and the water from the container, or a volume of the chemical compound in the reservoir.