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Title:
FLUSH MECHANISM FOR TOILETS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/060999
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank can include a rigid siphon body with a siphon inlet, a siphon outlet, and a siphon passage. A flexible conduit can be secured to the siphon outlet to provide a liquid flow path between the siphon outlet and the flush port. The rigid siphon body can be configured to float within the tank in a rest configuration, and to be submerged to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to the flush port to flush the toilet.

Inventors:
PARKER PETER (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2019/051444
Publication Date:
March 26, 2020
Filing Date:
September 17, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PARKER PETER M (US)
International Classes:
E03D1/33; E03D1/34; E03D1/35
Foreign References:
US2090551A1937-08-17
US20110197974A12011-08-18
US4249559A1981-02-10
KR20090039342A2009-04-22
US20130014831A12013-01-17
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FOSTER, Rory, E. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank that includes a flush port, the flush mechanism comprising:

a rigid siphon body with a siphon inlet, a siphon outlet, and a siphon passage; and a flexible conduit secured to the siphon outlet to provide a liquid flow path between the siphon outlet and the flush port;

the rigid siphon body being configured:

to float within the tank in a rest configuration; and

to be submerged to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to the flush port to flush the toilet via, successively, flow through the siphon inlet, the siphon passage, the siphon outlet, and the flexible conduit.

2. The flush mechanism of Claim I, further comprising:

a float configured to support the rigid siphon body to cause the rigid siphon body to float within the tank in the rest configuration.

3. The flush mechanism of Claim 2, wherein the float defines a float inlet and a float outlet; wherein the siphon-driven flow of liquid flows, in succession, through the float inlet, the siphon inlet, the siphon passage, the siphon outlet, the float outlet, and the flexible conduit.

4. The flush mechanism of Claim 1 , wherein the rigid siphon body fully encloses the siphon passage, other than at the siphon inlet, the siphon outlet, and a refill port.

5. The flush mechanism of Claim 4, wherein the refill port is formed as a spigot along a side wall or a top wall of the rigid siphon body.

6. The flush mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the rigid siphon body at least partly defines a pressurization cavity within the rigid siphon body.

10

7. The flush mechanism of Claim 6, wherein the pressurization cavity is configured, when the rigid siphon body is submerged, to initially retain an air pocket adjacent to the siphon-driven flow.

8. The flush mechanism of Claim 1, further comprising:

an outlet fitting configured to secure the flexible conduit to the flush port;

wherein the outlet fitting includes a tube connector configured to engage the flexible conduit, and a drainage port that is eccentrically disposed relative to the outlet fitting; and

wherein the drainage port is aligned with the flush port

9. The flush mechanism of Claim 1, further comprising:

an inlet fitting configured to engage the siphon inlet to receive liquid from the tank

10. The flush mechanism of Claim 9, wherein the inlet fitting includes an oblong inlet opening.

11. The flush mechanism of Claim 10, wherein the inlet fitting includes a substantially circular insertion end that is configured to engage the siphon inlet.

12. The flush mechanism of Claim 9, with the tank including a base wall that includes the flush port, wherein the inlet fitting includes discrete extensions configured to space an inlet opening of the inlet fitting from a base wall of the tank.

13. The flush mechanism of Claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit includes an extended configuration when the rigid siphon body is in the rest configuration, and a compressed configuration when the rigid siphon body is submerged; and

wherein the flexible conduit is configured as a default-compressed conduit.

14. A flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank that includes a flush port, the flush mechanism comprising:

a siphon arrangement configured to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to the flush port to flush the toilet; and

an outlet fitting configured to secure the siphon arrangement to the flush port;

the outlet fitting including a connector configured to engage a conduit of the siphon arrangement, and a drainage port that is eccentrically disposed relative to the outlet fitting; and the drainage port being aligned with the flush port.

15. The flush mechanism of Claim 14, wherein the siphon arrangement includes:

a rigid siphon body with a siphon inlet, a siphon outlet, and a siphon passage; and a flexible conduit secured to the siphon outlet to provide a liquid flow path for a siphon- driven flow between the siphon outlet and the flush port.

16. The flush mechanism of Claim 15, further comprising:

a float configured to support the rigid siphon body to cause the rigid siphon body to float within the tank;

wherein the siphon-drive fl ow passes through a float inlet passage and a float outlet passage separately from the siphon inlet and the siphon outlet.

17. The flush mechanism of Claim 16, wherein the rigid siphon body and the float fully enclose a siphon flow' path that extends, in succession through the float inlet passage, the siphon inlet, the siphon passage, the siphon outlet, and the float outlet passage, other than at an entrance to the float inlet passage and an exit from the float outlet passage.

18. The flush mechanism of Claim 15, wherein the rigid siphon body at least partly defines a pressurization cavity within the rigid siphon body at a top end or a lateral side of the siphon passage; and

wdierein the pressurization cavity at least partly defines a cross-sectional flow area along the liquid flow path that is larger than a cross-sectional flow area at the siphon inlet or the siphon outlet.

19. The flush mechanism of Claim 13, with the tank including a base wall that includes the flush port, the flush mechanism further comprising:

an inlet fitting configured to engage the rigid siphon body to receive liquid from the tank; wherein the inlet fitting includes discrete extensions configured to space an inlet opening of the inlet fitting from a base wall of the tank.

20. A flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank that includes a flush port, the flush mechanism comprising:

a rigid siphon body with an inlet extension defining a siphon inlet, an outlet extension defining a siphon outlet, and a siphon passage extending between the siphon inlet and the siphon outlet;

a float configured to engage the rigid siphon body in alignment with the inlet extension and the outlet extension to buoyantly support the rigid siphon body relative to liquid in the tank; and a flexible conduit secured to the siphon outlet to provide a liquid flow path between the siphon outlet and the flush port;

the rigid siphon body being configured:

to float within the tank in a rest configuration, and

to be submerged to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to the flush port to flush the toilet via, successively, flow through the siphon inlet, the siphon passage, the siphon outlet, and the flexible conduit; and

the rigid siphon body including at least one of:

a top wall or a side wall that at least partly defines a pressurization cavity within the rigid siphon body; or

a refill port formed along the side wall or the top wall of the rigid siphon body.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/732,298 filed on September 17, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

0002] Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] This disclosure relates to toilets, including toilets configured for operation by gravity- driven water flows from elevated tanks.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Conventional toilets include a toilet tank with an internal flush port (e.g., flanged tank opening) at the bottom thereof. A fl apper resting on top of the flush port generally forms a seal to stop the flow of water through the flush valve. When a toilet handle outside the tank is manually activated, the flapper is lifted, thereby allowing water to flow through the flush port and into a toilet bowl to flush the toilet. However, degradation in the flapper and/or the flush port can result in degeneration of the seal between the two components, leading to undesired leakage of water from the tank.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Embodiments of the invention can include a flush mechanism for a toilet, which may be useful in reducing leakage from a toilet tank.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, a flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank can include a rigid siphon body with a siphon inlet, a siphon outlet, and a siphon passage. A flexible conduit can be secured to the siphon outlet to provide a liquid flow path between the siphon outlet and the flush port. The rigid siphon body can be configured to float within the tank in a rest configuration, and to be submerged to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to the flush port to flush the toilet via, successively, flow through the siphon inlet, the siphon passage, the siphon outlet, and the flexible conduit.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, a flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank includes a siphon arrangement configured to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to a flush port to flush the toilet, and an outlet fitting configured to secure the siphon arrangement to the flush port. The outlet fitting can include a connector configured to engage a conduit of the siphon arrangement, and a drainage port that is eccentri cally disposed relative to the outlet fitting. The drainage port can be aligned with the flush port.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention a flush mechanism for a toilet with a tank includes a rigid siphon body, a float, and a flexible conduit. The rigid siphon body can have an inlet extension defining a siphon inlet, an outlet extension defining a siphon outlet, and a siphon passage extending between the siphon inlet and the siphon outlet. The float can be configured to receive the inlet extension and the outlet extension to buoyantly support the rigid siphon body relative to liquid in the tank. The flexible conduit can be secured to the siphon outlet to provide a liquid flow path between the siphon outlet and the flush port. The rigid siphon body can be configured to float within the tank in a rest configuration, and to be submerged to establish a siphon-driven flow of liquid from the tank to the flush port to flush the toilet via, successively, flow through the siphon inlet, the siphon passage, the siphon outlet, and the flexible conduit. The rigid siphon body can include at least one of a top wall that at least partly defines a pressurization cavity within the rigid siphon body, at a top end of the siphon passage, or a refill port formed along a side wall or the top wall of the rigid siphon body.

[0009] The details of some embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below, along with certain features and advantages. Other embodiments, and other features and advantages, will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an outlet fitting for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a rigid siphon body and an inlet fitting for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a float for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a float assembly for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention, including the rigid siphon body and the inlet fitting of FIG. 2 and the float of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a flexible tube for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a flush mechanism arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, including the outlet fitting of FIG I , the float assembly of FIG. 4, and the flexible tube of FIG. 5;

[0016] FIGS 7 through 9 are isometric elevation views of the flush mechanism of FIG. 6, as installed in a toilet tank, at different stages of operation;

[0017] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an outlet fitting for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an outlet fitting assembly for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention, including the outlet fitting of FIG 10 and an overflow drain tube;

[0019] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a rigid siphon body for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a float for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a flexible tube for a flush mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a flush mechanism arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, including the outlet fitting assembly of FIG. 11, the rigid siphon body of FIG. 12, the float of FIG. 13, and the flexible tube of FIG. 14; [0023] FIG. 16 is another isometric view of the flush mechanism arrangement of FIG. 15; and [0024] FIG. 17 is another isometric view of the flush mechanism arrangement of FIG. 15.

[0025] Like reference numerals in the drawings indicate like components, parts, or operations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0027] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of constructi on and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or“having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0028] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms“mounted,”“connected,”“supported,” “coupled,” and the like thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,“connected” and“coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms“a,” “an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will he further understood that any use of terms“comprises” and/or“comprising” in this specification specifies the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof

[0030] As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited,“flexible” indicates a feature that is configured to be bendable, compressible, bendable and compressible, or otherwise deformable.

[0031] As noted above, conventional flush mechanisms for toilets can include flush valves that are sealed by flappers, which can be prone to leakage. Embodiments of the invention can address this issue, or others. For example, some embodiments of the invention can provide a flush mechanism that relies on establishing a siphon between an elevated tank and a toilet bowl to move water from a toilet tank into a toilet bowl. In some cases, this can eliminate the need for a flapper and the corresponding likelihood of undesired leakage. Further, some embodiments of the invention can include siphon mechanisms that can be readily manufactured and assembled, without requiring bending of siphon tubes.

[0032] FIGS. I through 5 illustrate certain components of a flush mechanism 100, which is illustrated as assembled in FIG. 6 and as installed in a toilet tank 102 in FIGS. 7 through 9 The configuration of these components for, and their inclusion in, the flush mechanism 100 is presented as an example only. In other embodiments, other components and other configurations are possible.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an outlet fitting 104 for use with the flush mechanism 100. Generally, an outlet fitting for a flush mechanism according to the invention can be configured to be secured to a toilet tank at a flush port of a tank, in order to provide a terminus, at the flush port, for a flow path of the flush mechanism. To this end, for example, the outlet fitting 104 includes an extension 106 configured to extend through a flush port of a toilet tank (not shown in FIG. I), and a tube connector configured as a conduit seat 108, which is configured to be disposed inside of the tank. In the embodiment illustrated for the flush mechanism 100, the extension 106 is a threaded extension, which may assist in relatively easy attachment of the outlet fitting 104 to a relevant tank.

[0034] In different embodiments, different configurations are possible. As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, the conduit seat 108 can generally exhibit a larger characteristic width (e.g., diameter) than the extension 106. This may be useful, for example, to provide an appropriate seat for a flexible tube (as discussed below) and to retain the conduit seat 108 within the relevant tank.

[0035] In some embodiments, also as illustrated in FIG. 1, the conduit seat 108 can be eccentrically disposed relative to the extension 106, and relative to a drainage port 110 through the extension 106. This may be useful, for example, to allow for an appropriately wide profile of the conduit seat 108, while also allowing the outlet fitting 104 to be appropriately installed in toilet tanks in which the flush port is eccentrically located or is otherwise subject to (or itself imposes) space restrictions. In some embodiments, eccentric arrangements, such as is illustrated in FIG. 1 , can assist in appropriately installing a siphon arrangement, such as the arrangement included in the flush mechanism 100, in even a relatively narrow' tank (e.g , as measured front to back).

[0036] In some embodiments, an outlet fitting can be configured to provide a liquid-tight seal with a toilet tank at the flush port. For example, a gasket, such as a tapered gasket (not shown), can be formed with or seated on the outlet fitting 104. In this regard, for example, using the threads on the extension 106 to secure the outlet fitting 104 at a flush port can compress a gasket at the flush port in order to prevent water from flowing out of the flush port, except through the interior of the extension 106 (e.g., through the drainage port 110).

[0037] Some embodiments of the invention can include relatively rigid siphon inlet assemblies, through which water from a toilet tank can be drawn to establish a siphon-driven flow to drain the tank and thereby flush the relevant toilet. Constructing a siphon inlet mainly from rigid material may be useful, for example, in order to prevent structures that provide flow paths for the water from being overly-compressed, or even crushed, by pressure differences in the larger system, or by other factors.

[0038] As one example, FIG. 2 illustrates a siphon inlet assembly 1 16 according to an embodiment of the invention, with a rigid siphon body 118. In the embodiment illustrated for the flush mechanism 100, the rigid siphon body 118 is formed as a substantially rigid integral shell, from substantially rigid plastic, with an oblong cylindrical body portion 120, a top wall 122 with tapered edges (see, e.g., FIG. 4), a siphon inlet 124, and a siphon outlet 126. Generally, as also discussed below, the rigid siphon body 1 18 is configured to be floated within a tank in a rest configuration, then to be submerged within the w'ater of the tank to establish a siphon flow' along a siphon flow path that extends from the siphon inlet 124, through the body portion 120, to the siphon outlet 126.

[0039] Generally, a rigid siphon body can be configured to fully enclose a siphon flow path (e.g., as described above), except for a siphon inlet and a siphon outlet. In some embodiments, however, certain other openings can be provided. For example, in the embodiment illustrated for the flush mechanism 100, the rigid siphon body 118 includes the siphon inlet 124 and the siphon outlet 126, as also discussed above. Further, a spigot 128 extends through the rigid siphon body 118, near the top wall 122 (see, e.g., FIG. 4), to provide an additional inlet into the siphon flow path. In some arrangements, as also discussed below, the spigot 128 can provide a bowl refill port to receive a flow' of water to refill a bowl of a toilet during a flushing cycle. In some cases, a spigot or other similar port can be provided on siphon bodies (or other bodies) that have different configurations that the siphon body 118 or can be provided at other locations, such as on an outlet fitting (e.g., the outlet fitting 104) or at other locations. In some embodiments, no spigot or similar port.

10040] In some embodiments, a siphon body can be configured to define a pressurization cavity along a siphon passage. For example, a siphon body can be configured with a flow cross section within an internal part of the siphon body that is somewhat larger than a flow' cross section at an inlet or outlet of the siphon body. In this way, for example, as a siphon flow is being established, air trapped within the pressurization cavity can be pressurized or, at a minimum, air that might have otherwise impeded the siphon flow can he trapped in areas of a siphon body that are peripheral to the siphon flow. In some embodiments, this pressurization, or related effects, can supplement the driving force of the hydrostatic head of water in the toilet tank, to further accelerate water flow' into the toilet bowl. In this regard, for example, the top wall 122 of the rigid siphon body 1 18 defines a pressurization cavity 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) at a top end of the body portion 120 of the rigid siphon body 1 18, along which a cross section of the available fluid flow' path is larger than the smallest cross-sections of the siphon inlet and outlet 124, 126.

[0041] In some embodiments, a siphon inlet assembly can be formed as a multi-piece assembly. This may be useful , for example, in order to allow for relatively easy manufacturing and assembly, as well as to accommodate customization for particular toilets. Further, rigid or otherwise constituted siphon assemblies that are formed fro multiple pieces, including as discussed below, can provide improved performance and reliability, while also proving easier to manufacture and assemble. For example, avoiding the need to bend siphon tubes, such as by providing multi-piece siphon assemblies that collectively provide a bent siphon flow path, can lead to simpler manufacturing and assembly and increased reliability (e.g., because potential instabilities or other weaknesses of certain bent parts can be avoided).

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated for the flush mechanism 100, for example, the siphon inlet assembly 116 further includes an inlet fitting 132 that is assembled with the rigid siphon body 118 to collectively define a continuous siphon flow path through both components 118, 132 and through the siphon inlet assembly 116 generally. Generally, the inlet fitting 132 is configured to engage the siphon inlet 124 to receive liquid from the tank and to guide flow of the liquid into the rigid siphon body 118 along the siphon flow path.

[0043] In some embodiments, an inlet of a siphon inlet assembly can be configured to exhibit an oblong geometry. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the inlet fitting 132 includes a substantially circular insertion end 132a and an oblong inlet end 132b with a corresponding oblong inlet opening. The oblong configuration of the inlet end 132b, for example, can provide clearance between the inlet fitting 132 and a compressible tube attached at the siphon outlet 126 (as also discussed below), including when the tube is compressed axially to exhibit a wider radial profile.

[0044] In some embodiments, an inlet of a siphon inlet assembly can be configured to help prevent the siphon inlet assembly from engaging a bottom wall of a tank (or other feature), as may disadvantageous! y disrupt siphon flow or otherwise detrimentally affect system performance. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, the inlet fitting 132 includes a set of discrete extensions, formed as integral rectangular posts 134. As also discussed below, the posts 134 can help to ensure appropriate spacing between the inlet end 132b and a bottom wall of a tank during operation of the siphon inlet assembly 1 16. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible to provide inlet openings for an inlet fitting, such as configurations in which a grating or mesh is provided at an intake end of such a fitting.

[0045] In some embodiments, a float can be configured to enhance the buoyancy of a siphon inlet assembly, so that the siphon inlet assembly appropriately floats within a toilet tank in a rest configuration, and a deliberate actuation force is required to submerge the siphon inlet assembly and thereby establish a siphon-driven flushing flow. As one example, FIG. 3 illustrates a float 136 configured as a single-piece body with a central opening 138 that is configured to receive the siphon inlet 124 and the siphon outlet 126 (see FIG. 2). Protrusions 140 are provided into the central opening 138, and, in the embodiment illustrated, are configured to extend partly between the siphon inlet 124 and the siphon outlet 126, in order to appropriately secure and lift the rigid siphon body 1 18 (see FIG. 2). [0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an example assembled configuration of a float arrangement 152 that includes the float 136 and the siphon inlet assembly 1 16. In the embodiment illustrated, an outlet end of the siphon outlet 126 and an inlet end of the siphon inlet 124 are substantially flush with a bottom side of the float 136. In contrast, the inlet end 13:2b of the inlet fitting 132, and the posts 134, extend substantially clear of the bottom side of the float 136.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an example flexible conduit for use with the flush mechanism 100, configured as a corrugated bellows tube 154, which can be compressed and extended axially. Generally, the tube 154 is configured to exhibit a compressed length (e.g., when fully compressed along a direction 156), and an extended length (e.g., when fully extended along the direction 156), and any variety of lengths therebetween. The tube 154 can generally be configured to exhibit any number of extended, resting, and compressed lengths, as may be appropriate for a particular application.

[0048] In the embodiment illustrated, the tube 154 is configured as a default-compressed conduit, exhibiting a resting length that is generally equal to the compressed length (see FIG. 9) This can be useful, for example, in order to allow the tube 154 to be relatively easily compressed when a toilet is flushed, or to help reduce initial resistance to actuation of a flushing cycle. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible.

[0049] Generally, a flexible tube for a flush mechanism according to the invention can be configured to be secured at one end to a seal assembly for a flush port, and at another end to a siphon inlet assembly, so as to define a flexible (e.g., compressible) flow path between the flush port and the siphon inlet assembly. To this end, for example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the tube 154 includes a somewhat narrow cylindrical portion 158 at a first end, and a somewhat wider cylindrical portion 160 at a second end. The cylindrical portion 158 is generally configured to nest with a corresponding extension of a siphon inlet assembly, such as the siphon outlet 126 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) in order to provide a fluid-tight seal. Likewise, the cylindrical portion 160 is generally configured to nest around the conduit seat 108 (see, e.g., FIG. 1), also in order to provide a fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments, adhesive or other joining techniques (e.g., ultrasonic welding) can be used to enhance one or more of these seals. In some embodiments, other attachment and sealing arrangements are possible. For example, an end of a conduit may seat around a siphon outlet and may nest within a seal assembly.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an example assembled configuration of the flush mechanism 100, including the float arrangement 152, the tube 154, and the outlet fitting 104. In some embodiments, the flush mechanism 100 can be assembled before being installed in a relevant toilet tank. In some embodiments, the flush mechanism 100 can be assembled, in whole or in part, after being installed in a relevant toilet tank. In some embodiments, a refill conduit (not shown in FIG. 6) can be engaged with the spigot 128, in order for a refill flow for a toilet bowl to be directed through the rigid siphon body 1 18 directly into the tube 154.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the flush mechanism 100 is installed in the toilet tank 102 and the tank 102 is filled with w'ater, the float 136 can cause the siphon flow path of the body portion 120 of the rigid siphon body 1 18 to be disposed substantially above the water level of the tank 102. Accordingly, although the inlet end 132b of the inlet fitting 132 is disposed below the water level of the tank 102, water from the tank does not tend to flow through the rigid siphon body 1 18 into the tube 154. Further, because the spigot 128 is also disposed above the w'ater level of the tank 102, the system may also be generally protected against back-siphoning into the fill system of the toilet.

[0052] With the flush mechanism 100 disposed as illustrated in FIG. 7, a flush actuator can be actuated in order to appropriately submerge the rigid siphon body 1 18 below the water level of the tank 102. As illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, an internal lever 170 can be actuated by an external handle 172, in order to push the rigid siphon body 118 downward within the tank 102. In other embodiments, other devices (e.g., chain or cable systems) can be used.

[0053] When (or as) the rigid siphon body 1 18 is submerged, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the hydrostatic pressure of the water within the tank 102 can initiate a flow of w'ater from the tank 102, into the rigid siphon body 1 18 via the inlet fitting 132. With sufficient volumetric flow, as can be induced with sufficient submergence of the rigid siphon body 1 18, the w'ater can substantially fill the siphon flow path within the rigid siphon body 118, so that a siphon-driven flow 7 through the siphon inlet assembly 116 is established.

[0054] Once appropriately established, this siphon-driven flow can continue, draining the tank 102 into the toilet bowl (not shown) until the water level of the tank 102 falls below the inlet end 132b of the inlet fitting 132, as illustrated in FIG. 9. With the siphon having thus been broken, a rising water level in the tank 102 can then lift the float arrangement 70 to the rest configuration of FIG. 6, without 'ater leaking from the tank 102 through the siphon inlet assembly 116 and into the toilet bowl. Meanwhile, as the tank 102 is being emptied and refilled, water to refill the bowl - and, potentially, to accelerate the flushing operation, can be provided via the spigot 128.

[0055] Usefully, because the flow from the tank 102 into the toilet bowl may be primarily siphon-driven, rather than gravity driven as in conventional flush mechanisms, the velocity of the flow may be largely independent of the water level within the tank 102 - at least until the water level falls below the inlet of the siphon inlet assembly 1 16 (e.g., the end 132b of the inlet fiting 132). Because the quality of a flush may depend significantly on the velocity of water entering the toilet bowl this arrangement may result in relatively substantial improvement in flushing performance as compared to conventional systems.

[0056] In some embodiments, as also discussed above, the pressurization cavity 130 can help to establish a relatively fast siphon-driven flow. For example, during a flushing operation, but before the pressurization cavity 130 has filled with water, the submerging of the rigid siphon body 1 18 can pressurize air that is trapped in the pressurization cavity 130. This pressurized air, alone or in combination with other factors, can help to accelerate flow' of water within the rigid siphon body 118, in order to quickly and reliably establish an appropriately fast siphon-driven flow.

[0057] Referring in particular to FIG. 9, other benefits of the illustrated embodiment are also apparent. For example, as the water level in the tank 102 decreases, the posts 134 eventually contact a bottom wall 102a of the tank 102 and thereby prevent the inlet end 132b of the inlet fitting 132 from being suctioned onto the bottom wall 102a. In this way, for example, the flush mechanism 100 can be ensured of being appropriately reset to the configuration of FIG. 6.

[0058] As another exampl e, the corrugated configuration of the tube 154 results in the tube 154 exhibiting a relatively large overall diameter when compressed. As also discussed above, the oblong configuration of the inlet end 132b of the inlet fitting 132 can provide appropriate clearance relative to the tube 154, even when the tube 154 is maximally compressed in the axial direction and, accordingly, maximally extended in the radial direction.

[0059] FIGS. 10 through 14 illustrate certain components of a flush mechanism 200, which is illustrated as assembled in FIGS. 15-17, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, the configuration of these components for, and their inclusion in, the flush mechanism 200 is presented as an example only. Each of these components, and the overall assembly, share certain similar aspects to the flush mechanism 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9 However, the flush mechanisms 100 and 200 vary in some aspects, some of which will be described below. [0060] FIG. 10 illustrates an outlet fitting 204 for use with the flush mechanism 200. The outlet fitting 204 is generally similar to the outlet fitting 104 of FIG. 1, but also varies from the fitting 104 in some aspects. For example, the outlet fitting 204, which includes an extension 206 and a conduit seat 208, is configured to be used as a component of an outlet fitting assembly 210, shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the outlet fitting 204 includes an overflow drainage port 214 that is configured to receive an overflow drain tube 212 (see FIG. 11). In the embodiment illustrated, the overflow drainage port 214 couples to the overflow drain tube 212 by way of a press fit. However, additional embodiments may provide an overflow drainage port and an overflow drain tube that are threadably connected, connected with adhesive, formed as an integral component, or otherwise manufactured.

[0061] Still referring to FIG. 11, the overflow drain tube 212 can provide a path for excess water to drain if a tank in which it is installed ever overfills and thereby prevent tank overflows. More specifically, the overflow drain tube 212 directs extra water in the tank to the bowl via the extension 206. For example, if water reaches the top of the overflow drain tube 212 (see FIG. 1 1), the overflow drain tube 212 provides a path for the excess water to drain through the outlet fitting 204, via overflow 7 drainage port 214, and thereby prevent tank overflow.

[0062] FIG. 12 illustrates a siphon inlet assembly 216 according to another embodiment of the invention, with a rigid siphon body 218. Similar to the rigid siphon body 1 18 in FIG. 2, the rigid siphon body 218 is formed as a substantially rigid integral shell, from substantially rigid plastic, with an oblong cylindrical body portion 220, a top wall 222, a siphon inlet 224, and a siphon outlet 226. In contrast to the siphon body 1 18, however, the top wall 222 of the siphon body 218 is generally flat (i.e., it does not include tapered edges).

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the siphon body 218 does not include a spigot or other port, such as may be used for a bowl refill flow or for other purposes. In some cases, however, a spigot or other port can be provided (e.g., similar to the spigot 128 of FIG. 4) at any number of locations on the siphon body 218 or on other components of the flush mechanism 200.

[0064] As also noted above, some embodiments can include a pressurization cavity that provides an internal volume into which air within a siphon assembly can be received and retained. For some configurations, such a cavity can help to provide a pressure boost for a siphon flow or at least provide a reservoir for trapped air that can allow the air to be retained out of the way of the siphon flow'. In some embodiments, a pressurization cavity can be formed towards the top (e.g., along a top wall) of a siphon float or siphon body, including as shown for the pressurization cavity 130 (see FIG 4). In some embodiments, a pressurization cavity can be formed in other locations. For example, the siphon body 218 is formed to extend laterally beyond the siphon inlet 224 and the siphon outlet 226 (i.e., approximately left-to-right fro the perspective of FIG. 12. The additional lateral space of the siphon body 218 provides space for laterally disposed pressurization cavities 230. Accordingly, as a siphon flow is established (as also discussed below), air that might have been otherwise trapped within the siphon body 218 can reside, at least temporarily, within the pressurization cavities 230, so as to not substantially impede the siphon flow' and even, in some cases, to provide a pressurized boost to the flow.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 13, a float 236 is provided to accompany the rigid siphon body 218. However, the present embodiment differs fro the float 136 of FIG. 3 in some aspects. For example, the float 236 according to the present embodiment is configured to couple to and be an extension of the rigid siphon body 218. Correspondingly, for example, the float 236 includes a float inlet passage 242 and a float outlet passage 244 that provide an extension for the siphon inlet 224 and the siphon outlet 226, respectively. Therefore, in the embodiment illustrated, a siphon flow path is established by a combination of the siphon inlet assembly 216 and the float 236. In particular, a continuous siphon flow path is defined by the float inlet passage 242, the siphon inlet 224, the siphon outlet 226, the float outlet passage 244, and the interior space of the rigid siphon body 218 between the siphon inlet 224 and the siphon outlet 226.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated, the float 236 is formed a single-piece, rigid, and hollow body. More specifically, similar to the rigid siphon body 218, the float 236 is formed as a substantially rigid integral shell, from substantially rigid plastic, with an oblong cylindrical body portion 246, a bottom wall 248, the float inlet passage 242, and the float outlet passage 244.

[0067] Further, an inlet end of the float inlet passage 242 is substantially flush with the bottom wall 248 of the float 136. In contrast, an outlet end of the float outlet passage 244 extends substantially clear of the bottom wall 248 of the float 136. In some embodiments, this arrangement can allow for easy attachment of an outlet tube to the float outlet passage 244 while also providing clearance for unobstructed inflow into the float inlet passage 242 over ail operational orientations of the float 236. In other embodiments, however, other configurations are possible.

[0068] Still referring to FIG 13, the float 236 is configured to help prevent the float inlet passage 242 from engaging a bottom wall of a tank (or other feature) during flushing operations. In the embodiment illustrated, for example, the float 236 includes an integral post 250 disposed adjacent the float inlet passage 242 The post 250 can help to ensure appropriate spacing between an entrance to the float inlet passage 242 and a bottom wall of a tank during operation of the siphon inlet assembly 216. Although the post is a rectangular integrally formed feature as illustrated in FIG. 13, other configurations are possible, including configurations similar to those discussed relative to the inlet fitting 132 (see FIG. 4).

[0069] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of an example flexible conduit for use with the flush mechanism 200, configured as a corrugated bellows tube 254 that can be compressed and extended axially during flushing operations. Generally, the tube 254 is substantially similar to the tube 254 shown in FIG. 3. However, the tube 254 in the illustrated embodiment differs in some aspects from the tube 245. For example, in the embodiment in FIG. 14, the tube 254 includes a cylindrical portion 258 at a first end, and a substantially similar cylindrical portion 260 at a second end. The cylindrical portions 258, 260 include flanges 262, 264, respectively, that extend radially imvard therefrom into an interior of the tube 254. The flange 262 of the cylindrical portion 258 is generally configured to nest in a recessed channel 266 defined in float outlet passage 244 (see, e.g., FIG. 13) in order to provide a fluid-tight seal and durable mechanical connection. Likewise, the flange 264 is generally configured to nest in a recessed channel 268 defined in the conduit seat 208 of the outlet fitting 204 (see, e.g., FIG. 10), also in order to provide a fluid-tight seal and a durable mechanical connection.

[0070] In some embodiments, adhesive or other joining techniques (e.g., ultrasonic welding) can be used to enhance (or enhance) the connections provided by the flanges 262, 264 and the channels 266, 268. In some embodiments, other attachment and sealing arrangements are possible. For example, an end of a conduit may seat around a siphon outlet and may nest within a seal assembly. Further, in some embodiments, the tube 254 may be integrally formed with the float 236 or the outlet fitting 204. In some embodiments, separate sealing members (e.g., O-rings) can be provided at these or other interfaces to further enhance sealing between components.

[0071] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate an example assembled configuration of the flush mechanism 200, including the float arrangement 252, the tube 254, and the outlet fitting 204. As assembled, the cylindrical portion 258 of the tube 254 is coupled to the outlet end of the float outlet passage 244, the float outlet passage 244 is continuous with the siphon outlet 226 (see FIG. 12), and the siphon inlet 224 (see FIG. 12) is continuous with the float inlet passage 242. Therefore, a continuous siphon flow path is defined between the float inlet passage 242 and the float outlet passage 244, via the siphon body J 18, and continuing through the tube 254 to the outlet fitting 204. The flush mechanism 200 in the illustrated embodiment may be installed in a toilet tank (not shown in FIGS. 15-17) substantially similarly to the flush mechanism 100 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9. Moreover, the flush mechanism 200 can perform operations substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9. For example, an internal lever can be actuated by an external handle (not shown in FIGS. 15-17) to submerge the rigid siphon body 218 in water in the tank. When (or as) the float arrangement 252 is submerged, the hydrostatic pressure of the water within the tank can establish siphon flow of the water through the flush mechanism 200 and thereby drain the tank.

[0072] Thus, embodiments of the invention can provide improved flush mechanisms as compared to conventional arrangements. In some embodiments, for example, use of a siphon- driven flush mechanism according to the invention can allow flush-port flaps or other similar components to be eliminated from a toilet tank, thereby improving the resistance to leakage from the tank into the associated toilet bowl. Further, in some embodiments, a siphon-driving flush mechanism can provide flushing flows of relatively high velocity regardless of the water level in the relevant tank. In contrast, for example, conventional, gravity-driven flush mechanisms tend to exhibit reduced flushing velocity as the water level in the relevant tank decreases.

[0073] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure and recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations on the described example(s). Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitly described are within the scope of the following claims.