AS IP Holdco, L.L.C. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160102450 | Kits, Assemblies and Methods for No-Tools Toilet Installation - Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or toilet assembly without tools, and an installed toilet assembly, are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt. The kits and assemblies include a flange bolt having a bolt head and a bolt stem extending from the bolt head and having an end portion opposite the bolt head, wherein the stem has an outer surface and the bolt head is configured so as to fit through an opening in a flange so that the bolt head contacts the lower surface of the flange and the end portion of the stem extends upwardly from the upper surface of the flange; and a bolt locking knob having an interior surface defining an opening extending therethrough, wherein the interior surface is configured so that when the end of the bolt stem is placed within the opening the interior surface of the knob contacts the exterior surface of the bolt stem in locking engagement and the knob is able to be hand tightened on the bolt stem when a toilet bowl base is positioned in place over the flange and the bolts have a size that is coordinated with the size of the locking knobs to eliminate the use of tools on installation of the bowl. Handle fasteners for manual tightening may also be included for installation of a tank on the bowl also without the use of tools. Mounting blocks are also described which enable installation while minimizing potential for injury due to suspending a toilet bowl or assembly while aligning the bowl so as to sit on a flange bolt(s). | 04-14-2016 |
20160002903 | Primed Jet Toilet - A siphonic flush toilet system and method of priming the same having a toilet bowl assembly comprising at least one jet flush valve assembly and at least one rim valve; and bowl having a rim and a jet defining at least one jet channel. The bowl has a closed jet pathway to maintain the jet channel in a primed state with fluid from the jet flush valve assembly to prevent air from entering the closed jet pathway. Flush valves may have back-flow preventer mechanisms and/or at least partly flexible valve covers, including specific valve cover structures. Flush activation assemblies may have a flush activation bar connected to the pivot rod and/or an adjustable flush connector located between the pivot rod and the flush activation bar. A kit providing one or more flush activation elements is included. The kit elements may be usable with the toilet systems and methods described. | 01-07-2016 |
20150337590 | CURVED DOOR - A curved bypass door suitable for a shower or bath comprising a first door, a second door set back from the first door, and an upper track made of aluminum. The upper track has a lower rail adapted to receive a first roller for the first door to slide on and an upper rail adapted to receive a second roller for the second door to slide on. Each door has a curvature such that both doors together form the curved bypass door. The upper track is curved to match the shape of the curved bypass door. | 11-26-2015 |
20150026877 | Collection Systems for Use in Offset Pit Latrines Having Pour Flush Latrine Pans, Collectors, Offset Pit Latrines and Related Methods - The invention described herein includes a latrine pan and collector system for use in an offset pit latrine. The system permits use of a latrine pan having a flapper in an offset leach pit context, and eliminated the necessity of large scale installation of a concrete collection box, which can collect unsanitary debris. The system of the invention includes (1) a pour-flush latrine pan and (2) a collector. The collector includes a collector body that engages the latrine pan, defines a discharge opening, and secures an inclined surface sloping downwardly between an impact zone positioned beneath the outlet of the latrine pan and the discharge opening, the collector body securing the inclined surface at a position sufficiently distant from the underside of the latrine pan so that the inclined surface does not impede pivoting of the flapper, whereby material discharged from the outlet of the latrine pan contacts the inclined surface at the impact zone and slides downwardly from the impact zone to the discharge opening. | 01-29-2015 |
20150013058 | Self-Cleaning Toilet Assembly and System - Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a tank, a flush valve, and a rim in fluid communication with the bowl through a rim flow path from an outlet of the flush valve to at least one rim outlet port. The flush valve is configured to operate in a flush actuation mode wherein the flush valve is able to provide flush water flow sufficient for the toilet assembly to initiate a flush siphon or provide a wash down flush and to operate in a cleaning actuation mode wherein the flush valve is only partially opened to allow for introduction of a cleaning agent and flush water mixture to the bowl that is insufficient to initiate a siphon but sufficient for cleaning the bowl. The cleaning system includes a reservoir for a liquid cleaning agent, a housing for the reservoir, a supply conduit for receiving fluid from within the reservoir and delivering it to a flush valve, a flow control device capable of controlling flow of cleaning agent and a control system activatable by an actuator feature to initiate a clean cycle by operating the flow control device to deliver a dose of cleaning agent to one or more rim outlets, and operating the flush valve in cleaning actuation mode to introduce flush water to carry the dose of cleaning agent through the at least one rim outlet port into the toilet bowl at a flow rate insufficient to initiate a siphon but sufficient for cleaning the bowl. | 01-15-2015 |
20150013057 | Self-Cleaning Toilet Assembly and System - Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a flush valve, a rim inlet port and a rim flow path (which may be an isolated rim path) extending from an outlet of the flush valve to the rim inlet port. The cleaning system has a reservoir for holding a liquid cleaning agent having an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior space of the reservoir body; a housing to receive the reservoir; a supply conduit in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir; a flow control device capable of controlling flow through the supply conduit; and a control system activatable by an actuator feature, wherein upon activation of the actuator feature, the control system is adapted to initiate a clean cycle by: operating the flow control device for a first period of time sufficient to deliver a dose of a liquid cleaning agent from the supply conduit to an interior space of the flush valve in a closed position, the flush valve configured for delivery of fluid to the rim inlet port, and operating the flush valve to open the flush valve to introduce flush water to carry the dose of a liquid cleaning agent through the rim inlet port into the toilet bowl. | 01-15-2015 |
20140345726 | Touchless, Remotely Activatable Assembly for Fluid Flow Regulation, Related Systems and Methods - The invention includes an assembly for remotely controlling fluid flow between a fluid source, such as a water source, and an outlet that includes at least one electrically operable valve, such as an electromagnetically-actuatable valve, to be interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position, in which the source and the outlet are fluidly connected, and a closed position in which the source and the outlet are not fluidly connected; at least one actuator, such as a solenoid actuator, operably connected to the at least one valve for actuating the valve between the open and closed positions; a controller comprising a receiver for receiving a wireless signal, wherein the controller is operably connected to the actuator and capable of actuating the actuator upon receipt of a wireless signal by the receiver; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor for detecting a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone and (ii) a transmitter that transmits the wireless signal upon activation of the sensor by a user to the receiver. In an embodiment, it may be desirable that the electrically operable valves are also mechanically actuatable or that one or more (additional) manually activatable valves in included in the assembly. | 11-27-2014 |
20140304902 | Periodic Heavy Flush Valve Control Device, Method and System - The smaller volumes of water currently required to flush toilets and urinals may be insufficient to clear the fixtures and the drainage lines to which they are connected of waste and other undesirable materials, which can build up over a period of flushes or non-use. A flush valve control device programmed or otherwise configured to provide a selectable, periodic heavier flush volume of water after a predetermined number of low volume flushes and/or after a predetermined period of inactivity of the toilet or urinal can provide for sufficient drainage line carry-out of waste and prevent undesirable buildup of minerals, etc. on the inside surfaces of the fixtures and drainage pipes. | 10-16-2014 |
20140291419 | Multifunction Faucet Spray Head - The disclosure includes a faucet assembly with a unique multifunction spray head. The spray head is capable of at least four spray functions, and has an outer shell; a flow body extending within the shell, a first end extending out of the shell for attachment to a faucet and a second end in fluid communication with a spray selector assembly The flow body defines a flow path from the first end of the flow body to a flow selector assembly. The spray head includes a flow selector assembly comprising: a selector valve housing body having at least four valve recesses therein; at least four flow selector valves seated within the recesses in the selector valve housing body; and a rotating selector valve ring. A sprayer seat has a faceplate thereon and a flow diversion conduit corresponding to each selector valve to provide flow paths from a selector valve to a sprayer outlet or an aerator outlet. An outer selector ring having a selector assembly seat is included for seating the flow selector assembly and engaging the rotating selector valve ring. The spray head provides aerated spray, and at least a shower spray, a jet sprayer and a misting sprayer each of which is selected by turning the outer selector ring and/or using an optional toggle selection valve for direct aerated spray if desired. | 10-02-2014 |
20140230137 | Pour-Flush Latrines, Latrine Pans, Latrine Pan Assemblies, and Related Methods - The invention described herein includes a pour-flush latrine pan mountable at a surface that includes a collection basin and a flapper. The collection basin has an upper bowl portion that tapers to an outlet extending through a wall of the collection basin at its lower end. The flapper includes a counterbalance device and a coverplate disposed on opposite sides of a pivot. The coverplate has a shape adapted to cover the outlet of the collection basin when the coverplate is engaged against the lower end of the collection basin. The flapper is pivotally mounted against the collection basin such that the coverplate engages against the lower end of the collection basin when a pivotal force attributable to the counterbalance device is greater than a pivotal force applied to the coverplate that engages the lower end of the collection basin. In an embodiment, the shape of the coverplate defines a channel that engages the lower end of the collection basin about its perimeter when the coverplate is engaged against the lower end of the collection basin | 08-21-2014 |
20140230136 | Overflow Vent Scoop for Flush Valve - A vent cover is described herein which may be used with various flush valve assemblies, particularly those acceptable for high efficiency and high performance toilets, which vent cover has a wall that includes an upper portion, a lower portion configured to define a vent cover inlet opening for receiving air and/or liquid passing upwardly from within a valve body and/or from within a toilet through a toilet inlet when the vent cover is installed on a valve body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a vent cover passage for air passing upwardly from the vent cover inlet opening. At least the upper portion of the vent cover wall is configured for contacting an interior surface of a valve body at a location above an inlet of an overflow or venting tube on a valve body when the vent cover is installed on a valve body and wherein the valve cover wall is configured to at least partially divert flow of fluid from entering an inlet of an overflow tube or a venting tube on a valve body when the vent cover is installed on a valve body. | 08-21-2014 |
20140215700 | Easy-Install Toilet Seat - A toilet seat hinge assembly and method of installing the assembly are described, wherein the assembly includes a hinge body having a seat and a central opening extending longitudinally through the body; a fastening hinge post having a head, a longitudinally extending body and at least one locking pin; a bushing having an upper flange portion and a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinally extending channel therethrough, which body further has at least one transversely extending groove in or on the bushing body; and at least one fastening device for securing the hinge assembly to a toilet. The at least one locking pin locks the assembly by rotation of the fastening hinge post body within the channel in the bushing body. | 08-07-2014 |
20140090158 | Toilet Flush Valve Assemblies - Flush valve assemblies are described herein which include a valve body; a flush valve cover detachably connected to a flush line; a pivot mechanism capable of opening and closing the flush valve cover upon actuation; wherein the flush line is connected at a first end to a flush actuating device and at a second end to the flush valve cover, the line being capable of raising and lowering the cover upon actuation; and a float situated above the cover and connected to the flush line at a point between the first and the second ends of the flush line or by a separate float line connected to the cover. The float is sufficiently buoyant and capable of resisting the force of flowing water and keeping the flush valve cover open to allow flush water to pass through the valve body before closing the cover when the valve body is installed on a toilet. | 04-03-2014 |
20130248005 | HYBRID FAUCET ASSEMBLY AND WATER WAY FOR SAME - A faucet assembly is disclosed which is of a modular type for use in varying faucet designs and incorporating polymeric or partially polymeric parts in the internal water way assembly therein. The faucet assembly includes a cover plate and an internal water way assembly as well as at least one faucet handle. The internal water way assembly includes a valve assembly having a shank and a valve water way portion positioned on an upper portion of the shank. The valve water way portion defines a valve seat therein, and has a transversely extending outlet passageway. A valve cartridge for controlling flow through the assembly is seated in the valve seat, and, a bridge, which may be a single component or multi-part bridge has a passageway therethrough to receive water from the valve water way portion and a spout receiving portion. A spout tube is configured to be positioned in or on the spout receiving portion of the bridge. The internal water way assembly is attached to the cover plate. | 09-26-2013 |
20130220439 | No-Tools Spread Faucet Assembly, Kits and Methods - A spread faucet assembly, an installation kit, and an installation method are described herein. The spread faucet assembly has a spout assembly with a spout, a tailpiece, and at least one fluid inlet conduit. It also include at least one valve assembly having a shank, an fluid inlet conduit, a fluid outlet conduit and a valve cartridge, wherein the shank has an inner surface having a fluid receiving area in fluid communication with the valve cartridge and the fluid outlet conduit, the inner surface defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve cartridge and valve assembly fluid inlet conduit, and the valve cartridge is positioned in the opening. A connector is also included for coupling the at least one valve assembly fluid outlet conduit with the at least one spout assembly fluid inlet conduit. A self-turning nut assembly is also provided having a nut with an outer surface and a tightening sleeve having an outer surface with at least one outwardly extending projection for securing the nut to a fluid supply connection. | 08-29-2013 |
20130219605 | RIMLESS TOILET - A siphonic gravity-powered toilet is provided that is a rimless toilet and includes a toilet bowl assembly having a body and an inlet for receiving fluid. The toilet bowl has an interior bowl surface with an upper peripheral portion configured to have a shelf formed therein below an upper peripheral edge of the toilet bowl. The rimless toilet includes a jet having a jet inlet, an outlet and at least one jet channel. A manifold is included which is configured so that fluid entering an inlet of the toilet bowl assembly divides into a portion that enters the inlet of the direct-fed jet and a portion that enters an interior area of the toilet bowl. At least one toilet bowl inlet port is positioned at an upper rear portion of the toilet bowl. The at least one inlet port is configured to receive fluid from the manifold into the interior area of the toilet bowl such that at least a portion of the fluid travels along the shelf of the toilet bowl prior to passing into a lower portion of the toilet bowl. | 08-29-2013 |
20120273075 | FAUCET VALVE CARTRIDGE - Valve cartridges for a faucet are described herein. The valve cartridge has a body with a longitudinal passage, and a side opening. The cartridge has a spindle with a lower end portion in rotatable relationship with the body's interior surface, and an upper outwardly extending end portion. Included is a movable disk with a surface that contacts and interacts with the lower end portion of the spindle, an arcuate side wall portion and an inwardly extending side wall portion with a fluid receiving area that allows for fluid flow out of the body side opening. A stationary disk with a through opening allows passage of fluid from a body inlet through the side opening when the opening in the disk is aligned with the fluid receiving area. A sealing ring, which mates with the body, is provided to stabilize the stationary and movable disks within the body passage. | 11-01-2012 |
20120228871 | QUICK CONNECTION COUPLING - A coupling, conduit assembly, method for coupling conduits and faucet assembly are described herein, wherein the coupling includes a female section with a conduit connecting end and a retainer with at least one projection; a male section with a conduit connecting end and a male projecting portion with a two large diameter sections, each having an inwardly facing surface wherein the surfaces define a channel that is configured so a mating surface on the projection or projections contacts the surface of the first large diameter section when the coupling is locked; and a locking piece on the female section capable of sliding along that section to engage the projection or projections when situated in the channel so the mating surface on the projection or projections contacts the surface of the first large diameter section and the locking piece retains the projection or projections in position and locks the coupling. | 09-13-2012 |
20120198610 | High Performance Toilet With Rim-Jet Control Capable of Enhanced Operation at Reduced Flush Volumes - A siphonic, gravity-powered toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl, which includes a bowl inlet in fluid communication with a source of fluid; a rim around an upper perimeter of the bowl defining a rim channel, having an inlet port in fluid communication with the bowl inlet and at least one outlet port; a bowl outlet in fluid communication with a sewage outlet; a direct-fed jet having an inlet port in fluid communication with the bowl inlet for receiving fluid and the bowl outlet for discharging fluid; and a control unit arranged in communication with the bowl inlet for controlling flow from the source of fluid passing through the bowl inlet into the inlet ports of the rim channel and the direct-fed jet, having a first extending rear portion and a second rim channel end portion, wherein the rear portion may extend at least partially into the bowl inlet. | 08-09-2012 |
20120174310 | High Performance Toilets Capable of Operation at Reduced Flush Volumes - Siphonic, gravity-powered toilets are provided that include a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper periphery thereof and a direct-fed jet channel that allows fluid, such as water, to flow from the inlet of the toilet bowl assembly to the direct-fed jet outlet port into the interior of the toilet bowl, in the sump of the bowl. The rim channel includes at least one rim channel outlet port. In the toilets herein, the cross-sectional areas of the toilet bowl assembly inlet, the inlet port to the rim channel, and the outlet port to the direct-fed jet channel are configured so as to be optimized to provide greatly improved hydraulic function at low flush volumes (no greater than about 6.0 liters per flush). The hydraulic function is improved in terms of bulk removal of waste and cleansing of the bowl. | 07-12-2012 |
20120151672 | Hand Wash Wall Hung Sink To Avoid Spread of Infectious Disease - A sink is described herein which includes a basin including an upper rim having a back portion, and an interior surface having a sloped surface portion and a bottom surface portion, wherein the sloped surface portion extends from the back portion of the upper rim into the bottom surface portion; a faucet member extending upwardly from an upper portion of the sloped surface; and a drain opening extending through the bottom surface portion, wherein the faucet member is positioned such that liquid from the faucet member flows onto the sloped surface portion into the bottom surface portion and into the drain opening. A method for preventing splashing of a liquid from a sink is also provided herein. | 06-21-2012 |
20120005819 | Whirlpool Jet Nozzle Assembly and Jet Apparatus - A jet nozzle assembly is included which may be used in a jet apparatus having a jet housing and a jet head. The jet nozzle assembly includes a jet nozzle portion having a first end, a second end and a jet nozzle body extending from the first end to the second end of the jet nozzle portion, wherein the jet nozzle body is configured to provide an aerated flow of fluid for exiting the second end of the jet nozzle body and the jet nozzle body defines a passage therethough extending from the first end to the second end of the jet nozzle portion, and wherein the jet nozzle body has at least one opening for receiving fluid and/or air into the passage and has at least one fastening mechanism for attaching the nozzle body to a jet apparatus. The jet nozzle assembly also includes a jet nozzle cover having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and having at least one opening extending through the jet nozzle cover from the interior surface to the exterior surface for allowing passage of fluid, wherein the jet nozzle cover and the jet nozzle portion form a unitary structure. | 01-12-2012 |
20110173743 | Kits, Assemblies and Methods for No-Tools Toilet Installation - Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or assembly without tools are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt. The kits and assemblies include a flange bolt wherein the bolt head is configured so as to fit through an opening in a flange so that the bolt head contacts the lower surface of the flange and the end portion of the bolt stem extends upwardly; and a bolt locking knob, wherein the interior surface of the knob is configured so that when the end of the bolt stem is placed within the knob, it contacts the bolt stem in locking engagement and the knob can be hand tightened. The bolts size is coordinated with the size of the locking knobs to eliminate the use of tools on installation. | 07-21-2011 |
20100272503 | Push and Turn Nut for Quick Faucet Installation - A nut and an assembly including such a nut are described herein, wherein the nut includes an outer shell having an outer surface, an inner circumferential surface having a inwardly extending flange, and an upper rim portion; and an insert piece having an upper outwardly extending portion and a plurality of downwardly extending projections, wherein each of the projections has an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surfaces of the projections is configured to engage a nut-receiving surface and the outer portion of the projections is configured to engage the inner circumferential surface of the first outer shell such that upon a pushing action of a user the inwardly extending flange on the outer shell presses upwardly on the upper outwardly extending portion of the insert piece so that the portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves outwardly and upon removal of the pushing action, portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves inwardly. | 10-28-2010 |
20100043130 | High Performance Siphonic Toilet Capable of Operation at Multiple Flush Volumes - A gravity flush toilet system is provides that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a tank, wherein the bowl includes a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet system is capable of operating at multiple flush volumes without loss of siphonic function or significant change in the surface area of the water in the bowl. The multiple flush volumes allow the user to select appropriate water usages for the required waste removal without diminishing the performance of the toilet, resulting in significant water savings. | 02-25-2010 |
20090249537 | Toilet Flush Valve - Flush valve assemblies are provided that include a valve body which may have a radiused inlet portion, an upper inlet end having an inlet opening, a lower outlet end having an outlet opening, and a wall extending between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end and having an interior surface defining a flow path that extends generally longitudinally through the valve body from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and that has a generally circular transverse cross-section. A height measured longitudinally through the valve body is greater than a largest diameter of the transverse cross-section of the flow path so as to enable the valve bodies herein to have an elevated wall and head from a toilet tank floor. The assemblies may include a flapper valve cover detachably connected to the flush valve assembly and having a transverse cross-sectional diameter sufficiently large to cover the inlet opening of the valve body, a pivot mechanism and a flapper bulb. The flapper valve cover is sufficiently buoyant so as to be capable of resisting the force of flowing water and remain open so as to allow flush water to pass through the valve body when the valve body is installed on a toilet having a flush volume of about 1.6 gallons per flush or less before closing the valve cover so as to be useful in high performance, and also in high-efficiency toilets. | 10-08-2009 |
20090241250 | High Performance Toilet Capable of Operation at Reduced Flush Volumes - A siphonic, gravity-powered toilet is provided that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper periphery thereof and a direct-fed jet channel that allows fluid, such as water, to flow from the inlet of the toilet bowl assembly to the direct-fed jet outlet port into the interior of the toilet bowl, in the sump of the bowl. The rim channel includes at least one rim channel outlet port. In this toilet, the cross-sectional areas of the toilet bowl assembly inlet, the inlet port to the rim channel, and the outlet port to the direct-fed jet channel are configured so as to be optimized to provide greatly improved hydraulic function at low flush volumes (no greater than about 6.0 liters per flush). The hydraulic function is improved in terms of bulk removal of waste and cleansing of the bowl. | 10-01-2009 |
20090127353 | Multifunction Showerhead with Automatic Return Function for Enhanced Water Conservation - The present invention provides a showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray at a rate not to exceed 1.5 GPM (5.75 GPM). In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather at a rate not to exceed 2.0 GPM (7.57 L/min) for the combined water flow. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern at a rate not to exceed 2.0 L/min (7.57 GPM). The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits. In addition, the showerhead of the present invention provides an automatic return feature for return of the showerhead to the first function when water pressure to the showerhead falls below a predetermined bottom threshold. | 05-21-2009 |