Patent application title: Liquid Chemical Dispensing Apparatus for Toilet Bowls with Remote Liquid Reservoir
Inventors:
IPC8 Class: AE03D903FI
USPC Class:
1 1
Class name:
Publication date: 2018-02-15
Patent application number: 20180044902
Abstract:
A Liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote
liquid reservoir that automatically adds liquid cleaning and sanitizing
chemicals directly into the toilet bowl of a flush toilet by utilizing
refill water that flows from the ballcock refill valve outlet into the
overflow pipe to power a jet eductor. Said jet eductor performance
optimized with a flood ring in the jet eductor discharge tubing. Powerful
suction produced being strong enough to lift and draw in a column of
liquid chemicals from within a flexible chemical transport tube fluidly
connected between the jet eductor suction port and a remote liquid
reservoir placed near floor level and external to the water tank. A
control means to limit the quantity of chemicals allowed to flow into the
jet eductor suction port and mix with refill water prior to flowing
through the overflow pipe into the toilet bowl restoring the water seal
while at the same time treating all surfaces contacted. Apparatus
includes a support assembly that hangs on the top edge of the water tank
to create a space for the chemical transport tube to pass through into
interior of water tank from exterior of same without impeding the flow of
chemicals within.Claims:
1. A liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote
liquid reservoir, for dispensing chemicals into a toilet bowl of a
standard toilet having a bowl a water tank an overflow pipe and a
ballcock refill valve for providing refill water to the bowl through the
overflow pipe, the apparatus comprising : a remote liquid reservoir for
holding a supply of cleaning, deodorizing and or sanitizing liquid
located external to the water tank with an outlet through which cleaning
and sanitizing liquid is drawn out of said remote liquid reservoir, said
remote liquid reservoir having an air hole in upper region of container
or being made with flexible walls to keep normal atmospheric pressure on
liquid contained therein while liquid is drawn out of said remote liquid
reservoir, the top of said remote liquid reservoir being located at a
point below the horizontal plane that runs through the top of said
overflow pipe while acceptable for bottom of said remote liquid reservoir
to be near or slightly below the level base of said toilet is attached
to; a chemical transport tube that is fluidly connected in leak tight
manner between bottom inside region of said remote liquid reservoir and
an eductor suction port ; a support assembly that hangs on the top edge
of said water tank to create an opening for said chemical transport tube
to be routed through into interior of said water tank from exterior of
said water tank in manner that prevents pinching or crushing thereby
enabling an unrestricted flow path for chemicals within said chemical
transport tubing; an eductor located internal to the water tank having
three ports with adapter fittings that enable secure and leak free
connections, an eductor inlet port, an eductor discharge port and an
eductor suction port, the eductor inlet port being fluidly connected with
a short section of flexible tubing to the ballcock refill valve outlet, a
nozzle disposed within the eductor inlet port limiting the cross
sectional area that the refill water can pass through thus producing an
increase in the velocity during the time period that refill water is
flowing out of said ballcock refill valve outlet and into said eductor
inlet port through said nozzle, the high velocity refill water
discharging from the nozzle producing a low pressure area or suction
about the nozzle exit, all three of the eductor ports being fluidly
connected where they intersect near the nozzle exit, the suction present
within the eductor suction port causing liquid chemicals to be drawn in
from the attached said chemical transport tubing , the chemicals
traveling through said chemical transport tubing having originated within
said remote liquid reservoir, refill water and added chemicals then flow
through and out of the larger said eductor discharge port where the
velocity slows; a flood ring disposed within an eductor discharge tube,
said eductor discharge tube having a first end operatively attached to
said eductor discharge port with and a second end connected near top of
said overflow pipe such that effluent flows into the top of said overflow
pipe, said flood ring reducing the inside diameter of the eductor
discharge tube slightly creating a smaller cross sectional area for the
refill water and chemicals to flow through thereby slowing the flow of
refill water and chemicals exiting the eductor discharge port causing
them to back up and flood the eductor body, when the body of said eductor
floods it produces a marked increase in the suction level near the nozzle
exit including within the eductor suction port, raising it to a level
powerful enough to lift a column of chemicals within said chemical
transport tubing from the floor level said toilet is mounted on up to and
above the top edge of said water tank enabling the chemicals to flow into
said eductor suction port, downstream of the flood ring the eductor
discharge tube having negligible restrictions; a control means
cooperating with said water jet eductor for adjusting the flow of
chemicals into the eductor suction port, said control means being an
orifice or adjustable valve that limits flow of chemicals into said
eductor suction port.
2. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 wherein said remote liquid reservoir is enclosed within a remote liquid reservoir container.
3. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 2 wherein the remote liquid reservoir container has a lid with latching system to prevent pets and small children from opening said remote liquid reservoir container and accessing the remote liquid reservoir and chemicals stored within.
4. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 2 further having a means to keep the remote liquid reservoir container from tipping over such as double sided tape attached to bottom surface of the remote liquid reservoir container or a safety strap with one end connected to the upper portion of one side of the remote liquid reservoir container and the other end then being attached to the wall.
5. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 2 further having a wall bracket that attaches to the remote liquid reservoir container and also has a means to attach the wall bracket to the wall, said wall bracket being able to support the weight of the remote liquid reservoir and remote liquid reservoir container such that the remote liquid reservoir container can be mounted on the wall at any level between the top of the overflow pipe in the water tank and the floor.
6. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 2 in which said remote liquid reservoir container may be any available bathroom cabinet or fixture with a large enough space to enclose the remote liquid reservoir, some possibilities being a vanity cabinet, towel cabinet, custom magazine rack or other cabinet located close to the toilet and below the horizontal plane that passes through the top of the overflow pipe in the water tank, the cabinet or fixture being used for the remote liquid reservoir container may or may not have child proof locks, the cabinet being used for the remote liquid reservoir container will have a small opening for the chemical transport tubing to pass through, the chemical transport tube originating from the remote liquid reservoir inside and routed over to the toilet.
7. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a manufactures standard household sized container of liquid cleaning, deodorizing or sanitizing chemical such as liquid bleach, as the remote liquid reservoir.
8. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 7 further comprising a cap with hole created for a dip tube to pass through, the dip tube passing through said cap to bottommost inside surface of said remote liquid reservoir, the end of the dip tube accessible from above the cap being fluidly and in leak tight manner connected to said chemical transport tubing, said cap having second smaller hole created to allow air to enter said remote liquid reservoir and prevent a vacuum from developing inside the remote liquid reservoir as chemicals are drawn out.
9. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a remote liquid reservoir that is refillable with a hole created in the cap or upper surface of the reservoir for a dip tube to pass downwardly through, the dip tube passing through said cap or upper surface to bottom most internal region of said remote liquid reservoir, the end of the dip tube accessible from above the cap or upper surface of the remote liquid reservoir being fluidly and in leak tight manner connected to said chemical transport tubing.
10. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 9 further comprising an enclosed passage or tube fluidly connecting the uppermost surface of the remote liquid reservoir with the bottommost inside region of the remote liquid reservoir, the enclosed passage or tube being molded into the body of the remote liquid reservoir in a way that liquids can be suctioned from the bottom most region of the remote liquid reservoir by attaching the chemical transport tube to the upper end of such enclosed passage or tube.
11. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a remote liquid reservoir and or a remote liquid reservoir container with a hanger that allows the remote liquid reservoir or the remote liquid reservoir container to be hung from the top edge of the water tank such that the top surface of the remote liquid reservoir lies below the horizontal plane that passes through the top of the overflow pipe.
12. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising an external plastic or metal conduit that said chemical transport tubing is routed through fully or partially in route between the remote liquid reservoir container and the support assembly to shield the chemical transport tubing from physical damage.
13. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a filter placed at a point in the fluid path between the remote liquid reservoir and the control means to catch particles and prevents them from flowing into and clogging said control means.
14. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a one way check valve placed in the chemical flow path between the remote liquid reservoir and the eductor suction port to allow chemicals to flow into the eductor suction port while preventing the reverse flow.
15. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a status loop in the chemical transport tubing, said status loop making an arc above the water tank lid such that it is visible from front of toilet to user, a large number of bubbles will pass through the chemical transport tubing and are visible when the remote liquid reservoir is near empty.
16. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a clamping mechanism attached to said support assembly to secure the support assembly to the water tank and prevent it from moving.
17. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a support assembly that facilitates and supports the creation of a siphon break by securing said eductor near top edge of said water tank, holding the eductor inlet port and the eductor discharge ports in a horizontal fashion with the eductor suction port held above the horizontal plane that travels through the centerline of said eductor inlet port and said eductor discharge port, additionally the eductor discharge port having one end of the eductor discharge tube attached and held level with or higher than the second end attached to the top of the overflow pipe such that when the ballcock valve closes and the flow of refill water stops the fluid in the eductor will drain out of the eductor discharge port and into the eductor discharge tube and continue flowing into the overflow pipe, as the eductor suction port is in the upper section of the eductor body an air gap will form and prevent any siphon from starting or continuing between the eductor suction port and the remote liquid reservoir through the fluidly connected chemical transport tubing.
18. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a molded plastic 90 degree connector with an inlet port or connection that is secured to one end of said eductor discharge tube by the outside edges such that the internal cross sectional area of the eductor discharge tube is not reduced, the other end of the eductor discharge tube being connected to the eductor discharge port, the molded 90 degree connector directs the outflowing liquid down into the overflow pipe, a plastic or metal clip attached to the molded plastic 90 degree connector or the eductor discharge tube as it enters the molded plastic 90 degree connector is secured to the top edge of the overflow pipe such that outflowing water from the molded plastic 90 degree connector enters the overflow pipe.
19. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 1 further comprising a toilet jet eductor that is injection molded out of plastic with a toilet jet eductor nozzle molded into a toilet jet eductor inlet port, the toilet jet eductor inlet port having a tubing barb connection sized to accept a common sized refill tube found in most toilets prior to installing the liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir, a toilet jet eductor discharge port having a larger sized tubing connector than the toilet jet eductor inlet to accept the larger sized tubing required for the eductor discharge tube, said toilet jet eductor body having a chemical suction port that is sized to accept and secure the outside edge of said chemical transport tubing, the toilet jet eductor inlet port and the toilet jet eductor discharge port being secured horizontally at a height that is even with or above the top of the overflow pipe while also holding the chemical suction port in the upper region of the toilet jet eductor body such that when the ballcock valve is closed and refill water is not flowing fluids in the toilet jet eductor body will drain out through the toilet jet eductor discharge port and the eductor discharge tube into the overflow pipe, the chemical suction port being in the upper section of the eductor body allows an air gap to form and prevents any siphon from starting or continuing between the chemical suction port and the remote liquid reservoir within the fluidly connected chemical transport tubing.
20. In a liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir as defined in claim 19 further comprising a low profile 90 degree connector having a clip that holds the low profile 90 degree connector at the top edge of the overflow pipe such that outflowing fluids flow vertically down into the overflow pipe while the inlet to the low profile 90 degree connector is held essentially horizontal, inlet to said low profile 90 degree connector having a flood ring and tubing connector such that when connected to the toilet jet eductor discharge port with a short length of plastic tubing a complete eductor assembly is formed and the toilet jet eductor is held in correct position with the toilet jet eductor inlet port and the toilet jet eductor discharge port held horizontal with the chemical suction port positioned near uppermost region of the toilet jet eductor body.
Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically dispensing liquid chemicals into a toilet bowl from a remote liquid reservoir.
Background
[0005] Chemical treatments are known to be useful in keeping toilet bowls clean and sanitary. Some of the earliest systems designed are still in use today, consisting of tablets or blocks of cleaning agent that are placed inside the water tank. Over time the cleaning agent dissolves into the water inside the water tank such that when the toilet is flushed the cleaning agent is supplied to the toilet bowl. Other systems use concentrated liquid sanitizing chemicals with dispensers that hang on the side of the toilet tank or sit on the bottom of the water tank where their float operated mechanisms release a small amount of concentrated sanitizing liquid into the water tank water as the tank is refilling. These liquid systems also supply the sanitizing chemicals to the bowl when flushed. Chemicals that are mixed with the flush water in the water tank have the disadvantage that much of the chemicals are wasted when they pass through the toilet bowl during flushing; only a small portion of the flush water remains in the toilet bowl at the end of the flush. The small quantity of chemicals and flush water remaining in the bowl is then diluted with fresh water that flows into the bowl to restore the water seal. Another drawback to adding cleaning and sanitizing agents both solids and liquids to the water tank is that certain chemicals contained in the cleaning agents have an adverse effect on the rubber and metallic components inside the water tank. Over time the constant attack by the chemicals of the sanitizing or cleaning agents will cause some components to fail or leak requiring their replacement. A less wasteful and more desirable method developed is to add cleaning chemicals for treating a toilet bowl directly into the bowl. An effective way to perform this is by delivering the chemicals into the overflow pipe located inside the water tank where they will flow down the overflow pipe around the flush valve and into the bowl. Adding the chemicals to the overflow pipe keeps them from contacting and adversely degrading the metal and rubber components located inside the water tank. Adding chemicals to the overflow pipe also minimizes the quantity of chemicals needed as the chemicals are added during the time the bowl is refilling with fresh water, after the flush water has already passed out of the bowl and into the sewer. Adding chemicals to the refill water that refills the bowl after each flush allows the chemicals to be mixed and delivered to the bowl where they will stay in the bowl sanitizing and cleaning the bowl until the next flush. Systems designed to suction a liquid chemical out of a reservoir located inside the water tank but isolated from the water within are restricted to a relatively small volume and require the user to frequently lift the heavy and fragile water tank lid to replenish the chemicals in the reservoir. To reduce the frequency of replenishing the liquid in a liquid only reservoir, other systems have been developed that use concentrated solid or granular chemicals that are mixed with water, by allowing the water to flow over such solid chemicals or by allowing the solids to soak in a bath of water they create a sort of liquid chemical tea.
[0006] During subsequent flushes refill water flows over the solids and washes the chemical tea into the overflow pipe. Still other systems modified the way the solids are positioned, some partially in the water bath and sprayed with refill water, some have sump systems with weak suctioning devices to pull the chemical tea into the flow of refill water that passes into the overflow pipe. These solid chemical type systems have a drawback in that the most concentrated liquid chemical solution is what is sitting in the reservoir when the flush cycle just starts; this concentrated solution is drawn out of or flushed out of the chemical dispenser when the refill water just starts to flow. The most concentrated liquid cleaning and sanitizing agent then flows into the bowl before the initial flush water has fully stopped flowing out of the bowl causing it to flow past the bowl where it is lost to the sewer. The solid chemical type systems have another drawback as they do not provide a consistent dose of chemicals with each flush. If a solid or granular chemical is left to soften in the water tank or a container hanging inside the water tank for a long period of time such as overnight or for a long weekend, the moist and wet condition inside the water tank and chemical container located inside of the water tank will allow a large quantity of chemical substance to be released. If however the toilet is flushed more than once within a short time interval much less of the chemical will have had a chance to be softened and be released to clean or sanitize the toilet bowl. Adding chemicals from a liquid reservoir that is isolated from the water in the water tank provides a consistent quantity of chemicals with each flush regardless of how long it has been since the prior flush. Chemical treatments that are placed inside the water tank require the user to frequently lift the heavy and often fragile water tank lid to replace or replenish the chemicals. There are chemical additive systems that require the user to pour chemicals from one container to another in order to replenish the reservoir creating a hazard to the user. Some toilet bowl cleaning systems require the user to open or close a valve to enable the cleaning system. A more effective way would be to allow the chemical additive system to operate with no user intervention with each and every flush. Still other systems have complicated mechanical levers, rotating cylinders or other moving parts that reduce the reliability of such systems. Ideally the chemical injection system should have few or no moving parts that will eventually fail.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A Liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir that automatically adds liquid cleaning and sanitizing chemicals directly into the toilet bowl of a flush toilet having; a water tank, a bowl, a ballcock refill valve, an overflow pipe and a refill tube that is connected between the ballcock refill valve outlet and the top of the overflow pipe. Said Liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir having a support assembly that hangs on the top edge of the water tank to support and protect a chemical transport tube as it passes into the water tank from outside the water tank. A three port eductor assembly that is located inside said water tank. The first port, an inlet port with an internal nozzle is connected by a flexible tube to the ballcock refill valve outlet, the nozzle generating a high velocity flow of water through the eductor assembly while the ballcock refill valve is open. The second port, a discharge port is connected by a second tube to the top of the overflow pipe where the exiting refill water flows into the overflow pipe. In operation the high velocity flow of water exiting the nozzle creates an area of low pressure or suction near the nozzle discharge internal to the eductor assembly. The third port an eductor suction port is common to and fluidly connected to the area where the suction is generated. The suction produced in the eductor suction port draws in liquid chemicals through the chemical transport tube attached to and fluidly connected between the eductor suction port and a dip tube that extends to the bottom most region of the remote liquid reservoir. Refill water along with liquid chemicals drawn into the eductor suction port from the remote liquid reservoir are mixed in the eductor assembly and then flow out through the eductor discharge port. A first end of a discharge tube is connected to the eductor discharge port. Internal to the discharge tube close to the first end is a flood ring that causes the eductor assembly to flood with liquid which enhances the vacuum produced in the eductor assembly. The second end of the discharge tube is attached to the overflow pipe so the discharge is directed into the overflow pipe. Once inside the overflow pipe the chemically treated water flows by gravity into the bowl where it restores the water seal and treats all surfaces contacted. The eductor assembly has a flow control device that limits the quantity of chemicals added through the eductor suction port during each toilet bowl refill cycle to regulate the resulting chemical concentration in the toilet bowl. The remote liquid reservoir is located external to the water tank and below the full water level in the water tank. In a preferred embodiment the remote liquid reservoir is a readily available manufactures standard sized household container of cleaning or sanitizing chemical such as a 121 oz or 1 gallon bleach container set on the floor next to the toilet, the remote liquid reservoir being secured inside another enclosure to prevent small children and pets from contacting the chemicals stored inside and to hide the remote liquid reservoir from view. The eductor assembly is located above the level of the overflow pipe and the eductor suction port is located on the upper surface of eductor assembly such that when the ballcock refill valve closes, the tubing attached between the ballcock refill valve, the eductor assembly and the overflow pipe will empty of water creating a siphon break and prevent water from flowing backwards through the chemical transport tubing into the remote liquid reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0008] FIG. 1 is a somewhat simplified showing of the water tank associated with a conventional flush toilet, with my novel liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir illustrated, this view depicting the manner in which the injection assembly is connected to certain of the customary components of the toilet tank, the remote liquid reservoir with interconnecting chemical transport tubing and the remote liquid reservoir container.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the injection assembly shown hanging from the top edge of the water tank rear wall, the side wall and lid of water tank are shown in cut away view.
[0010] FIG. 3 is the front view of the injection assembly as viewed from within the water tank looking towards the rear of the water tank.
[0011] FIG. 4 is the back view of the injection assembly as viewed from behind the water tank looking towards the front of the tank and toilet bowl.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the injection assembly components that are located inside the water tank that allow the injection assembly to function and control chemical injection rate including the eductor, flood ring as well as the suction orifice.
[0013] FIG. 5a is a cutaway view of a larger suction orifice assembly that could be installed to increase the quantity of liquid chemical injected during each refill cycle.
[0014] FIG. 5b is a cutaway view of a smaller suction orifice assembly that could be installed to decrease the quantity of liquid chemical injected during each refill cycle.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of the eductor discharge tubing showing placement of the flood ring within and how connected to overflow pipe 90 degree connector without reduction in internal diameter downstream of the flood ring.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing of the remote liquid reservoir showing placement of the dip tube, suction filter and cap.
[0017] FIG. 8 is drawing of the remote liquid reservoir cap showing features that allow chemicals to be suctioned from within.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective drawing of the remote liquid reservoir container with a section of the container lid cut out to show how the chemical transport tubing is routed over the rounded top edge of the back wall and secured by the sponge seal.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the remote liquid reservoir container showing how the locking tab engages the body, taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the remote liquid reservoir container showing how the chemical transport tubing is secured, taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective showing the remote liquid reservoir inside a remote liquid reservoir container to prevent small children and pets from contacting chemicals stored inside, view shows how chemical transport tubing may be routed to injection assembly on back of water tank.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective showing the remote liquid reservoir with no containment and how chemical transport tubing may be routed to the injection assembly on back of water tank.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective showing the remote liquid reservoir inside a vanity cabinet located near the toilet, Vanity having locking devices on doors to prevent small children and pets from contacting chemicals stored inside, view shows where small hole may be drilled and how chemical transport tubing may be routed to injection assembly on back of water tank.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a cutaway side view showing an alternative embodiment of the toilet jet eductor attached to a low profile 90 degree overflow pipe connector that is fitted with a flood ring and tubing connector. Shows how the assembly is fitted in the overflow pipe and supported by same. This assembly allows the jet eductor suction port to be located on top of the jet eductor for a siphon break and minimizes the distance required in the water tank between the top of the overflow pipe and the water tank lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating various aspects of the invention and not for purposes of limiting the same.
[0026] Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, reference should first be made to FIG. 1 which shows a typical toilet 10 having a bowl 24 and a water tank 25. Flushing is accomplished when a person pushes down on flush lever 9 which causes flush valve 11 to pivot open and allow water in the water tank 25 to pass out through the flush valve 11 into the bowl 24. The water level quickly drops from a maximum level to a minimum level and the flush valve 11 closes. A ballcock 12 includes a float 13 which drops when the water level drops and allows water from a main water supply valve 26 to pass out of a main flow outlet 27 into the water tank 25 to refill it. Refilling continues until its maximum level is reached where the float 13 has risen far enough to move lever 28 to close a ballcock valve 14 stopping the outward water flow. During the entire time that main flushing water passes out of the main flow outlet 27, a smaller amount of water passes out of a ballcock refill valve outlet 15 and passes through a tube that is not shown to the top of the overflow pipe 16. Water flowing down the overflow pipe 16 passes around the flush valve 11 and flows directly into the toilet bowl 24 to refill it and restore the liquid seal in the bottom of the bowl 24 as almost all the water passing out of the flush valve 11 passes through the toilet bowl 24 and into the sewer to flush out waste leaving only a small portion remaining in the toilet bowl 24.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, the standard water flushing equipment of the particular toilet 10 is shown with a first preferred embodiment of the liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir. In this particular embodiment a remote liquid reservoir 21 is located external to the water tank 25 at a point where the top of the remote liquid reservoir 21 is below the level plane that passes through the top of the overflow pipe 16. The remote liquid reservoir 21 shown is a manufactures standard household sized container of liquid bleach that is easily and inexpensively replaced without having to pour chemicals from one container to another. Use of a bleach container is optional the chemical container and chemical that is placed inside the remote liquid reservoir 21 may be another cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, surfactant or oxidizing product in a liquid state. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the remote liquid reservoir 21 has a Cap 42 (FIG. 7) with an opening that a semi stiff plastic dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) passes through and extends downwardly to the bottommost region of the liquid reservoir 21. A dip tube filter 41 (FIG. 7) is operatively attached to the bottom end of the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7). The dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) length is set to extend just above the top surface of the cap 42 (FIG. 7) with the opposite end of the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) and attached dip tube filter 41 (FIG. 7) pressed lightly against the bottom inside surface of the remote liquid reservoir 21. In another embodiment not shown the remote liquid reservoir 21 if desired could be made such that it can be refilled with chemicals. In another embodiment not shown the remote liquid reservoir 21 could be molded into different shapes and with different materials as long as the materials of construction are compatible with bleach or alternative liquid chemical stored within. The remote liquid reservoir 21 may also be constructed to have a dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) molded into the reservoir body or have an opening or port on the bottom of the container that the chemicals stored inside can be drawn out of. What is required is for the chemical transport tubing 19 to be fluidly connected in a leak tight manner to a dip tube or an opening or port at the bottom of the remote liquid reservoir 21 so liquid chemicals are suctioned from the bottommost region of the remote liquid reservoir 21. The liquid reservoir cap 42 (FIG. 7) having a second smaller opening or air hole 44 (FIG. 7) disposed on the upper surface to allow air to enter the remote liquid reservoir 21 and prevent a suction from developing inside the remote liquid reservoir 21 as liquid chemicals are drawn out. In alternative embodiments the remote liquid reservoir 21 may not have an air hole in the cap 42 (FIG. 7) but would need to have a vent disposed in the uppermost region of the body of the remote liquid reservoir 21 or some other means such as a flexible bladder or walls to prevent a negative pressure from developing within the remote liquid reservoir 21. A hollow flexible tube that is not degraded while in constant contact with bleach and will not collapse under suction pressure such as IV tubing is used for the chemical transport tubing 19, alternatively other types of plastic tubing that is flexible, compatible with the chemicals being used and able to withstand at least 200'' H2O vacuum level will also work. At the remote liquid reservoir 21, a first end of the chemical transport tubing 19 is connected to the upper end of the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) that extends above the cap 42 (FIG. 7) in a leak tight manner by urging the chemical transport tube 19 into one end of an adapter seal tube 43 (FIG. 8) the other end of the adapter seal tube 42 (FIG. 7) is then urged into the upper end of the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) along with the chemical transport tube 19. Alternative acceptable means such as glue, packing or mechanical fittings would also be acceptable as long as they produce an airtight seal between the chemical transport tubing 19 and the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) and allow free internal flow. From the remote liquid reservoir 21 the chemical transport tubing 19 is routed up to and supported by the injection assembly 5, the chemical transport tubing 19 passes between the water tank 25 and the water tank lid 29 to the interior of the water tank 25, detailed discussion of injection assembly 5 and how chemicals are suctioned into eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5) to follow. The second end of the chemical transport tubing 19 is inserted into one end of a suction orifice connector tubing 34 (FIG. 5). The suction orifice connector tubing 34 (FIG. 5) has an internal suction orifice 33 (FIG. 5) that restricts the flow of chemicals therethrough. The other end of the suction orifice connector tubing 34 (FIG. 5) is fitted over a check valve 32 (FIG. 5) inlet fitting. The outlet of the check valve 32 (FIG. 5) is connected to an eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5). The outside diameter of the check valve 32 (FIG. 5) outlet fitting is slightly larger than the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) inside diameter such that when the outlet fitting of the check valve 32 (FIG. 5) is pressed into the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) a leak tight connection is obtained. The eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5) is placed internal to the toilet bowl tank 25 and secured to the injection assembly 5. One end of the eductor inlet tube 17 is connected securely to the ballcock refill valve outlet 15, the other end of the eductor inlet tube 17 is fitted tightly over the eductor inlet port 6, a clamp may be used at either end of said eductor inlet tube 17 if desired to prevent any possible leaks. Refill water entering the eductor inlet port 6 flows through a nozzle 35 (FIG. 5) and into the body of the jet eductor 38 (FIG. 5) before exiting at the eductor discharge port 7. A first end of the eductor discharge tube 18 is securely fitted to the eductor discharge port 7. A second end of the eductor discharge tube 18 is connected to the inlet port of the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23. The overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 is secured to the top edge of the overflow pipe 16 with a clip 39 such that the outflowing water and chemicals flow into and down the overflow pipe 16 and continue a downward flow bypassing the flush valve 11 and flowing into the bowl 24 where the refill water and added chemicals fill, clean and sanitize all surfaces contacted in route to and including the toilet bowl 24.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2 a side view of the injection assembly 5 is shown is shown in a preferred embodiment. The injection assembly is formed from inexpensive plastic or non-corrosive metal The bottom most portion of the injection assembly 5 located inside the water tank 25 is bent away from the side of the water tank 25 to approximately a 45 degree angle; a hole is formed in the center of the bent section large enough to allow the eductor suction port 31 to pass through. While the injection assembly may be fashioned or assembled in different ways or of other materials it should hold the eductor suction port 31 above the horizontal centerline that passes through the eductor inlet port 6 (FIG. 3) and eductor discharge port 7 (FIG. 3) while also keeping the center of the eductor discharge port 7 (FIG. 3) level with or higher than the center of the overflow pipe 90 degree connector inlet port 22 (FIG. 6), this allows the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) to drain of liquid creating an air gap and siphon break between the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) and the eductor inlet port 6 (FIG. 5) as well as the eductor outlet port 7 (FIG. 5) preventing water and or chemicals from flowing back through the chemical transport tubing 19 into the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1). The air gap also prevents any chemicals from back flowing from the chemical transport tubing 19 into the suction port 31 and continuing upstream through the eductor inlet port 6 (FIG. 5) and eductor inlet tubing 17 (FIG. 5) to the ballcock valve 14 (FIG. 1).
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3 the injection assembly 5 is shown in a vertical view from inside the water tank 25. The eductor inlet tube 17 and eductor discharge tube 18 are both held horizontal and tightly against the bottommost region of injection assembly 5 located internal to the water tank 25 by tubing ties 52 that pass through the two tubing tie holes 53 and loop around the eductor inlet tube 17 and eductor discharge tube 18. As the eductor inlet tube 17 is attached to the eductor inlet port 6 and the eductor discharge tube 18 is similarly attached to the eductor discharge port 7, the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) is also held horizontal. The eductor suction port 31 passes through the hole created for it near the bottom edge of the injection assembly 5 and is held securely above the horizontal plane at close to a 45 degree angle. Other means may be used to secure the eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5) but all such means must keep the eductor suction port 31 above the horizontal centerline that runs through the eductor inlet port 6 and eductor discharge port 7 while also keeping the overflow pipe 90 degree connector inlet port 22 (FIG. 6) level with or lower than the eductor discharge port 7 in order to create a siphon break, the siphon break prevents water and or chemicals from flowing back into the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) if the check valve 32 does not form complete seal while at the same time there is a slow leak past the ballcock valve 14 (FIG. 1) and water is flowing slowly through the eductor inlet tube 17.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4 the injection assembly 5 back panel 54 is shown in a vertical view from the back side of the water tank 25. Twelve small tubing tie holes 53 are formed in the back panel 54 to allow six chemical transfer tubing ties 55 to loop around and hold the chemical transfer tubing 19 securely against the back panel 54. The four outside chemical transfer tubing ties 55 hold the chemical transfer tubing 19 so it is held vertically on each side of back panel 54 with a large arching loop between the two sides, a status loop 8. The status loop 8 that is formed can be adjusted by sliding the chemical transport tubing 19 through the chemical transfer tubing ties 55 so it is visible above the water tank lid 29 or shortened to be inconspicuous if desired. The center two chemical transfer tubing ties 55 align the chemical transfer tubing 19 vertically within the center gap between the two support straps 51 so it will pass into the water tank 25 and stay between the two support straps 51. The two support straps 51 are the same height as the outside diameter of the chemical transport tubing 19 and hold the water tank lid 29 up to create a gap the chemical transport tubing 19 can pass through into the water tank 25 interior without being pinched or crushed by the water tank lid 29. Other means may be used to support the chemical transport tubing 19 such as clips or loops molded into the back panel 54. Any such other means must hold the chemical transport tubing 19 in such a way that it does not bend too sharply or kink. While the support straps 51 are shown as two straps that are the same thickness as the chemical transport tubing 19 outside diameter, the only requirement is that they hold the water tank lid 29 up just high enough for the chemical transport tubing 19 to travel into the interior of the water tank 25 without being pinched or crushed such that chemicals inside the chemical transport tubing 19 may pass through the chemical transport tubing 19 unrestricted. The support straps 51 may be formed in many ways and could possibly be one strap and the chemical transport tubing 19 could be routed next to the strap or possibly the strap could be molded with an internal pathway that the chemical transport tubing 19 would be fluidly connected to. The thickness requirement for the support straps 51 is that they hold the water tank lid up just high enough for the chemical transport tubing 19 to travel into the interior of the water tank 25 without being pinched or crushed and the chemicals inside may pass through the chemical transport tubing 19 with little restriction and have a fluid path to the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5). While not required a chemical transport tubing conduit 80 can be installed to protect the chemical transport tubing 19 and it is shown secured to the back panel 54 using the two outside chemical transfer tubing ties 55 where the chemical transfer tubing 19 makes its first vertical pass across the back panel 54. The chemical transport tubing conduit 80 if utilized protects the internal chemical transport tubing 19 from physical damage in route from the vicinity of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 (FIG. 1) to the vicinity of the support assembly 5 located on back of the water tank 25.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5 a cross sectional view of the main components that make up the preferred embodiment of the eductor assembly 30 and how they are interconnected is shown. The eductor body 38 shown is a high density polyethylene 1/4'' barb.times.1/4'' barb.times.1/4'' barb tee. The eductor body 38 while shown to be a readily available high density polyethylene 1/4'' barb.times.1/4'' barb.times.1/4'' barb tee could also be custom formed such as by injection molding specifically for service as a jet eductor with the same general dimensions to be described here as is the case with toilet jet eductor 75 (FIG. 15). The eductor body 38 is configured with the eductor inlet port 6 and eductor discharge port 7 located on opposite sides of a tee shaped body in a straight line across from each other. Perpendicular to and fluidly connecting with the eductor inlet port 6 and eductor discharge port 7 at the midpoint is the eductor suction port 31. One end of the chemical transport tubing 19 is inserted into a first end of a suction orifice connector tubing 34 a second end of the orifice connector tubing 34 is fitted over the inlet port of the check valve 32. Within the suction orifice connector tubing 34 is a suction orifice 33 that is pressed into the suction orifice connector tubing 34, approximate suction orifice 33 diameter is 0.039''. The suction orifice 33 shown is manufactured by creating the required sized orifice hole in a short section of a plastic rod that fits snugly inside the suction orifice connector tubing 34. The suction orifice 33 limits the flow rate of the chemicals flowing into the eductor suction port 31. The suction orifice 33 is a low cost method of controlling the chemical flow rate into the eductor assembly 30. The suction orifice 33 requires no initial setup or adjustment and the flow rate is repeatable with each use. Other means such as pinch valves or needle valves could be placed in series with the chemical transport tubing 19 to allow a variable restriction to the flow of chemicals into the eductor suction port 31 in place of the suction orifice 33 if desired however they would increase the cost and complexity of the injection assembly 5. What is required and described is a reliable and economical way to limit the chemical flow rate into the eductor suction port 31 and resulting concentration desired by the user. While the suction orifice 33 is shown inserted into the suction orifice connector tubing 34 it is installed at that point for convenience, other points in the fluid path that the chemical transport tubing 19 follows between the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) and eductor suction port 31 will also work. The check valve 32 outlet port is pressed into the eductor suction port 31. The check valve 32 outlet port having a slightly larger outside diameter than the eductor suction port 31 inside diameter creates a leak free union. While the check valve 32 is shown inserted into the eductor suction port 31 it is installed at that point for convenience, other points along the fluid path that the chemical transport tubing 19 follows between the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) and eductor suction port 31 would also be effective and acceptable.
[0032] Still Referring to FIG. 5 the suction at the eductor suction port 31 is created when refill water from the ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1) flows through the eductor assembly 30. One end of the eductor inlet tube 17 is fitted tightly over the ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1), the other end of eductor inlet tube 17 is connected securely to the eductor inlet port 6. A plastic nozzle 35 is fitted inside the eductor inlet port 6. The nozzle 35 is held and sealed to the eductor inlet port 6 by a tight fitting rubber nozzle support ring 37 that is slipped over the inlet end of the nozzle 35, additional support to keep the nozzle 35 from slipping into the eductor body 38 is formed by heating and flaring the inlet of the nozzle 35 slightly outward so it rest against the nozzle support ring 37. Un-stretched the nozzle support ring 37 has an approximate internal diameter of 7/64'' and an outside diameter of approximately 1/4''. The nozzle 35 reduces the internal diameter of the eductor inlet tube 6 from approximately 5/32'' down to approximately 3/32''. The discharge end of the nozzle 35 inside of the eductor body 38 is constructed to end just past the center line of the eductor suction port 31 which runs perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle 35. In the case where the eductor body 38 is molded specifically as a jet eductor, the nozzle 35 is molded as part of the body with the above dimensions, see toilet jet eductor nozzle 78 (FIG. 15). One end of the eductor discharge tube 18 is fitted tightly over the eductor discharge port 7. A flood ring 36 with an internal diameter of approximately 5/32'' is fitted inside the eductor discharge tube 18 approximately 3/4'' downstream of the eductor discharge port 7 outlet. The flood ring 36 causes the narrow jet of water exiting the nozzle 35 to back up to and flood the eductor body 38 with liquid while the eductor assembly 30 is in operation. The flood ring eliminates the need for a diffuser or converging inlet nozzle and diverging outlet diffuser at the eductor discharge port 7 to maximize the suction created in the eductor assembly 30. Once the eductor body 38 is flooded with liquid during the time the eductor assembly 30 is operating with the ballcock valve 14 open a strong suction is generated inside the eductor body 38 and present within the eductor suction port 31, the suction produced being powerful enough to lift and motivate a column of chemicals inside the chemical transfer tubing 19 from the floor level said toilet 10 (FIG. 1) is sitting on up to and over the top edge of the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) through the suction orifice 33 and check valve 34 and into the eductor suction port 31. Refill water and added chemicals then flow and mix in the eductor discharge port 7 before flowing into the eductor discharge tube 18. The opposite end of the eductor discharge tube 18 is secured to the overflow pipe 90 degree connector inlet port 22 (FIG. 6), the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 (FIG. 6) is secured to the top of the overflow pipe 16 (FIG. 6) such that outflowing refill water and chemicals are directed into the overflow pipe 16 (FIG. 6).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5a a cross sectional view is shown of the suction orifice connector tubing 34 with a larger suction orifice 65 inserted into the suction orifice connector tubing 34. The suction orifice connector tubing 34 and larger suction orifice 65 capable of being installed as an assembly in place of the standard suction orifice 33 and orifice connector tubing 34 if user desires to increase the concentration of chemicals added to the toilet bowl 24 (FIG. 1).
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5b a cross sectional view is shown of suction orifice connector tubing 34 with a smaller suction orifice 66 inserted into the suction orifice connector tubing 34. The suction orifice connector tubing 34 and suction orifice 66 capable of being installed as an assembly in place of the standard suction orifice 33 and orifice connector tubing 34 if user desires to decrease the concentration of chemicals added to the toilet bowl 24 (FIG. 1).
[0035] Referring to FIG. 6 a side view shows preferred way the overflow pipe 90 degree connector inlet port 22 grips the outside edge of the eductor discharge tube 18 in such a way that it does not restrict the flow of refill water and chemicals flowing into the overflow pipe 16. The eductor discharge tube 18 should have no notable restrictions downstream of the flood ring 36. The overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 internal diameter is the same as or greater than the internal diameter of the eductor discharge tube 18. The clip 39 shown is one way to hold the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 to the top of the overflow pipe 16 but other means may be used such as molding the clip 39 into the body of the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 or a separate molded plastic or bent metal fastening clip that attaches to the top of the overflow pipe 16 and holds the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 such that outflowing liquid will flow into the overflow pipe 16. The overflow pipe 90 degree connector inlet port 22 should be level with or lower than the eductor discharge port 7 (FIG. 5) such that an air gap and siphon break forms at the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) when the flush refill sequence ends and the ballcock valve 14 (FIG. 1) closes.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 7 a remote liquid reservoir 21 is shown. The remote liquid reservoir 21 can be manufactured in many forms and hold various chemicals that are be used to clean and sanitize, it may be refillable or disposable. FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the remote liquid reservoir 21 that is disposable, holds an excellent cleaning and sanitizing solution, is inexpensive and readily available at many retail stores. The remote liquid reservoir 21 being a common manufactures container of household strength sodium hypochlorite or bleach. The cap 42 has a hole formed in it that is just large enough for dip tube 40 to snugly pass through. The cap 42 has a small diameter air hole 44 that allows air to pass through into the remote liquid reservoir 21 and prevents a negative pressure from developing within as chemicals are drawn out of the remote liquid reservoir 21. A Dip tube 40 extends from the top of the cap 42 downwardly into the remote liquid reservoir 21 towards the bottommost region. The dip tube 40 being a semi rigid plastic tube enables it to keep a dip tube filter 41 in position near the bottommost region of the remote liquid reservoir 21. The upper end of the dip tube 40 extending a short distance above the top surface of the cap 42. The dip tube filter 41 fitted at the bottom end of the dip tube 40 having a fine mesh screen with openings smaller than the internal diameter of the suction orifice 33 (FIG. 5) prevents debris and particles from entering the dip tube 40 that could travel to and clog the suction orifice 33 (FIG. 5). The dip tube filter 41 being all plastic with no metal screen or fasteners is completely compatible with and not degraded by sodium hypochlorite or other common household cleaning and sanitizing chemicals. An alternative embodiment not shown is for the cap 42 to be manufactured with a dip tube 40 molded into the cap or a connection for a dip tube molded into the cap so the dip tube 40 does not pass through the cap 42 if desired. This embodiment would require an air hole 44 in the cap 42 or in the top of the remote liquid reservoir 21 above the liquid level. An alternative to the above embodiment not shown is for the cap 42 to have a leak tight connector molded in or installed that would allow a mating leak tight connector attached to the chemical transport tubing 19 to couple with forming a continuous fluid conduit from the interior of the of the chemical transport tubing 19 to the interior of the dip tube 40. In this embodiment only the remote chemical transport tubing 19 with attached leak tight connector would need to be moved from the empty remote liquid reservoir 21 over to the full remote liquid reservoir 21 when changing the remote liquid reservoir 21. An alternative embodiment not shown is for the remote liquid reservoir 21 to be fashioned with an internal dip tube 40 molded into the body of the remote liquid reservoir 21. In this embodiment an air hole 44 in the cap 42 or the upper surface of the remote liquid reservoir 21 above the upper most liquid level is required. Another alternative embodiment not shown is for the remote liquid reservoir 21 to not have a dip tube instead having an opening in the bottommost surface of the remote liquid reservoir 21 that is fluidly connected to a leak tight connector such that when the chemical transport tubing 19 is fitted with a mating leak tight connector and connected to the leak tight connector on the bottom of the remote liquid reservoir 21 a continuous fluid connection is made from the interior of the of the chemical transport tubing 19 to the interior of the remote liquid reservoir 21. In this embodiment chemicals are suctioned from the bottom of the remote liquid reservoir 21. The remote liquid reservoir 21 in this embodiment would require an air hole 44 in the cap 42 or in the top of the remote liquid reservoir 21 above the liquid level or the remote liquid reservoir 21 will need to be made of a collapsible material to prevent a negative pressure from forming inside the remote liquid reservoir 21 that would stop the flow of chemicals out of same.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 8 a cap 42 for the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 7) is illustrated. The cap 42 being made of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or similar plastic, alternative materials could be selected as long as the material selected is compatible with common liquid sanitizing and cleaning materials such as household strength sodium hypochlorite or liquid bleach. The cap 42 contains an air hole 44 to allow air to enter the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 7). Also shown is an adapter seal tube 43. The adapter seal tube 43 shown is a short length of soft laboratory tubing with approximately 3/32'' internal diameter and 5/32'' outside diameter. The adapter seal tube 43 tube is stretched slightly and fitted over one end of the approximate 1/8'' outside diameter chemical transport tubing 19 for approximately 1/4''. The free end of the adapter seal tube 43, the end without the chemical transport tubing 19 is then inserted into the upper end of the dip tube 40 that rises above the cap 42. The chemical transport tubing 19 with attached adapter seal tube 43 are both urged into the top end of the dip tube 40. The dip tube 40 internal diameter of approximately 5/32'' is just smaller than the coaxially combined outside diameter of the chemical transport tube 19 inserted into the adapter seal tube 43 therefore; a leak tight and fluid connection is produced. Other methods or adapters could be used to attach the chemical transport tubing 19 to the dip tube 40 and they would be acceptable as long as a leak tight and fluid connection is formed between the chemical transport tubing 19 and the dip tube 40.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 9 an isometric drawing of a preferred embodiment of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 is shown. The inside dimensions being slightly larger than the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 7) contained within. A sponge seal 62 attached to the container lid 60 allows the remote liquid reservoir container 20 to act as a double containment to the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 7) contained within, helping to contain spills and keep the stored chemicals safely away from pets and small children. The sponge seal 62 also acts to secure slack in the chemical transport tubing 19 within the remote liquid reservoir container 20, safely away from pets and small children. The sponge seal 62 also acts as a spring to push the container lid 60 up and away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20, this spring action as described later holds the container locking tab 61 up against the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20. To remove the lid 60 the operator must push down on both sides of the container lid 60, then while holding the lid 60 down the two container locking tabs 61 on either side of the container must be lifted away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 and held while the container lid 60 is lifted off the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20. The bottom edge of the locking tab 61 being at least 3'' from the top surface of the container lid prevents a child having small hands from being capable of pushing down with his or her palms or thumbs on the upper surface of the container lid 60 while at the same time reaching and lifting the container locking tabs 61 to release and remove the container lid 60.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 10 a cross sectional end view of the line 10-10 on FIG. 9 shows the container locking tab 61. When the container lid 60 is sitting in a closed and locked position, the partially compressed sponge seal 62 pushes against the container lid 60 and the body of remote liquid reservoir container 20 and would push them apart if not held by the angled ear 63 on the container locking tab 61 being held by the interlocking angled lip on the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20. The container locking tab 61 cannot be lifted away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 while the sponge seal 62 is pressing on the container lid 60 and causing the container locking tab 61 angled ear 63 to be forced up against the body of remote liquid reservoir container 20 due to the angled interlocking lip on the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20. To lift the container locking tab 61 away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 so the container lid 60 can be lifted off the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20, the container lid 60 must first be pressed down towards the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 to compress the sponge seal 62 completely, then while holding the lid down the user can lift the container locking tab 61 and ear 63 away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20. While the locking tab 61 and ear 63 is continued to be held away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20, the container lid 60 can be lifted up and away from the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 as the ear 63 will now clear and can pass the interlocking angled lip on the body of the remote liquid reservoir container 20.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 11 a cross sectional end view of the line 11-11 on FIG. 9 shows how the sponge seal 62 attached to the container lid 60 presses against the chemical transport tubing 19 to hold the chemical transport tubing 19 securely. An additional length of chemical transport tubing 19 is desired when replacing the empty remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) with a full remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) as it allows the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) to be placed on a counter top, top of a closed toilet bowl 24 (FIG. 1) lid or on the floor next to the remote liquid reservoir container 20 where the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) can be moved easily from the empty remote liquid reservoir 20 to the full one. Once the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) has been replaced the additional length or slack in the chemical transport tubing 19 is placed inside the remote liquid reservoir container 20 and the top is securely pressed down and latched by the container locking tab 61 (FIG. 10). The sponge seal 62 securing the additional length or slack in chemical transport tubing 19 within the remote liquid reservoir container 20 away from animals and small children. Also shown is the path the chemical transport tubing 19 follows over the rounded top edge of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 so the chemical transport tubing 19 does not collapse or kink while being pressed on by the sponge seal 62 as it exits the remote liquid reservoir container 20.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 12 a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir is shown. The drawing shows the remote liquid reservoir 21 safeguarded inside a remote liquid reservoir container 20 to prevent small children and pets from contacting chemicals stored inside. The view also shows how chemical transport tubing 19 may be routed and secured with zip tie anchors 50 from the remote liquid reservoir container 20 along the baseboard behind the remote liquid reservoir container 20 over to and behind the toilet 10 then up to the injection assembly 5 hanging on the back of the water tank 25 in such a way that the chemical transfer tubing 19 is not out in the open and is away from pets and small children. In an alternative embodiment not shown one end of a strap could be connected to the upper region of one side of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 with a second end attached to the wall to prevent the remote liquid reservoir container 20 from tipping over. In another alternative embodiment not shown double sided tape could be added to the bottom edges of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 to prevent the remote liquid reservoir container 20 from tipping over. In another alternative embodiment not shown a wall bracket is fashioned to be secured to the remote liquid reservoir container 20 and has mounting holes for screws, drywall anchors, or other fastening means to attach the support on the wall near the water tank 25 such that the top of the remote reservoir container 20 is between floor level and the horizontal plane that passes through the top of the overflow pipe 16 (FIG. 1).
[0042] Referring to FIG. 13 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir is shown. In this embodiment the liquid chemical reservoir 21 does not have any secondary containment or remote liquid reservoir container 20 (FIG. 12) to keep pets or small children from contacting the chemicals stored inside the remote chemical reservoir 21.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 14 a perspective of another alternative embodiment of the liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir is shown. In this embodiment the remote liquid reservoir 21 is shown stored inside an alternative structure acting as the remote liquid reservoir container 20 (FIG. 12), in this case a vanity cabinet located near the toilet. This alternate structure could be any structure that is large enough for the remote chemical reservoir 21 to be placed inside in an upright manner. A small approximately 1/8'' hole or gap would be required for the chemical transport tubing 19 to be routed through so the chemical transport tubing 19 can be fluidly connected between the remote chemical reservoir 21 and the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5). The vanity or alternate structure could have locking devices placed on the door or entry to prevent small children and pets from contacting chemicals stored inside. The view shows where a small approximately 1/8'' hole may be drilled and how chemical transport tubing 19 may be routed to the injection assembly 5 located on the back of water tank 25 in such a way that the chemical transfer tubing 19 is not out in the open and is away from pets and small children. Another embodiment not shown is to have the chemical transport tubing 19 routed inside and protected by a larger tube or conduit that has one end connected on or near the remote liquid reservoir container 20 (FIG. 12) and the other end terminating on or close to the support assembly 5.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 15 a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5) with a custom molded plastic toilet jet eductor 75 and mating custom molded low profile 90 degree connector 70. The custom molded toilet jet eductor 75 has a toilet jet eductor inlet port 77 that is sized to fit securely inside a standard toilet refill tube that is typically connected between the ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1) and the top of the overflow pipe 16. The inside diameter of the jet eductor inlet port 77 being the same as the nozzle 35 (FIG. 5) inside diameter and is approximately 3/32''. The toilet jet eductor nozzle 78 is formed during the injection molding process and the discharge end of the toilet jet eductor nozzle 78 is constructed to end just past the center line of the chemical suction port 76 which runs perpendicular to the axis of the toilet jet eductor nozzle 78. The chemical suction port 76 internal diameter is sized to be slightly smaller than the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 2) so it holds the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 2) securely when it is pressed into the chemical suction port 76. The chemical suction port 76 has a fluid conduit that leads to an internal common area near the toilet jet eductor nozzle 78 exit and the toilet jet eductor discharge port 79. The toilet jet eductor discharge port 79 internal diameter is approximately 5/32''. The toilet jet eductor discharge port 79 outside barb is sized to securely hold one end of a toilet jet eductor discharge tube 72 with an internal diameter of approximately 1/4''. The other end of the toilet jet eductor discharge tube 72 is connected to the barbed end of a flood ring and tubing connection 71. The opposite end of the flood ring and tubing connection 71 the end without the tubing barb is secured into the body of low profile 90 degree connector 70. The inlet port of the low profile 90 degree connector is sized and has slight decreasing diameter tapper so when the flood ring and tubing connection 71 is pressed into the inlet port of the low profile 90 degree connector 70 a tight and secure connection is formed. The low profile 90 degree connector 70 is secured to the top of the overflow pipe 16 by the molded in clip. The low profile 90 degree connector 70 holds the low profile 90 degree connector 70 and connected toilet jet eductor 75 as low as possible to the top of the overflow pipe 16 in the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) and allows the Liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir to be used in toilets 10 (FIG. 1) that do not have a minimum of 2.5'' clearance between the top of the overflow pipe 16 and top edge of the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) With the low profile 90 degree connector 70 and mating toilet jet eductor 75 the top of the overflow pipe 16 may be within 1'' of the top edge of the water tank 25 (FIG. 1). In this embodiment the check valve 32 (FIG. 2) is fluidly connected to the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 5) upstream of the toilet jet eductor 75. The outlet of the check valve 32 being connected to one end of an open tube with the other end attached to a first end of a short section of chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 5). The second end of the short section of chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 5) then being pressed into the chemical suction port 76. Preferably the check valve 32 (FIG. 5) and orifice 33 (FIG. 5) are attached to the inside panel of the injection assembly 5 (FIG. 3). This keeps all fluid connections above the water line in the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) to eliminate the chance a pet or small child pulling on the chemical transport tubing 19 could cause the unions or joints to separate creating the possibility of a siphon starting and creating a spill.
[0045] From the foregoing the operation of the preferred embodiment of the liquid chemical dispensing apparatus for toilet bowls with remote liquid reservoir can be clearly understood. During the time interval after the toilet 10 (FIG. 1) is flushed and flush valve 11 (FIG. 1) opens causing the water level in the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) to drop to the point where the ballcock valve 14 (FIG. 1) opens until the flush valve 11 (FIG. 1) closes and the upper water level in the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) is reached causing the float 13 (FIG. 1) to lift and press on the lever 28 (FIG. 1) to close the ballcock valve 14 (FIG. 1). A suction at the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) is created due to refill water from ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1) flowing through the eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5). Refill water from the ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1) flows through the eductor inlet tube 17 (FIG. 1) attached between the ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1) and the eductor inlet port 6 (FIG. 1). The refill water continues flowing into the eductor inlet port 6 (FIG. 5), where the refill water passes through a plastic nozzle 35 (FIG. 5) that is secured to the eductor inlet port 6 (FIG. 5). The nozzle 35 (FIG. 5) restricts the cross sectional area that the flowing water therein can pass through and causes the velocity of the flowing water to increase. The high velocity flow of water passing out of the nozzle 35 (FIG. 5) creates a low pressure area in the vicinity of the nozzle 35 outlet and the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) internal to the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5). Bernoulli's principle and equation describes how increasing the flow rate of a fluid through an area will create a corresponding lower pressure in that area compared to another area where the fluid flow rate is slower. In operation the high velocity fluid jet created by the nozzle 35 (FIG. 5) creates a localized low pressure area in the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) and a strong suction, approximately 50'' H20 at the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5). Being that the top of the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) on most standard toilets 10 (FIG. 1) is approximately 30'' above the floor. The suction created by the eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5) relative to atmospheric pressure acting on the chemicals inside the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) is more than adequate to lift a column of liquid chemicals inside the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 1) from the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) located on or near the level of the floor up to the level of the injection assembly 5 (FIG. 1) hanging on the top edge of the water tank 25 (FIG. 1). Chemicals suctioned into the eductor suction port 31 are then thoroughly mixed with refill water in the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) and continue to flow out the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) through the larger eductor discharge port 7 where the velocity of the water slows. The refill water and added chemicals continue to flow into the even larger diameter eductor discharge tube 18 where the velocity slows even more. A flood ring 36 (FIG. 5) with a slightly smaller internal diameter than the eductor discharge tube 18 (FIG. 5) is fitted inside the eductor discharge tube 18 (FIG. 5) a short distance approximately 3/4'' downstream of the eductor discharge port 7 (FIG. 5). The flood ring 36 causes the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) to flood with liquid. Once the eductor body 38 (FIG. 5) is flooded with liquid a dramatic increase in the suction level is produced and available at the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5). The flood ring 36 (FIG. 5) eliminates the need to mold or machine a diffuser or converging inlet nozzle with diverging outlet diffuser within the eductor discharge port 7 (FIG. 5). Refill water along with the entrained chemicals continue to flow into the eductor discharge tube 18 (FIG. 5) and flow into the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 (FIG. 1). The refill water and entrained chemicals then flow out of the overflow pipe 90 degree connector 23 (FIG. 1) and down the overflow pipe 16 (FIG. 1) past the flush valve 11 (FIG. 1) to the bowl 24 (FIG. 1) where the treated water fills, cleans and sanitizes all surfaces contacted. The eductor discharge tube 18 (FIG. 5) must not have any significant restrictions downstream of the flood ring 36 (FIG. 5) or the suction created in the eductor assembly 30 (FIG. 5) will be diminished.
[0046] Liquid chemicals stored in the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) are suctioned into the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) as follows. Chemicals from the bottom of the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) flow up through the dip tube filter 41 (FIG. 7) which prevents particles or debris from flowing into and clogging the suction orifice 33 (FIG. 5). Liquid chemicals continue flowing up through the dip tube 40 (FIG. 7) and into the first end of the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 7). As mentioned earlier the liquid chemicals flow due to the strong vacuum created in the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5). The chemicals flowing inside the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 1), flow out of the remote liquid reservoir container 20 (FIG. 1) and follow an out of the way path to the back side of the injection assembly 5 (FIG. 4). While not required FIG. 4 shows the chemical transport tubing 19 supported by the chemical transport tubing ties 55 in such a way that it forms an adjustable status loop 8. The adjustable status loop 8 allows the user to visually see when the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) is nearing empty due to a large number of air bubbles traveling quickly through the clear chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 4) or the lack of any chemicals being visible inside the chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 4). The chemical transport tubing 19 (FIG. 4) is then routed through a gap between the two support straps 51 (FIG. 4) and into the interior of the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) Once inside the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) the chemical transport tubing is inserted into one end of the suction orifice connector tubing 34 (FIG. 5) the other end is fitted over the inlet port of check valve 32 (FIG. 5). The liquid chemicals flow through the suction orifice connector tubing 34 (FIG. 5) and the suction orifice 33 (FIG. 5) pressed into the suction orifice connector tubing 34 (FIG. 5) which limits the flow rate of the chemicals added to the refill water through the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) and the resulting concentration that ends up in the toilet bowl 24 (FIG. 1). The chemicals then flow through a check valve 32 (FIG. 5) that is pressed into the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) and into the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) The check valve 32 (FIG. 5) prevents chemicals from flowing backwards into the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) between flushes, it also helps prevent a siphon from starting that could flood the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1) if water was to slowly leak past the ballcock refill valve outlet 15 (FIG. 1) between flushes. Additionally the overflow pipe 90 degree connector inlet port 22 (FIG. 6) being level with or lower than the eductor discharge port 7 (FIG. 5) causes an air gap and siphon break to form at the eductor suction port 31 (FIG. 5) when the ballcock valve 14 (FIG. 1) is closed thus ensuring liquids do not back flow into the remote liquid reservoir 21 (FIG. 1).
[0047] In the alternative embodiment with a custom molded toilet jet eductor 75 (FIG. 15) shown and described earlier with the exception of the physical shape and where the components are supported and physically tied together the operation is the same as previously described in the preferred embodiment and will not be repeated here.
[0048] Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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