Clean toilet and accessories

A toilet that includes a bowl; a tank having a sidewall and a bottom defining a reservoir; a container located inside the reservoir and configured to contain a chemical compound that mixes with water to form a cleaning compound; a connector for coupling the container to the sidewall; and a flush valve. The connector has a bracket coupled to the container, a threaded protrusion that extends from the bracket into a hole in the sidewall of the tank, and a threaded fastener having a threaded body and a head, which is larger radially than the threaded body such that the head contacts an outside of the sidewall in a secured position in which the threaded body threads to the threaded protrusion. The flush valve is fluidly connected to the container to introduce the cleaning compound into the bowl through an outlet in the bottom during a cleaning cycle.

BACKGROUND

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

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

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment of this application relates to a toilet that includes a bowl, a tank, a container, a connector, and a flush valve. The tank has a sidewall and a bottom defining a reservoir. The container is located inside the reservoir and is configured to contain a chemical compound that mixes with water from a fill valve to form a cleaning compound. The connector is configured to couple the container to the sidewall; and the connector includes a bracket coupled to the container, a threaded protrusion that extends from the bracket into a hole in the sidewall of the tank, and a threaded fastener having a threaded body and a head, which is larger radially than the threaded body such that the head contacts an outside of the sidewall in a secured position in which the threaded body threads to the threaded protrusion. The flush valve is fluidly connected to the container to introduce the cleaning compound into the bowl through an outlet in the bottom of the tank during a cleaning cycle.

At least one embodiment relates to a toilet that includes a tank having a sidewall, a container disposed inside the tank and coupled to the sidewall, and a container lid that detachably couples to the container in a secured position. The container includes a body having a wall with an open top to define a reservoir in the body, the reservoir being configured to contain a chemical compound that mixes with water from a fill valve to form a cleaning compound. The container lid includes a base that is disposed on an upper end of the wall, the base having a bore; a slider having an upper portion, which is fitted in the bore, and a lower portion, which is fitted in the open top in the body and includes an outwardly extending lip; a resilient member disposed around at least part of the lower portion of the slider between the lip and the base; and a cam member comprising a lever and a leg extending from the lever, wherein the leg is rotatably coupled to the slider about a pivot axis and includes a cam surface offset from the pivot axis, wherein rotation of the cam member relative to the base and the slider from a non-locking position to a locking position moves the slider relative to the base through the cam surface contacting the base such that the lip biases the resilient member outwardly from a clearance fit into an interference fit with the wall of the body to secure the container lid to the container in the secured position.

At least one embodiment relates to a toilet that includes a tank having a sidewall with an open top to define a reservoir; a shroud disposed in and closing off the open top in an installed position, the shroud having a body with a through hole; a tank lid configured to conceal the shroud with the tank in a covered position; a container located inside the reservoir and below a top of the shroud, wherein the container is configured to contain a chemical compound that mixes with water to form a cleaning compound; and a container lid configured to detachably couple to the container through the through hole to form a fluid tight seal between the container lid and the container in a locked position, wherein the container lid is accessible with the tank lid removed from the tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed in this application are toilets having integrated chemical dispensing systems or assemblies, which are configured to introduce (e.g., deliver, dispense, etc.) a chemistry (e.g., a cleaning compound) into a bowl of the toilet during a cleaning cycle. As discussed below, the cleaning compound includes a chemical compound, which can be mixed with water to dilute the concentration of chemical compound. The water can be supplied by a fill valve of the toilet; and the cleaning compound can be introduced into the bowl through a flush valve of the toilet. By way of example, the systems and methods, as disclosed herein, may be configured to influence (e.g., reduce) scale, slippery, and/or sanitation through the cleaning compound to thereby have improved cleanliness. As used herein, the term “scale” generally refers to mineral deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, etc.), that collect or build-up on the surfaces of the components of systems, such as toilets. As used herein, the term “slippery” generally refers to coating(s) that may be applied to the surfaces of the components of the systems to influence the coefficient of friction of the surfaces. For example, a non-stick coating, such as a diamon-fusion coating, may be applied to surfaces of the components to reduce the coefficient of friction of the surfaces to which the coating is applied. As used herein, the term “sanitation” generally refers to the application (e.g., introduction, etc.) of anti-microbial chemicals. Thus, the toilets disclosed herein can introduce a cleaning compound to thereby reduce, scale, slippery, and/or sanitation.

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

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a toilet100including a base110(e.g., pedestal, bowl, etc.), a tank120(e.g., cistern, etc.) supported by the base110, and a seat assembly116. The base110is configured to be secured to another object, such as a drain pipe, floor, combination thereof, or any other suitable object. The base110includes a bowl111defined by a rim115of the base110and an internal passageway fluidly connecting the bowl111to the drain pipe (not shown). The illustrated seat assembly116that includes a seat117and a seat cover118, both of which are pivotally (e.g., rotatably) coupled to the base110through a hinge assembly119having one or more pivots (e.g., hinges). The hinge assembly119is shown mounted to the rim115and rotatably supporting the seat117and the seat cover118.

The tank120shown inFIG. 1is separate from the base110and supported by an upper surface of a ledge of the base110that is rearward of the rim115. Thus, the illustrated toilet100is commonly referred to as a two-piece toilet. Alternatively, the tank120may be integrally formed with the base110(e.g., the ledge), which is commonly referred to as a one-piece toilet. It is noted that the elements of the tank assembly described herein may be used with other types of toilets and other types of tanks for toilets.

FIGS. 2-6illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a tank assembly102for use with a toilet, such as the one-piece toilet100shown inFIG. 1. The tank assembly102includes the tank120, a lid122(e.g., tank lid), a fill valve130, a flush valve140, a shroud150, and a chemical dispensing system160. The fill valve130is located inside the reservoir and is configured to receive water through an inlet131(through the inlet opening120d) to selectively fill the reservoir to a high water level HWL. The fill valve130can have any construction.

The illustrated tank120includes one or more sidewalls120aand a bottom120cthat define an internal reservoir120b(e.g., cavity) that is accessible through an open top in the tank120. The bottom120chas an inlet opening120dand an outlet opening120e. A hole120fis located in one sidewall120afor securing the chemical dispensing system160to the tank120. As shown inFIG. 4, the hole120fis located in a rear facing sidewall120aand is positioned or located above the high water level HWL and below the shroud150.

The illustrated lid122is configured to conceal the shroud150in a covered position (i.e., positioned or resting on top of the tank120covering the open top and reservoir120bof the tank). The lid122can be removed from the tank120to access the shroud150, such as to remove the shroud150, as well as access the chemical dispensing system160or part(s) thereof.

FIGS. 2, 5, and 6also show a flush handle126that is configured to initiate a flush cycle of the toilet. For example, the flush handle126can be operatively coupled to the flush valve140to open the valve in response to a user of the toilet rotating the flush handle126relative to the tank120. The flush handle126and/or other actuators (e.g., buttons, handles, devices, etc.) can operate the chemical dispensing system160.

The illustrated shroud150is disposed in and closes off the open top of the tank120in an installed position (FIG. 2) to conceal the fill valve130, the flush valve140, and at least part of the chemical dispensing system160(e.g., a container thereof). The shroud150includes a body151having an outer profile (e.g., when viewed from above) that complements the shape (e.g., profile) of an inside of the tank120. The outer profile of the body151can contact the inside of the tank120. The body151of the shroud150includes one or more holes. As shown best inFIGS. 2 and 5, the body151includes a through hole153(e.g., a first through hole, aperture, opening, etc.) that receives at least one part of the chemical dispensing system160(e.g., a container lid thereof). The through hole153is configured (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) based on the configuration of at least one part of the chemical dispensing system160. Also shown, a second through hole155, which is separate and offset from the through hole153, extends through the body151to receive another part of the chemical dispensing system160(e.g., a multi-position control272thereof). Additional holes can, optionally, be disposed in the shroud150. By way of example, a third hole157can be disposed in the shroud150to receive a reset control158and/or a fourth hole159can be disposed in the shroud150to receive a fastener or indicator (e.g., an illuminated indicator).

FIGS. 7-16illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a chemical dispensing system160that includes a container161that is located in (e.g., inside, within, etc.) the reservoir120band is configured to contain (e.g., hold, house, etc.) a chemical compound. As noted above, the chemical compound can mix with water to form a cleaning compound. Alternatively, the chemical compound can be used as the cleaning compound with dilution. As shown best inFIG. 3, an inlet line135fluidly connects an outlet133of the fill valve130and an inlet167of the container161, and an outlet line145fluidly connects an outlet168of the container161with an inlet141of the flush valve140.

The illustrated container161includes a body162having a bottom163(FIG. 11) and a plurality of walls164(e.g., sidewalls) interconnected with the bottom163and with an open top to define an internal reservoir165in the body162. Thus, the reservoir165is accessible through an opening in a top of the container161. As shown best inFIGS. 8-11, the container161includes a flange166extending outwardly from an exterior of one wall164, and the illustrated flange166includes two arms that are spaced apart to form a clevis (e.g., clevis shape). The flange166is configured to secure the container161, as discussed below.

As shown best inFIGS. 4 and 6, a connector170is configured to secure or couple the chemical dispensing system160to a sidewall120aof the tank120. As shown best inFIGS. 8-10, the connector170includes a bracket171, which is located inside the reservoir120bof the tank120and is directly coupled to the flange166of the container161through a fastener169. The illustrated bracket171has a body172, which is shown generally planar, and two spaced apart arms173extending from the body172to form a clevis, and the fastener169extends through one of the two spaced apart arms (e.g., the top arm) and threads to the other of the two spaced apart arms (e.g., the bottom arm). Accordingly, the container161and the bracket171can pivot relative to one another about the fastener169. The bracket171includes a threaded protrusion175that extends from the body172of the bracket171in an opposite direction as the arms173to engage a hole120fin a sidewall120aof the tank120when coupling the container161to the tank120. Thus, the arms173and the threaded protrusion175are on opposite sides of the body172. The illustrated threaded protrusion175includes internal threads and has a hexagonal outer shape, which can dictate orientation and/or prevent relative rotation between the threaded protrusion175and the hole120fin the sidewall120aof the tank120if the hole120fhas a complementary shape. The illustrated hole120fis located above the high water level HWL in the reservoir120band is located below the shroud150.

The illustrated connector170also includes a threaded fastener177having a threaded body178and a head179. The threaded body178has external threads that thread to the internal threads of the threaded protrusion175. The head179is larger radially (e.g., diametrically) than the threaded body178, such that the head179contacts an outside surface of the sidewall120a(being secured to) in a secured position, in which the threaded body178threads to the threaded protrusion175. The illustrated head179has a hexagonal outer shape to facilitate rotation, such as using a wrench, other tool, or by hand. Thus, to couple the container161to the tank120, the threaded protrusion175is inserted into the hole120fin the sidewall120a(with the bracket171coupled to the container161), so that the body172of the bracket171abuts or is adjacent to the inside surface of the sidewall120a, then the threaded fastener177is threaded to the threaded protrusion175from outside the tank120. The threaded fastener177can be turned until the sidewall120ais securely clamped between the head179and the body172.

As shown best inFIGS. 7 and 11, the chemical dispensing system160includes a valve assembly270that is configured to control a flow rate of water into the container161from the fill valve130. The illustrated valve assembly270includes a housing271that is operatively coupled to the container161and includes the inlet167fluidly connected to the inlet line135. Located in the housing271is a valve that is operable in two or more positions corresponding to two or more settings of the valve, in which a flow rate of water into the container161form the inlet167is controlled. Thus, the flow rate of water is different in each position (e.g., setting) of the valve. Further, the valve can be a ball valve or any other suitable type of valve.

A multi-position control272extends above the housing271and is operably coupled to the valve, so that the control272changes (e.g., switches) operation of the valve between the two or more settings. The illustrated control272is configured as a rotary knob that can be rotated into each position. On the knob is an indicator275that aligns with indicators152in the shroud150(FIG. 5) to inform a user as to the setting of the valve. The illustrated embodiment inFIG. 5includes three indicators152, which can include an off position and two different cleaning settings (e.g., a first concentration of chemistry/chemical compound, a second concentration of chemistry/chemical compound) or three different cleaning settings.FIG. 17illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a four position/setting chemical dispensing system. The multi-position control272can be toggled (e.g., rotated) between a first position152ashown as an “off” setting, in which the chemical dispensing system dispenses only water without a chemistry, a second position152bshown as a “−” setting, in which the chemical dispensing system dispenses a first concentration (e.g., a reduced concentration below that of a nominal concentration), a third setting152c, in which the chemical dispensing system dispenses a second concentration (e.g., a nominal concentration), and a fourth setting152dshown as a “+” setting, in which the chemical dispensing system dispenses a third concentration (e.g., an increased concentration above that of a nominal concentration). The multi-position control272is accessible with the lid122removed from the tank120and with the shroud (e.g., the shroud150) in place. As shown best inFIGS. 2 and 5, the control272nests within and is accessible through the through hole155in the shroud150. The through hole155is shown separate from the through hole153that receives the container lid and/or the through hole157that receives the reset button158.

As shown inFIG. 11, the outlet from the valve assembly270is fluidly connected to an inlet of a diffusing tube273, which is illustrated as a U-shaped tube having an outlet that is located at the end opposite the inlet and is fluidly connected to the outlet168and the outlet line145. The diffusing tube273has a plurality of spaced apart openings274located between the inlet and the outlet of the diffusing tube273, and the part of the diffusing tube273having the openings274is disposed under a fluid level of the container161so that water received through the inlet167can flow out the openings274to mix with the chemical compound in the reservoir165. The cleaning compound can flow back into the openings274, such as during a flush cycle and/or a cleaning cycle, and through the outlet168to the flush valve140.

The chemical dispensing system160includes a container lid180that detachably (e.g., removably) couples to the container161in a secured position (FIGS. 7 and 8) and allows access to the reservoir165of the container161in a removed position (FIG. 11).FIGS. 12-16illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a container lid180that includes a base181, a slider185(e.g., sliding member), a resilient member190, and a cam lever192.

The base181is disposed on an upper end of the wall(s)164of the container161in a coupled position, as shown inFIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8. The base181has a shape that complements the through hole153in the shroud150and is configured to cover the open top in the container161. The illustrated base181has a flat bottom, which rests on the container161in the coupled position, a through bore182extending through the base181, and a recess183(e.g., cutaway, pocket, etc.) in the top.

The illustrated slider185includes an upper portion186, which is fitted in the through bore182of the base181, and a lower portion187, which extends down from the upper portion186and is configured to fit in the opening (e.g., the open top) in the body162of the container161. As shown, an outer profile of the upper portion186of the slider185complements a profile of the through bore182in the base181. The lower portion187has a lip188(FIG. 12) that extends outwardly from an outer surface of the lower portion. The lip188can extend around the entire periphery/profile of the lower portion187or a portion thereof.

The resilient member190is disposed around at least part of the lower portion187of the slider185between the lip188and the base181. The term “resilient” denotes that the member is compliant and/or is able to deform elastically under loading and can recover after the load is removed. The illustrated resilient member190is ring shaped, has a generally rectangular cross-section, and extends around the lower portion187.

The cam lever192(e.g., cam member) is rotatably coupled to the slider185about a pivot axis PA, so that the cam lever192can rotate relative to the slider185between a non-locking position (FIGS. 12, 14, and 16) and a locking position (FIGS. 13 and 15). The illustrated cam lever192includes a lever193, which has a generally a flat rectangular shape, and first and second legs194, which are spaced apart and extend from the lever193. Thus, the lever193and first and second legs194form a clevis shape that wraps around the upper portion186of the slider185. Each leg194is rotatably coupled to the slider185(e.g., the upper portion186) about the pivot axis PA and includes a cam surface195, which is offset from the pivot axis PA (e.g., opposite from the lever193.

Rotation of the cam lever192relative to the base181and the slider185from the non-locking position to the locking position moves the slider185(e.g., in an upward direction inFIGS. 12 and 16) relative to the base181through the cam surface195contacting the base181, such that the lip188biases the resilient member190outwardly from a clearance fit into an interference fit with the wall164of the body162of the container161to secure the container lid180to the container161in the secured position. The term “clearance fit” means that the member (e.g., resilient member190) is no larger than the size of the opening (e.g., in the body162), so that the container lid180is removable from the container161. For example, the resilient member190is sized to fit through the opening. The term “interference fit” means that the member (e.g., resilient member190) is larger than the size of the opening (e.g., in the body162), so that the container lid180is prevented from being removed from the container161. For example, the resilient member190is sized to prevent being fitted through the opening. Thus, rotation of the cam lever192toward the locking position causes the pivot axis PA and coupled slider185to move (e.g., lift, rise, slide upward) relative to the base181through contact between the first cam surface195of the first leg194and a first part of the base181and between the second cam surface195and a second part of the base181. In the locking position, the cam lever192nests with the upper portion of the slider185and nests within the recess183of the base181. The illustrated cam lever192complements the base181by forming a substantially planar top between a top of the cam lever192, a top of the upper portion186of the slider185, and a top of the base181, which is on an opposite side of the slider185from the cam lever192.

The resilient member190can be configured to form a fluid (e.g., water, liquid) tight seal between the body162of the container161and the container lid180in the secured position. An outer profile of the lower portion187of the slider185can be shaped, either alone or in combination with the resilient member190, to complement a profile of the open top in the body162of the container161.

The container lid180advantageously provides a seal with the container161when secured thereto to retain the chemistry within the reservoir165of the container161, and the container lid180can be removed and reattached quickly and easily (e.g., without fastening or screwing the lid). Also, by nesting the container lid180with the shroud150, if provided, the lid180can be removed without removing the shroud150. Thus, the clean aesthetics can be maintained while replacing the chemistry in the reservoir165.

The toilet100can include one or more indicators that identify (e.g., indicate) any useful information to a user of the toilet100. The toilet100can be configured to connect to a remote electronic device, such as a smart phone, a tablet, etc., through a wireless method (e.g., Bluetooth), and an indicator may indicate connectivity information regarding the status of the cleaning system, such as whether the cleaning compound is low in level and/or in concentration, and/or information regarding timing of the last and/or next cleaning cycle. Any number of indicators can be located, for example, on the shroud150, the lid122, or on other components of the toilet100.

It is noted that the toilet100having the chemical dispensing system160integrated with the shroud150can be employed on other types of toilets, included inside of shroudless tanks. The system160can still be operatively coupled to the sidewall120aof the tank120, as well as having the configuration otherwise described above. However, the container161of the system160would be visible with or with the container lid coupled thereto with shroudless tanks.

It is further noted that the container161can hold a solid chemical compound (e.g., pellets, tablets, discs, pucks, etc.) while allowing water to pass through to mix with the solid chemical compound as it dissolves. For example, water enters the reservoir of the container161through the openings274in the diffusing tube273and dissolves the solid chemical compound to form cleaning compound.

It is noted that the toilet100can be configured to connect to a remote electronic device, such as a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, a remote control, or any other suitable device. The toilet100and the remote electronic device can connect through a wireless method, such as Bluetooth or any other wireless method, to control operation of the toilet100from the remote device. For example, the device can receive data regarding the chemical dispensing system160in the toilet100, which can include, but is not limited to data involving level and/or concentration of chemistry remaining in the container, frequency of cleaning cycles, estimated time until the chemical compound is completely used up, recommended date for next cleaning cycle, estimated remaining life (e.g., days, power, etc.) of any batteries in the system, whether any components of the system are not functioning properly, as well as any other useful information. By way of example, an application or app (e.g., phone app) can be used to receive this data from the toilet100and send push notifications to the user regarding any of the data, such as alerts. Additionally, the remote electronic device can be configured to control operation of the toilet remotely, such as to activate a cleaning cycle from a remote location.

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

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

The systems/toilets can introduce one or more than one cleaning compound into or onto a component (e.g., element), surface, and/or feature of the system/toilet. As discussed above, one or more cleaning compounds can be introduced into or onto the bowl, such as from a reservoir in the tank, and/or any other part of the toilet. As one such example, a toilet may be configured to introduce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the bowl of the toilet to help clean the internal surfaces that come into contact with liquid and solid waste. In addition to H2O2, chlorines and peracedic acid (PAA) are additional non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the toilets and methods of this application. Some additional non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems and methods of this application include (but are not limited to) polyphosphates (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP), etc.), low pH acids (e.g., hydrogen chloride (HCL), dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4), trisodium phosphate (TSP), ethylenediaminetetraacidic acid (EDTA), and compounds thereof, as well as other acids and/or sequestering agents. These chemicals/compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and/or removing scale. Yet other examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used with the systems of this application include (but are not limited to) didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), H2O2, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) such as bleach, PAA, triclosan, formic acid, TSP, and compounds thereof, as well as other disinfectants (e.g., quaternary disinfectants) and biocides. These chemicals/compounds may be most beneficial in, for example, preventing and/or removing biofilm. It is noted that other chemicals/compounds may be used in the systems and methods disclosed in this application, and any such chemical/compound disclosed may be used with any system and/or method disclosed.

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

The toilets may include a system that generates a chemical/compound, such as one of those disclosed above. For example, a generator that produces H2O2, such as from oxygen (e.g., in air) and water from a water source can be employed. Thus, a chemical/compound generator can be located within the toilet (e.g., the container) to produce the cleaning compound. For example, a generator may be configured to produce a chemical (e.g., H2O2) that is diluted to 30 ppm (parts per million), such as with water or other suitable diluent. According to one example, a generator is configured to produce a chemical that is diluted to 100 ppm.

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

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

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the cleaning systems, dispensing systems, toilets, standalone systems, etc. as shown in the numerous exemplary embodiments of this application are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., dispenser, generator, container, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.