Patent Publication Number: US-11639599-B2

Title: Fluid connector for toilet

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/788,570 filed Feb. 12, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/811,988, filed Feb. 28, 2019, the entire disclosures of which is are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates generally to the field of connectors for fluidly coupling a non-vitreous fluid delivery component to a vitreous plumbing fixture, such as a toilet. 
     Generally speaking, a toilet can include various openings for fluidly coupling a fluid delivery component (e.g., conduit, sump jet, etc.) to the toilet, such as at a sump or a rim of the toilet. Most toilets are typically made from a vitreous material, which can present significant challenges for connecting a component that is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, etc.) to the toilet in a watertight manner. Specifically, most non-vitreous components do not bond to vitreous material. Thus, conventional techniques of joining two vitreous components together may not be used to couple a non-vitreous component to a toilet. 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a connector between a non-vitreous fluid delivery component and a vitreous toilet to ensure a substantially watertight connection between the fluid delivery component and the toilet. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment relates to a toilet assembly. The toilet assembly includes a toilet, a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, and a connector assembly. The non-vitreous fluid delivery component is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the toilet. The connector assembly couples the non-vitreous fluid delivery component to the toilet in a substantially watertight manner. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a nut adjustably coupled to the connector body, and a sealing member disposed on the connector body. The nut is configured to be adjusted relative to the connector body to cause the connector body to compress the sealing member against a portion of the toilet, such that the sealing member creates a substantially watertight seal between the toilet and the connector body. 
     Another embodiment relates to a connector assembly for coupling a non-vitreous fluid delivery component to a toilet. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a nut adjustably coupled to the connector body, and a sealing member disposed on the connector body. The nut is configured to be adjusted relative to the connector body to cause the connector body to compress the sealing member against a portion of the toilet, such that the sealing member creates a substantially watertight seal between the toilet and the connector body. 
     Another embodiment relates to a sump jet assembly for a toilet. The sump jet assembly includes a non-vitreous sump jet configured to be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, a sump of the toilet. The sump jet assembly further includes a connector assembly for coupling the non-vitreous sump jet to the toilet in a substantially watertight manner. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a nut adjustably coupled to the connector body, and a sealing member disposed on the connector body. The nut is configured to be adjusted relative to the connector body to cause the connector body to compress the sealing member against a portion of the toilet, such that the sealing member creates a substantially watertight seal between the toilet and the connector body. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the connector body includes a first portion for fluidly coupling to a conduit, a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion including threads for threadably engaging the nut, and a third portion extending from the second portion, wherein the sealing member is disposed on the third portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the third portion has a frusto-conical shape, and the connector body includes an opening extending through each of the first, second, and third portions. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the sealing member includes a body and a flange, the flange extending radially away from an end of the body, and the sealing member is arranged on the connector body with the flange facing toward the first portion and the body facing toward the third portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the toilet includes an opening for receiving at least a portion of the body therethrough, and the flange is engaged with a surface of the toilet adjacent the opening. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the body of the sealing member extends radially outwardly in the opening of the toilet in response to tightening of the nut on the connector body so as to create the substantially watertight seal between the toilet and the connector body. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the toilet includes a sump, and the non-vitreous fluid delivery component is a sump jet that is coupled to the sump. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the toilet is made from at least one of a vitreous material, an epoxy material, or a ceramic material. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the non-vitreous fluid delivery component is integrally formed with the connector body. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the non-vitreous fluid delivery component is coupled to the connector body. 
     This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a toilet assembly including a toilet and a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to the toilet according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a partial perspective view of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a partial front view of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a partial cross-sectional view of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a partial cutaway view of the toilet of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a partial cross-sectional view of a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a prototype version of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component, toilet, and connector assembly of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  9    is a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  11    is a partial front view of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  12    is a partial front view of the assembly of  FIG.  9    without a connector. 
         FIG.  13    is a partial front view of the toilet of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  14    is a partial perspective view of the assembly of  FIG.  9    with a connector. 
         FIG.  15    is a front view of a prototype version of a portion of the toilet of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of a prototype version of the assembly of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of a prototype version of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component and connector of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  18    is a partial front view of a prototype version of the assembly of  FIG.  9    without a connector. 
         FIG.  19    is a partial front view of a prototype version of the assembly of  FIG.  9    with a connector. 
         FIGS.  20 - 22    illustrate a method of assembling a prototype version of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component of  FIG.  9    to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  23    is a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  24    is a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  25    is a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of a prototype version of the toilet of  FIG.  25   , which illustrates an exemplary installation of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component. 
         FIG.  27    is a partial perspective view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  28    is a partial front view of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  29    is a partial perspective view of a prototype version of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  27    including a transparent portion to illustrate a seal interface between a sealing member of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component and a portion of a toilet. 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component of  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  31    is an exploded view of a prototype version of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  32    is a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  33    is a partial perspective view of the toilet of  FIG.  32   . 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of a prototype version of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  32   . 
         FIG.  35    is an exploded view of a prototype version of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  36    is a partial cutaway view of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  37    is an exploded view of a prototype version of the toilet assembly of  FIG.  36   . 
         FIGS.  38 - 39    are partial cutaway views of the toilet of  FIG.  36   . 
         FIG.  40    is a rear perspective view of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component of  FIG.  36   . 
         FIGS.  41 - 42    are partial perspective views of a prototype version of the non-vitreous fluid delivery component of  FIG.  36   . 
         FIGS.  43 - 46    are partial perspective views of a toilet assembly including a non-vitreous fluid delivery component coupled to a toilet according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring generally to the FIGURES, disclosed herein are connectors for fluidly coupling a non-vitreous fluid delivery component to an inlet in a vitreous toilet according to various exemplary embodiments. Specifically, the connectors provide a substantially watertight seal with a portion of the vitreous toilet (e.g., a toilet sump, a toilet rim, etc.), such that the non-vitreous fluid delivery component can be fluidly coupled to the toilet in a substantially watertight manner. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments, the connectors disclosed herein are used specifically for fluidly coupling a non-vitreous fluid delivery component to a sump of a vitreous toilet. According to an exemplary embodiment, the toilet is a siphonic toilet that relies on a siphon effect to empty the contents of the toilet bowl, and the non-vitreous fluid delivery component is a sump jet made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, etc.) that can introduce a flow of water into the sump of the toilet to help to prime the siphon. It should be appreciated, however, that the various connectors disclosed herein may be used to fluidly couple other non-vitreous components to other vitreous portions of a toilet (e.g., a fluid conduit to a rim of a toilet, a waste pipe to a toilet, an internal fluid conduit of a toilet, etc.). According to other exemplary embodiments, the disclosed connectors may be used to couple other non-vitreous fluid delivery components (e.g., fluidic jets, nozzles, etc.) to plumbing fixtures made from vitreous or other materials besides vitreous in a substantially watertight manner, such as epoxy, ceramic, or other types of materials or combinations of materials. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the sump jets used in conjunction with the various connectors disclosed herein are configured substantially the same as each other (e.g., similar jet orifice configuration, etc.). According to other exemplary embodiments, the sump jets may be configured differently from each other. According to various exemplary embodiments, the sump jets disclosed herein may be configured the same as, or similar to, any one of, or a combination of, the sump jets disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/414,576, entitled “LINE PRESSURE-DRIVEN, TANKLESS, SIPHONIC TOILET,” filed Jan. 24, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     In the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the non-vitreous fluid delivery components are made from a non-vitreous material, such as plastic (e.g., a fiber-reinforced plastic such as HDPE, PVC, GF Polypropylene, PBT, etc.), although other types of non-vitreous materials or combinations of materials may be used (e.g., aluminum, composites, etc.). The various sealing members and seals disclosed herein (e.g., sealing member  23 , etc.) may be made from a compressible material (e.g., rubber, etc.) that is configured to sealingly engage a vitreous surface of a plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, so as to create a substantially watertight seal therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a toilet assembly  1  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The toilet assembly  1  includes a toilet  10  and a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  21 , fluidly coupled to the toilet  10 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the toilet  10  is a siphonic toilet that relies on a siphon effect to empty the contents of the toilet bowl. For example, the toilet  10  includes a bowl  10   a , a sump  11  extending from the bowl  10   a , and a trapway  13  extending from the sump  11  to a drain. The trapway  13  routes rearwardly and then upwardly to a height above the normal water level in the bowl  10   a  to create a weir that acts as a gas trap for back gases from the drain. The trapway  13  is configured to induce a siphon effect, which provides pressure to suction waste water from the bowl  10   a  when a flush is activated. The sump jet  21 , described in more detail below, is coupled to and in fluid communication with the sump  11 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the sump jet  21  is configured to receive a flow of water at a low inlet flow rate, such as at a normal household water flow rate of between about 2.5 gpm and about 5 gpm, and to increase the flow rate before introducing the flow of water into the sump  11 . The flow of water provided by the sump jet  21  can, advantageously, increase the flow rate of water in the sump  11  and the trapway  13  to a flow rate comparable to a conventional gravity-based toilet design (e.g., about 20-25 gpm) to initiate the siphon effect. According to other exemplary embodiments, the toilet  10  may be configured as a gravity-fed toilet or other type of toilet and the sump jet  21  may be configured as any other type of fluidic jet or nozzle for delivering fluid to the toilet to, for example, help to induce a siphon in the trapway of the toilet. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 5   , the toilet  10  further includes a secondary chamber  12  (e.g., jet chamber, etc.) extending outwardly or forward in front of the sump  11 . The secondary chamber  12  is formed of a vitreous material, and may be integrally formed with, or coupled to, the toilet  10 . The sump jet  21  is coupled to the secondary chamber  12  at a first opening  12   a  (e.g., first inlet, etc.). The secondary chamber  12  is in fluid communication with the sump  11  by a second opening  12   b  (e.g., second inlet, sump inlet, etc.). The sump jet  21  extends through the first opening  12   a  and into the secondary chamber  12  adjacent the sump  11  at the second opening  12   b . The sump jet  21  is fluidly coupled to a conduit  30 , which is in turn in fluid communication with a water source, such as a household water supply. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the sump jet  21  is configured to receive a flow of water from a water source and deliver the flow of water to the sump  11  to prime a siphon in the trapway  13 . A connector assembly  20  couples the sump jet  21  to the sump  11  in a substantially watertight manner. The connector assembly  20  comprises a nut  22  that is adjustably coupled to a portion of the sump jet  21  (e.g., second portion  21   b , discussed in greater detail below). The connector assembly  20  further comprises a sealing member  23  (e.g., a spud seal, etc.) disposed between the nut  22  and a portion of the secondary chamber  12 . The sealing member  23  includes a flange  23   a  and a body  23   b  extending from the flange  23   a . The flange  23   a  is configured to sealingly engage an outer vitreous surface of the toilet that defines part of the secondary chamber  12 . The body  23   b  extends at least partially into the opening  12   a  of the secondary chamber, and is configured to sealingly engage a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber that defines the opening  12   a . The sealing member  23  is configured to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  21  and a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  12 , as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the sump jet  21  includes a first portion  21   a  (e.g., inlet portion, etc.) having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central channel having an axis represented by a dashed line in  FIG.  4   . The first portion  21   a  further includes a flared end that defines a hose barb configured to couple to, and be in fluid communication with, the conduit  30 . The sump jet  21  further includes a second portion  21   b  (e.g., intermediate portion, etc.) extending from the first portion  21   a . The second portion  21   b  includes a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface thereof for threadably engaging corresponding threads on the nut  22 . The sump jet  21  further includes a third portion  21   c  (e.g., outlet portion, etc.) extending from the second portion  21   b . The third portion  21   c  includes one or more jet orifices in fluid communication with the central channel for introducing a flow of water from a water source into the sump  11 . The third portion  21   c  gradually increases in diameter from the second portion  21   b , so as to define a generally frusto-conical shape. The third portion  21   c  includes a channel  21   c ′ extending along an outer periphery thereof for receiving a seal (e.g., an O-ring, etc.), so as to create a seal between the third portion  21   c  and a vitreous portion of the toilet  10  that defines the second opening  12   b . According to an exemplary embodiment, the seal created between the seal at the channel  21   c ′ and the vitreous portion of the toilet at the second opening  12   b  is not watertight, but can help to axially align the sump jet  21  to the secondary chamber  12  at the second opening  12   b.    
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the sump jet  21  is shown with the third portion  21   c  at least partially disposed in the second opening  12   b  between the secondary chamber  12  and the sump  11 . The second portion  21   b  is disposed at least partially into the first opening  12   a  between the secondary chamber  12  and an outer vitreous surface of the toilet. The first portion  21   a  is disposed entirely outside of the toilet to couple to the conduit  30 . The sealing member  23  is disposed around the second portion  21   b  with the body  23   b  facing toward the third portion  21   c  and the flange  23   a  facing toward the first portion  21   a . The sump jet  21  may be inserted into the secondary chamber  12  such that the second portion  21   a  extends partially into the first opening  12   a  and past an outer surface of the toilet  10  that defines the secondary chamber  12 . The sealing member  23  may be positioned such that the body  23   b  is inserted through the first opening  12   a  between the second portion  21   b  and the secondary chamber  12 . The flange  23   a  of the sealing member  23  may be sealingly engaged with an outer vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  12  adjacent the first opening  12   a . The nut  22  may be threadably coupled to the second portion  21   b  extending in front of the secondary chamber  12  and abutting the flange  23   a . The nut  22  may be tightened against the flange  23   a  and the vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  12  until a trailing edge of the body  23   b  is sufficiently engaged by the third portion  21   c , so as to sandwich the sealing member  23  between the third portion  21   c  and the vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  12  to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  21  and the secondary chamber  12 . 
     In other words, the frusto-conical profile of the third portion  21   c  is urged toward the first opening  12   a  as the nut  22  is adjusted on the second portion  21   b , which causes the sealing member  23  to compress and expand radially between the secondary chamber  12  and the sump jet  21  into the first opening  12   a . In this manner, the connector assembly  20  can create a substantially watertight seal between the non-vitreous sump jet  21  and the vitreous toilet  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the secondary chamber  12  may include an open bottom  12   c  to provide access to an interior of the secondary chamber  12 . The secondary chamber  12  includes a peripheral flange  12   d  (e.g., channel, recess, etc.) for receiving a cover  14  to enclose the secondary chamber  12  after installation of the sump jet  21  and connector assembly  20 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover  14  is made from a vitreous material and is bonded to the peripheral flange  12   d  (e.g., glued, etc.). According to other exemplary embodiments, the cover  14  is made from a material other than vitreous and is otherwise coupled to the secondary chamber  12 . According to another exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  6 - 8   , for example, the secondary chamber  12  may have an open front area for receiving a cover instead of the bottom of the secondary chamber, depending on manufacturing preference. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  27 , is coupled to a secondary chamber  24  of a toilet by a connector assembly  28 , according to another exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly  28  and the sump jet  27  are configured to be substantially the same as the connector assembly  20  and the sump jet  21  of the embodiment of  FIG.  4   , but the secondary chamber  24  includes an opening at a front portion of the secondary chamber instead of along a bottom portion of the secondary chamber, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . As shown in  FIG.  6   , the secondary chamber  24  has a generally trapezoidal shaped cross-section with an open base that defines a first opening  24   a  between the secondary chamber  24  and an area surrounding the toilet. The secondary chamber  24  further includes a peripheral channel  24   c  (e.g., flange, recess, etc.) for receiving a cover  26  therein at the front of the secondary chamber  24 . The cover  26  may be made from a vitreous material that is coupled to the secondary chamber  24  at the channel  24   c  (e.g., adhesively bonded, etc.). The cover  26  includes an opening  26   a  for receiving the sump jet  27  therein. The cover  26  is configured to interface with the connector assembly  28  to couple the sump jet  27  to the secondary chamber  24  in a substantially watertight manner. The secondary chamber  24  further includes a second base that defines a second opening  24   b  between the secondary chamber  24  and a sump  25  of the toilet. The sump jet  27  may be at least partially disposed in the second opening  24   b , and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump  25 . The sump jet  27  is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, a portion of the connector assembly  28  (e.g., connector body  28   a , etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a portion of the connector assembly  28  is shown in greater detail. The connector assembly  28  includes a connector body  28   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The connector body  28   a  includes a central opening  28   c  extending therethrough for directing fluid to the sump jet  27 , which may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, the connector body  28   a . The connector body  28   a  further includes a first portion  28   a ′ having a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface thereof, and a second portion  28   b  located opposite the first portion  28   a ′. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the first portion  28   a ′ may include a flared end that defines a hose barb for fluidly coupling the connector body  28   a  to a fluid conduit (e.g., conduit  30 , etc.). The second portion  28   b  gradually tapers radially away from the central opening  28   c  to define a generally frusto-conical shape with the widest portion located farthest away from the first portion  28   a ′. The connector assembly  28  further includes a sealing member  29  disposed around the connector body  28   a  between the first portion  28   a ′ and the second portion  28   b . The sealing member  29  includes a flange  29   a  and a body  29   b  extending from the flange  29   a . The flange  29   a  extends radially away from the body  29   b  and is arranged to face toward the first portion  28   a ′. The body  29   b  has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and is arranged to face toward the second portion  28   b . The connector assembly  28  further includes a nut  2  adjustably coupled to the first portion  28   a′.    
     Still referring to  FIG.  7   , the connector assembly  28  is shown coupled to the cover  26  at the first opening  26   a . The connector assembly  28  is positioned through the first opening  26   a  such that the flange  29   a  abuts a front vitreous surface of the cover  26   a , and the body  29   b  is disposed at least partially into the first opening  26   a  between the cover  26  and the connector body  28   a . The first portion  28   a ′ is located in front of the cover  26  and the second portion  28   b  is located on an opposite side of the cover  26  that corresponds to, for example, an interior of the secondary chamber  24 . The nut  2  may be tightened along the threads of the first portion  28   a ′ until a trailing edge of the body  29   b  sufficiently engages the second portion  28   b , so as to sandwich the sealing member  29  between the second portion  28   b  and the cover  26  to create a substantially watertight seal between the connector assembly  28  and the secondary chamber  24 . In other words, the generally frusto-conical profile of the second portion  28   b  is urged toward the first opening  26   a  as the nut  2  is tightened on the first portion  28   a ′, which causes the sealing member  29  to compress and expand radially between the cover  26  and the connector body  28   a  into the first opening  26   a . In this manner, the connector assembly  28  can create a substantially watertight seal between the non-vitreous sump jet  27  and the vitreous toilet sump  25 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 19   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  37 , is coupled to a secondary chamber  30  of a toilet by a connector assembly  33 , according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in  FIG.  9   , the secondary chamber  30  has a similar configuration as the secondary chamber  24  shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  6   , but with a slightly different perimeter wall shape (i.e., a generally U-shaped cross-section). The secondary chamber  30  has an open front portion that defines a first opening  30   a  between the secondary chamber  30  and an area surrounding the toilet. The secondary chamber  30  further includes a peripheral channel  30   c  (e.g., flange, recess, etc.) for receiving a cover  32  therein. The cover  32  may be made from a vitreous material that is coupled to the secondary chamber  30  at the channel  30   c  (e.g., adhesively bonded, etc.). The cover  32  includes an opening  32   a  for receiving the sump jet  37  therein. The cover  32  is configured to interface with the connector assembly  33  to couple the sump jet  37  to the secondary chamber  30  in a substantially watertight manner. The secondary chamber  30  further includes a second opening  30   b  between the secondary chamber  30  and a sump  31  of the toilet. The sump jet  37  is at least partially disposed in the second opening  30   b , and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump  31 . The sump jet  37  is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, etc.) and may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, a portion of the connector assembly  33  (e.g., connector body  34 , etc.). 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  9 - 11   , the sump jet  37  is shown as a separate component that is coupled to the connector assembly  33 . The sump jet  37  includes an inlet portion  37   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines an axis represented by a dashed line in  FIG.  9   . The sump jet  37  further includes an intermediate portion  37   c  extending from the inlet portion  37   a . The intermediate portion  37   c  extends gradually outwardly from the inlet portion  37   a , and has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape taken along its width (see, for example,  FIG.  11   ). The sump jet  37  further includes an outlet portion  37   b  extending from the intermediate portion  37   c . The outlet portion  37   b  has a generally outer cylindrical shape, and includes a plurality of jet orifices (e.g., side jet orifices  37   e , upper jet orifice  37   f , lower jet orifice  37   g , etc.) located at an interior of the third portion  37   b . The plurality of jet orifices are each configured to receive a flow of water from the inlet portion  37   a  and to increase the velocity of the flow of water to the sump  31 , so as to entrain a flow in the sump  31  and help to prime a siphon. The outlet portion  37   b  further includes an outer peripheral channel  37   b ′ that is configured to receive a seal, such as an O-ring (e.g., O-ring  38  shown in  FIG.  17   , etc.), so as to create a seal between a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  30  and the sump  31  at the second opening  30   b.    
     As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG.  11   , which illustrates a cross-section of the intermediate portion  37   c , the sump jet  37  is shown oriented at an installation position for coupling to the sump of the toilet (e.g., sump  21 , etc.). As shown in  FIG.  11   , the sump jet  37  is oriented such that the plurality of jet orifices define a generally triangular shaped pattern. For example, the sump jet  37  includes a pair of side jet orifices  37   e  (e.g., first jet orifices, etc.) located at diagonally opposed first and second corners of the sump jet  37 . The side jet orifices  37   e  have a generally rectangular shape, and are each oriented at an acute angle at the installation position shown in  FIG.  11   . That is to say, the side jet orifices  37   e  are oriented substantially parallel to the respective adjacent sides of the square cross-section of the intermediate portion  37   c . Thus, when the sump jet  37  is oriented at the installation position shown in  FIG.  11    (e.g., rotated 45 degrees from horizontal, etc.), the side jet orifices  37   e  are each oriented at an acute angle relative to horizontal (e.g., 45 degrees, etc.). The sump jet  37  further includes an upper jet orifice  37   f  (e.g., third jet orifice, etc.) located at a central portion of the sump jet between the side jet orifices  37   e , and a lower jet orifice  37   g  (e.g., fourth jet orifice, etc.) located near a bottom corner, diagonally opposite from a top corner of the sump jet. The upper jet orifice  37   f  has a generally rectangular shape, and is oriented substantially horizontally (i.e., with its widest portion oriented parallel to horizontal) at the installation position shown in  FIG.  11   . The lower jet orifice  37   g  has a generally rectangular shape, and is also oriented substantially horizontally at the installation position. The various jet orifices may have other shapes (e.g., circular, etc.) and relative orientations, according to other exemplary embodiments. The lower jet orifice  37   g  has a length “L” that is longer than the lengths of the upper jet orifice  37   f  and the side jet orifices  37   e , which is particularly advantageous in the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  9 - 19   . 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  12   , the sump jet  37  is configured to be oriented relative to the sump  31 , such that the lower jet orifice  37   g  can direct fluid toward a lower surface  31   a  of the sump  31 . The lower surface  31   a  typically accumulates a larger amount of waste, as compared to other portions of the sump  31  (e.g., sidewall, upper wall, etc.), which can be difficult to remove from the sump  31  during a flush cycle. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the lower jet orifice  37   g  has a length “L” that is longer than the length of the other jet orifices of the sump jet  37 , such that water discharged by the lower jet orifice  37   g  is distributed (e.g., “fanned” out) across a larger surface area (e.g., wider) of the lower surface  31   a , as compared to other areas of the sump  31 , which can, advantageously, help to remove waste that may be present along the lower surface  31   a.    
     Additionally, the upper jet orifice  37   f  is located closer to the lower jet orifice  37   g  (i.e., near a central portion of the sump jet above the lower jet orifice  37   g ), as compared to the relative distance between the two side jet orifices  37   e , so as to direct additional fluid closer to the lower surface  31   a . In this manner, the sump jet  37  can effectively remove waste that may be present along the lower surface  31   a  of the sump  31 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 10  and  12 - 19   , to maintain the installation position of the sump jet  37  shown in  FIGS.  9  and  11   , and thereby the position of the lower jet orifice  37   g  relative to the lower surface  31   a , the sump jet  37  includes a first protrusion  37   d  extending outwardly from the sump jet  37  (e.g., the intermediate portion  37   c , etc.) that is configured to engage a second protrusion  30   d  extending from an interior wall that defines part of the secondary chamber  30 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  13   , the first protrusion  37   d  extends radially outwardly a sufficient distance to at least partially overlap the second protrusion  30   d  extending inwardly toward the center of the second opening  30   b . Thus, during installation when the sump jet  37  is inserted through the first opening  32   a  and at least partially into the second opening  30   b , the sump jet  37  can be rotated along an axis defined by the first opening  32   a  until the first protrusion  37   d  engages the second protrusion  30   d . The first protrusion  37   d  and the second protrusion  30   d  are positioned such that when they engage each other, the sump jet  37  is oriented such that the lower jet orifice  37   g  is located nearest to the lower surface  31   a , as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  12   . In this way, the first protrusion  37   d  and the second protrusion  30   d  can cooperate to maintain an orientation of the sump jet  37  relative to the sump  31 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  9   , the connector assembly  33  further includes a connector body  34  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The connector body  34  includes a central opening  34   d  extending therethrough for directing fluid to the sump jet  37 , which may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, the connector body  34 . The connector body  34  further includes a first portion  34   a  including a flared end that defines a hose barb for fluidly coupling to a fluid conduit (e.g., conduit  30 , etc.). The connector body  34  further includes a second portion  34   b  extending from the first portion  34   a . The second portion  34   b  has a generally hollow cylindrical shape, and includes a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface thereof. The connector body  34  further includes a third portion  34   c  extending from the second portion  34   b . The third portion  34   c  gradually tapers radially away from the central opening  34   d  to define a generally frusto-conical shape with the widest portion of the third portion  34   c  located farthest away from the first portion  34   a . The connector assembly  33  further includes a sealing member  36  disposed around a portion of the connector body  34  (e.g., along the third portion  34   c ). The sealing member  36  includes a flange  36   a  and a body  36   b  extending from the flange  36   a . The flange  36   a  extends radially away from the body  36   b  and is arranged to face toward the first portion  34   a . The body  36   b  has a generally frusto-conical shape that is complementary to the third portion  34   c . The body  36   b  is arranged to face toward the third portion  34   c . The connector assembly  33  further includes a nut  35  adjustably coupled to the second portion  34   b.    
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , the connector assembly  33  is coupled to the cover  32  at the first opening  32   a . The connector assembly  33  is positioned through the first opening  32   a  such that the flange  36   a  abuts a front vitreous surface of the cover  32 , and the body  36   b  is disposed at least partially into the first opening  32   a  between the cover  32  and the connector body  34 . The first portion  34   a  and at least a portion of the second portion  34   b  are located in front of the cover  32 . At least a portion of the third portion  34   c  is located on an opposite side of the cover  32  at an interior of the secondary chamber  30 . The nut  35  may be tightened along the threads of the second portion  34   b  until the third portion  34   c  sufficiently engages the body  36   b , so as to sandwich the sealing member  36  between the connector body  34  and the cover  32  to create a substantially watertight seal between the connector assembly  33  and a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  30 . 
     In other words, the frusto-conical profile of the third portion  34   c  is urged toward the first opening  32   a  as the nut  35  is tightened on the first portion  34   a , which causes the sealing member  36  to compress and expand radially between the cover  32  and the connector body  34  into the first opening  32   a . In this manner, the connector assembly  33  can create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  37  and the toilet sump  31 . In addition, the orientation of the sump jet  37  relative to the sump  31  is maintained during coupling of the nut  35  to the connector body  34 , because the first protrusion  37   d  is engaged with the second protrusion  30   d  on the secondary chamber  30 , as explained above. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20 - 22   , an exemplary installation sequence for the sump jet  37  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In a first step shown in  FIGS.  20 - 22   , the sump jet  37  is inserted into the first opening  32   a  of the cover  32  until the sealing member  36  engages a portion of the cover  32  at the opening  32   a . In a second step, the sump jet  37  is rotated relative to the secondary chamber  30  until the first protrusion  37   d  engages the second protrusion  30   d  on a wall of the secondary chamber  30 , so as to rotationally align the sump jet  37  relative to the toilet sump  31  (see, for example,  FIG.  19   ). In a third step, the nut  35  is tightened along the threads of the second portion  34   b  until the third portion  34   c  of the connector body  34  sufficiently engages the body  36   b  of the sealing member  36 , so as to sandwich the sealing member  36  between the connector body  34  and the cover  32  to create a substantially watertight seal between the connector assembly  33  and the secondary chamber  30 . That is to say, the frusto-conical profile of the third portion  34   c  is urged toward the first opening  32   a  as the nut  35  is tightened on the first portion  34   a , which causes the sealing member  36  to compress and expand radially between the cover  32  and the connector body  34  into the first opening  32   a . In this manner, the connector assembly  33  can create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  37  and the toilet sump  31 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  23   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  40 , is coupled to a secondary chamber  39  of a toilet by a connector assembly  4 , according to another exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the secondary chamber  39  extends forward from a sump  3  of the toilet, and includes a first opening  39   a  between the secondary chamber  39  and an outer area surrounding the toilet. The first opening  39   a  is partially defined by a flange portion  39   c  extending radially inward toward the first opening  39   a . The secondary chamber  39  further includes a second opening  39   b  between the secondary chamber  39  and the sump  3  of the toilet. The sump jet  40  may be at least partially disposed in, or positioned adjacent to, the second opening  39   b , and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump  3 . The sump jet  40  is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, a portion of the connector assembly  4  (e.g., sealing member  42 , nut  5 , etc.). 
     Still referring to  FIG.  23   , the connector assembly  4  comprises a nut  5  that is threadably coupled to a portion of the sump jet  40  (e.g., second portion  40   b , discussed in greater detail below). The connector assembly  4  further comprises a sealing member  42  (e.g., a spud seal, a flange seal, etc.) disposed between the nut  5  and a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  39 . The sealing member  42  includes a flange  42   a  and a body  42   b  extending from the flange  42   a . The flange  42   a  is configured to engage an outer vitreous surface of the toilet that defines part of the secondary chamber  39 . The body  42   b  extends at least partially into the first opening  39   a  of the secondary chamber  39 , and is configured to engage a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber that defines the first opening  39   a . The sealing member  42  is configured to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  40  and a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  39 . 
     The sump jet  40  includes a first portion  40   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central channel having an axis represented by a dashed line in  FIG.  23   . The first portion  40   a  further includes a flared end that defines a hose barb configured to couple to, and be in fluid communication with, a fluid conduit (e.g., conduit  30 , etc.). The sump jet  40  further includes a second portion  40   b  extending from the first portion  40   a . The second portion  40   b  includes a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface thereof for threadably engaging corresponding threads on the nut  5 . The sump jet  21  further includes a third portion  40   c  extending from the second portion  40   b . The third portion  40   c  includes one or more jet orifices in fluid communication with the central channel for introducing a flow of water from a water source into the sump  11 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the sump jet  40  may be configured to have the same jet orifice configuration as the sump jet  37  discussed above. According to other exemplary embodiments, the sump jet  40  may have a different jet orifice configuration. The third portion  40   c  gradually increases in diameter from the second portion  40   b , so as to define an outer surface profile that has a generally frusto-conical shape. The third portion  40   c  includes a channel  40   c ′ extending along an outer periphery thereof for receiving a seal (e.g., an O-ring, etc.), so as to create a seal between the third portion  40   c  and a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  39  that defines the second opening  39   b . The sump jet  40  further includes a protrusion  40   d  extending radially outwardly away from sump jet  40 . The protrusion  40   d  is configured to engage an inner surface of the flange portion  39   c  within the secondary chamber, so as to facilitate coupling of the sump jet  40  to the secondary chamber  39 . 
     For example, still referring to  FIG.  23   , the sump jet  40  is shown with the third portion  40   c  at least partially disposed in the second opening  39   b  between the secondary chamber  39  and the sump  3 . The second portion  40   b  is disposed at least partially into the first opening  39   a  between the secondary chamber  39  and an outer vitreous surface of the toilet. The sealing member  42  is disposed around the second portion  40   b  in front of the secondary chamber  39  adjacent the first opening  39   a , with the body  42   b  facing toward the third portion  40   c  and the flange  42   a  facing toward the first portion  40   a . The sump jet  40  may be inserted into the secondary chamber  39  such that the second portion  40   b  extends partially into the first opening  39   a  with the protrusion  40   d  located within the secondary chamber  39  adjacent an inner surface of the flange portion  39   c . The sealing member  42  may be positioned such that the body  42   b  is inserted at least partially into the first opening  39   a  between the second portion  40   b  and the secondary chamber  39 . The flange  42   a  may be sealingly engaged with an outer vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  39  adjacent the first opening  12   a . The nut  5  may be threadably coupled to the second portion  40   b  extending in front of the secondary chamber  39  and abutting the flange  42   a . The nut  5  may be tightened against the flange  42   a  and the vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  39  until the protrusion  40   d  sufficiently engages the flange portion  39   c , so as to sandwich the sealing member  42  between the sump jet  40  and the vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  39  to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  40  and the secondary chamber  39 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  24   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  45 , is coupled to a sump  44  of a toilet by a connector assembly  6 , according to another exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the sump  44  includes an opening  44   a  for receiving a portion of the sump jet  45  (e.g., third portion  45   c ). The toilet further includes an outer wall  43  extending in front of the opening  44   a  that includes a slot  43   a  for receiving an opposite portion of the sump jet  45  (e.g., first portion  45   a ), the details of which are discussed below. The sump jet  45  may be at least partially disposed in the opening  44   a , and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump  44 . The sump jet  45  is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, a portion of the connector assembly  6  (e.g., sealing member  46 , nut  47 , etc.). 
     Still referring to  FIG.  24   , the connector assembly  6  comprises a nut  46  that is threadably coupled to a portion of the sump jet  45  (e.g., second portion  45   b , discussed in greater detail below). The connector assembly  6  further comprises a sealing member  46  disposed between the nut  47  and an inner surface  43   b  of the outer wall  43 . The sealing member  46  has a wedge shape to facilitate coupling of the sump jet  45  to the toilet and maintaining an axial position of the sump jet  45  relative to the opening  44   a  of the sump  44 . For example, the sump jet  45  includes a first portion  45   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central channel extending along an axis represented by a dashed line in  FIG.  24   . The first portion  45   a  further includes a flared end that defines a hose barb configured to couple to, and be in fluid communication with, a fluid conduit (e.g., conduit  30 , etc.). The sump jet  45  further includes a second portion  45   b  extending from the first portion  45   a . The second portion  45   b  includes a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface thereof for threadably engaging corresponding threads on the nut  47 . The sump jet  45  further includes a third portion  45   c  extending from the second portion  45   b . The third portion  45   c  includes one or more jet orifices in fluid communication with the central channel for introducing a flow of water from a water source into the sump  44 . The third portion  45   c  gradually increases in diameter from the second portion  45   b , so as to define an outer surface profile that has a generally frusto-conical shape. The third portion  45   c  includes a channel  45   c ′ extending along an outer periphery thereof for receiving a seal  48  that is configured to sealingly engage an outer surface  44   b  of the sump  44  adjacent the opening  44   a , so as to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  45  and the sump  44 . The sump jet  45  further includes a flange  45   d  extending radially outwardly away from the sump jet  45  between the channel  45   c  and the second portion  45   b . The flange  45   d  is configured to engage a portion of the seal  48 , so as to sandwich the seal  48  between the outer surface  44   b  and the flange  45   d  to facilitate coupling of the sump jet  40  to the sump  44 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  24   , the sump jet  45  is shown with the third portion  45   c  at least partially disposed in the opening  44   a . The second portion  45   b  is disposed between the outer surface  44   b  and the inner surface  43   b  of the wall  43 , which faces the outer surface  44   b . The sealing member  46  is disposed around the second portion  45   b  and is configured to engage the inner surface  43   b  adjacent the slot  43   a . The third portion  45   c  of the sump jet  45  may be at least partially inserted into the opening  44   a  with the seal  48  engaged with the outer surface  44   b . The first portion  45   c  of the sump jet  45  may be inserted into the slot  43   a  with the sealing member  46  engaged with the inner surface  43   b . The nut  47  may be threadably coupled to the second portion  45   b  adjacent the sealing member  46  prior to inserting the sump jet  45  into the opening  44   a . Once the sump jet  45  is inserted, the nut  46  may be tightened against the sealing member  46  and the inner surface  43   b  until the flange  45   d  sufficiently engages the seal  48  against the outer surface  44   b , so as to sandwich/compress the seal  48  between the sump jet  45  and the vitreous outer surface  44   b  to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  45  and the sump  44 . 
     In other words, the sump jet  45  is urged toward the sump  44  as the nut  47  is tightened against the sealing member  46  and the inner surface  43   b , thereby increasing the pressure exerted by the flange  45   d  against the seal  48  and the outer surface  44   b  to help to create a substantially watertight seal at the sump  44 . The wedge shape of the sealing member  46  can, advantageously, help to maintain an axial position of the sump jet  45  during tightening of the nut  47 , such that the sump jet  45  is not disengaged from the wall  43  through the slot  43   a.    
     Referring to  FIGS.  25 - 26   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  51 , is coupled to a secondary chamber  48  of a toilet, according to another exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the secondary chamber  48  has a generally trapezoidal shaped cross-section with an open base that defines a first opening  48   a  between the secondary chamber  48  and an area surrounding the toilet. The secondary chamber  24  further includes a peripheral channel  48   c  (e.g., flange, recess, etc.) for receiving a cover  50  therein. The cover  50  may be made from a vitreous material that is coupled to the secondary chamber  48  at the channel  48   c  (e.g., adhesively bonded, etc.). The cover  50  includes an opening  50   a  for receiving the sump jet  51  therein. The cover  50  is configured to interface with a portion of the sump jet  51  and a sealing member  54  to provide a substantially watertight seal with the secondary chamber  48 . The secondary chamber  48  further includes a second base that defines a second opening  48   b  between the secondary chamber  48  and a sump  49  of the toilet. The sump jet  51  may be at least partially disposed in the second opening  48   b , and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump  49 . The sump jet  51  is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and includes integrated features that cooperatively define a connector for coupling to the cover  50 , the details of which are described in the paragraphs that follow. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  25   , the sump jet  51  includes an inlet portion  51   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central channel having an axis represented by a dashed line in  FIG.  25   . The inlet portion  51   a  is fluidly coupled to a water source, such as a household water supply, by a conduit  53 . The sump jet  51  further includes an intermediate portion  51   b  extending from the inlet portion  51   a . The intermediate portion  51   b  extends gradually outwardly from the inlet portion  51   a  and includes an outer wall  51   c  (e.g., first wall, outer flange, etc.) extending radially outwardly from a proximal end of the intermediate portion  51   b  nearest the inlet portion  51   a . The intermediate portion  51   b  further includes an inner wall  51   d  (e.g., second wall, inner flange, etc.) extending radially outwardly from a distal end of the intermediate portion  51   b  that is located farther from the inlet portion  51   a  than the outer wall  51   c . The inner wall  51   d  and the outer wall  51   c  are oriented substantially parallel to each other, and are configured to cooperate together to couple the sump jet  51  to the cover  50  in a substantially watertight manner, the details of which are discussed below. The sump jet  51  further includes an outlet portion  51   e  extending from the intermediate portion  51   b . The outlet portion  51   e  extends gradually radially outwardly from the intermediate portion  51   b  to define a generally frusto-conical shape. The outlet portion  51   e  includes a plurality of channels that each define a jet orifice that is configured to receive a flow of water from the inlet portion  51   a  and to increase the velocity of the flow of water to the sump  49 , so as to help to prime a siphon in the toilet. The outlet portion  51   e  further includes an outer peripheral channel  51   e ′ that receives a seal, shown as an O-ring  52 , so as to create a seal between a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  48  and the sump  49  at the second opening  48   b.    
     Still referring to  FIGS.  25 - 26   , a sealing member  54  is coupled to the sump jet  51  at the intermediate portion  51   b  between the outer wall  51   c  and the inner wall  51   d . The sealing member  54  is configured to be disposed in front of the cover  50  at an outer facing surface of the cover. The sealing member  54  is configured to sealingly engage the outer facing surface of the cover  50  by an interference condition created between the cover  50  and the sump jet  51 , so as to create a substantially watertight seal between the cover  50  and the sump jet  51 . For example, the cover  50  includes a rear portion  50   b  that defines one or more slots or receiving channels (e.g., circumferential slots, etc.) disposed adjacent the opening  50   a  for receiving a complementary portion of the inner wall  51   d  when the sump jet  51  is coupled to the cover  50 . The sump jet  51  may be coupled to the cover  50  by inserting the third portion  51   e  through the opening  50   a  such that the inner wall  51   d  is disposed through the opening  50   a  adjacent the rear portion  50   b . The sump jet  51  may be rotated about an axis defined by the opening  50   a  until the complementary portion of the inner wall  51   d  is sufficiently received in the one or more receiving channels of the rear portion  50   b . The rear portion  50   b  may include integrated stop features for defining a rotational endpoint for the complementary portion of the inner wall  51   d , so as to define a fixed rotational position of the sump jet  51  (e.g., a twist-and-lock interface). 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  26   , the inner wall  51   d  may have a generally triangular shaped profile that defines three flanges or lobes (e.g., similar to the rotor of a Wankel engine) configured to be received in corresponding slots or receiving channels defined by the rear portion  50   b  of the cover  50 . Similarly, the cover  50  may include a complementary shaped opening  50   a  for receiving the inner wall  51   d  therethrough. The sump jet  51  may be rotated in a direction indicated generally by arrow “B” in  FIG.  26    until the flanges or lobes are received in the corresponding receiving channels defined by the rear portion  50   b . According to other exemplary embodiments, the inner wall  51   d  may be configured to have more or fewer than three flanges or lobes, and the rear portion  50   b  may have a corresponding number of receiving channels. 
     As shown in  FIG.  25   , the sealing member  54  may be disposed on the sump jet  51  when the sump jet  51  is inserted through the opening  50   a  of the cover  50 , such that the sealing member  54  engages the outer facing surface of the cover  50 . The combined thickness of the sealing member  54  and the cover  50  is greater than the spacing between the inner wall  51   d  and the outer wall  51   c , such that the sealing member  54  is compressed against the cover  50  by the outer wall  51   c  when the complementary features of the inner wall  51   d  are engaged with the receiving channels of the rear portion  50   b . Thus, the outer wall  51   c  and the inner wall  51   d  cooperate with the cover  50  to create an interference condition with the sealing member  54  that provides a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  51  and the cover  50 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  27 - 31   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  57 , is coupled to a secondary chamber  55  of a toilet, according to another exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the secondary chamber  55  has a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a first opening  55   a  between the secondary chamber  55  and an outer area surrounding the toilet. The secondary chamber  55  further includes a second opening  55   b  (shown in  FIG.  31   ) between the secondary chamber  55  and a sump  56  of the toilet. The sump jet  57  may be at least partially disposed in the second opening  55   b , and is configured to be in fluid communication with the sump  56 . The sump jet  57  is made from a non-vitreous material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and includes integrated features that cooperatively define a connector for coupling to the secondary chamber  55  in a substantially watertight manner, the details of which are described in the paragraphs that follow. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  29 - 30   , the sump jet  57  includes an inlet portion  57   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central channel having an axis represented by a dashed line in  FIG.  30   . The inlet portion  57   a  further includes a flared end that defines a hose barb configured to couple to, and be in fluid communication with, a fluid conduit (e.g., conduit  30 , etc.). The sump jet  57  further includes an intermediate portion  57   b  extending from the inlet portion  57   a . The intermediate portion  57   b  includes a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface thereof for threadably engaging corresponding threads on a nut  58 . The sump jet  57  further includes an outlet portion  57   c  extending from the intermediate portion  57   b . The outlet portion  57   c  extends gradually radially outwardly away from the central axis moving from the intermediate portion  57   b , so as to define a generally frusto-conical shape. The outlet portion  57   c  further includes one or more jet orifices in fluid communication with the central channel for introducing a flow of water from a water source into the sump  56 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the sump jet  57  may be configured to have the same jet orifice configuration as the sump jet  37  discussed above. According to other exemplary embodiments, the sump jet  57  may have a different jet orifice configuration. The outlet portion  57   c  is configured to receive a sealing member  60  around an outer surface thereof so as to create a substantially watertight seal with a vitreous portion of the secondary chamber  55 . According to another exemplary embodiment, the sealing member  60  is integrally formed with the sump jet  57 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  29 - 30   , the sealing member  60  has a generally outer cylindrical shape. The sealing member  60  includes a flange  60   a  that is configured to sealingly engage an outer vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  55  adjacent the first opening  55   a . The sealing member  60  further includes a plurality of ribs  60   b  spaced apart from each other and extending circumferentially about the sealing member  60 . The ribs  60   b  are each configured to expand radially outwardly away from the central axis when the sealing member  60  is compressed, such that the ribs  60   b  can engage an inner vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  55  to create a substantially watertight seal therebetween. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  27  and  29   , the sump jet  57  is arranged with the sealing member  60  disposed thereon such that the flange  60   a  is positioned between the plurality of threads on the intermediate portion  57   b  and the outlet portion  57   c . The sump jet  57  may be inserted into the first opening  55   a  until a rear portion of the flange  60   a  engages an outer vitreous surface of the sump  55  adjacent the first opening  55   a . A nut  58  may be threadably coupled to the intermediate portion  57   b  and may be tightened against the flange  60   a . As the nut  58  is tightened along the threads of the intermediate portion  57   b , the outlet portion  57   c  is urged toward the first opening  55   a , which causes the plurality of ribs  60   b  to expand radially outwardly away from the central axis. In other words, the frusto-conical profile of the outlet portion  57   c  causes the sealing member  60  to compress and expand radially outwardly between the nut  58  and the third portion  57   c  as the nut  58  is tightened along the intermediate portion  57   b . The nut  58  may be tightened until the plurality of ribs  60   b  sufficiently sealingly engage an inner vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  55 , so as to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  57  and the secondary chamber  55 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  32 - 35   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  57 ′, is coupled to a secondary chamber  55 ′ of a toilet, according to another exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the sump jet  57 ′, the secondary chamber  55 ′, and sealing member  60 ′ are configured to be substantially the same as the corresponding elements in the embodiment of  FIGS.  27 - 31   . In this exemplary embodiment, however, the intermediate portion  57   b ′ of the sump jet  57  includes a flange for coupling to lateral flanges  55   c  extending from the secondary chamber  55 ′ adjacent the first opening  55   a ′, instead of outer threads that are threadably engaged by a nut. In addition, the plurality of ribs  60   b ′ of the sealing member  60 ′ are sized to engage an inner vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  55 ′ without having to expand radially outwardly in response to relative movement of the sump jet. In this embodiment, the ribs  60   b ′ primarily function to axially align the sump jet  57 ′ relative to the first opening  55   a ′. As shown in  FIGS.  32 - 34   , a separate outer flange  61  sandwiches the flange of the sump jet  57  and the flange  60   a ′ of the sealing member  60 ′ between the outer flange  61  and the lateral flanges  55   c  of the sump. Each of the lateral flanges  55   c , the sump jet flange, the flange  60   a ′ of the sealing member, and the outer flange  61  includes a through hole for receiving a bolt  63  therethrough. A nut  64  may be threadably coupled to a threaded end of the bolt  63  to compress the flange  60   a ′ against an outer vitreous surface of the secondary chamber  55 ′ and the lateral flanges  55   c , such that the sealing member  60 ′ sealingly engages the vitreous surfaces of the secondary chamber  55 ′ and the lateral flanges  55   c . In this manner, the sump jet  57 ′ can be coupled to the secondary chamber  55 ′ in a substantially watertight manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  36 - 42   , a non-vitreous fluid delivery component, shown as a sump jet  67 , is coupled to a sump  68  of a toilet in a substantially watertight manner, according to another exemplary embodiment. The sump jet  67  includes an inlet portion  67   a  having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a central channel. The inlet portion  67   a  further includes a flared end that defines a hose barb configured to couple to, and be in fluid communication with, a fluid conduit (e.g., conduit  30 , etc.). The sump jet  67  further includes an intermediate portion  67   b  extending from the inlet portion  67   a . The intermediate portion  67   b  defines a flange for coupling the sump jet  67  to the sump  68  in a substantially watertight manner. The intermediate portion  67   b  may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, the sump jet  67 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the intermediate portion  67   b  is generally planar and has a triangular shape with through holes  67   b ′ disposed at each corner of the triangle. Although the intermediate portion  67   b  is shown to be triangular in shape with three through holes  67   b ′, it is appreciated that the intermediate portion  67   b  may have other shapes with more or fewer than three through holes (e.g., two, etc.), according to other exemplary embodiments. The sump jet  67  further includes an outlet portion  67   c  extending from the intermediate portion  67   b . The outlet portion  67   c  includes a plurality of jet orifices  67   c ′ in fluid communication with the central channel for introducing a flow of water from a water source into the sump  68 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the sump jet  67  may be configured to have the same jet orifice configuration as the sump jet  37  discussed above. According to other exemplary embodiments, the sump jet  67  may have a different jet orifice configuration. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  36 - 42   , the sump  68  includes an opening  68   a  for receiving at least a portion of the sump jet  67  therein (e.g., outlet portion  67   c , etc.). The opening  68   a  is defined, in part, by a flange  68   b  extending radially outwardly from the opening  68   a . The flange  68   b  is generally planar and has a generally triangular shape including through holes  68   b ′ that are configured to be aligned with the through holes  67   b ′ of the sump jet  67 . As shown in  FIG.  36   , an outer member, shown as a first bracket  69  (e.g., flange, outer cover, etc.), is disposed in front of the sump  68 , adjacent the opening  68   a . The first bracket  69  is generally planar and includes a central opening  69   a  for receiving at least a portion of the inlet portion  67   a  of the sump jet  67  therethrough. The first bracket  69  further includes a plurality of through holes that are configured to be aligned with the respective through holes of the sump jet  67  and the flange  68   b , such that a bolt  73  can be received therethrough. A second bracket  72  (e.g., mounting member, etc.) is disposed on a rear side of the flange  68   b , opposite the opening  68   a . The second bracket  72  is generally planar and includes a plurality of threaded bores (e.g., weld nuts, etc.) configured to threadably engage the respective bolts  73  therein. A plurality of spacers  71  may be disposed between the first bracket  69  and the flange  68   b  to limit the amount of travel of the bolts  73  when the bolts  73  are tightened relative to the second bracket  72 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  36   , a sealing member  70  is disposed between the third portion  67   c  of the sump jet  67  and a vitreous portion of the flange  68   b  at the opening  68   a , so as to create a substantially watertight seal between the sump jet  67  and the sump  68 . For example, the sump jet  67  may be coupled to the sump  68  by placing the third portion  67   c  at least partially into the opening  68   a . The sealing member  70  may be disposed between the intermediate portion  67   b  and the flange  68   b . The first bracket  69  may be placed over the sump jet  67  such that the first portion  67   a  is disposed through the central opening  69   a  with the respective through holes aligned (i.e., through holes  67   b ′). One or more spacers  71  may be placed between the flange  68   b  and the intermediate portion  67   b . With the first bracket  69  held in position, the second bracket  72  may be positioned against a rear surface of the flange  68   b  opposite the opening  68   a  with the through holes  68   b ′ aligned with the respective threaded bores of the second bracket  72 . The bolts  73  may be inserted through the through holes and threadably engaged with the respective threaded bores of the second bracket  72 . The bolts  73  may be tightened to the second bracket  72 , such that the sealing member  70  is compressed against the vitreous surface of the flange  68   b  adjacent the opening  68   a , so as to create a substantially watertight seal therebetween. In this way, the non-vitreous sump jet  67  can be coupled to the vitreous sump  68  in a substantially watertight manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  43 - 46   , the sump jet  67  is shown coupled to a sump  68 ′ of a toilet in a substantially watertight manner, according to another exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment is the same as the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  36 - 42   , except that the sump  68 ′ includes a different flange  68   b ′ without any through holes, which may help to simplify the toilet manufacturing process. In addition, the flange  68   b ′ does not extend radially outwardly as far as the flange  68   b , which can help to reduce the amount of vitreous material used to manufacture the toilet, thereby reducing cost. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  43 - 44   , the second bracket  72  includes a plurality of weld nuts  72   a  having threaded bores that are configured to be aligned with the respective through holes of the plate  69  and the intermediate portion  67   b  of the sump jet  67 . An inner peripheral portion of the second bracket  72  is configured to overlap a rear surface of the flange  68   b ′, so as to facilitate coupling of the sump jet  67  to the sump  68 ′. Thus, when the bolts  73  are threadably engaged with the respective weld nuts  72   a , the second bracket  72  will be urged or clamped against the flange  68   b ′, such that the sealing member  70  can sealingly engage the vitreous portion of the flange  68   b ′ and create a substantially watertight seal therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  45 - 46   , a second bracket  72 ′ without any weld nuts or threaded bores is used to couple the sump jet  67  to the sump  68 . In this embodiment, the second bracket  72 ′ includes through holes that are configured to receive a bolt  73  therethrough. A nut  74  is threadably coupled to each of the bolts  73  to couple the sump jet  67  to the sump  68 ′ in a substantially watertight manner. According to other exemplary embodiments, other fastening arrangements may be used, such as clips (e.g., spring clips, etc.), bayonet features, press-fit features, or other types of fasteners or fastening arrangements. 
     The disclosed connectors and connector assemblies provide a substantially watertight seal with a portion of a vitreous toilet (e.g., a toilet sump, a toilet rim, etc.), such that the disclosed non-vitreous fluid delivery components can be fluidly coupled to the toilet in a substantially watertight manner. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the assemblies as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the sump jet  21  may be incorporated in, or replaced with, the sump jet  37 . Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.