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WO2006038005A1 - Systeme de desinfection de siege de toilette - Google Patents

Systeme de desinfection de siege de toilette Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006038005A1
WO2006038005A1 PCT/GB2005/003833 GB2005003833W WO2006038005A1 WO 2006038005 A1 WO2006038005 A1 WO 2006038005A1 GB 2005003833 W GB2005003833 W GB 2005003833W WO 2006038005 A1 WO2006038005 A1 WO 2006038005A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toilet seat
seat
sanitising
toilet
drive mechanism
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2005/003833
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alan Parker
Richard Parker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2006038005A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006038005A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
    • A47K13/30—Seats having provisions for heating, deodorising or the like, e.g. ventilating, noise-damping or cleaning devices
    • A47K13/302—Seats with cleaning devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/10—Devices for raising and lowering, e.g. tilting or lifting mechanisms; Collapsible or rotating seats or covers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toilet seat sanitising system.
  • GB-A-2345923 discloses a device for sanitising a toilet seat, which comprises a toilet seat and a toilet lid, the toilet lid having outlets which apply a disinfectant to the toilet seat when the lid is lowered.
  • the present invention provides a toilet seat sanitising system which includes a drive mechanism for moving the seat between its in-use position and an upright position, and a dispenser for a sanitising fluid for dispensing sanitising fluid on to the seat as it approaches its upright position.
  • the invention provides a toilet seat sanitising system, which comprises: a. a hinged toilet seat which can move between an in-use position and an other position, b. a drive mechanism for moving the seat from the in-use position towards the other position, c. a lock by which the seat is restrained from movement by the drive mechanism towards the other position, and d. a fluid dispenser which causes fluid to be dispensed on to the toilet seat as the toilet seat approaches the other position.
  • the other position towards which the hinged toilet seat can be moved may be an upright position.
  • the use of a drive mechanism for the toilet seat to move it from the in-use position towards the upright position in which the sanitising fluid is applied has the advantage that a user does not need to touch any component of the assembly (other than as necessary during normal use) to initiate dispensing of the sanitising fluid after the seat has been used.
  • the seat will therefore have had the sanitising fluid applied to it when the seat is to be used by a subsequent user.
  • the seat is locked in an intermediate position between the in-use position and the upright position by the lock.
  • the intermediate position will frequently be closer to the in-use position than to the upright position.
  • the angle through which the seat moves on its hinge (or hinges) between the intermediate position and the in-use position will preferably be not more than about 40°, more preferably not more than about 30°, especially not more than about 20°. This allows the seat to be sat on easily by the user when the seat is in the intermediate position, then causing the seat to move to the in-use position as a result of the action of sitting on the seat.
  • the seat is released from the locked intermediate position by moving it towards the in-use position such as by a person sitting on the seat.
  • This can preferably be arranged by use of a lock which comprises a resettable ratchet mechanism.
  • the upright position of the seat will generally be at or close to vertical, so that the surface of the seat on which a user sits when the seat is in use can have the sanitising fluid directed on to it from an outlet which faces generally horizontally.
  • the angle between the seat when in its upright position and vertical will generally be not more than about 30°, preferably not more than about 20°, especially not more than about 10°.
  • the seat When the seat is in its in-use position, it will generally contact and be supported by the rim of the toilet bowl.
  • the drive mechanism can comprise a spring (optionally with a damping unit), an electric motor, a pneumatic piston (which may be in the form of a gas-filled strut), or a hydraulic piston. It can be particularly preferred for the drive mechanism to include a helical spring, especially which is arranged so that energy is stored when the seat moves from the upright position towards the in-use position by relative rotation of the ends of the spring, causing it to tighten.
  • a spring has the advantage that the system does not require supply of electrical power.
  • the use of a helical spring which is arranged to tighten when tensioned has the advantage that it is compact.
  • the drive mechanism comprises a spring
  • the drive mechanism can be arranged also to move the seat from the upright position towards the in-use position.
  • the seat can be moved towards the in-use position in this way after the sanitising fluid has been dispensed.
  • the drive mechanism can include additional components to move the seat towards the in-use position. However, when the drive mechanism comprises an electric motor, this can be used to move the seat in both directions between the in-use and upright positions.
  • the drive mechanism comprises an electric motor
  • it can include sensors which can detect the position of the seat or the position of the user or both, to cause signals to be generated to cause the seat to be moved from the in-use position towards the upright position or from the upright position towards the in-use position or both, or to cause the sanitising fluid to be dispensed, or both.
  • power for the motor can be supplied from a remote supply (for example from mains) or from batteries.
  • the dispenser is actuated when the seat is close to or at the upright position.
  • it is actuated mechanically.
  • the system can include a mechanical link between the dispenser and the seat or the drive mechanism which is arranged to act on the dispenser when the seat is at a predetermined position. It will generally be preferred for the link to be acted on by the drive mechanism.
  • the sanitising fluid can be provided in a pressurised container so that it can be released from the container through one or more orifices, especially by opening the orifice(s).
  • the dispenser can comprise a plurality of orifices for the fluid, arranged to apply the fluid to the seat at spaced apart locations around the seat.
  • the orifices can be opened by a linkage which extends between them and the seat or the drive mechanism.
  • the orifices may be configured to spray in various directions.
  • the orifices are arranged to spray the seat when it is in its upright position, especially with the surface of the seat which is to be sprayed facing the array of orifices. It will generally be preferred for the orifices to be configured to spray in such a direction as to ensure total coverage of the upper surface of the toilet seat by the spray.
  • the sanitising fluid can be provided in an unpressurised container.
  • the container can be a rigid container such as a bottle or canister.
  • the container can be a flexible container such as a bottle made from flexible material or a bag.
  • the dispenser cause pressure to be applied to the fluid to cause it to be dispensed.
  • the dispenser can include a pump.
  • the pump can be linked mechanically to the seat or to the drive mechanism for the seat, so that the fluid is pumped when the seat moves towards the upright position.
  • the pump can be powered electrically.
  • the sanitising fluid can be a liquid or a gas. When it is a liquid, it can be dispensed in the form of aerosol droplets.
  • the sanitising fluid contains a disinfectant.
  • the sanitising fluid contains a deodorising agent.
  • the sanitising fluid contains a bactericidal agent.
  • Suitable agents for use in the sanitising fluid will be known to the skilled person.
  • the sanitising fluid will generally contain water as a solvent for the agent(s).
  • the sanitising fluid should not contain any component which might cause irritation when contacted by a user.
  • the composition and the mode of dispensing of the sanitising fluid are such that it tends to evaporate quickly after it has been dispensed.
  • the majority of the sanitising fluid evaporates within about 120 seconds, more preferably about 60 seconds, after it is dispensed, under normal conditions (15 to 20°C, average humidity and no air movement).
  • the sanitising fluid should evaporate in approximately 45 to 60 seconds under normal conditions so that the seat is touch dry for a subsequent user.
  • the invention provides a toilet assembly which comprises a toilet seat sanitising system as discussed above and a toilet bowl.
  • the invention provides a cistern from which water can be supplied to a toilet bowl, which includes a toilet seat sanitising system as discussed above.
  • Orifices for dispensing the sanitising fluid can be provided in the wall of the face of the cistern, which faces towards the seat when the seat is in its upright position.
  • the sanitising system can include a casing for the drive mechanism and the dispenser.
  • the casing can be attached to a normal toilet as a 'retro-fit' addition.
  • the toilet seat sanitising system can be integrated with other components of a toilet assembly, especially associated with the toilet cistern.
  • the improved hygiene that is available from the system of the invention makes it attractive for use in locations where a toilet will be used by large numbers of different people, for example in offices and other places of work, in publicly accessible locations.
  • the simplicity of the system allows it to be made so that it is compact. It can be used in locations where small size is important, for example in boats, road going vehicles such as coaches, and in aeroplanes. It can also be used in temporary toilet facilities for example as provided in movable toilet cubicle facilities.
  • Figure 1 is a partially sectioned side-view, of a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of the bracket assembly and drive mechanism of the first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 is an end on view of the internal cavity of the drive mechanism showing details of the damping mechanism of the first embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 4 is a cutaway front elevation of a motorised second embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 5 is a side elevation of the motorised second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a partially sectioned side-view of a toilet seat sanitising system 50.
  • the toilet seat sanitising system 50 comprises a hinged toilet seat 5, a drive mechanism 60, a pinion arm 8 and a dispenser 70 for a sanitising fluid.
  • a hinge assembly 100 connects the hinged toilet seat 5 with the drive mechanism 60.
  • the drive mechanism 60 further comprises a spring 9, a ratchet ring 25, a damping unit 80 (see figure 3) and a connecting rod 10.
  • the ratchet ring 25 of the drive mechanism 60 engages the pinion arm 8 to provide a locking mechanism 90.
  • Both the drive mechanism 60 and the dispenser 70 are contained in a main casing 4 which is attached to a toilet bowl 11.
  • the dispenser 70 further comprises a pump unit 1, a container connecting tube 2, a sanitising fluid container 3, one or more nozzles (orifices) 6 and one or more nozzle connecting tubes 7.
  • the dispenser 70 defines an internal volume 76 which acts as a flowpath between the sanitising fluid container 3 and the nozzles 6.
  • the sanitising fluid container 3 is shown as a flexible bag in figure 1 but may be replaced by a rigid container such as a bottle if required.
  • the dispenser contains a suitable sanitising fluid 75. Most of the sanitising fluid 75 is contained in the sanitising fluid container 3, which acts as a reservoir.
  • the pump unit 1 further comprises a pump unit outlet 72, a non-return valve 74 and a pumping mechanism 73.
  • One end of the nozzle connecting tubes 7 engages the nozzles 6 via a suitable fitting and the opposite end of the nozzle connecting tubes 7 engages the pump unit 1 via another suitable fitting which connects to the pump unit outlet 72.
  • the pumping mechanism 73 can be operated to pressurise sanitising fluid 75 that has been drawn into the section of the internal volume 76 defined between the non-return valve 74 and the nozzles 6. Sanitising fluid 75 pressurised in this way will escape through the nozzles 6 into the surrounding airspace 110.
  • the hinge assembly 100 comprises a large seat bracket 27, a main rod 28 and a small seat bracket 23.
  • the large seat bracket 27 and small seat bracket 23 are attached to the hinged toilet seat 5 and rotatably engaged with the main rod 28.
  • the large seat bracket 27 is designed to rotate around the fixed main rod 28.
  • the main rod 28 is attached to the main casing 4 (fig 1.).
  • the large seat bracket 27 is attached to the outer casing 26 of the drive mechanism 60. The lowering of the hinged toilet seat 5 causes the large seat bracket 27 to rotate around the main rod 28.
  • FIG 3 shows a detail of the damping unit 80 which forms part of the drive mechanism 60.
  • the outer casing 26 (which is attached via the large seat bracket 27 to the hinged toilet seat 5) with its attached stop block 34, rotates around the main rod 28, and its attached centre boss 30 and sweep block 29 arrangement within the oil filled internal cavity 31.
  • the oil is compressed by the passage of the sweep block 29, and is forced to go around it via a shallow oil channel 36 cut into the bottom of the internal cavity 31, thus slowing but not stopping the rotation of the outer casing 26, its attached seat bracket 27 (figure 2), and hence the upwards movement of the toilet seat 5 (figure 2).
  • the sanitising fluid 75 is compressed due to the action of the pump unit 1 forcing it through the nozzles 6 and it is ejected as a spray onto the toilet seat 5 as the toilet seat returns to the upright position.
  • the toilet seat sanitising system 50 is designed so that the sanitising liquid 75 will be ejected through the nozzles 7 when the toilet seat 5 is at a angle of about 75 degrees to the horizontal.
  • the design of the toilet seat sanitising system 50 is such that as the pump unit 1 reaches the end of its stroke, hence forcing all the fluid from its chamber at its greatest pressure, the toilet seat 5 reaches the point where the positioning of the nozzles 6 is optimised for the most effective spray pattern.
  • FIGs 4 and 5 show a motorised second embodiment of a toilet seat sanitising system 50.
  • a motor 122 connected to a gear train assembly 124 is used to move the toilet seat 5.
  • Power is supplied to the motor 122 by power cables 128 and controlled by a control box 120.
  • the control box receives signals from a seat position sensor 126.
  • the control box 120 will supply power to the motor 122 to raise or lower the seat 5 depending on the input from the seat position sensor 126.
  • a pump actuator lever 128 is operated by the motor 122 to actuate the pump unit 1 and dispense sanitizing fluid when the seat 5 is in its upright position.
  • This motorised second embodiment also has the necessary dispensing equipment, including nozzles, though this equipment is not shown in figures 4 and 5.
  • the seat 5 will be sat on by a user.
  • the seat position sensor 126 will send a signal to the control box 120.
  • the control box 120 will actuate the motor 122.
  • the motor 122 will move the seat 5 to the upright position where the pump unit 1 will dispense sanitising fluid.
  • the motor 122 will then move the seat 5 to an intermediate position ready for the next user.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Toilet Supplies (AREA)

Abstract

Le système de désinfection de siège de toilette décrit comprend un siège de toilette à charnières, un mécanisme d’entraînement et un dispositif de distribution de fluide. Le mécanisme d’entraînement peut déplacer le siège de toilette d’une position en utilisation à une position relevée. Un verrou sert à empêcher le siège de toilette de bouger du fait du mécanisme d’entraînement vers la position relevée. Le dispositif de distribution de fluide effectue la distribution de fluide sur le siège de toilette à mesure que le siège de toilette approche de la position relevée.
PCT/GB2005/003833 2004-10-09 2005-10-05 Systeme de desinfection de siege de toilette Ceased WO2006038005A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0422490.3 2004-10-09
GB0422490A GB0422490D0 (en) 2004-10-09 2004-10-09 The pan-tech seat

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006038005A1 true WO2006038005A1 (fr) 2006-04-13

Family

ID=33443667

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/003833 Ceased WO2006038005A1 (fr) 2004-10-09 2005-10-05 Systeme de desinfection de siege de toilette

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0422490D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006038005A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016058753A1 (fr) * 2014-10-14 2016-04-21 Unilever N.V. Dispositif pour la pulvérisation d'une enceinte déclenché par l'inclinaison d'un couvercle rotatif
US10183308B2 (en) 2014-10-14 2019-01-22 Conopco, Inc. Spraying device
US11419464B2 (en) 2019-06-02 2022-08-23 Origyn LLC Toilet seat assembly with cleaning system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1877689A (en) * 1931-06-13 1932-09-13 Electric Steam Generators Inc Toilet seat sterilizer
US2310768A (en) * 1940-04-25 1943-02-09 Hygeian Corp Sterilizing cabinet
EP0274588A2 (fr) * 1986-12-17 1988-07-20 P.T. MATIC S.p.A. Equipement en structure modulaire pour nettoyer automatiquement et intégralement une cuvette de W.C., utilisable dans les toilettes publiques et privées
DE4027337A1 (de) * 1990-08-29 1992-03-05 Hsu Shih Chang Toiletten-desinfektionseinrichtung
EP1366700A1 (fr) * 2002-05-30 2003-12-03 Maurizio Rossi Dispositif pour le nettoyage de la lunette de toilette

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1877689A (en) * 1931-06-13 1932-09-13 Electric Steam Generators Inc Toilet seat sterilizer
US2310768A (en) * 1940-04-25 1943-02-09 Hygeian Corp Sterilizing cabinet
EP0274588A2 (fr) * 1986-12-17 1988-07-20 P.T. MATIC S.p.A. Equipement en structure modulaire pour nettoyer automatiquement et intégralement une cuvette de W.C., utilisable dans les toilettes publiques et privées
DE4027337A1 (de) * 1990-08-29 1992-03-05 Hsu Shih Chang Toiletten-desinfektionseinrichtung
EP1366700A1 (fr) * 2002-05-30 2003-12-03 Maurizio Rossi Dispositif pour le nettoyage de la lunette de toilette

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016058753A1 (fr) * 2014-10-14 2016-04-21 Unilever N.V. Dispositif pour la pulvérisation d'une enceinte déclenché par l'inclinaison d'un couvercle rotatif
AU2015333112B2 (en) * 2014-10-14 2018-11-15 Unilever Plc Device for spraying an enclosure triggered by inclination of a rotatable lid
US10183308B2 (en) 2014-10-14 2019-01-22 Conopco, Inc. Spraying device
US10385560B2 (en) 2014-10-14 2019-08-20 Conopco, Inc. Device for spraying an enclosure triggered by inclination of a rotatable lid
US11419464B2 (en) 2019-06-02 2022-08-23 Origyn LLC Toilet seat assembly with cleaning system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0422490D0 (en) 2004-11-10

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