Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
  • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
  • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
  • E03D9/03—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of a separate container with an outlet through which the agent is introduced into the flushing water, e.g. by suction ; Devices for agents in direct contact with flushing water
  • E03D9/032—Devices connected to or dispensing into the bowl
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
  • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
  • E03D5/02—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
  • E03D5/04—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor directly by the seat or cover combined with devices for opening and closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising and lowering seat or cover; Raising or lowering seat and/or cover by flushing or by the flushing mechanism
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
  • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
  • E03D5/02—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor
  • E03D5/08—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated mechanically or hydraulically (or pneumatically) also details such as push buttons, levers and pull-card therefor directly by the foot combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
  • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
  • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
  • E03D2009/028—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing using a liquid substance

Definitions

• the present invention relates to minimizing water required by flushing toilets.
• a scented container of disinfectant may be attached to the inner walls of the toilet bowl or added to the water tank used for flushing.
• Aerosol air fresheners are also known, that spray a scented material from a container.
• US 6,782,564 titled “Water-saving toilet” to Shiang-Sheng Cheng describes a water- saving toilet that includes a two-stage flush button, a water-storing area and a drain way formed in the interior of a toilet bowl and a valve control device positioned in the bowl and consisting of a valve, a valve cap, a drive rod, and an operating rod.
• the valve is positioned in water-storing area, having a passageway, with the valve cap deposited on the valve to close and open the valve.
• a push rod is connected under the valve cap, extending in the valve. In using, first, pressing the operating rod pushes up the valve cap to open the valve so urine with water remaining in the water-storing area flows into the drain way. Then pressing the flush button causes a low volume of water to be flushed out in the bowl.
• Discharging Water In A Toilet Bowl According To Excrements And Urine And A Water Saving Device describes a method for discharging water in a toilet bowl according to excrements and urine and a water saving device are provided to save water since toilet water is discharged in two stages according to excrements and urine.
• the method for discharging water in a toilet bowl according to excrements and urine comprises the following steps. Top water positioned on the top of a top stopper of a water saving device passed through the inside of the water saving device and is discharged. Bottom water positioned below the top water is discharged through a drain hole formed at the bottom, simultaneously with the first step.
• KR 1020070108807 to YEON SOO PARK titled “WATER ECONOMIZING TOILET BOWL USING WATER PRESSURE AND GRAVITY FOR CLEANING URINE AND EXCREMENT WITH LITTLE WATER THROUGH HIGH PRESSURE EXTRUSION”, describes a water economizing toilet bowl that uses water pressure and gravity to clean urine and excrement with little water, by a high pressure extrusion when opening a piston and a valve, and saves water by transferring the removed urine and excrement and water to a water-purifier tank through an inclined drain pipe and a vertical drain pipe.
• a water-saving toilet that includes a two-stage flush button, a water-storing area and a drain way formed in the interior of a toilet bawl and a valve control device positioned in the bowl and consisting of a valve, a valve cap, a drive rod, and an operating rod.
• the valve is positioned in water-storing area, having a passageway, with the valve cap deposited on the valve to close and open the valve.
• a push rod is connected under the valve cap, extending in the valve. In using, first, pressing the operating rod pushes up the valve cap to open the valve so urine with water remaining in the water-storing area flows into the drain way. Then press the flush button for a low volume of water to be flushed out in the bawl.
• EP 1193352 to QI XIAOMING titled "A URINAL APPLICABLE TO TOILET BOWL” describes a urinal (7) applicable to toilet bowl, which is provided with cleaning water supply line (8) that is connected to a water supply device, and the urinal (7) being provided with discharge line (14), which is connected to a waste line, the discharge line (14) including a curved section for accumulating the water, a hinged part being arranged on the urinal (7), the hinged part being hinged to the upper part of toilet bowl (4).
• KR 1020100027661 to KANG SUK UK titled “URINAL FOR A TOILET BOWL, WHICH CAN BE EASILY ATTACHED AND DETACHED” describes a urinal for a toilet bowl provided to easily attach and detach the urinal, and to save water.
• the urinal for a toilet bowl is composed of a urine receiver (10) and a holder (20).
• a bar (11) is formed on the outer surface of the urine receiver, and coupled to the holder.
• An outlet (12) is formed in the bottom surface of the urine receiver, and connected to a hose (13).
• a grabbing unit (22) is formed in the holder, and fixes the urine receiver to the edge of the toilet bowl.
• the home male urinal comprises a urinal button (57), a urinal cover (58), a washing water pipe (55), a urine discharge pipe (54), an adaptor (59), and a connector socket (52).
• the urinal button is formed for the use of cleaning water after making water.
• the urinal cover is formed to maintain the cleanliness of the urinal after making water.
• the washing water pipe and the urine discharge pipe are installed inside a pipe or a cover (50) connected to the urinal simultaneously.
• the adaptor is installed in a water supply valve (53). The adaptor connects to a water supply pipe for a water tank of a toilet bowl (56) and a urinal washing water pipe.
• the connector socket is installed on the rear side of an S-trap of a toilet bowl and connects to the urine discharge pipe.
• PCT application number PCT/AU2001/000479 published as WO WO/2001/083899 titled "THE MEN'S URINAL" to LIM, DaeSong provides an automatic elevator urinal which uses sensors.
• Currently male users' urinate in unisex toilet bowls or in stationary male urinals so there is many occurrences of urine spilling outside the urinal or toilet bowl resulting in bad odours and unhygienic conditions and use the same amount of water as with defecation.
• This invention provides a solution to these problems.
• It provides a urinal for men which calculates the appropriate height the urinal bowl should be for each different male user and adjusts the urinal bowl height so it will be a perfect match for each individual user. This will maximise ease of use and minimise urine spillage. It comprises of the urinal bowl 1 , the main sliding board 2 for the urinal to slide vertically in, the water tank 7, the motor 8 which drives the urinal bowl vertically, a proximity sensor 3 to detect a user approaching and leaving, a height measuring sensor 4 and the control unit (hardware controller) which moves the urinal bowl vertically to a calculated appropriate value.
• the benefits of this invention are that it gives complete underneath cover so that it does not allow the urine to fall outside to maximise hygiene. It will also only use the necessary amount of water when flushing to minimise water usage leading to water saving.
• Blair teaches a toilet seat lifting apparatus comprising two side-by-side pivotally connected flat members, a first member having two spaced holes for alignment with seat attachment holes in a rear portion of a toilet bowl, and a second member extending from the first member in a forward direction toward the front of the toilet bowl having a projection at its forward end for engagement with a toilet seat.
• the second member further includes a lever extending rearwardly past the first member.
• This assembly is operated by a foot operated actuating member mounted adjacent a side of the toilet bowl with a connection between the lever and the actuating member. Upon installation of the members beneath a toilet seat, operation of the actuating member pulls the lever down and forward, causing the second member to pivot up to lift the seat.
• This assembly further consists of a resilient restraint connected to a lower surface of the second member and above a top surface of the toilet bowl for restraining.
• WO/2009/058320 PCT/US2008/0123011 titled "Apparatus For Lifting Toilet Seat And Lid With Friction-Based Embodiments For Regulating Differential Lowering Rate Of The Seat And Lid” describes a toilet seat lifting and lowering device, i.e., one that does not require use of or touching with the hands is disclosed.
• the invention comprises several improved embodiments for not only making the lifting and lowering assembly more simplified but also for counterbalancing the seat and lid against the pedal.
• the invention comprises a torque transfer assembly comprising two interacting cams that can, depending upon the embodiment used, designed to be self limiting in their rotational travel such that the arc rotation of the seat travels from horizontal to about vertical.
• the apparatus further has a friction-regulated tension assembly that acts to attenuate the rate of drop of the seat while a separate friction structural arrangement between the seat and lid provide for a differential lowering rate for the lid thereby eliminating inherent slamming down of the lid onto the seat.
• aspects of the present invention are directed to novel ways for disinfecting and perfuming the toilet automatically in a simple and effective way.
• Yet further aspects of preferred embodiments are directed to providing a simple mechanism that enables the lifting and lowering of the toilet seat in a simple and convenient way.
• the invention is directed to a method and system that allows minimizing the water used to flush the toilet after urination, whilst disinfecting and aromatizing the toilet, to leave a pleasant smell.
• Preferred embodiments raise and lower the toilet seat automatically. Methods of the invention can thereby neutralize the sanitary hazards and the aesthetic hazards by using a small amount of water mixed with a disinfectant, a scented fragrance and dye that, when poured or sprinkled into the toilet bowl may create a separate layer above the water with urine, or may mixed with them at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
• a hydraulic system consisting of a pipe connected to the mains water entering the house or to a water supply from a roof storage tank. Opening a valve system, causes water to flow through a pipe, to a suction system.
• the emptied out liquid consisting of water with the disinfectant and perfume may forms a thin layer that covers or may mixed with the water mixed with urine in the bottom of the toilet bowl. Furthermore the liquid may include a dye and thereby have a color that helps to neutralize the color of urine at the bottom of the toilet.
• the disinfectant and scent may be low density and may float on the water mixed with urine in the bottom of the bowl and serve as an upper separate layer, or the disinfectant and scent liquid may mix with water with urine in the bottom of the bowl and disable the aesthetic hazards.
• One embodiment is directed to a system for sanitizing a toilet bowl after urination comprising: an additive comprising disinfectant and fragrance in a reservoir;
• venturi pipe coupling the reservoir to a pressured water line
• a foot pedal activated valve such that the pressured line is coupled to a raising and lowering mechanism for a toilet seat such that depression of the foot-pedal opens valve and provides a hydraulic pressure for raising a toilet seat, and sucks additive into the raising and lowering mechanism, and cause the additive and water to be sprayed via nozzles, such that release of the foot pedal as the toilet seat lowers under action of a lowering force and causes the additive and water to be pours into the toilet bowl, and a suction tube in the venturi pipe comprises one-way valve that closed the top of the tube and blocks the exit of the water from the pipeline system backing into the reservoir.
• the system comprising a handle activated valve, such that a pressured line is causes the additive and water to be sprayed via nozzles.
• the spraying (is a consequence of) is activated valve, such that a pressured line is causes the additive and water to be sprayed via nozzles.
• the pouring (is a consequence of) is activated by lowering of a toilet seat.
• the lowering force comprises gravity.
• the lowering force further comprises a spring.
• the raising and lowering mechanism releases an additional quantity of liquid as the seat is lowered.
• the additive and water form an upper layer over urine in the toilet bowl, trapping smells.
• the additive and water mix with the urine in the toilet bowl, neutralizing smells.
• the additive further comprises a dye and the additive and water, cover the urine and provide a non-urine coloured appearance to liquid in the toilet bowl.
• the additive further comprises a dye and the additive and water, mix with the urine and provide a non-urine coloured appearance to liquid in the toilet bowl.
• the raising and lowering mechanism comprises a bellows and nozzles such that pressure of water raises the toilet seat and inflates the bellows with the water expels the water through the nozzles to wash down walls of the toilet bowl.
• the bellows comprises a top plate fitted to the toilet seat and a bottom plate fitted to the toilet bowl, and a flexible side wall.
• the bellows includes a balloon for the water.
• an adjustment means for adjusting the angle of the raised toilet seat.
• an adjustment means for adjusting the rate of raising and lowering of the toilet seat.
• the adjustment means comprises a spring adjustment screw to adjust the tension in the spring for countering required the pressure for raising the seat.
• the adjustment means comprises a mechanism which includes tracks that are attached to both sides of the plates for determining the opening angle between the plates.
• a second aspect is directed to providing a method for sanitizing a toilet bowl after urination thereinto, without exchanging the water in the bottom of the toilet bowl, comprising the steps of spraying water mixed with an additive to inner walls of toilet bowl and pouring water mixed with the additive into the bottom of the toilet bowl, thereby neutralizing negative symptoms of urinary residue without changing the water at the bottom of the toilet bowl.
• the additive comprises a disinfectant and a perfume.
• the additive further comprises a dye.
• the spraying is a function of the raising of a toilet seat.
• the pouring is a function of the lowering of a toilet seat.
• raising the toilet seat causes the additive to be added to the water.
• Fig 1 is a side sectional view of a toilet showing the system of the invention
• Fig 2 is a schematic front view of a toilet and functional block diagram of a hydraulic system for cleaning the toilet bowl in accordance with one embodiment.
• Fig 3 is a schematic illustration of a water feed mechanism
• Fig 4 is a detail showing how a perfumed and dyed disinfectant additive may be sucked into the system water line
• Fig 5 shows an example of a bowl washing mechanism, that may be used for raising and lowering the toilet seat, and
• Fig 6 is a schematic illustration of an inflatable balloon component, the raising and lowering mechanism, the spray liquid, and tube fluid elimination.
• Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and system for saving water used to flush the toilet bowl after urination that disinfect and aromatize the toilet.
• the flushing simultaneously allows the automatic lifting and lowering of the toilet seat.
• Embodiments allow water saving, in that the amount of water that is used for washing the urine from the toilet bowl is minimal.
• Embodiments of the invention allow infrequent flushing of the toilet bowl whilst neutralizing the unpleasant effects of urine located at the bottom and at the sides of the toilet bowl by using a minimal amount of water and thus saving water.
• the invention allows disinfecting and perfuming the toilet bowl.
• system of the invention and the components which are described here are an example of a preferred system that allows the implementation of the method of the invention, and an example of benefits and uses of the method and the system of the invention.
• the invention described herein minimizes the waste water required to flush the toilet after urination, whilst still concealing the urine and providing a pleasant apearance and smell.
• the system allows disinfect and perfume the toilet and lift and lower the toilet seat automatically.
• Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a toilet showing the system of the invention that illustrates the principles of the invention, showing how water from the water tank 8 that is used to wash the walls of the toilet bowl 14 and to flush away the water mixed with urine A at the bottom of the toilet bowl 14 may be conserved.
• water mixed with a disinfectant and perfume C is added to the toilet bowl 14 to wash down the toilet bowl 14, and then a small amount of water mixed with disinfectant and perfume D drains from a device 28 that also serves as a mechanism to lift and lower the toilet seat 13.
• the liquid D consisting of water mixed with dye, disinfectant and scent
• the liquid D consisting of water mixed with dye, disinfectant and scent, mix the urine and water A in the base of the toilet bowl 14 with liquid B2.
• the toilet On defecation or periodically, the toilet may be flushed in the conventional manner by releasing water from storage tank 8.
• the first advantage is the savings in water used to flush the toilet 14 and the water mixed with urine at the bottom A after urination by spraying water mixed with a disinfectant and perfumed liquid C and discharging water mixed with a disinfectant and perfumed liquid D from raising and lowering mechanism 28, after lowering the toilet seat 13 in place on top of the toilet bowl 14 and liquid C together with liquid D, form a layer of liquid Bl at the bottom of the toilet bowl 14.
• the density of the liquid layer Bl is less than that of the water mixed with urine (liquid A) so the liquid layer B 1 creates a floating layer that covers and neutralizes unpleasant symptoms of liquid A at the bottom of the toilet bowl 14.
• the more option is liquid C and liquid D (liquid B2) mixed with the water mixed with urine (liquid A) so the liquid B2 neutralizes unpleasant symptoms of liquid A at the bottom of the toilet bowl 14. So, without flushing the toilet by draining a 3 liters or more of water every time someone urinates, the toilet cubicle remains pleasant smelling and clean and the there is no unsightly accumulation of urine in the toilet bowl 14.
• the flushing of the tank 8 may be performed only after several urinations, perhaps on after defecation, thereby conserving large quantities of water.
• the method may be implemented by women who may activate the bowl washing system after urination.
• a third benefit is obtained by exploiting the high pressure water pressure system used for washing down the bowl, as part of a mechanism 28 to raise the toilet seat 13. It may be subsequently lowered by gravity when hydraulic pressure is eased.
• the toilet seat 13 may be left at an appropriate angle relative to the toilet 14 and relatively to the toilet lid 12, so that when a male urinates, the toilet seat 13 does not get dirty, and after urination, the toilet seat 13 returns to its lowered position over the toilet bowl 14.
• Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a toilet and functional block diagram of a hydraulic system for cleaning the toilet bowl in accordance with one embodiment.
• Fig. 2 describes the mechanisms and key components of a system of the invention and the process to implement the method in the invention.
• Figures 3 to 6 describe the details of the preferred system.
• a pipe 3 connects the mains 1 that feeds water with pipe 2 to the water tank 8 to flush the toilet bowl 14.
• Water line pipe 3 is connected to a valve 35 that is operated by a springy foot pedal 17. Activating the valve 35 by a pedal 17 allows water to flow through a Venturi connector 18, which sucks a small quantity of disinfectant and perfume from the container 20 which is then mixed into the water flow.
• the water mixed with disinfectant and perfume flows into the pipe 22 and into the raising and lowering mechanism 28 that raises the toilet seat 13 by water pressure.
• the mechanism 28 sprays a small quantity of liquid C on the inside wall of the toilet bowl 14.
• liquid C and liquid D pour into the bottom of the toilet bowl 14, where they mixed with water with urine A, to produce a liquid B2 that neutralizes smells from liquid A.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the operating pedal 17. Pressing on the pedal 17 lowers the lever 36 of the valve 35 and opens the water passage from the pipeline 3 to a pipeline 16. Relaxing pressure on pedal 17 allows the spring 33 to return the pedal 17 and the lever 36 back to their non-activated state, closing valve 35 and stopping the water flow through it.
• FIG 4 shows a Venturi connector 18 sucking the liquid E, that is generally a coloured, antiseptic and fragrant liquid, from container 20 through suction tube 19 that opens into the Venturi connector 18.
• the water flows through Venturi connector 18, the water sucks in and mixes liquid E into the water flow.
• the water flow stops when pressure on the pedal 17 is relieved. Stopping the flow causes a reverse pressure on the one-way valve 181 that closed the top of the tube 19, and blocks the exit of the water from the pipeline system backing into the container 20.
• Figure 5 and figure 6 are schematic illustrations of the raising and lowering mechanism 28 and the balloon 50 ( Figure 6) within.
• the raising and lowering mechanism 28 of a toilet seat 13 may be positioned under the toilet seat 13 and attached to the axle pin 287 of the hinge of the toilet seat 13 by removable connecting rings 281 that can be fabricated from metal or other appropriate flexible and strong material.
• Raising and lowering mechanism 28 of toilet seat 13 may include a structure having two plates: an upper plate
• Upper plate 285 and lower plate 286 may be made of a hard but flexible material such as galvanized rubber, for example.
• the widest angle between the upper plate 285 and the bottom plate 286 of the raising and lowering mechanism 28 when opened is determined by a track 292 adjacent to the top plate 285 and a track 294 that connects the top plate 285 to the bottom plate 286 of the apparatus 28.
• the strengthening and size of the splint angle between the plates may be adjusted by a screw 293 on the upper plate 285.
• a screw 291 located on the bottom plate 286 may strengthen and set the maximum opening angle between the two plates of the raising and lowering mechanism 28, and thereby determine the angle of the raised toilet seat.
• the tracks and screws can be made of metal.
• a spring 296 and rotation button 295 may be provided.
• the spring 296 may be located inside or along the axis 284 that connects the top plate 285 with the bottom plate 286, and the rotation button 295 may allow tuning the degree of stretching of the spring 296, thereby providing a means for controlling the speed and the tilt angle of the lifting toilet seat 13.
• the liquid consisting of water mixed with disinfectant and scented material flows under mains pressure with additional hydraulic pressure from the foot pedal 35 through the pipeline 22 and the connector 23 and into the raising and lowering mechanism 28.
• the inside of the mechanism 28 may be impervious to water and swell due to pressure from the water, or can contain an inflatable component 50 like a balloon made of rubber. If the mechanism 28 contains a balloon 50 the inflation of the balloon 50 is limited by the casing 55 which can be made of strong, flexible material such as Kubler type fabric, and protects the balloon 50 from damage due to the water pressure.
• the water flows through spray nozzles 41 mounted on the raising and lowering mechanism 28, which may be placed in the corners of the lining the upper plate 285 of raising and lowering mechanism 28.
• the water pressure causes the water mixed with liquid disinfectant, dye and perfume, to spray out, spraying liquid C onto the inner sides of the toilet bowl 14.
• An adjustable splashboard 41 with a hard hose 40 may be provided, so that the spray may be directed to desired locations on the inner sides of the bowl 14.
• a canopy 283 which can be made of rubber is provided.
• the opening angle of the toilet seat 13 is sloping diagonally upwards relative to the toilet bowl 14, say at 75 degrees, for example.
• the valve 35 closes and prevents the further passage of water into the raising and lowering mechanism 28, relieving the water pressure.
• the pressure on the upper plate 285 of the raising and lowering mechanism 28 is eased, and the toilet seat 13 is lowered under gravity as the pressure is relaxed. This causes the toilet seat to return to its lowered position over the toilet bowl 14. Additional pressure to lower the toilet seat 13 may be provided by a spring 296, which is positioned along axle 284.
• the reverse pressure on upper plate 285 of the raising and lowering mechanism 28 forces the liquid that is inside the bellows or balloon 50 to flow outwards. This flow may cause the opening of a one-way valve 46 and the liquid thus released flows through the drainage channel 45 and pours into the toilet bowl 14.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
• Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (3)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (3)

• 2012
  • 2012-06-21 IL IL220601A patent/IL220601A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2013
  • 2013-06-17 WO PCT/IL2013/050515 patent/WO2013190547A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (3)

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