AU2021103588A4

AU2021103588A4 - A toilet

Info

Publication number: AU2021103588A4
Application number: AU2021103588A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Elvis Wu
Original assignee: Bravat Global Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Bravat Global Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2021-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toilet, and in particular to a toilet without a cistern. The invention is for a toilet comprising: a basin for receiving water; a trapway extending under the basin, the trapway being fluidly connected between the basin and a sewerage system; a propulsion device fluidly connectable to a water supply and to a first end of the trapway adjacent the basin, the propulsion device being adapted to force water through the trapway. 1/4 100 80 A 60 16 1290 50 10 17 19s 20 30 5 40 Fig. 1

Description

1/4

100

80 A 60 16 1290

50

10

17

19s 20 30

5 40

Fig. 1

A TOILET

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a toilet, and in particular to a toilet without a cistern.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in conjunction with known bathroom plumbing arrangements and sewerage systems and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application.

Background of the Invention

[3] Conventional toilet designs include a cistern which stores water for flushing. The cistern comprises a tank located at a higher position relative to the toilet basin including a volume of water. The cistern is also operatively connected to the toilet basin.

[4] When a toilet is being used, a user presses, for example, a flush button which in turn opens an outlet valve in the cistern which allows the volume of water to flow into the toilet basin. The cistern is located at a height above the toilet seat so that the water contacts inside of the toilet basin with sufficient force to flush the toilet basin.

[5] A cistern is typically visible to the user in a bathroom.

[6] However, a cistern is bulky and oftentimes not considered to be aesthetically pleasing by designers.

[7] In a popular toilet design, the cistern is installed behind a wall to hide the cistern. The toilet therefore appears to only have a toilet basin extending from the wall. However, should there be a need to repair the toilet or maintain the cistern, the plumber must remove a cover in the wall to access the cistern.

[8] The present invention seeks to provide a toilet, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[9] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[10] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet comprising:

a basin for receiving water;

a trapway extending under the basin, the trapway being fluidly connected between the basin and a sewerage system;

a propulsion device fluidly connectable to a water supply and to a first end of the trapway adjacent the basin, the propulsion device being adapted to force water through the trapway.

[11] The toilet may comprise a basin inlet fluidly connected to a water supply, and a valve arrangement for controlling water flow into the basin through the inlet.

[12] The toilet may comprise a first actuator for opening the valve arrangement to allow water into the basin to flush the basin.

[13] The toilet may further comprise a second actuator for actuating the propulsion device.

[14] Actuating the first actuator may cause actuation of the second actuator after a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be between 3 to 5 seconds.

[15] The trapway may comprise a weir.

[16] The trapway may comprise a horizontally extending portion.

[17] The propulsion device may be fluidly connected to the horizontally extending portion.

[18] A maximum height of the weir may be located at a position higher than the horizontally extending portion.

[19] The toilet may further comprise piping connectable to a sewerage system.

[20] The force of the propelled water may be sufficient to cause water in the trapway to pass over the weir and into the connected piping until the basin is substantially emptied.

[21] The toilet may further comprise a housing surrounding the basin, trapway and piping.

:3

[22] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of flushing a toilet comprising:

providing the toilet, the toilet comprising,

a basin for receiving water;

a propulsion device fluidly connectable to a water supply and to a first end of the trapway adjacent the basin, the propulsion device being adapted to force water through the trapway;

flushing the basin with water, and

actuating the propulsion device to force water into the trapway to cause the basin to be emptied.

[23] The method may further comprise actuating the first actuator to allow water into the basin to flush the basin with water.

[24] The method may further comprise actuating the second actuator after a first predetermined time period has elapsed after actuation of the first actuator.

[25] The method may further comprise filling the basin with water to a predetermined level.

[26] The method may further comprise ceasing the flow of water into the basin and trapway after a second predetermined time period has elapsed.

[27] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[28] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[29] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[30] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[31] Figure 1 illustrates a section view of a first embodiment of a toilet in accordance with the present invention;

[32] Figure 2 illustrates the toilet of Figure 1 being flushed upon actuation of the first actuator;

[33] Figure 3 illustrates the toilet of Figure 1 upon actuation of the second actuator, and

[34] Figure 4 illustrates the toilet of Figure 1 being filled after actuation of the second actuator.

Description of Embodiments

[35] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[36] A toilet according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 100 in Figure 1. The toilet 100 comprises a basin 10 for receiving water. The toilet 100 also comprises trapway 20 extending under the basin 10. The trapway is fluidly connected between the basin 10 and piping that is connectable to a sewerage system. The toilet also comprises a propulsion device 30. The propulsion device 30 is fluidly connectable to a water supply (not shown) and also to a first end of the trapway adjacent the basin 10. The propulsion device 30 is adapted to force water through the trapway 20, in use.

[37] The basin 10 of the toilet can be shaped as a conventional toilet bowl. The basin 10 of the toilet comprises a seat 50 for comfortable use of the toilet by the user. The seat of the toilet has a central void. The toilet 10 may comprise a lid 60 to cover the central void when the toilet is not in use.

[38] The toilet basin has a front end 14 and a rear end 15. The seat 50 and the lid are each hingedly connected to the seat at the rear end 15 of the basin.

[39] The basin has an upper end 16 and a lower end 17. The basin has an internal sidewall 18 which defines a cavity for receiving water and waste. The upper end comprises a rim of the basin defining a mouth of the basin. The internal sidewall tapers inwardly from the upper end to the lower end of the basin.

[40] The toilet 100 comprises an inlet 12 fluidly connected to a mains water supply, adjacent the upper end and rear end of the basin 15. In other embodiments, the inlet 12 may be located at another position adjacent the rim of the basin.

[41] The toilet further comprises a valve (not shown) for controlling water flow into the basin through the inlet. The inlet 12 and inner wall of the basin 18 are configured to allow water to swirl around the inner surface of the basin to when the valve is opened so as to flush the basin.

[42] The lower end of the basin comprises an outlet 19 for passage of water and waste into the trapway 20.

[43] The trapway 20 comprises a hollow pipe comprising a first portion 22 extending horizontally under the outlet. The trapway 20 comprises a second curved portion 24 comprising a weir. The weir is connected to piping which is operably connected to a sewerage system.

[44] The first portion has a first end which is fluidly connected to the propulsion device and a second end contiguous with the second portion 24.

[45] In this embodiment, the propulsion device 30 comprises a nozzle and a valve arrangement (not shown) adapted to provide a jet of water to propel water and waste along the trapway 20.

[46] It is envisaged that in other embodiments, the propulsion device 30 can be any suitable device which provides a force sufficient to cause the contents of the trapway to pass over the weir 25 and into the connected piping. As the connected piping is below the weir 25, this creates a pressure difference between which siphons the contents of the basin and trapway into the connected piping and eventually a sewerage tank.

[47] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the weir 25 is curved in an inverted U shape and has a maximum internal height. The maximum internal height is defined by an inner surface of the weir. In this example the second portion of the trapway is located adjacent the rear end of the basin.

[48] As can be seen in the figures, the positioning of the weir 25 adjacent the rear of the basin 15 allows for a compact arrangement within the housing of the toilet. Advantageously, this is space saving. In particular, the outer surface of an upwardly extending portion of the weir complements an external surface of the toilet basin.

[49] The maximum internal height of the weir 25 is located at a position higher than the horizontally extending portion. The maximum internal height of the weir 25 is equivalent to the height of a predetermined or desired water level in the basin, in use.

[50] The trapway 20 comprises a third portion 26 which comprises piping that is connected to a waste outlet 5 located in the floor on which the toilet is placed when installed. The third portion 26 is located below the weir 25.

[51] The third portion of the trapway 26 can comprise standard piping connectors or a bespoke piping assembly which connects the second portion to the sewerage system at the waste outlet 5 in the floor. The bespoke piping assembly can be suitably configured and installed by a plumber to suit the set-back of the wall from the waste outlet on the floor.

[52] The basin 10 and trapway 20 are covered by and housed within a housing 40. The housing can be made of a suitable ceramic material or a suitable plastic material, for example. The housing 40 is adapted to support the weight of a user while the user is seated on the toilet seat.

[53] The toilet 100 comprises a first actuator 70 adapted to open and close the valve to allow water into the basin to flush the basin. The first actuator 70 can be a button located on the side of the toilet. The first actuator 70 is operably connected to the valve at the inlet 12 to the basin. Upon actuating the first actuator 70 by, for example, pushing down on the button, the valve opens for a predetermined period of time to allow sufficient water into the basin for contacting a substantial part of the inner surface area of the basin as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the water flushes the inner surface of the inner sidewall of the basin 10 and carries any waste matter into the water collected towards the bottom of the basin 10.

[54] The first actuator 70 is also operably connected to a timer 80. Actuating the first actuator 70, causes the timer to start operating for a first pre-determined time period. The first pre-determined time period can be between 6 to 10 seconds. The first pre-determined time period can be for example 6 seconds or 7 seconds or 8 seconds or 9 seconds. In other embodiments, the first pre-determined time period can be less than 6 seconds or more than 10 seconds.

[55] Once the first time period has elapsed, the second actuator 90 is actuated. Actuation of the second actuator 90 causes the propulsion device to emit a jet of water into the first portion of the trapway 10 as shown in Figure 2 for a second predetermined time period. The jet of water is directed substantially parallel to the axis of the first horizontal portion so as to move the contents of the trapway towards the weir 25.

[56] In particular, the second actuator 90 causes the valve of the propulsion device to be opened to allow water to flow through the inlet into the trapway 20. The propulsion device 30 comprises a propulsion means. In this embodiment, the propulsion means is provided by the nozzle which changes or increases the rate of water flow by changing the diameter of the inlet, for example. Hence, releasing a jet of water into the trapway, increases the volume and pressure of water before the weir 25. Upon passing of water past the maximum height of the weir 25, the contents of the basin 10 (e.g. waste and water) are drawn past the weir 25 and into the waste outlet 5 through the third portion as shown in Figure 3.

[57] The first timer 80 can be any suitable timer. In an embodiment, the actuators and valves can also be mechanical devices. Advantageously, no electrical energy will be required to use the toilet.

[58] In other embodiments, the actuators and timer can comprise electronics and so the toilet can be electrically operable.

[59] Actuating the second actuator 90 causes a second timer 95 to begin. After the second predetermined time period has elapsed, the respective valves into the basin and the propulsion device close and water flow into the toilet ceases.

[60] The second pre-determined time period can be between 6 to 10 seconds. The second pre-determined time period can be for example 6 seconds or 7 seconds or 8 seconds or 9 seconds. In other embodiments, the second pre-determined time period can be less than 6 seconds or more than 10 seconds.

[61] After the basin 10 has been emptied, the first valve 70 is opened to allow water to enter the basin 10 and fill the basin 10 until it is filled to a predetermined level as shown in Figure 4 over a third pre-determined time period. The predetermined level can be a height of water that is located below the rim of the basin. The predetermined level is not higher than the minimum internal height at the peak of the weir 25.

[62] The third pre-determined time period can be between 6 to 10 seconds. The third pre-determined time period can be for example 6 seconds or 7 seconds or 8 seconds or 9 seconds. In other embodiments, the third pre-determined time period can be less than 6 seconds or more than 10 seconds.

[63] In other embodiments, the user can start the process of flushing the toilet via remote control, interacting with a foot sensor or via an automatic flushing system.

[64] For example, the actuator can comprise a touch or proximity sensor which upon receiving an indication that the user wishes to activate the process, then transmits that information to a controller which starts the flushing process.

[65] For example, in an embodiment, the foot sensor can be located on the floor or on the housing in a location close to that of a foot of the user when seated on the toilet.

[66] The present toilet provides a number of advantages. For example, as the toilet does not require a cistern, the user is not required to manufacture, install and maintain a cistern for the duration that the toilet is operable. This saves time and money. The lack of a cistern also allows the toilet to have a compact and appealing aesthetic.

[67] Conveniently, water is supplied to the toilet via connection to mains water supply at a standard rate of water pressure. As a large volume of water is not required to flush the basin as is required by conventional toilets, use of the present toilet saves water.

[68] This also allows the toilet design to be retrofitted to existing plumbing arrangements in bathrooms. Advantageously, the size of the piping in the third portion of the trapway can be configured to suit the location of the waste outlet in existing bathrooms.

Comprising and Including

[69] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[70] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[71] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[72] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[73] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the building, housing or commercial property design and plumbing industries.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A toilet comprising:

a basin for receiving water;

2. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising a basin inlet fluidly connected to a water supply, and a valve arrangement for controlling water flow into the basin through the inlet.

3. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the toilet comprises a first actuator for opening the valve arrangement to allow water into the basin to flush the basin.

4. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the toilet comprises a second actuator for actuating the propulsion device.

5. The toilet of claim 1 wherein actuating the first actuator causes actuation of the second actuator after a predetermined time period.

6. The toilet of claim 1 wherein the predetermined time period is between 3 to 5 seconds.

7. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the trapway comprises a weir.

8. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the trapway comprises a horizontally extending portion.

9. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the propulsion device is fluidly connected to the horizontally extending portion.

10.The toilet of claim 1, wherein a maximum height of the weir is located at a position higher than the horizontally extending portion.

11.The toilet of claim 1, wherein the toilet further comprises piping connectable to a sewerage system.

12.The toilet of claim 1, wherein the force of the propelled water is sufficient to cause water in the trapway to pass over the weir and into the connected piping until the basin is substantially emptied.

13.The toilet of claim 1, wherein the toilet further comprises a housing surrounding the basin, trapway and piping.

14.The toilet of claim 1, wherein the toilet further comprises a seat above the basin for the user.

15.A method of flushing a toilet comprising:

providing the toilet of claim 1; flushing the basin with water, actuating the propulsion device to force water into the trapway to cause the basin to be emptied.

16.The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises actuating the first actuator to allow water into the basin to flush the basin with water.

17.The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises actuating the second actuator after a predetermined time period has elapsed after actuation of the first actuator.

18.The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises filling the basin with water to a predetermined level.