WO2006038005A1

WO2006038005A1 - Toilet seat sanitising system

Info

Publication number: WO2006038005A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003833
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Parker; Richard Parker
Original assignee: Alan Parker; Richard Parker
Priority date: 2004-10-09
Filing date: 2005-10-05
Publication date: 2006-04-13
Also published as: GB0422490D0

Abstract

A toilet seat sanitising system comprises a hinged toilet seat, a drive mechanism and a fluid dispenser. The drive mechanism can move the toilet seat from an in-use position towards an upright position. There is a lock by which the toilet seat is restrained from movement by the drive mechanism towards the upright position. The fluid dispenser causes fluid to be dispensed on to the toilet seat as the toilet seat approaches the upright position.

Description

TOILET SEAT SANITISING SYSTEM

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.

Use of the device disclosed in GB-A-2345923 requires the user to touch the toilet lid to move it between its open and closed positions, in order to cause the disinfectant to be applied to the seat.

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.

Accordingly, in one aspect, 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.

Preferably, 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. For example, 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.

Preferably, 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°.

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. The use of 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.

Especially when the drive mechanism comprises a spring, it can be preferred for it to include a damping unit such as an oil-filled viscous damping device.

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.

When 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.

When the drive mechanism includes an electric motor, 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. Preferably, it is actuated mechanically. For example, 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. -A-

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. Preferably 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. For example, 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.

Preferably, the sanitising fluid contains a disinfectant.

Preferably, the sanitising fluid contains a deodorising agent.

Preferably, 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.

Preferably the composition and the mode of dispensing of the sanitising fluid are such that it tends to evaporate quickly after it has been dispensed. Preferably 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). Ideally, 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.

In another aspect, the invention provides a toilet assembly which comprises a toilet seat sanitising system as discussed above and a toilet bowl.

In another aspect, 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. Alternatively, 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. The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

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.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 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. One end of the container connecting tube 2 engages the sanitising fluid container 3 via a suitable fitting and the opposite end of the container connecting tube 2 engages the pump unit 1 via another suitable fitting which connects to the pump unit inlet 71. 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. During use 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.

Referring to Figure 2, 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. This rotation hence forces the outer casing 26 to rotate, causing the coiled spring (not shown in figure 2) within the outer casing 26 to compress, due to the fact the outer end of the spring is attached to the outer casing 26, and the inner end being attached to the main rod 28.

Figure 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).

A description of the operation of the first embodiment of the toilet seat sanitising system when the toilet to which it is attached is in use will now be provided. As the hinged toilet seat 5 is pulled down towards the toilet bowl 11, the spring 9 is compressed by the rotation of the large seat bracket 27. The spring 9 is prevented from decompressing by the engagement of the angular toothed ratchet ring 25, with the tip of pinion bar 8. The rotation of spring 9 as it is compressed forces connecting rod 10 to cycle the piston 77 on pump unit 1 through its upwards stroke and hence due to the use of non-return valves 74 on the input and output nozzles of pump unit 1, draws sanitising fluid 75 from the sanitising fluid container 3 via connecting tube 2 into the chamber 78 of the pump unit 1. When the user sits on the toilet seat 5 it is forced to rest against the toilet bowl 11 in a horizontal position. This final angle of rotation causes connecting bracket 10 to lift pinion bar 8 from the ratchet ring 25, on spring 9 and hence release the compressed spring which exerts a rotational force the toilet seat 5. However the presence of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 prevents the toilet seat 5 from moving at this time.

Once the user finishes using the toilet, he or she will stand up and the toilet seat 5 will be free to move. The toilet seat 5 is moved from its horizontal position by the action of spring 9 unwinding and hence rotating back to its original position. Due to the fact that spring 9 is fixed to the toilet seat 5 it returns the toilet seat 5 to an upright position. As the spring 9 rotates, it forces connecting rod 10 to move the pump unit 1 through its pressurising stroke. Due to the presence of the non-return valves 74, the sanitising fluid 75 in the chamber of pump unit 1 is pushed out through connecting tubes 7 and hence out through the nozzles 6, which are located on the exterior of the casing 4. 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.

Figures 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. In use, the seat 5 will be sat on by a user. When the user dismounts from the seat 5, 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.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. 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 toilet seat from the in-use position towards the other position, c. a lock by which the toilet 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.

2. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 in which the other position is an upright position.

3. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 2, in which the seat is locked in an intermediate position between the in-use and upright positions by the lock.

4. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 3, in which 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.

5. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the lock comprises a resettable ratchet mechanism.

6. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the drive mechanism comprises a spring.

7. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the drive mechanism includes a damping unit.

8. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the drive mechanism comprises at least one of; a. an electric motor, b. a pneumatic piston, and c. a hydraulic piston.

9. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 3, in which the drive mechanism is arranged also to move the toilet seat from the upright position towards the intermediate position.

10. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which includes at least one sensor for detecting the position of at least one of: a. the user, and b. the toilet seat.

11. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 10, in which a signal from the at least one sensor activates a part of the drive mechanism.

12. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the fluid dispenser is actuated mechanically.

13. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 12, in which the fluid dispenser is actuated by the movement of at least one of: a. the toilet seat, and b. the drive mechanism.

14. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the fluid is provided in a pressurised container.

15. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the fluid is provided in an unpressurised container.

16. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 14 or 15, in which the fluid dispenser comprises a pump.

17. A toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the fluid dispenser comprises at least one orifice.

18. A toilet assembly comprising: a. a toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, and b. a toilet bowl.

19. A toilet assembly comprising: a. a toilet seat sanitising system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, and b. a cistern from which flushing water can be supplied to a toilet bowl.

20. A toilet assembly as claimed in claim 19, in which the fluid dispenser is located externally of the cistern.

21. A toilet seat sanitising system as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.