HK40011153B - Toilet for use while squatting - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toilet and components thereof, including a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, a toilet lid, and flushing apparatus. Also described are methods for manufacturing such toilets and components, and materials suitable therefor. In particular, the toilet is for use when the user maintains a squatting posture.

It is well known that a squatting posture is the natural posture for defecation. Conventional modern toilets, particularly those sold in Western Europe and the US, require defecation to be carried out in a seated posture with a much more open hip angle than would be obtained during squatting. The natural squatting posture closes the hip angle and thereby relaxes the puborectalis muscle, which in turn allows the colon to straighten, so that defecation can take place more comfortably.

Conventional squatting toilets, for example a Japanese squatting toilet, are usually not much more than a hole in the floor. Sometimes, textured foot supports are provided for extra grip, and occasionally handles either side of the hole are provided for support. There are a number of designs of squatting toilets that provide a toilet bowl, but these require the removal of the user's clothing before use, since the user's feet must be placed either side of the toilet bowl.

A number of stools are currently available for elevating the feet of a user of a conventional modern toilet so as to achieve an acute hip angle in a seated position. This solution is not ideal, however, since the user's feet cannot be located far enough rearward to allow the user to support their weight without sitting.

GB 685 960 A discloses toilet fixtures, particularly urinals and water-closet basins, and a method for flushing and washing the walls thereof.

GB 2 215 748 A discloses a toilet bowl having an upper rim and foot rest means for supporting a person's feet above floor level.

DE 299 19 769 U1 discloses a toilet to be used in a crouch without contact.

US 751 270 A disclose a water-closet in which the seat is low down, thereby necessitating a crouching position on the part of the person using it.

US 4 012 797 A discloses a single water closet or toilet fixture for dual functional use as either a fixture wherein the user is in the sitting position and normally facing forward, or a fixture wherein the user is in the squatting position and facing either in the forward direction or the aft direction.

US 2003/154541 A1 discloses a toilet seat lid raising and lowering device that relies on a motion sensor to trigger its operation.

GB 2 276 890 A discloses an automatically operated spray clean nozzle means which is fixed at an angle to a toilet seat and incorporates an extendable and retractable nozzle sprayer from a spray clean nozzle housing which is fixed to piping means and a stop cock with a water inlet.

WO 2010/030242 A1 discloses a water closet or toilet bowl usable in either in the: sitting, front facing squatting, or rear facing squatting postures.

US 2 000 658 A discloses a flush bowl and seat of a water closet.

GB 567 702 A discloses a water closet pan.

US 2009/229046 A1 discloses a toilet that includes a bowl having a first surface and a second surface

EP 0 369 681 A1 discloses a screen for use with a toilet, and in particular for a squat-type toilet.

WO 2008/117288 A2 discloses a toilet arrangement in which he toilet bowl or seat is displaceably mounted on a support structure so that when the user mounts the apparatus it is displaced such that the front of the seating arrangement is upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal.

WO 2010/016012 A1 discloses a toilet training device that includes a seat defining a cavity shaped to accommodate a child, with an aperture in the seat, and a base on which the seat can be mounted.

CN 205 712 391 U discloses a squat toilet bowl.

KR 2010 0002420 A discloses a toilet hook.

FR 1 306 690 A discloses a sanitary bowl for toilets.

GB 2 208 121 A discloses a combined toilet and washing apparatus that includes a toilet bowl having a saddle-shaped seat and a W.C. unit.

WO 2013/077818 A1 discloses a toilet bowl which is designed in a way that it provides the user who wishes to answer the call of nature to crouch with a crouching angle, the toilet bowl comprising a toilet base block, a toilet block carried by the toilet base block and a toilet cover.

The present invention provides a toilet that can be used for both squatting use and for seated use.

According to the invention there is provided a toilet bowl as defined by claim 1 and a toilet defined by claim 7.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a toilet bowl;
• Figure 1b shows a side view of the toilet bowl of Figure 1a;
• Figure 1c shows a plan view of the toilet bowl of Figure 1a;
• Figure 1d shows schematically a plan view identifying the location of a user's feet during squatting use;
• Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a toilet;
• Figure 2b shows a side view of the toilet of Figure 2a;
• Figure 2c shows a plan view of the toilet of Figure 2a;
• Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the toilet of Figure 2a with a lid in an open position;
• Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the toilet of Figure 2a with a support in an open position; and
• Figure 3c shows a plan view of the toilet of Figure 2a with a support in an open position.

Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show a toilet bowl 100 for a squatting toilet 1. The toilet bowl 100 comprises a rim 200, an outlet 115, an outer surface 208, and an inner surface 206. The rim 200 defines an opening 205 into a concave space for holding water and/or faeces. The outlet 115 for waste is preferably provided in the lower most part of the toilet bowl 100 (when installed correctly). An inlet (not shown) is preferably provided for supplying water for flushing the contents of the toilet bowl 100 towards the outlet 115.

The toilet bowl 100 is configured to be part of a floor-supported toilet 1, including a flat base 111 for contacting the floor 3. Due to the length of the toilet bowl 100, the base 111 supports the load of a user. The flat base 111 could be a planar surface, or simply an edge of the toilet bowl 100 lying in a plane that can contact a flat floor 3 to support the toilet bowl 100.

Alternatively, not covered by the present claims, the toilet bowl 100 may be configured to be part of a wall-supported toilet 1, in which case it would include a flat rear edge or surface 113 for abutment with a wall 5. Fasteners (not shown) may be provided to attach the toilet bowl 100 to the wall 5 and to carry any load applied to the toilet bowl 100.

Preferably, both a base 111 and a flat rear edge or surface 113 are provided. For example, the base 111 may carry the majority of the vertical load, while the toilet may communicate with a water supply and/or waste pipe via the wall 5.

In any event, the toilet bowl 100 defines a forward direction, which - when the toilet 1 is correctly installed - extends perpendicular to the plane of the wall 5. The forward direction corresponds to the horizontal direction in which a user would face when sat correctly on the toilet bowl 100.

Perpendicular to the forward direction, the toilet bowl 100 defines a transverse direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the forward direction and parallel to the plane of a flat floor 3 supporting the toilet bowl 100. The transverse direction may also correspond to the direction of a straight line between the two lowest points 215 on either side of the rim 200 (as described below) .

The vertical direction is perpendicular to both the forward direction and the transverse direction the toilet bowl 100. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the flat base 111.

The vertical direction is parallel to the plane of the flat rear edge or surface 113, if provided.

The toilet bowl 100 is shaped to define a rearward portion 110 and an elongate frontal extension 120. The opening 205 extends through both the rearward portion 110 and the forward extension 120. The frontal extension 120 extends forward of a plane 105. The frontal extension 120 extends from the frontal edge of the base 111 in the forward direction. The rearward portion 110 includes the outlet 115 for waste, the flat base 111, and the optional flat rear edge or surface 113.

The frontal extension 120 has a length of between 290 mm and 380 mm in the forward direction, and preferably 330 mm.

The rearward portion 110 has a length of between 240 mm and 300 mm in the rearward direction, and preferably 270 mm.

The frontal extension 120 is sized and shaped for a user to straddle. In this connection, and as best shown in Figure 1c, the rim 200 has in plan view (i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction) a profile that preferably includes a convex rearward section 210c connected to a convex distal end 210a via two concave side sections 210b. Preferably, the distal end 210a and two concave side sections 210b collectively define the portion of the profile of the rim 200 lying in the forward extension 120, while the rearward section 210c of the rim 200 lies in the rearward portion 110 of the toilet bowl 100.

The two concave side sections 210b may extend from the rearward section 210c to collectively define a forward section 210a that is narrower in the transverse direction than the rearward section 210c in plan view. Such a profile could be described as generally pear-shaped in plan view.

The width of the frontal extension 120 in the transverse direction does not exceed 200 mm in the forwardmost 190 mm of the frontal extension 120. This is advantageous, since it allows the user to stand and squat with the frontal extension 120 of the toilet bowl 100 extending between the user's legs. In this way, the toilet bowl 100 can be used for simultaneous defecation and urination while the user squats.

The frontal extension 120 is elevated relative to the lowest point 112 of the toilet bowl 100. The lowest point 112 corresponds to the base 111. This provides a clearance beneath the frontal extension 120 between the toilet bowl 100 and the floor 3.

The elevation is preferably achieved by inclining the frontal extension 120 relative to the floor 3 and/or base 111 of the toilet bowl 100. This can provide a clearance beneath the frontal extension 120 between the toilet bowl 100 and the floor 3.

The clearance between the frontal extension 120 and the floor 3 and/or base 111 of the toilet bowl 100 is preferably greater than 60 mm in height at every point forwardly from the transversely aligned locations intended for users to place their feet 6. In this way, the users may retain their underwear/other clothing around their ankles when squatting over the toilet bowl 100.

The clearance can be achieved by the outside surface 208 of the toilet bowl 100 being inclined relative to the base 111 (i.e., upwardly when installed).

With reference to Figure 1d, it is intended that the users would aim to defecate directly into the outlet 115. For a user of typical size in a squat, the transversely aligned locations of the balls of the users' feet 6 will therefore be approximately 0 mm to 100 mm ahead of the forwardmost edge 115a of the outlet 115. Accordingly, the clearance is greater than 100 mm over the portion of the frontal extension 120 that extends from the distal end 125 of the frontal portion 120 to approximately 100 mm ahead of the forwardmost 115a edge of the outlet 115. As can be seen in Figure1d, the base 111 therefore extends only slightly ahead of the outlet 115.

Similarly, since this portion of the toilet bowl 100 is intended to extend between the users' legs, the width in the transverse direction of the frontal portion 120 from the distal end 125 to approximately 100 mm ahead of the forwardmost edge 115a of the outlet 115 is preferably in the range 150 mm to 200 mm, and most preferably 200 mm.

The rearward portion 110 does not need to be straddled and so can be wider. For reasons that will be apparent from the following, the rearward portion 110 has a width of at least 400 mm in a transverse direction, and is preferably at least 450 mm wide. In more preferred embodiments the width is less than 500 mm.

As can be seen from Figures 1a and 1b, the frontal extension 120 is upwardly inclined relative to the floor 3 (and/or is upwardly inclined relative to the flat base 111, and/or is upwardly inclined relative to a line perpendicular to the flat rear edge or surface 113, and/or is upwardly inclined relative to a line perpendicular to the surface of the wall 5).

The height Z_distal of the distal end 125 of the frontal extension 120 above the base 111 is preferably in the range 300 mm to 500 mm, and more preferably 350 mm to 420 mm. Any higher than this, and it would be too difficult for a user to walk backwards into the appropriate location for squatting use. If lower than this, there is a risk that urine might not be caught by the opening 205 in the frontal extension 120. In embodiments of toilets 1 that do not rest on a base 111, not covered by the appended claims, such as wall mounted toilets, Z_distal is the height from the floor 3 in the vertical direction when installed.

Advantageously, since the frontal portion 120 is inclined, a handle 130 may be provided at the distal end 125 of the frontal extension 120. When squatting, a user may hold the handle 130, allowing the user's centre of gravity to be located further backwards than would be possible without support. The handle 130 may be formed by shaping the frontal extension 120, or may be provided in addition to the frontal extension 120.

To accommodate the user when squatting, the rim 200, which defines the upper surface of the toilet bowl 100, is also inclined in the forward direction in the frontal extension 120.

Preferably, the rim 200 increases in height forwardly of the two lowest points 215 transversely aligned in the rearward portion 110. Preferably, the rim 200 also increases in height rearwardly of the two lowest points 215. Therefore, when viewed in a side profile plane defined by the vertical and forward directions, the rim 200 has a concave profile.

The rim 200 preferably forms a smooth curve to avoid discontinuities. Therefore, when viewed in the side profile plane, the rim 200 defines a U-shaped curve. Most preferably, the U-shaped curve is skewed forwardly, for example such that rim 200 forward of the lowest point 215 has a shallower incline than the rim 200 rearward of the lowest point 215.

The outer surface 208 of the toilet bowl 100 comprises a wall extending from the base 111 to the rim 200. The height Z_low of the wall in a direction perpendicular to the base 111 is lowest at the two lowest points 215. The lowest height Z_low of the wall in a direction perpendicular to the base is preferably in the range 180 mm to 240 mm. In embodiments of toilets 1 that do not rest on a base 111, not covered by the appended claims, such as wall mounted toilets, Z_low is the height of the lowest points 215 of the rim 200 from the floor 3 in the vertical direction when installed.

The highest height Z_high of the rim 200 of the toilet bowl 100 in the rearward portion 110 in a direction perpendicular to the base 111 is preferably in the range 350 mm to 450 mm, and most preferably 400 mm. In embodiments of toilets 1 that do not rest on a base 111, not covered by the appended claims, such as wall mounted toilets, Z_high is the highest height of the rim 200 in the rearward portion 110 of the toilet bowl 100 from the floor 3 in the vertical direction when installed.

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, and Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show a toilet 1, which preferably includes the toilet bowl 100 of Figures 1a to 1c. The toilet 1 comprises a support 300 and a lid 400. The support 300 is essentially a toilet seat having a greater than conventional depth. Each of the support 300 and lid 400 are pivotably attached to the toilet bowl 100. A hinge 505 may be provided for connecting either or both of the support 300 and/or lid 400 to the toilet bowl 100. The hinge axis is in parallel with the transverse axis. Preferably, both the support 300 and the lid 400 pivot about the same axis.

The support 300 is arranged for supporting a user above the opening 205 of a toilet bowl 100. The support 300 includes an opening 305 through which a user seated on the support 300 may defecate into the toilet bowl 100.

The support 300 is arranged to pivot between an open position (shown in Figure 3b) and a closed position (shown in Figure 3a). In the open position the support 300 is rotated away from the toilet bowl 100. In the closed position the support 300 abuts the rim 200. The support 300 has an outermost edge 320. The shape of the outermost edge 320 generally corresponds with that of the rim 200 of the toilet bowl 100. In some embodiments, the outermost edge 320 may extend around the majority of the support 300. Preferably, the outermost edge 320 extends around more than 90% of the support 300. As depicted in the Figures, the outermost edge 320 extends around all of the support 300 except for the section contacting the hinge 505. In this way, when closed, the full length of the outermost edge 320 contacts the rim 200 or is adjacent the hinge.

The support 300 is arranged such that when the outermost edge 320 abuts the rim 200 of the toilet bowl 100 the outer surface 308 of the support 300 and the outer surface 208 of the toilet bowl form a contiguous surface extending across the line of abutment.

Since the height at which a user would most comfortably sit is considerably higher than the height at which the user would squat, it is necessary for the support to have a significant height. The support 300 therefore has a concave cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the forward direction. Preferably, the support 300 therefore has a concave cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the forward direction over the majority of its length in the forward direction. Most preferably, the support 300 therefore has a concave cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the forward direction over at least 90% of its length in the forward direction.

As can be seen from Figure 3c, since the support 300 has a concave cross-section, it must be reasonably wide to avoid obstructing a user when squatting. Therefore, the width of the rearward portion 110 of the toilet bowl 100 is preferably at least 400 mm in a transverse direction and more preferably, at least 450 mm. Preferably, the width of the rearward portion 110 of the toilet bowl 100 is no more than 500 mm in a transverse direction.

Since the shape of the rim 200 of the toilet bowl 100 corresponds with the shape of the support 300, the maximum width of the support 300 is preferably at least 400 mm in a transverse direction and more preferably, at least 450 mm. Preferably, the maximum width of the support 300 is no more than 500 mm in a transverse direction. The maximum width of the support 300 corresponds with the distance between the points on the outermost edge 320 that contact the lowest points 215 of the rim 200. This allows the user to squat without obstructions by, or undesirable contact with, the inner surface of the support 300.

The support 300 preferably has a substantially flat seat portion 310. The seat portion 310 may surround the opening 305. The seat portion 310 of the support 300 may comprise or be formed of an elastomer.

The support 300 has a maximum height in the range of 110 mm to 200 mm and preferably 120 mm to 170 mm (this corresponds to the lowest point 215).

As a result of the height of the support, it must be made of rigid material and cannot be too thick owing to its size. Accordingly, it is preferred that the support 300 comprises or is formed from a rigid thermosetting plastic, such as polycarbonate.

The support 300 preferably comprises a hydrophobic material, more preferably a superhydrophobic material. The material may be a coating on the inner surface of the support 300, or may be distributed throughout the support material 300.

The support 300 is preferably formed by co-moulding a first material for forming a structural part of the support 300 with the seat material. Preferably, the support 300 is formed by co-moulding an elastomer for forming the seat portion 310 with a thermosetting plastic (such as polycarbonate), optionally including a hydrophobic material, for forming a structural part of the support 300.

The lid 400 is arranged to pivot between an open position (shown in Figure 3a) and a closed position (shown in Figure 2a). In the open position, the lid 400 is rotated away from the support 300. It may, for example, rest against the wall 5.

In the closed position, the lid 400 abuts the support 300 and closes the opening 305 in the support 300.

When both the lid 400 and the support 300 are in their respective closed positions, they collectively close the opening 205 of the toilet bowl 100. This can substantially contain any vapour/aerosol within the toilet 1, thereby providing a more hygienic toilet 1.

For the same reasons, the opening 305 in the support 300 preferably has a width in the transverse direction in the range 400 mm (preferably 450 mm) to 500 mm.

Preferably, one or both of the support 300 and/or lid 400 are moved between respective open and closed positions by an actuator (not shown). Preferably, the actuator is triggered by one or more noncontact sensors 520.

In preferred embodiments, the hinge 505 may be part of a hinge assembly 500 includes a nozzle 510 for directing a jet of water forwardly into the toilet bowl 100. The nozzle 510 may be connected to a supply of water for use as a bidet.

Similarly, a further nozzle (not shown) may be mounted on the frontal extension 120 (preferably at the distal end 125) for directing a jet of water rearwardly into the toilet bowl. The further nozzle may be connected to a supply of water for use as a bidet. Such a frontal nozzle may provide a more hygienic bidet for a female user.

A typical flushing approach is to provide a supply of water to a channel extending around the top of the bowl. This water overflows along the length of the ridge providing a flow of water into the bowl around the majority of its circumference. Owing to the height of the distal end 125 of the frontal extension 120 of the disclosed toilet 1, such a toilet 1 is difficult to flush.

Preferred embodiments, therefore include an inlet (not shown) for a supply of water and a ridge 230 within the toilet bowl 100 generally in parallel with at least a portion of the rim 200.

The ridge 230 defines a channel in communication with the inlet for carrying flush water around the periphery of the toilet bowl 100. Whilst a majority of the channel is open for allowing flush water to flow into the toilet bowl 100 as in conventional flushes, in the preferred embodiment two lengths of the channel are closed. The channel may be open by the provision of a plurality of spaced holes in the base of the channel, or by one or more slots extending along its length. The closed portions of the channel would not include such holes or slots.

With reference to Figure 1c, the closed lengths of the channel may prevent water from flowing into the toilet bowl 100 over their respective extents 235a, 235b. The closed lengths extend along respective sides of the frontal extension 120. The channel is open at the forwardmost extent (near the distal end 125) of the frontal extension 120.

By the provision of the closed lengths, it is possible to contain the flow of water for the flush over some of the inclined channel, thereby providing sufficient pressure for the flush water to reach the higher parts of the frontal extension 120.

Claims (15)

1. A toilet bowl (100) for a squatting toilet (1), comprising: a flat base (111) for contacting a floor (3), the flat base (111) including an outlet (115),

   the flat base (111) defining a plane that includes a forward direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the forward direction,

   wherein:

   the toilet bowl (100) is shaped to define a rearward portion (110) including the base (111) and an elongate frontal extension (120) for a user to straddle, the frontal extension (120) extending generally in the forward direction from the rearward portion (110);

   the frontal extension (120) is elevated or inclined relative to the base for providing a clearance between the toilet bowl (100) and the floor (3);

   a rim (200) defining an opening (205) of the toilet bowl (100), the rim (200) extending around the periphery of both the frontal extension (120) and the rearward portion (110); and

   the rim (200) is upwardly inclined relative to the base (111) in the forward direction throughout the frontal extension (120),

   characterised in that:

   the frontal extension (120) extends from the base (111) by at least 290 mm in the forward direction; and

   a width of the frontal extension (120) in the transverse direction does not exceed 200 mm in a forwardmost 190 mm of the frontal extension (120).
2. The toilet bowl (100) of claim 1, wherein the rim (200) has a profile in plan view is formed of a convex rearward section (210c) connected to a convex elongate frontal section (210a) via two concave side sections (210b).
3. The toilet bowl (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the rim (200) is inclined relative to the base (111) in the frontal extension (120) in a side profile plane perpendicular to the base (111) and extending in the forward direction,

   preferably the rim (200) is concave in the side profile plane,

   more preferably the rim (200) has a skewed U-shaped profile in the side profile plane, with the forwardmost extent of the rim (200) having a shallower inclination relative to the base than the rearmost extent.
4. The toilet bowl (100) of any preceding claim, wherein a minimum height of the rearward portion (110) coincides with the outlet (115) in the forward direction.
5. The toilet bowl (100) of any preceding claim, wherein a wall extends from the base (111) to the rim (200), and the height of the wall in a direction perpendicular to the base (111) is lowest in the rearward portion (110).
6. The toilet bowl (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the frontal extension (120) is shaped to provide a handle (130) at its forwardmost extent.
7. A toilet (1) comprising:

   the toilet bowl (100) of any preceding claim; and

   a support (300) for supporting a user above the opening (205) of the toilet bowl (100),

   wherein:

   the support (300) has an outermost edge (320) shaped to generally correspond with the rim (200) of the toilet bowl (100); and

   the support (300) has a substantially flat seat portion (310), the seat portion (310) surrounding an opening (305) in the support (300).
8. The toilet (1) of claim 7, further comprising a lid (400) for closing the opening (305) in the support (300) so that the lid (400) and support (300) can collectively close the opening (205) of the toilet bowl (100).
9. The toilet (1) of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein:

   the support (300) is pivotably attached to the toilet bowl (100);

   the support (300) is arranged to pivot between an open position and a closed position;

   in the open position the support (300) is rotated away from the toilet bowl (100); and

   in the closed position the outermost edge (320) abuts the rim (200).
10. The toilet (1) of claim 9 as dependent upon claim 8, wherein:

    the lid (400) is pivotably attached to the toilet bowl (100);

    the lid (400) is arranged to pivot between an open position and a closed position;

    in the open position the lid (400) is rotated away from the support (300);

    in the closed position the lid (400) abuts the support (300) and closes the opening (305) in the support (300);

    when both the lid (400) and the support (300) are in their respective closed positions, they collectively close the opening (205) of the toilet bowl (100).
11. The toilet (1) of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the support (300) is arranged such that when the outermost edge (320) abuts the rim (200) of the toilet bowl (100) the outer surface (308) of the support (300) and the outer surface (208) of the toilet bowl (100) form a contiguous surface extending across the abutment.
12. The toilet (1) of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the support (300) comprises a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material.
13. The toilet (1) of any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising a hinge assembly (500), pivotably connecting the support (300) to the toilet bowl (100), wherein the hinge assembly (500) includes a nozzle (510) for directing a jet of water into the toilet bowl (100).
14. The toilet (1) of any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising a nozzle mounted on the frontal extension (120) for directing a jet of water into the toilet bowl (100).
15. The toilet (1) of any one of claims 7 to 14, further comprising:

    an inlet for a supply of water; and

    a ridge (230) within the toilet bowl (100) generally in parallel with at least a portion of the rim (200),

    wherein:

    the ridge (230) defines a channel in communication with the inlet for carrying water around the periphery of the toilet bowl (100);

    a majority of the channel is open for allowing water to overflow into the toilet bowl (100);

    two lengths of the channel are closed for preventing water to overflow into the toilet bowl (100);

    the closed lengths extend along respective sides of the frontal extension (120); and

    the channel is open at the forwardmost extent of the frontal extension (120).