Patent Application
20250027308
A toilet is an essential fixture found in almost every modern household and a public restroom. It is a plumbing device used for the disposal of human waste and urine. The design of a toilet has evolved significantly over the years, with modern toilets incorporating advanced features for improved functionality and hygiene.
The basic components of a toilet include the bowl, seat, tank, flush mechanism, trapway, and wax ring. The bowl is the main component of the toilet that collects and holds the waste until it is flushed away. It is usually made of vitreous china, a material that is durable and easy to clean. The bowl is designed to facilitate efficient flushing, prevent clogging and odors, and promote hygiene.
The seat is the component of the toilet that provides a comfortable sitting surface. It is usually made of plastic, wood, or cushioned materials. The seat is attached to the bowl using hinges that allow it to be lifted or lowered for use. Some seats are equipped with additional features such as soft-closing mechanisms, heated surfaces, and bidet functions.
The tank is the component of the toilet that holds the water used for flushing. It is usually located at the back of the bowl and is connected to the flush mechanism by a supply line. The tank has a float valve that regulates the water level, a flapper valve that releases the water into the bowl during flushing, and a refill tube that replenishes the tank with water after flushing.
The flush mechanism is the component of the toilet that triggers the release of water from the tank into the bowl. There are two main types of flush mechanisms: gravity-fed and pressure-assisted. Gravity-fed mechanisms use the weight of the water in the tank to create a siphon that pulls the waste from the bowl. Pressure-assisted mechanisms use compressed air to force the water through the bowl and trapway.
The trapway is the component of the toilet that connects the bowl to the drainpipe. It is usually located at the base of the bowl and is designed to prevent the backflow of waste and odors. The trapway is made of smooth materials to prevent clogging and facilitate efficient flushing.
The wax ring is the component of the toilet that seals the connection between the bowl and the drainpipe. It is usually made of wax or rubber and is placed on the flange of the drainpipe before the bowl is installed. The wax ring ensures a tight seal that prevents leaks and odors.
Toilet technology is advancing. Technology such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,864 teaches automatic lid-lifting and flushing. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0192341 discloses that a toilet lid may be automatically lowered upon flushing the toilet. U.S. Patent Patent Application Publication 2006/0242755 discloses that upon opening the lid, a time period limit is implemented to allow seat activation. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2022/0178125 discloses a semi-automatic toilet bowl system that can prevent excreta and toilet water from flying outside, can semi-automatically open a cover only when the toilet is used, and can prevent power consumption for opening the toilet by automatically rotating and closing the toilet cover and automatically performing flush when a user who feels nature's call manually open the toilet cover and then finishes relieving his/her nature. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0271231 discloses an automatic flush switch to toggle the automatic flushing feature that flushes the toilet upon closing the seat and the lid. Other technological advances include those disclosed in WO2022031247, WO2022050192, WO2022050192A1, WO2022050194; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,347,423, 5,488,744, 11,168,470, 8,347,423, 8,347,423, 8,555,427, 10,383,490, and 9,657,472; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0271231, 2006/0031981, 2021/0338023, 2011/0047687, 2022/0178125, 2011/0047687, 2006/0242755, 2008/0271231, 20210207352A1, 2011/0047687, 2006/0242755, 20210/207352, 2021/0045594, 2021/0338023, 2012/0192341, 2008/0271231, and 2022/0025629.
Toilet plume is a term used to describe the release of droplets and aerosols containing potentially infectious microorganisms into the air when a toilet is flushed. This phenomenon occurs due to the high pressure and turbulence generated during flushing, which can propel water and waste products up and out of the toilet bowl, dispersing them throughout the surrounding area.
The droplets and aerosols released during toilet plumes may contain a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, some of which may be pathogenic and cause infections in humans. These microorganisms can remain airborne for several minutes, spreading throughout the room and potentially contaminating surfaces and objects within the immediate vicinity.
Toilet plumes may be a potential source of transmission for various diseases, including gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and sexually transmitted infections. This is particularly concerning in public restrooms, where multiple individuals may be using the same facilities, increasing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful microorganisms. Tiny water droplets can carry bacteria and viruses and can be ejected to a distance of 6 feet or more when a toilet flushes. Standard lever, flushing and manual open and close of the toilet seat or lid, can contaminate a user with feces, viruses and bacteria.
The Covid pandemic raised the level of concern about the potential transmission of airborne viruses through a wide range of mechanisms. One mechanism is the potential for transmission of viruses due to the toilet plume which is created when flushing standard toilets. Many studies have been completed and have proven that the mist generated from the toilet plume can spread over a much wider radius around the toilet than one might expect. There are partial solutions that have been attempted but the present invention advantageously offers a complete, touchless, automated lid/seat/flushing system that provides the best possible protection against the transmission of germs due to toilet plume distribution.
Ease of use, clog prevention, and general bathroom cleanliness are not currently present in any advanced toilet seat on the market at an affordable price.
A new automated toilet system that significantly reduces the potential for transmission of diseases and generally supports a far more hygienic environment in both public and private restrooms is disclosed. The invention is a flushing mechanism and toilet seat control apparatus.
In a preferred arrangement of the present invention, a sensor is provided on one or more toilet components, including the handle, the lever, the tank, and the seat. A processor resides at a location on the toilet, such as the seat.
A multitude of functional capabilities are disclosed, which can be used in any combination with the other capabilities. These include, but are not limited to toilet plume vacuum, a locking mechanism is provided on the lever to prevent flushing when the lid is up and when the unit is powered on, touchless flushing and lid/seat closing, audible alters, flushing algorithms, soft close, manual or automatic close, hand wave open/close, battery backup, chemical agent introduction, UV Sterilization, toilet tissue sensing technology, overflow detection and prevention, WIFI compatibility, and others.
The invention can also be provided with a male and female setting. For instance, for the female setting, only the lid (and not the seat) comes up when movement is detected.
In one embodiment, automatic flushing occurs once the toilet lid is closed, either initiated automatically or by a motion activated hand wave over a sensor, or when the user is sitting on the toilet.
Another feature is touchless flushing, wherein motion activated hand sensors offer touchless flushing from the side of the seat or the top of the tank, or elsewhere on the toilet.
An automatic open and close mechanism can be provided. In this feature, the lid or seat or both automatically open and close via proximity sensor activated by motion.
Another feature is a courtesy flush. A courtesy flush occurs automatically once order and/or motion detected inside of the toilet bowl.
Automatic disinfectant can automatically be sprayed into the bowl before each flush to neutralize any viruses and back bacteria that may be present in the bowl.
An overflow sensor may be provided wherein sensors detect when the water level inside the bowl reaches a designated point and the flushing mechanism is discontinued until the clog is cleared and the toilet seat is reset.
A UV light sterilization feature may also be provided in which a UV light source is placed under the lid and turns on when the lid closes and kills bacteria and viruses for a predetermined amount of time following flushing.
In some embodiments, there is wired or wireless communication between the flushing mechanism and the seat/lid position control mechanism, and/or the seat/lid position detection mechanism.
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.
In a typical toilet system, beginning at the upstream components of a common toilet, a water supply tube is coupled to a water supply valve, which directs water through a ballcock coupling into a toilet tank. The toilet tank holds a volume of water and many components of the flushing system. For instance, a ballcock is coupled to a component that is actuated by a flush lever or handle. In response to pushing the flush lever or handle downward, water is emptied into a toilet bowl as a rod, coupled to the flush lever, coupled to a chain, raises a flapper, which, until then head held back water in the tank. Referring still to components within the toilet tank, as the toilet lever is pushed, a pivotally carried tank float ball lowers itself as the water supporting the tank float ball is no longer present. After flushing, water refills the tank until the tank float ball floats at a level that discontinues the filling process. Downstream of the toilet bowl, water and waste typically exit the underside of the toilet bowl through a flange and out to whatever treatment or storage system is in place.
In the Figures, the following reference numbers are used:
Referring now to
Referring now to
The vacuum is preferably triggered when flushing initiates, and/or when the toilet lid closes, to capture aerosols from escaping the toilet bowl, or when a person is in the sitting position on the toilet, the vacuum automatically engages, or when a user sits on the toilet seat. The vacuum freshens the air through a filter. The microscopic plumes and air are sucked into the intake and placed in the seat in the front, back, left, right, or all the way around the toilet. The vacuum intake can also be placed underneath the seat in the same configuration previously stated or any placement otherwise indicated. The vacuumed air/plumes are processed through an activated carbon or, HEPA/Mechanical, heated, UV light, Ozone, Ionization. After the air exits the filter/filters, it is sterilized and or significantly reduced in odor and can be released into the atmosphere. The seat and the lid are preferably closed before the toilet flushes.
Sensors, such as contact sensors, are provided at several locations, such as the top of the toilet bowl, the top, and bottom of the toilet seat, the bottom side of the toilet lid, or in the closing mechanism or hinges for any of the foregoing. Sensor proximity indicates whether the seat is up or down, or whether the lid is open or closed. The sensors work in conjunction with the seat, lid, and toilet bowl to relay to the controller the open and closed status of the lid by distance proximity.
Additional sensors, such as magnetic, pressure, or infrared sensors can be provided on or between the seat and lid, or the seat and the toilet bowl, to identify if the toilet is in use (e.g., a user sitting), and in a preferred embodiment prohibiting automatic close when the toilet is in use.
Referring first to
In the first step, a user presses the toilet button to flush which sends a signal to the lid, either wired or wirelessly, to close.
In the second step, the toilet seat and lid close, either automatically or manually, depending on the model, and settings on the flushing mechanism. In the automatic close mode, the apparatus controls the position of the toilet seat and lid and automatically closes them. In the manual close mode: In some embodiments, the apparatus only detects the position of the toilet seat and lid and controls the flushing mechanism based on the detected position. Benefits include that the flushing mechanism, the lid and the seat, and a motor operating one or both of them, cannot be harmed by manual opening or closing. In alert mode, manual close of the seat and lid is required but uses less battery.
In the third step, after the seat and lid are closed, a signal is sent back to the flushing mechanism to execute flushing, and in the fourth step, the flushing mechanism then unlocks and flushes.
Referring now to
In the first mode, the off mode, flushing is unlimited and immediate when the flushing mechanism control button is pressed. The toilet flushes in this mode as a conventional toilet does.
In a second mode, the alert mode, when the flushing mechanism control button is pressed, if sensors recognize that they are not connected, the system sends an audible alert to the user, for instance, a message indicating to the user to please close the toilet lid and seat in order to flush. After the toilet lid is closed, the flushing mechanism unlocks, and in a preferred embodiment, an audible alert indicates to the user that the toilet may be flushed. Other types of audible alerts are possible, such as chimes indicating to close the lid or flush the toilet. When the sensors are connected (indicating the toilet lid is closed) before the button is pressed, no alert will sound. The flushing mechanism unlocks and can be flushed upon pressing the button, and flushes will be unlimited as long as the contact sensors are together (indicating that the lid is closed).
In a third mode, an alert and flush mode, in addition to the attributes of the previously described alert mode, after the seat and lid are closed, the flushing mechanism automatically flushes the toilet.
In a preferred embodiment, the flushing mechanism control button is equipped with two indicator lights, a “flush ready” indicator light, and a “close lid” indicator light. The flush-ready indicator light can be turned on when the flushing mechanism control button is pressed, and the lid is closed, and in a preferred embodiment, a green LED light will flash for a predetermined amount of time. Regarding the “close lid” indicator light, when the flushing mechanism control button is pressed and the lid is open, the indicator light may flash for another predetermined period of time. Possible locations for the flushing mechanism control button include on the toilet seat, on the bowl (as shown), or elsewhere.
In one environment, a pressure sensor under the toilet seat is provided for automatic and unlimited flushing while a user is seated on the toilet. The toilet may flush if a person is on the toilet, and flushing will be immediate with no delay and will flush as many times as needed.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In an embodiment, as shown in
The present invention is compatible with and is designed to work with many different types of inner toilet hardware, including a flapper valve, a flapper, a canister, flush valve, atop mount, dual flush valve, a ball, cock valve, and a dual flush valve with a handle on a button.
Referring now to
Referring now to
An additional ready flush sensor may be provided within the tank (not shown). The ready flush sensor may notify the user by either an audible alert, a lit light, or both, that the toilet has enough water in the tank to complete a half or full flush. A rotor wire sensor is placed inside of the tank that is attached to the toilet seat through a wire 1016 or wirelessly that signals/communicates to the ready flush light and audible alert. The water level is registered through the rod as the water level rises. Each numbered or registered level on the rod is read by the toilet seat chip/board to communicate flush readiness to the user or system to initiate flushing or automatic flushing if the automatic flushing setting is selected.
An automatic flushing system and mechanism are preferably provided inside of the tank. The flushing mechanism pulls on a pull chain 1015 which is attached to the flapper. In a preferred embodiment, an additional chain extends between the flapper pole chain and the flushing mechanism. Two versions for powering the flushing mechanism and toilet seat control apparatus are provided: (1) a rechargeable battery via mini USB and (2) a plug-in model.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The present invention may be compatible with many flushing systems, including standard, flapper valve, flapper, canister valve, top-mount valve (Dual Flush Valve), ballcock valve, or a dual flush valve with handle and button.
Referring now to
A sensor is placed to sense movement after initial excrement (timed or sensor setting) drops into the bowl. Sensors may be placed either on the front, back, left side, right side, or underneath the toilet seat in preferred configurations. This setting is meant to prevent the toilet from clogging and maintain hygienic flushing properties.
Referring now to
The overflow technology may be connected to the unit by WIFI or Bluetooth to notify appropriate parties that maintenance is needed on the toilet, such as unclogging or plunging.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In other embodiments, control panel 56 may be housed atop or on a side of tank 12, or at the outside of bowl 12 (not shown).
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
An alternate arrangement of power and mode buttons 64 is shown in
Referring now to
Referring now
Referring now to
Several intended modes of operation or user settings can be provided. In a first “off” setting the toilet operates in completely manual operation, a user manually controls the lid and seat, opening and flush event, as in the prior art. The system is not active, power is off, no sensors are operational, the fan does not turn on, and the flush handle is in the unlocked position and is the only way that a flush can be initiated.
In a first semi-automatic motor of operation, the seat and lid are manually open, a flush event is triggered after the lid and the seat are closed by sensor activated hand waves over a seat or tank sensor if a user is not detected on the toilet. The system is active, power is on, the lid and approach sensors are not monitored. The lid and the seat are lifted manually by the user. The seat and the lid close after a hand wave over the seat or tank sensor. A flush is triggered after the lid and seat close after a hand wave gesture over the seat or tank sensor. The flush handle is in the lock position until the lid and seat are closed (with the exception of the seat sensor detecting a user in the seat of position, at which point the flush handle is unlocked. At this point unlimited flushing is available.) Unlimited flushing is also available by activating the sensor on the side of the seat or on the tank, assuming the seat sensor detects the user sitting on the seat. If the fan setting is active, fan will turn on when the seat sensor detects user. If the power adapter is installed, battery charging will occur until the battery is full.
In a second semi-automatic mode of operation, the seat and lid are manually opened, the flush event is triggered after no motion is detected, with the lid and seat closing first. The system is active, power is on, the lid and approach sensors are not monitored. The lid and the seat are lifted manually by the user. A flush is triggered after a set time and after no motion is detected. A flush event first closes the lid, then activates the flush event. The flush handle is in the lock position until the lid and seat are closed (with the exception of the seat sensor detecting a user in the seat of position, at which point the flush handle is unlocked. At this point unlimited flushing is available.) Unlimited flushing is also available by activating the sensor on the side of the seat or on the tank, assuming the seat sensor detects the user sitting on the seat. If the fan setting is active, fan will turn on when the seat sensor detects user. If the power adapter is installed, battery charging will occur until the battery is full.
In a third semi-automatic mode of operation, particularly well-suited for males, the seat and the litter automatically opened, a flush event is triggered after the lid and seed are closed by sensor activated hand waves over the seat or tank sensor, if a user is not detected on the toilet. The system is active, power is on, the lid and approach sensors are monitored. The lid and the seat open automatically when motion is detected. A hand wave over a lid sensor changes the seat position (raise/lower). The lid and seat close after motion triggers the sensor on the seat or tank and the toilet flushes. A flush event is triggered in one of several ways. First, a manual flush can be accomplished when the flush handle is turned. Note that the handle on the lock position until the lid and seat are closed (with the exception of the seat sensor detecting a user in the seated position at which point flushed handle is unlocked). At this point unlimited flushing is available. The flush sensor on top of the tank can be activated assuming the seat and the lid closed. The flush center on the side of the seat can be activated assuming the seat sensor is detecting user, or the seat and the lid are closed. Unlimited flushing is also available by activating the sensor on the side of the seat or on the tank, assuming the seat sensor detects the user sitting on the seat. If the fan setting is active, fan will turn on when the seat sensor detects user. If the power adapter is installed, battery charging will occur until the battery is full.
In a fourth semi-automatic mode of operation, particularly well-suited for females, the lid is automatically opened, and a flush event is triggered after the lid and seat of opened, closes by sensor activated hand wave over the seat or tank sensor if a user is not protected on the toilet. System is active, power is on, lid and approach sensor are monitored. Lid opens automatically when motion is detected. Hand wave over lid sensor changes seat position (alternate raise/lower). Lid closes after motion (hand wave) triggers the sensor on seat or tank and the toilet flushes. Flush event is user controlled on one of several ways. Manual flush handle is turned. Note handle in the lock position until the lid/seat are closed. With the exception of the seat sensor detecting a user in the seated position; at which point flush handle is unlocked. At this point unlimited flushing is available. Flush sensor on top of tank is activated (assuming seat/lid are dosed). Flush sensor of side of seat is activated (assuming seat sensor is detecting a user, or the seat and lid are closed). If Fan setting is active fan will turn on when seat sensor detects user. Unlimited flushing is also available by activating the sensor on the side of the seat assuming the seat sensor detects a user sitting on the seat. If the power adapter is installed, battery charging will occur until battery is full.
In a first fully automatic mode of operation, particularly well-suited for males, based on detected motion only the lid and the seat will raise. After the user is not detected in front of the toilet, or on the user seat, the lid and seat if opened will close and automatically flush. Fully-Automatic Male: System is active, power is on, lid and approach sensor are monitored. System is in standby until approach or lid sensor is triggered. Lid & seat opens automatically. Hand wave over lid sensor changes seat position (alternate raise/lower). Flush event triggered after set time with no motion is detected. Flush event first closes the seat & lid, then activates flush event. Flush handle is in the lock position until the lid/seat are closed. With the exception of the seat sensor detecting a user in the seated position; at which point flush handle is unlocked. At this point unlimited flushing is available. Unlimited flushing is also available by activating the sensor on the side of the seat or tank, assuming the seat sensor detects a user sitting on the seat or the lid and seat are closed. If Fan setting is active fan will turn on when seat sensor detects user. If the power adapter is installed, battery charging will occur until battery is full.
In a second fully automatic motor operation, particularly well-suited for females, based on detected motion, only the lid will open, and the seat will remain in the down position. After the user is not detected in front of the toilet on the seat, the lid and seat of opened will close and automatically flush. Fully-Automatic Female: system is active, power is on, lid and approach sensor are monitored. System is in standby until approach or lid sensor is triggered. Lid opens automatically. Hand wave over lid sensor changes seat position (alternate raise/lower). Flush event triggered after set time with no motion is detected. Flush event first closes the lid, then activates flush event. Flush handle is in the lock position until the lid/seat are closed. With the exception of the seat sensor detecting a user in the seated position; at which point flush handle is unlocked. At this point unlimited flushing is available. Unlimited flushing is also available by activating the sensor on the side of the seat or tank, assuming the seat sensor detects a user sitting on the seat or the lid and seat are closed. If Fan setting is active fan will turn on when seat sensor detects user. If the power adapter is installed, battery charging will occur until battery is full.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
This application claims the benefit of pending provisional patent application No. 63/503,818, filed 23 May 2023.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63503818 | May 2023 | US |
