U.S. patent application number 13/410095 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for rimless toilet with flush water distribution apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to IDEAL STANDARD INTERNATIONAL BVBA. Invention is credited to John Pearson.
Application Number | 20120210505 13/410095 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38640285 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120210505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearson; John |
August 23, 2012 |
RIMLESS TOILET WITH FLUSH WATER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS
Abstract
A toilet comprising a rimless toilet bowl and a water
distribution apparatus arranged in use to communicate water in
substantially horizontally opposing directions.
Inventors: |
Pearson; John; (Kingston
Upon Hull, GB) |
Assignee: |
IDEAL STANDARD INTERNATIONAL
BVBA
Brussels
BE
|
Family ID: |
38640285 |
Appl. No.: |
13/410095 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/GB2008/002986 |
Sep 3, 2008 |
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13410095 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/02 20130101;
E03D 2201/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/420 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/00 20060101
E03D011/00 |
Claims
1. A toilet comprising a rimless toilet bowl and a pair of water
inlets arranged in use to direct substantially all of the water
flowing into the toilet in substantially horizontally opposing
directions around the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
2. A toilet according to claim 1, wherein said toilet bowl includes
a circumferentially extending water guide adjacent each water inlet
for guiding said water in said substantially horizontally opposing
directions around at least a portion of the inner circumference of
the bowl.
3. A toilet as claimed in claim 2, wherein each water guide is
provided with an upper surface on which the water is supported and
carried.
4. A toilet according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each water
guide is adapted to allow a portion of said water to flow over an
edge thereof to rinse at least a portion of the inner wall below
the guide.
5. A toilet as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least a portion of
each guide is arranged at an angle to the horizontal such that in
use a portion of water flowing on the guide flows inward towards
the centre of the bowl.
6. A toilet according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein each guide
comprises a first end proximate an inlet and a second end disposed
at a position circumferentially around the bowl, wherein each guide
is arranged to taper from a first width at a first end to a second
width at a second end.
7. A toilet as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the guides
are symmetrically arranged around said bowl.
8. A toilet according to any preceding claim, further comprising a
third inlet adapted in use to allow a volume of flushing water
which is less than the volume passing through the pair of inlets to
rinse a portion of the inner wall below said third inlet.
9. A toilet according to claim 8, wherein the volume of water
exiting the third inlet is approximately 6.5% of the water supplied
to the toilet for one flushing cycle.
10. A toilet according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the third inlet is
located above and between the pair of opposing inlets.
11. A method for flushing a toilet, said method comprising the
steps of providing flushing water to a rimless toilet bowl via a
water distribution apparatus comprising two inlets at an inner wall
of said toilet bowl; and directing substantially all of said
flushing water in first and second substantially horizontally
opposing directions around the inner circumference of said toilet
bowl so as to collide together at a portion of said inner wall of
said bowl located opposite said water distribution apparatus.
12. A toilet comprising a rimless toilet bowl and a water
distribution arrangement arranged to communicate water into the
bowl, the bowl further comprising two generally horizontal water
guides disposed on the inner surface of said bowl and arranged to
receive in use water from a respective flushing water inlet and to
communicate water along an upper surface thereof
13. A system comprising a toilet including a rimless toilet bowl; a
water reservoir connected to said toilet for supplying flushing
water to said toilet bowl; and a water distribution arrangement
adjacent an inner wall of said bowl arranged to receive said
flushing water and comprising two bowl inlets arranged in use to
direct substantially all of said water in horizontally opposing
directions around the inner circumference of the toilet bowl.
14. A toilet comprising a rimless toilet bowl and a pair of
opposing water inlets arranged in use to direct water flowing into
the toilet in substantially horizontally opposing directions around
the inner surface of the toilet bowl, and further comprising a
third water inlet disposed above and between said pair of opposing
water inlets and arranged in use to direct a small quantity of
water into the bowl at a position above and between the inlets.
15. A toilet as claimed in claim 14, wherein the volume of water
communicated by the third inlet is less than 10% of the total water
volume entering the toilet.
16. A toilet substantially as described herein with reference to
FIGS. 2 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of International Application No.
PCT/GB2008/002986, with an international filing date of Sep. 3,
2008 which claims the benefit of Great Britain Patent Application
Number 0717274.5 filed on Sep. 5, 2007, both of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a toilet and specifically
to a rimless toilet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various types of toilets have been available in the art for
some time. An example of one conventional toilet is shown in FIG.
1, in cross-section. A conventional toilet typically comprises a
toilet bowl or pan (reference A) and a toilet rim (reference B)
extending around the top of the bowl. On flushing of the toilet
water is directed from an inlet pipe into the back of the bowl. The
majority of the water entering the toilet is directed in a
generally vertical direction down the rear wall and towards the
bottom of the bowl where the water enters the waste pipe or U-bend
(as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 1). At the same time a smaller
proportion of the inlet water runs around the toilet rim which is
generally formed of an inverted U-shape allowing the water to flow
through orifices as shown down the inner surfaces of the bowl to
rinse the inner bowl surface. Water flows along the channel and
passes through these holes and into the toilet bowl.
[0004] Despite the popularity and advantages of conventional
toilets there are a number of significant drawbacks with toilets
incorporating a rim. For example, because of the profile of
conventional toilet rims, they provide a breeding ground for germs
and bacteria and also a catchment area for waste matter. The
profile of the rim can also make it difficult to effectively clean
around the rim. Furthermore, parts of the underside of the rim are
difficult to inspect which means parts of the toilet are often left
un-cleaned for extended periods of time or indefinitely. This
build-up of germs and matter under or around the rim is unhygienic
which is of particular concern in public toilets, hospitals and so
forth. Toilets with modified rims which attempt to address some of
these problems are known in the art, see for example GB
2,431,937.
[0005] However, the prior art designs fail to provide a toilet
arrangement which offers an efficient and effective flushing action
in combination with a toilet which substantially eliminates the
possibility of germs and/or bacteria building up or being cultured
in or around the rim. There is therefore a need for a toilet which
overcomes these problems and for a toilet with improved
cleanliness. The present invention has been made, at least in part,
in consideration of these problems and in view of the drawbacks of
conventional toilets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to a first aspect there is provided a toilet
comprising a rimless toilet bowl and a pair of water inlets
arranged in use to direct substantially all of the water flowing
into the toilet in substantially horizontally opposing directions
around the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0007] In accordance with the invention, substantially all of the
flushing water received into the toilet is only directed in
opposing and substantially horizontal directions by means of the
two water inlets i.e. water is not directed from the inlet directly
down and into the bowl as is the case in conventional toilets. In
the prior art substantially all of the water received in the bowl
is directed towards the U-bend to create the necessary flushing
action as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 1. Directing all of the
water horizontally creates a flushing plume at an opposing side of
the toilet bowl which cleans the inside surfaces of the toilet bowl
and creates the necessary flushing plume. The use of a toilet
without any kind of rim minimises the regions around the bowl at
which germs, bacteria and matter may build-up and furthermore
maximises the visibility of the inside of the bowl allowing easy
and convenient inspection.
[0008] Directing substantially all of the water in horizontally
opposing directions has not previously been considered in the art
because it is convention to create a necessary flushing action by
directing a large volume of water directly down towards the U-bend
of the toilet bowl. It will be appreciated that the term
substantially all is intended to refer to almost all of the water
entering the toilet but that some may remain in the toilet and/or
evaporate or the like.
[0009] The term `rimless` is intended to refer herein to a toilet
bowl which is void of an overhanging surface extending around the
upper surface of the rim. By removing the overhanging surface the
visibility of the inside of the toilet bowl is substantially
improved. In addition access to the bowl is improved for
cleaning.
[0010] Water may be introduced into the bowl by means of a water
distribution arrangement which may for example protrude from the
inner wall of the bowl at the rear of the toilet bowl.
Alternatively water may be communicated into the bowl from a pair
of recesses formed in the wall of the toilet bowl and arranged in
use to direct water horizontally as described above. Forming the
inlets into recesses in the toilet wall further removes edges
around which germs and bacteria may grow which might be associated
with a protruding water inlet.
[0011] To maximise the flushing and cleaning action the flushing
water may be introduced into the bowl close to the upper edge of
the rimless bowl. Introducing the water at the top of the bowl
maximises the area of the bowl over which the flushing water is
arrange to flow and minimises the area of the bowl which is not
cleaned.
[0012] Each of the two opposing water inlets may be formed of a
single orifice arranged to communicate water into the bowl.
Alternatively, each orifice may be formed of a plurality of
apertures each arranged to communicate water into the bowl.
[0013] It will be appreciated that the term `substantially
horizontally` used herein is not limited to a purely horizontal
flow of water but to a generally horizontal flow such that, in use,
water is directed around the inner surface of the bowl to meet and
collide at the opposing side of the bowl.
[0014] So as to advantageously communicate water all around the
bowl, the toilet bowl may be provided with a pair of
circumferentially extending water guides or ledges each having a
first end adjacent to one of the flushing water inlets and arranged
in use to guide or communicate the flushing water in the
substantially horizontally opposing directions around the inner
circumference of the toilet bowl.
[0015] In use water issues from the respective inlets and is
directed along the top of the respective water guide and around the
bowl. Each guide advantageously prevents the water from flowing in
a manner as found in conventional toilets i.e. directly down
towards the U-bend. In use the guides communicate water from the
respective inlets and around the inner surface of the bowl so as to
collide on the opposite side of the toilet bowl and to create a
`plume` of water which in turn flows into the U-bend. The
arrangement of the guides advantageously provides a surface on
which water may be communicated. In addition the guides are void of
any concealed portions because there are no overhanging surfaces or
rim and can be easily and conveniently inspected for cleanliness.
As described above the guide surfaces are also advantageously
convenient and easy to clean because they are readily accessible to
a cleaner.
[0016] It will be recognised that in the prior art the inner
surface of the toilet cannot be seen easily. Even in the document
referenced above a rim is provided which prevents the inner surface
of the bowl being inspected quickly and easily.
[0017] Viewed from another aspect there is provided a toilet
comprising a rimless toilet bowl and a water distribution
arrangement arranged to communicate water into the bowl, the bowl
further comprising two generally horizontal water guides disposed
on the inner surface of said bowl and arranged to receive in use
water from a respective flushing water inlet and to communicate
water along an upper surface thereof.
[0018] In effect the guides act as a surface along which water is
communicated by virtue of the flow rate of the water passing into
the bowl. Each guide or ledge may advantageously be formed as a
surface protruding from the inner surface of the toilet bowl i.e.
integral with the bowl inner surface. Guides may therefore be
conveniently formed using conventional manufacturing
techniques.
[0019] Each guide/ledge is formed of a proximal end adjacent to a
respective inlet and a distal end located at some distance around
the circumference of the bowl. In order to ensure the entire
surface of the bowl is cleaned the ledge may extend around the
entire circumference of the bowl so as to meet at the front of the
toilet bowl.
[0020] The guides or ledges may be provided with any suitable
profile or configuration comprising a surface on which the water is
supported and/or directed as it flows around the bowl. For example,
the guides may be in the form of a substantially horizontal surface
on which the water is supported and along which the water flows. As
discussed above, such a surface advantageously supports the flow of
water around the bowl and additionally allows for convenient
inspection of the toilet (for cleanliness) and furthermore allows
the toilet inner surface to be easily cleaned.
[0021] All or a portion of each guide/ledge may be angled relative
to the inner surface of the bowl to support water on the ledge for
an extended period of time as it flows around the bowl. The guides
may be adapted e.g. angled along all or a portion of their lengths
to allow a portion of the water flowing along each guide to flow
over the inner edge thereof so as to flow over the inner wall of
the toilet bowl beneath the guide. In effect a portion of the water
directed around the inside of the bowl is permitted to flow from
the guide in a generally vertical direction down the inside surface
of the bowl so as to rinse the inner surface of the bowl. It will
be recognised that the water flowing from the guide in this fashion
will have a generally horizontal component of movement as it flows
from the edge of the guide and so the water will circulate around
the bowl as it flows from the guide. This advantageously rinses the
inner surface of the bowl as it flows around and down the bowl
surface. This may be achieved by providing all or part of the
ledges with a small angle away from the horizontal such that a
portion of the water flows over the inner surface thereof. The
ledges may for example be provided with an angle of between 1 and
15 degrees to the horizontal.
[0022] Alternatively, or additionally, this may be achieved by
providing each ledge with a first width proximate a respective
inlet and a second smaller width at a distal end of the ledge.
Advantageously, the guides may be arranged to taper from the
proximate end to the distal end so that the supporting surface
along which the water flows narrows around the circumference of the
toilet bowl. The distal ends of the guides may meet at a point on
the circumference of the toilet bowl substantially opposite the
water distribution apparatus to ensure that water is communicated
around the entire circumference of the bowl.
[0023] To optimise the cleaning of the bowl and the flushing action
for a toilet with a standard volume of flushing water the guides
may be provided with a first end proximate the respective flushing
water inlet having a guide width of between 40 mm and 65 mm, more
preferably between 50 mm and 60 mm and most preferably 58 mm. The
distal end of each guide may have a width of between 1 mm and 8 mm,
more preferably 2 mm and 5 mm and most preferably 3 mm. It has been
established that the most preferred values optimise the creation of
the flushing plume whilst optimising the cleaning action of the
bowl. The plume creation may also be optimised by making the inside
of the bowl generally symmetrical.
[0024] Depending on the size of the bowl, the taper may
alternatively be arranged such that the guide terminates a part way
around the circumference of the rim i.e. the guides may taper into
the bowl wall. It will be recognised that in such arrangement an
increasing portion of the water flowing along each guide will be
permitted to flow into the bowl.
[0025] The guides may advantageously be arranged so as to direct
the two opposing flows towards each other so as to collide at a
position diagonally opposite the inlet apparatus i.e. at the front
of the bowl. It will be appreciated that the elevation of the
collision point (relative to the height of the bowl from the floor)
of the two flows is dependent on the specific configuration of the
guides and the flow rate of water. The configuration of the guides
is selected such that a sufficient proportion of water collides at
the front of the bowl and is directed, by virtue of the momentum of
water, in a general direction back across the bowl towards the back
of the toilet. A `collision point` is in effect created at which
the two streams meet and which creates a turbulent region of water
which rebounds across the toilet bowl.
[0026] At the portion of each guide proximate the respective
flushing water inlet the inlet may, as described above, be formed
in a recess in the inner wall of the bowl. The recess is in effect
formed of a lower surface defined by the tapered guide and an upper
opposing surface which acts as a cover to prevent any spray passing
from the respective water inlets over the top of the bowl as the
water passes at its highest flow rate onto the guides.
Advantageously this surface may taper into the wall of the bowl to
maximise access and visibility of the inner surface of the
bowl.
[0027] The inner surface of the toilet bowl may also be provided
with a further small orifice which is arranged in use to allow a
small quantity of water to flow over the portion of the toilet bowl
between the two opposing water inlets. This ensures that the entire
surface of the toilet bowl receives a flow of water to provide a
complete bowl surface rinse. Only a small proportion of the
flushing water received by the toilet need flow over this portion
of the bowl. For example the two opposing inlets may be configured
to receive in excess of 90% of the water received into the toilet
(45% each) with the remaining quantity passing to the rinse inlet
disposed above and between the two opposing inlets. The rinse inlet
may be arranged at any suitable height relative to the upper
surface of the toilet bowl but is preferably arranged close to the
upper surface to maximise the area of the bowl over which water
flows
[0028] According to another aspect of an invention disclosed
herein, there is provided a system comprising a toilet including a
rimless toilet bowl; a water reservoir connected to said toilet for
supplying flushing water to said toilet bowl; and a water
distribution arrangement adjacent an inner wall of said bowl
arranged to received said flushing water and comprising two bowl
inlets arranged in use to direct substantially all of said water in
horizontally opposing directions around the inner circumference of
the toilet bowl.
[0029] According to another aspect of an invention described
herein, there is provided a toilet comprising a rimless toilet bowl
and a pair of opposing water inlets arranged in use to direct water
flowing into the toilet in substantially horizontally opposing
directions around the inner surface of the toilet bowl, and further
comprising a third water inlet disposed above and between said pair
of opposing water inlets and arranged in use to direct a small
quantity of water into the bowl at a position above and between the
inlets.
[0030] According to yet another aspect there is provided a method
for flushing a toilet, said method comprising the steps of
providing flushing water to a rimless toilet bowl via a water
distribution apparatus comprising two inlets at an inner wall of
said toilet bowl; and directing substantially all of said flushing
water in first and second substantially horizontally opposing
directions around the inner circumference of said toilet bowl so as
to collide together at a portion of said inner wall of said bowl
located opposite said water distribution apparatus.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the various features of the
apparatus and method disclosed and described herein may be
advantageously used in any suitable or convenient combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a
conventional toilet comprising a toilet rim;
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of a toilet according
to an embodiment the invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the toilet;
[0036] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the toilet;
[0037] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the
toilet taken on line A-A of FIG. 4;
[0038] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a toilet according to the
invention with the dimensions of a pair of suitable water
guides;
[0039] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the toilet bowl in cross-section;
and
[0040] FIG. 8 shows a view of a section forming a rear portion of
the toilet bowl.
[0041] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of
example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It
should be understood, however, that drawings and detailed
description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the appended claims.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Referring to the drawings, the toilet according to the
invention comprises a rimless toilet bowl 1 and a water reservoir
(not shown) for supplying flushing water to said toilet bowl. As
shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 a water distribution apparatus or
arrangement 3 is integrally formed with the inner wall of the
toilet bowl 1. The distribution arrangement is discussed below in
more detail with reference to FIGS. 7A and 8.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the water distribution apparatus 3
includes a conduit 4 for receiving water to be supplied to the
toilet bowl. This is in fluid communication with the water cistern
(not shown). The distribution apparatus also includes two inlets to
the toilet bowl 5 and 6 for supplying water to the toilet bowl from
the conduit 4. The inlets may be any suitable size depending on the
particular water pressures and characteristics of the system into
which the toilet is installed. In one example the inlets are
provided with a diameter of 20 mm with a tolerance of +-1 mm.
[0044] In alternative embodiments the outlets 5 and 6 may be formed
of a plurality of small apertures.
[0045] The toilet bowl includes a pair of water guides adjacent to
the water distribution apparatus 3. The guides are first and second
symmetrical guiding ledges 7 and 8. Alternatively a single ledge
could also be used.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 4, each ledge 7 and 8 has a proximal
end adjacent a corresponding inlet 5 and 6. The ledge then extends
circumferentially from its corresponding inlet 5 and 6 around the
inner circumference of the toilet bowl 1 to a distal end. As shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ledges 7 and 8 extend around the
circumference of the inner wall and their distal ends meet at a
point which is located substantially opposite the water
distribution apparatus. The ledges 7 and 8 also incrementally
narrow (taper) in width towards the distal end.
[0047] An example of optimal tapering of the ledges 7 and 8 is
shown in FIG. 6, where the width of proximal ends of the ledges 7
and 8 nearest the inlets 5 and 6 are approximately 58 mm, and the
width of the distal ends at their meeting point is narrowed to
approximately 3 mm.
[0048] In alternative embodiments, the distal ends may only extend
along a portion of the circumference of the inner wall and hence
not meet at a common point. The distance the ledge extends along
the circumference may vary depending on the requirements of the
system and the dimensions of the toilet bowl.
[0049] FIG. 7A shows a cut-away of one side of the toilet and FIG.
7B shows a closed cross-sectional view of the rim of the toilet
through B-B shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7A, the ledge may be
provided with a surface at a small angle `a` relative to the
horizontal in order to increase the flow of water running down the
inner wall of the bowl during flushing and to reduce the likelihood
of water remaining on the guide ledges after the flushing cycle is
complete. The angle a (shown in FIG. 7B) of incline of the ledges 7
and 8 may for example range from 1.degree. to 15.degree. with
respect to the horizontal. Advantageously the angle may be higher
at a portion of the guide proximate the inlet and increase in angle
along the length of each guide.
[0050] The water distribution apparatus may include a portion 11
disposed between the ledges 7 and 8 which extends upwardly from the
rear inner wall of the bowl. This is illustrated in FIG. 7A. In
effect this smooth portion is part of the chamber forming the water
distribution arrangement within the toilet bowl wall. A pair of
sidewalls 12 and 13 each intersects the portion 11 and extend
rearwardly forming the two opposing surfaces in which the water
inlets 5 and 6 are disposed. FIG. 7A illustrates side wall 13
comprising water inlet 5.
[0051] As also shown in FIG. 7A portion 11 and the associated side
walls are arranged such that the side walls are disposed at an
angle to the vertical. Thus, water issuing from the water inlet 5
is directed onto the upper surface of the water guide 7 and
subsequently along its surface.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the portion 11 and the
associates dimension thereof As shown in the figure, the angle of
inclination of each sidewall ranges from 7.5.degree. to 9.degree.
with respect to the vertical. The width of the section may range
from 39 to 50 mm at the base and from 56 to 67 mm at the top.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 5, the ledges 7 and 8 are also
provided with upper guiding ledges 9 and 10. As discussed above,
guides 7 and 8 support and communicate water around the rim from
their respective inlets. The upper water guides 7 and 8 provide an
opposed surface forming a short channel into which water issues
from the respective inlets. The channel retains the water as it
leaves the inlets and prevents any overflow or splash from the
bowl. As the water flows from the inlets it settles on the upper
surfaces of guides 7 and 8. Consequently, the upper guides 9 and 10
are arranged so as to taper into the wall of the bowl therefore
maximising access and visibility of the inner surface of the
bowl.
[0054] It will be recognised that the extent to which the upper
guides protrude from the inner wall of the bowl and their
respective lengths along the inner surface of the bowl are
determined according to the water pressure/flow rate and the angle
at which water is directed from the outlets.
[0055] In operation water enters a chamber formed within the bowl
wall (disposed behind the portion 11) and exits through inlets 5
and 6 into respective channels defined by the lower guides 7 and 8
and upper guides 9 and 10. The largest proportion of water is
communicated along the upper surface of the ledges 7 and 8 and
around the bowl. It will be recognised that water will flow from
these guides down into the bowl. The arrows shown in FIG. 7A
illustrate the increasing proportion of water which flows from the
guides and into the bowl.
[0056] In most applications the flow patterns illustrated in FIG.
7A are sufficient to clean the entire surface of the bowl. However,
in some instances some residue may remain on or below the portion
11 and would not normally be cleaned by the flows shown in FIG. 7A.
The portion 11 may therefore be provided with a further small
rinsing aperture 14 which is in fluid communication with the
chamber disposed behind the section 11 and into which water
collects before passing through the inlets 5 and 6. In use a small
amount of water (approximately 6.5% of the total volume of flushing
water) flows from the chamber through the aperture 14 and down
surface of the portion 11. In effect the aperture rinses this
region and also the inner wall of the toilet bowl beneath the
portion 11. The addition of a rinsing aperture 14 advantageously
increases the total surface area of the bowl which is rinsed during
flushing. In this arrangement approximately 93.5% of the flushing
water is arranged to flow through the inlets and around the bowl.
Although FIG. 7A depicts the rinsing aperture at the centre of the
portion 11 toward its base, the rinsing aperture 14 may be located
higher on the portion 11 to allow a greater portion of the surface
area below to be rinsed. Advantageously the rinsing aperture may be
disposed above and between the two inlets for flushing water
described herein which in itself constitutes an invention.
[0057] The amount of surface area rinsed may alternatively or
additionally be increased by the addition of a pair of mutually
opposed recesses or channels located at points 15 and 16 shown in
FIG. 7A. These recesses are arranged to communicate a small
proportion of water from each of the guides into the region below
the section 11.
[0058] In use, when the user activates the toilet's flushing
mechanism, water is supplied from the reservoir (not shown) to the
conduit 4. The water then passes into a chamber disposed behind the
portion 11 and through the inlets 5 and 6. The inlets direct
substantially all of the water in horizontally opposing directions
around the inner circumference of the toilet bowl 1. The guiding
ledges 7 and 8 form the other half of a channel to direct the water
exiting from the outlets in substantially horizontally opposing
directions and prevent water flowing over the top of the toilet
over the short portion of the water passage as it first enters the
bowl.
[0059] When the water passes through the inlets 5 and 6 it forms
first and second substantially horizontally opposing water streams
travelling in opposite directions around the inner circumference of
the toilet bowl, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4.
[0060] At least a portion of the opposing streams then collide
together at a portion of the inner wall of the bowl located
substantially opposite the water distribution apparatus 3. The
specific point on the wall where the collision of the streams will
occur may vary depending on the pressure applied to the water and
the specifications of the toilet bowl.
[0061] Upon colliding, the first and second streams form a water
plume and are directed back toward the rear portion of the inner
wall adjacent the water distribution apparatus 3. When this water
collides with the water already sitting in the bottom of the bowl,
the impact and volume is sufficient to move the water trapped in
the toilet's U-bend and hence, `flush` the toilet.
[0062] During trials using various ledge widths and tapers, the
dimensions shown in FIG. 6 were surprisingly found to be optimum
for enabling the water to flow around to the front of the bowl and
form a strong plume suitable for initiating flushing of the toilet.
However, the ledges are not limited to these dimensions as many
variations could also be used to create a strong plume suitable for
flushing a toilet.
[0063] In embodiments having flushing water inlets with multiple
apertures, more than two water streams may be formed in each
direction, however the streams will still be directed in
substantially horizontally opposing directions around the inner
circumference of the toilet bowl and function in the manner as
described above.
[0064] Whilst a majority of the first and second water streams
collide together at the front portion of the inner wall of the bowl
located opposite the water distribution apparatus, a portion of the
first and second streams also flow over an edge of the water guide
to serve the function of rinsing a portion of the inner wall
situated below. This is illustrated by the flow arrows in FIG. 7A.
This effect may be emphasised toward the end of the flush cycle
when the inlet pressure declines and the reach of the outgoing
water stream is reduced, allowing it to fall over the side of the
ledge.
[0065] In an embodiment where the distal ends of the guiding ledges
7 and 8 do not meet, a portion of the first and second stream may
flow past the distal end of its corresponding guiding ledge and
rinse a portion of the inner wall situated below.
[0066] In embodiments including a rinsing aperture 14, the aperture
allows a small portion of the flushing water to rinse the area of
the rear inner wall below. During testing, with a 4.5 litre flush
cycle, approximately 6.5% of the flush water exited the water
distribution apparatus via the rinsing aperture 14. The rinsing
aperture 14 may also advantageously function as a draining aperture
for draining water collected in the chamber of the water
distribution apparatus during the flushing cycle. Hence, the amount
of standing water left in the system after flushing may be reduced.
This may be advantageous because standing water may be a potential
breeding ground for germs.
[0067] It will be recognised that the various features, aspects and
embodiments described and illustrated herein may be used in any
convenient combination and constitute part of the inventions.
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