U.S. patent application number 14/698800 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for standing secondary and ergonomic toilets.
The applicant listed for this patent is Delta Faucet Company. Invention is credited to Bruce G. Ashmore, Thomas F. Foust, Judd A. Lord.
Application Number | 20150308091 14/698800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54334230 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150308091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foust; Thomas F. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2015 |
STANDING SECONDARY AND ERGONOMIC TOILETS
Abstract
A secondary standing toilet includes a back wall, a water
dispenser for providing a waterfall feature along the back wall,
doors configured to open and close relative to the back wall, and a
floor configured to raise and lower. An ergonomic toilet including
a base rotatably supported about a drain tube, and a seat supported
by the base and vertically adjustable.
Inventors: |
Foust; Thomas F.; (Carmel,
IN) ; Lord; Judd A.; (Carmel, IN) ; Ashmore;
Bruce G.; (Indianapolis, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Delta Faucet Company |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54334230 |
Appl. No.: |
14/698800 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61985188 |
Apr 28, 2014 |
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61985275 |
Apr 28, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/309 ; 4/310;
4/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/005 20130101;
E03D 5/003 20130101; E03D 5/105 20130101; E03D 11/12 20130101; E03D
11/125 20130101; E03D 13/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03D 13/00 20060101
E03D013/00; E03D 11/12 20060101 E03D011/12; E03D 9/00 20060101
E03D009/00 |
Claims
1. A standing toilet comprising: a vertically extending back wall;
a water dispenser positioned at an upper end of the back wall to
dispense water in a waterfall along a front surface of the back
wall; a drain positioned at a lower end of the back wall; at least
one door supported in front of the back wall, the at least one door
configured to move between open and closed positions; a door drive
mechanism configured to move the at least one door between the open
and closed positions; a movable floor supported in front of the
back wall, the movable floor configured to move between lowered and
raised positions; a floor drive mechanism configured to move the
movable floor between the lowered and raised positions; and a
cleaning device configured to clean the inside surface of the at
least one door, the upper surface of the movable floor, and the
front surface of the back wall.
2. The standing toilet of claim 1, further comprising a controller
configured to control operation of the door drive mechanism, the
floor drive mechanism, and the cleaning device.
3. The standing toilet of claim 2, further comprising a door sensor
to detect a position of the at least one door, and a floor sensor
to detect a position of the floor, the door sensor and the floor
sensor in communication with the controller.
4. The standing toilet of claim 2, further comprising a light
system in communication with the controller to illuminate different
areas when the at least one door is open and when the at least one
door is closed.
5. The standing toilet of claim 2, further comprising a user
interface in communication with the controller, the controller
being configured to move the at least one door to the open position
and the floor to the lowered position in response to input to the
user interface.
6. The standing toilet of claim 5, wherein the user interface
comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and
a capacitive sensor, such that the controller opens the at least
one door and lowers the floor when a user is detected, and the
controller closes the at least one door and raises the floor when
no user is detected.
7. The standing toilet of claim 1, wherein the at least one door
includes a left door pivotable about a first vertical axis, and a
right door pivotable about a second vertical axis.
8. The standing toilet of claim 7, wherein the door drive mechanism
includes a left door piston actuator operably coupled to the left
door, and a right door piston actuator operably coupled to the
right door.
9. The standing toilet of claim 1, wherein the movable floor is
pivotable about a horizontal axis from the lowered position to the
raised position.
10. The standing toilet of claim 9, wherein the floor drive
mechanism includes a floor piston actuator operably coupled to the
movable floor.
11. The standing toilet of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device
includes at least one of a plurality of disinfecting spray nozzles
configured to directing disinfecting liquid at the inside surface
of the at least one door, the upper surface of the movable floor,
and the front surface of the back wall.
12. The standing toilet of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device
includes an ozone generator.
13. The standing toilet of claim 1, further comprising a waterfall
valve in fluid communication with a source of water and configured
to control water flow to the water dispenser and providing the
waterfall along the back wall.
14. The standing toilet of claim 1, further comprising a water
treatment system in fluid communication with the drain, the water
treatment system configured to treat liquid supplied to the drain
and provide the treated water to the water dispenser for reuse in
the waterfall.
15. A standing toilet comprising: a vertically extending back wall;
a drain positioned at a lower end of the back wall; at least one
door supported in front of the back wall, the at least one door
configured to move between open and closed positions; a door drive
mechanism configured to move the at least one door between the open
and closed positions; a controller configured to control operation
of the door drive mechanism; and a user interface configured to
provide input from a user to the controller, the controller being
in an active mode or a stand-by mode based upon input from the user
interface, the door being in the open position in the active mode,
and the door being in the closed position in the stand-by mode.
16. The standing toilet of claim 15, further comprising a cleaning
device configured to clean the inside surface of the at least one
door and the front surface of the back wall, wherein the controller
activates the cleaning device when changing from the active mode to
the stand-by mode.
17. The standing toilet of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device
includes at least one of a plurality of disinfecting spray nozzles
configured to directing disinfecting liquid at the inside surface
of the at least one door, the upper surface of the movable floor,
and the front surface of the back wall.
18. The standing toilet of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device
includes an ozone generator.
19. The standing toilet of claim 15, wherein the at least one door
includes a left door pivotable about a first vertical axis, and a
right door pivotable about a second vertical axis.
20. The standing toilet of claim 19, wherein the door drive
mechanism includes a left door piston actuator operably coupled to
the left door, and a right door piston actuator operably coupled to
the right door.
21. The standing toilet of claim 15, further comprising: a movable
floor supported in front of the back wall, the movable floor
configured to move between lowered and raised positions; and a
floor drive mechanism configured to move the movable floor between
the lowered and raised positions, wherein the floor is in the
lowered position in the active mode, and the floor is in the raised
position in the stand-by mode.
22. The standing toilet of claim 21, wherein the movable floor is
pivotable about a horizontal axis from the lowered position to the
raised position.
23. The standing toilet of claim 22, wherein the floor drive
mechanism includes a floor piston actuator operably coupled to the
movable floor.
24. The standing toilet of claim 15, wherein the user interface
comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, and
a capacitive sensor, such that the controller opens the at least
one door and lowers the floor when a user is detected, and the
controller closes the at least one door and raises the floor when
no user is detected.
25. The standing toilet of claim 15, further comprising a water
dispenser positioned at an upper end of the back wall to dispense
water in a waterfall along a front surface of the back wall.
26. The standing toilet of claim 25, further comprising a waterfall
valve in fluid communication with a source of water and configured
to control water flow to the water dispenser and providing the
waterfall along the back wall.
27. The standing toilet of claim 25, further comprising a water
treatment system in fluid communication with the drain, the water
treatment system configured to treat liquid supplied to the drain
and provide the treated water to the water dispenser for reuse in
the waterfall.
28. A method of operating a standing toilet comprising the steps
of: detecting a user within a detection zone; opening a door to
expose a back wall; lowering a floor proximate a drain below the
back wall; dispensing water down a front surface of the back wall
to create a waterfall; no longer detecting the user within the
detection zone; raising the floor; closing the door to cover the
back wall; and activating a cleaning device to clean the inside
surface of the door, an upper surface of the floor, and the front
surface of the back wall.
29. An ergonomic toilet comprising: a base including a bowl; a
waste outlet in fluid communication with the bowl and in fluid
communication with a drain, the waste outlet defining a vertical
axis; a bowl rotation mechanism supporting the base for rotation
about the vertical axis; a seat supported by the bowl; and a seat
height mechanism operably coupled to the base for adjusting the
height of the seat.
30. The ergonomic toilet of claim 29, further comprising a
controller in communication with the seat height mechanism, and a
user interface in communication with the controller wherein user
input to the user interface causes the controller to activate the
seat height mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat.
31. The ergonomic toilet of claim 30, wherein the controller
includes a memory, wherein preset seat heights may be input by a
user through the user interface and stored within the memory.
32. The ergonomic toilet of claim 29, wherein the base includes an
upper portion supporting the bowl, and a lower portion in a
telescoping relationship with the upper portion.
33. The ergonomic toilet of claim 32, wherein the seat height
mechanism includes at least one piston actuator configured to move
the upper portion of the base relative to the lower portion of the
base.
34. The ergonomic toilet of claim 29, wherein the bowl rotation
mechanism includes a bearing to guide the base in rotation about
the vertical axis.
35. The ergonomic toilet of claim 29, wherein the waste outlet is
in a telescoping relationship with the drain.
36. The ergonomic toilet of claim 35, further comprising a seal
intermediate the waste outlet and the drain to arrest gas odor.
37. The ergonomic toilet of claim 29, further comprising an upright
extending upwardly from the bowl, a first seat cover supported for
pivoting movement in a clockwise direction about first horizontal
axis, and a second seat cover supported for pivoting movement in a
counterclockwise direction about a second horizontal axis, the
first seat cover and the second seat cover cooperating to cover an
upper opening to the bowl in a closed position, and the first seat
cover and the second seat cover exposing the upper opening in the
bowl when in an open position.
38. An ergonomic toilet comprising: a bowl supported above a drain;
a seat supported by the bowl; and wherein the angular position of
the seat may be adjusted by rotating the bowl about a vertical
axis, and the height of the seat may be adjusted by vertically
moving the bowl relative to the drain.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims prior to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/985,188, filed Apr. 28, 2014, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/985,275, filed
Apr. 28, 2014, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present invention relates generally to toilets and, more
particularly, to a standing secondary and ergonomic toilets for
residential use.
[0003] While many consumers desire a residential urinal, they do
not wish for the extra cleaning or negative associations with
present urinal designs. More particularly, consumers often
associate urinals with dirty, ugly, difficult to clean public
urinals. In fact, many consumers despise even the term urinal.
[0004] The standing secondary toilet of the present disclosure is
designed to meet consumers' unmet needs. For example, men typically
stand and urinate, yet the standing secondary toilet remains much
cleaner because the splatter from urine is diminished, thereby
reducing one of the primary causes of angst in cleaning. More
particularly, a waterfall in the standing secondary toilet prevents
splash back from the urination stream. The waterfall also provides
a pleasing sound. The design of the secondary standing toilet is
aesthetically pleasing and does not look like a standard toilet or
urinal. The secondary standing toilet is configured to be
essentially invisible and to reduce residual urine on the toilet
and surrounding area.
[0005] The standing secondary toilet may be mounted into the wall
of a bathroom or into a separate box where the remainder of the box
may double as a cabinet on the backside to be used as a storage
area. Potentially, this back area may also be equipped with a towel
warming cabinet for the shower area.
[0006] There is also a requirement for stylish, high market sector,
height adjustable toilets. Many hours are spent each year by a
typical individual sitting on a toilet. As such, it would be
advantageous to provide for a toilet that may rotate on its axis
such that the user may perform functions while supported thereon.
For example, the user may rotate to a first position to review a
television or computer monitor, then rotate to another position to
lean on a pad mounted on a wall. Moving to another position could
provide access to a computer desk pad mounted on another wall.
[0007] The ergonomic toilet of the present disclosure is designed
for both comfort and style. Conventional toilet functions are
configured to operate in accordance with current standards (e.g.,
flushing waste with a minimum water usage). The toilet seat
illustratively has an infinitely adjustable height operated by
automatic control. This may be electronically controlled via a user
interface, such as a simple keypad device or microphone. The toilet
may also be programmed for different users' comfort settings at the
touch of a button or in response to other inputs, such as a voice
command. For example, a desired seat height may be preprogrammed
and recalled with the touch of a button. In certain embodiments,
when the user approaches the toilet, a seat cover opens, and the
toilet seat height may be moved to the preselected setting. The
seat cover may be used for arm or hand rests when the toilet is
open and ready for use. The seat cover may close and the toilet
cleaned when the user leaves the area.
[0008] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a standing toilet includes a vertically extending back
wall, a water dispenser positioned at an upper end of the back
wall, a drain positioned at a lower end of the back wall, and a
door including an actuator to pivot the door between an open
position and a closed position. In an inactive or stand-by mode,
the door is closed to cover the back wall, and in an active or
operating mode the door is open to expose the back wall. A moveable
floor may be positioned adjacent the bottom of the back wall and is
moveable between a raised position in the inactive mode and a
lowered position in the active mode.
[0009] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a standing toilet includes a vertically extending back
wall, and a drain positioned at a lower end of the back wall. At
least one door is supported in front of the back wall and is
configured to move between open and closed positions. A door drive
mechanism is configured to move the at least one door between the
open and closed positions. A movable floor is supported in front of
the back wall and is configured to move between lowered and raised
positions. A floor drive mechanism is configured to move the
movable floor between the lowered and raised positions. A cleaning
device is configured to clean the inside surface of the at least
one door, the upper surface of the movable floor, and the front
surface of the back wall.
[0010] In a further illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a standing toilet includes a vertically extending back
wall, a water dispenser positioned at an upper end of the back wall
to dispense water in a waterfall along a front surface of the back
wall, and a drain positioned at a lower end of the back wall. At
least one door is supported in front of the back wall and is
configured to move between open and closed positions. A door drive
mechanism is configured to move the at least one door between the
open and closed positions. A controller is configured to control
operation of the door drive mechanism. A user interface is
configured to provide input from a user to the controller, the
controller being in an active mode or a stand-by mode based upon
input from the user interface. The door is in the open position in
the active mode, and the door is in the closed position in the
stand-by mode.
[0011] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of operating a standing toilet includes the
steps of detecting a user within a detection zone, opening a door
to expose a back wall, lowering a floor proximate a drain below the
back wall, and dispensing water down a front surface of the back
wall to create a waterfall. The method continues with the steps of
no longer detecting the user within the detection zone, raising the
floor, closing the door to cover the back wall, and activating a
cleaning device to clean the inside surface of the door, an upper
surface of the floor, and the front surface of the back wall.
[0012] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, an ergonomic toilet includes a bowl configured to
rotate about a vertical axis. A seat is supported on the bowl and
is configured to be raised and lowered.
[0013] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the
present disclosure, an ergonomic toilet includes a base having a
bowl, and a waste outlet in fluid communication with the bowl and
in fluid communication with a drain, the waste outlet defining a
vertical axis. A bowl rotation mechanism supports the base for
rotation about the vertical axis. A seat is supported by the bowl,
and a seat height mechanism is operably coupled to the base for
adjusting the height of the seat.
[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the present
disclosure, an ergonomic toilet includes a bowl supported above a
drain, and a seat supported by the bowl. The angular position of
the seat may be adjusted by rotating the bowl about a vertical
axis, and the height of the seat may adjusted by vertically moving
the bowl relative to the drain.
[0015] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration
of the following detailed description of the illustrative
embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention
as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers
to the accompanying figures in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a standing secondary
toilet of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2A is another front perspective view of the standing
secondary toilet of FIG. 1 in a stored mode;
[0019] FIG. 2B is s perspective view similar to FIG. 2A, showing
the standing secondary toilet in an active mode;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an illustrative control system
of the standing secondary toilet of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of the standing
secondary toilet of FIG. 1, showing an illustrative door and
associated door drive mechanism, and an illustrative movable floor
and associated floor drive mechanism;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the movable floor and
associated floor drive mechanism of the standing secondary toilet
of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the movable floor and
associated floor drive mechanism of the standing secondary toilet
of FIG. 1, illustrating a composite of the actuators in lowered and
raised positions;
[0024] FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the movable floor of
FIG. 6 in a lowered position;
[0025] FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the movable floor of
FIG. 6 in a raised position;
[0026] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of an illustrative
embodiment ergonomic toilet of the present disclosure, with the
seat cover in a closed position;
[0027] FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of the ergonomic toilet
of FIG. 8A, with the seat cover in an open position;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the ergonomic toilet of
FIG. 8A;
[0029] FIG. 10A is a side elevational view, in partial
cross-section, of the ergonomic toilet of FIG. 8A, with the toilet
bowl and seat in a raised position;
[0030] FIG. 10B is a side elevational view, in partial
cross-section, of the ergonomic toilet of FIG. 10A, with the toilet
bowl and seat in a lowered position;
[0031] FIG. 10C is a side elevational view, in partial
cross-section, of the ergonomic toilet of FIG. 10B, with the toilet
bowl and seat in a rearward tilted position;
[0032] FIG. 11A is a front view, in partial cross-section, of the
ergonomic toilet of FIG. 10B, with the seat in a level lowered
position;
[0033] FIG. 11B is a front view, in partial cross-section, of the
ergonomic toilet of FIG. 11A, with the seat in a rightward tilted
position;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the ergonomic toilet of FIG.
10B; and
[0035] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an illustrative control system
of the ergonomic toilet of FIG. 8A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The embodiments of the invention described herein are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise
forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description
have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
invention.
[0037] With reference initially to FIGS. 1-3, a standing secondary
toilet 10 illustratively includes a base 12 including a movable
floor or horizontal panel 14, a back wall 16 extending vertically
upwardly from the base 12, and a water inlet or dispenser 18
positioned at an upper end 20 of the back wall 16. A drain 22 is
positioned at a lower end 24 of the back wall 16. The drain 22 is
illustratively supported within a trough 26 positioned at floor
height. The trough 26 and drain 22 may empty into a plumbing system
and flow out eventually to a conventional sewer system.
[0038] Water dispensed from the dispenser 18 (which may include a
water storage tank) is configured to flow along a front surface 28
of the back wall 16 to produce a waterfall 29. A waterfall valve 30
may control the flow of water from the dispenser 18. In certain
illustrative embodiments, an air system, such as air curtain or
suction zone, may be provided where urine is captured and directed
toward the drainage system. This air system may be used in
combination with, or instead of, the waterfall 29. Further, the
back wall 16 may be formed of a material, or include a special
coating, configured to reduce urine splatter and facilitate
collection into the trough 26, thereby eliminating the need for the
waterfall 29.
[0039] Left and right side walls 32 and 34 extend forwardly from
the back wall 16. Left and right doors 36 and 38 are pivotably
supported by forward edges of the left and right side walls 32 and
34. More particularly, hinges 40 and 42 may define vertical axes 44
and 46 about which the doors 36 and 38 pivot.
[0040] While two doors 36 and 38 pivotable about vertical axes 44
and 46 are illustrated, other configurations may be substituted
therefor. In certain illustrative embodiments, a single door may be
mounted for pivoting movement about a vertical or horizontal axis.
In other illustrative embodiments, an upper door may pivot upwardly
and a lower door may pivot downwardly for the user to step onto
during use. Additionally, the door height may vary from low to the
ground to proximate the ceiling. Grab bars (not shown) may be
mounted to the standing secondary toilet 10 to assist in
stabilizing a user.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 4, left and right door drive
mechanisms 48 and 50 are configured to pivot the doors 36 and 38
between open and closed positions. Each drive mechanism 48, 50 is
substantially identical and illustratively includes a piston
actuator 52, a bellcrank 54, and a push-pull rod 56. The piston
actuator 52 may comprise any conventional electro-magnetic,
pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism. The bellcrank 54 is
illustratively mounted behind respective side wall 32, 34 and
transfers force from actuator 52 to open and close door 36, 38 via
the push-pull rod 56. The push-pull rod 56 is attached to the door
36, 38 via a bracket 58 and exits through an opening in side wall
32, 34.
[0042] The movable floor or panel 14 is supported in front of the
back wall 16 and is configured to pivot between lowered and raised
positions. More particularly, the floor 14 extends forwardly from
the trough 26 and pivots about a horizontal axis 62. Seals 64
extend along opposite sides of the floor 14 to provide a movable
seal against doors 36 and 38. The movable floor 14 is shown to
pivot about axis 62 and rest upon the adjacent floor for the user
to step onto when using the standing secondary toilet 10. In an
alternative embodiment, a protruding panel (not shown) may slide
out from the standing secondary toilet 10 above a user's feet and
through the use of pressure sensors rest at or very close to the
user's legs. Therefore, when using the device the user's feet may
be protected from moisture that may fall toward him during use.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 5-7B, a floor drive mechanism 66 is
configured to pivot the floor 14 between lowered and raised
positions. The floor drive mechanism 66 illustratively includes
substantially identical left and right piston actuators 68a and
68b. The piston actuator 68a, 68b may comprise any conventional
electro-magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism mounted behind
side wall 32, 34 for moving the floor 14.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 3, a controller 70 may be in
electrical communication with the waterfall valve 30, the door
drive mechanisms 48 and 50, and the floor drive mechanism 66. The
controller 70 may be a microprocessor of conventional design
including an internal clock 71. Door sensors 72 may be in
electrical communication with the controller 70 and are configured
to detect the positions of the doors 36 and 38. Similarly, a floor
sensor 74 may be in electrical communication with the controller 70
and is configured to detect the position of the floor 14.
[0045] A cleaning device 76 may be in electrical communication with
the controller 70. The cleaning device 76 is configured to clean
and/or sanitize the interior of the standing toilet 10 when in the
stand-by mode. The cleaning device 76 may include an array of
nozzles inside the standing toilet 10 so that when the doors 36 and
38 are shut and the floor 14 is raised, the exposed interior
surfaces that are directed at the user are then sprayed clean.
There are several mediums that may be dispensed by the nozzles of
the cleaning device 76, including water, cleaning chemicals added
to water, and steam. In other embodiments, ozone and/or ultraviolet
(UV) light may be used instead of, or in combination with the
nozzles. Similarly, a deodorizer system may be incorporated into
the cleansing device 76.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, a water treatment system 80
may be added in which the water flows into the trough 26, is
treated with filtration for separating solid particles from the
fluid and for sanitizing (biological process) the water. A
combination of filtering may be utilized, such as hard filters for
solid particle removal, and ultraviolet (UV) light and/or ozone for
sanitizing/purifying the water. After the water treatment, the
water may be circulated to the top of the secondary toilet 10 to
the dispenser 18 and continues in a cycle until the standing toilet
10 is inactive or in the stand-by mode. The water treatment system
80, particularly with the use of ozone technology and/or
filtration, could permit the standing secondary toilet 10 to be
self-contained, only requiring that the trough 26 be periodically
emptied.
[0047] The pair of doors 36 and 38 are closed to conceal the back
wall 16 in the inactive or stand-by mode through operation of the
drive mechanisms 48 and 50, respectively. Similarly, the floor 14
is raised to a position behind the doors 36 and 38 in the inactive
or stand-by mode through operation of the drive mechanism 66. As a
user approaches the standing toilet 10, the doors 36 and 38 open,
the floor 14 lowers, and a free stream of water or waterfall 29
cascades from the dispenser 18, flowing down the full width of the
back wall 16 to the bottom trough 26. After the floor 14 raises or
retracts, and the doors 36 and 38 close automatically, the cleaning
device 76 is activated to clean and/or sanitize all the interior
surfaces of the walls 16, 32, 34, doors 36, 38, floor 14, and
trough 26 so that the standing toilet 10.
[0048] A user interface 82 may be in electrical communication with
the controller 70 to activate and deactivate the standing toilet
10. More particularly, input to the user interface 82 activates the
standing toilet 10 (e.g., opening of the doors 36, 38, raising the
floor 14, and activating the cleaning device 76 and/or water
treatment system 80). The user interface 82 may comprise at least
one of infrared (IR) sensors, motion detectors or capacitive
sensors. When the user approaches a detection zone proximate the
standing toilet 10, the standing toilet 10 may be activated (i.e.,
in the active mode).
[0049] When the user is finished and walks away from the detection
zone proximate the standing toilet 10, the doors 36, 38
automatically close and the floor 14 elevates to its storage
position (i.e., in the stand-by mode). In certain illustrative
embodiments, the standing toilet 10 may continue to dispense water
from the dispenser 18, as the sound of running water is pleasing
and provide an aesthetically pleasing feature for the bathroom.
[0050] A light system 84 may be in electrical communication with
the controller 70 and includes a plurality of light sources (such
as light emitting diodes (LED), which may define a night light.
Different light sources may be activated and deactivated based upon
the mode of the standing toilet 10. For example, the light system
84 may be provided so that when the standing toilet 10 is in the
stand-by mode (e.g., doors 36, 38 are closed), ambient light
sources on the top, front and/or bottom of the standing toilet 10
are activated. When the standing toilet 10 is in an active mode
(e.g., doors 36, 38 are open), light sources on the top of the
standing toilet 10, on the floor 14 and/or within the back wall 16
behind the flow of water may be activated.
[0051] In certain illustrative embodiments, the standing toilet 10
may be supported adjacent a vertical wall of the building. In other
illustrative embodiments, the standing secondary toilet 10 may be a
self-supported unit defining a free standing cabinet. The cabinet
may include storage, for example the back side of the cabinet may
include a towel warmer. While the illustrative standing secondary
toilet 10 may be mounted to a wall, in alternative illustrative
embodiments the standing secondary toilet 10 may be
free-standing.
[0052] In operation, the standing toilet 10 operates by initially
detecting a user within a detection zone of the user interface 82.
The controller 70 then causes the standing toilet 10 to enter the
active mode. More particularly, the controller 70 opens the doors
36 and 38 via operation of the door drive mechanisms 48 and 50, to
expose the back wall 18. The controller 70 also lowers the floor 14
proximate the drain 22. The waterfall valve 30 is opened by the
controller 70 to dispense water down the front surface of the back
wall 18 to create a waterfall 29. When the user is no longer
detected within the detection zone of the user interface 82, the
controller 70 then causes the standing toilet 10 to enter the
stand-by mode. More particularly, the controller 70 raises the
floor 14 via operation of the floor drive mechanism 66. The doors
36 and 38 are then closed via operation of the door drive
mechanisms 48 and 50, to cover back wall 18. The controller 70 then
activates the cleaning device 76 to clean the inside surfaces of
the side walls 32 and 34, the inside surfaces of the doors 36 and
38, the upper surface of the floor 14, and the front surface of the
back wall 18.
[0053] The standing toilet 10 of the present disclosure provides
for an all-inclusive unit for standing urination that also cleans
itself, provides for a waterfall feature, includes automatic door
opening and floor lowering, fluid filtering and/or recycling,
etc.
[0054] With reference now to FIGS. 8A-9, an illustrative embodiment
ergonomic toilet 110 of the present disclosure is shown as
including a base 112 including an upper portion 114 and a lower
portion 116 telescopingly received within the upper portion 114,
thereby facilitating vertical adjustment as further detailed
herein. The upper portion 116 supports a bowl 118 including an
upper opening 120.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 10A-12, a conventional trapway 122
provides fluid communication between the bowl 118 and a waste
outlet 124. The waste outlet 124 is in fluid communication with a
drain 126 supported within a floor 128. The waste outlet 124
includes a vertical portion 130 defining a vertical axis 132. The
vertical portion 130 includes a lower member 134 and an upper
member 136 configured to be telescopingly received within the lower
member 134, thereby facilitating vertical adjustment as further
detailed herein. A first seal 138 is provided between the upper
member 134 and the lower member 136 to seal against sewer gas
escaping from the drain 126. A second seal 140 may also be provided
between the lower member 136 and the drain 126 to seal against
leaking sewer gas. The illustrative seals 138 and 140 may be
reusable seals (e.g., elastomeric).
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a seat 142 may be
supported by the bowl 118 around the upper opening 120. An upright
144 defining a backrest 146 extends upwardly from the bowl 118 and
may include a head rest 148. A water tank 149 may be supported by
the upright 144 and configured to supply water to the bowl 118
during a flush cycle.
[0057] A seat cover 150 illustratively includes first and second
seat covers 152a and 152b cooperating to cover the upper opening
120 of the bowl 118 in a closed position (FIG. 8A), and exposing
the upper opening 120 of the bowl 118 when in an open position
(FIG. 8B). The first seat cover 152a is supported for pivoting
movement in a clockwise direction about a first horizontal axis
154a, and the second seat cover 152b is supported for pivoting
movement in a counterclockwise direction about a second horizontal
axis 154b. Actuators, such as electro-magnetic pistons, may be
operably coupled to the seat covers 152a and 152b to pivot the seat
covers 152a and 152b between the closed and open positions. In the
open position, the seat covers 152a and 152b may be used as arm or
hand rests.
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 10A-13, a seat height adjustment
mechanism 160 may be operably coupled to the base 112 to adjust the
vertical position of the seat 142 relative to the floor 128. The
seat height adjustment mechanism 160 may comprise front and rear
actuators 162a, 162b, 162c, illustratively electro-magnetic
pistons. The actuators 162 include lower ends (cylinders 164)
operably coupled to the lower portion 116 of the base 112, and
upper ends (pistons 166) operably coupled to the upper portion 114
of the base 112. As such, when the pistons 166 are extended, the
upper portion 114 and the seat 142 are raised relative to the lower
portion 116. It should be appreciated that the type, number and
relative locations of the actuators 162 may vary.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 10C, 11B and 12, the actuators 162a,
162b and 162c may tilt the upper portion 114 and the seat 142. By
different movement of the front actuator 162a relative to the rear
actuators 162b and 162c, the toilet seat 142 could tilt forward and
rearward therefore lifting the user's knees relative to his or her
back, or lifting the user's back relative to his or her knees. FIG.
10C illustrates the bowl 118 and the toilet seat 142 in a rearward
tilted position by the front actuator 162a being further extended
than the rear actuators 162b and 162c. Similarly, by different
movement of the left rear actuator 162b relative to the right rear
actuator 162c, the toilet seat 142 could tilt right and left. FIG.
11B illustrates the bowl 118 and the toilet seat 142 in a right
tilted position by the left rear actuator 162b being further
extended than the left rear actuator 162c. Adjusting the height and
tilt angle of the toilet seat 142 can help a person evacuate his or
her bowels.
[0060] With reference to FIG. 13, a controller 170 is in electrical
communication with the seat height adjustment mechanism 160 for
controlling operation of the actuators 162. The controller 170
illustratively includes a memory 172 that may store preselected
preferences (e.g., heights for the seat 142) for difference
users.
[0061] A user interface 174 is illustratively in electrical
communication with the controller 170 and is configured to receive
input from a user. The user interface 174 may include a control
panel or keypad. The keypad may include up and down buttons to
control the actuators 162 for raising and lowering the seat 142.
Pre-set buttons may be provided on the user interface 174 for
selecting pre-defined user preferences (e.g., seat heights for
different users). While a keyboard may be used as the illustrative
user interface 174, other devices may be substituted therefor, such
as a microphone to receive voice commands.
[0062] A bowl rotation mechanism 180 illustratively supports the
base 112 for rotation about the vertical axis 132. More
particularly, the base 112 is mounted on a large diameter bearing
182 and is centered about drain tube 126. As noted above, the drain
126 may be sealed with automotive style lip seals 138 and 140 to
contain sewer vapors. The base 112 may rotate about the vertical
axis 132 defined by the drain tube 126. In certain illustrative
embodiments, the bowl rotation mechanism 180 may include actuators,
illustratively electro-magnetic pistons, in electrical
communication with the controller 170 to drive the base 112 in
rotation.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 1 lB and 13, a
proximity sensor 186 (such as an infrared (IR) sensor, motion
detector or capacitive sensor) may be operably coupled to the
controller 170 and used to detect a user within a detection zone
proximate the toilet 110. Upon detecting the user, the controller
170 illustratively causes the seat covers 152a and 152b to open.
When the user is no longer detected within the detection zone, the
controller 170 may close the seat covers 152a and 152b. The
controller 170 may also activate automatic cleaning of the bowl
118.
[0064] In certain illustrative embodiments, the proximity sensor
186 may also check the height of an approaching user. The proximity
sensor 186 may be supported by the toilet 110, such as by the
backrest 146, or adjacent to the toilet. If the user is not known
to the controller 170, it automatically sets the height of the
toilet seat 142 based upon an estimate from data stored within
memory 172. The user can then accept this position through the user
interface 174. During each successive use by that user, the
controller 170 will set this predetermined height. The user may
also modify the height and store the new setting in memory 172 by
input provided to the user interface 174.
[0065] A flush system 190 is illustratively operably coupled to the
water tank 149. The flush system 190 may be of conventional design
as including a flush valve for causing water to be dispensed from
the water tank 149 to the bowl 118, and thereby cause waste to be
flushed through the trapway 122 and into the drain 126. In certain
embodiments, the flush system 190 may be electronically monitored
by the controller 170 to deliver the least amount of water to
efficiently flush waste from the bowl 118. If more water is
required, then the controller 170 may control a flush valve of the
flush system 190 to deliver such additional water.
[0066] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *