An integrated cistern apparatus for moistening toilet paper

Abstract

 An integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) for moistening toilet paper (400), the integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) being of the hidden cistern type and including a pressurised water inlet (202) connected to a water reservoir (806), a flush actuator (112, 114), and a flush outlet for delivering water from the water reservoir (806) to a toilet bowl (102), and having a front face (110) carrying the flush actuator (112, 114), the front face (110) being mountable on a wall (106) with the water reservoir (806) being embedded within the wall (106) and therefore generally hidden from sight, characterised in that the integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) includes a nozzle (122, 722) mounted on or at the front face (110) and connected or connectable to the water inlet (202) and a nozzle actuator (124, 724) operable to cause water to be dispensed from the nozzle (122, 722).

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to cisterns and toilets and more specifically to an integrated cistern apparatus for moistening toilet paper.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] When using a toilet (or water closet or lavatory), some people wish to moisten or dampen toilet paper (or toilet tissue) prior to using it. The toilet paper can be placed briefly under a running tap (or faucet) but this is not ideal because taps are often not situated close enough so that a person would need to get up from the toilet. Further, running water could make the toilet paper soggy beyond use, particularly due to relatively high flow rates of water in standard taps.

[0003] Upon searching, the Applicant has become aware of prior art disclosures attempting to address this problem. The most relevant disclosures of which the Applicant is aware are US7162754, US6076199, and US4451943. Each of these patents discloses a device with a nozzle or sprayer connected (directly or indirectly) to water mains and a drain connected (directly or indirectly) to a piped water outlet. The devices provide a means to address the abovementioned problem, but introduce their own disadvantages. They are retro-fittable, meaning that they generally have external water conduits which look aesthetically unappealing, are difficult to install, and can be obstructive.

[0004] Accordingly, the applicant desires an apparatus for moistening toilet paper which overcomes or at least alleviates these drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, there is provided an integrated cistern apparatus for moistening toilet paper, the integrated cistern apparatus being of the hidden cistern type and including a water inlet connected to a water reservoir, a flush actuator, and a flush outlet for delivering water from the water reservoir to a toilet bowl, and having a front face carrying the flush actuator, the front face being mountable on a wall with the water reservoir being embedded within the wall and therefore generally hidden from sight, characterised in that the integrated cistern apparatus includes:

a nozzle mounted on or at the front face and connected or connectable to the water inlet; and

a nozzle actuator operable to cause water to be dispensed from the nozzle.

[0006] The integrated cistern apparatus may include an open recess defined in the front face and the nozzle may be mounted inside the recess.

[0007] The integrated cistern apparatus may include a water catcher arranged below the nozzle.

[0008] The integrated cistern apparatus may also include a drain conduit leading from the water catcher connected or connectable to a common drainage system to which the toilet bowl is also connected or to the toilet bowl itself, either directly to the toilet bowl or via a cistern overflow container. The drain conduit may be in the form of a flexible hose. Instead, the water catcher may be present but without being connected to a drainage system.

[0009] The water inlet may include a valve to control supply of water to the integrated cistern apparatus. The valve may be in the form of a ball valve. The water inlet may further include a junction valve to provide separate passages of water to the water reservoir and to the nozzle.

[0010] The recess may be provided adjacent the flush actuator. The Applicant thus envisages that the integrated cistern apparatus may provide a neat and attractive integrated apparatus providing both conventional toilet flushing functionality and inventive toilet paper wetting functionality. The look and feel of the recess (and other visible elements like the nozzle actuator and water catcher) may be consistent with the look and feel of the flush actuator. Typically, integrated cisterns have two flush actuators, one for a partial flush and one for a full flush. The flush actuators are sometimes in the forms of depressible panels or levered plates. This may still be the case with the inventive integrated cistern apparatus.

[0011] There may be no outwardly visible conduits/pipes. In other words, the water inlet and drain conduit may be hidden from sight.

[0012] The nozzle actuator may be a mechanical nozzle actuator. The mechanical nozzle actuator may be in the form of a lever. The lever may be push actuated, or pull actuated. The lever may be arranged adjacent, e.g. behind, the nozzle. Thus in use, dry toilet paper may be placed (e.g. folded or crumpled) in the palm of the hand and the fingers used to actuate the lever. Instead, the nozzle actuator may be in the form of a mechanical push button, similar to those of conventional water fountains. Instead, the nozzle actuator may be in the form of a push button or push plate.

[0013] The nozzle actuator may be an electrical nozzle actuator. Thus, the electrical nozzle actuator may include a sensor, e.g. a proximity sensor, coupled to an electrical actuator, e.g. a motor or solenoid. The sensor may be operable to sense proximity of an object, e.g. a hand, within the cavity and, in response thereto, trigger the electrical actuator to dispense water via the nozzle.

[0014] The integrated cistern apparatus may include an additive container connected to (e.g. in line and upstream of) the nozzle. The additive container may be charged with an additive, e.g. anti-bacterial, a fragrance, etc., for mixing with water dispensed from the nozzle.

[0015] The nozzle may be in the form of a finer mister or atomiser or a courser sprayer.

[0016] The water catcher may be in the form of a drip tray or drip bowl. Excess water dispensed from the nozzle, e.g. water that misses the toilet paper or lingering drips, may be caught in the water catcher and directed to the drain conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

[0018] In the drawings:

FIGURE 1

shows a three-dimensional view of an exterior view of an integrated cistern apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2

shows a schematic view of one embodiment of the integrated cistern apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3

shows a schematic view of another embodiment of the integrated cistern apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURES 4-6

show various nozzle actuator embodiments of the integrated cistern apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7

shows a three-dimensional view of an alternate embodiment of an integrated cistern apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 8

shows a schematic view of the integrated cistern apparatus of FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 9

shows a schematic view of an existing cistern including some parts of the integrated cistern apparatus of FIGURE 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0019] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

[0020] FIGURE 1 shows an exterior view of an integrated cistern apparatus 100 in accordance with the invention. The integrated cistern apparatus 100 includes some conventional elements common to toilet installations, such as:

a toilet bowl 102 and toilet cover 104;

a wall 106 (e.g. a bathroom wall);

a front face or cover plate 110 embedded in or mounted into the wall 106;and

a flush actuator and, more specifically, a full flush actuator 112 and a partial flush actuator 114.

[0021] Although not specifically illustrated in FIGURE 1, the integrated cistern apparatus 100 also includes a water inlet connected to a water reservoir embedded in the wall 106 and a flush outlet for delivering water to the toilet bowl 102. Thus, depression of one of the flush actuators 112, 114 causes a corresponding amount of water to be flushed from the water reservoir into the toilet bowl 102 from where it drains via a drainage pipe to join a drainage system, sewerage network, septic tank, or the like. The reservoir is then replenished via the water inlet, e.g. connected to mains water supply.

[0022] In accordance with the invention, the integrated cistern apparatus 100 defines a recess 120 at least large enough to receive a human hand (see FIGURES 4-6). A nozzle 122 is arranged at an upper part of the recess 120 and is generally downwardly directed. The nozzle 122 is connected to the same water inlet which is used to replenish the cistern reservoir. This connection may be realised simply by introducing a T-piece to a water inlet conduit, with one branch continuing to the reservoir and the other branch conducting water to the nozzle 122.

[0023] The integrated cistern apparatus 100 has a nozzle actuator 124 (see FIGURES 4-6) operable to cause water to be dispensed from the nozzle 122. A water catcher 126 is arranged below the nozzle 122 such that excess water dispensed from the nozzle is directed to, and caught by, the water catcher 126. The water catcher 126 in this example is in the form of a drip tray 126.

[0024] A drain conduit (see FIGURES 2-3) leads away from the drip tray 126. The drain conduit may lead back into the cistern reservoir for re-use of the water for flushing, or it may lead into the drainage pipe of the toilet bowl 102 to be led into the drainage system.

[0025] The recess 120 is provided in the front face 110 adjacent the flush actuators 112, 114 to correspond with the look and feel of existing components of the integrated cistern apparatus 100 to have a premium appearance.

[0026] FIGURES 2-3 show respective mechanical and electrical embodiments of the integrated cistern apparatus 100. In the different FIGURES, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components.

[0027] FIGURE 2 shows a mechanical version 200 of the flush actuator 124. The integrated cistern apparatus 100 includes an inlet conduit 204 connected to the water inlet 202 which in turn is connected to a mechanical valve 206 which is normally closed and which is actuated (i.e. temporarily opened) by displacing a lever 208 connected thereto. The valve 206 may be actuated by pushing the lever 208 (FIGURE 4) and/or by pulling the lever 208 (FIGURE 5). The valve 206 permits water to be conducted to the nozzle 122 via a connecting conduit 210 thereby to be sprayed as a fine mist 122.1.

[0028] The drip tray 126 is positioned beneath the nozzle 122 to catch any water propelled therefrom or any drips which would gravitate downwardly. The drip tray 126 directs any caught water via the drain conduit 212 to the drainage system 214 to which the toilet bowl 102 is also connected.

[0029] FIGURE 3 shows an electrical version 300 of the flush actuator 126. The electrical flush actuator 300 has a solenoid valve 302 connected to a proximity sensor 304 which is positioned adjacent the nozzle 122. The solenoid valve 302 is supplied by an electricity source 306 which could be mains electricity or batteries.

[0030] The electrical version 300 includes an optional additive container 308 connected to the connecting conduit 210. The additive container 308 contains an additive (e.g. an anti-bacterial agent) which is drawn into the connecting conduit 210 by, for example, a venturi effect whenever water is expelled from the nozzle 122. In this fashion, the mere proximity of an object, e.g. a hand or toilet paper, actuates the nozzle 122 which sprays a water/additive mixture (FIGURE 6). Excess water is similarly caught by the drip tray 126 and channelled to the drainage system 214.

[0031] By way of practical example, a person uses the toilet bowl 102 in conventional fashion and by sitting thereon (or standing) and attending to his (or her) toiletry needs. The person takes some toilet paper 400 from a toilet paper roll/dispenser (not illustrated) and folds or crumples it in his hand 402. The person places his hand 402, containing the toilet paper 400, into the recess 120 and either pushes the lever 208 (FIGURE 4), pulls the lever 208 (FIGURE 5), or triggers the sensor 308 (FIGURE 6) which causes the valve 206, 302 to discharge a small amount of water in the form of spray or mist 122.1 onto the toilet paper 400, thereby dampening or moistening the toilet paper 400. The damp toilet paper 400 may then be used as required, e.g. for wiping. Once used, the toilet paper 400 can be deposited in the toilet bowl 102 and flushed.

[0032] FIGURES 7-9 illustrate a different embodiment of an integrated cistern apparatus 700 in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the integrated cistern apparatus 700 does not include a recess or a drip tray. A front face 710 is wider but shorter than the front face 110 of FIGURE 1. The integrated cistern apparatus 700 has a nozzle 722 coupled with a mechanical push button 724 (similar to those found in drinking fountains) mounting directly to the front face 710 and projecting forwardly therefrom. Pushing of the button 724, e.g., with the ball of the user's hand, actuates the nozzle 722.

[0033] FIGURE 8 shows a plumbing arrangement of the integrated cistern apparatus 700. The water inlet 202 is connected to a screw-type master valve 802 (which is a common type of valve in some conventional hidden cisterns setups). A junction valve 804 is arranged downstream of the screw-type valve and serves to split the pressurised supply of water respectively between the water reservoir 806 and the nozzle 722. The integrated cistern apparatus 700 functions similarly to the integrated cistern apparatus 100 (other than the exclusion of the drip tray).

[0034] FIGURE 9 shows part of a conventional hidden cistern made by the Geberit™. More specifically, FIGURE 9 illustrates the innards of the hidden cistern with the face plate removed. Some of the components of the integrated cistern apparatus 700 of FIGURE 8 are super-imposed over the conventional hidden cistern to illustrate how the integrated cistern apparatus 700 in accordance with the invention may be retro-fitted to an existing conventional hidden cistern.

[0035] The Applicant believes that the invention as exemplified provides a number of advantages. It provides an unobtrusive - and even aesthetically pleasing - water dispensing mechanism 200, 300 for wetting or moistening toilet paper. The recess 120 is sufficiently close to the toilet bowl 102 so that it can be used while the person remains sitting on the bowl 102. Excess water can be neatly and hygienically drained. Unlike retro-fitted versions, there are no unsightly and obstructive external or visible water pipes.

Claims

1. An integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) for moistening toilet paper (400), the integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) being of the hidden cistern type and including a pressurised water inlet (202) connected to a water reservoir (806), a flush actuator (112, 114), and a flush outlet for delivering water from the water reservoir (806) to a toilet bowl (102), and having a front face (110) carrying the flush actuator (112, 114), the front face (110) being mountable on a wall (106) with the water reservoir (806) being embedded within the wall (106) and therefore generally hidden from sight, characterised in that the integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) includes:

a nozzle (122, 722) mounted on or at the front face (110) and connected or connectable to the water inlet (202); and

a nozzle actuator (124, 724) operable to cause water to be dispensed from the nozzle (122, 722).

2. The integrated cistern apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes an open recess (120) defined in the front face (110), the nozzle (100) being mounted inside the recess (120).

3. The integrated cistern apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, which includes a water catcher (126) arranged in the recess (120) below the nozzle (122).

4. The integrated cistern apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3, in which the water catcher (126) is in the form of a drip tray or drip bowl.

5. The integrated cistern apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, which includes a drain conduit (212) leading from the water catcher (126) connected or connectable to a common drainage system (214) to which the toilet bowl (102) is also connected or to the toilet bowl (102) itself.

6. The integrated cistern apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of claims 2-5, in which the recess (120) is provided adjacent the flush actuator (112,114).

7. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle actuator (124, 724) is mechanical.

8. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in claim 7, in which the mechanical nozzle actuator is in the form of a lever (208).

9. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in claim 7, in which the mechanical nozzle actuator is in the form of a push button or push plate (724).

10. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, in which the nozzle actuator is electrical.

11. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in claim 10, in which the electrical nozzle actuator includes a proximity sensor (304).

12. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes an additive container (308) for delivering an additive to water dispensed from the nozzle (122).

13. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle (122, 722) is in the form of a fine mister, atomiser, or courser sprayer.

14. The integrated cistern apparatus (100, 700) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the water inlet (202) includes a valve (802, 804) for controlling flow of water passing through the inlet (202) respectively to the nozzle (122, 722) and to the water reservoir (806).

Drawing