|
(11) | EP 0 760 619 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
|
|
| (54) |
SANITARY UNIT (CHAMBER POT) SANITÄREINHEIT (TOPFCHEN) UNITE SANITAIRE (POT DE CHAMBRE) |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
[0001] The present invention is concerned with a sanitary unit for collecting human waste for subsequent disposal. Such a sanitary unit may be in the form of a commode or potty assembly, for example such as may be used by invalids or infirm persons or by children.
[0002] The majority of potties are a simple bucket shape with a contoured top to fit the child's body. Human waste, i.e. faeces and urine, is collected at the bottom of the potty and is subsequently disposed of, for example by pouring into a toilet.
[0003] A problem with such potties is that there is no control of noxious odours and with time they can become difficult to clean.
[0004] In a similar manner, most commodes for use by invalids or infirm persons are a simple bucket shape, sometimes provided with a top or separate seat for a person to sit on. Similar problems of odour control and cleaning can arise with such commodes.
[0005] DE-C-102 654 describes a commode including a water reservoir which communicates with a waste container by way of a valve that is actuated in response to movement of the container as a result of a user sitting on a seat of the commode. A coil spring is provided to control lowering and subsequent raising the container after use of the commode so as to close the valve.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary unit incorporating a movable container, the resistance to movement of which progressively increases with increasing movement.
[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a sanitary unit comprising a container for receiving human waste, seat means disposed relative to the container such that waste from a person sitting on the seat means is received in the container, the seat means being movable relative to a base, a water reservoir communicating with the container by way of valve means, and valve actuating means responsive to the weight of a person sitting on the seat means so as to open the valve means and release water from the reservoir into the container in response to a person sitting on the seat means, the base being provided with an inclined edge to engage with the container and to urge the sides of the container apart in response to movement of the container relative to the base as a result of a person sitting on the seat means.
[0008] The reservoir may be mounted on the base, the seat means being connected to the valve actuating means so as to open the valve means and release water from the reservoir into the container in response to a person sitting on the seat means.
[0009] The valve may incorporate a closable flexible tube communicating between the reservoir and the container for the passage of water from the reservoir to the container and the valve actuating means may comprise lever means secured to the container and biased towards the flexible tube for closing the tube. The lever means may comprise an inlet channel provided on the container for receiving water from the flexible tube.
[0010] Alternatively, the valve means may comprise an outlet aperture provided in the reservoir and a valve closure element movable towards and away from the aperture and the valve actuating means may comprise lever means secured to the container and biased in a direction to urge the valve closure element towards the outlet aperture. The lever means may comprise an inlet channel provided on the container for receiving water from the outlet aperture.
[0011] The container may be secured to the base and be movable relative thereto due to flexing between the base and the container. The container may be secured to the base in a region of both thereof remote from the reservoir.
[0012] The sanitary unit may include means for limiting movement of the container relative to the base. The limiting means may comprise stop means provided on the base. Alternatively, the container may be dimensioned such that movement of the container relative to the base is limited by engagement of the container with a surface on which the unit is disposed.
[0013] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a sanitary unit according to the present invention in use;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sanitary unit according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a sanitary unit according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of yet a further embodiment of a sanitary unit according to the present invention; and
Figure 5 is an elevational view of the sanitary unit shown in Figure 4 looking in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 4.
[0014] Figure 1 shows a sanitary unit in the form of a child's potty comprising a water reservoir 10 with a cap 11, a valve 12 and a container or bowl 13 for receiving human waste. If desired, perfume or a bactericide can be added to the water in the reservoir, for example in the form of a slowly dissolving block which may be held, for example, in a permeable pocket (not shown) within the reservoir.
[0015] In use, the reservoir 10 is filled with water, the cap 11 is put in place and the sanitary unit is placed onto a suitable surface for use by the user(s).
[0016] When the unit is sat upon by a user, the weight of the user opens the valve 12 and water flows from the reservoir 10 into the bowl 13 so as to provide a predetermined volume of water in the bowl.
[0017] Once the user has finished and moved from the sanitary unit, the water and waste in the bowl 13 can be removed and the bowl 13 cleaned. The water reservoir 10 is then filled or topped up, the reservoir cap 11 is put in place and the unit is ready for use once again.
[0018] It will be appreciated that account should be taken of the expected weight of the user. Thus, if the sanitary unit is to be used as a potty for a child then the weight activation threshold should be quite low.
[0019] The sanitary unit of the present invention may conveniently be an integrated unit to allow easy transport. Moreover, the unit may be weighted or may be appropriately dimensioned to reduce the likelihood of it tipping over during use.
[0020] Figure 2 shows a sanitary unit in the form of a child's potty operating on the principles described in relation to the sanitary unit of Figure 1 and comprising a reservoir 10 which, in use, is filled with water in the manner described above and then closed with a cap 11.
[0021] The reservoir is mounted above a base 20 by means of a supporting member 21 and is provided in the lower region thereof with an outlet tube 22. Also mounted on the base 20 is a bowl 13 which incorporates a seat 24 for the user. The bowl 13 is secured to the base 20 in a manner which permits movement of the bowl, and thus the seat, relative to the base in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter. For example, the bowl and the base may be made of plastics materials secured together, for example by welding, in a region 26 where they adjoin, the region 26 preferably being remote from the reservoir 10.
[0022] The bowl 13 is formed with an inlet channel 28 which protrudes from the bowl towards the reservoir 10. An upper surface 30 of the inlet channel engages with the outlet tube 22, the outlet tube being formed of a flexible material at least in the region where it is engaged by the upper surface of the inlet channel, and urges the flexible tube upwardly against part 32 of supporting member 21 for the reservoir 10 so as to close the flexible part of the outlet tube 22 and form a valve 12.
[0023] The base 20 is provided with an inclined edge 34 in a region thereof remote from the region 26 to engage with the bowl 13 and urge the sides of the bowl apart.
[0024] In use of the sanitary unit of Figure 2, the reservoir 10 is filled with water, the cap 11 is put in place and the sanitary unit is placed onto a suitable surface for use by the user(s).
[0025] When a user sits on the seat 24 of the unit, the weight of the user causes the bowl 13 to flex relative to the base 20 and to pivot about the region 26. Pivoting of the bowl 13 causes the upper surface 30 of the inlet channel 28 to move away from the part 32 of supporting member 21 and to allow the flexible part of the outlet tube 22 to open and water flows from the reservoir 10 into the bowl 13 so as to provide a predetermined volume of water in the bowl.
[0026] Flexing of the bowl 13 relative to the base 20 is limited because as the bowl flexes the sides of the bowl are urged progressively apart by the inclined edge 34 of the base and this progressive spacing of the sides of the bowl 13 progressively increases resistance to further movement. Thus, resistance to initial flexing of the bowl 13 relative to the base 20 is relatively low, but increases progressively as flexing increases and therefore it is relatively easy for a young child to open the valve 12, but relatively difficult for an older, and heavier, child to flex the bowl excessively. In any event, if desired the base and/or the bowl can be provided with means to limit relative flexing, for example by engagement between the bottom 36 of the bowl and the base or by engagement between the sides of the bowl and the surface on which the unit is placed.
[0027] Once the user has finished and moved away from the unit, the water and waste in the bowl 13 can be removed and the bowl 13 cleaned. The water reservoir is then filled or topped up, the reservoir cap 11 is put in place and the unit is ready for use once again.
[0028] Figure 3 shows a sanitary unit in the form of a child's potty similar to that shown in Figure 1 and comprising a reservoir 10 which, in use, is filled with water in the manner described in relation to Figure 1 and then closed with a cap 11.
[0029] The reservoir is mounted above a base 20 by means of a supporting member 21 and is provided in the lower region thereof with an outlet 40. Also mounted on the base 20 is a bowl 13 which incorporates a seat 24 for the user. As with the embodiment of Figure 2, the bowl 13 is secured to the base 20 in a manner which permits movement of the bowl, and thus the seat, relative to the base. For example, the bowl and the base may be made of plastics materials secured together, for example by welding, in a region 26 where they adjoin, the region 26 preferably being remote from the reservoir 10.
[0030] The bowl 13 is formed with an inlet channel 28 which protrudes from the bowl towards the reservoir 10. The region of the end of the inlet channel 28 remote from the bowl 13 is provided with a flexible seal 42 which is urged upwardly towards the underside of the reservoir 10 so as to close the outlet 40 of the reservoir and form a valve 12.
[0031] As an alternative to the flexible seal being provided on the inlet channel 28, the outlet 40 of the reservoir may be provided with a flexible valve seat which engages with valve closure means provided on the inlet channel.
[0032] The base 20 is provided with an inclined edge 34 especially in a region thereof remote from the region 26 to engage with the bowl 13 and urge the sides of the bowl apart.
[0033] In use of the sanitary unit of Figure 3, the reservoir 10 is filled with water, the cap 11 is put in place and the sanitary unit is placed onto a suitable surface for use by the user(s).
[0034] When a user sits on the seat 24 of the unit, the weight of the user causes the bowl 13 to flex relative to the base 20 and to pivot about the region 26. Pivoting of the bowl 13 causes the flexible seal 42 to move away from the outlet 40 of the reservoir thus allowing the valve 12 to open and water flows from the reservoir 10 into the bowl 13 so as to provide a predetermined volume of water in the bowl.
[0035] Flexing of the bowl 13 relative to the base 20 is limited because as the bowl flexes the sides of the bowl are urged progressively apart by the inclined edge 34 of the base and this progressive spacing of the sides of the bowl 13 progressively increases resistance to further movement. Thus, resistance to initial flexing of the bowl 13 relative to the base 20 is relatively low, but increases progressively as flexing increases and therefore it is relatively easy for a young child to open the valve 12, but relatively difficult for an older, and heavier, child to flex the bowl excessively. In any event, the base and/or the bowl can be provided with means to limit relative flexing, for example by engagement between the bottom 36 of the bowl and the base or by engagement between the sides of the bowl and the surface on which the unit is placed.
[0036] Once the user has finished and moved away from the unit, the water and waste in the bowl 13 can be removed and the bowl 13 cleaned. The water reservoir is then filled or topped up, the reservoir cap 11 is put in place and the unit is ready for use once again.
[0037] Figures 4 and 5 show a sanitary unit in the form of a child's potty similar to that shown in Figure 3 and comprising a reservoir 10 which, in use, is filled with water in the manner described in relation to Figure 1 and then closed with a cap 11 provided in a cover 50.
[0038] The reservoir is mounted above a base 20 by means of a supporting member 21 and is provided in the lower region thereof with an outlet 40. Also mounted on the base 20 is a bowl 13 which incorporates a seat 24 for the user. As with the embodiment of Figure 3, the bowl 13 is secured to the base 20 in a manner which permits movement of the bowl, and thus the seat, relative to the base. In this respect, the bowl and the base may be made of plastics materials secured together, for example by welding, in a region 26 where they adjoin, the region 26 preferably being remote from the reservoir 10.
[0039] The bowl 13 is formed with an inlet channel 28 which protrudes from the bowl towards the reservoir 10. The region of the end of the inlet channel 28 remote from the bowl 13 is provided with a flexible seal 42 which is urged upwardly towards the underside of the reservoir 10 so as to close the outlet 40 of the reservoir and form a valve 12.
[0040] As an alternative to the flexible seal being provided on the inlet channel 28, the outlet 40 of the reservoir may be provided with a flexible valve seat which engages with valve closure means provided on the inlet channel.
[0041] The base 20 is provided with an inclined edge 34 especially in a region thereof remote from the region 26 to engage with the bowl 13 and urge the sides of the bowl apart.
[0042] The base 20 of the sanitary unit shown in Figures 4 and 5 is incomplete in that it is effectively restricted to a rim around the periphery of the base of the bowl and does not extend beneath the bowl. Such an arrangement has the advantage that it permits stacking of the sanitary units which reduces the storage space requirements.
[0043] In use of the sanitary unit of Figures 4 and 5, the reservoir 10 is filled with water, the cap 11 is put in place and the sanitary unit is placed onto a suitable surface for use by the user(s).
[0044] When a user sits on the seat 24 of the unit, the weight of the user causes the bowl 13 to flex relative to the base 20 and to pivot about the region 26. Pivoting of the bowl 13 causes the flexible seal 42 to move away from the outlet 40 of the reservoir thus allowing the valve 12 to open and water flows from the reservoir 10 into the bowl 13 so as to provide a predetermined volume of water in the bowl.
[0045] Flexing of the bowl 13 relative to the base 20 is limited because as the bowl flexes the sides of the bowl are urged progressively apart by the inclined edge 34 of the base and this progressive spacing of the sides of the bowl 13 progressively increases resistance to further movement. Thus, resistance to initial flexing of the bowl 13 relative to the base 20 is relatively low, but increases progressively as flexing increases and therefore it is relatively easy for a young child to open the valve 12, but relatively difficult for an older, and heavier, child to flex the bowl excessively. In any event, the bowl is provided with means to limit relative flexing by engagement between the bottom 36 of the bowl and the surface on which the unit is placed.
[0046] Once the user has finished and moved away from the unit, the water and waste in the bowl 13 can be removed and the bowl 13 cleaned. The water reservoir is then filled or topped up, the reservoir cap 11 is put in place and the unit is ready for use once again.
1. A sanitary unit comprising a container (13) for receiving human waste, seat means
(24) disposed relative to the container such that waste from a person sitting on the
seat means is received in the container, the seat means being movable relative to
a base (20), a water reservoir (10) communicating with the container by way of valve
means (12), and valve actuating means responsive to the weight of a person sitting
on the seat means (24) so as to open the valve means and release water from the reservoir
(10) into the container in response to a person sitting on the seat means characterised
in that the base (20) is provided with an inclined edge (34) to engage with the container
(13) and to urge the sides of the container apart in response to movement of the container
relative to the base as a result of a person sitting on the seat means (24).
2. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reservoir (10) is mounted on the
base (20), the seat means (24) being connected to the valve actuating means so as
to open the valve means (12) and release water from the reservoir into the container
(13) in response to a person sitting on the seat means.
3. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve (12) incorporates a closable
flexible tube (22) communicating between the reservoir (10) and the container (13)
for the passage of water from the reservoir to the container and the valve actuating
means comprises lever means secured to the container and biased towards the flexible
tube for closing the tube.
4. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lever means comprises an inlet
channel (28) provided on the container (13) for receiving water from the flexible
tube (22).
5. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve means (12) comprises an outlet
aperture (40) provided in the reservoir (10) and a valve closure element (42) movable
towards and away from the aperture and the valve actuating means comprises lever means
secured to the container (13) and biased in a direction to urge the valve closure
element towards the outlet aperture.
6. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lever means comprises an inlet
channel (28) provided on the container for receiving water from the outlet aperture
(40).
7. A sanitary unit as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the container (13)
is secured to the base (20) and is movable relative thereto due to flexing between
the base and the container.
8. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the container (13) is secured to the
base (20) in a region of both thereof remote from the reservoir (10).
9. A sanitary unit as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 and including means for limiting
movement of the container (13) relative to the base (20).
10. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the limiting means comprises stop means
provided on the base (20).
11. A sanitary unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the container (13) is dimensioned such
that movement of the container relative to the base (20) is limited by engagement
of the container with a surface on which the unit is disposed.
1. Sanitäre Anlage, die folgendes umfaßt: einen Behälter (13) für die Aufnahme von menschlichen
Ausscheidungsstoffen, einen relativ zu dem Behälter angeordneten Sitz (24), so daß
Ausscheidungsstoffe einer auf dem Sitz sitzenden Person in dem Behälter aufgefangen
werden, wobei der Sitz relativ zu einem Boden (20) beweglich ist, einen Wasserspeicher
(10), der mit dem Behälter über ein Ventil (12) in Verbindung steht, und ein Ventilbetätigungsmittel,
das auf das Gewicht einer auf dem Sitz (24) sitzenden Person reagiert, so daß in Reaktion
auf eine auf dem Sitz sitzende Person das Ventil geöffnet und Wasser aus dem Speicher
(10) in den Behälter freigegeben wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Boden (20)
mit einer schräg abfallenden Kante (34) versehen ist, um in den Behälter (13) einzugreifen
und die Seiten des Behälters in Reaktion auf eine Bewegung des Behälters relativ zu
dem Boden auseinanderzudrängen, wenn eine Person auf dem Sitz (24) sitzt.
2. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 1, bei der der Speicher (10) am Boden (20) befestigt
ist, wobei der Sitz (24) mit dem Ventilbetätigungsmittel verbunden ist, so daß in
Reaktion auf eine auf dem Sitz sitzende Person das Ventil (12) geöffnet und Wasser
aus dem Speicher in den Behälter (13) freigegeben wird.
3. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 2, bei der das Ventil (12) eine schließbare flexible
Röhre (22) einschließt, die den Speicher (10) mit dem Behälter (13) für den Durchfluß
von Wasser vom Speicher zum Behälter verbindet, und das Ventilbetätigungsmittel einen
am Behälter befestigten und auf die flexible Röhre vorgespannten Hebel zum Schließen
der Röhre umfaßt.
4. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 3, bei der der Hebel einen am Behälter (13) vorgesehenen
Einlaßkanal (28) für die Aufnahme von Wasser von der flexiblen Röhre (22) umfaßt.
5. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 2, bei der das Ventil (12) eine im Speicher (10) vorgesehene
Auslaßöffnung (40) sowie ein Ventilschließelement (42) umfaßt, das zu der Öffnung
hin und davon weg bewegbar ist, und das Ventilbetätigungsmittel einen am Behälter
(13) befestigten Hebel umfaßt, der in einer Richtung vorgespannt ist, um das Ventilschließelement
zur Auslaßöffnung zu drängen.
6. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 5, bei der der Hebel einen auf dem Behälter vorgesehenen
Einlaßkanal (28) für die Aufnahme von Wasser aus der Auslaßöffnung (40) umfaßt.
7. Sanitäre Anlage nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, bei der der Behälter (13) am Boden
(20) befestigt ist und infolge einer Verformung zwischen dem Boden und dem Behälter
relativ dazu bewegbar ist.
8. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 7, bei der der Behälter (13) am Boden (20) in einem
Bereich von beiden befestigt ist, der vom Speicher (10) entfernt gelegen ist.
9. Sanitäre Anlage nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, die Mittel für eine Begrenzung der
Bewegung des Behälters (13) relativ zum Boden (20) enthält.
10. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 9, bei der die Begrenzungsmittel am Boden (20) vorgesehene
Stoppmittel umfassen.
11. Sanitäre Anlage nach Anspruch 9, bei der der Behälter (13) so dimensioniert ist, daß
eine Bewegung des Behälters relativ zum Boden (20) durch einen Eingriff des Behälters
in eine Oberfläche begrenzt wird, auf der die Anlage aufgestellt ist.
1. Bloc sanitaire comprenant un récipient (13) pour recevoir des déchets humains, un
moyen de siège (24) disposé relativement au récipient de telle sorte que les déchets
émanant d'une personne assise sur le moyen de siège soient reçus dans le récipient,
le moyen de siège étant mobile par rapport à un socle (20), un réservoir d'eau (10)
communiquant avec le récipient par l'intermédiaire d'un moyen de soupape (12), et
un moyen d'actionnement de soupape réagissant au poids d'une personne qui s'assied
sur le moyen de siège (24) de manière à ouvrir le moyen de soupape et à libérer dans
le récipient l'eau contenue dans le réservoir (10) sous l'effet d'une personne s'asseyant
sur le moyen de siège, caractérisé en ce que le socle (20) est muni d'un bord incliné
(34) devant s'engager avec le récipient (13) et écarter les côtés du récipient en
réponse au mouvement du récipient par rapport au socle sous l'effet d'une personne
s'asseyant sur le moyen de siège (24).
2. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le réservoir (10) est monté sur
le socle (20), le moyen de siège (24) étant relié au moyen d'actionnement de soupape
de manière à ouvrir le moyen de soupape (12) et à libérer l'eau du réservoir dans
le récipient (13) sous l'effet d'une personne s'asseyant sur le moyen de siège.
3. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la soupape (12) comporte un tube
flexible obturable (22) communiquant entre le réservoir (10) et le récipient (13)
pour le passage de l'eau du réservoir au récipient, et le moyen d'actionnement de
soupape comprend un moyen de levier fixé au récipient et rappelé vers le tube flexible
pour fermer le tube.
4. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le moyen de levier comprend un
conduit d'entrée (28) prévu sur le récipient (13) pour recevoir l'eau provenant du
tube flexible (22).
5. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le moyen de soupape (12) comprend
un orifice de sortie (40) prévu dans le réservoir (10) et un élément de fermeture
de soupape (42) pouvant se rapprocher et s'écarter de l'orifice, et le moyen d'actionnement
de soupape comprend un moyen de levier fixé au récipient (13) et rappelé dans une
direction pour pousser l'élément de fermeture de soupape vers l'orifice de sortie.
6. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le moyen de levier comprend un
conduit d'entrée (28) prévu sur le récipient pour recevoir l'eau provenant de l'orifice
de sortie (40).
7. Bloc sanitaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 6, dans lequel le récipient
(13) est fixé au socle (20) et mobile par rapport à lui sous l'effet de la flexion
entre le socle et le récipient.
8. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le récipient (13) est fixé au
socle (20) dans une zone de l'un et de l'autre éloignée du réservoir (10).
9. Bloc sanitaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 6 et comprenant un moyen
pour limiter le mouvement du récipient (13) par rapport au socle (20).
10. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le moyen de limitation comprend
un moyen de butée prévu sur le socle (20).
11. Bloc sanitaire selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le récipient (13) est dimensionné
de telle sorte que le mouvement du récipient par rapport au socle (20) est limité
par l'engagement du récipient avec une surface sur laquelle est disposé le bloc.