GB2200382A

GB2200382A - Apparatus for cleansing a bowl-like article or other article supported on or above a floor surface

Info

Publication number: GB2200382A
Application number: GB08630492A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey Albert Th Groombridge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-12-20
Filing date: 1986-12-20
Publication date: 1988-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2006-12-20
Also published as: GB2200382B; GB8630492D0

Abstract

Apparatus for cleansing an article (for example, a w.c. bowl 1) supported on or above a floor surface 7 comprising a structure 2 defining in an operative position (as shown) an enclosure around at least the front and sides of the article and spaced outwardly therefrom to embrace an area of floor surface around the article and to extend to a height above the upper surface of the article. The structure 2 includes spaced nozzles 10 directed towards respective surfaces of the article and the floor surface, whereby a cleansing liquid discharged through the nozzles 10 will wash the external and internal surfaces of the article and the floor surface, and a supply pipe system 3 to 6 for supplying the cleansing liquid to the nozzles 10. The apparatus also includes hinges 8 or other mountings for the structure 2, whereby the structure 2 is movable bodily between its operative position and an inoperative position, in which the structure 2 does not impede access to and use of the article. <IMAGE>

Description

APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING A BOWL-LIKE ARTICLE OR OTHER ARTICLE SUPPORTED ON OR ABOVE A FLOOR SURFACE The invention relates to apparatus for cleansing a bowl-like or other article supported on or above a floor surface.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with the cleansing of the bowl in a water closet. However the invention can be applied to other bowl-like articles used for sanitary purposes, such as urinals, wash-basins, bidets, baths and the like.

Furthermore the invention may be applied to the cleansing of other articles.

In a public water closet it is desirable that all surfaces of the water closet bowl and the surrounding floor surface should be maintained clean to prevent the spread of disease and to avoid discomfort to the user. The interior of the bowl is normally cleaned by flushing with water on operation of the associated water flushing device, while cleans;ig of the outside surfaces of the bowl and seat and the surrounding floor are often cleaned manually by an attendant.

Automatic water closets have been proposed, such as British Patent Specification No. 2123046. In that prior specification, means for the automatic washing of the seat and upper surface of the bowl and of the lower parts of the surrounding walls of the toilet booth are provided. However there is no provision for washing the outer surfaces of the bowl beneath the level of the seat and for washing the immediate floor surface around the bowl.

An object of the invention is to provide means for washing all surfaces both inside and outside a water closet bowl, the seat thereof, and the surrounding floor area. Furthermore the invention is applicable to the cleansing of water closet bowls whether in a booth such as that disclosed in the aforesaid specification or in a normal cubicle or room.

According to the invention, apparatus for cleansing an article supported on or above a floor surface comprises a structure defining in an operative position an enclosure around at least the front and sides of the article and spaced outwardly therefrom to embrace an area of floor surface around the article and extend to a height above the upper surface of the article, the structure including a plurality of spaced nozzles directed towards respective surfaces of the article and the floor surface, whereby a cleansing liquid discharged through the nozzles will wash the external and internal surfaces of the article and the floor surface, and a supply pipe system for supplying the cleansing liquid to the nozzles, the apparatus also including mounting means for the structure,whereby the structure is movable bodily between its operative position and an inoperative position, in which latter position the structure is so positioned remotely from the article that the structure does not impede access to and use of the article.

The structure may be in the form of a ge of which at least some of its structural or other members are pipes in the supply pipe system and may carry said spaced nozzles.

The structure may have a depending part supported by upper members of the structure and which, when the structure is in its operative position, will be positioned within the interior of the article, said depending part having spaced nozzles thereon communicating with said supply pipe system and directed towards the interior surface of the article. The depending part of the structure may itself be a system of supply pipes forming a part of said supply pipe system or it may be a hollow structure in which the nozzles are carried on the surface thereof and of which the interior forms a supply manifold communicating with said supply pipe system.

Said depending part of the structure may be mounted for rotation relatively to a fixed part of the structure and the nozzles on said depending part may be so inclined as to impart rotation of said depending part by reaction of liquid discharged by the nozzles thereof.

Part of the structure positioned outside the article may be mounted as a unit rotatable with respect to a fixed part of the structure and nozzles on said unit may be so directed that rotation thereof is effected by reaction of liquid discharged by the nozzles on said unit.

The mounting means of the structure may provide for bodily tipping of the structure about a horizontal axis or one or more of a plurality of horizontal axes, on pivots or equivalent fixed guideways, whereby the structure is movable between its operative and inoperative positions.

The mounting means may be movable in fixed guideways, whereby the structure is movable between its operative and inoperative positions by lateral or upward or downward sliding or a combination thereof, with or without an upward or downward tipping movement.

The mounting means may provide rotation of the structure in one or more parts about an upright axis or axes on pivots or equivalent fixed guideways, which may also provide for a combined rotational and upward or downward movement to enable the depending part of the structure to move into or out of the interior of the article.

The apparatus preferably includes means for effecting movement of the structure between its operative and inoperative positions.

The latter means may be operable automatically or be personallyoperable by a user or attendant.

The apparatus may also include a hood which is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position and which in its operative position forms a closed cover over at least the article itself and has duct means whereby air may be circulated through the cover. The hood may be provided with sealing means effective when the hood is in its operative position to define a space around or within the article which can be pressurised by the introduction of the air. The air may be heated or cold and may contain a germicide or the like or a de-odorant. The hood may be in the form of a removable cover which in its operative position envelopes the said structure or it may be an integral part of said structure.

By way of example, an embodiment of the invention for use with a water closet bowl is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus in its operative position with respect to the bowl; Figure 2 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a view from the back of the structure, but not showing the bowl.

In Figures 1 and 2, the w.c. bowl is shown at 1. The apparatus provided by this invention comprises a rigid cage-like structure 2 which has four walls defined by upright and transverse members 3,4.

There are also two cross-members 5,6 extending across the top of the structure. The structure 2 when in its operative position, as shown, rests on the floor 7 and some of the upright members 3 may locate at their lower ends with sockets or protrusions fixed to the floor.

The structure 2 also carries mountings at 8, such as hinges, conveniently at the lower ends of the upright members 3 at the rear of the structure, to enable the structure to be swung bodily upwardly from the bowl 1 to an inoperative or stowed position in which the structure has been turned through substantially 900 and in which the structure 2 does not prevent access to and use of the bowl 1. The structure 2 may enter into a recess in a wall of the booth or cubicle in which the bowl 1 is positioned. The mountings 8 may be provided with alternative fixing points in the ground or other fixed part of the booth or cubicle to permit the upward and downward swinging movement of the structure 2 between its operative position, as shown, and its inoperative or stowed position.

Alternatively the structure may be mounted for swinging sideways between its two positions. Instead of providing hinges, the structure may be slidable in fixed guideways or a combination of guideways and pivot means to enable a similar swinging movement to be effected.

There are other possible ways in which the structure can be moved from the operative position, as shown, to an inoperative or stowed position. For example it could be movable by upwardly e.g. by a hoist, or it may be slidable in guideways to one or other side of the bowl 1 or it may be pivotable to one or other side by upright pivot or guide means, although where the structure carries a part depending into the bowl 1, as illustrated and as will be described hereinafter, there would also have to be provision for an upward component of movement from the operative to the inoperative position.

Another possibility would be for the structure 2 to be made in two or more parts which are movable separately in appropriate directions to and from inoperative onstowed positions.

Some or all of the members 3-6 of the structure 2 are pipes and these are connected in a communicating pipe system -to an inlet pipe, not shown, through which water or other cleansing liquid is supplied from a water supply pipe or tank. The pipes carry spray nozzles or jets 10 which are spaced apart along the pipes and are directed to wash the upper faces of the bowl 1 and the seat (not shown); the outer surfaces of the bowl 1 and the floor surface 7 around the bowl 1. The discharged water or other cleansing liquid (e.g., a disinfectant solution) flows to a drain or drains, not shown, in the floor 7. The inlet pipe includes a flexible connection to enable tipping or other movement of the structure 2 between its operative and inoperative positions to occur.

The cross-members 5, 6 carry a depending system of transverse or radial pipes 9 also provided with spray nozzles or jets 10 and connected to the pipe system of the structure 2. The pipe system 9 extends downwardly into the bowl 1 in the operative position of the structure 2, as shown. The nozzles of the pipe system 9 are directed towards the inner surface of the bowl 1, including the inside of the rim of the bowl 1. An optional feature of this embodiment of the invention is that the depending pipe system 9 is mounted for rotation by means of a bearing 11 carried by the cross-members 5,6, which are stationary. The pipes of the pipe system 9 and the nozzles carried thereby are directed to provide for rotation of the pipe system 9 about the axis of the bearing 11 by reaction in the manner of a reaction turbine when water or other liquid is flowing through the pipe system.The structure 2 may be of cylindrical shape and part of this may also be mounted for rotation in a similar manner.

Instead of the depending pipe structure 9, the cross-members 5,6 may carry a hollow globe or like hollow structure of which the interior communicates with the pipe system and has nozzles 10 spaced apart around its surface. The nozzles 10 are directed to clean the required surfaces of the bowl 1 and may also be directed to impart rotation of the globe > other structure by reaction about the axis of the bearing 11.

The nozzles 10 therefore wash the whole of the outer surfaces and the whole of the inner surface of the bowl and the surrounding floor area. The bowl may additionally be provided with a conventional flushing system.

It is envisaged that the structure 2 will be moved from its inoperative position to an operative position and a washing cycle will be carried out automatically after a user has left the booth or cubicle. For example, the automatic operation may be commenced on the removal of weight on the floor 7 when a user leaves the booth or cubicle or on the closing of a door after the user has left the booth or cubicle.

After a predetermined time, the structure 2 would then be moved automatically to the inoperative position.

Another feature of the invention, is a provision to dry the washed surfaces and to effect the application of a germicide or de-odorant.

This feature is provided by a closed hood 12 which completely envelopes the structure 2 and has pipes 13,14 for the circulation within the hood 12 of cold or heated air and of air containing a germicide or de-odorant. The hood 12 may make a seal with the floor 7, whereby the whole of the interior of the hood can be pressurised. The hood 12 may be permanently mounted on the structure 2 so that when the structure 2 is moved between its operative and inoperative positions, the hood 12 will likewise be moved together with the structure 2. The air pipes 13,14 include flexible connections to enable this movement to occur.

Alternatively the hood 12 may be self supporting, for example, it may be a rigid moulded cover, and may be moved from an inoperative position into an operative position, over and around the bowl 1 and the surrounding floor surface 7 after the structure 2 has been moved into its inoperative position.

The automatic cleansing cycle described hereinbefore could be followed automatically by a drying and sanitising operation employing the use of the hood 12. Where the hood 12 is a separate rigid structure the removal of the structure 2 to its inoperative position and the movement of the hood 12 into its operative position would automatically occur in the correct sequence.

When the structure 2, the hood 12 or the combined structure 2 and hood 12, as appropriate, is in its inoperative position, it may be located in a recess, e.g., in a wall of the booth or cubicle, which is then closed, or is automatically closed by a cover or panel.

Thus the structure or hood is not then accessible from the booth or compartment in which the bowl is positioned. This is an important feature with regard to preventing vandalism, tampering of the structure or hood by an unauthorised person or accidental interference of the structure or hood or other equipment associated therewith.

The closing of the recess after the structure or hood has been located therein also enables a wall in which the recess is provided to have a smooth or flush surface, thereby to enhance the appearance and cleanliness of the booth or cubicle.

The structure 2 or the hood 12 or both may carry equipment for servicing the booth or cubicle and particularly for supplying cleansing- liquid or air, as aforesaid. Thus such equipment will be enclosed within the recess when the structure or hood is in its inoperative or stowed position.

Claims

1. Apparatus for cleansing an article supported on or above a floor surface comprising a structure defining in an operative position an enclosure around at least the front and sides of the article and spaced outwardly therefrom to embrace an area of floor surface around the article and extend to a height above the upper surface of the article, the structure including a plurality of spaced nozzles directed towards respective surfaces of the article and the floor surface, whereby a cleansing liquid discharged through the nozzles will wash the external and internal surfaces of the article and the floor surface, and a supply pipe system for supplying the cle < ng liquid to the nozzles, the apparatus also including mounting means for the structure,whereby the structure is movable bodily between its operative position and an inoperative position, in which latter position the structure is so positioned remotely from the article that the structure does not impede access to and use of the article.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the structure is in the form of a cage of which at least some of its structural or other members are pipes in the supply pipe system and carry said spaced nozzles.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the structure has a depending part supported by upper members of the structure and which, when the structure is in its operative position, will be positioned within the interior of the article, said depending part having spaced nozzles thereon communicating with said supply pipe system and directed towards the interior surface of the article.

4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 in which the depending part of the structure is a system of supply pipes forming a part of said supply system.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 in which the depending part of the structure is a hollow body and the nozzles are carried on the surface thereof and the interior thereof forms a supply manifold communicating with said supply pipe system.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 3-5 in which the depending part of the s tructure is mounted for rotation relatively to a fixed part of the structure and the nozzles thereon are so inclined as to impart rotation of said depending part by reaction of liquid discharged by the nozzles thereof.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which part of the structure positioned outside the article is mounted as a unit rotatable with respect to a fixed part of the structure and nozzles on said unit are so directed that rotation thereof is effected by reaction of liquid discharged by the nozzles on said unit.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mounting means of the structure provide for bodily tipping of the structure about a horizontal axis or one or more of a plurality of horizontal axes, on pivots or equivalent fixed guideways, whereby the structure is movable between its operative and inoperative positions.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1-7 in which the mounting means of the structure are movable in fixed guideways, whereby the structure is movable between its operative and inoperative positions by lateral or upward or downward sliding or a combination thereof, with or without an upward or downward tipping movement.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1-7 in which the mounting means provide rotation of the structure in one or more parts about an upright axis or axes on pivots or equivalent fixed guideways.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 3-6 in which the mounting means provide a combined rotational and upward or downward movement of the structure in one or more parts to enable the depending part of the structure to move into and out of the interior of the article.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim including means for effecting movement of the structure between its operative and inoperative positions.

13. Apparatus as clamped in Claim 12 in which means for effecting movement of the structure is automatically operable.

14. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 in which the means for effecting movement of the structure is personally operable by a user or attendant.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim including a hood which is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position and which in its operative position forms a closed cover over at least the article itself and has duct means whereby air may be circulated through the cover.

16. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 in which the hood includes sealing means effective when the hood is in its operative position to define a space around or within the article which can be pressurised by the introduction of the air.

17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 including a source of heated or cold air.

18. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 in which the air contains a germicide or the like.

19. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 or 18 in which the air contains a de-odorant.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 15-19 in which the hood is a removable cover which in its operative position envelopes the said structure.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 15-19 in which the hood is an integral part of said structure.

22. Apparatus for cleansing a water closet bowl and the surrounding floor substantially as described herein with refernece to the accompanying drawings.