GB2243165A

GB2243165A - Lavatory assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2243165A
Application number: GB9106316A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Darrell Kenneth Purchase
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-04-17
Filing date: 1991-03-25
Publication date: 1991-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2011-03-25
Also published as: GB2243165B; GB9106316D0; EP0495017A1; WO1991016509A3; AU7687791A; WO1991016509A2

Abstract

In a lavatory assembly comprising a lavatory bowl (1) and an outlet pipe (20) therefrom through which matter contained in the lavatory bowl may be conveyed away from the lavatory bowl there is provided a matter translating means (7) which is movably mounted relative to the lavatory bowl for conveying matter away therefrom by movement of the translating means relative to the lavatory bowl or outlet pipe. The assembly may be associated with an odour emission limiting means (not shown) which either comprises a hollow body adapted to be secured to a lavatory seat or a hollow lavatory seat, which is connected to a gas extraction means. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: "Lavatory Assembly" This invention relates to a lavatory assembly comprising a lavatory bowl or receptacle,and an outlet pipe therefrom through which contents of the lavatory bowl may be conveyed away from the lavatory bowl. Such an assembly will hereinafter be referred to as "as herein defined".

The contents of the lavatory bowl will hereinafter be referred to as "matter".

It is common to remove matter from a lavatory bowl into associated pipes and, thereby, to a sewer pipe by flushing water from a reservoir above the lavatory bowl into the lavatory bowl thereby flushing out the matter through a pipe which joins the lavatory bowl at or near a base thereof. This method of removing the matter from the lavatory bowl is rather wasteful of water because the quantity of water required to remove the matter and to refill the lavatory bowl to a predetermined level is large.

The present invention relates to a lavatory assembly as herein defined in which an alternative means of removing the matter from the lavatory bowl is provided which is more conservative of water.

According to a first aspect of the invention I provide a lavatory assembly as herein defined which affords a matter translating means which is movably mounted relative to the lavatory bowl for conveying matter away from the lavatory bowl.

The outlet pipe may be formed integrally with the lavatory bowl.

The lavatory assembly further may comprise one or more of a soil pipe which is joined to the outlet pipe, a sewer pipe which is joined to the soil pipe, and a downpipe which interconnects the soil pipe and the sewer pipe and interfaces therewith at respective angles each of which are less than 1800.

Alternatively, the sewer pipe may interconnect the soil pipe and the main sewer.

The matter translating means may be movably mounted in one or more vessel from the group consisting of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer.

Preferably no part of the matter translating means, when in use to translate matter, moves longitudinally of the vessel but instead, rotates about its own longitudinal axis and especially preferably the matter translating means comprises an auger.

The matter translating means may be shapable so as to be bent along its length and preferably the matter translating means comprises a resilient material.

The matter translating means may comprise polypropylene.

The matter translating means may be in sealing engagement with an internal wall of the or each vessel in which it is mounted.

The matter translating means may, alternatively, comprise a paddle wheel assembly, paddles of which rotate about an axis which extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe.

Alternatively, again, the matter translating means may comprise a paddle wheel assembly in addition to an auger.

In either case the lavatory bowl may be contoured to accommodate the paddle wheel assembly.

The lavatory assembly may further comprise drive means by actuation of which the matter translating means can be moved within the vessel within which it is mounted.

Preferably the drive means includes a motor and a drive shaft by which motion can be imparted to the matter translating means.

The drive shaft sealingly and rotatably may extend through a hole in a wall of one of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer, Preferably the motor is located adjacent the soil pipe, the drive shaft being coupled to the motor by a coupling means and a further drive shaft. The further drive shaft sealingly and rotatably may extend through a hole in a wall of one of the downpipe or the sewer pipe.

The motor may be located on one side of a partition on the other side of which is the lavatory bowl. The partition preferably comprises a wall of a building which houses the lavatory bowl.

In a preferred arrangement the matter translating means extends into one only of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer.

In this arrangement a further matter translating means may be afforded in one or each of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer and movably may be mounted therein for conveying matter therealong away from the lavatory bowl.

The or each matter translating means may extend along only part of the total length of a respective pipe in which it is afforded.

In an arrangement such as this respective drive means may be provided for imparting motion to each of the matter translating means.

The lavatory assembly further may comprise a reservoir of water, a duct connecting the reservoir of water to the lavatory bowl and a valve means which may be actuated between open and closed conditions, the valve means, when in the open condition, permitting of discharge of water from the reservoir to the lavatory bowl.

Limiting means may also be provided to limit the quantity of water which is conveyed from the reservoir to the lavatory bowl when the valve means is in the open condition.

The limiting means may comprise one or more of the dimension of the reservoir, a dimension of the duct or part of the duct, a ballcock or float operated valve in a water refill pipe to the reservoir, or a timing mechanism for one or both of the valve means or the valve which timing mechanism limits the duration of the opening thereof.

In one arrangement the valve means may be actuated to open independently of actuation of the drive means but in an alternative arrangement the valve means may be actuated to open automatically upon actuation of the drive means and preferably the valve means is actuated to open automatically immediately after the drive means has been actuated.

The lavatory assembly further may comprise a tap and a conduit by which water may be conveyed from a water supply to the tap, the tap including a valve part which may be actuated to move between open and closed conditions, the valve part, when in the open condition, permitting of discharge of water from the tap to the lavatory bowl.

Discharge limit means may be provided by which the duration of opening of the valve part may be limited.

The discharge limit means may comprise one or more of a manually operable member, a timer switch or a sensor located in the lavatory bowl and sensitive to water.

The valve part may be actuated to open independently of actuation of the drive means or, in an alternative arrangement the valve part may be actuated to open automatically upon action of the drive means and, preferably, the valve means is actuated to open automatically immediately after the drive means has been actuated.

The lavatory assembly further may comprise a reservoir for a cleaner from which reservoir cleaner may be released to the lavatory bowl.

The cleaner may comprise one or more of a detergent, a germicide or a perfume.

Preferably the cleaner is released from the reservoir concomitantly with discharge of water into the lavatory bowl.

For this purpose means by which the cleaner is released from the reservoir may be operatively connected with the means by which water is discharged into the lavatory bowl. Alternatively however means by which the cleaner is released from the reservoir into the lavatory bowl may be actuated independently of the means by which water is discharged into the lavatory bowl.

The assembly further may comprise odour emission limiting means to limit emission of gases from the lavatory bowl and outlet pipe.

The odour emission limiting means may comprise means to close the opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl.

The odour emission limiting means may comprise a paddle wheel assembly as described above or, alternatively, it may comprise a platform which is adjustable for height between a first position in which it closes an opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl, and a second position in which it does not close said opening.

In the latter arrangement the platform may be movable between the first and second positions by means which are responsive to pressure on a lavatory seat.

Alternatively or additionally the odour emission limiting means may comprise an opening in the lavatory bowl which communicates with gas extraction means by which gases in the lavatory bowl can be exhausted through the opening away from the lavatory bowl.

The odour emission limiting means may further, or alternatively, comprise a hollow body which defines a chamber and which presents an opening towards the lavatory bowl and which provides a further opening which communicates with gas extraction means such that gases in the lavatory bowl may be drawn into the chamber through the opening and away from the chamber through the further opening and from there vented to atmosphere.

The body, conveniently may comprise a hollow lavatory seat, but alternatively, the body may comprise a unit which is adapted to be secured to a lavatory seat, having a shape and configuration such that it can be placed substantially in register with at least a part of a lavatory seat.

If desired the odour emission limiting means could be provided with a conventional lavatory assembly or it could be provided independently of a lavatory assembly and for use with a lavatory assembly of either a conventional kind or according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a second aspect of the invention I provide an odour emission limiting means for use with a lavatory assembly, the odour emission limiting means comprising a hollow body which defines a chamber and which provides an opening by which the chamber may communicate with space external to the chamber, the opening, in use, being presented towards a lavatory bowl of the lavatory assembly, the body also providing a further opening which communicates with gas extraction means such that gases can be drawn from a space external to the chamber into the interior of the chamber via the opening and exhausted from the chamber by the gas extraction means.

Preferably the at least one opening comprises two or more openings.

The hollow body may be adapted to be secured to a lavatory seat and in particular it may have a shape and configuration such that it can be placed substantially in register with at least a part of a lavatory seat.

Alternatively the body may comprise a hollow lavatory seat.

According to a third aspect of the invention I provide, in combination a lavatory assembly as herein defined and a matter translating means for use therewith for conveying matter as herein defined away from the lavatory bowl via the outlet pipe.

The matter translating means, in use, may rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof and preferably the matter translating means is an auger.

Furthermore the matter translating means may be shapable so as to be bent along its length and preferably the matter translating means comprises a resilient material. A suitable material of which the matter translating means may be comprised is polypropylene.

The matter translating means may be dimensioned so as to sealingly engage with an internal wall of a pipe which defines a passageway which is continuous with the lavatory bowl.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention I provide a method of removing matter as herein defined from a lavatory bowl of a lavatory assembly as herein defined comprising the steps of: movably mounting, within a pipe which defines a passageway which is continuous with the lavatory bowl, a matter translating means, providing a drive means by actuation of-which the matter translating means may be moved between a moving condition and an unmoving condition and, actuating the drive means to change the matter translating means from the unmoving condition to the moving condition.

The lavatory assembly, the matter translating means and the drive means may each be in accordance with the lavatory assembly, the matter translating means and the drive means respectively as defined in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention I provide a sewer assembly comprising a plurality of pipes each of which affords a drive means, an orifice which communicates with an opening in a sump and a matter translating means operatively connected with the drive means to permit of being driven thereby such that matter can be translated along the pipes between adjacent sumps.

The drive means may be afforded at or adjacent a first longitudinal end of the pipe and preferably the orifice is afforded adjacent a first longitudinal end of the pipe also.

In at least some of the pipes a further orifice may be provided at or adjacent a second longitudinal end thereof, which further orifice communicates with an opening in a sump.

The matter translating means may be in accordance with the matter translating means as defined in the first aspect of the invention.

The drive means may include a motor and a drive shaft by which motion can be imparted to the matter translating means.

Preferably one or more of the pipes comprises a shapable material.

Each drive means operatively may be connected to a single actuating means whereby each of the drive means simultaneously can be actuated to move matter along the sewer assembly.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a sectional view of a lavatory assembly according to the invention and associated plumbing; FIGURE 2 is a section through an alternative embodiment of a lavatory assembly according to the invention and FIGURE 3 is a part sectional plan view of a still further embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of a lavatory assembly according to the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a lavatory assembly according to the invention and associated plumbing.

FIGURE 6 is a section along part of a sewer assembly according to the invention.

FIGURE 7 is a section through part of another embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 8 is a section through part of still another embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a section through a still further lavatory assembly according to the invention which includes a lavatory bowl having a base platform which is adjustable for height to cover or uncover an opening of an outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl.

FIGURE 10 is a section through a lavatory assembly according to the invention which incorporates means for removing gases from the lavatory bowl.

FIGURE 11 is an underneath plan view of a lavatory seat for use in a lavatory assembly according to the invention which lavatory seat is adapted for removal of gases from the lavatory bowl.

FIGURE 12 is a section taken on the line A-A in Figure 11 but showing a surface of the lavatory seat which, in use, faces a rim of the lavatory bowl, facing downwardly.

FIGURE 13 is a section through a conventional lavatory seat, to which is attached a means for removing gases from a lavatory bowl.

Referring to the drawings a lavatory assembly comprises a lavatory bowl or receptacle 1 for the reception of matter,and an outlet pipe 20 therefrom and formed integrally therewith. The lavatory assembly is connected with associated plumbing including a sewer pipe 2 into which the matter is conveyed from the lavatory bowl 1 and a soil pipe 3 which interconnects the lavatory bowl 1 and the sewer pipe 2, there being provided a downpipe 4 between the soil pipe 3 and the sewer pipe 2 to interconnect them. From the sewer pipe the matter may be discharged into a main sewer 6.

Movably mounted within the soil pipe 3 is a matter translating means 7 which comprises an auger comprising a single, double or multiple plate helix which cooperates with the soil pipe to provide a screw or auger conveyor, the auger 7 being mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The auger 7 is sealingly engaged with an internal wall of the soil pipe 3 so that it affords a spiral or corkscrew path for translation of the matter from the lavatory bowl 1 into the downpipe 4 when the auger 7 is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The auger 7 is secured to a first drive shaft 8 which extends through a hole in the wall of the downpipe 4 and is sealingly and rotatably mounted therein. The first drive shaft 8 is coupled to a second drive shaft 9 by means of a gear mechanism or belt drive 10 or other coupling means.The coupling means 10 permits of translating rotation of a second drive shaft 9 into rotation of the first drive shaft 8.

The second drive shaft 9 is itself driven by means of a motor 11 which, in Figure 1 is shown located adjacent the soil pipe 3. The motor 11 may be actuated by a user thereof so as to effect rotation of the auger 7 and thus bring about translation of the matter from the lavatory bowl 1 along the outlet pipe 20 and soil pipe 3 and into the downpipe 4.

If desired the motor 11 may be operatively connected to a timer mechanism so as to limit the duration of its action following actuation thereof.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 1 the second drive shaft 9 extends through a wall 12 of a building which houses the lavatory bowl 1 and through holes which extend through a wall of the downpipe 4 to the coupling means 10, the second drive shaft 9 being rotatably and sealingly engaged in the holes.

In an alternative embodiment of the lavatory assembly which is shown in Figure 3 the motor 11 is disposed to one side of the soil pipe 3 such that the second drive shaft 9, whilst extending through the wall 12, does not extend through the downpipe 4. This arrangement may be preferable insofar as it overcomes the need to provide a sealing engagement between the second drive shaft 9 and the downpipe 4 and it means that the second drive shaft 9 does not obstruct the passage of the matter from an end of the soil pipe 3 down the downpipe 4.

If desired the motor 11 may be fixed to a wall of the downpipe 4 in the place which is shown occupied by the coupling means 10 in Figure 1. This would circumvent the need for a second drive shaft extending through the wall 12. In such an arrangement as this an actuation means preferably would be provided at or near the lavatory bowl 1 for actuation by a user thereof, the actuation means being operatively connected with the motor 11 to effect actuation of the motor 11.

Alternatively again the motor 11 may be provided at a front of the lavatory bowl 1, the drive shaft 8 extending through a hole which extends through the lavatory bowl 1 and being sealingly and rotatably mounted in the hole. This arrangement is shown in Figure 7.

The actuation means may comprise, for example, a hand or foot operated starter button.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the first drive shaft 8 or the second drive shaft 9 are operatively connected to a non-motorised drive means. For example the drive shaft may operatively be connected with a retractable rope which is pulled mechanically to drive the first drive shaft 8 or second drive shaft 9. Alternatively again the drive shaft 8 may be turned by actuation of a crank which is operatively connected thereto.

In Figure 1 a conventional type lavatory bowl 1 is shown in which there is a bend in the outlet pipe 20. In Figure 2 an alternative arrangement to this is shown in which such a bend in the outlet pipe 20 is eliminated. This arrangement may be preferable if an auger 7 is used which is essentially straight along its longitudinal axis and is not readily bent to assume the shape of a bend.

However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the auger 7 comprises a shapeable material which can be deformed so as to extend around bends in pipes.

For example the auger 7 may comprise a resilient material and a particularly preferred material is polypropylene.

If the auger 7 comprises a shapeable or flexible material an end of the auger 7 may extend into the outlet pipe 20 or into a base of the lavatory bowl even if a bend exists in the outlet pipe 20 whereas, in Figure 1, the end of the auger 7 stops short of the outlet pipe 20. It is pointed out that when the motor is operated so that the auger 7 rotates it effects a sucking action on the contents of the lavatory bowl 1 so that there is no absolute need for an end of the auger 7 to extend into a base of the lavatory bowl 1, the matter will still be removed.

Operation of the auger as it rotates removes from the lavatory bowl substantially all of the matter therein without flushing any water into the lavatory bowl from above. The amount of water which is removed during the operation is considerably reduced as compared with the amount of water flushed through the system in a conventional flush lavatory.

In Figure 8 an alternative or additional means for removing soil from a lavatory bowl into an outlet pipe is shown. The means comprises a paddle wheel assembly consisting of a paddle wheel 100 providing paddles 101, 102 fixedly secured to and disposed on opposite sides of a boss 103 which is pivotable about an axis extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a proximal part of the outlet pipe. An axle about which the paddle 102, 103 pivots is journaled in a wall of the lavatory bowl which is specifically contoured to accommodate the paddle wheel assembly. Rotation of the wheel through half of a complete revolution may be effected by a user actuating a suitable electrical or mechanical actuating means (not shown) which is operatively associated with the paddle wheel assembly.

If desired the paddle wheel assembly may be utilised in combination with an auger such as has been described above, to facilitate translation of matter along the outlet pipe 20.

Because the paddle wheel assembly closes an opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl it may also serve to limit emission of obnoxious odours from the lavatory bowl and the outlet pipe.

In order that water can be added to the lavatory bowl following removal of the matter therefrom a mechanism for flushing fresh water into the lavatory bowl is provided. The mechanism comprises a reservoir 21 for water, a duct 22 which connects the reservoir 21 to the lavatory bowl 1 and a valve means 23 which may be actuated between open and closed conditions, the valve means 23, when in the open condition, permitting of discharge of water from the reservoir 21 to the lavatory bowl 1. The mechanism further comprises a refill pipe 24 through which water may be conveyed to refill the reservoir following drainage thereof and a further valve 25 is provided in or at an end of the refill pipe, the valve 25 serving to prevent overfilling of the reservoir by being closed when a predetermined amount of water has passed therethrough.The valve 25 may be closed by means of a conventional ballcock or float system 26- when the level of water in the reservoir 21 has reached a predetermined maximum level.

Alternatively the valve 25 may be closed after a predetermined time lapse recorded on a timer 26. The valve means 23 may be opened by actuation of a conventional flush handle or button.

In order that water is used sparingly limiting means are provided to limit the quantity of water conveyed from the reservoir 21 to the lavatory bowl 1.

For example the limiting means may comprise the dimensions of the reservoir and/or the ballcock or float means 26 which limits the amount of water which is discharged into the reservoir from the refill pipe 24 by closing the valve 25.

Alternatively the limiting means may comprise the timer 26 which closes the valve 25 after a predetermined time lapse. Alternatively again the timer 26 may, instead of being operatively associated with the valve 25 be operatively associated with the valve means 23 so that the valve means 23 is closed after a predetermined time lapse following opening thereof. A still further alternative is that a top of the duct 22 may extend above a base of the reservoir 21 such that water from the reservoir 21 ceases to flow down the duct 22 with the valve means 23 open when the water level inside the reservoir 21 has dropped to the height of the top of the duct 22.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the reservoir 21 is omitted and the lavatory bowl 1 is instead provided with a tap 40 or taps supplied directly from the water supply. Such a tap 40 may be actuated by a user thereof to flush water into the lavatory bowl 1. If desired the tap may automatically be opened following actuation of the auger 7 and a suitable discharge limit means such as a timer or an electronic sensor within the lavatory bowl 1 is provided to limit the amount of water discharged to the lavatory bowl 1 via the tap 40. For example the tap 40 may be solenoid valve operated and the discharge limit means may operate to prevent current flow through the solenoid.

If desired both hot and cold water supplies may be provided via the tap 40 or taps.

By any of the above means a predetermined quantity of water can be delivered to the lavatory bowl which quantity of water is substantially less than would be flushed into the lavatory bowl 1 by means of a conventional flush lavatory.

Moreover in any of the above embodiments of the lavatory assembly a quantity of a cleaner 50 such as a detergent or a germicide or a perfume may be added to the lavatory bowl 1 from a reservoir 51 thereof either prior to or concomitantly with discharge of water into the lavatory bowl. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 7. The cleaner 50 may be discharged into the lavatory bowl upon actuation of means by which the water is discharged into the lavatory bowl 1 or it may be released from the reservoir 50 thereof by an independently actuated means.

In order to minimise unpleasant odours which might result from the use of less water to dispose of matter from the lavatory bowl, the lavatory bowl may include a base platform which is adjustable for height within the lavatory bowl between a first position in which it obscures from view an opening of the outlet pipe 20 into the lavatory bowl and a second position in which lies essentially flush with the base of the outlet pipes. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 9 in which the platform 60 is shown in its second position, the first position being indicated by dotted lines. The platform 60 is secured at an end of a piston rod 61.A further platform 62 is also secured to the rod 61 at a distance away from the platform 60 such that when the platform 60 is in the first position the platform 62 occupies a position in which it is essentially flush with a base of the outlet pipe 20 thus preventing any matter dropping from the opening of the outlet pipe into a journal 63 in the base of the lavatory bowl which accommodates the platforms 60, 62, and piston rod 61. The piston rod 61 may be part of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston or the like (not shown).

When the lavatory is not in use the platform 60 occupies the first position and helps to reduce the escape of odours from the outlet pipe.

An edge of the platform 60 may be contoured to lie snugly against a region of the lavatory bowl at the height within the lavatory bowl at which the platform 60 rests when in the first position.

Movement of the platform may be effected by a user of the assembly via an electrical circuit activated by a switch or by a mechanical connection (not shown).

If desired movement of the platform may occur automatically, via an electrical circuit or mechanical connection, which is actuated in response to the output of pressure sensors when pressure is applied to a seat of the lavatory.

In this arrangement the auger 7 is mounted in the lavatory assembly for movement longitudinally thereof between a position in which it extends into the lavatory bowl and a position, as shown in Figure 9, in which it does not extend beyond an opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl and thus does not interfere with movement of the platform 60 between its first and second positions.

Movement of the auger between these positions may be arranged to occur automatically in response initiation of movement of the platform.

Further to minimise escape of noxious odours from the lavatory bowl, the lavatory bowl may include an outlet 71 such as is shown in Figure 10 which communicates with a conduit 72 through which gases in the lavatory bowl may be drawn and then vented into the atmosphere via an extractor fan 73.

Alternatively or additionally the lavatory seat may be part of means to eliminate odours from the lavatory bowl.

In Figures 11 and 12 a lavatory seat is shown which is adapted for this purpose. The seat is a hollow body defining a chamber which presents, at its underside, a plurality of apertures 80 which communicate with the chamber 81 such that gases can be passed via the apertures 80 into the chamber 81. A further aperture 82 in a wall of the lavatory seat communicates with a pipe 83 which communicates with an extractor fan 84. Actuation of the fan 84 causes gases to be drawn from the lavatory bowl into the chamber 81 of the seat and from there, into the pipe 83 and thence to atmosphere. The seat, in common with conventional seats includes feet 85 to space an underside of the seat from an upwardly facing surface of the rim of a lavatory bowl when the seat rests on the rim of the lavatory bowl.The seat also provides means 86 to permit of securing the seat to a lavatory bowl rim such that it may pivot relative thereto. The pipe 83 is flexible to permit of pivoting of the seat relative to the lavatory bowl.

Alternatively again the means to eliminate odours from the lavatory bowl may comprise a flat hollow body 90 such as is shown in Figure 13, which body 90 defines a chamber which affords a plurality of apertures 91 and another aperture 92 communicating with an interior thereof. The aperture 92 communicates which a pipe 93 which in turn communicates with an extractor fan 94. In this way gases can be drawn from within the lavatory bowl via the apertures 91 into the interior of the body 90 and away therefrom via the pipe 93 and thence to atmosphere The body 90 is configured to match the contour of a lavatory seat and is fixed to an underside of a conventional lavatory seat by means such as adhesive or by straps or by velcro or the like or by any combination of these means.

Means interacting between the adjacent faces of the body 90 and the lavatory seat are indicated by the numeral 94.

The body includes apertures 95 extending transversely therethrough to accommodate the feet 85 on the underside of the conventional lavatory seat.

If the auger 7 comprises a flexible or shapable material the auger 7 may extend continuously from the soil pipe 3 into the downpipe 4 and may extend partly or entirely along the length of the downpipe 4. Moreover the auger 7 may extend still further around a further bend between the downpipe 4 and the sewer pipe 2 and may extend partially or entirely along the length of the sewer pipe until its junction with the main sewer such as is shown in Figure 5.

It will be appreciated that if the auger 7 extends into the downpipe 4 or into the sewer pipe 2 a first drive shaft 8 which effects turning of the auger 7 must be re-positioned appropriately relative to an end of a longitudinal axis of the auger 7.

If the auger 7 does not extend into the downpipe, or at least extend longitudinally of the downpipe for any substantial distance therealong the matter will move along the downpipe 4 by gravity. Similarly the matter may be moved along the sewer pipe by gravity if the sewer pipe is angled so as to be inclined downwardly to its junction with the main sewer.

It will be appreciated also that, if desired, in addition to the auger 7 which extends only along the soil pipe 3 or along the soil pipe 3 and along the downpipe 4 for only a short distance, a further, but separate auger may be provided in the soil pipe 4 to facilitate movement of the matter therealong. Still further separate augers may if desired, be provided in the sewer pipe 2 and/or in the main sewer 6 such as is shown in Figure 1. This may be especially desirable where the sewer pipe extends substantially horizontally between an end of the downpipe 4 and the main sewer 6. In this case each of the augers may be operated so as to move in unison upon actuation of a single drive means or, alternatively, two or more of the augers may be operated separately by actuation of separate drive means.

It will be understood that, if desired, only one auger may be provided in any one of the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer.

In Figures 1 and 5 a motor 11 is shown which drives an auger or part of an auger which extends into the sewer pipe 2. As can be seen motion has to be translated from the drive shaft from the motor 11 through 900 in order to cause rotation of the auger or the part of the auger. Such an arrangement can be achieved if an end portion of the auger which interconnects with a drive shaft of the motor 11 is highly flexible and can thus be bent through 900. Alternatively an end portion or drive shaft of the auger may be provided with a bevel gear teeth which intermeshes with a bevel gear provided on a drive shaft from the motor 11 which drive shaft extends perpendicular to the drive shaft or end portion of the auger. The pair of bevel gears would preferably be housed within a housing so as to be protected from the contents of the sewer pipe 2, the drive shaft from the motor 11 and the end portion or drive shaft of the auger passing into the housing and being sealingly and rotatably engaged in holes therein.

In Figure 6 a portion of a length of the main sewer 6 is shown. A main sewer pipe is provided with a motor 11, a drive shaft of which is connected with an auger 7 and by actuation of the electric motor matter can be transferred towards the end of the main sewer pipe which provides the electric motor. An orifice 30 is provided adjacent the end of the main sewer pipe so that matter which is conveyed therealong passes through the orifice to a sump 31. An open end of a further main sewer pipe 6 is connected to an opening in the sump 31 and the further main sewer is also provided with an auger and an associated electric motor at a distal longitudinal end thereof. In this way matter can be transferred from sump to sump between sections of main sewer pipe until, eventually, a sewage works is reached and beyond.

Each main sewer pipe may be made of a flexible or shapeable material such as plastics material in order that successive sections of the main sewer need not be sunk lower and lower in the ground.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A odour emission limiting means for use with a lavatory assembly, the odour emission limiting means comprising a hollow body defining a chamber and providing at least one opening by which the chamber may communicate with space external to the chamber, the at least one opening in use, being presented towards a lavatory bowl, the body also providing a further opening which communicates with gas extraction means such that gases can be drawn from a space external to the chamber into the interior of the chamber via the at least one opening and exhausted from the chamber by the gas extraction means.

2. An odour emission limiting means according to Claim 1 in which the at least one opening comprises two or more openings.

3. An odour emission limiting means according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the hollow body is adapted to be secured to a lavatory seat.

4. An odour emission limiting means according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the hollow body has a shape and configuration such that it can be placed substantially in register with at least part of a lavatory seat.

5. An odour emission limiting means according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the body comprises a hollow lavatory seat.

6. An odour emission limiting means substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. A lavatory assembly as herein defined which affords a matter translating means which is movably mounted relative to the lavatory bowl for conveying matter away from the lavatory bowl.

8. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 7 in which the outlet pipe is formed integrally with the lavatory bowl.

9. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 which further comprises one or more of a soil pipe which is joined to the outlet pipe, a sewer pipe which is joined to the soil pipe, and a downpipe which interconnects the soil pipe and the sewer pipe and interfaces therewith at respective angles each of which are less than 1800.

10. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 9 in which the matter translating means is movably mounted in one or more vessel from the group consisting of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or of the main sewer.

11. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 in which no part of the matter translating means, when in use to translate matter, moves longitudinally of the vessel.

12. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 11 in which the matter translating means, in use, rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof.

13. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 12 in which the matter translating means comprises an auger.

14. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 13 in which the matter translating means is shapable so as to be bent along its length.

15. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 14 in which the matter translating means comprises a resilient material.

16. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 15 in which the matter translating means comprises polypropylene.

17. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 10 to 16 when appendant to Claim 4 in which the matter translating means is in sealing engagement with an internal wall of the or each vessel in which it is mounted.

18. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 10 in which the matter translating means comprises a paddle wheel assembly, paddles of which rotate about an axis which extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe.

19. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 10 or 12 to 17 when appendant to any one of Claims 7 to 10 in which the matter translating means further comprises a paddle wheel assembly, paddles of which rotate about an axis which extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe.

20. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 18 or Claim 19 in which the lavatory bowl is contoured to accommodate the paddle wheel assembly.

21. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 9 to 20 in which the sewer pipe interconnects the soil pipe and a main sewer.

22. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 21 in which the lavatory assembly further comprises drive means by actuation of which the matter translating means can be moved within the vessel in which it is mounted.

23. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 22 in which the drive means includes a motor and a drive shaft by which motion can be imparted to the matter translating means.

24. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 23 in which the drive shaft sealingly and rotatably extends through a hole in a wall of one of the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, or the sewer pipe or the main sewer.

25. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 23 or Claim 24 in which the motor is located adjacent the soil pipe, the drive shaft being coupled to the motor by a coupling means and a further drive shaft.

26. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 25 in which the further drive shaft sealingly and rotatably extends through a hole in a wall of one of the downpipe or the sewer pipe.

27. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 23 to 26 in which the motor is located on the one side of a partition on the other side of which is the lavatory bowl.

28. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 27 in which the partition comprises a wall of a building which houses the lavatory bowl.

29. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 10 to 28 in which the matter translating means extends into more than one only of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer.

30. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 10 or 29 in which a further matter translating means is afforded in one or each of the lavatory bowl, the outlet pipe, the soil pipe, the downpipe, the sewer pipe or the main sewer and is movably mounted therein for conveying matter there along away from the lavatory bowl.

31. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 30 in which the or each matter translating means extends along only part of the total length of a respective pipe in which it is afforded.

32. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 30 or Claim 31 in which respective drive means are provided for imparting motion to each of the matter translating means.

33. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 26 in which the lavatory assembly further comprises a reservoir of water, a duct connecting the reservoir of water to the lavatory bowl and a valve means which may be actuated between open and closed conditions, the valve means, when in the open condition, permitting of discharge of water from the reservoir to the lavatory bowl.

34. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 33 in which limiting means are provided to limit the quantity of water which is conveyed from the reservoir to the lavatory bowl when the valve means is in the open condition.

35. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 34 in which the limiting means comprises one or more of the dimension of the reservoir, a dimension of the duct or a part of the duct, a ballcock or float operated valve in a water refill pipe to the reservoir, or a timing mechanism for one or both of the valve means or the valve which timing mechanism limits the duration of the opening thereof.

36. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 33 to 35 in which the valve means is actuated to open independently of actuation of the drive means.

37. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 33 to 35 in which the valve means is actuated to open automatically upon actuation of the drive means.

38. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 33 to 35 in which the valve means is actuated to open automatically immediately after the drive means has been actuated.

39. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 38 which further comprises a tap and a conduit by which water may be conveyed from a water supply to the tap, the tap including a valve part which may be actuated to move between open and closed conditions, the valve part, when in the open condition, permitting of discharge of water from the tap to the lavatory bowl.

40. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 39 in which discharge limit means are provided by which duration of opening of the valve part is limited.

41. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 40 in which the discharge limit means comprises one or more of a manually operable member, a time switch or a sensor located in the lavatory bowl and sensitive to water.

42. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 39 to 41 in which the valve part is openable independently of actuation of the drive means.

43. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 39 to 41 in which the valve part is openable automatically upon actuation of the drive means.

44. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 39 to 41 in which the valve part is openable automatically immediately after actuation of the drive means.

45. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 7 to 44 which further provides a reservoir for a cleaner from which reservoir cleaner is releasable to the lavatory bowl.

46. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 45 in which the cleaner comprises one or more of a detergent, a germicide or a perfume.

47. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 45 or Claim 46 when appendant to any one of Claims 33 to 44 in which the cleaner is released concomitantly with discharge of water into the lavatory bowl.

48. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 45 or Claim 46 when appendant to any one of Claims 33 to 44 in which the cleaner is released by means which are operatively connected with the means for discharge of water into the lavatory bowl.

49. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 45 or Claim 46 when appendant to any one of Claims 33 to 44 in which the cleaner is released from the reservoir by means which are actuated independently of the means by which water is discharged into the lavatory bowl.

50. A lavatory assembly according to any one of the preceding claims which further comprises odour emission limiting means to limit emission of gases from the lavatory bowl and outlet pipe.

51. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 50 in which the odour emission limiting means comprises means to close an opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl.

52. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 50 or Claim 51 in which the odour emission limiting means comprises a paddle wheel assembly, paddles of which rotate about an axis which extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe.

53. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 50 or Claim 51 in which the odour emission limiting means comprises a platform which is adjustable for height between a first position in which it closes the opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl and a second position in which it does not close the opening of the outlet pipe into the lavatory bowl.

54. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 53 in which the platform is movable between first and second positions by means which are responsive to pressure on the lavatory seat.

55. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 50 to 54 in which the odour emission limiting means comprises an opening in the lavatory bowl which communicates with gas extraction means by which gases in the lavatory bowl can be exhausted through the opening away from the lavatory bowl.

56. A lavatory assembly according to any one of Claims 50 to 55 in which the odour emission limiting means comprises a hollow body defining a chamber which presents an opening towards the lavatory bowl and a further opening which communicates with gas extraction means such that gases in the lavatory bowl can be withdrawn through the opening into the chamber and from thence exhausted via the further opening to atmosphere.

57. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 56 in which the body comprises a hollow lavatory seat.

58. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 56 in which the body is adapted to be secured to a lavatory seat.

59. A lavatory assembly according to Claim 58 in which the body has a shape and configuration such that it can be placed substantially in register with at least a part of a lavatory seat.

60. A lavatory assembly substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

61. In combination, a lavatory assembly as herein defined and a matter translating means for use therewith for conveying matter as herein defined away from the lavatory bowl via the outlet pipe.

62. A combination according to Claim 61 in which the matter translating means, in use, rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof.

63. A combination according to Claim 61 or Claim 62 in which the matter translating means is an auger.

64. A combination according to any one of Claims 61 to 63 in which the matter translating means is shapable so as to be bent along its length.

65. A combination according to any one of Claims 61 to 64 in which the matter translating means comprises a resilient material.

66. A combination according to any one of Claims 61 to 65 in which the matter translating means comprises polypropylene.

67. A combination according to any one of Claims 61 to 66 in which the matter translating means is dimensioned so as to sealingly engage with an internal wall of a pipe which defines a passageway which is continuous with the lavatory bowl.

68. A combination substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

69. A method of removing matter as herein defined from a lavatory bowl of a lavatory assembly as herein defined comprising the steps of: movably mounting, within a pipe which defines a passageway which is continuous with the lavatory bowl, a matter translating means, providing a drive means by actuation of which the matter translating means can be moved between a moving condition and an unmoving condition and, actuating the drive means to change the matter translating means from the unmoving condition to the moving condition.

70. A method according to Claim 69 in which the lavatory assembly is in accordance with Claim 2 or Claim 3.

71. A method according to Claim 69 or Claim 70 in which the matter translating means is in accordance with any one of Claims 4 to 11.

72. A method according to any one of Claims 69 to 71 in which the drive means is in accordance with any one of Claims 13 to 18.

73. A method substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

74. A sewer assembly comprising a plurality of pipes each of which affords a drive means, an orifice which orifice communicates with an opening in a sump and a matter translating means operatively connected with the drive means to permit of being driven thereby such that matter can be translated along the pipes between adjacent sumps.

75. A sewer system according to Claim 74 in which the drive means is afforded at or adjacent a first longitudinal end of the or each pipe.

76. A sewer assembly according to Claim 74 or Claim 75 in which the orifice is afforded adjacent a first longitudinal end of a pipe.

77. A sewer assembly according to any one of Claims 74 to 76 in which, in at least some of the pipes, a further orifice is provided at or adjacent a second longitudinal end thereof which further orifice communicates with an opening in a sump.

78. A sewer assembly according to any one of Claims 74 to 77 in which the matter translating means is in accordance with the matter translating means as defined in any one of Claims 5 to 11.

79. A sewer assembly according to any one of Claims 74 to 78 in which the drive means is in accordance with the drive means as defined in Claim 14.

80. A sewer assembly according to any one of Claims 74 to 79 in which one or more of the pipes comprises a shapeable material.

81. A sewer assembly according to any one of Claims 74 to 80 in which each drive means is operatively connected to a single actuating means whereby they can simultaneously be actuated to move matter along the sewer assembly.

82. A sewer assembly substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

83. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.