GB2462875A

GB2462875A - Toilet seat with pivoting spray arms

Info

Publication number: GB2462875A
Application number: GB0814726A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oladapo Taiwo Kogbodoku
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-12
Filing date: 2008-08-12
Publication date: 2010-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-12
Also published as: GB2462875B; GB0814726D0

Abstract

There is provided a toilet seat with spray devices for washing a user. A pair of spray arms 10 is mounted in an opposed relationship on opposite sides of the toilet seat 1. Each spray arm extends from below the toilet seat and each is at anged to spray a jet of water such that the jets converge towards a central location of the seat. The arms are pivoted at one end to the toilet seat. The pivot connection 18 lowers the end of the spray arm from a storage position into a use position where the end of the spray arm and spray nozzle are spaced a distance below the toilet seat. The toilet seat may include additional features such as odour extraction 50 and drying devices 40, 55. The utilities for the seat are provided on the cistern and the components may be supplied in kit-form for retro-fitting to existing toilets.

Description

TOILET SEAT

The present specification relates to a toilet seat, in particular one which is provided with a plurality of spray devices for washing a region of the user's anatomy. The toilet seat may include additional features and functions. The toilet seat may be retro-fitted to an existing toilet installation.

There have been many improvements in toilet design in the last few years, with toilet seats and toilet bowls incorporating an array of attachments that are arranged to wash and/or dry regions of the user's anatomy or to remove unwanted odours. In most instances, these attachments are incorporated into the design of the toilet itself and the toilets are retailed in a specialist market where they can command a high price. Examples are known where spray deviëes may be activated at the push of a button, causing the spray device to glide out from a recess in the toilet bowl to a position directly under the user, and then spray ajet of washing fluid at the bottom of the user. When it is not performing the cleaning function, the spray device is retracted out of the way into the side of the toilet bowl.

A number of attempts have been made to incorporate spray devices into the toilet seat rather than the toilet bowl. For example, it is known to provide spaced-apart nozzle holes that are adapted to provide a plurality of water streams from the inner periphery of the toilet seat, which are directed at the user. It is also known to provide a spray arm that extends from the toilet seat to a position directly under the user, which in most instances the spray arm will extend from the rear of the toilet seat or from one side. Additional spray arms may be provided at a froiit location of the toilet seat to wash the user's genitals. In another example, it is known to provide --a spray arm which extends from a side of the seat and moves via a pivot connection from a stowed configuration under the seat to a use position where it is arranged immediately under the user. The spray arm moves in a horizontal plane which is substantially parallel to that of the toilet seat abouta vertjpally arranged axis.

Despite all these advances, further improvements to the washing capability of a toilet seat is desired.

From a first broad aspect, the present invention provides a toilet seat which is provided with a plurality of spray devices for washing a region of the user's anatomy, wherein the spray devices comprise a pair of spray arms that are mounted in an opposed relationship on opposite sides of the toilet seat, each spray arm extending from a connection on an under surface of the toilet seat and each arranged to spray a jet of washing fluid such that the jets converge towards a central location for washing a region of the user, each spray arm being connected at one end to the toilet seat via a pivot connection and being provided at the other distal end with a spray nozzle for emitting the jet of washing fluid, wherein the pivot connection is arranged to lower the distal end of the spray arm from a storage position where the arm is held substantially flush with the under surface of the toilet seat, into a use position where the distal end of the spray arm is spaced a distance below the toilet seat.

An advantage of the present invention is that as a result of lowering the distal ends of the spray arms into the toilet bowl, the jets of washing fluid can be directed at a steeper angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the toilet seat than jets which are emitted from a height closer to the level of the toilet seat (i.e. the angle between the horizontal plane of the toilet seat and the washing fluid is greater). In addition, the angle is not so steep that the jets are aimed directly upwards at the user.

For example, the distal ends are preferably lowered to a position where the spray nozzles can direct jets of washing fluid that converge at an angle of between 100 and degrees towards the central location under the user. This enables the jets of washing fluid to be more precise and helps to avoid the inconvenience of washing fluid being deflected off the user and escaping from the under surface of the toilet seat. Furthermore, by using two spray devices in the form of spray arms, washing fluid can be sprayed from the left and right sides of the central opening in the toilet seat, towards the user as a converging spray. This has been found to provide a more comfortable and effective cleaning action.

Preferably in the use position, the distal end of each spray arm is spaced a distance of greater than 30 millimetres from the under surface of the toilet seat, more preferably greater than 50 millimetres, and more preferably still a separation of 70 millimetres or more exists between the distal end of the spray arm and the under surface of the toilet seat. Such a distance will typically correspond with a substantially vertical portion of the toilet bowl and consequently lowering the distal end of the spray arm by such an extension should not interfere with the toilet bowl but yet will still provide an advantageous cleaning action.

Preferably the jets of washing fluid converge at an angle of less than 140°, more preferably less than 1300. Preferably the angle of convergence is greater than 105°, more preferably greater than 1100, in order to provide an effective inclined jet of washing fluid. Preferably both jets of washing fluid are inclined at the same angle from distal ends of the spray arms that are lowered by the same extent (or substantially so within normal manufacturing toleranèes).

Preferably the jets of washing fluid are directed to a central location substantially in the plane of the toilet seat, corresponding to the position of the user's anus when the toilet seat is in use.

Preferably the pivot connection is arranged so that it is activated to lower the distal ends of the spray anus when a user sits on the seat.

A mechanical connection, for example, in the form of a spring-biased actuator, can be provided to operate the spray arms in this manner. In this way, the spray arms are deployed for the entire time that the user is present on the seat. It has the advantage that no additional electronic devices are required to manoeuvre the spray arms into position. Preferably the pair of spray arms are each provided with an actuator.

Preferably the axis of the pivot connection extends in a plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of the toilet seat. In use, when the toilet seat is resting on the top of the toilet bowl, preferably the axis extends in a substantially horizontal direction. This is advantageous because the pivotal movement of the side az-rn is then in a substantially vertical plane. In other words, the distal end of the spray arm is lowered into a position which is directly below its storage position. In this way, the spray arm, although it is in a lowered position, is out of the way whilst the user is using the toilet. The axis may be inclined up to 450 from the horizontal in some embodiments, though the greater the angle, the less desirable this becomes because then the distal ends of the spray arms extend substantially under the user in their lowered position. More preferably any inclination on this pivot axis is less than 30°, more preferably less than 20°, and in the most preferred embodiments is within 10° if the horizontal plane of the toilet seat.

In one preferred embodiment, a mechanical linkage operates to pivot the spray arm about the pivot connection, moving the spray ann from its storage position to its use position, and vice versa. Preferably the mechanical linkage is actuated through the weight of the user and the action of the user sitting down on the toilet seat. A spring-biased plunger may be connected to the mechanical linkage in order to actuate the pivot connection. The plunger may protrude from the under surface of the toilet seat and engage against the top edge of the toilet bowl in use.

Thus, as the user sits on the toilet seat, the spray ann may be displaced downwardly as the plunger moves against the spring bias into a recess in the toilet seat.

Preferably the mechanical linkage includes a pivot arm to translate displacement from the plunger into displacement of the spray arm.

Whilst it is envisaged that electro-mecharucal actuators could be used to pivot the spray arms from a storage position to a use position, preferably the actuation is entirely mechanical in order to avoid the need to incorporate electronics and a motor into this region of the toilet seat. In one embodiment a hydraulic actuator is used in place of a spring biased plunger and actuating means are provided to pivot the spray arms in response to the changes in hydraulic pressure. In another, a spring biased plunger is provided with a track for a cog to engage, the rotational movement of the cog then being coupled to the pivot connection of the spray arm to lower and raise the spray arm as the plunger moves within its housing.

In one preferred embodiment, the pivot connection for each of the spray arms comprises a cylindrical member, which also functions as a conduit for the washing fluid. In one embodiment, the washing fluid may be guided by a tube which extends through this conduit. In this way construction of the spray arm can be simplified.

Preferably the spray arm includes one or more additional nozzles extending adjacent to its connected end which is/are provided for cleaning the spray arm.

Anti-bacterial substances are preferably incorporated in the supply of washing fluid, for example, in the form of a small cartridge or tablet which is fitted into the supply for cleaning the spray arm.

In one preferred embodiment, the jet of washing fluid is emitted from the spray nozzle as a mist. This has been found to provide a more gentle and controllable cleaning action. The washing fluid is preferably water, more preferably water which has been warmed (for example to a temperature of between 25 to 33°C, more preferably around 30°C).

Preferably in the storage position, the spray arm is received within a recess provided in the under surface of the toilet seat. Preferably this recess is in the form of a channel which hides a large proportion (for example >50%, more preferably >75%) of the spray arm from view. In the use position, the spray arm may be lowered into a configuration where it is still aligned vertically with the channel.

In one preferred embodiment, the toilet seat also includes a spray device arranged at the front of the toilet seat for spraying washing fluid at the user's genitals. In one embodiment this is in the form of a substantially hemispherical or dome-like member which includes a substantially V-shaped channel. The channel is arranged to receive washing fluid from a conduit, guide it to a lower region of the bemi-spherical member and then direct it in an inclined direction towards the user's genitals.

Preferably the toilet seat incorporates three conduits for supplying washing fluid to each of the two spray arms and the frontal spray device. A fourth conduit is preferably provided for a forced air drying device arranged at the front of the toilet seat. If further spray at-ins are included in the toilet seat, then additional washing fluid conduits may be provided. Preferably a further conduit is provided for conveying heated fluid through the toilet seat in order to warm the seat for the user.

The conduits are preferably in the form of tubing located within recesses provided in the moulding of the toilet seat.

Preferably the toilet seat is constructed from two mouldings. The mouldings may be produced in different colours. In one preferred embodiment, the moulding for the upper surface of the toilet seat is produced from a transparent plastics material, for example, a clear acrylic or similar resin based material. The lower moulding for the toilet seat may be moulded from an opaque material which may be the same as or a different type of plastics material to the upper moulding. The lower moulding may incorporate channels in its upper surface for the washing fluid conduits as well as recesses in the under surface for the spray arms and actuating mechanisms. A printed layer or sticker may be provided between the upper and lower mouldings in order to partially or selectively obscure from view components like the conduits. Preferably the sheet material leaves visible the distal ends of the spray arms.

The toilet seat may also be provided with other attachments to provide further functions. For example, a duct, which is connected to an extractor, may be provided to remove unpleasant odours. Additional ducts may be provided connected to a fan for supplying air, preferably warm air, for drying the regions of the user that have been washed. -7..-

Preferably the toilet seat incorporates an additional seat which is sized for a child. The child's toilet seat is adapted to fold down and rest on the main toilet seat when used by a child. The child's toilet seat is preferably moulded from a transparent plastics material.

Preferably a lid is provided to cover over the toilet seat and/or the child's seat when the toilet is not in use. This may be moulded in a plastics material. In one example, the plastics material is transparent arid the moulded cover includes a sheet of material within the moulding which obscures all but a central region of the toilet bowl from view. In one embodiment, the sheet of material incorporated into the moulding also serves to provide a reinforcement function to the toilet seat lid.

Where a transparent material is used in part or for the whole of the lid, preferably a visible light emitting member is incorporated into the moulding, for example a member possibly in the form of a strip, ring or logo, which has photoluminescent properties. In this way it may cause the lid to glow when the room is not lit in order to make the toilet more inviting and appealing to the user. In one embodiment the member having the photoluminescent properties is in the form of a ring which encircles a central transparent region of the toilet lid. In another, the strip-like member is incorporated into the rim of the toilet lid.

Preferably the toilet seat, the child's toilet seat if provided, and the toilet seat cover are joined at the back via a hinge mechanism. In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism incorporates a device which lowers the child's seat and/or cover slowly from a raised position.

Preferably the conduits for the washing fluid, odour extraction andlor drying air, exit the toilet seat moulding at the hinge region, at the rear of the toilet seat. The conduits preferably extend from the hinge region within a sleeve to a male/female connector, the sleeve being of a sufficient length that the connector can be positioned above or substantially at the height of the top of the cistern.

Preferably the utilities that are provided for the toilet seat, for example, the washing fluid supply or supplies, the extractor fan for the odour removal, the blowing fan for the drying air, and any heaters which are provided for warming the air or washing fluids, are contained within a single housing that is mountable on top of the toilet cistern. The housing preferably contains an activated charcoal cartridge for use in the odour extraction system. It may also house a mother board and suitable electronics for controlling the utilities. Preferably a plurality of connections to the utilities extend from the housing within a sleeve between a male/female connector adjacent the top of the cistern to another male/female connector which plugs into the rear of the toilet seat.

Thus, in this aspect of the present invention, the new toilet seat may be provided as an after-sales item which can be retro-fitted to an existing toilet appliance. The apparatus would be provided as three parts: the toilet seat which is 15' mountable on an existing toilet bowl using the conventional hinge attachment points, a second part which is in the form of a box or housing that sits on top of or replaces the cover of a conventional cistern, the housing containing all the utilities required for the operation of the toilet seat, and a sleeve of conduits or feed lines which is connectable with the toilet seat and the housing with push-fit connections. In one embodiment, the sleeve of conduits is provided with a permanent connection to the rear of the toilet scat, and in such an arrangement the apparatus would comprise only two parts. The apparatus is intended to be installable using basic NY skills. The male/female connector to the housing and the utilities, being located at or above the height of the top of the cistern, helps to avoid any possible risk of an electric shock.

In addition, having the two or three component arrangement (i.e. the toilet seat and the housing containing the utilities which are connected by a sleeve of feed lines having one or more male/female connector) means that if there is ever a problem.

with one or other of the parts not working properly, then rather than calling out an engineer, the user may obtain a replacement part and then simply plug it into the part (or parts) which is still working.

Thus, according to another aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for fitting to a toilet comprising: a toilet seat which is provided with a plurality of spray devices for directing a supply of washing fluid at a user and a duct for extracting unwanted odours; a housing for mounting on the top of a cistern which contains at least a pump for feeding a supply of washing fluid to the spray devices and an extractor fan for extracting unwanted odours; and a sleeve containing a plurality of feed lines to the toilet seat for the washing fluid supply and odour extraction, the sleeve being provided with one half of a male/female connector for connecting to a corresponding connector provided on the housing and on the toilet seat.

Providing a second male/female connector at the entry into the rear of the toilet seat where the sleeve containing the plurality of feed lines connects with the toilet seat and arranging the feed lines in a symmetrical manner, allows the sleeve to run either left or right between the rear of the toilet seat and the cistern, depending on the mounting of the housing on top of the cistern. The housing is preferably reversible and can be mounted either way round, with its half of the male/female connector extending from a left or right edge depending on available space.

The housing is preferably provided with a switch device for registering when the toilet seat cover is in a raised position. In one preferred embodiment this may be a switch device which responds to a magnetic element provided in the toilet seat cover. Preferably a switch device is provided in both the front and rear edges of the housing (i.e., two switch devices are provided) so that the housing can be reversed to position the male/female connector on the other side of the toilet. In another embodiment the switch device has an infrared emitter and detector.

Preferably the housing is provided with an activated charcoal cartridge, which the extracted odours are vented through before they are discharged. A replaceable scented element, for example, a strip of perfumed gel, may be provided -10-in the path of the discharged air, in order to provide an air freshening function that improves the ambience of the room.

An anti-bacterial material may be provided in the odour extraction duct. In one example, a cartridge containing anti-bacterial material is provided as a peg which is pushed into an aperture on the underside of the toilet seat and into the odour extraction duct. The aperture may also provide a channel for fluid on the under surface of the toilet seat to drain through and into the toilet bowl. The anti-bacterial cartridge can be replaced once it has been used up.

Preferably the housing is provided with a second fan for supplying a feed of drying air to the toilet seat. The feed may supply drying air to one or more outlets which are directed to the front and rear regions of the usefs anatomy. In another embodiment, separately controllable feeds are provided for the front and rear drying air outlets.

The housing may also include a heater to warm the feed of washing fluid prior to delivery to the spray devices. A thermostat may be provided to control the temperature of the washing fluid.

Preferably a second heater is provided within the housing to warm a supply of warming fluid which is fed to the toilet seat via additional feed lines within the sleeve.

The housing may also include a pump for introducing water into a washing fluid reservoir and/or a warming fluid reservoir.

The housing may also be provided with an electric supply connector for supplying electricity to the fan, pump and heating devices contained within the housing. A mother board may also be provided with suitable operating electronics for controlling the electrical devices. Preferably the mother board is mounted within -Il -the housing at a location above the feed lines in order to avoid any possible risk of short circuiting from a leak in the feed lines.

Preferably actuator buttons are provided on top of the housing which actuate the normal flush mechanisms of the cistern. Buttons may be provided for delivering a light or heavy flush respectively.

The sleeve may contain an electrical supply for the toilet seat. In one preferred embodiment, the toilet seat includes a key pad with a plurality of buttons for electrical switches which the user can press to select certain functions, for example, the spraying of washing fluid from the spray arms andlor a frontal spray device, the extraction of odours, the blowing of drying air to a rear andlor frontal region of the user, the circulation of warming fluid or even the activation of a vibratory massaging device. The sleeve containing the plurality of feed lines, preferably includes a barrier layer or skin positioned between the fluid containing feed lines and the electrical supply in order to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

The sleeve is flexible and is sized to extend from the top of the cistern to the toilet seat.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a toilet seat in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the lid and child's toilet seat being fully hinged open; Figure 2 shows an enlargement of a portion of the toilet seat of Figure 1 as a cross-section along A-A with some details omitted for ease of reference; Figure 3 shows a side elevation of a cross-section along B-B in Figure 1 with the toilet lid and child's seat in an upright configuration; -12 -Figure 4 shows a sectional view along C-C in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of a preferred spray arm and actuating mechanism; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a toilet having a preferred toilet seat of the present invention installed thereon; Figure 7 illustrates schematically the possible contents of the cistern-top box, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;* Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of a preferred toilet seat; Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the housing which fits on top of the cistern; and Figure 10 shows an example of an alternative arrangement having a squarer, more contemporary outline, as compared to the oval outline of the toilet seat illustrated in Figzre 1.

As shown in Figure 1, the preferred toilet seat arrangement of the present invention comprises three main components which fit to an existing toilet installation. These are the toilet seat 1, the toilet lid 2 and a child's seat 3 sandwiched between the toilet seat 1 and the lid 2. A hinge arrangement 4 is provided at the rear 5 of the toilet seat 1 in order to provide a hinge mechanism for the toilet seat 1, the lid 2 and the child's seat 3. The hinge arrangement 4 is preferably sized to fit existing toilet installations and includes conventional hinge attachments. The hinge arrangement 4 preferably includes a mechanism which slows down the lowering of one or each of the toilet seat 1, lid 2 and child's seat 3.

-13 -Thus a damped movement is provided when the components are released from a raised position.

The toilet seat 1 has a ring-like form with a closed frontal region 6. This provides a substantially oval opening 7 through to the toilet bowl beneath (the outline of which is shown in dashed lines). The oval opening 7 defines an inner periphery 8 of the toilet seat 1. As is conventional with existing toilets, this inner periphery 8 generally corresponds to the inner profile of the toilet bowl but is stepped inwardly of that inner surface. This step is usually of the order around 20 millimetres or more inwardly of the inside surface of the toilet bowl. As will be explained in more detail below, this region of overlap is important for the operation of the spray arms.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the toilet seat I includes two spray arms 10 mounted on opposite sides of its under surface 11. The spray arms 10 are each pivotally connected to a support member 12, which together with four other support members 13 shown in Figure 1, support the weight of the user and transfer the load to the top edge of the toilet bowl. The support members 12 for the spray arms 10 are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the toilet seat I at an approximately mid-way position. The spray arms 10 extend from a tubular housing 14 in a direction towards the rear 5 of the toilet seat 1. The spray arms 10 may include an angled portion 15 in order to bring the distal end 16 of the spray arm 10 closer to the inner periphery 8 of the toilet seat 1. This also has the benefit of allowing the support member 12 to extend in a substantially radial direction from the centre of the oval opening 7 which improves the appearance of the apparatus. The distal end 16 of the spray arm 10 is provided with a nozzle 17 for spraying a jet of washing fluid at the anus of the user. Preferably the nozzle 17 is adapted to emit the washing fluid as a fine mist, preferably as a mist of warmed water.

Figure 2 illustrates an enlargement of the rear half of the toilet seat looking at a cross-section along A-A of Figure 1. Preferably the toilet seat 1 is formed from two mouldings la, lb which are sandwiched together. In the figure, the lower moulding ib, which provides a housing for the conduits and other features, has been omitted for ease of understanding (for example, with the lower moulding lb in place the spray arm 10 is substantially hidden from view) As shown in more detail in Figure 5, the support member 12 includes a tubular member 18 within a cut-out region of the support member 12 to support the tubular housing 14 in a substantially orthogonal relationship. The tubular member 18 may either pass through the tubular housing 14 at right angles thereto, or it may be in the form of two smaller components which are joined to either side of the tubular housing 14. The tubular member 18 provides a pivotal connection for the tubular housing 14, to enable it to pivot with respect to the support member 12.

Preferably the axis 19 of this pivotal connection extends substantially in the plane of the toilet seat 1 (which is a horizontal plane when the toilet seat 1 is in use). Also preferably the axis 19 extends substantially in the radial direction towards the centre of the oval opening 7 in the toilet seat 1.

The spray arms 10 are arranged to pivot about axis 19 when a user sits on the toilet seat 1. Thus the distal end 16 of the spray arm 10 is lowered from a storage position where it is located adjacent the under surface 11 of the toilet seat 1, to a lowered use position which is spaced from the under surface 11. This lowered position may be 50 millimetres or more below the under surface 11' of the toilet seat 1. This allows the jet of washing fluid to be directed at a more steeply inclined direction towards the anus of the user than sprays emitted from the level of the toilet seat 1. The inclined nature of the spray is also believed to provide a better and more comfortable cleaning action than the known spray devices that extend to a position directly under the user and spray vertically upwards and/or on the central fore-rear axis of the toilet. The pivoting action also has the effect of bringing forward the relative position of the distal end 16, spacing it slightly further from the rear 5 of the toilet seat. This further improves the spray direction of the washing fluid jets. It also helps to avoid the distal end 16 dropping into contact with the inside surface of the toilet bowl because the pivotal movement tends to follow the curvature of the toilet bowl. -15-

The spray arms 10 are preferably replaceable items, either in whole or a distal portion thereof. The spray arms 10 preferably connect with a push-fit connection that provides positive feedback, for example in the form of a click to inform the user that the new spray arms 10 are properly located. In One embodiment a bayonet connection is provided. Markings may be provided to indicate that correct alignment has been achieved.

As shown more clearly in Figure 5, a spring biased plunger 20 is provided protruding from the base of the support member 12. When a user sits on the toilet seat 1, the plunger 20 is pushed into its housing within the support member 12 and this translatory movement is transferred to the end of a linkage arm 21. Movement of the linkage arm 21 causes a first end 22 of a lever 23 to pivot about a pdint 24, in turn moving a second end 25 of the lever 23 an opposite and amplified amount. The second end 25 is connected to a second linkage arm 26 which is connected to pivot the tubular housing 14 about the pivot axis 19 of the tubular member 18. This causes the distal end 16 of the spray arm 10 to lower into the use position. When the user lifts his/her weight from the toilet seat, the spring 27, which biases the plunger 20, returns the spray arm 10 into its storage position, adjacent the under surface 11 of the toilet seat 1. Since the spring 27 is of a stiffness which is designed to compress under the weight of the user (rather than the weight of the toilet seat I alone), there is plenty of spring force to raise the spray arm 10 into its storage position. In addition, valves 28 are provided to halt the flow of washing fluid through conduit 35 when the user lifts off the toilet seat 1, and this may reduce the amount of washing fluid remaining in the spray arm I 0, and hence reduce its weight as the spray arm 10 is being lifted up. To provide additional room for the plunger to translate within, a recess may be provided into the upper half of the toilet seat moulding (see Figure 3) andlor the plunger may include a hollow to accommodate compression of the spring 27.

In alternative arrangements (not shown) the lever 23 may slide at pivot point 24 during the pivotal movement so that one of the ends 22, 25 of the lever 23 can follow a straight line path. In general, the mechanism has to translate the in and out movement of the plunger into an opposite lowering and raising movement of the spray arm 10, preferably causing an amplified movement of the spray ann, and any mechanism that can achieve this function is considered to be within the present invention. For example, it is envisaged that such a novement could be achieved using a plunger 20 with a toothed rack that is then used to rotate a member in the form of a cog or lever arm about an axis, which in turn drives a toothed member that lowers and raises the spray arm 10. Additional gearing may also be incorporated as necessary in order to provide the appropriate amount of movement at the distal end 16 of the spray arm 10.

Extending from the tubular housing 14 is an additional spray device 29 which is connected to the washing fluid supply. This spray device 29 functions to clean the spray arm 10. A replaceable anti-bacterial element may be provided in the path of washing fluid extending through this spray device 29.

As shown in Figure 1, the toilet seat may be provided with a frontal spray device 30 for spraying washing fluid at the users genitals. In the embodiment illustrated, it is in the form of a domed moulding within which a passage 32 extends to direct washing fluid in a slightly inclined manner towards the genitals of the user.

A cross-sectional view along C-C in Figure 1 is shown in Figure 4. As can be seen, the washing fluid passage 32 has a substantially V-shaped path. The toilet seat I is provided with a washing fluid supply conduit 33 for supplying the frontal spray device 30 with washing fluid. A valve 34, for example, in the form of a spring loaded plunger with an aperture therethrough, may be provided in one of the support members 12, 13 in order to shut off the washing fluid supply conduit 33 when the toilet seat 1 is no longer in use.

As shown in Figure 1, a frontal drying device 40 may extend from a side region of the toilet seat I or as shown in Figure 9, from adjacent the frontal spray device 30. The frontal drying device 40 comprises an outlet 41 which is connected to a conduit 42 for supplying a feed of forced air towards the genitals of the user. -17-

The conduit 42 may extend around the opposite side of the toilet seat 1 to that of the washing fluid conduit 33 for the frontal spray device 30.

At the rear of the toilet seat 1 an extractor 50 is provided for removing unwanted odours. The extractor 50 comprises a funnel-like opening or duct 51 which connects to a conduit 52 leading to an extractor fan. When the extractor fan is activated, air is drawn into the conduit 52 via duct 51 in order to remove any unwanted odours. The mouthpiece 53 forming the duct 51 may include retaining means for holding an anti-bacterial cartridge 54. A second conduit 55 is shown joining to the mouthpiece 53 for the supply of forced air for drying the user's anus.

An additional conduit 60 may be provided as shown in Figure 1, extending the entire way around the toilet seat 1 for feeding warming fluid through the seat in order to improve the comfort of the user on cold days.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the various conduits for carrying washing fluid 35, 33, forced air feeds 42, 52 and 55, and heating fluid 60 all exit at the rear 5 of the toilet seat 1 between the hinge elements 4a, 4b which fix the toilet seat to the toilet bowl. A push-fit connector is provided for connecting the conduits 35, 33, 42, 52, 55, 60 to a plurality of feed lines 70 housed within a sleeve 71. In the arrangement shown, the sleeve 71 is provided with the male half of the connector 72, while the toilet seat I is provided with the corresponding female portion 73. The connector provides a linear array of connections to the conduits 35, 33, 42, 52, 55, 60.

The plurality of feed lines 70 are retained within an inner sleeve 74 which provides a fluid impermeable barrier between the feed lines 70 and an electrical supply 75.

A keypad 79 extends from the toilet seat I for controlling the various functions, and a feedback circuit is provided to convey the operating instructions to a mother board 80 (see Figure 7) and its associated electronics that are contained within a housing 81 mounted on top of the toilet cistern 82. Buttons may be -18-provided to activate the wash and dry functions, the odour removal, the seat warmer, the seat vibrator, and any additional devices that are fitted. In addition the keypad 79 may incorporate a screen to display messages or instructions. The keypad 79 may include a speaker to transmit the messages or instructions manually and may include a volume control. The messages could give guidance on the toilet functions or warnings of where there is a possible danger or where a component is due for replacement.

Also provided on the toilet seat 1 is a dispenser 65 for dispensing anti-bacterial fluid for wiping the top of the toilet seat 1. A replaceable cartridge 66 of anti-bacterial fluid can be pushed into a slot in the toilet seat I to feed the pump dispenser 65. A vibration generator (not shown) may also be provided in the toilet seat 1 in order to massage the regions of the user that are in contact with the seat.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred toilet installation. The toilet seat I is hinged to and rests upon an existing toilet bowl in a normal way. The sleeve 71 containing the plurality of feed lines 70 is visible extending from the rear of the toilet seat 1 up to the housing 81, which is located on top of the toilet cistern 82. The upper end of this sleeve 71 is provided with a male portion 76 of a push-fit connector which is received within a corresponding female connection 77 provided in the underside overhang of the housing 81. This arrangement helps to keep the sleeve 71 of feed lines in a close relationship to the cistern 82 which in turn improves the appearance of the unit. An additional connector jack 78 is provided for the electrical supply 75 in an adjacent region of the housing 81. A connector 83 is also provided for supplying mains electricity (or an electricity supply at a reduced voltage) to the housing 81. The connector 83 may include a rotatable connection mechanism so that when the power supply enters the connector 83 from above, a connection is made, but when the connector hangs in an alternative configuration (for example, if the power supply was coming from below the level of the toilet cistern 82), then the power supply would be cut. In this way, it can be ensured that the power supply connection would be above the nonnal minimum height requirements in order to meet modem building standards. An indicator LED 84 can be provided to signal that the power supply is properly connected to the housing 81.

The housing 81 is a box-shaped member, preferably with rounded edges, which is sized to sit on top of an existing toilet cistern, with perhaps a small overlap at some or all of the edges. The housing 81 contains all the utilities for the toilet seat I as will be explained in more detail below.

Figure 7 shows a cross-section though the housing 81 looking at the utilities in p'an. The rotatable connector 83 can be seen at the left hand side for feeding the electrical power supply to the housing 81. The power supply is fed to an electric power box 85 containing a fuse and transformer to reduce the voltage from mains voltage, before the power is fed to an encased, raised motherboard 86. The motherboard 86 is provided with all the electronics and associated wiring for controlling the utilities within the housing 81. The motherboard 86 may operate the extractor fan 87, a drying fan 88, a washing fluid feed 89, a seat warmer feed 90, any associated immersion heaters 91, a water pump 92 and a trigger switch 93 or feed to a remote trigger switch 93a which is provided on the housing 81. The motherboard 86 is positioned above the various feed-lines to the utilities. T1e trigger switch 93 is preferably actuated by a magnetic element which is moulded into the top surface of the toilet lid 3 in a frontal region thereof. Once actuated by raising the toilet lid 3, the immersion heater 91 can heat up the washing fluid and seat warming fluid in preparation for use. In an alternative arrangement, an infrared trigger switch is employed to operate the same way.

The water pump 92 has an inlet 94 which can be connected to an external water supply or may drop down through the bottom of the housing 81 into the toilet cistern 82 to access the water supply there. The water pump 92 ensures that an adequate supply of water is maintained in the washing fluid reservoir 89 and the seat warmer reservoir 90. In an arrangement not shown, a chamber could be incorporated in the housing 81 to store distilled or filtered water for one or both of the reservoirs 89, 90 as a way of minimising the build up of lime scale within the -20 -system. A drainage hole 95 is provided in the bottom of the housing 81 in order to allow any water to drain into the cistern 82 below in the event of a leak.

A first washing fluid conduit 96 connects the washing fluid feed 89 to the second terminal of the female portion 77 of the connector arranged in the housing 81. This conduit 96 is for supplying washing fluid to the feed line for the frontal spray device 30. A second washing fluid conduit 97 extending from the washing fluid feed 89, branches into two to supply.the third and sixth terminals of the female portion 77 of the connector with washing fluid. The washing fluid is supplied by the feed lines to the spray arms 10 of the toilet seat 1. A seat warmer fluid conduit 98a extends from the seat warmer feed 90 in order to supply warm water to the seat wanner feed at terminal I of the connector 77. Terminal 8 of the connector 77 provides the return conduit 98b for the seat warmer fluid. The drying fan 88 is connected via a first drying air conduit 99 to the fourth terminal of the connector 77.

This conduit 99 feeds forced air via the feed line to the rear drying device 55 of the toilet seat 1. A second drying air conduit 100 is connected to the drying fan 88 for supplying the feed line of the frontal drying device 40 via the seventh terminal of the connector 77. The fifth terminal of the connector 77 is connected to the feed line for the extractor 50. The extractor conduit 101 extends from the connector, through an activated charcoal device 102 to the extractor fan 87. The activated charcoal device 102 is preferably in the form of a replaceable cartridge. The air exhausted from the extractor fan 87 is passed through a scented device 103 in the form of a replaceable perfumed strip of gel 103 arranged above the activated charcoal device 102. The gel may be of a form which changes colour to indicate when it is time to replace it. The activated charcoal device 102 may be replaced at the same time or after multiple replacement of the scented device 103.

Actuating buttons 104 and 105 are provided in the top surface of the housing for activating the flush mechanism. Connecting members may extend through the housing 81 to transmit the pressing action of the user onto the normal flush mechanism provided in the cistern below. An actuating button 104 with a number or a single symbol may operate to provide only a light flush, whereas an actuating button 105 with a number "2" or a double symbol, may operate to provide a heavier flush.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view from the underside of a preferred toilet seat 1. As shown, the toilet seat 1 can be produced from two mouldings Ia and lb that are sandwiched together. In the upper surface of the lower moulding I b, channels can be provided to house the conduits 35, 32, 42, 52 and 55. The lower moulding also has a pair of recesses 110 provided for receiving the spray arms 10 in the storage position, and recesses 111 and 112 for the frontal spray device 30 and the mouth-piece 53 for the rear mounted extractor conduit 52 and drying air conduit 55.

A further recess 113 is provided for the frontal dryer 40. To illustrate an alternative, the domed attachment of the frontal spray device 30 is shown with two openings; one for the washing fluid 32 and the other for supplying drying air 40 to the genitals of the user. The drying air would be supplied to the frontal spray device along a similar but opposite conduit path to the washing fluid.

Depending on the available space for mounting the toilet seat I on an existing installation, there may not be room for the sleeve 71 of feed lines 70 to extend up the right-hand side of the cistern 82 shown in Figure 6. The male half of the connector 72 is preferably reversible within the corresponding female portion 73 so that the feed lines can be fed in the opposite direction along the rear 5 of the toilet set and up the left-hand side of the cistern 82.

Figure 9 illustrates the underside of the housing 81. The female portion 77 of the connector for the sleeve 71 and the connector jack 78 can be seen, as too the trigger switch 93 for the utilities in the housing 81. Underneath the water pump 92, a tube 120 is provided to pump up water from the bottom of the cistern 82 in order to feed the washing fluid reservoir 89 and the seat warmer reservoir 90. Also provided on the underside of the housing 81 are clips 121 or other devices to prevent the housing 81 from accidentally slipping off the cistern 82. These clips 121 may be accessible via a hole 122 in the base of the housing as shown.

In current times, there is a move towards sanitary ware with a more squared off appearance in order to give a more contemporary look to the fittings. Figure 10 illustrates bow the profile of the toilet seat 1, toilet'lid 2 and child's seat 3 might be modified from the oval shape in Figure 1 (shown in light detail, e.g., toilet seat I', S toilet lid 2' and child's seat 3') to a squarer shape (shown in bold). The other details could correspond to those as explained above, for example, the sleeve 71' could be the same. Other, profiles for the toilet seat I are also envisaged within the scope of the present invention, and these examples are in no way intended to be limiting.

As shown in Figure 10, the toilet lid 2 incorporates a central square region 123 which fits within the opening of the child's seat 3. Preferably this region 123 is made of transparent material so that the user can see that the toilet is properly clean before even raialng the toilet lid 2. In one preferred embodiment, a photoluminescent material is embedde4 into the transparent material of the toilet lid 2 around the perimeter of this region 123 so that a welcoming faint glow is apparent to the user. A similar photoluminescent material may be employed around the corresponding circular region 123' in the embodiment of Figure 3.

Finally also evident in Figure 3 is an embedded magnetic strip 124 in the toilet lid 2 to activate the magnetic trigger switch 93 on the housing 81, and magnetic elements 125 in adjacent regions of the toilet lid 2 and child's seat 3 to provide a magnetic clasp to retain the child's seat in place. Mechanical alternatives to the clasp can also be used as desired.

Claims

Claims: 1. A toilet seat which is provided with a plurality of spray devices for washing a region of the user's anatomy, wherein the spray devices comprise a pair of spray arms that are mounted in an opposed relationship on opposite sides of the toilet seat, each spray arm extending from a connection on an under surface of the toilet seat and each arranged to spray ajet of washing fluid such that the jets converge towards a central location for washing a region of the user, each spray arm being connected at one end to the toilet seat via a pivot connection and being provided at the other distal end with a spray nozzle for emitting the jet of washing fluid, wherein the pivot connection is arranged to lower the distal end of the spray arm from a storage position where the arm is held substantially flush with the under surface of the toilet seat, into a use position where the distal end of the spray arm is spaced a distance below the toilet seat.
2. A toilet seat as claimed in claim I, wherein the distal ends are lowered to a position where the spray nozzles can direct jets of washing fluid that converge at an angle of between 100 and 150 degrees towards the central location under the user.
3. A toilet seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the use position, the distal end of each spray arm is spaced a distance of greater than 30 millimetres from the under surface of the toilet seat.
4. A toilet seat as claimed in any of claims 1,2 or 3, wherein the axis of the pivot connection extends in a plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of the toilet seat.
5. A toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivot connection for each of the spray arms comprises a cylindrical member, which also functions as a conduit for the washing fluid.

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6. A toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivot connection is arranged so that it is activated to lower the distal ends of the spray arms when a user sits on the seat.
7. A toilet seat as claimed in claim 6, wherein each spray arm is actuated by a spring-biased actuator coupled to a mechanical linkage.
8. A toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a duct is provided for extracting unwanted odours.
9. A toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the toilet seat is provided with a frontal spray device for washing the genitals of the user.
10. A toilet seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein the toilet seat is provided with a frontal drying device for drying the genitals of the user.
11. A toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each spray arm includes an additional nozzle extending adjacent to its connected end which is provided for cleaning the spray arm and wherein an antibacterial material is provided in the supply of washing fluid for that additional nozzle.
12. A toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the toilet seat is fitted with a dispenser of antibacterial fluid which is received within a slot in the toilet seat.
13. A kit of parts for fitting to a toilet compriaing: a toilet seat as claimed in any preceding claim; a housing for mounting on the top of a cistern which contains at least a pump for feeding a supply of washing fluid to the spray devices; and a sleeve containing a plurality of feed lines which can connect the housing to the toilet seat to deliver the supply of washing fluid to the toilet seat.

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14. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 13, wherein the toilet seat includes a duct for extracting unwanted odours that is coupled to an extractor fan provided in the housing via a feed line contained in the sleeve.
15. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 14, wherein the housing is provided with an activated charcoal cartridge, which the extracted odours are vented through before they are discharged.
16. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 15, wherein a replaceable scented element is provided in the path of the discharged air.
17. A toilet seat or a kit of parts for a toilet substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.