GB2532998A

GB2532998A - Toilet flushing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2532998A
Application number: GB1421719.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denham Stuart
Original assignee: MORCE Ltd
Current assignee: MORCE Ltd
Priority date: 2014-12-05
Filing date: 2014-12-05
Publication date: 2016-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-05
Also published as: GB2532998B; GB201421719D0

Abstract

Toilet flushing apparatus 30 includes a pivoting flush container 9, which, in use, in a readiness condition, contains flush liquid 2, for example, water, for flushing a toilet and a mounting 10 for pivotally mounting the flush container 9. The flush container 9 is movable between a filling condition, in which, in use, the flush liquid 2 is located within the flush container 9, the readiness condition, and a discharge condition, in which at least some of the flush liquid 2 is discharged from the flush container 9 into a transfer arrangement 32, which transfers the discharged flush liquid (2) to a toilet pan. A alter embodiment relates to a method of flushing a toilet using said apparatus.

Description

Toilet Flushing Apparatus The present invention relates to toilet flushing apparatus.

Conventionally, toilet flushing apparatus includes a cistern for storing water and a valve which is actuated by a user to release the stored water under gravity into a toilet pan. In conventional apparatus, the valve includes a seal in the form of a washer, the seal being formed of a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or a plastics material. Over time, the effectiveness of the seal can become reduced, for example, by degradation of the seal material, and/or by trapped debris, and water can then leak past the seal. The leakage wastes water and reduces the efficiency of the flush, as the cistern takes longer to refill. Thus conventional apparatus requires maintenance.

In recent years, a focus on reducing water usage has led to a reduction in the volume of flushing water used in toilets. Many conventional arrangements restrict the rate of flow of water so that the flushing effect is reduced.

In conventional apparatus, water is stored in contact with outer walls of the cistern. In winter months, the stored water is usually cooler than the surrounding air temperature, which can cause condensation to form on outer surfaces of the cistern, and this condensation often encourages mould growth and nuisance moisture.

In this specification, it will be understood that the term "toilet" refers to a lavatory or water closet. A "toilet pan" could also be referred to as a toilet bowl.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided toilet flushing apparatus, the apparatus including: * a pivoting flush container, which, in use, in a readiness condition, contains flush liquid for flushing a toilet; * a mounting for pivotally mounting the flush container; * the flush container being movable between a filling condition, in which, in use, the flush liquid is located within the flush container, the readiness condition, and a discharge condition, in which at least some of the flush liquid is discharged from the flush container into a transfer arrangement, which transfers the discharged flush liquid to a toilet pan.

Possibly, the mounting is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the flush container around an axis of rotation.

Possibly, in use, the flush container and the flush liquid contained therein (if any) together have a centre of gravity.

Possibly, in the readiness condition, the centre of gravity is offset from the axis, so that the flush container is in an out of balance condition.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a movement controller. Possibly, in the readiness condition, the movement controller retains the flush container in the readiness condition.

Possibly, the movement controller includes a user operable control member to initiate a flush operation.

Possibly, when the flush operation is initiated, the apparatus moves automatically without further user intervention from the readiness condition to the discharge condition, and then may move automatically without further user intervention from the discharge condition to the filling condition and then may move automatically without further user intervention from the filling condition back to the readiness condition. Possibly, the apparatus remains in the readiness condition until the user initiates another flush operation.

Possibly, the movement controller includes a bias to move the flush container from the discharge condition to the filling condition. Possibly the bias comprises a weight. Possibly, the weight comprises the flush container.

Possibly, the flush container has a shape, which may be asymmetric around the axis.

Possibly, the location of the centre of gravity is determined by the shape of the flush container, and, possibly, the position and the amount of the weight, and, possibly, the location of the axis.

Possibly, the movement controller includes a retaining arrangement, which may be movable between a restraint condition and a release condition.

Possibly, in the restraint condition, the retaining arrangement retains the flush container in the readiness condition. Possibly, in the release condition, the retaining arrangement releases the flush container which moves automatically from the readiness condition to or towards the discharge condition.

Possibly, the movement controller includes a control surface, which may be associated with the flush container and may be mounted to, or form part of, or be comprised by a part of the flush container. The control surface may comprise one or a plurality of projections which may be engageable with the retaining arrangement.

The control surface may include a readiness projection. Possibly, in the restraint condition, the retaining arrangement abuts the readiness projection, to retain the flush container in the readiness condition.

Possibly, the discharge condition is a part flush discharge condition or a full flush discharge condition.

Possibly, in the part flush discharge condition, the flush container only discharges a part of the flush liquid in the flush container into the transfer arrangement.

Possibly, in the full flush discharge condition, substantially all of the flush liquid is discharged from the flush container into the transfer arrangement.

The control surface may include a part flush projection. Possibly, in the part flush discharge condition, the retaining arrangement abuts the part flush projection.

Possibly, in the release condition, the retaining arrangement is withdrawn out of engagement with the projections of the control surface.

Possibly, the apparatus includes the transfer arrangement. Possibly, the transfer arrangement includes a cistern, which may define an interior. Possibly, the cistern is located so as to receive the flush liquid when discharged from the flush container. Possibly, the flush container is located above or at least partially within the cistern. Possibly, the flush container is located substantially wholly within the cistern.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a fill arrangement, for filling the flush container in the filling condition. Possibly, the fill arrangement includes a fill valve, which may be movable between an open condition and a closed condition. Possibly, the fill valve is actuated by a fill valve actuator, which may move the fill valve between the open and the closed conditions. Possibly, the apparatus includes a fill valve controller, which causes the fill valve actuator to operate to move the fill valve between the open and closed conditions.

Possibly, the flush container includes a pair of spaced end panels, which may be parallel, and may each be substantially planar, and may substantially be the same shape and size.

Possibly, each of the end panels has an end panel shape comprising more than two and possibly substantially three quadrants of a circle. Possibly, the shape includes two straight edges, which may converge at or towards a vertex, which may be notional.

Possibly, the flush container includes a side panel, which may extend between the end panels, substantially continuously around a perimeter of the end panels, and may define a filling and discharge aperture. Possibly, the filling and discharge aperture extends alongside one of the straight edges.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a limit to limit rotation of the flush container. Possibly, the limit includes cushioning, which may slow down rotation before the limit is reached. Possibly, the limit prevents rotation of the flush container beyond the discharge condition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is method of flushing a toilet, the method including providing toilet flushing apparatus, the apparatus including: * a pivoting flush container, which, in use, in a readiness condition, contains flush liquid for flushing a toilet; * a mounting for pivotally mounting the flush container; * the flush container being movable between a filling condition, in which, in use, the flush liquid is located within the flush container, the readiness condition, and a discharge condition, in which at least some of the flush liquid is discharged from the flush container into a transfer arrangement, which transfers the discharged flush liquid to a toilet pan.

Possibly, the flushing apparatus includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description. Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of toilet flushing apparatus in a readiness condition; Fig. 2 is a side cross sectional view of the apparatus in the readiness condition; Fig. 3 is a side schematic view of part of the apparatus in a part flush discharge condition; Fig. 4 is a side schematic view of part of the apparatus in a full flush discharge condition; Fig. 5 is a side cross sectional view of part of the apparatus in a filling condition; Fig. 6 is a relatively enlarged side schematic view of the relative positions of a retaining arrangement and a control surface of the apparatus in the readiness condition, the part flush discharge condition (shown in dotted lines and indicated by arrow D) and the full flush discharge condition (shown in dotted lines and indicated by arrow E); Fig. 7 is a side schematic view of part of a second toilet flushing 25 apparatus; Fig. 8 is a side schematic view of part of a third toilet flushing apparatus; Fig. 9 is a side schematic view of part of a fourth toilet flushing apparatus; and Fig. 10 is a side schematic view of part of a fifth toilet flushing apparatus.

Figs. 1 to 6 show toilet flushing apparatus 30, the apparatus 30 including: * a pivoting flush container 9, which, in use, in a readiness condition, contains flush liquid 2, for example, water, for flushing a toilet; * a mounting 10 for pivotally mounting the flush container 9; * the flush container 9 being movable between a filling condition, in which, in use, the flush liquid 2 is located within the flush container 9, the readiness condition, and a discharge condition, in which at least some of the flush liquid 2 is discharged from the flush container 9 into a transfer arrangement 32, which transfers the discharged flush liquid 2 to a toilet pan.

In the example shown, the flush container 9 includes a pair of spaced end panels 50, which are substantially parallel. Each end panel 50 is substantially planar, and the end panels 50 are substantially the same shape and size.

In the example shown, each of the end panels 50 has a shape 62 comprising substantially three quadrants of a circle and two straight edges 52 which in the example shown, converge at a vertex 54. The flush container 9 includes a side panel 56, which extends between the end panels 50 substantially continuously around a perimeter of the end panels 50, and defines a filling and discharge aperture 58. In the example shown, the filling and discharge aperture 58 extends alongside one of the straight edges 52A.

In use, in the readiness and filling conditions, the flush container 9 is orientated so that the one of the straight edges 52A and the filling and discharge aperture 58 are substantially horizontal and upwardly directed.

The apparatus 30 includes the transfer arrangement 32, which includes a cistern 1, which defines an interior 36. The cistern 1 is located so as to receive the flush liquid 2 when discharged from the flush container 9. In the example shown, the flush container 9 is located substantially wholly within the cistern 1. The cistern 1 could include a lid (not shown).

The transfer arrangement 32 includes a transfer member 74, which could, for example, be in the form of a pipe which defines a passage 7. The cistern 1 defines a hole 4 which communicates with the passage 7.

The mounting 10 includes an axis of rotation 60, around which the flush container 9 pivots. The mounting 10 could include a mounting bracket 11, which could be located in the interior 36, and could be separate to, or form part of, be supported by, or be integral with the cistern 1.

The filling and discharge aperture 58 is located offset from vertical line running through the axis of rotation 60.

The apparatus 30 includes a movement controller 44. The movement controller 44 includes a retaining arrangement 12, which is movable between a restraint condition and a release condition. In the restraint condition, the retaining arrangement 12 retains the flush container 9 in the readiness condition. In the readiness condition, the flush container 9 is in an out of balance condition. In the release condition, the retaining arrangement 12 releases the flush container 9 which moves automatically from the readiness condition to or towards one of the discharge conditions.

In the example shown, the retaining arrangement 12 includes a retaining member 64.

The retaining arrangement 12 includes a user operable control member 66, which could be in the form of a handle or button, to initiate a flush 30 operation and move the apparatus 30 from the readiness condition to one of the discharge conditions.

The retaining arrangement 12 includes a connector 23, which could, for example, be in the form of a Bowden cable, which connects the retaining member 64 to the control member 66 and which transmits movement of the control member 66 to the retaining member 64 and vice versa.

The retaining arrangement 12 includes a bias 68 which biases the retaining member 64 to or towards the restraint condition. The bias 68 could comprise a spring 70.

The movement controller 44 includes a control surface 13, which, in the example shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is mounted to, or forms part of, or comprises a part of the flush container 9. In the example shown, the control surface 13 comprises a plurality of projections 46, 48 which are engageable with the retaining arrangement 12.

The control surface 13 includes a readiness projection 46. In the restraint condition, the retaining member 64 abuts the readiness projection 46 to retain the flush container 9 in the readiness condition.

In the example shown, the flush container 9 is movable to a part flush discharge condition, in which the flush container 9 only discharges a part of the quantity of the flush liquid 2. The control surface 13 includes a part flush projection 48. In the part flush discharge condition, the retaining member 64 abuts the part flush projection 48.

In the release condition, the retaining member 64 is withdrawn out of engagement with the projections 46, 48 of the control surface 13 The movement controller 44 includes a flush container bias 72 to bias the flush container 9 from the discharge condition to the filling condition. In the example shown, the flush container bias 72 comprises a weight 14, which is mounted to the flush container 9 at or towards a lowermost part of the flush container 9 when the flush container 9 is in use in the filling condition.

The weight 14 comprises the flush container 9.

The apparatus 30 includes a fill arrangement 3, for filling the flush container 9 in the filling condition. The fill arrangement 3 includes a fill valve 16 and an inlet pipe 20 through which the flush liquid flows from a supply 86 (as shown in Fig. 5) to the fill valve 16. The fill arrangement 3 includes a filling pipe 17 which conveys flush liquid from the fill valve 16 to the flush container 9. The fill valve 16 is movable between an open condition, in which the flush liquid 2 is permitted to pass therethrough, and a closed condition, in which the flush liquid 2 is not permitted to flow therethrough.

The fill arrangement 3 includes a fill valve actuator 40 for actuating the fill valve 16. The fill valve actuator 40 moves the fill valve 16 between the open and the closed conditions. The fill valve actuator 40 could comprise an actuator member 76 which is movable between retracted and extended conditions and could be biased (eg by a spring) to the extended condition, in which the fill valve 16 is closed.

The fill arrangement 3 includes a fill valve controller 78, which causes the fill valve actuator 40 to operate to move the fill valve 16 between the open and closed conditions.

In the example shown, the fill valve controller 78 includes a fill valve control member 15 in the form of a projection extending outwardly from the side panel 56.

In use, the flush container 9 and the flush liquid 2 contained therein Of any) together have a centre of gravity 34.

In use, as shown in Fig. 2, in the readiness condition, the centre of gravity 34 is offset from the axis of rotation 60, so that the flush container 9 is in an out of balance condition. In Fig. 2, the location of the centre of gravity 34 is indicated very approximately by an arrow with the reference numeral 34.

The apparatus 30 includes a limit 80 to limit rotation of the flush container 9. The limit 80 could include cushioning 82, which slows down rotation of the flush container 9 before the limit 80 is reached. The limit 80 prevents rotation of the flush container 9 beyond the full flush discharge condition. In one example, the limit 80 could be provided by the engagement of the flush container 9 against the base wall of the cistern 1 or the mounting bracket 11.

In use, when empty, or having just moved from one of the discharge conditions, the flush container 9 is in, or moves towards the filling condition, as shown in Fig. 5. The filling condition is an out of balance condition in which the fill valve control member 15 locates against the fill valve actuator member 76 with sufficient force to move the fill valve actuator member 76 from the extended to the retracted condition, moving the fill valve 16 from the closed condition to the open condition. In the open condition, the fill valve 16 permits flush liquid to flow from the supply 86 along the inlet pipe 20 as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 5, through the fill valve 16, along the filling pipe 17 and into the flush container 9, as indicated by arrow B in Fig. 5.

As the flush liquid 2 fills the flush container 9, the centre of gravity 34 shifts away from the axis 60 towards the filling and discharge aperture 58 because of the shape 62 of the flush container 9. The shift in position of the centre of gravity 34 causes the flush container 9 to move, pivoting on the mounting 10 from the filling condition. The rotational movement of the flush container 9 continues until the retaining member 64 abuts the readiness projection 46 as shown in Fig. 6 and indicated by arrow C. The flush container 9 is now in the readiness condition.

As the flush container 9 moves from the filling condition to the readiness condition, the fill valve control member 15 moves away from the fill valve actuator member 76, which moves under spring bias from the retracted to the extended condition, moving the fill valve 16 from the open condition to the closed condition and stopping the flow of flush liquid from the supply 86 to the flush container 9.

A user, wishing to flush the toilet, initiates a flush operation by operating the control member 66, which, via the connector 23 moves the retaining member 64. Optionally, in the example shown, the user can select a part flush or a full flush option.

If the part flush option is selected, the control member 66 partially retracts the retaining member 64, moving the retaining member 64 away from the flush container 9 clear of the readiness projection 46, releasing the flush container 9 to move automatically under gravity until the part flush projection 48 abuts the partially retracted retaining member 64 (as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6 and indicated by arrow D) which prevents further movement of the flush container 9 and the flush container 9 is in the part flush discharge condition (as shown in Fig. 3).

Fig. 6 shows the relative positions of the retaining arrangement 12 and the control surface 13. Although it might appear from the drawing that it is the retaining arrangement 12 which moves, it will be realised that it is in fact the control surface 13 which moves relative to the retaining arrangement 12.

In the part flush discharge condition, a portion, but not all, of the quantity of the flush liquid 2 is discharged from the flush container 9 into the cistern 1 and thence into the transfer arrangement 32 to the toilet pan.

When the portion of the quantity of the flush liquid 2 has been discharged, the centre of gravity 34 shifts again and the flush container 9 rotates back to the filling condition and begins refilling.

If the full flush option is selected, the control member 66 fully retracts the retaining member 64, moving the retaining member 64 away from the flush container 9 clear of both the readiness projection 46 and the part flush projection 48, releasing the flush container 9 to move automatically under gravity to the full flush discharge condition. In this condition, both the readiness projection 46 and the part flush projection 48 have moved past the retaining member 64 to the position relative to the control surface 13 shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6 and indicated by arrow E. In this condition, the retaining member 64 extends under the retaining arrangement bias 68 of the spring 70.

In the full flush discharge condition, the flush container 9 contacts the cushioning 82 of the limit 80, which prevents further movement of the flush container 9. The flush liquid 2 is discharged from the flush container 9 into the cistern 1 and thence into the transfer arrangement 32 to the toilet pan.

In the full flush discharge condition, substantially all of the quantity of the flush liquid 2 is discharged from the flush container 9 into the transfer arrangement 32.

When the flush liquid 2 has been discharged, the centre of gravity 34 shifts again and the flush container 9 rotates back to the filling condition and begins refilling.

The control surface 13 could include a taper or ramp 24 to aid the movement of the control surface 13 past the retaining member 64 as the flush container 9 moves from the full flush discharge condition to the filling condition.

In both the part flush and the full flush options, the apparatus 30 advantageously only requires the initial operation of the control member 66 by the user to initiate the flush. Once initiated, the apparatus 30 then moves sequentially and automatically without further user input from the readiness condition to one of the discharge conditions and then to the filling condition (where filling is automatic) and then to the readiness condition, ready for the next flush operation to be initiated.

The applicant has found that the automatic movements outlined above can be achieved by careful selection of the shape of the flush container 9, the positioning and amount of the weight 14 and the positioning of the axis of rotation 60. These factors determine the position of the centre of gravity 34 of the flush container 9 with the flush liquid 2 contained therein. It will be realised that, in fact, the centre of gravity 34 is offset from the axis of rotation 60 to provide an out of balance condition in the readiness condition, the pad flush discharge condition, the full flush discharge condition and the filling condition.

Advantageously, the apparatus 30 releases the flush liquid 2 rapidly, maximising the efficiency of the flushing action. This is particularly important, as there is a move towards reducing the amount of water used to flush for environmental reasons.

Advantageously, the apparatus 30 does not utilise a seal between the 20 flush container and the transfer arrangement which can degrade and cause leakage, requiring maintenance.

Another advantage is that the cistern 1 only holds flushing liquid 2 for a short time during the flush, reducing the occurrence and amount of condensation forming on the outer surfaces of the cistern 1. The flush container 9 holds the flushing liquid 2, but any condensation forming on the flush container 9 merely drips into the cistern 1 and is not visible. Effectively the cistern 1 insulates the flush container 9, reducing the formation of condensation on the flush container 9.

A further advantage is that the apparatus 30 does not require an overflow. If the fill arrangement 3 leaks (a common problem), the leaked water will simply flow or drip into the cistern 1 and then through the transfer arrangement 32 into the toilet pan.

The position and amount of the weight 14 could be adjustable to adjust the movement of the flush container 9 and the flushing action. The position of the part flush projection 48 could be adjustable to permit adjustment of the amount of the liquid 2 discharged in the part flush discharge condition.

The position of the flush container 9 in the full flush discharge condition could be controlled by the limit 80 to ensure that the rate and volume of flush comply with regulatory standards.

Figs 7 to 10 show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs 1 to 6. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Fig. 7 shows part of a second embodiment of a toilet flushing apparatus 130. In this embodiment, the fill valve control member 15 is in the form of a cam member 88 which is mounted so as to rotate with the flush container 9, so that it moves therewith around the same axis 60. The cam member 88 acts upon the fill valve actuator 40 to move the fill valve 16 between the open and closed conditions.

Fig. 8 shows part of a third embodiment of a toilet flushing apparatus 230. In this embodiment, the fill valve control member 15 is in the form of a float member 90, which is raised and lowered by the level of flush liquid 2 in the flush container 9. The float member 90 is positioned so as to avoid contact with the flush container 9. The float member 90 acts upon the fill valve actuator 40 to move the fill valve 16 between the open and closed conditions.

Fig. 9 shows part of a fourth embodiment of a toilet flushing apparatus 330. In this embodiment, the fill valve controller 78 is incorporated into the mounting 10, so that filling is controlled by the weight of the flush container 9.

In the example shown, the mounting 10 includes an axle bearing 92, which comprises the valve control member 15, which is supported by the fill valve actuator 40 and a spring 94. The weight of the flush container 9 reacts against the spring 94. The axle bearing 92 and the spring 94 act upon the fill valve actuator 40 to move the fill valve 16 between the open and closed conditions.

In the third and fourth embodiments, it will be realised that a further control element is required to ensure that filling only occurs when the flush container 9 is in a position to receive the flush liquid 2. The further control element could, for example, be a proximity switch (not shown).

Fig. 10 shows part of a fifth embodiment of a toilet flushing apparatus 430. In this embodiment, the mounting 10 includes a pinion gear 96 which is mounted so as to rotate with the flush container 9, so that it moves therewith around the same axis 60. The mounting 10 includes a rack gear 98 with which the pinion gear 96 meshes, so that as the flush container 9 rotates (as indicated by arrows F in Fig. 10), it also moves linearly along the rack gear 98 (as indicated by arrows G in Fig. 10).

The linear movement permits a part of the moving assembly, eg, the pinion gear 96 as shown in Fig. 10, or the side panel 56 of the flush container 9, to comprise the valve control member 15. As the flush container 9 rotates back to the filling condition, the valve control member 15 moves linearly to act upon the fill valve actuator 40 to move the fill valve 16 between the open and closed conditions.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The toilet flushing apparatus and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material.

In particular, the shape of the flush container 9 could be different. The vertex 54 could be a notional vertex. Importantly, however, the shape of the flush container 9, with the weight 14, must be such that the centre of gravity 34 is offset from the axis of rotation 60, so that when filled, the flush container 9 moves automatically without user input from the filling condition to the readiness condition; when flush is initiated, the flush container 9 moves from the readiness condition to one of the discharge conditions; and when partly or wholly discharged, the flush container 9 moves back to the filling condition. The offset centre of gravity 34 could be achieved by any one or any combination of: positioning and amount of the weight 14; the shape of the flush container 9; and the positioning of the axis of rotation 60.

The filling arrangement could be different to that shown and described. The mounting could be different to that shown and described. For example, the flush container 9 could be supported from the sides of the cistern 1. The movement controller 44 could be different to that shown and described. The limit and cushioning could be different to that shown and described. For example, the limit and cushioning could comprise a damper.

The fill arrangement could include a timer (not shown) which permits the fill valve to remain open and filling of the flush container to continue for a period after the control member has moved to shut the valve The apparatus could comprise just the flush container and the mounting, for fitting into an existing cistern.

The apparatus could be fitted to any kind of toilet, for example, the toilet could be close coupled, so that the cistern is adjacent to the toilet pan, or low or high level, in which the cistern is spaced apart from the toilet pan.

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided toilet flush apparatus with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. The flush liquid is released rapidly, maximising the efficiency of the flush. No seal is required between the flush container and the transfer arrangement, reducing leakage and maintenance. Condensation is reduced. Any leakage from the fill arrangement is directed into the cistern to the transfer arrangement and no overflow is required. The apparatus only requires user input to initiate the flush operation.

Claims

CLAIMS1 Toilet flushing apparatus, the apparatus including a pivoting flush container, which, in use, in a readiness condition, contains flush liquid for flushing a toilet, a mounting for pivotally mounting the flush container, the flush container being movable between a filling condition, in which, in use, the flush liquid is located within the flush container, the readiness condition, and a discharge condition, in which at least some of the flush liquid is discharged from the flush container into a transfer arrangement, which transfers the discharged flush liquid to a toilet pan.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the mounting is arranged to permit pivotal movement of the flush container around an axis of rotation.
3 Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the flush container and the CO flush liquid contained therein (if any) together have a centre of gravity.

O
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, in which, in the readiness condition, the centre of gravity is offset from the axis, so that the flush container is in an out of balance condition.
5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a movement controller.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which in the readiness condition, the movement controller retains the flush container in the readiness condition.
7. Apparatus according to claims 5 or 6, in which the movement controller includes a user operable control member to initiate a flush operation.
8 Apparatus according to claim 7, in which, when the flush operation is initiated, the apparatus moves automatically without further user intervention from the readiness condition to the discharge condition, and then moves automatically without further user intervention from the discharge condition to the filling condition and then moves automatically without further user intervention from the filling condition back to the readiness condition.
9 Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8, in which the movement controller includes a bias to move the flush container from the discharge condition to the filling condition.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, in which the bias comprises a weight.
11.Apparatus according to claim 10, in which the weight comprises the flush container.to
12.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the flush container has a shape, which is asymmetric around the axis. (.013. Apparatus according to claim 2 when dependent on claims 3 and 10 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the location of the centre of gravity is determined by the shape of the flush container, the position and the amount of the weight, and the location of the axis.14. Apparatus according to claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the movement controller includes a retaining arrangement, which is movable between a restraint condition and a release condition.15.Apparatus according to claim 14, in which in the restraint condition, the retaining arrangement retains the flush container in the readiness condition.16.Apparatus according to claims 14 or 15, in which in the release condition, the retaining arrangement releases the flush container, which moves automatically from the readiness condition to or towards the discharge condition.17.Apparatus according to claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the movement controller includes a control surface, which is associated with the flush container and is mounted to, or forms part of, or is comprised by a part of the flush container.18. Apparatus according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 14 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the control surface comprises one or a plurality of projections which are engageable with the retaining arrangement.19.Apparatus according to claim 18, in which the control surface includes a readiness projection.20.Apparatus according to claim 19, in which in the restraint condition, the to retaining arrangement abuts the readiness projection, to retain the flush container in the readiness condition. (.021.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the discharge condition is a part flush discharge condition or a full flush discharge condition.22.Apparatus according to claim 21, in which, in the part flush discharge condition, the flush container only discharges a pad of the flush liquid in the flush container into the transfer arrangement.23.Apparatus according to claims 21 or 22, in which, in the full flush discharge condition, substantially all of the flush liquid is discharged from the flush container into the transfer arrangement.24. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23 when dependent on claim 18 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the control surface includes a part flush projection.25. Apparatus according to claim 24 when dependent on claim 14 or any claim dependent thereon, in which, in the part flush discharge condition, the retaining arrangement abuts the part flush projection.26.Apparatus according to claim 18 or any claim dependent thereon when dependent on claim 15 or any claim dependent thereon, in which, in the release condition, the retaining arrangement is withdrawn out of engagement with the projections of the control surface.27.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes the transfer arrangement.28. Apparatus according to claim 27, in which the transfer arrangement includes a cistern, which defines an interior, and is located so as to receive the flush liquid when discharged from the flush container. (.029.Apparatus according to claim 28, in which the flush container is located above or at least partially within the cistern.30.Apparatus according to claims 28 or 29, in which the flush container is located substantially wholly within the cistern.31.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a fill arrangement, for filling the flush container in the filling condition.32.Apparatus according to claim 31, in which the fill arrangement includes a fill valve, which is movable between an open condition and a closed condition.33.Apparatus according to claim 32, in which the fill valve is actuated by a fill valve actuator, which moves the fill valve between the open and the closed conditions.34. Apparatus according to claim 33, in which the apparatus includes a fill valve controller, which causes the fill valve actuator to operate to move the fill valve between the open and closed conditions.35.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the flush container defines a filling and discharge aperture.36.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the flush container includes a pair of spaced end panels, which are parallel, and are each substantially planar, and are substantially the same shape and size.37.Apparatus according to claim 36, in which each of the end panels has an end panel shape comprising more than two and possibly substantially three L.0 quadrants of a circle.CO 38. Apparatus according to claim 37, in which the shape includes two straight edges, which converge at or towards a vertex, which may be a notional vertex.39.Apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 38 when dependent on claim 35, in which the flush container includes a side panel, which extends between the end panels, substantially continuously around a perimeter of the end panels, and defines a filling and discharge aperture.40.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a limit to limit rotation of the flush container.41.Apparatus according to claim 40, in which the limit includes cushioning, which slows down rotation before the limit is reached.42.Apparatus according to claims 40 or 41, in which the limit prevents rotation of the flush container beyond the discharge condition.43.A method of flushing a toilet, the method including providing toilet flushing apparatus, the apparatus including a pivoting flush container, which, in use, in a readiness condition, contains flush liquid for flushing a toilet, a mounting for pivotally mounting the flush container, the flush container being movable between a filling condition, in which, in use, the flush liquid is located within the flush container, the readiness condition, and a discharge condition, in which at least some of the flush liquid is discharged from the flush container into a transfer arrangement, which transfers the discharged flush liquid to a toilet pan.44.A method according to claim 43, in which the flushing apparatus includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 42.45. Toilet flushing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. (.046.A method of flushing a toilet substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.