GB2587207A

GB2587207A - Jet flush

Info

Publication number: GB2587207A
Application number: GB1913419.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moretto Alessandro; Layeghi Kombiz
Original assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
Current assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
Priority date: 2019-09-17
Filing date: 2019-09-17
Publication date: 2021-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-17
Also published as: EP3795761B1; EP3795761A1; GB2587207B; GB201913419D0; RU2020130385A

Abstract

A flush device 1, with a female part 2 and a male part 3 connected by at least one resilient member 4, such as a spring, where the male part is withdrawn from a female part to an open position, and when it does so, places the resilient member into tension. The resilient member may be located outside the male part and inside the female part. The male part may comprise a plate 5 and a recess 16 for a tablet. The female and male parts may have a groove 14 and pin 15. When fluid impinges on the male part it may force it to move with respect to the female part placing the resilient member in tension. A sanitary ware product comprising a bowl (24 figures 5a and b) and the flush device 1 is also disclosed where the male part protrudes through a through hole into the bowl and fluid is able to flow into the bowl.

Description

JET FLUSH

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a flush device for use in a sanitary-ware product. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flush device for a toilet bowl.

[0002] The flush device of the present invention is activated following the release of a flushing fluid. The invention provides a novel way of flushing a toilet bowl where the flush itself is cleaned in the process of flushing the toilet bowl.

[0003] In existing designs for toilet bowls, rims are used which extend around the circumference of the toilet bowl and through which a flushing fluid is propelled. The rim is exposed when the toilet bowl is in use and thus could be contacted with urine. This may lead to a build up of bacteria. Developments have led to the design of rimless toilet bowls. However, the exit holes for the passage of flushing fluid are still exposed when the toilet bowl is in use. Therefore, when a user urinates, it is still possible that urine will contact the area on and around the exit holes. Thus a build up in bacteria around the hole through which the flushing fluid is propelled may still occur. As a result of this, the flushing fluid picks up the bacteria when the flushing is started and flushes it around the toilet bowl. Therefore, the toilet bowl is flushed with a dirty, contaminated fluid.

[0004] The inventors have devised a novel solution in order to overcome these problems.

[0005] In particular, the inventors have developed a solution in which a retractable washing jet is used. The retractable jet system of the present invention limits the collection and build up of dirt and bacteria. The solution solves the problems experienced with existing flush systems because, when the flush is not being used, the flush device is retracted into the sanitary-ware product. Therefore, the flush device cannot become contaminated with urine.

[0006] Existing toilet bowls are constructed of two separate parts, usually made of ceramic, which are joined together after they have been formed. Thus the construction process is slow and laborious. Furthermore, the two parts are often joined together incorrectly so that they are misaligned. It is necessary for existing toilet bowls to be constructed in this way due to the rim surrounding the inside of the bowl through which flushing fluid is flushed.

[0007] The toilet bowl and flush device of the present invention overcome this problem since the flushing fluid enters the bowl from the rear of the bowl rather than from a rim. It is therefore not necessary for a rim to be formed in the toilet bowl when it is being manufactured. Thus, the entire toilet bowl of the present application can be made in a single injection moulding step such that it is not necessary for separate parts of the toilet bowl to be stuck together.

[0008] It will be recognised from the disclosure herein that the invention is also suitable for use in other sanitary-ware applications where it is desired to provide a fluid to the inside of the apparatus.

SUMMARY

[0009] Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the appended claims.

[0010] Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a flush device for use in a sanitary-ware product. The device comprises a female part for receiving a fluid and a male part comprising an end receivable by the female part. The male part comprises at least one passage arranged in use to communicate fluid through the male part and at least one hole for distributing the fluid, wherein the male part and female part are connected by at least one resilient member for applying a restorative force, and wherein the male part is movable relative to the female part between a closed position in which the male part is inserted in the female part and an open position in which the male part is at least partially withdrawn from the female part, wherein in the open position, the at least one resilient member is in tension.

[0011] The term 'resilient member' is used to mean a part which is able to extend as a result of a force being exerted and then return to its original shape without permanent deformation. For example, the resilient member acts as an extension spring.

[0012] Advantageously, the male part and female part may be coaxial and complementary in shape. The at least one resilient member may be located outside the male part and inside the female part. In this way, when the flush device is installed in a toilet bowl, the female part is fixed in the toilet bowl and the male part and resilient member are movable with respect to the female part.

[0013] The male part may additionally comprise a plate at an end of the male part opposite to the end receivable by the female part. The plate is sized and shaped to fit within an opening in a toilet bowl. In this way, when the flush device is in the closed position, urine is prevented from reaching the main body of the flush device. Furthermore, when in the closed position, the plate creates a smooth surface with the inner surface of the bowl of the toilet bowl. Thus the internal surface of the toilet bowl can be easily cleaned.

[0014] The male part may comprise a recess for receiving a tablet. The term 'recess' is used to mean a space which is able to receive the tablet.

[0015] The recess may comprise at least one internal hole communicatively connected to the at least one hole for distributing the fluid. The term 'internal hole' is used to mean a hole which opens into the interior of the flush device. The tablet may be a hygiene tablet composed of, for example, chlorine dioxide and containing a composition of chlorine and detergent. When in use, the flushing fluid will contact and pass over/around the hygiene tablet dissolving part of the tablet. The flushing fluid will then transport the dissolved part of the tablet in suspension. Thus, the flushing fluid cleans both the flushing device and, if installed in a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl when it exits from the flush device into the toilet bowl. Thus the build up of bacteria can be reduced.

[0016] The male part may comprise an elongate recess in its outer surface for receiving a resilient member, wherein an end of the resilient member is attached in the recess. Advantageously, the end of the resilient member may be attached to an end of the recess. The term 'elongate recess' is used to mean a depressed region or elongate indentation which is sized so that it can receive and contain the resilient member.

[0017] An opposing end of the at least one resilient member may be attached to an inner surface of the female part.

[0018] The opposing end of the at least one resilient member is attached to an inner surface of the female part using a spring tensioner. The term 'spring tensioner' is used to refer to a device which can be used to obtain a particular tension in the spring by tightening or loosening the connection. Thus the tension in the spring can be altered based on the pressure of the flushing fluid to be supplied to the flush device. In effect, the spring tensioner can be used to pre-tension the resilient member.

[0019] The male part and female part may be connected by two resilient members, wherein the resilient members may be located on opposing sides of the male part. The use of two resilient members on opposing sides of the flush device enables an equal and symmetrical force to be exerted by the springs on either side of the flush device. This prevents misalignment of the male part within the female part which could lead to the male part sticking or jamming in the female part.

[0020] The female part may comprise a groove and the male part may comprise a pin movable in the groove, wherein the groove is parallel to the direction of withdrawal of the male part from the female part. In this way, the movement of the male part with respect to the female part can be controlled to within a determined range. Thus, when installed in, for example, a toilet bowl, the desired amount of the male part can be caused to protrude into the toilet bowl when the flush device is in the open position.

[0021] When fluid is supplied to the female part, the fluid may impinge on a surface of the male part and wherein the fluid impinging on the male part causes the male part to move with respect to the female part and forces the resilient member into tension such that the flush device is in the open position.

[0022] Thus, when the flush device is installed in a toilet bowl and the toilet bowl is flushed, the flushing fluid exerts a force on the male part which is greater than the force exerted by the resilient member on the male part. Thus, the resilient member is caused to extend as the male part is forced into the open position. The male part remains in the open position until the force exerted by the flushing fluid is less than the restorative force of the resilient member (i.e. when the supply of flushing fluid to the flush device stops) at which point the male part returns to the closed position. In this way, the male part is caused to remain in the closed position unless the toilet bowl is being flushed. Thus, during normal use of the toilet bowl (i.e. when a user is urinating), the urine is only able to contact the plate of the flush device. This therefore prevents the build up of bacteria on the parts of the device through which the flushing fluid is projected.

[0023] The flush device may additionally comprise a flow restrictor connected to the female part. The term 'flow restrictor' is used to define a device which is positioned in the flush device so as to be located in the passage of flow of the flushing fluid through the flush device. The flow restrictor is designed such that it alters the flow of the flushing fluid through the flush device. The flow restrictor may have a number of designs. The specific design of the flow restrictor depends on the fluid pressure. A specific flow restrictor design can be used when connected to a fluid source with an intense and turbulent flow. The flow restrictor is therefore able to provide a more constant pressure for the correct operation of the flushing device.

[0024] The male part may comprise laterally directed holes and a downwardly directed hole for distributing the fluid. Advantageously, the male part may comprise three laterally directed holes on either side of the flush device wherein the internal hole in the recess is communicatively connected with at least one of each of the lateral holes. The term 'laterally directed' and 'downwardly directed' is used to refer to holes which direct the fluid in a sideways and downwards direction respectively when the flush device is installed in a sanitary ware product. When the flush device is installed in a toilet bowl, this configuration of holes effectively and efficiently cleans the interior surface of the toilet bowl. Specifically, the laterally directed holes propel the flushing fluid around the circumference of the bowl. If a tablet is used, part of this laterally directed flow contains dissolved particles of the tablet. The downwardly directed flow cleans the rear part of the toilet bowl which often will have come into contact with the urine when the toilet bowl used.

[0025] The resilient member may be a spring. The spring is able to deform as the male part moves with respect to the female part into the open position and is then able to return to its original form without permanent deformation.

[0026] Viewed from another aspect there is provided a sanitary-ware product. The sanitary-ware product comprises a bowl comprising a through hole extending from a surface of the bowl to an exterior of the sanitary-ware product. The sanitary-ware product additionally comprises the flush device according to the first aspect. The flush device is located within the through-hole.

[0022] When the flush device is in the closed position, the plate may be adjacent to the surface of the bowl. Thus, the main body of the flush device does not become contaminated with urine or other waste products when the sanitary-ware device is in use because, in the closed position, the flush device is located in the through-hole and the opening of the through-hole in the surface of the bowl is covered by the plate. The surface of the bowl can therefore be easily cleaned due to its smooth and continuous surface.

[0028] When the flush device is in the open position, the male part may protrude from the through hole into the bowl.

[0029] In this position, openings in the male part through which flushing fluid is to be propelled extend into the internal body of the bowl.

[0030] The flush device may be connectable to a water supply pipe with a connector.

[0031] The connector may comprise fins on its outer surface and ribs on its inner surface, wherein the ribs are configured to interact with grooves on the outer surface of the female part. The fins are radially extending deformable elements. The fins on the outer surface of the connector enable the connector to be fitted to the through hole in which it is located. The ribs interacting with the grooved surface of the female part provide a secure and water-tight connection.

[0032] When the fluid is supplied to the female part, the fluid may be configured to flow into the male part and force the resilient member into tension such that the flush device is in the open position wherein when the flush device is in the open position, the fluid is able to flow through the at least one hole into the bowl.

[0033] The sanitary-ware product may be a toilet bowl.

[0034] Other aspects will also become apparent upon review of the present disclosure, in particular upon review of the Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and Claims sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0036] Figure la shows a flush device in exploded view; [0037] Figure lb shows the flush device of figure la with an alternative design for a fluid dispensing portion; [0038] Figure lc shows the flush device of figure lb with a lid installed on the fluid dispensing portion; [0039] Figure ld shows the assembled flush device with a ring connector comprising a flow restrictor attached; [0040] Figure le shows the assembled flush device with a ring connector attached; [0041] Figure if shows a side view of the male part of the flush device for figure la; [0042] Figure lg shows an end view of the male part of the flush device for figure la; [0043] Figure lh shows the end view of the male part of the flush device as shown in figure lg with an internal deflector installed; [0044] Figure 2a shows the flush device of figure 1 when assembled with the male portion fully inserted into the female portion; [0045] Figure 2b shows the flush device of figure 1 when assembled with the male portion withdrawn from the female portion; [0046] Figure 3a shows the flush device with the lid of the fluid dispensing portion in the open position; [0047] Figure 3b shows the flush device with the lid of the fluid dispensing portion in the open position and a hygiene tablet being inserted; [0048] Figure 3c shows a top view of the lid of the fluid dispensing portion; [0049] Figure 3d shows a top view of the fluid dispensing portion with the lid removed; [0050] Figure 3e shows a cross sectional view of the male part of the flush device; [0051] Figure 4a shows the flush device of figure 1 when assembled with a flow restrictor installed in the female part; [0052] Figures 4b shows an alternative flow restrictor configuration; [0053] Figures 5a and 5b show cross sectional views of the flush device installed in a toilet bowl with the flush device in a non-flush and flush position respectively; [0054] Figure 6 shows the tubing connect to the flush device; [0055] Figure 7a shows the flush device of figure 1 in a non-flush position when in a toilet bowl; [0056] Figure 7b shows the flush device of figure 1 in a flush position when in a toilet bowl; and [0057] Figures 8a to c show the use of an opener to withdraw the flush device when installed.

[0058] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example approaches are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood however that the drawings and detailed description attached hereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed but rather the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0059] As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

[0060] It will be recognised that the features of the above-described examples of the disclosure can conveniently and interchangeably be used in any suitable combination. It will also be recognised that the invention covers not only individual embodiments but also combinations of the embodiments that have been discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present teaching relates generally to a device for flushing water into a sanitary-ware product.

[0062] In the present example, the sanitary-ware product is a toilet bowl. In other examples, the sanitary-ware product may be a urinal, basin or bidet.

[0063] Figure la shows a flush device 1 of the present invention in exploded view. The flush device 1 has a female part 2, a male part 3 and at least one spring 4. In other examples, instead of a spring a different resilient member may be used. For example, any member that is able to apply a restorative force may be used. In the present example, the flush device 1 comprises two springs 4 configured to be located on either side of the flush device 1.

[0064] In the present example, the female part 2 and male part 3 are substantially cylindrical.

The male part 3 comprises a plate S at one end, a fluid dispensing portion 10 attached to the plate 5 and a fluid receiving portion 11 attached to the fluid dispensing portion 10. In the present example, the plate has a circular shape. In other examples, the plate may have an oval, square, rectangular or other shape. The fluid receiving portion 11 has a hollow internal area. The fluid receiving portion 11 of the male part 3 is sized to be received by the female part 2. The clearance between the fluid receiving portion 11 of the male part 3 and the female part is about 0.2 mm. Thus, the fluid receiving portion 11 is movable within the female part.

[0065] In some examples, the fluid dispensing portion 10 has a recess 16 accessible by removal of a lid 36. In the present example, the lid 36 is removed from the fluid dispensing portion 10 by sliding it along a pair of rails 37 using a handle 46. In other examples, the lid 36 may be attached to the fluid dispensing portion 10 by a hinge or by another means. The lid 36 prevents a loss of pressure within the fluid dispensing portion 10.

[0066] The fluid dispensing portion 10 of figure la is shown as having a square cross section.

In other examples, the fluid dispensing portion 10 may have a different cross sectional shape. For example, the fluid dispensing portion 10 may have a circular cross section. This is shown in figures lb and lc. These figures also show an alternative design for the lid 36 of the recess 16. Figure lb shows the fluid dispensing portion 10 without the lid 36 and figure lc shows the fluid dispensing portion with the lid 36. The lid shown in figures lb and lc does not have a handle as is the case with the lid of figure la but instead has a gripping portion 47 for the user to hold onto when sliding the lid 36 along the pair of rails 37. The same design of lid 36 shown in figures lb and lc may also be used with the fluid dispensing portion of figure la.

[0067] Returning to figure la, the male part 3 has an elongate groove 9 for receiving each of the at least one springs 4. Each groove 9 is formed by a portion of the outer wall of the fluid receiving portion 11 of the male part 3 being recessed into the hollow internal area of the fluid receiving portion 11. In the present example, the male part 3 comprises two elongate grooves 9, one for each of the two springs 4.

[0068] Each groove 9 has a depth which is sized in order to fully receive the spring. In one example, the groove has a depth of about 7 to about 10 mm and a length of about 25 to about 35 mm. Each groove 9 comprises a spring retaining portion 8 onto which a first end 6 of the spring 4 is configured to be attached. In the present example, the spring retaining portion 8 comprises a protrusion onto which an end of the spring is configured to be 'hooked'. In other examples, alternative means for attaching the spring to the male part 3 may be used.

[0069] A second end 7 of the spring 4 is attached to a spring tensioner 32. The female part 2 comprises a recess which extends within the internal area of the female part 2. A surface of the recess has a through hole 33 through which the spring tensioner 32 is inserted. The spring tensioner 32 is then held in place by a nut 34. In the present example, the spring 4 and the tensioner 32 are made of stainless steel. In other examples, the spring and the tensioner may be made of other materials which are resistant to corrosion.

[0070] When the male part 3 is inserted into the female part 2, the male part 3 is movable within the female part 2 between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the male part 3 is at least partially withdrawn from the female part 2. In a closed position, the male part 3 is fully inserted into the female part 2.

[0071] In the present example, the male part has a hole 13 in the outer surface of the fluid receiving portion 11 for receiving a pin 15. The hole 13 extends at least partially through the wall of the fluid receiving portion 11. In the present example, the pin 15 is threaded and is configured to be screwed into the fluid receiving portion 11. The female part 2 has an elongate groove 14, running parallel to its axis. The groove 14 is sized to receive the pin and to allow the pin to translate along its length. In some examples, and as is shown in figure la, the female part 2 may have more than one pin 15 and groove 14. For example, the female part may have two pins and two grooves, one on either side of the female part.

[0072] When the male part 3 is inserted in the female part 2, the pin is configured to be located in the groove 14. The translation of the pin in the groove 14 restricts the movement of the male part 3 with respect to the female part 2. In this way, movement of the male part 3 with respect to the female part 2 can be controlled since the male part 3 can be withdrawn from the female part 2 until the pin reaches the end of the groove 14. In other examples, the pin may be attached to the female part 2 and the male part 3 may have a groove formed in its outer surface.

[0073] In some examples, the flush device 1 comprises a flow restrictor 18. The flow restrictor 18 is discussed further with reference to figure 4. As shown in figure la, the flush device may be attached to a ring connector 42 and the flow restrictor 18 may be installed within the ring connector 42. The ring connector 42 comprises a ribbed portion 35 on its outer surface, discussed further later. The ring connector 42 comprises a slot 44 for interacting with a coupling 43. The coupling is connected to the female part 2. In other examples, the flush device 1 may not be attached to a ring connector 42, and instead the ribbed portion 35 is formed on the outside of the female part 2. This is shown later in figures 2 and 3.

[0074] As is shown in figure ld, when the flush device 1 is assembled, the male part 3 is fully inserted into the female part 2. The female part 2 of the flush device is attached to the ring connector 42 by the coupling 43 being inserted through a widened portion of the slot 44 sized to receive the head of the coupling 43. The ring connector 42 is then rotated with respect to the female part 2, such that the head of the coupling is located in the opposite end of the slot 44 from that with the widened portion. In this position, the head of the coupling is not able to fit through the slot 44. In order to remove the female part from the ring connector 42, a user may rotate the flush device 1 such that the head of the coupling 43 moves in the slot 44 to the widened portion. The female part 2 can then be withdrawn and the head of the coupling 43 travels through the widened portion of the slot 44.

[0075] In the configuration shown in figures ld and le, the female part must be rotated in an anticlockwise direction to remove it from the ring connector 42 and a clockwise direction to fix it in the ring connector 42. However, the location widened portion of the slot could alternatively be located at the opposite end of the slot such that the opposite rotation directions are required to remove/fix the flush device 1. Due to this locking system between the female part 2 and the ring connector 42, the flush device 1 when installed in a toilet bowl can easily be removed from the toilet bowl for maintenance and cleaning.

[0076] In some examples the fluid dispensing portion 10 may additionally comprise an internal deflector 39. This is discussed further with respect to figure 1h.

[0077] The at least one spring 4 is attached to the spring retaining portion 8 on the male part 3 and is attached to the spring tensioner 32 which is attached to the female part via the nut 34. The pin is inserted into the hole 13 so that it sits within the groove 14 proximate to one end of the groove. When in this position, the spring 4 is in a relaxed, non extended state. When the male part 3 of the flush device 1 is withdrawn from the female part 2, the at least one spring 4 is in tension. Therefore, the spring 4 exerts a force on the male part 3 to pull it back into a fully inserted position within the female part 2. In some examples, the spring 4 may be in tension when the male part 3 is fully inserted into the female part 2 in order to securely hold the male part 3 in the fully inserted position within the female part 2. Thus, when the male part 3 is withdrawn from the female part, the tension in the spring 4 is increased.

[0078] Figure le shows the flush device with the ring connector installed but without a flow restrictor 18. This female part 2 is attached to and unattached from this ring connector 42 in the same way as it is attached to and unattached from the ring connector 42 with the flow restrictor.

[0079] The fluid dispensing portion 10 of the male part 3 comprises at least one side fluid dispensing hole 12 on either side of the fluid dispensing portion 10. In figure la, the fluid dispensing portion 10 is shown as comprising three side fluid dispensing holes 12. In the present example, an equal number of fluid dispensing holes 12 are formed on either side of the fluid dispensing portion.

[0080] The fluid dispensing portion 10 of the present invention also comprises a bottom fluid dispensing hole 38. This can be seen in figure lf. Figure 1g shows an end on view of the male portion 3 of the flush device 1. From the end on view in figure le, the feeding holes for each of the side fluid dispensing holes can be seen.

[0081] Figure 1h shows the internal deflector 39 installed within the fluid dispensing portion 10. The internal deflector 39 is attached to the fluid dispensing portion with a joint 40. An internal deflector 39 is used when the flush device 1 is connected to a low pressure water source.

[0082] Figure 2a shows the flush device 1 when assembled. In this figure, the male part 3 is fully inserted into the female part 2.

[0083] Figure 2b shows the flush device 1 of figure 1 when assembled. In this figure, the male part 3 is fully withdrawn from the female part 2 with the pin 15 located at an end of the groove 14. In the flush device 1 shown in figures 2a and 2b (and that shown in figure 3), the configuration without a ring connector is shown. In this configuration, the female part 2 has a ribbed portion 35 for attaching to a tubing, discussed with respect to figure 6.

[0084] In some examples, and as is shown in figures 3a and 3b, the recess 16 is configured to receive a hygiene tablet 17. The lid 36 is removed and the user inserts the hygiene tablet 17 into the uncovered recess 16. The lid 36 is then returned to the closed position. As is shown in figure 3c, the lid 36 has at least one groove 37. In the present example, the lid has two grooves 37. The at least one groove 37 provides a small passage of air and liquid into and out of the fluid dispensing portion 10.

[0085] The recess 16 has at least one internal hole 41 as shown in figures 3d and 3e. Figure 3d shows a top view of the male portion 3 of the flush device 1 and figure 3e shows a cross sectional view of the male portion 3 through the middle of the three side fluid dispensing holes 12. As can be seen in figure 3e, the internal hole 41 is communicatively coupled to the middle of the three side fluid dispensing holes 12. In this way, when a fluid flows into the fluid dispensing portion and flows out through the middle of the fluid dispensing holes, part of the flow contacts the hygiene tablet. Part of the tablet dissolves and is held in suspension in the fluid flow. Thus the hygiene tablet cleans the fluid flow.

[0086] Figure 4a shows the flush device 1 of the present invention in which a flow restrictor 18 is installed without the use of the ring connector. The flow restrictor 18 is used in order to calibrate the fluid pressure as it enters the flush device 1.

[0087] The flow restrictor 18 may have a number of designs. The specific design depends on the desired flow correction and the fluid pressure of the specific fluid source. The flow restrictor 18 shown in figure 4a comprises an outer circular portion 19, an inner circular portion 20 and a plurality of spokes 21 extending from the inner circular portion to the outer circular portion. This flow restrictor 18 is also installed in the flush device of figures 3a and 3b. This flow restrictor 18 is used when the flush device 1 is connected to a water source with varying pressure.

[0088] Figure 4b shows an alternative design for the flow restrictor 18 for connecting to a flush device without a ring connector. A similar design of flow restrictor may be used with a ring connector. The flow restrictor 18 of figure 4b comprises an outer circular portion 19 and a plurality of parallel elongate members 22 which extend from one side of the outer circular portion to the other. A single elongate member 23 extends perpendicular to the plurality of parallel elongate members 22 from one side of the outer circular portion 19 to the other. This design of flow restrictor 18 is used when the flush device is connected to a water source with a largely constant pressure.

[0089] Figures 5a and 5b show cross sectional views of a toilet bowl 24 with the flush device 1 installed. Figure 5a shows the toilet bowl 24 with the male part 3 of the flush device 1 in the closed position and figure 5b shows the toilet bowl 24 with the male part 3 of the flush device 1 in the open position. The toilet bowl 24 has a bowl 26 and a ledge or step 25 which travels around the inner periphery of the bowl 26 from a location below the flush device 1. The ledge 25 protrudes from the inner surface of the bowl 26 and extends around all or part of the perimeter of the bowl 26. This improves the distribution of fluid from the flush device 1.

[0090] The toilet bowl 24 has a through hole for receiving the flush device 1. In the present example, the through hole is located at the back of the toilet bowl 24. The through hole is connectable to a fluid source to allow a fluid to enter the flush device. In the present example, the fluid is water. As is shown in figures 5a and 5b, the through hole may be formed at a slight angle inside the back of the toilet bowl 24. Thus, when the flush device 1 is installed in the toilet bowl 24, it is angled slightly such that the plate end of the flush device is below the opposing end of the flush device 1. In this way, flushing fluid is prevented from remaining in the flush device 1 following its use. Instead, gravity causes all of the flushing fluid to run towards the plate end of the flushing device 1. In some examples, the diameter of the plate 5 is smaller than the outlet of the through hole into the toilet bowl in order to allow the exit of flushing fluid into the toilet bowl.

[0091] The female part 2 of the flush device 1 is attached to an inlet tube 27. In the present example, the inlet tube 27 is attached to the female part 2 with tubing 28 which is made of rubber. In other examples, the tubing 28 may be made of a different material which is both flexible and durable.

[0092] The tubing 28 is sized to fit within the through hole in the toilet bowl and to provide a water tight seal between the flush device and the through hole. On the external surface of the tubing 28, there is a plurality of external fins 29. These are best shown in figure 6 where the flush device 1 is shown inserted within the tubing 28. These fins 29 adapt the rubber body to the hole and compensate for deformations and imperfections in the ceramic sanitary channel. The fins 29 hold the female part 2 in place when the flush device is in use, for example when a force is being exerted on the flush device 1 by the flushing fluid travelling through it.

[0093] On the internal surface of the tubing 28, there is a plurality of internal ribs 30. In the present example, the ribs 30 extend to a lesser extent from the tubing 28 than the fins 29. These internal ribs 30 interact with the ribbed portion 35 of the ring connector 42, if used, when the flush device is installed in a WC. Alternatively, and when a ring connector 42 is not used, the ribs 30 interact with a ribbed portion 35 on the outer surface of the female part 2 of the flush device 1. Both configurations provide a water tight seal. The inlet tube 27 enables the flow of a fluid, for example water, from a fluid source to the flush device 1 and subsequently into the toilet bowl 24. In some examples, and as is shown in figure 6, the tubing 28 may have an elongate rib 45 on its internal surface. This elongate rib 45 enables the operator to know when the ring connector/female part has been inserted sufficiently inside the tubing 28.

[0094] Figures 7a and 7b show perspective views of the flush device 1 installed in the toilet bowl 24. Figure 7a shows the flush device 1 with the male part 3 in the fully inserted, non-flushing, position within the female part 2. In this position, the plate 5 substantially aligns with the inside surface of the bowl 26 of the toilet bowl.

[0095] Figure 7b shows the flush device 1 with the male part 3 in the withdrawn, flushing, position from the female part 2. In this position, the plate 5 no longer aligns with the inner surface of the bowl 26 but protrudes from its surface. In the withdrawn position, the fluid dispensing holes 12 project into the bowl 26 of the toilet bowl 24.

[0096] When installed in the toilet bowl 24 of figure 7a, the flush device 1 of the invention functions in the following way. When a user flushes the toilet bowl 24, a water source supplies water to the toilet bowl 24 through the inlet tube 27 (not shown in this figure). The water enters the female part 2 of the flush device 1, optionally through a flow restrictor 18 as is discussed above with respect to figure 3. The water exerting a pressure on the male portion 3 causes the male portion 3 to move into the withdrawn, flushing, position, in which the at least one spring 4 is in tension. When the water pressure is low, the use of the internal deflector 39 provides a larger surface area for the water to contact thus meaning the water is still able to cause the withdrawal of the male portion from the female portion.

[0097] Water flows through the male part 3 and out through the fluid dispensing holes 12 (which project into the bowl 26 of the toilet bowl 24 as is shown in figure 5b). Due to the location and angular orientation of the fluid dispensing holes 12 and the ledge 25 on the inside of the bowl of the toilet bowl, water is caused to flow directly out from the flush device 1 and around the circumference of the bowl. Water is also flushed into the toilet bowl through the bottom hole 38. When the supply of water through the inlet device is stopped, there is no longer a pressure being applied to the male part 3. Therefore, the force exerted by the at least one spring 4 being in tension causes the male part 3 to be pulled back into the fully inserted, non-flushing, position.

[0098] When in the non-flushing position, urine or other excretions are only able to contact the plate 5 of the flush device 1. In this way, a build up of bacteria and blockages are prevented in the fluid dispensing holes.

[0099] In order to insert a hygiene tablet 17 in the flush device when it is installed in a toilet bowl, an opener 31 can be used. This is shown in figures 8a to 8c. The opener 31 enables the user to pull the male part 3 of the flush device 1 so that it projects into the bowl 26 of the toilet bowl 24. This is shown in figure 8a. The hygiene tablet 17 can then be inserted into the recess 16 as shown in figure 8b following the opening of the lid 36. Next, the user can remove the opener so that the flush device returns to the non-flush fully inserted position, see figure 8c.

100100] In some examples, the opener 31 has a suction cup on one end. In this way, the suction cup can be caused to attach to the plate 5 by suction so that the plate can be pulled outwards. In other examples, the opener 31 may have a magnetic portion on one end which is configured to attract to a magnetic portion in the plate 5. In this way, the magnet can be caused to attract the plate 5 by magnetic force so that the plate 5 can be pulled outwards.

100101] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A flush device for use in a sanitary-ware product, the device comprising: a female part for receiving a fluid; and a male part comprising an end receivable by the female part, the male part comprising at least one passage arranged in use to communicate fluid through the male part and at least one hole for distributing the fluid, wherein the male part and female part are connected by at least one resilient member for applying a restorative force, and wherein the male part is movable relative to the female part between a closed position in which the male part is inserted in the female part and an open position in which the male part is at least partially withdrawn from the female part, wherein in the open position, the at least one resilient member is in tension.
2. The flush device of claim 1, wherein the at least one resilient member is located outside the male part and inside the female part.
3. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein the male part additionally comprises a plate at an end of the male part opposite to the end receivable by the female part.
4. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein the male part comprises a recess for receiving a tablet.
5. The flush device of claim 4, wherein the recess comprises at least one internal hole communicatively connected to the at least one hole for distributing the fluid.
6. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein the male part comprises an elongate recess in its outer surface for receiving a resilient member and wherein an end of the resilient member is attached in the recess.
7. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein an opposing end of the at least one resilient member is attached to an inner surface of the female part.
8. The flush device of claim 7, wherein the opposing end of the at least one resilient member is attached to an inner surface of the female part using a spring tensioner.
9. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein the male part and female part are connected by two resilient members, wherein the resilient members are located on opposing sides of the male part.
10. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein the female part comprises a groove and the male part comprises a pin movable in the groove, wherein the groove is parallel to the direction of withdrawal of the male part from the female part.
11. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein when the fluid is supplied to the female part, the fluid impinges on a surface of the male part and wherein the fluid impinging on the male part causes the male part to move with respect to the female part and forces the resilient member into tension such that the flush device is in the open position.
12. The flush device of any preceding claim, additionally comprising a flow restrictor connected to the female part.
13. The flush device of any preceding claim wherein the male part comprises laterally directed holes and a downwardly directed hole for distributing the fluid.
14. The flush device of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member is a spring.
15. A sanitary-ware product comprising: a bowl comprising a through hole extending from a surface of the bowl to an exterior of the sanitary-ware product; and the flush device of claims 1 to 13, wherein the flush device is located within the through-hole.
16. The sanitary-ware product of claim 15, wherein when the flush device is in the closed position, the plate is adjacent to the surface of the bowl.
17. The sanitary-ware product of claims 15 or 16, wherein when the flush device is in the open position, the male part protrudes from the through hole into the bowl.
18. The sanitary-ware product of claims 15 to 17, wherein the flush device is connectable to a water supply pipe with a connector.
19. The sanitary-ware product of claim 18, wherein the connector comprises fins on its outer surface and ribs on its inner surface, wherein the ribs are configured to interact with grooves on the outer surface of the female part.
20. The sanitary-ware product of claims 15 to 19, wherein when the fluid is supplied to the female part, the fluid is configured to flow into the male part and force the male part into the open position such that the resilient member is in tension, and wherein when the flush device is in the open position, the fluid is able to flow through the at least one hole into the bowl.
21. The sanitary-ware product of claims 15 to 20, wherein the sanitary-ware product is a toilet bowl.