GB2593728A

GB2593728A - Toilet

Info

Publication number: GB2593728A
Application number: GB2004711.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Singh Gill Mahabir
Original assignee: STANDARD PROD Ltd
Current assignee: STANDARD PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2020-03-31
Publication date: 2021-10-06
Also published as: GB202004711D0; WO2021198683A1

Abstract

A toilet 1 comprises a pan having an upper rim which inclines downwards 3 towards a front of the toilet with a substantially constant gradient 4 of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of a floor abutment surface of the toilet or a normal to a wall abutment surface of the toilet. The toilet further comprises at least one fluid distribution channel (15, fig 4) at least partially circumscribing the pan at a substantially constant distance from the upper rim 8, the at least one fluid distribution channel being configured to receive fluid during a flush and enable rinsing of at least rear and front interior surfaces of the pan with said fluid. The fluid distribution channel may be open to an interior of the pan and may comprise a shelf along which the fluid can flow around the pan and wherein the shelf may comprise a lip over which the fluid can flow to rinse interior surfaces of the pan.

Description

TITLE

Toilet.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a toilet. Some embodiments relate to pedestal or wall-mounted toilets.

BACKGROUND

Toilet seats presently provide a horizontal seating surface. This enables a user to sit relatively comfortably on the toilet. As a result, a user may spend longer than necessary sitting on the toilet without short-term discomfort. Sitting on a toilet for longer than is necessary is generally undesirable. To ensure cleanliness of a toilet, it is desirable to maximize the amount of interior surfaces of the toilet's pan which are rinsed during a flush.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all examples, there is provided a toilet comprising a pan and at least one fluid distribution channel. The pan has an upper rim which inclines downwards towards a front of the toilet with a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: a floor-abutment surface of the toilet, and a normal to a wall-abutment surface of the toilet. The at least one fluid distribution channel at least partially circumscribes the pan at a substantially constant distance from the upper rim. The at least one fluid distribution channel is configured to receive fluid during a flush and enable rinsing of at least rear and front interior surfaces of the pan with said fluid.

The at least one fluid distribution channel may be open to an interior of the pan and may comprise a shelf along which the fluid can flow around the pan. The shelf may comprise a lip over which the fluid can flow to rinse interior surfaces of the pan.

The lip may at least partially circumscribe the pan at a substantially constant distance from the upper rim.

A cross slope, if any, of the shelf may be downwards towards an interior of the pan with respect to at least one of: the floor-abutment surface of the toilet, and the normal to the wall-abutment surface of the toilet.

The at least one fluid distribution channel may be enclosed and may comprise a plurality of apertures distributed along the length of the channel. The plurality of apertures open into an interior of the pan. The plurality of apertures are configured to enable fluid to flow through them to rinse interior surfaces of the pan.

The plurality of apertures may be substantially equidistant from the upper rim.

One of the plurality of apertures which opens into a rear of the pan may have a wider opening than one of the plurality of apertures which opens into a front of the pan.

The plurality of apertures may be distributed at equal intervals along the length of the channel.

A distribution of the plurality of apertures may have a higher density at the rear of the pan than at the front of the pan.

The substantially constant gradient may be 13 arc degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGS 1A and 1B schematically show examples of a toilet as described herein; FIG 2 schematically shows an example of a toilet seat as described herein; FIG 3 schematically shows an example of a toilet pan as described herein; and FIG 4 schematically shows a cross-section of an example toilet pan as described herein; FIG 5 schematically shows a plan view of an example toilet pan as described herein; FIG 6 schematically shows a cross-section of an example toilet pan as described herein; FIGS 7A and 7B schematically show plan views of example toilet pans as described herein; and FIGS 8A and 8B schematically show examples of shims as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The FIGS schematically illustrate examples of a toilet 1 in which the seating surface 3 is inclined downwards towards a front of the toilet 1 or in which the toilet 1 is configured to enable fitting of a seating surface 3 which can be inclined downwards towards a front of the toilet 1. This makes it more difficult for a user to sit on the toilet 1 for extended periods of time, since engagement or additional engagement of upper leg muscles (for example: Rectus Femorus, Vestus Lateralis, Vastus Medialus) and lower leg muscles (for example: Gastrocnemius and Soleus) is required to resist sliding forward relative to the toilet 1.

Reducing the time spent sitting on the toilet 1 is desirable as spending too long sitting on the toilet 1 can cause swollen haemorrhoids and weakening of pelvic muscles.

Additional benefits to reducing the time that a person spends sitting on the toilet 1 can include: improving crowd flow through public toilets by reducing queuing times; reducing work place inefficiencies due to extended natural breaks; and reducing the use of the toilet 1 as a seat at which to perform unrelated tasks such as, for example, telecommunication activities.

The downwards incline of the seating surface 3 can make it more difficult to stand on the seating surface 3. Therefore, it may also deter a user from standing on the seating surface 3 in order to assume a squatting posture, which can increase risk of falling and injury.

Toilets 1 can be floor-mounted, such as pedestal toilets or they can be wall-mounted or hung, such as cantilever toilets. FIG 1A schematically illustrates a floor-mounted toilet 1 and FIG 1B schematically illustrates a wall-mounted toilet 1. A wall-mounted toilet comprises a wall-abutment surface 6 but not a floor-abutment surface 5. A floor-mounted toilet comprises a floor-abutment surface 5 and may or may not comprise a wall-abutment surface 6.

The example toilets 1 of both FIGS 1A and 18 comprise a pan 2, sometimes known as a toilet bowl. The pan 2 may be cast or moulded from ceramic (e.g., porcelain), concrete, plastic, (medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or metal. The pan may be connected to a cistern and to a drain pipe.

The example toilets 1 of both FIGS 1A and 18 comprise a seating surface 3 configured to at least partially circumscribe an opening into the pan 2 defined by an upper rim 8 of the pan 2 (as first shown in FIG 2).

The seating surface 3 is configured to incline downwards towards a front of the toilet 1 with a substantially constant gradient 4 of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: a floor-abutment surface 5 of the toilet 1 (as per FIG 1A); and a normal 7 to a wall-abutment surface 6 of the toilet 1 (as per FIG 1B).

The front of the toilet 1 corresponds to the direction in which it is intended that a user should face when sitting on the toilet 1.

The seating surface 3 may be configured to incline downwards towards the front of the toilet 1 with a constant gradient 4 or at least without a concave or convex profile along the incline. It is, however, to be appreciated that the seating surface 3 may be rounded about its edges either for aesthetic purposes or to avoid sharp edges.

The seating surface 3 may be usable, by a user, as a seat when it maintains stable position under the weight of the user seated upon it. When usable, by a user, as a seat, the seating surface 3 is inclined downwards towards a front of the toilet 1 with a substantially constant gradient 4 of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: the floor-abutment surface 5; and the normal 7 to the wall-abutment surface 6.

The floor-abutment surfaces may comprise the base of the toilet 1 and, when installed, provides an interface between the toilet 1 and a floor.

In some examples the toilet 1 comprises two or more bores extending through a body of the toilet 1 to the floor-abutment surface 5. Threaded fasteners such as, for example, bolts, anchor bolts or screws may be disposed through the bores in order to fasten the toilet 1 to a floor or to a pipe having an opening in the floor. The bores have a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft of the threaded fastener but less than the diameter of the head of the threaded fastener such that an underside of the head abuts against the body of the toilet 1 in order to urge the floor-abutment surface 5 against the floor. These bores may be angled such that the threaded fasteners are fastened to the floor at an angle to resist separation of the toilet 1 and the floor.

The wall-abutment-surface 6 may, when installed, provide an interface between the toilet 1 and a wall. The drain pipe to which the pan 2 may be connected can extend across this interface.

In some examples the toilet 1 comprises two or more bores extending through a body of the toilet 1 to the wall-abutment surface 6. Threaded fasteners such as, for example, bolts, anchor bolts or screws may be disposed through the bores in order to fasten the toilet 1 to a wall or wall studding or to a pipe having an opening in the wall. The bores have a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft of the threaded fasteners but less than the diameter of the head of the threaded fasteners such that an underside of the head abuts against the body of the toilet 1 in order to urge the wall-abutment surface 6 against the wall. These bores may be angled such that the threaded fasteners are fastened to the wall or wall studding at an angle to resist separation of the toilet 1 and the wall.

The seating surface 3 is distinct from a lid which closes an upper opening to the pan 2. The seating surface 3 does not close the upper opening to the pan 2. The seating surface 3 at least partially conforms to an upper rim 8 of the pan 2 (shown in FIGS 2 and 3) to define a central opening, substantially corresponding to the upper opening to the pan 2.

In some examples the substantially constant gradient 4 is in the range of 5 to 35 arc degrees. Above 5 arc degrees it can be uncomfortable for an average user to remain seated on the toilet for a period of time significantly exceeding the typical period of defecation or urination. Above 5 arc degrees it can be uncomfortable for an average user to remain seated on the toilet for a period of time exceeding, for example, 10 minutes. Above 35 arc degrees it can become uncomfortable for an average user to sit on the toilet 1 during a period of defecation or urination. For example, above 35 arc degrees it can become uncomfortable for an average user to sit on the toilet 1 for a period of 2 minutes.

A substantially constant gradient 4 of 5-8 arc degrees can produce an approximately 10-30% reduction in the average time spent per user sitting on the toilet 1 as compared to a seating surface that is not inclined.

A substantially constant gradient 4 of 8-13 arc degrees can produce an approximately 30-50% reduction in the average time spent per user sitting on the toilet 1 as compared to a seating surface that is not inclined.

A substantially constant gradient 4 of 13-35 arc degrees can produce an approximately 50-75% reduction in the average time spent per user sitting on the toilet 1 as compared to a seating surface that is not inclined.

In some examples the substantially constant gradient 4 is at least 8 arc degrees.

The substantially constant gradient 4 may be in the range of 8 to 35 arc degrees.

In some examples the substantially constant gradient 4 is at least 11 arc degrees. For example, at 11 arc degrees or more, it is uncomfortable for an average user to remain seated on the toilet 1 for a period exceeding 5 minutes.

The substantially constant gradient 4 may be in the range of 11 to 35 arc degrees.

In some examples the substantially constant gradient 4 is in the range of 11 to 13 arc 30 degrees.

The substantially constant gradient 4 may be 13 arc degrees.

The downwards incline of the seating surface 3 can be achieved in various manners. FIGS 2, 3, 4A, and 4B illustrate examples in which the downwards incline of the seating surface 3 is achieved.

In the example of FIG 2, the seating surface 3 is provided by an upper surface of a toilet seat 9. The toilet seat may be formed of plastic, metal, MDF, or wood.

The toilet seat 9 is configured to couple to the pan 2 via means for coupling 10. The means for coupling 10 may comprise one or more hinges or any other means providing a pivotal coupling. The toilet seat 9 is, when coupled to the pan, configured to be moved between raised positions and a stable, lowered position. The seating portion 3 can be used, by a user, as a seat when it is in the stable, lowered position. In the stable, lowered position the toilet seat 9 may abut against the pan 2 and in particular an upper rim 8 of the pan 2.

In this example, when disposed in the stable, lowered position, the toilet seat 9 is configured to elevate the seating surface 3 at a proximal end 11 relative to the seating surface 3 at a distal end 12. Alone or in combination with an inclined upper rim 8 of the pan 2 (as described in relation to FIG 3 below), elevating the seating surface 3 at the proximal end 11 relative to the seating surface 3 at the distal end 12, provides a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees.

It is to be appreciated that the proximal end 11 and the distal end 12 are defined with respect to the means for coupling 10.

The elevation of the seating surface 3 at the proximal end 11 relative to the seating surface 3 at the distal end 12 may result from a profile of the toilet seat 9.

For example, the toilet seat 9 may have a thicker profile at the proximal end 11 than at the distal end 12. The profile of the toilet seat 9 may provide the seating surface 3 with a substantially constant gradient 4 of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to a base 13 of the toilet seat 9. The seating surface 3 trends towards the base 13 of the toilet seat 9 with distance from the proximal end 11. The separation between the seating surface 3 and the base 13 of the toilet seat 9 decreases with distance from the proximal end 11.

The base 13 of the toilet seat 9 may be defined by the underside of toilet seat 9 or by any seat buffers that may be attached to the underside of the toilet seat 9.

In the example of FIG 3, the pan 2 is formed with an upper rim 8 inclined downwards towards the front of the toilet 1 with a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: the floor-abutment surface 5; and the normal 7 to the wall-abutment surface 6.

In some examples, the seating surface 3 may be formed integrally with the pan 2. For example, the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 may be formed as a seat for a user. In other examples the seating surface 3 may be provided by a separate toilet seat 9 coupled to the pan 2. The toilet seat 9 may have a seating surface 3 which is substantially parallel to its base 13. In such examples, the inclined seating surface 3 may be provided as a result of the inclined upper rim 8 against which the toilet seat 9 rests when usable as a seat.

To achieve the downward incline of the upper rim 8, the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 at the front may be lowered or the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 at the rear raised. In some examples of floor-mounted toilets 1, the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 at the front may be separated from the plane of the floor-abutment surface 5 by at least 350 mm in the direction of the normal to this plane. In some examples of floor-mounted toilets 1, the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 at the front may be separated from the plane of the floor-abutment surface 5 by 425 mm or less in the direction of the normal to this plane.

The downwards incline of the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 can additionally make urination from a standing position easier, and thus the toilet 1 is well-adapted for unisex facilities.

FIGS 4 to 7B illustrate examples of at least one fluid distribution channel 15 which is configured to receive fluid during a flush of the toilet 1 and enable rinsing of interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2, including at least rear and front interior surfaces 17R, 17F of the pan 2, with said fluid.

The at least one fluid distribution channel 15 is provided in a toilet 1 comprising a pan 2 having an upper rim 8 which inclines downwards towards a front of the toilet 1 with a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: a floor-abutment surface 5 of the toilet 1, and a normal 7 to a wall-abutment surface 6 of the toilet 1.

The at least one fluid distribution channel 15 at least partially circumscribes the pan 2 at a constant or substantially constant distance from the upper rim 8. Around the perimeter of the pan 2, the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 and the upper rim 8 remain separated by a substantially constant distance. Around the perimeter of the pan 2, the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 remains a substantially constant distance below the upper rim 8. The respective paths followed by the upper rim 8 and at least one fluid distribution channel 15 can lie in parallel planes.

Because the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 at least partially circumscribes the pan 2, said fluid can be dispersed around the perimeter of the pan 2, thus enabling rinsing of at least rear and front interior surfaces 17R, 17F of the pan 2.

Because the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 at least partially circumscribes the pan 2 at a substantially constant distance from the upper rim 8, the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 inclines downwards towards a front of the toilet 1 with substantially the same gradient as the upper rim 8.

Thus, the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 inclines downwards towards a front of the toilet 1 with a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: a floor-abutment surface 5 of the toilet 1, and a normal 7 to a wall-abutment surface 6 of the toilet 1.

In some examples the substantially constant gradient 4 is at least 11 arc degrees.

In some examples the substantially constant gradient 4 is in the range of 11 to 13 arc degrees.

The substantially constant gradient 4 may be 13 arc degrees.

The gradient of the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 provides an improved flow of fluid to the front of the pan 2 as compared to a horizontal fluid distribution channel as found in conventional toilets. A greater volume of fluid can be provided to the front of the pan 2 enabling increased rinsing of the front interior surface 17F of the pan 2.

Furthermore, since the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 remains a substantially constant distance from upper rim 8 around the periphery of the pan 2, a greater proportion of the interior surface 17 are rinsed. In particular the top of rear interior surface 17R is rinsed where it would not be if the channel 15 was horizontal and thus further from the upper rim 8 at the rear than at the front of the pan 2.

It is to be appreciated that a seating surface 3 may be provided by a separate unit to the toilet 1, for example by a toilet seat which can be fitted to the inclined upper rim 8 to provide an inclined seating surface 3 when it is supported by the upper rim 8 by abutment of the base of the toilet seat with the upper rim 8. Thus, the toilet 1 according to the examples of FIGS 4 to 7B may be provided without a seating surface 3. However, it is to be appreciated that a seating surface 3 can be formed by the upper rim 8.

During a flush, fluid (for example water) flows into the at least one fluid distribution channel 15. During a flush a valve may be actuated to enable passage of said fluid into the at least one fluid distribution channel 15. Said valve may be, for example, positioned between the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 and a cistern or other fluid receptacle.

In some examples, the toilet 1 comprises a fluid dividing manifold 16 behind the rear of the pan 2. The fluid dividing manifold 16 is configured to divert fluid, flowing towards the pan 2 during a flush, in part towards a left fluid distribution channel and in part towards a right fluid distribution channel and, in some examples, also in part downwards directly into the pan 2. The left and right fluid distribution channel may join at the front of pan 2 or may not join and instead remain as two separate fluid distribution channels.

Fluid flowing into the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 flows partially along and partially out of the channel 15. The at least one fluid distribution channel 15 is shaped so that fluid flows out of the channel 15 at multiple locations opening into the interior of the pan 2. Fluid flowing out of the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 at these multiple locations then flows down the interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2, rinsing these surfaces. These multiple locations may be in the form of either a continuous or a discrete distribution. These multiple locations include at least one location opening into a rear of the pan 2 and at least one location opening into a front of the pan 2 such that fluid flows down at least the rear and front interior surfaces 17R, 17F of the pan 2.

FIGS 4 and 5 shows examples in which the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 is open to an interior of the pan 2. FIG 4 shows a cross-section of the toilet 1 and FIG 5 shows a plan view. The upper rim 8 is not shown in FIG 5 to aid in the clarity of the illustration. The flow of fluid is shown by arrows.

In the examples of FIGS 4 and 5 the at least one distribution channel 15 comprises a shelf 18 along which the fluid can flow around the pan 2. The shelf 18 comprises a lip 19 over which the fluid can flow to rinse interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2 The shelf can be located radially outwards of the interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2 and the lip 19 can lie along the perimeter of the interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2. The lip 19 acts as a weir, the fluid flowing freely over the lip and cascading down interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2. Thus, this configuration of the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 provides for fluid flowing out of the channel 15 over a continuous distribution of locations around the pan 2. This can, in some examples, enable the rinsing of all interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2 below the at least one fluid distribution channel 15.

In this example, the lip 19 at least partially circumscribes the pan 2 at a constant or substantially constant distance from the upper rim 8. Thus, in the continuous distribution of locations around the pan 2 at which fluid flows out of the at least one fluid distribution channel 15, the locations are substantially equidistant from the upper rim 8.

In some examples, a cross slope, if any, of the shelf 18 is downwards towards an interior of the pan 2 with respect to at least one of the floor-abutment surface 5 of the toilet 1, and the normal 7 to the wall-abutment surface 6 of the toilet 1. This ensures that fluid is not retained in the channel 15 after the flush and instead drains, by gravity, into the pan 2. It is not necessary for the shelf 18 to have a cross slope along its entire length because it follows an inclined path. Thus, fluid can in the absence of a cross slope drain down the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 to the portion of the channel 15 at the front of the pan 2. Provided that the shelf 18 at this portion of the channel 15 at the front of the pan 2 has a cross slope downwards towards an interior of the pan 2, the fluid can then drain into the pan 2. The cross slope can, in some examples, be provided by a rounding of the shelf 18 over the lip 19 to form, with the interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2, a continuous convex surface portion.

In some examples the upper rim 8 of the pan 2 overlies the shelf 18 such that the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 forms a groove along the interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2. The at least one fluid distribution channel 15 can, for example, be formed by casting or moulding a groove around the perimeter of the pan 2.

Because the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 is open to the interior of the pan 2, its surfaces are exposed and thus easier to clean, particularly when reaching into the pan 2 from its upper opening in order to effect such cleaning.

As shown in FIG 5, there may, in some examples, not be an open fluid distribution channel 15 which fully circumscribes the pan 2. At the rear of the pan 2, the dividing manifold 16 comprises enclosing manifold walls in order to guide the fluid into the left and right fluid distribution channels. This dividing manifold may be positioned in a manner which interrupts the full circumscribing of the pan 2 by an open channel 15.

FIG 6 shows a cross-section of another example of the toilet 1 and FIGS 7A and 7B shows alternative plan views of this toilet 1. The upper rim 8 is not shown in FIGS 7A and 7B to aid in the clarity of the illustrations. The flow of fluid is shown by arrows.

FIGS 6, 7A, and 7B show examples in which the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 is enclosed and comprises a plurality of apertures 23 distributed along the length of the channel 15, around the perimeter of the pan 2. The plurality of apertures 23 open into an interior of the pan 2 and fluid can flow through these apertures 23 in order to rinse interior surfaces 17 of the pan 2. Thus, this configuration provides for fluid flowing out of the at least one fluid distribution channel 15 over a discrete distribution of locations around the pan 2.

The at least one fluid distribution channel 15 can, for example, be enclosed by an enclosing wall 21 which extends downwardly into the pan 2 from the upper rim 8 and forms a lower rim 22 within the interior of the pan 2. The plurality of apertures 23 can be provided through this lower rim 22.

The plurality of apertures 23, however they are provided, may be equidistant or substantially equidistant from the upper rim 8.

As shown in FIG 7A of the plurality of apertures 23, those which open into a rear of the pan 2 (designated as 23R in the FIGS) have a wider opening than those apertures which open into a front of the pan 2 (designated as 23F in the FIGS). This can provide a more even spread of fluid over the interior surface 17 of the pan 2.

The plurality of apertures 23 can be distributed at evenly spaced intervals along the length of the at least one fluid distribution channel 15, around the perimeter of the pan 2.

Additionally or as an alternative to variations between the width of those apertures 23R, 23F opening into the rear and front of the pan 2, the distribution of the plurality of apertures 23 can have a higher density at the rear of the pan 2 than at the front of the pan 2, as is shown in FIG 7B. Those apertures 23R which open into a rear of the pan 2 can be more closely spaced than those apertures 23F which open into a front of the pan 2. This too can provide a more even spread of fluid over the interior surface 17 of the pan 2.

Rather than providing an inclined seating surface 3 by means of a toilet seat 9 in which its seating surface 3 is inclined relative to its base 13 (as shown in FIG 2) or by means of a pan 2 being formed with an inclined upper rim 8 (as shown in FIGS 3 to 78), FIGS 8A and 8B show further alternatives.

In the foregoing, reference to substantially constant distance or substantially equidistant should be understood as allowing for small variations in distance between the upper rim 8 and the path along which the fluid distribution channel 15 or lip 19 extends or along which the plurality of apertures 23 are distributed is inclined by up to one or two arc degrees relative to the upper rim 8.

In the example of FIG 8A, the floor-abutment surface 5 comprises a surface of at least one shim 14 which may be mounted to a base of the toilet 1 or disposed between the base of the toilet 1 and the floor. In some examples, the at least one shim 14 may be integrally formed with the toilet 1 during the casting or moulding process.

In the example of FIG 8B, the wall-abutment surface 6 comprises a surface of at least one shim 14 which may be mounted to a back of the toilet 1 or disposed between the back of the toilet 1 and the wall.

The at least one shim 14 may comprise corresponding bores to those located through the body of the toilet 1 such that anchor bolts or screws extending through the bores in the body of the toilet 1 also extend through the bores in the at least one shim 14 and then into the floor or wall.

In the examples of FIGS 8A and 8B, the at least one shim 14 is configured to incline the seating surface with a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees by means of correspondingly inclining the body of the toilet 1 as a whole.

it is to be appreciated that a combination of each of the examples of FIGS 2, 3, 8A, and 8B can be used to achieve the desired gradient of the downwards inclined seating surface 3.

In the foregoing, reference has been made to the toilet 1. It is to be appreciated that the toilet 1 is a piece of hardware that is configured to enable the collection of or disposal of human excreta (urine and feces). The toilet 1 refers to the hardware whether installed in a facility or not. The toilet 1 may be connected to a wider system in order to achieve the collection of or disposal of urine and feces. For example, the toilet 1 may comprise an outlet which can be, on installation of the hardware in a facility, connected to a holding tank, a septic tank or into a sewage system. The toilet 1 may also comprises an inlet which can be, on installation of the hardware in a facility, connected to plumbing within the facility.

The toilet 1 may be a flush toilet having a siphonic or non-siphonic design.

It is to be appreciated that the toilet 1 is not a urinal. For example, the pan 2 may comprise an outlet (distinct from its upper opening) which is sized to enable the passage of feces out of the pan 2.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one.." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer and exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A toilet comprising: a pan having an upper rim which inclines downwards towards a front of the toilet with a substantially constant gradient of at least 5 arc degrees with respect to at least one of: a floor-abutment surface of the toilet, and a normal to a wall-abutment surface of the toilet; and at least one fluid distribution channel at least partially circumscribing the pan at a substantially constant distance from the upper rim, the at least one fluid distribution channel being configured to receive fluid during a flush and enable rinsing of at least rear and front interior surfaces of the pan with said fluid.
2. The toilet of claim 1 wherein the at least one fluid distribution channel is open to an interior of the pan and comprises a shelf along which the fluid can flow around the pan and wherein the shelf comprises a lip over which the fluid can flow to rinse interior surfaces of the pan.
3. The toilet of claim 2 wherein the lip at least partially circumscribes the pan at a substantially constant distance from the upper rim.
4. The toilet of claims 1 or 2 wherein a cross slope, if any, of the shelf is downwards towards an interior of the pan with respect to at least one of: the floor-abutment surface of the toilet, and the normal to the wall-abutment surface of the toilet.
5. The toilet of claim 1 wherein the at least one fluid distribution channel is enclosed and comprises a plurality of apertures distributed along the length of the channel which open into an interior of the pan and through which fluid can flow to rinse interior surfaces of the pan.
6. The toilet of claim 5 wherein the plurality of apertures are substantially equidistant from the upper rim.
7. The toilet of claims 5 or 6 wherein one of the plurality of apertures which opens into a rear of the pan has a wider opening than one of the plurality of apertures which opens into a front of the pan.
8. The toilet of any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the plurality of apertures are distributed at equal intervals along the length of the channel.
9. The toilet of any of claims 5 to 7 wherein a distribution of the plurality of apertures has a higher density at the rear of the pan than at the front of the pan.
10. The toilet of any preceding claim wherein the substantially constant gradient is 13 arc degrees.