GB2607346A

GB2607346A - Clinical wash station

Info

Publication number: GB2607346A
Application number: GB2108037.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Albert Della-Porta Louis
Original assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
Current assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
Priority date: 2021-06-04
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2022-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-04
Also published as: GB202108037D0; GB2607346B

Abstract

A waste outlet arrangement 4 for a sanitary ware apparatus 1, the arrangement comprising a waste pipe comprising an inlet 8 attachable to an outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus and an outlet 9, a debris extraction conduit 7 comprising a first end in fluid communication with the waste pipe between the inlet and the outlet and a debris capturing portion (13, fig 2A) movable along the conduit into the waste pipe and comprising a first end having a plurality of apertures, wherein when the debris capturing portion is positioned in the conduit, the first end comprising the plurality of apertures extends across a cross-section of the waste pipe such that fluid flowing from the inlet of the waste pipe to the outlet passes through the apertures. Further disclosed is an arrangement comprising a heatable portion located within a waste pipe and a sanitary ware apparatus comprising either or both outlet arrangements.

Description

CLINICAL WASH STATION

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a sanitary ware apparatus such as awash station and a means of maintaining cleanliness of the wash station and surrounding areas. The wash station may be for use by clinicians or patients or in other applications.

[0002] In a wash station such as a basin or sink, particular areas can become breeding grounds for unwanted bacteria. This is problematic when the wash station is installed in locations such as hospitals where there is a desire to prevent the transmission of infection.

[0003] In conventional basins or sinks, there are a number of sources of cross-contamination. Testing carried out by the inventors has shown a significant amount of splashing occurs in existing sinks when a user is washing his or her hands. The fluid, having contacted the hands of the user, rebounds outside of the sink area onto surfaces adjacent the sink. This causes the spread of bacteria.

[0004] Bacteria also frequently collects around the tap area. For example, if the tap is required to be activated by means of a handle, the user must touch the handle of the tap before washing their hands and then touch the handle again to turn the tap off when they have finished washing their hands. Furthermore, users may accidentally or otherwise touch the spout of the tap, thus contaminating the spout from which the 'clean' water is exiting.

[0005] Another area of cross-contamination is caused by bacteria in the outlet pipe of the wash station entering back into the bowl of the wash station. This can occur in three ways; though the air, by fluid transmission, or by surface migration.

[0006] Transmission of the bacteria by air is a result of water droplets being formed in suspension in the air due to the turbulent water flow. The atomised water droplets carry bacteria with them and may travel back into the bowl due to rebounding water flow.

[0007] It is a known problem that wash stations such as sinks or basins become blocked due to foreign objects being disposed of into the waste outlet of the basin. For example, in hospitals it is very common for syringe caps and other small pieces of medical equipment to accidentally or otherwise be disposed of in basins. The foreign objects often travel as far as the U-bend of the outlet of the basin where they become lodged. This can result in the U-bend becoming blocked which leads to a rising fluid level which eventually enters back into the bowl of the basin. Thus, waste fluid is transported back into the bowl area of the basin, carrying bacteria from the waste pipe. In extreme cases, the fluid could spill out of the basin onto the floor presenting a potential flood risk and transporting the bacteria onto the floor.

[0008] Surface migration of bacteria back into the sink area is caused by biofilm forming in the outlet pipe due to a build up in bacteria. Biofilm is able to migrate along the internal surface of the outlet pipe towards the bowl portion of the basin, carrying the bacteria as it migrates. Bacteria is then dispersed from the biofilm into suspension in the water. The bacteria is then able to migrate back through the water flow due to the turbulent nature of the water flow. Thus bacteria is able to re-enter the bowl portion of the basin.

[0009] There is a desire for a basin to be developed which limits the amount of bacteria that is transmitted and that prevents bacteria being able to travel back into the basin area once it has entered the waste system.

[0010] The inventors have developed a novel waste outlet system which overcomes these problems as will be discussed.

[0011] It will be recognised from the disclosure herein that the invention is also suitable for use in other applications. For example, the system described herein may also be used in the waste outlet portions of other sanitary ware applications such as urinals, bidets or showers.

SUMMARY

[0012] Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the appended claims.

[0013] Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a waste outlet arrangement for a sanitary ware apparatus. The waste outlet arrangement comprises a waste pipe comprising an inlet configured to be attached to an outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus and an outlet. The waste pipe is arranged to communicate waste fluid from the sanitary ware apparatus to the outlet of the waste pipe. The waste outlet arrangement additionally comprises a debris extraction conduit. The debris extraction conduit comprises a first end in fluid communication with the waste pipe between the inlet and the outlet of the waste pipe. The waste outlet arrangement further comprises a debris capturing portion movable along the debris extraction conduit into the waste pipe. The debris capturing portion comprises a first end, wherein a portion of the first end of the debris capturing portion comprising a plurality of apertures. When the debris capturing portion is positioned in the debris extraction conduit, the portion of the first end comprising the plurality of apertures extends across a cross-section of the waste pipe such that the fluid flowing from the inlet of the waste pipe to the outlet of the waste pipe passes through the plurality of apertures.

[0014] The first end of the debris capturing portion is shaped to intersect the entire cross section of the waste outlet pipe. In this way, any fluid travelling through the waste outlet pipe passes through the apertures in the portion of the first end of the debris capturing portion in order to reach the outlet of the waste outlet pipe. The word 'apertures is intended to mean through holes in the end of the debris capturing portion. These may be circular. Alternatively, the apertures may be hexagonal, square or rectangular thus forming a grid or grill formation in the first end of the debris capturing portion. By arranging a portion of the first end of the debris capturing portion across the cross-section of the waste pipe, any solid objects in the fluid flow with a cross section larger than that of the apertures are not able to pass through the apertures and remain within the debris capturing portion. Thus, the debris capturing portion can be removed from the debris extraction conduit and the solid objects extracted. This prevents blockage of the waste pipe by solid particles getting stuck in the U-bend.

[0015] The debris extraction conduit may comprise a removable cap attached to a second end of the debris extraction conduit. The cap may be removable from the debris extraction conduit for access to a second end of the debris capturing portion. Thus, the cap may be removed by the user and the debris capturing portion withdrawn from the debris extraction conduit. Once the debris capturing portion has been emptied and, optionally, cleaned, it can be returned to the debris extraction conduit and the cap can be replaced.

[0016] The plurality of apertures may have a width of between approximately 5 and approximately 15 mm. Thus, any objects with a width larger than these dimensions is not able to fit through the apertures and is collected in the debris capturing portion. This prevents any objects which may block the U-bend exiting from the waste outlet pipe. Thus, blockages which may lead to rising contaminated water levels entering back into the sanitary ware apparatus are reduced.

[0017] The debris capturing portion may be removable from the debris extraction conduit. In this way, the debris capturing portion can be emptied of any collected solid objects before it is replaced back in the debris extraction conduit. The debris capturing portion may also be cleaned to remove any built up biofilm on the internal or external surface of the debris capturing portion. Thus, the bacteria in the biofilm is prevented from entering back into the fluid flow and potentially re-emerging into the sanitary-ware apparatus.

[0018] The debris extraction conduit may extend at an angle of between approximately degrees and approximately 85 degrees to the waste pipe. This angle enables self-draining of the debris extraction conduit into the waste outlet pipe. Thus, stagnant contaminated fluid is prevented from building up.

[0019] Wien the debris capturing portion is inside the debris extraction conduit, the portion of the first end comprising the plurality of apertures may extend at an angle of between approximately 100 degrees and approximately 120 degrees to the waste pipe. Specifically, the wall of the waste pipe extending from the first end of the debris capturing portion is at an angle of between approximately 100 degrees and approximately 120 degrees to the portion of the first end of the debris capturing portion which comprises the plurality of apertures and extends across the waste outlet pipe. Thus, when debris or solid objects which cannot fit through the apertures are contained in the fluid flow, they contact the first end of the debris capturing portion and roll to the side out of the waste outlet pipe into the main body of the debris capturing portion located in the debris extraction conduit. This prevents the objects blocking the fluid flow through the plurality of apertures.

[0020] The waste pipe may comprise a blockage sensor configured to detect a blockage and an alarm configured to provide an alert when the blockage sensor detects a blockage. Thus, a user may be alerted when solid objects are collected in the debris capturing portion and/or when a fluid level in the waste pipe rises past a particular point. The blockage sensor may be located outside of the waste outlet pipe. This prevents bacteria build up around the sensor. The alarm may be in the form of an audio or visual signal which is audible/visible proximate the sanitary ware apparatus. Alternatively, an alert may be provided to a maintenance provider through an application on a smart phone or tablet or by email.

[0021] The waste outlet arrangement may additionally comprise a heatable portion located within the waste pipe. The heatable portion acts as a thermal disinfection unit in order to kill bacteria across a localised area in the waste pipe adjacent the basin outlet. The heatable portion additionally dries out the surface of the pipe which demotes bacterial growth.

[0022] Viewed from a second aspect there is provided a waste outlet arrangement for a sanitary ware apparatus. The waste outlet arrangement comprises a waste pipe configured to be attached to the sanitary ware apparatus and a heatable portion located within the waste pipe.

[0023] The heatable portion primarily acts as a thermal disinfection unit in order to kill bacteria in the waste pipe. The heatable portion additionally functions to dry the surface of the waste outlet. A drier surface demotes growth of bacteria and limits biofilm formation.

[0024] The heatable portion may be located at an inlet to the waste pipe. Thus, by creating a localised quarantine/clean zone, bacteria is prevented from re-entering into the bowl of the sanitary ware apparatus since bacteria is prevented from building up in the part of the pipe closest to the bowl.

[0025] Heat may be provided to the heatable portion by electrical resistive heating or induction heating. In this way, heat can be applied for a predetermined and pre-set period of time and at predetermined intervals. The heatable portion may comprise a pipe section enclosed in a heating mat or in contact with a heating element, wherein fluid entering the waste pipe from the sanitary ware apparatus may be configured to pass through the pipe section. Thus the heat is applied to localised area within and adjacent to the pipe section.

[0026] The heatable portion may comprise an induction coil wrapped around the waste pipe instead of using a heating mat. Alternatively, the induction coil may be embedded in or moulded into the outer surface of the waste pipe. By using the induction coil, it is not necessary for wires to extend within the waste pipe as is required with the heating mat. The induction coil is also more easily accessible for maintenance. When an induction coil is used for heating, the pipe section may or may not be included in the waste pipe.

[0027] When the waste pipe is connected to the sanitary ware apparatus, the outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus may protrude into an internal area of the pipe section. Thus, the pipe section has a larger diameter than the outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus. This prevents fluid pooling or creating a turbulent flow when it passes from the sanitary ware apparatus into the pipe section. Thus, fluid is less likely to enter back into the sanitary ware apparatus.

[0028] The waste pipe may comprise an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the pipe section. Thus a gap is formed between the outer surface of the pipe section and the inner surface of the waste pipe. For example, the gap may be approximately 10 mm. This gap results in weir being formed between the pipe section and the inner surface of the waste pipe. Specifically, by having this gap, surface biofilm growth from the U-bend to the outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus is prevented as there is no continuous surface running from the U-bend to the outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus.

[0029] The heatable portion may be configured to be heated at periodic intervals.

Alternatively, the heatable portion may be heated manually instead of or in addition to being heated at periodic intervals when there is a build-up of biofilm in the pipe section or the intervals and heating periods can be changed. Furthermore, the temperature to which the heatable portion is heated may be staggered. For example, the heatable portion may be heated to approximately 85 degrees Celsius in order to kill bacteria in the vicinity of the heatable portion. The temperature may then be reduced to approximately 35 to 40 degrees Celsius in order to dry out the outlet pipe. This is done as a preventative measure since optimum growing conditions for biofilm include a moist environment. Alternatively, the higher level heat may be applied periodically, and the lower level heat may be applied following each use of the sanitary ware apparatus.

[0030] The heatable portion may comprise a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the formation of biofilm. Thus, the heat can be applied when the biofilm level surpasses a predefined amount.

[0031] The pipe section may be made of a copper alloy and the mat or sleeve may be made of silicon or another heat resistant carrier of heating elements. Copper alloys have antimicrobial properties.

[0032] Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a sanitary ware apparatus. The sanitary ware apparatus arrangement comprises a bowl comprising a fluid outlet and the waste outlet arrangement of the first and/or second aspects, wherein the waste pipe is attached to the fluid outlet.

[0033] The debris extraction conduit may be accessible from the front of the sanitary ware apparatus. Thus, cleaners or maintenance staff are able to easily remove the cap, extract the debris capturing portion and empty out any solid debris before replacing it in the debris extraction conduit. In some examples in a sanitary ware apparatus such as a sink, the ceramic portion of the sink extends below the bowl and the debris extraction conduit extends through the ceramic. In other examples, the conduit may extend separately from the ceramic. In other examples, the debris extraction conduit may be accessible from the side or back of the sanitary ware apparatus.

[0034] The sanitary ware apparatus may be a wash station. A wash station may comprise a basin or a sink. In other examples, the sanitary ware apparatus may instead be a urinal, shower or bidet.

[0035] The bowl may comprise a base comprising a fin. A 'fin' is intended to mean a protruding elongate portion. Thus, when water from the tap hits the base of the bowl on the fin, splashing is minimised.

[0036] Wien the wash station is in use, the base of the bowl adjacent the fluid outlet may be at an angle to the horizontal of between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees. Thus, water is encouraged to flow down the base towards the outlet at the back of the base.

[0037] The wash station may comprise a tap. The tap may comprise a spout. The spout may comprise a removable spout guard. Thus, the spout guard can be periodically removed and cleaned or replaced. In other examples the base may not be part of the wash station but may be separate and attached to a wall above the wash station. The spout guard may be made of a copper alloy. Copper alloys have antimicrobial properties.

[0038] The wash station may further comprise an activation sensor for activating a flow of fluid from the tap. Thus, the user does not need to activate the tap by contacting a handle. This reduces contamination. The activation sensor may be located behind a back surface of the bowl. Thus, the back of the bowl has a smooth, uninterrupted surface. In other examples, the activation sensor may be located within the bowl. However, this increases the chance of bacteria building up around the sensor. Alternatively, the activation sensor may be located on or proximate to the tap.

[0039] The bowl may comprise a back and two sides, wherein the tap is attached to the back of the bowl and the sides extend from the base of the bowl to a position substantially horizontally aligned with where the tap is attached to the back of the bowl. Thus, the high sides prevent splashing of fluid outside the bowl when the user places his or her hands in the water flow from the tap.

[0040] The bowl may be formed of a single piece of ceramic (or alternative material). By using a single piece, bacteria is prevented from building up in joins between different parts of ceramic. Alternatively, the bowl may be made of multiple pieces of ceramic. The ceramic may have silver moieties embedded in its glaze. The use of silver moieties in the glaze inhibit bacteria growth and that of other microbes. In other examples, the bowl may be made of other materials, for example stone particles in resin.

[0041] 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

[0042] Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0043] Figures 1A and 1B show side and cross sectional views of the sanitary ware apparatus of the present invention; [0044] Figure 1C shows a front view of the sanitary ware apparatus of the present invention; [0045] Figure 10 shows a front view of an alternative sanitary ware apparatus of the present invention; [0046] Figures 2A and 2B show side and isometric views of the waste outlet arrangement of the present invention; [0047] Figure 2C shows a cross sectional view of a portion of the waste outlet arrangement of the present invention; [0048] Figures 3A and 3B show a thermal disinfection system according to a first aspect of the invention; [0049] Figure 30 shows a thermal disinfection system according to a second aspect of the invention; and [0050] Figures 4A and 4B show a tap according to the present invention.

[0051] VVhile 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.

[0052] 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".

[0053] 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

[0054] The present teaching relates generally to a sanitary ware apparatus including a wash station such as a basin or sink and a means for reducing transmission of bacteria.

[0055] Figure 1A shows a side view of a sanitary ware apparatus 1 according to the present invention. Figure 1B shows a cross sectional side view of the sanitary ware apparatus 1 according to the present invention. In the present example, the sanitary ware apparatus is a wash station such as a basin or sink. The wash station 1 comprises a bowl 2, a tap 3 and a waste outlet portion 4.

[0056] A front view the sanitary ware apparatus 1 is shown in figure 1C. The tap 3 is attached to the back of the bowl 2. When the tap 3 is installed in the bowl as is shown in figure 10, the sides extend above the spout of the tap. This prevents splashing of fluid outside of the bowl 2. In other examples, the tap may not be attached within the bowl 2.

[0057] The sanitary ware apparatus 1 additionally comprises an activation sensor 29 for activating the flow of fluid from the tap 3. In the present example, the activation sensor 29 is located behind bowl 2 and is able to sense movement inside the bowl 2. In other examples, the activation sensor 29 may be located on or within a portion of the tap 3, may extend through the surface of the bowl 2 or may be located outside of the bowl 2.

[0058] The waste outlet portion 4 comprises a waste outlet pipe 5 and a U-bend portion 6. An inlet 8 of the waste outlet pipe 5 is attached to an outlet 26 of the bowl 2 (shown in figure 1B) and an outlet 9 of the waste outlet pipe 5 is attached to the U-bend portion 6. The base of the bowl 2 is sloped with respect to the horizontal. In the present example, the base of the bowl adjacent the outlet is at angle of approximately 6 degrees to the horizontal. The base is at a steeper angle further from the outlet. This aids draining of the bowl 2. In other examples, the angle may be smaller or greater than this. The base of the bowl 2 may have a fin (not shown). This reduces splashing of the fluid flow from the tap 3 as it contacts the base of the bowl.

[0059] A debris extraction conduit 7 extends from the waste outlet pipe 5 between the inlet 8 and outlet 9. The debris extraction conduit 7 is in fluid communication with the waste outlet pipe 5. In the present example, the debris extraction conduit extends at an angle of approximately 75 degrees from the vertical. In other examples, the angle may be smaller or larger than this. For example, the angle may be between approximately 65 degrees and approximately 85 degrees from the vertical.

[0060] The debris extraction conduit comprises a removable cap 10. The cap 10 may comprise an internal thread configured to interact with a thread on the outside of the debris extraction conduit 7 so that the cap 10 can be screwed on and off the debris extraction conduit 7. Alternatively, the cap 10 may be attached to the conduit 7 in other ways such as using a hinge, a pressed grip fit (i.e. a self holding fit), or a friction grip with a flexible elastomer.

[0061] In the present example, the waste outlet pipe 5 is split into two parts; a first part 11 and a second part 12. The first part 11 comprises the inlet 8 and is attached to the bowl 2. The second part 12 comprises the outlet 9 and is attached to the U-bend portion 6. The first part 11 acts as a connector between the basin and the rest of the waste pipe. In the present example, the first part 11 is made of an elastomer and the second part 12 is made of plastic. The connector part 11 provides a liquid fight seal to the basin. In other examples, the waste outlet pipe 5 could be made of a single pipe rather than two separate parts 11, 12.

[0062] The waste outlet portion 4 may additionally comprise a blockage sensor 19. The blockage sensor 19 is able to detect solid objects in the outlet pipe 5 and/or a fluid level reaching the level of the sensor 19.

[0063] Figure 1D shows an alternative arrangement wherein the tap 3 is not attached to the bowl 2 but is attached to the wall or surface to which the sanitary ware apparatus 1 is attached. As can be seen from this figure, even if the tap is not directly attached to the back of the bowl 2, the sides of the bowl 2 extend up to the horizontal level of the tap 3 in order to prevent splashing of water from the tap outside the bowl 2.

[0064] Figures 2A and 2B show side on and isometric exploded views respectively of the waste outlet portion 4 of the present invention. Figure 2C shows a cross sectional isometric view of a portion of the waste outlet portion 4 of the present invention.

[0065] As can be seen in these figures, the waste outlet portion 4 additionally comprises a debris capturing portion 13. The debris capturing portion 13 is removable from the debris extraction conduit 7. Figures 2A and 2B show an exploded view of the waste outlet portion 4, with the debris capturing portion 13 and the removable lid 10 removed from the debris extraction conduit 7. Figure 2C shows the debris capturing portion 13 installed in the debris extraction conduit 7 and the removable lid attached to the debris extraction conduit 7.

[0066] The debris capturing portion 13 comprises a first end 14 and a second end 15.

The debris capturing portion 13 additionally comprises side walls 17 and a base 18 extending between and attached to the first end 14 and the second end 15. The exterior of the debris capturing portion 13 and the interior of the debris extraction conduit 7 have complementary shapes so that the debris capturing portion 13 can be received by the debris extraction conduit 7. In the present example, and as can be seen from figure 2B, the side walls 17 are flat. This prevents the debris capturing portion 13 rotating when it is installed in the debris extraction conduit 7. In other examples, the debris capturing portion 13 may have a different shape which is configured to be received by the debris extraction conduit and which can be prevented from rotating once it is inserted in the debris extraction conduit 7.

[0067] As can be seen from figure 2A, the first end 14 of the debris capturing portion 13 has a portion which is substantially perpendicular to the walls of the debris capturing portion 13 and parallel to the second end of the debris capturing portion 13 and a portion extending from the perpendicular portion to the base at an angle to both. The portion of the first end 14 which is at an angle to the base 18 comprises a plurality of apertures or openings 16 in its surface. These can be seen in figures 2B and 2C.

[0068] The debris capturing portion 13 may comprise a handle 17 attached to the second end 15. The handle may be used by the user to extract the debris capturing portion 13 from the debris extraction conduit 7 once the lid 10 has been removed.

[0069] When the debris capturing portion 13 is inserted fully in the debris extraction conduit 7 as is shown in figure 2C, the portion of the first end 14 which is substantially perpendicular to the walls of the debris capturing portion 13 abuts the interior wall of the waste outlet pipe 5. The angled portion of the first end 14 extends across the entirety of the cross section of the waste outlet pipe 5. Thus, when fluid flows from the basin 2, through the waste outlet pipe 5, it flows through the apertures 16 before reaching the outlet 9 of the waste outlet pipe and flowing into the U-bend portion 6.

[0070] The plurality of apertures 16 have a width of between approximately 5 and approximately 15 mm. For example, the apertures 16 may have a width of approximately 8 mm. The combined area of the apertures 16 is approximately half of the area of the angled portion of the debris capturing portion 13. Thus, if there is any solid matter in the fluid which is larger than the width of the apertures, it is not able to fit through the apertures 16 so remains in the debris capturing portion 13. Furthermore, the apertures 16 cause the fluid flow to slow down and to be dispersed as it passes through the holes. Thus, when the flow contacts the fluid in the U-bend, splashing is less likely to occur.

[0071] When the debris capturing portion 13 is inserted in the debris extraction conduit 7 as is shown in figure 2C, the angled portion of the first end 14 is at an angle of between approximately 100 degrees and approximately 120 degrees to the waste pipe. Thus any solid objects which are not able to fit through the apertures 16 are caused to roll down the angled portion towards the base 18 of the debris capturing portion 13. Thus, the objects do not block the apertures preventing the flow from travelling through the waste outlet pipe 5.

[0072] In order to remove the objects from the debris capturing portion 13, the user is able to remove the cap 10 and extract the debris capturing portion 13 from the debris extraction conduit 7. The objects can then be taken out of the open top of the debris capturing portion 13, see figure 2B. The debris capturing portion 13 can then be replaced in the debris extraction conduit 7 and the cap 10 reattached. As is shown in figure 1A, the cap 10 is accessible from the front of the sanitary ware apparatus 1. In other examples, the cap 10, debris extraction conduit 7 and debris capturing portion 13 may face to the side or the back of the sanitary ware device 1. The debris capturing portion 13 may be extracted from the debris extraction conduit for emptying following an alert from the blockage sensor 19 or as part of routine cleaning.

[0073] Figure 3A shows a thermal disinfection system 20 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The thermal disinfection system is adjacent the inlet 8 of the waste outlet pipe 5. The thermal disinfection system 20 may be used in addition to or instead of the debris extraction conduit 7 and the debris capturing portion 13.

[0074] The thermal disinfection system 20 comprises a pipe section 21. This is shown removed from the outlet waste pipe 5 in figure 3B. The pipe section 21 is located inside the waste outlet pipe 5 at the inlet S. The outlet 26 of the bowl 2 extends into the pipe section 21 when the waste pipe is attached. This prevents the fluid pooling or forming a turbulent flow. Thus, when waste fluid flows into the waste outlet pipe 5, it flows through the pipe section 21. In the present example, the internal diameter of the pipe section is approximately 40 mm. The internal diameter of the outlet 26 of the bowl which is located within the pipe section is approximately 31 mm. The external diameter of the pipe section 21 is approximately 42 mm and the internal diameter of the waste outlet pipe 5 is approximately 52 mm. Thus, there is a gap between the outside of the pipe section 21 and the inside of the waste outlet pipe 5. Biofilm builds on the internal surface of the waste outlet pipe 5. By forming this gap, it is more difficult for the biofilm to migrate along the internal surface of the waste outlet pipe and into the outlet 26 of the bowl due to there not being a continuous surface between the two. It is also more difficult for contaminated air to travel back through the pipe section 21 into the bowl.

[0075] A heating mat or sleeve 22 is wrapped around the pipe section 21 and is in contact with the pipe section 21 around its circumference adjacent to the outlet 26 of the bowl. The heating mat 22 has resistive heating wires embedded within the substrate material. Using the heating mat 22, heat can be transferred to the pipe section 21 by conduction. By applying heat to the area, bacteria on the surface of the pipe section 21 can be eliminated. The heating mat 22 is used to raise the pipe section 21 to an elevated temperature over a period of time and at regular intervals. For example, the heating mat may be heated to a temperature of approximately 80 to 85 degrees Celsius for between 5 and 20 minutes at intervals of 24 hours. This can be applied manually or automatically.

[0076] The pipe section 21 additionally comprises a lip 23 at one end extending in a perpendicular direction from the walls of the pipe section 21. When the pipe section 21 is installed in the waste outlet pipe 5, the lip 23 prevents fluid travelling down the sides of the pipe section 21 and coming into contact with the heating mat 22.

[0077] The pipe section 21 of the present example is made of a copper alloy and the heating mat 22 may be made of silicon. In other examples, the heating mat may be made of another heat resistant carrier of heating elements. Alternatively, instead of a heating mat, a flexible membrane printed circuit heater may be used. The flexible membrane has resistive heating elements printed onto the flexible substrate. Wires 24 are attached to the heating mat 22 to provide electricity to heat the mat. These pass through holes in the first part 11 of the outlet pipe 5. In other examples, a heating element may be clamped onto the pipe section 21.

[0078] The pipe section 21 may additionally comprise a biofilm sensor (not shown) located around the pipe. The biofilm sensor detects the level of biofilm and is able to provide an alert when the level or amount becomes too high. The waste outlet pipe 5 could then be removed and the pipe section 21 extracted for cleaning.

[0079] Figure 3C shows a thermal disinfection system 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The thermal disinfection system is adjacent the inlet 8 of the waste outlet pipe 5.

[0080] As with the first embodiment, the thermal disinfection system 20 comprises a pipe section 21 with a lip 23. Instead of a heating mat, the thermal disinfection system 20 comprises an induction coil 25 wrapped around the exterior of the waste outlet pipe 5 and connected to wires 24. The induction coil 25 uses electromagnetic induction to heat the pipe section 21 through heat generated in the object by eddy currents. The rapidly alternating magnetic field penetrates the pipe surface, generating electric currents (eddy currents) inside the pipe section 21, which in turn excites electrons generating heat due to internal friction.

[0081] This configuration is beneficial over the first embodiment as no wires are required to be fed into the waste pipe 5 itself since the coil 25 is outside the waste pipe 5. The induction coil applies heat to the pipe section 21 in order to eliminate bacteria. Instead of being wrapped around the waste pipe, the induction coil 25 may be embedded in its outer surface.

[0082] Figures 4A and 4B show the tap 3 according to the present invention. The tap 3 comprises a spout portion 27 and a spout guard 28. The spout guard 28 is removable from the spout portion as is shown in figure 4B. In this way, the spout guard can be regularly changed or cleaned. The spout guard 28 may be screwed onto the spout portion 27 or may be a push fit or a bayonet fit.

[0083] In the present example, the tap 3 is made of brass and is plated in chrome and the spout guard 28 is made of a copper alloy or brass.

[0084] The tap is periodically turned on to flush fluid through the system. This can be carried out manually or automatically. When this is carried out automatically, the tap is set to turn on for a pre-set duration at pre-set intervals. The duty flush prevents stagnation of water in the system which promotes bacterial growth. The tap 3 is also turned on when motion is detected by the activation sensor 29 (not shown in these figures). Alternatively, the tap 3 may have a handle to be activated by the user in order to turn the tap on and off.

[0085] 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 waste outlet arrangement for a sanitary ware apparatus, the waste outlet arrangement comprising: a waste pipe comprising an inlet configured to be attached to an outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus and an outlet, the waste pipe arranged to communicate waste fluid from the sanitary ware apparatus to the outlet of the waste pipe; a debris extraction conduit, the debris extraction conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with the waste pipe between the inlet and the outlet of the waste pipe; a debris capturing portion movable along the debris extraction conduit into the waste pipe, the debris capturing portion comprising a first end, wherein a portion of the first end of the debris capturing portion comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein when the debris capturing portion is positioned in the debris extraction conduit, the portion of the first end comprising the plurality of apertures extends across a cross-section of the waste pipe such that the fluid flowing from the inlet of the waste pipe to the outlet of the waste pipe passes through the plurality of apertures.
2 The waste outlet arrangement of claim 1, wherein the debris extraction conduit comprises a removable cap attached to a second end of the debris extraction conduit, wherein the cap is removable from the debris extraction conduit for access to a second end of the debris capturing portion.
3. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of apertures have a width of between approximately 5 and approximately 15 mm.
4. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the debris capturing portion is removable from the debris extraction conduit.
5. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the debris extraction conduit extends at an angle of between approximately 65 degrees and approximately 85 degrees to the waste pipe.
6 The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the debris capturing portion is inside the debris extraction conduit, the portion of the first end comprising the plurality of apertures extends at an angle of between approximately 100 degrees and approximately 120 degrees to the waste pipe.
7 The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the waste pipe comprises: a blockage sensor configured to detect a blockage; and an alarm configured to provide an alert when the blockage sensor detects a blockage.
8. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 1 to 7 additionally comprising a heatable portion located within the waste pipe.
9 A waste outlet arrangement for a sanitary ware apparatus, the waste outlet arrangement comprising: a waste pipe configured to be attached to an outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus; and a heatable portion located within or around the waste pipe.
10. The waste outlet arrangement of claim 9, wherein the heatable portion is located at an inlet to the waste pipe.
11. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein heat is configured to be provided to the heatable portion by electrical resistive heating or induction heating.
12. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the heatable portion comprises a pipe section enclosed in a heating mat or in contact with a heating element, wherein fluid entering the waste pipe from the sanitary ware apparatus is configured to pass through the pipe section.
13. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the heatable portion comprises an induction coil wrapped around the waste pipe.
14. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 9 to 13, wherein when the waste pipe is connected to the sanitary ware apparatus, the outlet of the sanitary ware apparatus protrudes into an internal area of the pipe section.
15. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the waste pipe comprises an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the pipe section.
16. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the heatable portion is configured to be heated at periodic intervals.
17. The waste outlet arrangement of any of claims 9 to 16, wherein the heatable portion comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the formation of biofilm.
18. A sanitary ware apparatus, the sanitary ware apparatus comprising: a bowl comprising a fluid outlet; the waste outlet arrangement of claims 1 to 8 and/or the waste outlet arrangement of claims 9 to 17, wherein the waste pipe is attached to the fluid outlet.
19. The sanitary ware apparatus of claim 18, wherein the debris extraction conduit is accessible from the front of the sanitary ware apparatus.
20. The sanitary ware apparatus of any of claims 18 to 19, wherein the sanitary ware apparatus is a wash station.
21. The sanitary ware apparatus of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the bowl comprises a base comprising a fin.
22. The sanitary ware apparatus of any of claims 20 to 21, wherein when the wash station is in use, the base of the bowl adjacent the fluid outlet is at an angle to the horizontal of between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees.
23. The sanitary ware apparatus of claim any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the wash station comprises a tap, the tap comprising a spout, wherein the spout comprises a removable spout guard.
24. The sanitary ware apparatus of claim 23 the wash station further comprising an activation sensor for activating a flow of fluid from the tap.
25. The sanitary ware apparatus of claim 24, wherein the activation sensor is located behind a back surface of the bowl.
26. The sanitary ware apparatus of claim 24, wherein the activation sensor is located on or proximate to the tap.
27. The sanitary ware apparatus of any of claims 20 to 26, wherein the bowl comprises a back and two sides, wherein the tap is attached to the back of the bowl and the sides extend from the base of the bowl to a position substantially horizontally aligned with where the tap is attached to the back of the bowl.
28. The sanitary ware apparatus of any of claims 18 to 27, wherein the bowl is formed of a single piece of ceramic.