WO2001027491A2 - Ameliorations concernant une unite comprenant un element mobile - Google Patents

Ameliorations concernant une unite comprenant un element mobile Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001027491A2
WO2001027491A2 PCT/GB2000/003879 GB0003879W WO0127491A2 WO 2001027491 A2 WO2001027491 A2 WO 2001027491A2 GB 0003879 W GB0003879 W GB 0003879W WO 0127491 A2 WO0127491 A2 WO 0127491A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
shaft
nut
chambei
fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/003879
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001027491A3 (fr
Inventor
Enda Keaveney
Original Assignee
Intellect Highway Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9923903.0A external-priority patent/GB9923903D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0012456A external-priority patent/GB2364533A/en
Application filed by Intellect Highway Limited filed Critical Intellect Highway Limited
Priority to AU76747/00A priority Critical patent/AU7674700A/en
Publication of WO2001027491A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001027491A2/fr
Publication of WO2001027491A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001027491A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/10—Devices for raising and lowering, e.g. tilting or lifting mechanisms; Collapsible or rotating seats or covers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
    • A47K13/30—Seats having provisions for heating, deodorising or the like, e.g. ventilating, noise-damping or cleaning devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F3/00—Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checks; Construction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices
    • E05F3/02—Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checks; Construction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with pneumatic piston brakes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2999/00—Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass

Definitions

  • THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a unit incorporating a movable element.
  • One unit of the invention has a governor and more particularly a governor adapted to govern the speed at which a shaft may rotate.
  • the invention has an application in the field of a self-lifting or self-closing toilet seat or lid, the governor being used to govern the rate of rotation of a shaft on which the toilet seat or lid is mounted.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved arrangement for adjusting the position of the movable element such as a toilet seat or lid but it is to be appreciated that the features of the invention could be used in a unit where it is desirable for an element to move from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position after a pre-determined period of time.
  • a unit comprising a movable element and a governor adapted to govern the speed of movement of the element, the governor comprising a shaft member which rotates in response to movement of the element, the shaft being an associated follower member, one said member having a projection and the other member having a cam face to co-operate with the projection, the cam face presenting an inclined face inclined relative to the axis of the shaft, means being provided to constrain the follower to permit the follower to move axially relative to the shaft whilst preventing the follower from rotating, the follower being connected to means which define part of a chamber, so that rotation of the shaft moves the follower which consequently moves the said means defining part of a chamber to alter the volume of the chamber, means being provided defining a restricted air-flow passage communicating with the interior of the chamber.
  • the shaft has an external projection in the form of a helical thread and the follower is a nut.
  • the shaft has the projection and the follower surrounds the shaft and defines an aperture, engaged by the projection, which aperture has a side edge which is inclined relative to the axis of the shaft to constitute the cam face.
  • the inclined region has a plurality of regions including a first region with a first angle of inclination relative to the axis and a second region with a second, gi eater angle of inclination to the axis and a third region substantially parallel with the first region
  • the inclined region is a straight inclined region
  • the shaft is piovided with a portion having external threading, a nut being provided adapted to engage the threaded portion of the shaft, means being provided to constrain the nut to permit the nut to move axially whilst preventing the nut from rotating, the nut being connected to means which define part of a chambei, so that lotation of the shaft moves the nut which consequently moves the said means defining part of a chamber to alter the volume of the chamber, means being provided defining a restricted airflow passage communicating with the lnte ⁇ oi of the chamber
  • theie is furthei piovided a unit compnsmg a movable element and a governor adapted to govern the speed of movement of the element, the governor comprising a shaft membei which rotates in response to movement of the element, the shaft being piovided with a portion having external thieadmg, a nut being piovided adapted to engage the threaded portion of the shaft, means being piovided to conshain the nut to permit the nut to move axially whilst pi eventing the nut from lotating, the nut being connected to means which define part of a chambei , so that lotation of the shaft moves the nut which consequently moves the said means defining part of a chamber to alter the volume of the chambei, means being piovided defining a lestiicted airflow passage communicating with the intei ioi of the chambei
  • the adjustable air bleed valve comprises a passage incorporating a conical tapering section and a flow regulating element inserted into said passage, the flow regulating element having a conical tapering portion within the conical tapering portion of the passage to define a relatively narrow, but adjustable, air-flow space there-between.
  • the means defining a chamber comprise a piston which is contained within a bore, the bore having a closed end, the chamber being defined between the piston and the closed end of the bore.
  • said iestiicted air-flow passage is provided communicating with the closed end of the bore, and a supplementary air-flow passage, of greater diameter than the restricted air-flow passage, is provided communicating with part of the bore which is spaced from the closed end of the bore.
  • the means defining a chamber comprise a resilient cup and a substantially planar face engaged by the resilient cup.
  • the cup is connected to the nut.
  • the governor incorporates a resilient element secured to the nut which initially engages a planar face to define a second chamber, there being a iestiicted air-flow passage communicating with the chamber, the arrangement being such that after a predetermined movement of the nut. the resilient element becomes separated from the face.
  • the element is adapted to move against the bias provided by a resilient element.
  • the lesilient element is a spring
  • the spnng is a compiession sp ⁇ ng
  • the spring is a torsion spring adapted to be secured to the shaft.
  • the element is movable pivotally about a pre-determined substantially ho ⁇ zontal axis between a fust substantially ho ⁇ zontal position and a second substantially vertical position, the element being provided with at least two chambers which aie mtei connected by a constriction, one chamber being spaced further from the axis than the othei chamber, the combination of the chambers being partially filled with a fluid, the chambers being configured so that when the element is in the fn st substantially hoi lzontal position at least some of the fluid will flow into the said one chambei and so that when the element is then moved pivotally to the second substantially vertical position, the centre of giavity of the element and the fluid in the chambers is to one side of a vertical line through the pivot axis, and so that, when in the substantially vertical position, fluid fiom the said one chambei will flow through the constriction to the othei chambei so that the centie of giavity will move
  • theie is furthei pi ovided a unit lncorpoiating at least one element, means being piovided to mount the element so that the element is movable pivotally about a pi e-determined substantially honzontal axis between a first substantially honzontal position and a second substantial!) vertical position, the element being piovided with at least two chambei s which are interconnected by a constriction, one chambei being spaced further from the axis than the other chamber, the combination of the chambers being partially filled with a fluid, the chambers being configured so that when the element is in the first substantially horizontal position at least some of the fluid will flow into the said one chamber and so that when the element is then moved pivotally to the second substantially vertical position, the centie of gravity of the element and the fluid in the chambers is to one side of a vertical line through the pivot axis, and so that, when in the substantially vertical position, fluid from the said one chamber will flow through the constriction to the other chamber so that
  • the element is substantially planar, the pre-determined substantially horizontal axis being located at a position offset from the plane of the element.
  • the chambei s aie additionally interconnected by means which permit the fluid to flow ielatively quickly fiom said othei chamber to said one chamber whilst substantially preventing fluid flow from the one chamber to the other chambei
  • the chambers are additionally intei connected by means constituting a conduit having a first end in communication with said one chamber and a second end in communication with said othei chambei , the fust end being in a position i emote fiom the axis, the conduit defining a flow path having a laigei cioss-section than the cioss-section of the constriction
  • the means that pennit the quick flow of fluid also penmt air to flow fiom said one chambei to said othei chambei
  • an adjustable valve is piovided to vary the cross-sectional area of the constriction
  • the chambers are moulded integrally into the element
  • the chambers are in a separate component connected to the element
  • the unit compnses a reservon adapted to be at least partially filled with a fluid, the ieservon furthei adapted to be pivotally mounted in the unit so that, when the element is in the second substantially vertical position, the centre of gravity of the ieservoir and the fluid contained therein is substantially above the pivot axis
  • the reservon is connected to an outlet which opens onto an outer edge of the unit
  • the outlet comprises an adjustable valve piovided to vary the cross-sectional area of the outlet
  • the unit compnses two movable elements wherein one movable element is adapted to lotate w ith a fust axle and wheiein, when the second element is in a substantially honzontal position a clamping foi ce be exerted on the fust axle such that the fu st element will not be movable relative to the second element
  • the unit compnses two movable elements and a first magnet adapted to be mounted on a fu st element and a second magnet adapted to be mounted on a second element such that the fu st magnet is substantially aligned with the second magnet when the fust element and the second element are in a substantially horizontal position
  • the unit comprises two movable elements and a first governor adapted to govern speed of movement of the first said element and a second governor adapted to govern the speed of movement of the second element
  • the element is a seat for a toilet
  • the element is a lid foi a toilet
  • FIGURE 1 is a part-diagiammatic side view of a gove ⁇ ioi forming pail of a self-closing toilet seat mechanism, iUustiating the toilet seat in an upnght position,
  • FIGURE 2 is a top plan view co ⁇ espondmg to Figuie 1 ,
  • FIGURE is a sectional view taken on line 111-111 of Figuie 1 ,
  • FIGURE 4 is a side view of a piston foiming part of the appaiatus in Figures 1 to 3
  • FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of an air-bleed valve forming part of the governor of Figures 1 to 3;
  • FIGURE 6 is a side view of a component of the air-bleed valve
  • FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating part of a modified embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is a view of a modified embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGURE 9 is a part-diagrammatic side view of a governor forming part of a self-closing toilet seat mechanism, iUustiating the toilet seat in an upright position,
  • FIGURE 10 is a top plan view conesponding to Figure 9,
  • FIGURE 1 1 is an end view conesponding to Figure 9,
  • FIGURE 12 is a top plan view conesponding to Figuie 10 showing the governor in an alternate position
  • FIGURE 13 is an exploded view of an an bleed valve fonning part of the governor of Figures 9 to 1 1,
  • FIGURE 14 is a side view of a component of the an bleed valve
  • FIGURE 15 is a side view of a l esilient cup fonning part of the governor of Figures 9 to 12,
  • FIGURE 16 is a sectional view of the lesilient cup of Figure 15,
  • FIGURE 17 is a side of the insert present in the cup of Figures 15 and 16,
  • FIGURE 18 is a front view of the insert of Figure 17,
  • FIGURE 19 is a view partly in phantom of an alternate unit that may form part of a governor in accordance with the invention
  • FIGURE 20 is a sectional view of a piston fonning part of the umt of Figure 19,
  • FIGURE 21 is a view conesponding to Figuie 19 illustrating an alternate arrangement
  • FIGURE 22 is a plan view of a unit fonning part of a governor in accordance with the invention which incorporates a time delay mechanism
  • FIGURE 23 is a view conesponding to Figuie 22 showing the unit of Figure 23 in an alternate configuration
  • FIGURE 24 is a side view of a piston fonning part of the unit of Figuies 22 and 23, and
  • FIGURE 25 is a sectional view of the piston shown in Figure 24
  • FIGURE 26 is a part diagrammatic side view of an alternative embodiment of a governor forming part of a self-closing toilet seat mechanism, illustrating the toilet seat in an upright position;
  • FIGURE 27 is a top plan view conesponding to Figure 26;
  • FIGURE 28 is a sectional view taken on line III-III of Figure 26;
  • FIGURE 29 is a view conesponding to Figure 26 but illustrating the toilet seat in a horizontal position
  • FIGURE 30 is a top plan view conesponding to Figure 29;
  • FIGURE 3 1 is a part diagrammatic side view of a further alternative embodiment of a governor fonning part of a self-closing toilet seat mechanism, illustrating the toilet seat in an upright position;
  • FIGURE 32 is a top plan view conesponding to Figure 3 1 ;
  • FIGURE 33 is a view conesponding to Figure 3 1 but illustrating the toilet seat in a horizontal position
  • FIGURE 33 is a top plan view conesponding to Figuie 32;
  • FIGURE 34 is a side view of a toilet incorpoiating a unit in accordance with the invention having a toilet lid and a toilet seat,
  • FIGURE 35 is a sectional view of the toilet lid of Figure 34 as seen fiom above,
  • FIGURE 36 is a sectional view of the toilet lid in a first substantially horizontal position as seen from one side;
  • FIGURE 37 is a sectional view conesponding to Figure 36 showing the toilet lid in a second position
  • FIGURE 38 is a sectional view conesponding to Figure 37 showing the toilet lid in a third position
  • FIGURE 39 is a sectional view conesponding to Figure 38 showing the toilet lid in a fourth position
  • FIGURE 40 is a sectional view conesponding to Figure 39 showing the toilet lid in a final position
  • FIGURE 41 is a sectional view of the toilet seat of Figure 34 as seen from above;
  • FIGURE 42 is a sectional view of the toilet lid of Figure 34 as seen from above having a reservoir;
  • FIGURE 43 is a sectional view of the toilet lid of Figure 34 as seen from above having a second embodiment of the reservoir;
  • FIGURE 44 is a sectional view of the toilet lid and resei'voir as seen from one side in a position conesponding to Figure 36;
  • FIGURE 45 is a sectional view of a toilet lid and ieservoir as seen from one side showing the toilet lid in a position conesponding to Figure 38
  • FIGURE 46 is a part diagrammatic side view of the governor of Figures 26 to 30 and the governor of Figuies 31 to 34, both forming part of a self- closing toilet seat mechanism, illustrating the toilet seat in an upnght position,
  • FIGURE 47 is a side view of the toilet seat in a substantially horizontal position
  • FIGURE 48 is a perspective, exploded view of the toilet seat of Figure 47 and an associated toilet lid,
  • FIGURE 49 is a sectional view conesponding to Figure 48 taken through the pivot axis of part of the toilet seat and lid of Figuie 48, and
  • FIGURE 50 is a side view of a toilet seat and toilet lid in a substantially horizontal position
  • a support 1 is piovided incorporating a base plate 2 adapted to be secuied to a toilet pan by an appiopnate linkage
  • the base plate 2 has two upstanding anns 3 4, and a shaft 5 extends between and is lotationally supported by the anns 3 and 4, the shaft extending outwaidK on eithei side of the amis 3 and 4
  • the portion of the shaft 5 between the anns 3 and 4 is connected to a lug 6, the lug 6 being fonned integially with a toilet seat
  • the lug 6 is mounted fast with the shaft 5, and co-iotates with the shaft 5
  • the end of the shaft 5 that extends beyond the a ⁇ n 4 is piovided with a coarse pitch thread 7
  • the tlu eaded portion 7 on the shaft 5 is received within a threaded bore formed within a square nut 9
  • the nut 9 is provided, at its lower edge, with a depending lug 10, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 3, the lug 10 being received within a channel 1 1 piovided in an upstanding projection 12 on the base plate 2
  • the anangement is such that the nut 9 may move axially relative to the axis of the shaft 5, but may not rotate The nut may move 20 mm per turn of the shaft
  • the nut and thiead compnse one example of a follower which is mounted on the shaft for axial movement lelative to the shaft which is adapted to engage an external piojection on the shaft, and it can be seen that in this example, both the helical thieading on the shaft and also the co-operating helical threading on the nut present inclined faces which are inclined relative to the axis of the shaft.
  • the consequence of the engagement between the external threading on the shaft and the internal thieading piesent on the nut is to cause the nut to move axially ielative to the shaft in iesponse to a lotational movement of the shaft
  • the nut 9 is connected, by means of a connectoi 13 to a piston 14
  • An upstanding plate 15 is piovided on the base 2
  • the plate 15 defines a bore 16 which ieceives the piston 14
  • the boie 16 has a closed end piovided with an air-bleed valve 17
  • a lesilient element in the foim of a spnng 8 is piovided located between the lug 4 and the nut 12 T he spnng is a helical spnng su ⁇ ounding the shaft 5
  • the piston 14 is pi ovided with a stalk ca ⁇ ying a generally flat transfei s head 18 which terminates w ith a te ⁇ ninal iadialh outwardly extending flexible lip or skirt 19
  • the anangement is such that as the piston 14 is introduced into the bore 16, the resilient skirt 19 may flex inwardly permitting gas to escape from the bore.
  • the resilient skirt 19 would be biased outwardly and engage the side of the bore
  • the piston will only be able to move as air is drawn into the chamber defined between the piston 14 and the closed end of the bore 1 1 through the bleed-valve 17.
  • the diameter of the bore 16 may be selected in dependence on the way to the toilet seat, with a large diameter bore of, for example, 32 mm being used for a heavy toilet seat such as wood is used, and a smaller diameter bore of, for example, 29 mm, being used if a light-weight plastic toilet seat is used
  • the bleed valve 19 comprises a body member 20 provided at one end with exterior ribbing 21 to enable the body membei to be secuied in position A through passage 22 is defined within the body membei , the thiough passage having successive sections of reducing diametei
  • An air control member 23 is provided having a leading substantially conical portion 24 adapted to be ieceived as an almost au -tight fit within a conical portion of the thiough passage 22, and having a main thi eaded bod ⁇ section 25 which is bifuicated by means of an axially extending slit 26
  • the threaded section 25 may be i eceived within a conesponding tin eaded portion of the passage 22
  • the position of the membei 23 may be adjusted so that a predetennmed quantity of au may flow thiough the slit 26 to the extenoi of the tapering portion 24 of the membei 23 and may then flow thi ough a fine space between the tapering portion 24 and the conical portion of the thiough-bore 22
  • the position of the threaded body 25 may be axially adjusted so that the size of the fine space, that defines an air flow passage, may be adjusted.
  • the piston is illustrated, in Figures 1 and 2, in an initial position in which the toilet seat is upright.
  • the piston is located towards the closed end of the bore 16 defined in the upstanding plate 15.
  • the toilet seat may be adapted to be lowered, automatically, to a lower position, with the toilet seat moving under the force of gravity, but against a generally upward bias provided by the spring 8.
  • the spring 8 may simply be adapted to be compressed as the toilet seat is lowered, as the nut 9 moves towards the arm 4, as will now be described, or the spring may provide a "torsion" effect, being secured to the shaft.
  • the shaft 5 will rotate. Rotation of the shaft 5 will cause the nut 9 to move axially relative to the shaft, since the nut camiot rotate due to the engagement of the depending lug 10 within the channel 1 1. As the nut moves relative to the shaft, so the nut applies an axial force to the piston 14, serving to withdi aw the piston from the bore 16.
  • the upstanding plate 18 defines a bore 30 which is of increased length as compared with the bore 16.
  • an air-passage 31 communicating from the exterior of the upstanding plate 18 to the interior of the bore
  • the bleed-valve 17 may be adjusted to pe ⁇ nit only a very slow rate of flow of an into the bore 30
  • the piston 14 will only be able to move veiy slowly du ⁇ ng an initial part of the movement of the piston
  • air will be able to flow into the region of the bore 30 that communicates with the air- bleed valve 17 through the passage 31, and consequently the piston 14 may then move to the left with an increased velocity.
  • the toilet seat may move slowly foi a pe ⁇ od of time until the piston has reached the air-passage 3 1, and the piston may then move more swiftly, although the relatively swift movement will still be governed by the speed at which air may be diawn into the boi e 30 thi ough the au inlet 3 1
  • this anangement piovides effectively, a timing mechanism, with the seat onlv moving very slightly din ing the fu st penod of tune, and subsequently moving to the closed position moie swiftly
  • Figure 8 illustrates a modified embodiment of the invention which is very similar to the embodiment described above with lefeience to Figui es 1 to 4, but the nut 9 has been replaced by a follower 40 which su ⁇ ounds the shaft 5, and which is provided with an aperture in the foim of a slot 41 which extends in such a way that one side edge of the slot 41 is inclined relative to the axis of the shaft 5.
  • the slot 41 is engaged by a radially outwardly extending projection 42 which extends outwardly from the shaft 5.
  • the projection 42 is in the form of a rod having a diameter which is substantially equal to the width of the slot 41.
  • the rod engages one of the two side faces of the slot 41, and thus causes the follower 40 to move axially in response to rotational movement of the shaft 5. It can be seen that the described follower, and the cooperating projection 42 operate in the same way as the thread and nut anangement described above, with particular reference to Figures 1 to 3.
  • a support 43 is provided incorporating a base plate 44 adapted to be secured to a toilet pan by an appropriate linkage
  • the base plate 44 has two upstanding aims 45, 46, and a shaft 47 extends between and is rotationally supported by the aims 45 and 46, the shaft extending outwardly on either side of the aims 45 and 46
  • One end of the shaft 47 is connected to a spring 48 contained within a housing 49
  • One end of the spring 48 is secured to the housing 49, and the housing 49 is secured to the shaft.
  • the other end 50 of the spring 48 is secured to the upstanding aim 45
  • the spring imparts a predetermined rotational bias to the shaft 47
  • the portion of the shaft 47 between the supports 45 and 46 is connected to a lug 51, the lug 51 being formed integrally with a toilet seat.
  • the lug 51 is mounted fast with the shaft 47, and co-rotates with the shaft 47
  • the end of the shaft 47 remote fiom the spring 48 is provided with a coarse pitch thread 52
  • the threaded portion 52 at the end of the shaft 47 is received within a threaded bore 53 formed within a square nut 54.
  • the nut 54 is provided, at its lower edge, with a depending lug 55, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 1 1, the lug 55 being received within a channel 56 provided m an upstanding projection 57 on the base plate 44.
  • the anangement is such that the nut 54 may move axially relative to the axis of the shaft 47, but may not rotate. The nut may move 20 mm per turn of the shaft.
  • the nut 54 is connected, by means of a connector 58 to a resilient cup 59.
  • the resilient cup 59 will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 15 to 18
  • the resilient cup is illustrated in an initial position, fiimly engaging a front face fonned on an upstanding plate 60 earned by the base plate 44
  • the upstanding plate 60 is provided with an air bleed valve 61 , which will be described hereinaftei with reference to Figuies 13 and 14
  • the an bleed valve communicates with a chambei defined by the mtenoi of the l esilient cup
  • the govemoi mechanism lllusti ated in Figuies 9 to 1 1 shows the situation that exists when the toilet seat is in the upnght position
  • the toilet seat may be adapted to be lowered, automatically, to the lowered position, with the toilet seat moving under the influence of a spring bias applied to the shaft 47 by the spring 48.
  • the spring 48 will tend to rotate the shaft 47 so that the lug 51 moves towards the closed position of the toilet seat, and the rotation of the shaft 47 causes the nut 54 to move axially relative to the shaft, since the nut cannot rotate.
  • the nut applies an axial force to part of the resilient cup 59, serving to withdraw the cup away from the upstanding plate 60.
  • air is drawn through the air bleed valve 61 into the chamber defined between the inside face of the cup 59 and the face of the upstanding plate 60 engaged by the cup 59. Since air has to be drawn into the chamber through the bleed valve 61, the speed at which the nut 54 may move is regulated, and thus the speed of rotation of the shaft 47 is regulated, and consequently the described apparatus provides a desired governing effect.
  • the bleed valve 61 comprises a body member 62 provided at one end with exterior ribbing 63 to enable the body member to be secured in position.
  • a through passage 64 is defined within the body member, the through passage having successive sections of reducing diameter.
  • An air control member 65 is provided having a leading substantially conical portion 66 adapted to be received as an almost air-tight fit within a conical portion of the through passage 64, and having a main threaded body section 67 which is bifurcated by means of an axially extending slit 68.
  • the threaded section 67 may be received within a conesponding threaded portion of the passage 64.
  • the position of the member 65 may be adjusted so that a predetermined quantity of air may flow through the slit 68 to the exterior of the tapering portion 66 of the member 65 and may then flow through a fine space between the tapering portion 66 and the conical portion of the through-bore 64.
  • Figure 15 illustrates one embodiment of a resilient cup 59 which may be used in embodiments of the invention.
  • the resilient cup 59 is provided with a stalk 69 adapted to be engaged by the connector 58 ca ⁇ ied by the nut 54.
  • the stalk 69 communicates with a cup portion comprising a transverse base 70 and a forwardly and outwardly directed peripheral lip 71.
  • the lip 71 is foimed of resilient material.
  • the main transverse base of the cup incorporates a reinforcing element 72 which may be foimed of steel or other metal.
  • the reinforcing element 72 comprises a shaft 73 having spaced apart ribs 74 which is accommodated within the stalk 69 and has a transverse plate 75, accommodated within the transverse base 70 of the cup.
  • the plate 75 is provided, as can be seen in Figure 18, with a plurality of apertures 76 to ensure a good grip between the plate and the resilient material forming the cup.
  • a governor in accordance with the invention may be fabricated in which the upstanding plate 60 is provided with a bore 77 which receives a piston 78, as shown in Figure 19.
  • An air bleed valve 61 is provided which peimits air to enter the chamber within the base 77 behind the piston 78.
  • the piston 78 is provided with a stalk which may be adapted to be connected to the connector 58 ca ⁇ ied by the nut 54, the stalk carrying a generally flat transverse head 79 which terminates with a terminal radially outwardly extending flexible lip 80.
  • the anangement is such that as the piston 78 is introduced into the bore 77, the resilient skirt 80 may flex inwardly permitting gas to escape from the bore. However, when subsequently an attempt is made to withdraw the piston from the bore, thus moving the piston towards the left as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the resilient skirt 80 will deflect outwardly firmly engage the side of the bore. Thus the piston will only be able to move as air is drawn into the chamber through the bleed valve 61. It is to be appreciated, therefore, that the anangement illustrated in Figures 18 to 20 may again be utilised as part of a governor.
  • the diameter of the bore 77 may be selected in dependence on the weight of the toilet seat, with a large diameter bore of, for example, 32 mm being used if a heavy toilet seat - such as wood - is used, and a small diameter bore of. for example, 20 mm being used if a light weight plastic toilet seat is used.
  • Figure 21 illustrates a modified embodiment of the invention which is generally similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 18 to 20, although the bore 77 is of increased length, and part way along the length of the bore 77 there is an air passage 81 communicating from the exte ⁇ or of the upstanding plate 60 to the interior of the bore.
  • the bleed valve 61 may be adjusted to permit only a very slow rate of flow of air into the bore 77.
  • the piston 78 will only be able to move very slowly during an initial part of the movement of the piston.
  • air will be able to flow into the region of the boie 77 that communicates with the air bleed valve 61 through the passage 81, and consequently the piston 78 may move to the left with an increased velocity.
  • the toilet seat will move slowly for a period of time until the piston has reached the air passage 81 , and may then move more swiftly, although the relatively swift movement will still be governed by the speed at which air may be drawn into the bore 77 through the air inlet 81
  • the anangement provides effectively a timing mechanism, with the seat only moving very slightly during a first period of time, and subsequently moving to the closed position.
  • Figure 22 and 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment pi ovided with a timing mechanism
  • a modified nut 82 is provided which receives the thi eaded end 52 of the shaft 47 Again the nut is constrained so that it cannot l otate, but can move axially
  • the nut is again located adjacent an upstanding plate 60 foimed on the support plate 44
  • the nut 82 is connected to a first resilient cup 59 which is the same as the resilient cup 59 described above, that resilient cup 59 being associated with an air bleed valve 61.
  • the nut 82 is also connected to a second resilient cup 83.
  • the resilient cup 83 incorporates a stalk 85 by means of which the cup is connected to the nut 82, the stalk 85 carrying a substantially rigid transverse head 86 which is provided with a peripheral resilient lip 87. It is thus only the resilient lip 87 that constitutes the resilient cup.
  • the resilient cup constituted by the resilient lip 87 engages a face of the upstanding plate 60 which is provided with an air bleed valve 84 of the same design as the air bleed valve 61.
  • the volume of air within the resilient cup 59 is at a minimum, and the resilient lip 87 constituting the second resilient cup is pressed against the face of the plate 60.
  • the air bleed valve 84 may be adjusted to permit only a veiy slow rate of flow of air.
  • adjustable air bleed valves Whilst in the described embodiments of the invention adjustable air bleed valves have been used, it is to be appieciated that in other embodiments of the invention bores of predetermined cross-section may be piovided defining air-flow passages of a predetermined dimension Such an -flow passages may be preferred in mass produced products Also, whilst in the desc ⁇ bed embodiments a governing effect is achieved while air is drawn into a chamber, an equivalent effect may be obtained when air is expelled from a chamber
  • a support 87 is piovided lncorpoiating a base plate 88 adapted to be seemed to a toilet pan by an appiop ⁇ ate linkage
  • the base plate 88 has two upstanding aims 89,90 and a shaft 91 extends between and is rotationally supported by the aims 89,90, the shaft extending outwaidly on eithei side of the aims 89,90
  • the portion of the shaft 91 between the aims 89,90 is connected to a protrusion 9 oi 10, the pi oti usion 9 oi 10 being foimed integially with the toilet lid.
  • the protrusion 9 or 10 is mounted fast with the shaft 91 and co-rotates with the shaft 91.
  • the end of the shaft 91 that extends beyond the arm 90 is provided with a bore 93 extending diametrically across the shaft 91 at one end.
  • An elongate pin 92 is provided to be inserted into a bore 93 at the end of the shaft 91 with an interference fit.
  • the length of the pin 92 is approximately twice the diameter of the shaft 91 and is positioned in the bore 93 of the shaft 91 such that approximately half the length of the pin 92 is in the bore 93 and approximately half of the pin 92 extends from one end of the bore 93.
  • the end of the shaft 91 that extends beyond the aim 90 and the pin 92 are received within a slider 94.
  • the slider 94 is provided, at its lower edge, with a depending lug 95, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 28, the lug 95 being received within a channel 96 provided in an upstanding projection 97 on the base plate 88.
  • the anangement is such that the slider 94 may move axially relative to the axis of the shaft 91, but may not rotate.
  • the slider 94 is provided with an aperture 98 opening onto part of the upper directed surface 99 of the slider 94.
  • the aperture 98 has a side edge that defines a cam surface that extends from the part of the upwardly directed surface 99 that is nearest the aim 90.
  • the cam surface has a first relatively gentle decline which is substantially straight and which is inclined at a predeteimined angle to the axis of the shaft 1 , which leads to a second steeper decline which is also substantially straight and which is inclined at a greater angle to the axis of the shaft 91 which then leads to a third relatively gentle decline which is also substantially straight and which is substantially parallel with the first decline which teiminates at the substantially horizontal edge 56 of the aperture 98.
  • the first, second and third regions of the cam surface decline in three dimensions such that, as the shaft 91 rotates, the part of the pin 92 that extends from the end of the shaft 91 will be in slidable contact with at least one of the regions of the aperture 98. It is to be appreciated that the region of the aperture 98 which is in contact with the pin 92 will depend on the angular position of the shaft 91. The consequence of the engagement between the pin 92 and the first, second and third region of the cam surface is to cause the slider 94 to move axially relative to the shaft 91 in response to a rotational movement of the shaft 91.
  • the slider 94 is connected, by means of a connector 101 to a piston 102
  • An upstanding plate 103 is provided on the base 88, the plate 103 defining a bore 104 which receives the piston 102.
  • the bore 104 has a closed end provided with an air bleed valve 105.
  • a spring 106 is provided located between the aim 90 and the slider 94
  • the spring 106 is a helical spring su ⁇ ounding the shaft 91
  • the piston 102 ca ⁇ es a generally flat transfei head 107 which terminates with a te ⁇ ninal radially outwardly extending flexible lip or skirt 108
  • the anangement is such that as the piston 102 is introduced into the bore 104. the resilient skirt 108 may flex inwardly peimitting gas to escape from the bore
  • the resilient skirt 108 would be biased outwai dly and engage the side of the bore 104.
  • the diameter of the bore 104 may be selected independent on the dimensions of the toilet seat, with a large diameter bore for example being used for a heavy toilet seat such as wood and a small diameter bore being used if a lightweight plastics toilet seat is being used.
  • bleed valve 105 used in this invention will be of a type well known in the art.
  • the piston 102 is illustrated, in Figures 9 and 10, in an initial position in which the toilet lid is upright.
  • the piston 102 is located towards the closed end of the bore 104 to find in the upstanding plate 103.
  • the toilet lid may be adapted to be lowered, automatically, to a lower position but against a generally upward bias provided by the spring 106.
  • the spring 106 may simply be adapted to be compressed as the toilet lid is lowered, as the slider 94 moves towards the aim 90, as will now be described, or the spring 106 may provide a torsion effect, being secured to the shaft 91.
  • the shaft 91 will rotate. Rotation of the shaft 91 will cause the slider 94 to move axially relative to the shaft 91 , since the slider cannot rotate due to the engagement of the depending lug 95 within the channel 96. As the slider 94 moves relative to the shaft 91, so the slider 94 applies an axial force to the piston 102, serving to withdraw the piston from the bore 104. As the piston 102 moves within the bore 104, so air is drawn, through the air bleed valve 105 into the chamber defined within the bore 104 between the piston 102 and the closed end of the bore 104.
  • the speed at which the slider 94 may move is regulated, and thus the speed of rotation of the shaft 91 is regulated and consequently the described apparatus provides a desired governing effect.
  • the toilet lid may thus move slowly towards the lowered position.
  • the protruding end of the pin 92 moves along the first gently declined region of the cam surface of the slider 94 such that the slider 94 moves relatively slowly along the shaft 91 thus air is drawn relatively slowly through the air bleed valve 105 as the slider 94 moves along this first region.
  • the pin 92 slides down the second relatively steeply declined region of the cam surface and thus the slider 94 will move relatively quickly and thus the shaft 91 will rotate relatively quickly and the toilet lid will be lowered relatively quickly.
  • the piston 102 will move relatively quickly within the bore 104 and thus air will be drawn into the chamber through the bleed valve 105 relatively quickly.
  • the toilet seat may thus move in a controlled manner initially relativeh slowly, to allow the user of the toilet to move away, then secondly to mo ⁇ e relatively rapidly so that the toilet lid is closed relatively quickly and thirdh and finally, to move relatively slowly so that the toilet lid will be brought gently into contact with the toilet seat without making an undesirable noise
  • the aperture 98 defines only a single evenly declined substantially linear cam surface.
  • anangement described in connection with the toilet seat and the anangement described in connection with the toilet lid will be used in conjunction with one another so that, after use, the toilet seat and the toilet lid may be lowered at different rates such that the toilet seat will be lowered more quickly than the toilet lid. This may be desirable if a user is sitting on the toilet seat and does not wish the toilet lid to begin lowering straightaway.
  • the chambers are moulded integrally with the seat or lid, it is envisaged that the chambers could form part of a separate component to be mounted on the seat or lid
  • a toilet comprises a bowl 109 connected to a cistern 1 10 via a water pipe 1 1 1 there being pivotally attached to the upper substantially horizontal face 1 12 of the bowl 109 a toilet seat 1 13 and a toilet lid 114.
  • the seat 1 13 is a substantially planar element and the lid 1 14 is another substantially planar element.
  • the toilet seat 1 13 and the toilet lid 1 14 are movable pivotally about a pre-determined axis 1 15 which is offset from the plane of the lid and from the plane of the seat 1 13 so that the toilet seat 1 13 and the toilet lid 1 14 may be rotated from a first substantially horizontal position in which the under part of the seat 1 13 engages the upper surface 1 12 of the toilet bowl 109, to a second substantially vertical position where the toilet seat 1 13 rests against the toilet lid 1 14 which in turn rests against a stop 1 16 mounted on the cistern 1 10.
  • the lid 1 14 is provided with protrusions 1 17 and 1 18 extending from the part of the lid adjacent to the axis 1 15.
  • the protrusions 1 17, 1 18 extend rearwardly and upwardly when the lid is horizontal.
  • the protnisions 1 17, 1 18 each define a bore which is offset from the plane of the lid 1 14 and which accommodates a shaft on which the lid 1 14 is pivotally mounted.
  • the shaft is connected to the toilet bowl 109 in a conventional manner.
  • the lid 1 14 is provided with two chambers 1 19 and 120 one chamber 1 19 being spaced further from the pre-determined axis 1 15 than the second chamber 120.
  • the first chamber 1 19 and the second chamber 120 are interconnected by a constriction 77.
  • the chambers 1 19, 120 are formed integrally with the lid 1 14 by moulding the lid 1 14 appropriately and are provided to receive a charge of fluid.
  • the lid 1 14 is horizontal the lower surface of the first chamber 1 19 is located at a level below the level of the lower surface of the second chamber 120.
  • constriction 121 is provided with an adjustment valve 122 to allow the width or cross-sectional area of the constriction 121 to be varied.
  • the chambers 1 19 and 120 are further interconnected by an elongate tube 123 which has a relatively large diameter or cross-sectional area in relation to that of the constriction 121.
  • the tube 123 extends into the first chamber 1 19 by a substantial distance so that the open end of the tube 123 is located within the first chamber 1 19 at a point remote from the axis 1 15.
  • the anangement is such that if the charge of fluid is all, or substantially all, in the first chamber 1 19, the open end of the tube 123 will be above the level of the fluid of the lid 1 14 in a vertical position.
  • the tube 123 does not extend into the second chamber 120 or extends only a short distance into the second chamber 120 so that the open end of the tube 123 is located at a point within the second chamber 120 remote from the axis 1 15.
  • the anangement is such that if the charge of fluid is all, or substantially all, in the second chamber 120, the level of fluid will be belo the open end of the tube 123 when the lid 1 14 is in a substantially vertical position.
  • Figure 37 shows the toilet lid 1 14 in a first substantially horizontal position and it is to be noted that the chambers 1 19 and 120 and the constriction 77 are ananged such that when the lid 1 14 is in the substantially horizontal position shown the fluid 124 flows into the first chamber 119 which is spaced further from the pivot axis 1 15 than the second chamber 120. Thus substantially all of the fluid 124 is contained within said first chamber 1 19 when the lid 1 14 is in the first ho ⁇ zontal position
  • the fluid 124 contained within the chamber 1 19 causes the centre of gravity of the lid 1 14 to be located on one side of the vertical line 81 which bisects the pivot axis 1 15.
  • the effect of gravity is that a first moment acts on the lid 1 14 about the axis 1 15 to bias the lid 1 14 towards the stop 116 provided to limit the pivotal movement of the lid 1 14 about the axis 115.
  • the chambers 1 19 and 120 and the constriction 121 are ananged relative to one another such that the fluid 124 may flow from the chambei 1 19 through the constriction 121 into the chamber 120 when the lid 1 14 is in this substantially vertical position Because the upper end of the pipe 123 is above the level of the fluid 124 contained in the first chamber 1 19 when the lid 1 14 is in the substantially vertical position the fluid 124 may only flow through the constriction 121 As the fluid 124 flows through the constriction 121 , so air contained initially in second chambei 120 is permitted to flow up the pipe 123 into the fust chambei 1 19 As the fluid 124 flows from the upper chamber 1 19 to the lowei chambei 120 the centre of gravity of the lid 114 will move towards the vertical line 125.
  • the fluid 124 will flow from the second chamber 120 into the first chamber 1 19 with a substantial portion of the flow passing through the relatively large diameter tube 123 so that the flow into the second chamber 120 is completed rapidly.
  • the chambers 1 19 and 120 are configured with the lower surface of the first chamber 1 19 below the level of the lower surface of the second chamber 120 and thus the fluid 124 will flow from the second chambei 120 to the first chamber 1 19 until the greater proportion of fluid 124 is contained in the first chamber 1 19 as shown in Figui e 41 With the lid 1 14 in this final position the cycle as previously desc ⁇ bed heiein may be repeated
  • the constriction 121 is such that, when the lid 1 14 is in a substantially vertical position, the fluid 124 flows from the first chamber 119 spaced further from the pivot axis 1 15 into the second chamber 120 at a pre-determined speed or flow rate, determined by the constriction 121, such that the pivotal movement of the lid 1 14 from the substantially vertical position to the substantially horizontal position is effected a pre-determined time after the lid 114 has been moved to the vertical position.
  • the fluid flow from the first chamber 119 to the second chamber 120 is such that there is a time delay between the lid 114 being moved to the substantially vertical position and the lid 114 subsequently moving pivotally back to the substantially horizontal position.
  • the adjustable valve 122 may be used to vaiy the cross-sectional area of the constriction and, co ⁇ espondingly, the flow rate. This enables control to be effected over the length of said time delay.
  • FIG 42 shows the toilet seat 1 13 in which features as described with reference to the toilet lid 1 14 are incoiporated.
  • the seat 1 13 comprises a planar element having an outer periphery 125 and defines an open central region 126.
  • the seat 1 13 is provided with protrusions conesponding to the protrusions 1 17 and 1 18 which mount the seat for rotation on the shaft, the shaft being offset from the plane of the seat 1 13.
  • the outer periphery 125 is provided with at least two chambers 129 and 130 conesponding to chambers 119 and 120 provided in the lid 1 14.
  • the chamber 129 furthest from the pivot axis 1 15 is an inverted substantially U-shaped chamber, the other chamber 130 being substantially U-shaped
  • the chambers 129 and 130 are interconnected by constrictions 131 and 141 , one or each side of the open central region 126 conesponding to constriction 121 provided in the lid 1 14.
  • the chambers 129 and 130 are further interconnected by two elongate pipes 89 and 99, one or each side of the open region 126 conesponding to elongate pipe 79 provided in the lid 1 14 It is to be appreciated that the seat 1 13 will operate in a manner very similar to that of the lid 1 14.
  • the anangement is such that the time delay for the seat 1 13 to move from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position may be substantially less than the time delay for the lid 1 14 to move from the substantially vertical position to the substantially horizontal position.
  • the toilet lid of Figures 36 to 41 oi the toilet seat of Figure 42 may be provided with any of the governors shown in Figures 1 to 34
  • the toilet lid 1 14 is shown mounted on a shaft for rotation about the pivot axis 1 15 and provided with two chambers 139, 140 interconnected by a constriction 151 and a tube 153, the function of which has been pieviously described with ieference to the Figures 36 to 42
  • the toilet lid 1 14 is additionally piovided with an elongate reservon 152
  • the leservon 152 compnses a flexible bag, the end of the bag most remote from the pivot axis 1 15 being attached to a mounting plate 153 such that the leservon 152 may pivot about the mounting plate 153
  • the mounting plate 153 is substantially ⁇ gid and is attached to the toilet lid 1 14 by means of a clip 154 which clips onto a pioti usion 155
  • Figure 44 shows an alternative embodiment of the leseivon 152 wheiein the reservon 152 is a substantially ⁇ gid l eseivon having two substantial!) vertical, opposing edges 156 and 157
  • a fust lug 158 piotrudes substantially perpendicularly from the first edge 156 and a second lug 1 17 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the second edge 157
  • the lugs 158 and 117 are adapted to fit into conesponding iecesses fonned in or mounted on the toilet lid 156 such that the reservoir 152 is mounted pivotally m the toilet lid 156
  • the width of the reservoir 152 is substantially less than the width of the toilet lid 1 14 such that the reservoir 152 may move pivotally between the walls 156 and 157 of the toilet lid 114
  • the end of the leservon 152 that is neaiest the pivot axis 115 is in communication with a flexible hose 161
  • the end of the hose 161 remote from the reservon 152 is in communication with a valve 162 which, when open, constitutes an outlet in communication with the outei edge of the toilet lid 1 14
  • a chaige of disinfectant or cleaning fluid will be contained within the lesei von 152 and may flow from the reservoir 152 tlirough the flexible hose 161 and out of the toilet lid 1 14 when the valve 162 is open
  • the outlet may comp ⁇ se an adjustable valve piovided to vary the cross- sectional area of the outlet so as to adjust the flow of disinfectant oi cleaning fluid through the outlet
  • the toilet seat 167 is shown provided with a first stop 162 and a second stop 163.
  • the first stop 162 is attached to the underside of the toilet seat 167 at a position remote from the pivot axis 1 15.
  • the second stop 163 is attached to the underside of the toilet seat 167 at a position nearer to the pivot axis 1 15.
  • the arrangement is such that, when the toilet seat 167 is in the position shown in Figure 47, the first stop 162 is in contact with the upper substantially horizontal face 1 12 of the toilet bowl 109 such that the toilet seat is paitially supported by the first stop 162.
  • the second stop 163 is not in contact with the face 112, when the toilet seat is in this position.
  • a support 164 is shown to be mounted towards the rear of the upper substantially horizontal face 1 12 of the toilet bowl 109.
  • the support 164 supports two axles 165 and 166 such that both the axles 165 and 166 are free to rotate within the support 164.
  • the toilet seat 167 is provided along its rear edge with two rearwardly directed lugs 168 and 169, the lugs 168 and 169 being provided with respective bores dimensioned to receive part of the first axle 165 and the second axle 166 respectively.
  • the toilet lid 170 is also provided at its lower edge with two lugs 171 and 172.
  • the lug 171 defines a bore dimensioned to receive a part of the first axle 165 and the lug 172 defines a bore dimensioned to receive a part of the second axle 166.
  • the lug 168 extending from the rear of the toilet seat 167 and the first axle 165 are both provided with bores adapted to receive a pin 173.
  • the lug 172 extending from the toilet lid 170 and the second axle 166 are both provided with a bore dimensioned to receive a second pin 174.
  • the anangement is such that the support 164 will fit between the lugs 168 and 169 of the toilet seat 167.
  • the lugs 168 and 169 of the toilet seat 167 are dimensioned to fit between the lugs 171 and 172 of the toilet lid 170.
  • the first axle 165 can then be inserted tluough the lug 171 and the lug 168 and into one end of the support 164.
  • the second axle 166 can then be inserted tluough the lug 172, the lug 169 and into the other end of the support 164.
  • the bores foimed in the first axle 165 and the lug 168 may then be aligned such that the first pin 173 may be inserted, with an interference fit, into these bores.
  • the bores foimed in the second axle 166 and the lug 172 of the toilet seat 170 may be aligned such that the second pin 174 may be inserted, with an interference fit, into these bores.
  • the first axle 165 will co-rotate with the toilet seat 167 and the second axle 166 will co-rotate with the toilet lid 170.
  • the second axle 166 when the usei is sitting on the toilet seat, the second axle 166 will be clamped such that it will not iotate within the housing 164
  • the toilet lid 170 as has been pieviously desc ⁇ bed, will only co-iotate with the second axle 166 and thus, when the second axle 166 is clamped, the lid will not move from the substantially vertical position to the substantially honzontal position In this way, when the usei is using the toilet, he will not be impeded by the toilet lid 170 moving to the substantially honzontal position
  • the toilet lid is piovided, at the end of the lid remote fiom the pivot axis, with a fust magnet 175
  • the toilet seat is provided at the end i emote fiom the pivot axis, with a second axis 173
  • the first and second magnets 172 and 173 aie positioned so that, when in the position shown, the fu st magnet 175 is substantially aligned with the second magnet 176

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • High-Pressure Fuel Injection Pump Control (AREA)
  • Toilet Supplies (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un régulateur pouvant être utilisé pour réguler la vitesse de rotation d'un axe, tel qu'un axe servant de support à un couvercle de toilettes. Cet axe possède une partie filetée sur laquelle vient se visser un écrou. Cet écrou est fixé de manière à pouvoir tourner axialement, sans se visser ni se dévisser. L'écrou est relié à des dispositifs définissant une partie d'une chambre de façon que la rotation de l'axe entraîne l'écrou qui à son tour entraîne le dispositif définissant une partie de la chambre pour modifier le volume de celle-ci. L'invention concerne également des dispositifs définissant un passage d'air limité communiquant avec l'intérieur de la chambre. La chambre peut comprendre une ouverture possédant une valve d'évacuation d'air communiquant avec une extrémité fermée de la chambre, et l'écrou peut être relié à un piston mobile axialement dans l'ouverture.
PCT/GB2000/003879 1999-10-08 2000-10-09 Ameliorations concernant une unite comprenant un element mobile WO2001027491A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU76747/00A AU7674700A (en) 1999-10-08 2000-10-09 Improvements in or relating to a unit incorporating a movable element

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9923903.0 1999-10-08
GBGB9923903.0A GB9923903D0 (en) 1999-10-08 1999-10-08 Improvements in or relating to a governor
GB0012455A GB2359856A (en) 1999-10-08 2000-05-22 Apparatus for governing or damping the rotation of a shaft
GB0012456A GB2364533A (en) 2000-05-22 2000-05-22 A toilet seat incorporating a lowering element
GB0012455.2 2000-05-22
GB0012456.0 2000-05-22

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001027491A2 true WO2001027491A2 (fr) 2001-04-19
WO2001027491A3 WO2001027491A3 (fr) 2001-09-20

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/003879 WO2001027491A2 (fr) 1999-10-08 2000-10-09 Ameliorations concernant une unite comprenant un element mobile

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU7674700A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001027491A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002100234A1 (fr) * 2001-06-13 2002-12-19 Intellect Highway Limited Unite comprenant deux elements amovibles

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1430228A (en) * 1920-11-26 1922-09-26 Joseph B Harris Door-controlling mechanism
US1993625A (en) * 1933-02-24 1935-03-05 Riemer Gottfried Combined hinge and check
DE1584077A1 (de) * 1966-01-04 1969-05-29 Liogier S A Ets Tuerschliesser mit Bremsvorrichtung
DE2055528A1 (de) * 1969-11-13 1971-05-19 Tromp, Gerardus Mannus, Den Haag (Niederlande) Klosett Sitz
US3653077A (en) * 1970-07-16 1972-04-04 Archie E Warnberg Quick detachable toilet seat hinge structure
US4205483A (en) * 1978-01-09 1980-06-03 Clark Lloyd D Delayed return devices
US4291422A (en) * 1980-05-28 1981-09-29 Shoemaker John J Hydraulic toilet seat
US4491989A (en) * 1984-04-02 1985-01-08 Mcgrail John F Closure device for toilet seats
AU3248384A (en) * 1983-08-30 1985-03-07 Solomon, D. Hygenic toilet seat
FR2688258A1 (fr) * 1992-01-21 1993-09-10 Prudhomme Dominique Dispositif de fermeture d'une porte par l'intermediaire d'un organe de freinage.
US5267356A (en) * 1992-12-10 1993-12-07 Gideon William W Commode seat lowering apparatus
US5461734A (en) * 1994-10-12 1995-10-31 Faircloth; D. Michael Automatic toilet seat lowering
US5680674A (en) * 1993-12-17 1997-10-28 Nt Door Controls Limited Device for controlling the movement of a wing

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1430228A (en) * 1920-11-26 1922-09-26 Joseph B Harris Door-controlling mechanism
US1993625A (en) * 1933-02-24 1935-03-05 Riemer Gottfried Combined hinge and check
DE1584077A1 (de) * 1966-01-04 1969-05-29 Liogier S A Ets Tuerschliesser mit Bremsvorrichtung
DE2055528A1 (de) * 1969-11-13 1971-05-19 Tromp, Gerardus Mannus, Den Haag (Niederlande) Klosett Sitz
US3653077A (en) * 1970-07-16 1972-04-04 Archie E Warnberg Quick detachable toilet seat hinge structure
US4205483A (en) * 1978-01-09 1980-06-03 Clark Lloyd D Delayed return devices
US4291422A (en) * 1980-05-28 1981-09-29 Shoemaker John J Hydraulic toilet seat
AU3248384A (en) * 1983-08-30 1985-03-07 Solomon, D. Hygenic toilet seat
US4491989A (en) * 1984-04-02 1985-01-08 Mcgrail John F Closure device for toilet seats
FR2688258A1 (fr) * 1992-01-21 1993-09-10 Prudhomme Dominique Dispositif de fermeture d'une porte par l'intermediaire d'un organe de freinage.
US5267356A (en) * 1992-12-10 1993-12-07 Gideon William W Commode seat lowering apparatus
US5680674A (en) * 1993-12-17 1997-10-28 Nt Door Controls Limited Device for controlling the movement of a wing
US5461734A (en) * 1994-10-12 1995-10-31 Faircloth; D. Michael Automatic toilet seat lowering

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002100234A1 (fr) * 2001-06-13 2002-12-19 Intellect Highway Limited Unite comprenant deux elements amovibles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001027491A3 (fr) 2001-09-20
AU7674700A (en) 2001-04-23

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