WO2017111575A2

WO2017111575A2 - Multipurpose flush toilet and portable toilet seat

Info

Publication number: WO2017111575A2
Application number: PCT/MY2016/000083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur Ferdinand Selvaraj Paul
Original assignee: Arthur Ferdinand Selvaraj Paul
Priority date: 2015-12-21
Filing date: 2016-12-09
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Also published as: WO2017111575A3

Abstract

A multipurpose flush toilet apparatus which enables an individual to squat; or sit on a portable toilet seat. The multipurpose flush toilet apparatus can be installed on any floor of a multilevel building without the need for floor depth; hacking the bathroom floor; or raising it A plurality of slots along the rim of the multipurpose flush toilet apparatus facilitates the placement of the plurality of pegs from the portable toilet seats. The trapezium shaped rim is conducive for the wheelchair bound individual to easily manoeuvre the wheelchair. The embodiment of the concept is expanded to include portable toilet bowl seats which can be used on conventional toilet bowls by deactivating the toilet bowl seat and lid; whereby space is exposed on the rim for the placement of the substitute seat.

Description

Title: Multipurpose Flush Toilet And Portable Toilet Seat Technical Field This invention relates to concepts for an embodiment of a multipurpose flush toilet apparatus that can used as a squat toilet or as a sitting toilet on any floor of a multilevel building without a need for floor depth or a raised floor; the multipurpose toilet

apparatus is a prerequisite for a device used as a portable toilet seat which can be easily removed without using any tools.

The portable toilet seat; used on the multipurpose toilet, and the portable toilet bowl seat; used on a conventional sitting toilet bowl, are bound by the same concept.

Background Art In Asia and many other regions of the world, the flush squat toilet is generally installed on ground floors and basements.

Although the flush squat toilet is produced with a shallow pan sloped towards a sewer opening; instead of the toilet bowl; a disadvantage remains since sewer pipes are connected below the toilet pan on which excrement lands.

As the upper floors of multilevel buildings have insufficient floor depth for the installation of the squat toilet and, due to an absence of the suitable alternative toilet, the sitting toilet bowl is installed as the sitting types of toilets can be installed without the need for floor depth.

In Malaysia there are individuals who want to squat but are unable to do so as all the floors of the multilevel building are installed with sitting toilet bowls. The

conventional sitting toilet bowl is devoid of facilities which fosters squatting. Herein lies irreconcilability and dissatisfaction. For many individuals this is a problem and ways and means are used to lessen a predicament they find themselves in.

Many individuals resort to squatting on the seat or rim although there is a risking of slipping and falling on to the floor of the W.C. when attempting to squat on the seat or rim of the sitting toilet bowl.

An attempt has been made to solve the squatting problem through an introduction of an elevated Anglo-Indian type of pedestal squat toilet The height is accessible to male grown-ups but inaccessible to children, ladies, elderly and disabled persons. It is hardly installed due to its impracticability nor has it been a commercial success.

Another attempt to solve dirty toilet seats is the introduction of disposable paper toilet seat covers. It has low popularity as footprints reflect that individuals are still squatting on the seats and rims of conventional toilets.

The absence of squat toilets on the upper floors of the multilevel buildings have long been realized but a solution has eluded sanitaryware producers since toilet culture of a whole world is treated as homogeneous.

Western toilet culture is in conflict with the toilet culture of many other non-western countries and particularly with multi-racial Malaysian toilet culture. Designs of all the ceramic toilets used in Malaysia reflect Western toilet culture.

A major ethnic group in Malaysia are Malays and Islam is their religion. As Muslims there are obligations to be fulfilled when the W.C. is used. Muslims are reluctant to sit on the toilet bowl seat. Some squat on the seat or rim of the sitting toilet bowl as they are afraid they can come in contact with substances considered unclean. By squatting one is assured that there is no contact between a buttock and a soiled surface.

Many individuals in Asia, the Middle-East and Muslims prefer to wash their rear with water. Using toilet paper is uncustomary and repulsive to many. Article 160 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution states that the Malay is a Muslim who follows the Malay custom and profess Islam as his religion. Islamic toilet etiquette as given in Qadaa al' Haajah.

Since 2001 , a World Toilet Organisation has held 12 World Toilet Summits and 2

World Expos and forums at ministerial level to solve problems relating to toilets. It has not received much appreciation due to its inability to recognize the diverse cultural and religious needs which often over-ride noble intentions.

Attempts have been made to have suitable toilets and accessories through patents given in the following page. 000083

3

US Patent No.601 9862 Feb. 1 , 2000

Toilets with 2 rims. A bottom rim is a conduit for water, while the upper rim is for circulating air. It serves little purpose since a same foul toilet air is recirculated. Retrofitting the toilet with a motor to draw air from outside is a costly option.

US Patent No.201 1/017 956 3A1 July 28, 2011

Two Singapore citizens have jointly patented the squat apparatus where feet are placed lower than the toilet bowl opening so that buttocks can rest on structures at both sides of the toilet bowl. If one side of the structure is dirty or soiled, the whole toilet will be unsuitable for use.

US Patent No.587 8444A June 25, 1996

Toilet seat. PCT Application No.PCT/GB 96/015 27.

A spring acts between a lid and the seat such that when left in a raised position, the seat has a catch to retain the seat and lid in a downward closed position when the user moves away. It has a proximity detector to sense movement. Maintenance is

needed to keep it in working order.

All of these applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference, but none of these references are admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by its mention in the background.

Disclosure of Inventions

An embodiment of the present inventive concepts are embodied in the multipurpose toilet 104 apparatus which can be installed on any floor of the multilevel building without the need for floor depth or the raised floor; the able-bodied person is able to squat on the multipurpose toilet 104; and by placing the portable toilet seats 320, 351 on the same sanitation apparatus; the multipurpose squat toilet is converted into the sitting toilet. Sitting toilets are necessary for handicapped or disabled persons since they are unable to use the squat toilets. To use the squat toilet an individual must have use and mobihty of both legs. Portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 can be used on conventional sitting toilet bowls since a suitable section can be exposed for the placement of the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 Since the portable toilet seats 320, 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104 and the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 of the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 cannot exist independently, they rely on the multipurpose toilet 104 and the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 for utilization.

The multipurpose toilet 104 together with the portable toilet seats 320, 351, 403, 501 form Unity of Invention as there is a techmcal relationship among the inventions involving one or more of the same or corresponding special technical feature and they are a group of inventions so linked as to form the single general inventive concept like the plug and socket example.

Malaysia became a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property in 1989 and it is also a signatory to an Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. Therefore Unity of Invention is claimed under Article 82. The special technical clause states that the invention should be new, involve an inventive step and are susceptible of industrial application. This application fulfills the prescribed conditions.

An embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the concept and gestalt of the multipurposes toilet 104. A relationship pertaining to multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural practices that exist in Malaysia and are practised daily by communities are taken into consideration.

The availability of squat toilets on the upper floors of multilevel buildings without the need for floor depth or the raised floor is of importance to least some home owners while there are also individuals who want to sit, including individuals with squatting disability or knee problems.

The height of the multipurpose toilet is of an adult's standard sitting chair and the same height is maintained for the multipurpose toilet 104 which meets the sitting needs of an elderly or a wheelchair bound individual.

The solutions provided solve the plurality of problems which can lessen or put a stop to the dangerous need to squat on toilet bowl seats and rims.

Since the squat toilet is raised above floor levei, the toilet pan is substituted with a receptacle which has a downward biased tapered concave interior cavity 300. Urine and excrement pass directly into the pool of water at a trapway and lessen smearing of the 5 sides. The depth of the toilet receptacle reduces flush-ups.

The concept which exposes the toilet bowl, the coupling and a sewer pipe above the floor level solves the need for floor depth in multilevel buildings. The sewage pipe can now be connected to the multipurpose toilet 104 above ground level. 0 The multipurpose toilet 104 has a plurality of features. One feature comprises the

tapered concave interior cavity 300 which narrows downwards towards the trapway at the base. Its characteristics facilitates the trapway and flushing system to function correctly The trapway of currently used conventional sitting toilet bowls 521 incooperate a S or a P shaped bend. The S bend is connected to the floor of the bathroom via a

15 rough-in method 304 while the P bend is connected to a wall of the bathroom. The bend causes water to collect and pool at the trapway and this acts as a seal against foul sewer gases escaping into the environment

The base of the multipurpose toilet 104 incorporates the S bend of the trapway and is related to the tapered concave interior cavity 300 with an ellipse shaped opening 105 at 0 a top connecting the body to the rim.

As used herein, the term; the base of the multipurpose toilet 104 incorporating the S bend of the trapway and is related to the tapered concave interior cavity 300 with an ellipse shaped opening 105 at the top; is herein referred to as; the body; of the multipurpose toilet 104.

25 Another feature of the multipurpose toilet 104 is a trapezium shaped outer periphery of the rim 121 which has the ellipse shaped opening 105 in the middle. Due to the trapezium shape of the multipurpose toilet 104, there is space on both sides of the corners 126 for the elderly and weak individual to place their hands on solid objects that gives them a sense of security and steadiness when they sit on the portable toilet seat

30 320, 351 of the multipurpose toilet 104. The trapezium shaped squat toilet has a broad foot area which is needed by an overweight person and the well-built individual.

A semicircular dome can be attached to an end of the ellipse shaped opening 105 by using the score and slip method. The semicircular dome catches urine spray.

Rims are cast as the open rim or as the closed rim. In the open rim system the section of the ellipse sector of the bottom rim is in the shape of an upturned U with an open bottom surface and is the conduit of the flushing water. Large valve holes are cut in the rim for rapid entry of water from a pipe into the toilet. A circular band 100 is obtained by trimming the casting on the inside of the bottom rim. The band 100 aligns water downwards and prevents splashing.

The surface of the top rim has the plurality of slots 127 and is superposed on the bottom rim. The rim and body are connected to each other through the score and slip method. The alternative type of toilet relates to the low elevated squat toilet. Although children and elderly can ascend and descend with ease, due to its reduced height, the sitting facility is compromised. Able bodied tall individuals will face discomfort sitting on the low toilet bowl seat and the feeble and the wheelchair bound individual will face difficulty to transfer their body weight to the low and the medium height sitting toilet bowl.

Since the surface of the multipurpose toilet 104 has the profile of the trapezium, a flat perpendicular front 101 is achieved. The advantage of the flat perpendicular front 101 is a practicality for the placement of the plurality of portable and permanent steps 102 and the installation of a pair of handrails 103 for individuals in need of such support. Conventional and pedestal types of toilets are cast with the curve at the front section which hinder the placement of the plurality of portable and permanent steps 102 as an arc of the front curve is tangent with the plurality of portable and permanent steps 102 and a gap is formed at both sides of the top step which poses a danger to an individual's foot. When the multipurpose toilet 104 is used for squatting, children and elderly will find it convenient to use the plurality of steps 102 and handrails 103 to ascend and descend the multipurpose toilet 104 as the flat front 101 is conducive for placing the plurality of steps 102. Steps can be made with ceramic slip moulding , bricks, wood, fibre-glass, composite plastic or other suitable materials can be used for this purpose.

Handrails 103 can be made out of wood, stainless steel, fibre-glass, composite plastic or other materials suitable for the purpose.

Due to the trapezium shape of the surface of the multipurpose toilet 104, the individual endowed with large feet has space to place his foot comfortably on the sides of an ellipse shaped opening 105 of the toilet It is also of convenience for fat and overweight individuals intending to squat Presently, the space allocated for squatting is narrow for overweight individuals.

The broadness of the front foot space in the trapezium shaped squat toilet is of importance to at least some individuals who raise their heels and balance their body weight on a ball of the foot while defecating.

It is convenient for the individual to wash the rear bottom part of his body while squatting on the multipurpose toilet 104. The anti-skid ceramic 125 top surface of the trapezium shaped multipurpose toilet 104 provides traction when the surface is wet.

The bidet is avoided by many individuals as water from this source can spray to other parts of the individual's body.

The multipurpose toilet 104 which is used as the squat toilet in multilevel buildings can instantaneously be changed to the sitting toilet. Inserting the plurality of pegs 332 of the portable seats 320, 351 into the plurality of slots 127 in the multipurpose toilet rim 121 anchors the portable toilet seats 320, 351 on to the multipurpose toilet 104 and by lifting the portable toilet seat upwards, the portable toilet seats 320, 351 are released from the plurality of slots 127 in the rim. The installation and removal of the portable toilet seat is light and easy and can be done even by children with their bare hands.

No bolts, nuts or tools are needed to install and remove the portable toilet seats 320, 351.

Since the toilet seat is fold-able and is joined at least by a hinge 321, assembly of parts are unnecessary. The plurality of pegs 332 and the plurality of slots 127 can be of any geometrical shape and size provided they are compatible with each other and are suitable for use with the multipurpose toilet 104. Plastic material is generally used so as to exploit the elastic properties of the material when coupling one element to the other.

School children no longer have to suppress their need to use the toilet until they reach home due to dirtiness of the permanently installed toilet bowl seats in school W.Cs. They now have the advantage to use their own portable toilet bowl seats 320, 351, 403, 501 if they intend to sit on the school toilet bowls.

It would be a relief for many of them when they no longer have to suppress this natural function.

The concept of the individualized, portable, light and compact toilet seats 320, 351, 403 501 will be appealing to many school children and students in higher institutes of learning. The fold-able portable toilet seats 401 , 402 fit into a school bag, a haversack, a desk and a boot of a car.

When the plurality of portable steps 102 at the flat perpendicular front 101 of the multipurpose toilet 104 are removed, it is easy for the wheelchair bound individual to manoeuvre the wheelchair to use the sitting facility of the multipurpose toilet 104.

Disabled individuals can be provided with an appropriate grab bar.

Squat toilets currently used are without lids since the squat toilets are generally installed on ground floors and basements where the floors are of the same level. Since the multipurpose toilet 104 is elevated, the lid 106 can now be used to close the multipurpose toilet 104 when it is vacant.

The embodiment of the concept of the portable sitting toilet seats 320, 351 used in conjunction with the multipurpose toilet 104 is expanded to include the portable conventional sitting toilet bowl seats 403, 501 used on conventional sitting toilet bowls 521.

Toilet seats and rims of sitting toilet bowls are often defaced with footprints which is an indication that the individual had used the sitting toilet bowl's seat or rim as the squatting surface. Another embodiment of the concept is to provide the solution to the long-standing problem of dirty toilet seats and rims of conventional sitting toilet bowls 521. The solution comprises; the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 which follows the contour of the top, front and both sides of the conventional toilet bowl rim 521.

The top surface of the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 are concave while the front and both sides have downward biased flaps 522 to prevent movement of the portable seats. The rim can be of any shape and form and a seat can be moulded for this purpose.

In some regions, open front sitting toilet bowl seats 351 are mandatory. Since the front section of the open front portable toilet bowl seat has a gap at the front 352, fold-able portable open front toilet bowl seats 402, 501 are made by using the hinge

321 on portable toilet bowl seats 402, 501.

This allows the seats to be folded and contributes to easy storage.

To anchor the portable toilet bowl seat on the conventional toilet bowl, various forms of fasteners can be used which can be clips, fastening stripes, exposed or embedded magnets or any other means which holds the portable toilet bowl seat in place.

The seat of the conventional sitting toilet bowl is sandwiched between the lid and the toilet bowl. Both the lid and seat are fastened to the top rear surface of the toilet.

The drawback is a fixed aspect of the sitting toilet bowl seat which cannot be changed immediately when it is soiled or dirty. However, as both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are pivotal, they can be raised and placed against one side of the water cistern 108, which acts as a stopper and prevents the toilet lid and toilet seat from flipping backwards.

Another embodiment of the concept is the availability of the clean toilet bowl seat each time the sitting toilet bowl is used.

When the lid and the seat are raised, the toilet rim of the conventional sitting toilet bowl is revealed. Advantage is taken taken of the exposed area of the rim which has been left unexploited for about one hundred years. Individuals can now place their own personal compact toilet bowl seat 403, 501 on the exposed area of the rim. The doctrine of equivalents is a legal rule in the world's patent systems even though the infringing device does not fall within the literal scope of a patent claim but is equivalent to the claimed invention. The introduction of any method which replicates the portable toilet bowl seat is against the spirit of this patent if it performs the same 5 function in substantially the same way and delivers the same result.

The portable toilet seats 320, 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104 and the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 01 for the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 are solutions to to different problems.

10 The portable seats 320, 351 of the multipurpose toilet 104 functions as the sitting

surface of the toilet.

In the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 the lid 524 and the toilet bowl seat 523 are deactivated and left to lean against a side of a water cistern 108. The exposed area of the sitting toilet bowl rim is replaced with substitute portable toilet bowl seat 403, 15 501.

Both the portable multipurpose toilet seats 320, 351 and the conventional portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 are commercially viable and they can become personal items.

Being able to install and make use of the squat toilet on any floor of the multilevel 20 building without the need for floor depth or the raised floor and an instant convertibility of the squat toilet into the sitting toilet is a stride forward in sanitaryware production and this new concept fulfills the needs of the masses.

Since almost every household has a toilet, the demand for the multipurpose toilet 104 can exceed the supply capacity of a plurality of factories. Demand for the multipurpose 25 toilet 104 can originate from factories, schools, hostels, universities, barracks and

developers of high-rise buildings. In addition, owners of existing flats and condominiums may want their existing toilets replaced with the multipurpose toilet 104 which accommodates to the needs of the family and individuals.

Since the raw materials for the multipurpose toilet 104 are powdered stones, it is 30 available abundantly and it is cheap to produce the multipurpose toilet 104. It is easy to mass produce the portable toilet seats 320, 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104 and the conventional toilet bowl seats 403, 501. The raw material, which is plastic resin, is widely available. The ratio of the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 to the toilet seat is 1 to 1. The present concept increases the ratio by a multiple level as many school children and individuals will want to have their own portable toilet seat. The portable toilet seats are fold-able 401 , 402, 404, 501 compact and durable.

Enterprises can commercialize the portable toilet seats 320, 351 and the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 without a large capital expenditure.

Although the invention has been presented for the purpose of description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein. Description of drawing and best mode for carrying out the inventions

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the description of the inventions illustrate embodiments of the inventions and serve to explain the principles of the inventions. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purposes of illustrations only and are not a definition of the limits of the inventions. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

For a clear understanding, embodiments of the inventions will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG.l shows the perspective view of the multipurpose toilet 104. Continuous line show the outline of the multipurpose toilet while broken lines indicate a set of aesthetically compatible items for the apparatus.

FIG.2 shows the top view of the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.3 shows the front view of the multipurpose toilet 104 with the perpendicular flat front 101. FIG .4 shows the back view of the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.5 shows the side view of the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.6 shows the front view of the portable seat 320 for the multipurpose toilet 104. FIG.7 shows the reverse view of the portable toilet seat 320 of the multipurpose

toilet 104.

FIG.8 shows the view of the front surface of the open front portable toilet seat 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.9 shows the view of the reverse of the open front portable toilet seat 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.10 shows the view of the folded portable toilet seat 401 of the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.11 shows the view of the folded open front portable toilet seat 402 of the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.12 shows the portable toilet seat 403 for conventional sitting toilet bowls 521. FIG.13 shows the portable open front toilet seat 501 for conventional sitting toilet bowls.

FIG.14 shows the portable toilet bowl seat 403 used on a conventional sitting toilet bowl.

FIG.15 shows the view of the open front portable toilet bowl seat 501 used on a

conventional sitting toilet bowl 521.

FIG.1 shows the perspective view of the embodiment of the multipurpose toilet 104 for the removal of human waste. In this perspective view the apparatus is skirted 109.

The apparatus is embodied with the anti-skid ceramic exterior 125 and the

plurality of slots 127 for use of the portable toilet seats 320, 351.

The centre has the ellipse shaped opening 105 and a slip coil 128 encircles the opening.

The outer periphery of the trapezium shaped apparatus is raised and water drains from the outer surface to the ellipse shaped toilet bowl 105.

The multipurpose toilet 104 is shown in continuous unbroken lines.

The pair of handrails 103, the plurality of steps 102, a Muslim shower with a movable spray nozzle 107 attached to a water-hose with a suitable length for performing ablutions; the water cistern 108 and the lid 106 of the multipurpose toilet are shown in broken lines indicating how the structural objects are aesthetically compatible to the apparatus.

FIG .2 shows the top view of the multipurpose toilet 104. The outward periphery of the rim 121 parameter of the multipurpose toilet 104 is raised vis-a-vis the section leading to the opening 105 at the centre of the multipurpose toilet 104. This lessens the incidence of water flowing down on to the floor of the bathroom. Used water channels to the ellipse shaped opening 105 through grooves 123 and crevasses 124.

The anti-slip exterior 125 on the top surface of the multipurpose toilet lessen

slippages and falls.

Both the longitudinal sides of the ellipse shaped opening 105 of the toilet are raised by applying a slip coil 128 and this prevents stepping into the toilet.

Slots 127 permeate along the rim of the multipurpose toilet 104. The slots 127 at both sides of the rim of the multipurpose toilet 104 are non-aligned.

FIG.3 shows the front view of the multipurpose toilet 104 which has the perpendicular flat front 101 enabling the wheelchair bound individual to manoeuvre the wheelchair when the plurality of portable steps are removed.

Conventional, round and elongated toilet bowls are curved in front which forms an arc and is tangent when the plurality of steps 102 are placed in front of them.

The perpendicular flat front 101 of the multipurpose toilet is devoid of curves and this enables the plurality of portable and permanent steps to be placed at the front section since the arc and tangent are non-existent.

Sharp edges are smoothened on both sides of the frontal corners 203 to prevent body parts being bruised against the sharp edges of the multipurpose toilet 104.

The plurality of slots 127 along the rim surface of the multipurpose toilet 104 are for the insertation of pegs 332 from the portable toilet seats 320, 351.

The squat toilet is instantaneously converted to a sitting toilet when the portable toilet seats 320, 351 are attached on the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.4 shows the rear view of the multipurpose toilet 104. The water inlet 252 channel is adjacent to the bottom rim. Water is released into the toilet bowl by means of perforations beneath the rim. This ensures that the toilet is washed from the highest point and as the water sloshes around the rim down the sides, every part is washed. Water then flows along the S bend 253 and human waste is carried through the trapway and disposed of.

FIG .5 shows a right-hand side view of the multipurpose toilet 104. The left-hand side view is a mirror image of the right-hand side.

The toilet bowl tapers downwards from the top section 302.

A flat perpendicular slab 101 is configured at the front of the multipurpose toilet 104 making the apparatus conducive for the placement of the plurality of portable or permanent steps 102. The formation of the tangent in front of the toilet bowl is avoided as the flat perpendicular front 101 is devoid of the curve and arc.

There can arise situations where a wooden box or similar articles would be used as substitute steps to mount on to the squat surface of the multipupose toilet 104.

When the individual squats on the multipupose toilet 104, splashing is reduced as human waste falls to the bottom of the toilet below the water level at the trapway. It is more convenient to wash one's rear while squatting rather than sitting.

The rough-in pipe 304 is the end of the S bend 253. The rough-in pipe 304 connects the multipurpose toilet 104 to the sewer pipe.

The outer bottom section 306 of a ceramic flank is connected to the bend of the trapway while the top section of the flank forms a support for the water cistern 307. The pivotal lid 106 is attached to the top rim surface of the multipupose toilet and is the cover when the W.C . is vacant.

Fasteners 309 are fixed at the base on each side of the multipupose toilet 104. This anchors the apparatus to the ground.

FIG.6 shows an embodiment of the front surface of the U shaped portable toilet seat 320 of the multipurpose toilet 104.

Since it is unnecessary to extend the portable toilet seat 320 to the rear section of the toilet bowl, the length of the portable toilet seat 320 is reduced and this effectively saves materials. Composite polymer can provide sufficient strength and flexibility for the portable toilet seat 320. The portable toilet seat 320 can be made from wood, metal or any other suitable materials.

The upper surface of the portable toilet seat 320 can be flat or formed with the concave upper surface.

The toilet seat 320 rests upon the rim of the multipurpose toilet 104 through surface contact and renders sufficient strength to support the weight of the user. By using the hinge 321 the portable toilet seat 320,351 of the multipurpose toilet 104 can be folded. Advantage and features of the portable toilet seat are in the simplicity of design, ease of operation and use, economy of parts, low-cost method of mass-production, long shelf life, zero maintenance, easy packing and small storage space.

FIG.7 shows the reverse side of the U shaped portable toilet seats 320 which have the plurality of pegs 332 made of expandable material like rubber or plastic.

When placing the portable toilet seat 320 on the top surface of the multipurpose toilet 104 gentle pressure is applied on the top surface of the portable toilet seat 320. The pressure anchors the plurality of pegs 332 into the plurality of slots 127, on the multipupose toilet 104. A gentle upwards movement releases the portable toilet seat 320 from the plurality of slots 127 of the multipurpose toilet 104.

The placement of the plurality of pegs 332 on the reverse side of the portable toilet seat 320 is in relation to the placement of slots 127 along the rim of the multipurpose toilet.

The location of the pegs 332 on the reverse side of the portable toilet seat enables the portable toilet seat 320 to be folded 401 since the right-hand and left-hand side of the plurality of pegs are related at positions different from each other.

No tools are needed to secure and release the portable toilet seats from the

multipurpose toilet 104.

At least an acrylic piano hinge 321 is used for folding purposes since the hinge 321 is strong but transparent and compliments the colour of the portable toilet seat 320. Composite plastic or metal hinges made from various suitable materials can be used in place of the acrylic piano hinge 321. FIG.8 shows the embodiment of the open front portable toilet seat 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104.

Although the open front portable toilet seat 351 conceals most of the rim of the multipurpose toilet 104, savings in material can be attained as it is unnecessary to extend the open front portable toilet bowl seat 351 to the rear portion of the portable toilet bowl 104.

FIG.9 shows the reverse side of the open front portable toilet seat 351. To use the seat, the plurality of pegs 332 are inserted into the slots 127 of the multipurpose toilet 1 4 and the gentle pull upwards, releases the open front portable toilet seat 351 from the plurality of slots 127 on the rim of the multipurpose toilet 104.

The seat is foldable as the hinge 321 facilitates the folding of the device.

The relation of the plurality of pegs on the reverse side of the open front portable toilet seat 351 corresponds in relationship to the plurality of slots 127 along the rim of of the multipurpose toilet 104.

No tools are needed to secure and release the open front portable toilet seat 351 from the multipurpose toilet 104.

FIG.10 shows the folded portable toilet seat 401. Since the plurality of pegs 332 on the left and right-hand side at the reverse of the portable toilet seat 320 are related differently, the touching and colliding of the pegs against each other is avoided when the portable toilet seat 320 is folded. The hinge 321 facilitates the folding process. The compact size of the folded portable toilet seats 401, 402 takes up less space and enables the individual to store the device in a drawer, car boot or keep it in a handbag. When needed, the device can be hung-up on the wall of the bathroom.

FIG.l 1 shows the open front portable toilet seat of 351 which is folded 402.

The plurality of pegs 332 which are related with different arrangements on the reverse side of the open front portable toilet seat 351 are enclosed inside the folded seat. The hinge 321 of the open front portable toilet seat 351 facilitates folding.

The compact device can be stored at any suitable place favoured by the individual. FIG.12 shows the portable toilet bowl seat 403 for use with the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521. The portable toilet bowl seat 403 for the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 has flaps 522 on both sides biased downwards. The flaps 522 hold the seat on to the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521.

The hinge 321 facilitates the folding of the portable toilet bowl seat 403 of the conventional sitting toilets bowl 521. The concept of having one's own portable toilet bowl seat 403 will be of advantage since one can avoid sitting on seats which other individuals have used.

Since the device is compact, it can be kept at the place which the owner prefers.

The introduction of the foldable portable toilet bowl seats 403 for conventional sitting toilet bowls 521 presents an opportunity for the commericalization of the device as there are innumerous complaints of dirty toilet bowl seats. The product can be commercialized quickly without a large capital outlay. There is a niche market for this product.

FIG.13 shows the concept for the open front portable toilet bowl seat 501. The seat has an open front section adhering to requirements in certain regions of the world. The downward pointing flaps 522 on both sides of the open front portable toilet bowl seat 403 secures the seat on the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521. The flat cut-out back section of the portable open front toilet bowl seat 502 rests on the rear rim section of the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 for stability and added strength. The portable open front toilet bowl seat 501 can be produced without the cut-out section. The hinge 321 facilitates the folding of the open front portable toilet bowl seat 501. As the device is compact, it is easy to store the open front portable toilet bowl seat 501.

FIG.14 shows the toilet bowl portable seat 403 placed on the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521. The continuous line indicates the portable toilet bowl seat 403. The broken lines indicate the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521.

Although the conventional seat 523 and the lid 524 are fastened to the rear of the toilet bowl, both the seat 523 and lid 524 are pivotal and can be raised and placed vertically on the side of the water cistern 108 at the rear of the toilet bowl. This allows the placement of the open front portable toilet bowl seats.

FIG.15 shows the portable open front sitting toilet bowl seat 501 as used on a conventional sitting toilet bowl 521. The conventional seat and lid are raised and leaned against the water cistern 108 and this allows the open front sitting toilet bowl 501 to be placed on the exposed surface of the conventional sitting toilet bowl rim 521.

The skirted 109 multipurpose toilet 104 is a luxurious model. It functions as the squat or the sitting toilet depending on the individual user.

Options which can be introduced are the plurality of steps 102 of various designs and different types of hand-rails 103 depending on whether it is for children, the elderly or whether it is meant for handicapped persons. The plurality of steps 102 can be cast together with the multipurpose toilet making the apparatus into a single unit.

Details of the embodiments of the inventions are given for a clear understanding. Although sanitaryware production is more than 150 years old and is produced world wide, yet slip casting automation has evaded sanitaryware engineers. Until the present day, about 95 percent of ceramic sanitaryware articles are handmade. This labour intensive process is due to the use of slip, which is liquid clay, for ceramic articles.

Presently, there are two ways to cast toilets for industrial purposes.

From 1970 onwards, England, Germany and Switzerland have pioneered the develop- ment of pressure casting. Slip casting is recognized as a Alteration process which can be accelerated mechanically. High pressure is applied to resin casting which gives a faster casting rate leading to faster production cycles. The fresh casting cycle can begin in the same mould immediately, unlike plaster of Paris moulds, which require lengthy drying times.

The high cost of changing models is prohibitive to the use of pressure casting.

Competition between ceramic ware producers necessitates frequent change of ceramic sanitaryware models.

When the plaster of Paris mould is used, it will cost a few hundred dollars to change models and make the new moulds. On the other hand, a considerable amount of expenditure would incur to change resin casting moulds running on automation due to cost of moulds and the forty odd units of pneumatic arms and mould plates which must be replaced if a battery of nine units are operational at the same time.

Since most sanitaryware establishments are more than 100 years old and have used plaster of Paris moulds throughout the years, slip casting maintains its dominant position.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

The best mode to produce the ceramic multipurpose toilet is to cast the rim and body parts separately. An embodiment of the procedure to cast the rim and body sections separately to produce the multipurpose toilet by the slip casting method is to have five separate plaster of Paris moulds according to the required dimensions. Two of the moulds are a pair of plaster of Paris moulds of the body. The pair of plaster of Paris moulds define the left and right-hand sides of the model. The body has a protuding top 302 and tapers downwards 300 to form the base of the trapway and the bend 253 of the rough-in 304.

The trapway of modern toilets incooperate the S or the P shaped bend. The S bend is connected to the floor of the bathroom via the rough-in 304 while the P bend is connected to the wall of the bathroom.

The bend in the body of the multipurpose toilet 104 causes water in the toilet bowl to collect and pool at the trapway and this acts as the seal against foul sewer gases.

Two separate trapezium shaped plaster of Paris mould rims are cast in identical dimensions to produce a set of the multipurpose toilet 104 trapezium shaped rims 121.

The bottom trapezium shaped rim 121 has a conduit for the flow of fresh water from the water cistern 108 and water-pipe mains, while the top trapezium shaped rim 121 has the plurality of slots 127 on the top surface of the rim 121. Both the rims 121 are cast with an ellipse shaped opening in the middle 105.

The top surface of the rim 121 has grooves inclined inwards towards the ellipse opening 105. The grooves 124 prevent the surface of the rim 121 from becoming slippery and the inclination of the grooves 124 and crevices 123 allows water to flow in the direction of the ellipse opening 105.

While the clay is still in the green stage, the parameter of the top trapezium shaped rim 121 is applied with a slip coil to prevent water from spilling on to the floor when the Muslim shower 107 is used.

A plurality of perforations are punched along the surface of the bottom rim at appropriate places while the clay is still in a green stage for water to be released when the toilet is flushed. Water from the water cistern 108 is flushed into the toilet for cleaning and removal of human waste. A thick coat of slip is applied on the surface of the bottom rim 121 and, using the score and slip method, the top trapezium shaped rim 121 is superposed on the bottom trapezium shaped rim 121 while both pieces are still in the green-stage.

Alternatively, the rim can be cast as one thick rim where the bottom section has the conduit for water and the slots are along the top surface of the rim. The seepage of water from the slots is a factor to be considered when this method is used as the slots can be pierced when the multipurpose toilet 104 is cleaned.

The pair of plaster of Paris moulds for the body of the multipurpose toilet 104 contain indentations on one face and protuberances on the opposite face, called keys in ceramic jargon.

The pair of moulds are fitted together and form a cavity which is in the shape of the required casting of the multipurpose toilet 104.

When the pair of plaster of Paris moulds for the body of the multipurpose toilet 104 are fitted together for casting, they are tied with strings to keep them secure and small wedges are slipped under the strings to insure a tight hold. The keys assure correct alignment.

In the pair of moulds made of two halves, each half can be removed, leaving the model intact. The tapered body of the multipurpose toilet 104 comprises the S shaped trapway within the body which terminates at the rough-in 304.

Alternatively, steel bands, vehicle tubes and other suitable material can be used as a strapping material to hold the pair of moulds together. The plaster of Paris pair of moulds of the multipurpose toilet 104 are place in an inverted position and the base of the mould is now the uppermost point with an

opening called gate, in ceramic terms, to pour slip into the cavity.

When slip is poured into the cavity of the moulds, the plaster of Paris moulds absorb water immediately out of the slip. This causes clay to form and thicken where it is in contact with the plaster of Paris walls. Stopping and starting the flow of slip will leave unsightly lines on the finished pieces.

The thickness of the layer of slip is determined by how long the slip is allowed to buildup in the plaster of Paris moulds and how efficiently moisture has been absorbed.

When the required thickness is reached, excess slip is drained-off and reused later.

The clay in contact with the plaster of Paris is allowed to dry until a leather consistency is reached. At this point the casting shrinks over-all and this is convenient in casting as the model can be easily removed from the mould.

The exposed top of the body is covered with thick slip and the uncured trapezium shaped rim 121 piece is attached on the top of the bowl which then forms a single piece of the apparatus.

The body of the multipurpose toilet 104 together with the inverted and attached rim are left to set in an upside down position for a strong bond.

Subsequently, a flat slab 101 is cast which relates to a flat perpendicular front section of the multipurpose toilet 104. Appropriate thickness is needed. A clay slab which is too thin will warp.

Slip is poured smoothly to prevent pin-holes, hard spots and bubbles from forming on the flat slab 101 casting.

Alternatively, slabs can be produced in a large piece and cut to the required size.

The body with the attached rim is men reverted to its original position.

When all the sections of the multipurpose toilet 104 are ready, they are assembled.

The clay model is leatherhard and able to support itself without collapsing.

Casting mould marks will be visible where the pair of plaster of Paris moulds of the body were joined. The mould marks are trimmed and air holes are filled in by hand with soft clay and rubbed with a moist sponge. Sandpaper is used to give a smooth finish to the cast.

Through the score and slip method, the flat slab 101 is fixed to the front of the multipurpose toilet 104 in the perpendicular position. The corners are smoothened 203 to prevent accidentia! bruses when an individual comes in contact at the edges.

After the parts of the multipurpose toilet 104 are bone-dry, glaze is sprayed a plurality of times on the assembled unit. The glaze is formulated to contract at the same rate as the bone-dry apparatus while undergoing firing in the kiln.

A clay known as vitreous china is used for the manufacture of white sanitaryware. This turns the entire toilet bowl into a vitrified unit that resists both water and stains throughout its structure. After the multipurpose toilet 104 has gone through a series of tests, it is ready for installation.

This embodiment of the concept relates to the sitting facility on the multipurpose toilet 104 apparatus. It postulates the principle of Unity of Invention as the portable toilet seats 320, 351 are separate from the multipurpose toilet 104 but their use is dependant on the multipurpose toilet 104 for without using the portable toilet seats, 320, 351 the sitting facility of the squat toilet is annulled.

One method of producing the portable toilet seats 320, 351 are by mixing wood powder and melamine. The mixture is fed into the bottom half of the mould.

The top half of the mould is then lowered and clamped while the material is heated. After the wood and melamine have fused and hardened, the mould is opened and the portable toilet seats 320, 351 are removed. Zinc stearate is added to prevent stickness. Another method of producing the portable toilet seats 320, 351 are by using injection moulding machine which heats and melts the material; the liquid polystyrene then flows into the two part mould which are hollowed in the shape of the required portable toilet seats 320, 351 and cover 106.

The melted material is subject to pressure from a hydraulic press until it becomes solid. After the portable seats and cover have cooled, holes are drilled for the hinges and the rough edges are smoothen at a sanding machine.

Plastic seats and blended wooden seats are finished in the same way. After they are drilled and smoothen, a conveyor belt moves the seats and cover to a painting area. The seats and cover are lowered into a tank of paint and then transferred to an enclosed room called a vapor chamber.

The paint-vapor-drying process is repeated a few times at least. The first coats are primer followed by enamel paint.

A paint solvent is subsequently released as the vapor and this carries off any excess paint without leaving drip marks.

The end product are the portable toilet bowl seats 320, 351; with a smooth, hard and even surface and a cover 106.

A similar method is used for the production ofportable seats 403, 501 for the the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521.

The portable toilet seats 320, 351 for the multipurpose toilet 104 and the portable toilet bowl seats 403, 501 for the conventional sitting toilet bowl 521 are joined by the hinge 321.

It is therefore unnecessary to assemble and disassemble the device. This makes the devices user-friendly for children.

Other types ofportable toilet bowl seats can be produced where a multiple of parts are connected by joints and hinges, and the size of the compact seats can be reduced. Another alternative is to produce the portable toilet seats as a single piece device.

Claims

CLAIM:

1. I claim:, an apparatus which is an embodiment of inventions for the removal of human waste characterised by concepts comprising; a multi- purpose flush toilet (104) apparatus which can be used as a squat toilet on every floor of a multilevel building without a need for floor depth or a raised floor; and the same multipurpose flush toilet can be converted instantaneously to the sitting toilet thereby; inaugurating the concept for the embodiment of a device used as a portable means whereby the sitting and squatting needs of an individual is addressed.

2. The device of claim 1 characterised in that the multipurpose flush toilet (104) apparatus can be installed on every floor of a multilevel building without the need for floor depth or a raised floor.

3. The device of claim 1 characterised in that the rim (121) of the

multipurpose flush toilet (104) apparatus has a contour in the form of the trapezium having an ellipse shaped opening in the middle (105).

4. The devise of claim 3, characterised in that the perpendicular

front (101) of the trapezium shaped multipurpose flush toilet (104)

apparatus is conducive for a wheelchair bound individual to manoeuvre the wheelchair when the plurality of portable steps (102) are removed.

5. A further embodiment of the concept comprises; a device used as a toilet seat which instantaneously converts the squat toilet into a

sitting toilet; whereby the multipurpose flush toilet is provided with a sitting facility.

6. The device of claim 5 characterised in that the portable toilet seats (320), (351) for the multipurpose flush toilet (104) are fold-able (401), (402) and used in relation with the multipurpose flush toilet (104) 7. The device of claim 5 characterised in that the plurality of pegs

(332) on the underside of the fold-able portable toilet seats (320), (351) are inserted into the plurality of slots (127) along the rim of the multipurpose toilet (104) apparatus which prevents movement of the portable toilet seats (320), (351).

8. The concept of the portable toilet seats (320), (351) of the multipurpose toilet (104) is expanded; the embodiment is

characterised by the portable toilet bowl seats (403), (501) which relates to the conventional sitting toilet bowl (521) whereby an individual deactivates the seat and lid by leaning both items against the side of the water cistern (108) and uses the portable toilet bowl seats (403), (501) on the exposed area of the conventional sitting toilet bowl (521).

9. The device of claim 8 characterised in that the pivotal seat and lid of the conventional sitting toilet bowl (521) can be

raised and leaned at the side of the water cistern (108).

10 The device of claim 9 characterised in that the deactivated seat and lid of the conventional sitting toilet bowl (521) exposes the section for the placement of the portable sitting toilet bowl seats (403), (501) on the conventional type of sitting toilet bowl (521).