Patent Description:
It is well known that a squatting posture is the natural posture for defecation. Conventional modern toilets, particularly those sold in Western Europe and the US, require defecation to be carried out in a seated posture with a much more open hip angle than would be obtained during squatting. The natural squatting posture closes the hip angle and thereby relaxes the puborectalis muscle, which in turn allows the colon to straighten, so that defecation can take place more comfortably.

Conventional squatting toilets, for example a Japanese squatting toilet, are usually not much more than a hole in the floor. Sometimes, textured foot supports are provided for extra grip, and occasionally handles either side of the hole are provided for support. There are a number of designs of squatting toilets that provide a toilet bowl, but these require the removal of the user's clothing before use, since the user's feet must be placed either side of the toilet bowl.

A number of stools are currently available for elevating the feet of a user of a conventional modern toilet so as to achieve an acute hip angle in a seated position. This solution is not ideal, however, since the user's feet cannot be located far enough rearward to allow the user to support their weight without sitting.

<CIT> discloses toilet fixtures, particularly urinals and water-closet basins, and a method for flushing and washing the walls thereof.

<CIT> discloses a toilet bowl having an upper rim and foot rest means for supporting a person's feet above floor level.

<CIT> discloses a toilet to be used in a crouch without contact.

<CIT> disclose a water-closet in which the seat is low down, thereby necessitating a crouching position on the part of the person using it.

<CIT> discloses a single water closet or toilet fixture for dual functional use as either a fixture wherein the user is in the sitting position and normally facing forward, or a fixture wherein the user is in the squatting position and facing either in the forward direction or the aft direction.

<CIT> discloses a toilet seat lid raising and lowering device that relies on a motion sensor to trigger its operation.

<CIT> discloses an automatically operated spray clean nozzle means which is fixed at an angle to a toilet seat and incorporates an extendable and retractable nozzle sprayer from a spray clean nozzle housing which is fixed to piping means and a stop cock with a water inlet.

<CIT> discloses a water closet or toilet bowl usable in either in the: sitting, front facing squatting, or rear facing squatting postures.

<CIT> discloses a flush bowl and seat of a water closet.

<CIT> discloses a toilet that includes a bowl having a first surface and a second surface.

<CIT> discloses a screen for use with a toilet, and in particular for a squat-type toilet.

<CIT> discloses a toilet arrangement in which he toilet bowl or seat is displaceably mounted on a support structure so that when the user mounts the apparatus it is displaced such that the front of the seating arrangement is upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal.

<CIT> discloses a toilet training device that includes a seat defining a cavity shaped to accommodate a child, with an aperture in the seat, and a base on which the seat can be mounted.

<CIT> discloses a sanitary bowl for toilets.

<CIT> discloses a combined toilet and washing apparatus that includes a toilet bowl having a saddle-shaped seat and a W.

<CIT> discloses a toilet bowl which is designed in a way that it provides the user who wishes to answer the call of nature to crouch with a crouching angle, the toilet bowl comprising a toilet base block, a toilet block carried by the toilet base block and a toilet cover.

The present invention provides a toilet that can be used for both squatting use and for seated use.

According to the invention there is provided a toilet bowl as defined by claim <NUM> and a toilet defined by claim <NUM>.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show a toilet bowl <NUM> for a squatting toilet <NUM>. The toilet bowl <NUM> comprises a rim <NUM>, an outlet <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM>, and an inner surface <NUM>. The rim <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> into a concave space for holding water and/or faeces. The outlet <NUM> for waste is preferably provided in the lower most part of the toilet bowl <NUM> (when installed correctly). An inlet (not shown) is preferably provided for supplying water for flushing the contents of the toilet bowl <NUM> towards the outlet <NUM>.

The toilet bowl <NUM> is configured to be part of a floor-supported toilet <NUM>, including a flat base <NUM> for contacting the floor <NUM>. Due to the length of the toilet bowl <NUM>, the base <NUM> supports the load of a user. The flat base <NUM> could be a planar surface, or simply an edge of the toilet bowl <NUM> lying in a plane that can contact a flat floor <NUM> to support the toilet bowl <NUM>.

Alternatively, not covered by the present claims, the toilet bowl <NUM> may be configured to be part of a wall-supported toilet <NUM>, in which case it would include a flat rear edge or surface <NUM> for abutment with a wall <NUM>. Fasteners (not shown) may be provided to attach the toilet bowl <NUM> to the wall <NUM> and to carry any load applied to the toilet bowl <NUM>.

Preferably, both a base <NUM> and a flat rear edge or surface <NUM> are provided. For example, the base <NUM> may carry the majority of the vertical load, while the toilet may communicate with a water supply and/or waste pipe via the wall <NUM>.

In any event, the toilet bowl <NUM> defines a forward direction, which - when the toilet <NUM> is correctly installed - extends perpendicular to the plane of the wall <NUM>. The forward direction corresponds to the horizontal direction in which a user would face when sat correctly on the toilet bowl <NUM>.

Perpendicular to the forward direction, the toilet bowl <NUM> defines a transverse direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the forward direction and parallel to the plane of a flat floor <NUM> supporting the toilet bowl <NUM>. The transverse direction may also correspond to the direction of a straight line between the two lowest points <NUM> on either side of the rim <NUM> (as described below).

The vertical direction is perpendicular to both the forward direction and the transverse direction the toilet bowl <NUM>. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the flat base <NUM>.

The vertical direction is parallel to the plane of the flat rear edge or surface <NUM>, if provided.

The toilet bowl <NUM> is shaped to define a rearward portion <NUM> and an elongate frontal extension <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends through both the rearward portion <NUM> and the forward extension <NUM>. The frontal extension <NUM> extends forward of a plane <NUM>. The frontal extension <NUM> extends from the frontal edge of the base <NUM> in the forward direction. The rearward portion <NUM> includes the outlet <NUM> for waste, the flat base <NUM>, and the optional flat rear edge or surface <NUM>.

The frontal extension <NUM> has a length of between <NUM> and <NUM> in the forward direction, and preferably <NUM>.

The rearward portion <NUM> has a length of between <NUM> and <NUM> in the rearward direction, and preferably <NUM>.

The frontal extension <NUM> is sized and shaped for a user to straddle. In this connection, and as best shown in <FIG>, the rim <NUM> has in plan view (i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction) a profile that preferably includes a convex rearward section 210c connected to a convex distal end 210a via two concave side sections 210b. Preferably, the distal end 210a and two concave side sections 210b collectively define the portion of the profile of the rim <NUM> lying in the forward extension <NUM>, while the rearward section 210c of the rim <NUM> lies in the rearward portion <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM>.

The two concave side sections 210b may extend from the rearward section 210c to collectively define a forward section 210a that is narrower in the transverse direction than the rearward section 210c in plan view. Such a profile could be described as generally pear-shaped in plan view.

The width of the frontal extension <NUM> in the transverse direction does not exceed <NUM> in the forwardmost <NUM> of the frontal extension <NUM>. This is advantageous, since it allows the user to stand and squat with the frontal extension <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> extending between the user's legs. In this way, the toilet bowl <NUM> can be used for simultaneous defecation and urination while the user squats.

The frontal extension <NUM> is elevated relative to the lowest point <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM>. The lowest point <NUM> corresponds to the base <NUM>. This provides a clearance beneath the frontal extension <NUM> between the toilet bowl <NUM> and the floor <NUM>.

The elevation is preferably achieved by inclining the frontal extension <NUM> relative to the floor <NUM> and/or base <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM>. This can provide a clearance beneath the frontal extension <NUM> between the toilet bowl <NUM> and the floor <NUM>.

The clearance between the frontal extension <NUM> and the floor <NUM> and/or base <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> is preferably greater than <NUM> in height at every point forwardly from the transversely aligned locations intended for users to place their feet <NUM>. In this way, the users may retain their underwear/other clothing around their ankles when squatting over the toilet bowl <NUM>.

The clearance can be achieved by the outside surface <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> being inclined relative to the base <NUM> (i.e., upwardly when installed).

With reference to <FIG>, it is intended that the users would aim to defecate directly into the outlet <NUM>. For a user of typical size in a squat, the transversely aligned locations of the balls of the users' feet <NUM> will therefore be approximately <NUM> to <NUM> ahead of the forwardmost edge 115a of the outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, the clearance is greater than <NUM> over the portion of the frontal extension <NUM> that extends from the distal end <NUM> of the frontal portion <NUM> to approximately <NUM> ahead of the forwardmost 115a edge of the outlet <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the base <NUM> therefore extends only slightly ahead of the outlet <NUM>.

Similarly, since this portion of the toilet bowl <NUM> is intended to extend between the users' legs, the width in the transverse direction of the frontal portion <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> to approximately <NUM> ahead of the forwardmost edge 115a of the outlet <NUM> is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM>, and most
preferably <NUM>.

The rearward portion <NUM> does not need to be straddled and so can be wider. For reasons that will be apparent from the following, the rearward portion <NUM> has a width of at least <NUM> in a transverse direction, and is preferably at least <NUM> wide. In more preferred embodiments the width is less than <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, the frontal extension <NUM> is upwardly inclined relative to the floor <NUM> (and/or is upwardly inclined relative to the flat base <NUM>, and/or is upwardly inclined relative to a line perpendicular to the flat rear edge or surface <NUM>, and/or is upwardly inclined relative to a line perpendicular to the surface of the wall <NUM>).

The height Zdistal of the distal end <NUM> of the frontal extension <NUM> above the base <NUM> is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Any higher than this, and it would be too difficult for a user to walk backwards into the appropriate location for squatting use. If lower than this, there is a risk that urine might not be caught by the opening <NUM> in the frontal extension <NUM>. In embodiments of toilets <NUM> that do not rest on a base <NUM>, not covered by the appended claims, such as wall mounted toilets, Zdistal is the height from the floor <NUM> in the vertical direction when installed.

Advantageously, since the frontal portion <NUM> is inclined, a handle <NUM> may be provided at the distal end <NUM> of the frontal extension <NUM>. When squatting, a user may hold the handle <NUM>, allowing the user's centre of gravity to be located further backwards than would be possible without support. The handle <NUM> may be formed by shaping the frontal extension <NUM>, or may be provided in addition to the frontal extension <NUM>.

To accommodate the user when squatting, the rim <NUM>, which defines the upper surface of the toilet bowl <NUM>, is also inclined in the forward direction in the frontal extension <NUM>.

Preferably, the rim <NUM> increases in height forwardly of the two lowest points <NUM> transversely aligned in the rearward portion <NUM>. Preferably, the rim <NUM> also increases in height rearwardly of the two lowest points <NUM>. Therefore, when viewed in a side profile plane defined by the vertical and forward directions, the rim <NUM> has a concave profile.

The rim <NUM> preferably forms a smooth curve to avoid discontinuities. Therefore, when viewed in the side profile plane, the rim <NUM> defines a U-shaped curve. Most preferably, the U-shaped curve is skewed forwardly, for example such that rim <NUM> forward of the lowest point <NUM> has a shallower incline than the rim <NUM> rearward of the lowest point <NUM>.

The outer surface <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> comprises a wall extending from the base <NUM> to the rim <NUM>. The height Zlow of the wall in a direction perpendicular to the base <NUM> is lowest at the two lowest points <NUM>. The lowest height Zlow of the wall in a direction perpendicular to the base is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM>. In embodiments of toilets <NUM> that do not rest on a base <NUM>, not covered by the appended claims, such as wall mounted toilets, Zlow is the height of the
lowest points <NUM> of the rim <NUM> from the floor <NUM> in the vertical direction when installed.

The highest height Zhigh of the rim <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> in the rearward portion <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the base <NUM> is preferably in the range <NUM> to <NUM>, and most preferably <NUM>. In embodiments of toilets <NUM> that do not rest on a base <NUM>, not covered by the appended claims, such as wall mounted toilets, Zhigh is the highest
height of the rim <NUM> in the rearward portion <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> from the floor <NUM> in the vertical direction when installed.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show a toilet <NUM>, which preferably includes the toilet bowl <NUM> of <FIG>. The toilet <NUM> comprises a support <NUM> and a lid <NUM>. The support <NUM> is essentially a toilet seat having a greater than conventional depth. Each of the support <NUM> and lid <NUM> are pivotably attached to the toilet bowl <NUM>. A hinge <NUM> may be provided for connecting either or both of the support <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> to the toilet bowl <NUM>. The hinge axis is in parallel with the transverse axis. Preferably, both the support <NUM> and the lid <NUM> pivot about the same axis.

The support <NUM> is arranged for supporting a user above the opening <NUM> of a toilet bowl <NUM>. The support <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> through which a user seated on the support <NUM> may defecate into the toilet bowl <NUM>.

The support <NUM> is arranged to pivot between an open position (shown in <FIG>) and a closed position (shown in <FIG>). In the open position the support <NUM> is rotated away from the toilet bowl <NUM>. In the closed position the support <NUM> abuts the rim <NUM>. The support <NUM> has an outermost edge <NUM>. The shape of the outermost edge <NUM> generally corresponds with that of the rim <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outermost edge <NUM> may extend around the majority of the support <NUM>. Preferably, the outermost edge <NUM> extends around more than <NUM>% of the support <NUM>. As depicted in the Figures, the outermost edge <NUM> extends around all of the support <NUM> except for the section contacting the hinge <NUM>. In this way, when closed, the full length of the outermost edge <NUM> contacts the rim <NUM> or is adjacent the hinge.

The support <NUM> is arranged such that when the outermost edge <NUM> abuts the rim <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> the outer surface <NUM> of the support <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the toilet bowl form a contiguous surface extending across the line of abutment.

Since the height at which a user would most comfortably sit is considerably higher than the height at which the user would squat, it is necessary for the support to have a significant height. The support <NUM> therefore has a concave cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the forward direction. Preferably, the support <NUM> therefore has a concave cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the forward direction over the majority of its length in the forward direction. Most preferably, the support <NUM> therefore has a concave cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the forward direction over at least <NUM>% of its length in the forward direction.

As can be seen from <FIG>, since the support <NUM> has a concave cross-section, it must be reasonably wide to avoid obstructing a user when squatting. Therefore, the width of the rearward portion <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> is preferably at least <NUM> in a transverse direction and more preferably, at least <NUM>. Preferably, the width of the rearward portion <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> is no more than <NUM> in a transverse direction.

Since the shape of the rim <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> corresponds with the shape of the support <NUM>, the maximum width of the support <NUM> is preferably at least <NUM> in a transverse direction and more preferably, at least <NUM>. Preferably, the maximum width of the support <NUM> is no more than <NUM> in a transverse direction. The maximum width of the support <NUM> corresponds with the distance between the points on the outermost edge <NUM> that contact the lowest points <NUM> of the rim <NUM>. This allows the user to squat without obstructions by, or undesirable contact with, the inner surface of the support <NUM>.

The support <NUM> preferably has a substantially flat seat portion <NUM>. The seat portion <NUM> may surround the opening <NUM>. The seat portion <NUM> of the support <NUM> may comprise or be formed of an elastomer.

The support <NUM> has a maximum height in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> and preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (this corresponds to the lowest point <NUM>).

As a result of the height of the support, it must be made of rigid material and cannot be too thick owing to its size. Accordingly, it is preferred that the support <NUM> comprises or is formed from a rigid thermosetting plastic, such as polycarbonate.

The support <NUM> preferably comprises a hydrophobic material, more preferably a superhydrophobic material. The material may be a coating on the inner surface of the support <NUM>, or may be distributed throughout the support material <NUM>.

The support <NUM> is preferably formed by co-moulding a first material for forming a structural part of the support <NUM> with the seat material. Preferably, the support <NUM> is formed by co-moulding an elastomer for forming the seat portion <NUM> with a thermosetting plastic (such as polycarbonate), optionally including a hydrophobic material, for forming a structural part of the support <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> is arranged to pivot between an open position (shown in <FIG>) and a closed position (shown in <FIG>). In the open position, the lid <NUM> is rotated away from the support <NUM>. It may, for example, rest against the wall <NUM>.

In the closed position, the lid <NUM> abuts the support <NUM> and closes the opening <NUM> in the support <NUM>.

When both the lid <NUM> and the support <NUM> are in their respective closed positions, they collectively close the opening <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM>. This can substantially contain any vapour/aerosol within the toilet <NUM>, thereby providing a more hygienic toilet <NUM>.

For the same reasons, the opening <NUM> in the support <NUM> preferably has a width in the transverse direction in the range <NUM> (preferably <NUM>) to <NUM>.

Preferably, one or both of the support <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> are moved between respective open and closed positions by an actuator (not shown). Preferably, the actuator is triggered by one or more noncontact sensors <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may be part of a hinge assembly <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> for directing a jet of water forwardly into the toilet bowl <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may be connected to a supply of water for use as a bidet.

Similarly, a further nozzle (not shown) may be mounted on the frontal extension <NUM> (preferably at the distal end <NUM>) for directing a jet of water rearwardly into the toilet bowl. The further nozzle may be connected to a supply of water for use as a bidet. Such a frontal nozzle may provide a more hygienic bidet for a female user.

A typical flushing approach is to provide a supply of water to a channel extending around the top of the bowl. This water overflows along the length of the ridge providing a flow of water into the bowl around the majority of its circumference. Owing to the height of the distal end <NUM> of the frontal extension <NUM> of the disclosed toilet <NUM>, such a toilet <NUM> is difficult to flush.

Preferred embodiments, therefore include an inlet (not shown) for a supply of water and a ridge <NUM> within the toilet bowl <NUM> generally in parallel with at least a portion of the rim <NUM>.

The ridge <NUM> defines a channel in communication with the inlet for carrying flush water around the periphery of the toilet bowl <NUM>. Whilst a majority of the channel is open for allowing flush water to flow into the toilet bowl <NUM> as in conventional flushes, in the preferred embodiment two lengths of the channel are closed. The channel may be open by the provision of a plurality of spaced holes in the base of the channel, or by one or more slots extending along its length. The closed portions of the channel would not include such holes or slots.

With reference to <FIG>, the closed lengths of the channel may prevent water from flowing into the toilet bowl <NUM> over their respective extents 235a, 235b. The closed lengths extend along respective sides of the frontal extension <NUM>. The channel is open at the forwardmost extent (near the distal end <NUM>) of the frontal extension <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A toilet bowl (<NUM>) for a squatting toilet (<NUM>),
comprising:
a flat base (<NUM>) for contacting a floor (<NUM>), the flat base (<NUM>) including an outlet (<NUM>),
the flat base (<NUM>) defining a plane that includes a forward direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the forward direction,
wherein:
the toilet bowl (<NUM>) is shaped to define a rearward portion (<NUM>) including the base (<NUM>) and an elongate frontal extension (<NUM>) for a user to straddle, the frontal extension (<NUM>) extending generally in the forward direction from the rearward portion (<NUM>);
the frontal extension (<NUM>) is elevated or inclined relative to the base for providing a clearance between the toilet bowl (<NUM>) and the floor (<NUM>);
a rim (<NUM>) defining an opening (<NUM>) of the toilet bowl (<NUM>), the rim (<NUM>) extending around the periphery of both the frontal extension (<NUM>) and the rearward portion (<NUM>); and
the rim (<NUM>) is upwardly inclined relative to the base (<NUM>) in the forward direction throughout the frontal extension (<NUM>),
characterised in that:
the frontal extension (<NUM>) extends from the base (<NUM>) by at least <NUM> in the forward direction; and
a width of the frontal extension (<NUM>) in the transverse direction does not exceed <NUM> in a forwardmost <NUM> of the frontal extension (<NUM>).