A UNIVERSAL SELF CLEANING SYSTEM FOR TOILETS AND METHODS THEREOF

Field of invention

The present disclosure relates to the fields of personal and public hygiene, sanitation and disease prevention, and more particularly to the field of home and public self-cleaning toilet for better hygiene and sanitation.

Background of invention

Proper sanitation facilities (for example, toilets and latrines) promote health because they allow people to dispose of their waste appropriately. Absence of basic sanitation facilities can result in an unhealthy environment contaminated by human waste. Without proper sanitation facilities, waste from infected individuals can contaminate a community’s land and water, increasing the risk of infection for other individuals and contribute to the spread of many diseases/conditions that can cause widespread illness and death. Proper waste disposal can slow the infection cycle of many disease-causing agents. Inadequate waste disposal drives the infection cycle of many agents that can be spread through contaminated soil, food, water, and insects such as flies (www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/sanitation/ toilets.html).

According to The British Association of Urological Surgeons the first toilet production is attributed either to a Neolithic Scottish settlement (3000 BC), or to the Greek Palace of Knossos (1700 BC) with large earthenware pans connected to a flushing water supply. Ever since the first toilet was introduced and throughout history toilets have evolved and developed. Sir John Harrington invented the first flush toilet in 1592, a water closet with a raised cistern and a small downpipe through which water ran to flush the waste. Sir John Harrington's invention was ignored for almost 200 years. It was not until 1775 that Alexander Cummings developed the S-shaped pipe under the toilet basin to keep out the foul odors. With the increase of population in the 19 ^th century, in overcrowded cities, such as London and Manchester, up to 100 people might share a single toilet. Sewage spilled into the streets and the rivers. This found its way back into the drinking water supply and was further polluted by chemicals, horse manure and dead animals; as a result, tens of thousands died of water-borne disease, especially during the cholera outbreaks of the 1830s and 1850s. The construction of a system of sewers in London was completed in 1865. Deaths from cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases dropped spectacularly. In 1861, Thomas Crapper was hired by Prince Edward (later King Edward VII) to construct lavatories in several royal palaces. He patented a number of toilet-related inventions but did not actually invent the modern toilet, although he was the first to display his wares in a showroom. He and his contemporaries, George Jennings, Thomas Twyford, Edward Johns & Henry Doulton, began producing toilets much as we know them today. Bathroom technology really arrived in the 20th century with flushable valves, water tanks resting on the bowl itself and toilet paper rolls (first marketed only in 1902) (www.baus.org.uk/museum/164/a_brief_history_of_the_flush_toi let).

Due to the 4.2 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation out of which more than 673 million people still practice open defecation, the United Nations celebrates World Toilet Day every year to raise awareness and tackle the global sanitation crisis and ensure access to water and sanitation (Sustainable Development Goal 6) for all by 2030 (https://www.un.org/en/observances/toilet-day). An obvious deduction will be that during the current decade there will be a substantial increase in toilet production, consumption and usage.

The goal of good toilet hygiene is minimizing the potential for pathogen transmission. Control of odours is also socially important and believed to be a societal measure of cleanliness. Understanding the need for good cleaning and disinfecting is even more important today considering the potential spread of emerging pathogens such as SARS- CoV-2 virus, While the flush toilet was a major advancement in achieving these objectives, exposure to pathogens can occur from failure to clean and disinfect areas within a restroom, as well as poor hand hygiene. The build-up of biofilm within a toilet bowl/urinal including sink can result in the persistence of pathogens and odours. (S.E. Abney et al., 2021).

C. Greed have disclosed in a 2006 review that research has demonstrated that public toilet provision constitutes the vital, missing link that would enable the creation of sustainable, accessible, inclusive cities. The lack of public toilets, along with crumbling sewerage systems and neglect of drainage issues, is resulting in the spread of Cryptosporidium parvum. C. parvum (a parasitic protozoa) is the fourth most commonly identified cause of gastro-enteritis and thus diarrhea. Historic water-borne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery, that were prevalent in the nineteenth century, have returned to the city streets Yet C. Greed further disclosed that one of the main means of transmission of many classic diseases and many urinary, vaginal and anal infections is from human faeces; therefore, it is extremely important to provide adequate, hygienic public toilets. MRSA in hospitals has been attributed to lack of basic hygiene, and, in particular, to the role of dirty hospital toilets as transmitters of disease,

Toilets contaminated with infectious organisms are a recognized contact disease transmission hazard. It was indicated that toilet bowl water can remain contaminated for several flushes after the contamination occurs. The persistence of pathogenic microorganisms in a public toilet (such as in a hospital emergency department waiting area), with aerosolization of pathogenic organisms during subsequent toilet uses by others, could pose a contact or airborne disease transmission risk. Similarly, pathogen persistence in a patient room toilet with subsequent aerosolization of microbes could pose an environmental contamination risk to patient care staff and other patients (David L. Johnson et al., 2018).

Baker et al. disclosed that although a single flush reduces the level of microorganisms in the toilet bowl water when contaminated at concentrations reflecting pathogen shedding, large numbers of microorganisms persisted on the toilet bowl surface and in the bowl water which were disseminated into the air by further flushes, risk of air-borne dissemination of microbes when flushing the toilet and the consequent surface contamination that may spread infection within the household, via direct surface-to-hand- to mouth contact. Some enteric viruses could persist in the air after toilet flushing and infection may be acquired after inhalation and swallowing (Baker et al. 2005).

In their 1975 study Gerba et al. observed that bowl water clearance was incomplete even after seven flushes following contamination of a toilet with either E. coli bacteria or MS2 bacteriophage. Moreover, Barker et al. detected residual microorganisms in bowl water 12 days after seeding the toilet with Salmonella, and in biofilm below the bowl waterline for 50 days after the seeding, suggesting a possible role of biofilm as a long-term reservoir and source of pathogenic organisms in the bowl water (Barker et al., 2000).

J. Couturier et al. describe two cases in which Legionnaires’ disease was probably caused by L. pneumophila transmitted through contaminated toilet water that became aerosolized during flushing. This conclusion has been reached since little to no detectable difference was found between whole genomes in isolates obtained from two patients hospitalized five months apart in the same room and those from the toilet in that room (J. Couturier et al., 2020).

In the developed world, the use of flush toilet is a basic and daily matter, a person may use the toilet at home, or in public places such as working places, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, schools, public transportation stations, motorway stations and even on ships, planes, trains, etc. However, going to the toilet in a public place and deciding not to use it and to "hold on" due to the poor sanitation and/or bad odor is a very familiar situation for all, especially for women. Another familiar experience and a well-known situation is that in case of contagious diseases related with diarrhea or vomiting, it is highly likely for the disease to be spread among other members of the family, particularly among families with one or more children.

PCT application WO2011138798 discloses an invention for automatically cleaning toilet pots, which are preferably wall mounted toilet pots, either of WC type or Anglo-Indian type, but preferably of WC type. This automatic retractable self- cleaning assembly is based on a new retraction system and cleaning mechanism. More particularly, this invention pertains to the fluidic cleaning of the toilet pots, and its movement, in and out of the cabinet that encloses this assembly. The synergistic operations of the assembly, which is automatic, offers a complete, effective and efficient solution to all problems associated with toilet pots. Due to the fundamental nature of this automatic retractable self-cleaning assembly, it can be suitably modified to clean various other objects, which include, without limitation, engines, gear boxes, etc., based on the same mechanism as is used for cleaning toilet pots.

US patent 4183105 discloses a self-cleaning toilet which embodies the combination of an open top toilet bowl and elevated reservoir tank mounted above said bowl, the reservoir tank including a water supply inlet for supplying water to said reservoir tank for discharge to said toilet bowl, and a separate compartment within which a biodegradable chemical or biological substance can be stored, removed therefrom and admixed with water, and the liquid supplied to the toilet bowl to clean, disinfect and deodorize said toilet bowl. Various features include a seat and lid pivotally attached to said open top toilet bowl, means for sealing the lid when it is lowered atop the bowl, internal conduits and nozzle outlets located within the top of said lid communicated with said water supply inlet, and an outlet from the compartment within the reservoir tank from which said biodegradable chemical or biological substances can be passed via the internal conduits of the lid to the nozzle outlets, admixed with water and liquid discharged via the nozzles of the lid, when the lid is closed, as a spray into the toilet bowl to clean, disinfect, and deodorize said bowl.

US patent 9644358 discloses a smart lavatory management system, comprising an enclosure having a rotatable pole that is installed with a urinal pot and a commode which rotates to move the pot and commode as per requirement of a user, a shutter employed with a pair of guide rails for providing a retractable shield in between the pot and commode, an IR sensor for sensing presence of dirt/dust accumulated on the urinal and commode integrated with a microcontroller that generates a command upon receiving the sensed signal, a chamber having multiple rotatable arms equipped with customized shaped brushes for cleaning the detected dirt/dust, a container for storing cleaning gel/solution that is dispensed within the commode and pot while scrubbing for cleaning, multiple nozzles for dispensing water on pot and commode after cleaning.

Us patent US2011/0131714 discloses a consumable material includes a specific concentration of a chemical additive. The consumable material is held in a dispensing system includes a sensor that detects the concentration of the chemical additive within the consumable material. A controller compares the detected concentration of the chemical additive and if the proper concentration is not detected, the system prevents the dispenser from releasing the consumable material.

In view of the prior art and given the various challenges described above, there is still an unmet long-felt need for an affordable self-cleaning toilet that will regularly and frequently increase toilet sanitation and reduce toilet related contamination whether it is attributed to a direct surface contamination or to an inhaled contaminated aerosol, while deodorizing the toilet related unpleasant odors. Summary of the invention: thus an object of the present invention to disclose a self-cleaning toilet (20) comprising: a. a refillable container (6) for storing toilet liquid cleanser configured to receive toilet liquid cleanser via spout and stopper (7); b. a pipe (2) configured to connect said water tank (4) and said refillable container (6); c. a WC (water closet) comprising: i. a bowl, ii. a water tank (4) for containing liquids configured to receive water from a water supply system via an inlet (10), said pipe (2) being configured to allow said toilet liquid cleanser to flow from said refillable container (6) to said water tank (4); iii. a float valve (3) disposed within said toilet water tank (4) for controlling water inflow to said water tank and toilet liquid cleanser inflow to said water tank, said float valve (3) enabling water inflow and inflow of toilet liquid cleanser when a liquid level in said water tank (4) is lower than a predetermined minimum level, so that said toilet liquid cleanser flows from said refillable container (6) via said pipe (2) into said water tank (4) and said water flows into said water tank, said toilet liquid cleanser and said water mixing with the liquid in said water tank (4), said float valve (3) stopping inflow of toilet liquid cleanser and said water inflow when said liquid level in said water tank reaches a predetermined maximum level; and iv. an outlet (11) for the clearance of said water tank content to said bowl; and d. a dose regulator (1, 112, 126) configured to provide a predetermined cleanser flow rate of said toilet liquid cleanser through said pipe (2); wherein said inflow of said water having a predetermined water flow rate and said inflow of said toilet liquid cleanser having said predetermined cleanser flow rate, a predetermined ratio of said toilet liquid cleanser to said water is maintainable in said water tank (4). It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned refillable container (6) is refilled via spout and stopper (7).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned refillable container (6) is disposed either on top of said water tank (4) or on a wall adjacent to said self-cleaning toilet, in such way that the bottom of said refillable container (6) is higher than the top of said water tank (4). It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the water in the aforementioned water tank (4) and aforementioned toilet liquid cleanser mix and reach a predetermined ratio of toilet liquid cleanser to water.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned WC comprises a type selected from a group consisting of: an Anglo-Indian toilet type, an EWC (European WC) type toilet, a squat type toilet, and a urinal.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned toilet liquid cleanser comprises a deodorizer and a cleaning liquid.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the toilet liquid cleanser is selected from a group consisting of a bleach, a detergent, a disinfectant, a soap, a germicide, a fungicide, a viricide, a parasiticide or any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned refillable container (6) is transparent or has a transparent portion to enable observation of said toilet liquid cleanser's level, thereby easing determination of when the refillable container needs a refill.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a self-cleaning toilet (200) comprising: a. a bowl; and b. a tank for containing liquids comprising: i. a top compartment (50) for storing toilet liquid cleanser comprising: a spout and a stopper (40) for refill of said toilet liquid cleanser in said top compartment; and ii. a bottom compartment (70) for containing liquids comprising:

1. water supply inlet;

2. a dose regulator (120) disposed within said bottom compartment and interconnected with said top compartment (50), said dose regulator (120) configured to provide a predetermined cleanser flow rate of said toilet liquid cleanser;

3. a handle (30) for flushing said self-cleaning toilet; and

4. a bell valve (110) interconnected to said handle (30), configured to rise in accordance with the liquid level in said bottom compartment (70) and reset said handle (30) when reaching a predetermined maximum liquid level to enable the next flushing, said bell valve (110) further configured to control water inflow to said water tank and toilet liquid cleanser inflow to said water tank, said float valve (3) enabling water inflow and inflow of toilet liquid cleanser when a liquid level in said water tank (4) is lower than a predetermined minimum level, so that said toilet liquid cleanser flows from said refillable container (6) via said pipe (2) to said water tank (4) and said water flows into said water tank, said toilet liquid cleanser and said water mixing with the liquid in said water tank (4), said float valve (3) stopping inflow of toilet liquid cleanser and said water inflow when said liquid level in said water tank reaches a predetermined maximum level; wherein said inflow of said water having a predetermined water flow rate and said inflow of said toilet liquid cleanser having said predetermined cleanser flow rate, a predetermined ratio of said toilet liquid cleanser to said water is maintainable in said water tank (4).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned toilet liquid cleanser comprises a deodorizer and a cleaning liquid.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the toilet liquid cleanser is selected from a group consisting of a bleach, a detergent, a disinfectant, a soap, a germicide, fungicide, a viricide, a parasiticide or any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the self-cleaning toilet as described in any of the above, wherein the aforementioned top compartment (50) is transparent or has a transparent portion to enable observation of said toilet liquid cleanser's level, thereby easing determination of when the top compartment needs a refill.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for use of a self-cleaning toilet comprising steps of: a. providing the aforementioned self-cleaning toilet (20, 200), b. providing toilet liquid cleanser in the aforementioned refillable container (6) or said top compartment (50) for toilet liquid cleanser, c. using the aforementioned self-cleaning toilet (20), and d. flushing said self-cleaning toilet (20).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of refilling the aforementioned refillable container via spout and stopper (7).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of mounting the aforementioned refillable container (6) either on top of said toilet water tank (4) or on a wall adjacent to said toilet, in such way that the bottom of said refillable container (6) is higher than the top of said water tank (4).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing the aforementioned toilet liquid cleanser comprising a deodorizer and a cleaning liquid.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of selecting the toilet liquid cleanser from a group consisting of a bleach, a detergent, a disinfectant, a soap, a germicide, a fungicide, a viricide, a parasiticide or any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of mounting the aforementioned refillable container (6) on a WC comprising a type selected from a group consisting of: an Anglo- Indian toilet type, an EWC (European WC) type toilet, a squat type toilet, and a urinal.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing the aforementioned refillable container (6) transparent or having a transparent portion, thus enabling observation of said toilet liquid cleanser's level.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for self-cleaning a toilet, comprising steps of: a. providing the aforementioned self-cleaning toilet (200), b. providing toilet liquid cleanser in the aforementioned top container (50) for toilet liquid cleanser, c. using the aforementioned self-cleaning toilet (200), and d. flushing the self-cleaning toilet.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing the aforementioned toilet liquid cleanser comprising a deodorizer and a cleaning liquid.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of selecting the aforementioned toilet liquid cleanser from a group consisting of a bleach, a detergent, a disinfectant, a soap, a germicide, a fungicide, a viricide, a parasiticide or any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing at least one of the aforementioned top compartment (50) or container lid (6) transparent or having a transparent portion, thus enabling observation of said toilet liquid cleanser's level.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of refilling the aforementioned top compartment via spout and stopper (40).

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing the aforementioned self-cleaning toilet (200) comprising a type selected from a group comprising: an Anglo-Indian toilet type, an EWC (European WC) type toilet, a squat type toilet, and a urinal. Brief description of the figures

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 depicting a schematic presentation the different elements of a self-cleaning toilet (20) for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Fig. 2 depicting a schematic presentation of a side and inside view of the assembled different elements self-cleaning toilet (20) for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Fig. 3 depicting a schematic presentation of a front view of the self-cleaning toilet (20) and an enlarged presentation of a dose regulator (1) of a self-cleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Fig. 4a depicting a schematic presentation of a side view of a top compartment (6) and a bottom compartment (4) of a self-cleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Fig. 4b depicting a schematic presentation of a top view of a self-cleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene (20) and the top compartment (6) of the present invention.

Fig. 5a depicting a schematic presentation of the different separated elements of a selfcleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene (200) for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Fig. 5b depicting a schematic presentation the assembled different elements of a selfcleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene (200) for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention. Fig. 6a depicting a schematic presentation of a front view of the self-cleaning toilet (200) and an enlarged presentation of the connection of a soap dose regulator (120) and a top compartment (50) of a self-cleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Fig. 6b depicting a schematic presentation of a front side of the self-cleaning toilet (200) the bottom compartment (70) with float valve (110), handle (30) and the top compartment (50) of a self-cleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention.

Figs. 7A-D and 8 depict another embodiment of a self-cleaning toilet.

Fig. 9 depicts an embodiment of a concealed self-cleaning toilet.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide devices and methods for maintaining toilet hygiene and thus reducing toilet contamination of the bowl and bowl water, or other surfaces affected by the toilet flushing related aerosol.

As used herein after, the term “float valve” refers to a mechanical liquid level controller. A float detects changes of elevation in the liquid free surface and opens or closes a valve accordingly. Generally, large numbers of small float valves are used in domestic water systems, more particularly a small float valve is fitted to toilet cisterns to measure the flush water. Usually, toilet float valves close on a rising liquid level and is mounted on the toilet cistern side above the liquid level to allow maintenance without draining the tank. The float valve is also known as a "ball valve" or a "ballcock"

As used herein after, the term "flush toilet" refers to a toilet that disposes of human waste (urine, feces, vomit, etc.) by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location for disposal, thus maintaining a separation between humans and their waste. Flush toilets are a plumbing fixture and usually incorporate some form of a bend called a trap that causes water to collect in the toilet bowl to hold the waste and act as a seal against noxious sewer gases. Most flush toilets are connected to a sewerage system or to other forms of drainage systems.

As used herein after, the term "flush" or "flushing" refers to a sudden flow of liquids from a toilet cistern or water tank to the toilet bowl after which the toilet bowl contents empty and the bowl and cistern fills with water again. Further it may refer to the activation of such a flow of liquids and subsequent emptying and refilling the toilet bowl and cistern/water tank, usually by pressing a button (called a flush button), by pulling a string attached to a lever. Nowadays, there are automatic flush systems configured to detect the use of a toilet and automatically activate the toilet flushing mechanism.

As used herein after, the term "bell valve" refers to a float-cup fill valve and is a more “modern” style of anti-siphon fill valve, originally introduced in the late 1950’s by Fluidmaster® and mainly made of plastic. The bell valve is identified by a plastic floating O-shaped cup that moves up and down around the bell valve shaft. The floating cup is attached using a metal spring clipped to a metal actuating rod. Water level in the tank is controlled by adjusting where the actuating rod connects to the float cup.

As used herein after, the term "WC (Water Closet) type toilet" refers to a variety of flush toilets, usually connected to a sewer system, septic tanks or other drainage solutions or treatment device. A bowl, a water tank/a cistern and a fill valve, some of which have a pedestal and a seat.

As used herein after, the term "European WC (EWC) type toilet" is a type of a flush toilet with a toilet a pedestal and a seat set up for use in a "western/European" sitting position as opposed to a squatting position.

As used herein after, the term "Anglo-Indian type toilet" refers to a type of flush toilet that allow users to choose between a "western/European" sitting position and a squatting position. Basically, it is a European style sitting commode that have extra-wide rims, flared out on either side, to allow the user to clamber up and squat if they wish.

As used herein after, the term "squat type toilet" refers to a flush toilet arranged at floor level, which requires the individual to squat with bent knees. In contrast to a pedestal or a sitting toilet, the opening of the drain pipe is located at the ground level. The squat toilet is also known as "Asian type toilet" or "Japanese type toilet"

As used herein after, the term "bleaches" refers to chemicals that are used as disinfectant because of their anti-microbicidal properties. Another common trait of bleaches which does not reflect in the current invention is their ability to remove, whiten or lighten the natural color of textile or paper Chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used as bleaches. Bleaches usually exert their chemical activity via oxidation, excluding a few reduction agent bleaches.

As used herein after, the term "detergents" refers to surfactants or mixtures of surfactants that has cleaning properties in dilute solution with water. A detergent is similar to soap, but with a general structure R-SO4-, Na+, where R is a long-chain alkyl group, detergents are amphiphilic, meaning they have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Most detergents are akylbenzenefulfonates. Detergent are similar to soap but are more soluble in "hard" water.

As used herein after, the term "disinfectants" refers to chemical agents applied to nonliving objects and designed to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold or mildews living on the objects. Different disinfectants may utilize a different “active ingredient” formula, this "active ingredient" is what kills pathogens, usually by disrupting or damaging their cells. Active ingredients are usually aided by other ingredients with various purposes. For example, surfactants can be added to a disinfectant formula. Some of the disinfectant struggle to destroy persistent microbial spores.

As used herein after, the term "germicides" refers to a wide range of chemical agent that kills all type of germs; viruses, fungi, bacteria, parasites, spores and even parasites' eggs (such as Ascaris, tapeworms, etc).

The present invention provides self-cleaning toilet and methods for maintaining toilet hygiene and fresh odor both in private residence and in public places which requires only little attention and resources, in other words, an occasional refill of toilet liquid cleanser. It is of extreme importance to state that the present invention discloses devices and methods where the water from the water supply system and toilet liquid cleanser are premixed to a unified mixture and stored as a mixture before flushing, therefore, it is the mixture that fills the toilet bowl. Upon defecation and/or urination the feces and urine mix immediately with the toilet liquid cleanser and water mixture, the toilet liquid cleanser at the same instant commence the process of disinfecting, and deodorizing the feces and/or urine, thus by the time toilet user flushes the toilet, the feces and urine related contamination levels and the unpleasant odor are reduced substantially. Flushing causes the stored mixture to flow into the toilet bowl mix with all (feces/urine and the bowl mixture of water and toilet liquid cleanser) augmenting the process of disinfecting, and deodorizing the feces and/or urine. This initial step of disinfecting further augmented upon flushing is crucial in reducing the levels of above-mentioned contaminated aerosol, plume and droplets and surface contamination levels as a direct result. Subsequent to flushing and mixing of the toilet bowl content with the stored mixture, the content of the bowl is cleared into the sewer and the toilet bowl is refilled with a new mixture of water and toilet liquid cleanser, which assist in reducing persistent contamination and bio-film formation, therefore increasing toilet hygiene and fresh odor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the self-cleaning toilet is provided with a separate/stand-alone container for toilet liquid cleanser that can be mounted on top of the toilet water tank or on a wall adjacent to the toilet water tank and higher than the water tank. The toiles liquid cleanser container and the toilet water tank are connected via a connecting pipe disposed on the outside of the toilet liquid cleanser container and the toilet water tank.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the self-cleaning toilet is provided with one container divided into a top compartment for the toilet liquid cleanser and a bottom compartment for water and toilet liquid cleanser mixture.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the self-cleaning toilet is a urinal.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Examples

As above mentioned, although essential for keeping the environment and water sources clean and healthy by using toilets and proper drainage, with any visit to a public or a household toilet lies a risk of infection, either by direct contact with the toilet or surrounding surfaces or by inhalation of toilet water derived aerosol. Flushing, on the one hand, reduces the numbers of microorganisms in the toilet bowl water. However, still a large number of microorganisms persist on the toilet bowl, seat, lid and in the toilet bowl water. In addition, flushing produces an aerosol of droplets, spreading the contamination on surfaces surrounding the toilet and increasing the air-borne risk of inhaling the contaminated aerosol. Furthermore, toilet odor can be unpleasant and repelling; this may lead people in need of a toilet to reconsider or even "hold back" from relieving themselves until reaching a more pleasant option odor-wise, which may take a long while. The present invention discloses a self-cleaning toilet that provides a mixture of toilet liquid cleanser and water. The mixture is mixed in a compartment of the self-cleaning toilet and is ready to be flushed into the toilet bowl. The same cleansing mixture constitutes the liquid that fills the toilet bowl before using the toilet and into which feces and urine are deposited. Upon defecation and/or urination, the cleansing mixture of toilet liquid cleanser and water instantly starts to disinfect and deodorize the urine and/or feces, therefore, by the time the toilet is flushed the contamination risk is reduced substantially and so is the bad odor. Flushing will cause the partially disinfected and deodorized urine and/or feces to undergo a second wave of disinfection and deodorizing by the cleansing mixture flushed into the bowl, further reducing the risk of contaminated aerosol and derived inhalation or contact. The cleansing mixture in the toilet bowl also substantially reduces the number of persistent microorganisms in the surroundings of the bowl and the toilet surfaces that are usually detected in the absence of a premixed mixture of toilet liquid cleanser and water, which the self-cleaning toilet of the present invention provides.

Example 1

Reference in now made to Fig. 1 depicting a schematic presentation the elements of a selfcleaning toilet (20) and Fig. 2 depicting a schematic presentation of a sectional view of the assembled different elements self-cleaning toilet (20). A refillable container (6) for toilet liquid cleanser with a spout and stopper (7) through which toilet liquid cleanser is refilled. The refillable container (6) is mounted on top of the lid (5) of a water tank (4) and connected to it by pipe (2) through which toilet liquid cleanser can flow from the refillable container (6) and mix with the water in the toilet water tank (4). The toilet water tank (4) is further connected to the water supply system through inlet (10). A float valve (3) is disposed within water tank (4). When the liquid in the water tank (4) reaches a predetermined maximum level, the float valve (3) blocks inlet (10), thereby blocking the inflow of water from the water supply system. The float valve (3) also blocks the outlet from the dose regulator (1), thereby blocking flow of toilet liquid cleanser into the water tank (4). When the liquid in the water tank (4) reaches a predetermined minimum level (e.g., after flushing) the float valve (3) opens the inlet (10) and allows the inflow of water to water tank (4) and also opens the outlet from the dose regulator (1), allowing toilet liquid cleanser to mix with the inlet water.

Dose regulator (1) regulates the flow of toilet liquid cleanser from the refillable container into the water tank (4) so that the mixture of water from the water supply system and toilet liquid cleanser that reaches the toilet tank has a predetermined ratio of toilet liquid cleanser to water. The dose regulator (1), as is known in the art, is configured to provide a constant flow rate of the toilet liquid cleanser passing through it. Since the water pressure at the water inlet (10) is constant and since the flow of water and the flow of toilet liquid cleanser start and stop at the same time, there is a constant ratio between water and toilet liquid cleanser entering the toilet water tank (4). Upon installation, or if there is a significant change in the water pressure at the inlet (10), the flow rate of cleanser passing through the dose regulator (1) is adjusted until the desired ratio of water to toilet liquid cleanser enters the water tank (4).

Upon flushing, the mixture of water and toilet liquid cleanser flow from water tank (4) through outlet (11) to the toilet bowl (not shown). Reference in now made to Fig. 3 depicting a schematic presentation of a front view of the self-cleaning toilet (20) and an enlarged presentation of a dose regulator ( 1 ) connected to pipe (2) through which the toilet liquid cleanser can flow in accordance to dose regulator (1) from the refillable container (6) to water tank (4) and mix with the water from the water supply system to reach a mixture with a predetermined ratio of toilet liquid cleanser to water. Reference in now made to Fig. 4a depicting a side view of a top compartment (6) and a bottom compartment (4) and water inlet (10) for water from the water supply system and outlet (11) for flushing the clearance of the mixture of water and toilet liquid cleanser from water tank (4) to the WC bowl. Reference in now made to Fig. 4b depicting a schematic presentation of a top view of a self-cleaning toilet with water inlet (10) for water from the water supply system and pipe (2) through which toilet liquid cleanser flow from refillable container (6) to water tank (4) according to dose regulator (1) (not shown in this figure).

Example 2

Fig. 5a depicting a schematic presentation of the different elements and Fig. 5b depicting the assembled different elements of a self-cleaning toilet (200) for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention. The current preferred embodiment is mostly, but not in a limiting manner, incorporated into a wall or an architectural structure hidden from the naked eye, while only the handle (30) for flushing and the WC bowl and outlet (90) for the clearance of the bowl content to the drainage system are visible. Top compartment (50) is mounted on top of bottom compartment (70) while base (110) holding top compartment (50) in place and preventing it from collapsing into bottom compartment (70). Toilet liquid cleanser is filled and/or refilled into top compartment (50). Dose regulator (120) is disposed in bottom compartment (70) and configured to control the flow of the toilet liquid cleanser from the top compartment (50) into bottom compartment (70), allowing water from the water supply system and toilet liquid cleanser to mix into a mixture with a predetermined ratio of toilet liquid cleanser to water.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6a depicting a schematic presentation of a front view of the self-cleaning toilet (200) and an enlarged presentation of the connection of a dose regulator (120) and top compartment (50).

Reference is now made to Fig. 6b depicting a schematic presentation of a side view of the self-cleaning toilet (200) the bottom compartment (70) with bell valve (110), handle (30), and the top compartment (50) of a self-cleaning toilet for maintaining toilet hygiene of the present invention. Flushing starts by operating handle (30) which lifts bell valve (110) to allow the clearance (not shown in the figure). Subsequent to the clearance of bottom compartment (70) content to the WC bowl, bell valve (110) blocks the outlet between bottom compartment (70) to the bowl, and water from the water supply system flow into the bottom compartment (70), simultaneously, toilet liquid cleanser is allowed to flow from the top compartment (50) to the bottom compartment (70) at the constant flow rate controlled by the dose regulator (120) to obtain a mixture, as defined above, with a predetermined ratio of toilet liquid cleanser to water.

Example 3

Figs. 7A-D and 8 depict another embodiment of the self-cleansing toilet. Fig. 7A-B depicts, respectively, a front view and a side view of this embodiment of the self-cleansing toilet. Fig. 7C depicts a perspective view, and Fig. 7D depicts an enlarged view of the area inside the circle A, showing a cutaway view of the mixing volume (108), with the ends of the pipes and the top of the float valve visible.

Fig. 8 depicts an embodiment of the toilet liquid cleanser container and the associated tubing that connects the toilet liquid cleanser container with the toilet water tank.

In Figs. 7 and 8, a refillable container (101) for toilet liquid cleanser has an opening (not shown; covered by closure 104) in its top surface through which toilet liquid cleanser can be poured to refill the refillable container (101). The opening has a closure (104) and, in some embodiments, comprises a spout to make filling easier. The refillable container (101) is mounted on top of the lid (109) of a water tank (102) and connected to it by a cleanser pipe (111) comprising a dose regulator (112) through which toilet liquid cleanser can flow from the refillable container (101). A nipple (103) ensures a liquid-tight connection between the refillable container (101) and the cleanser pipe (111). The toilet water tank (102) is further connected to the water supply system through a water line (105) comprising a water tap (106). The cleanser pipe (111) and water line (105) both empty into a mixing volume (108). The toilet water tank (102) drains into a toilet bowl (not shown) via a clen water pipe (118). A float valve (115) is disposed within the water tank (102). When the liquid in the water tank (102) reaches a predetermined maximum level, the float valve (115) blocks exit of liquid from the mixing volume (108).

When the discharge handle (107) is depressed, the float valve (115) drops, allowing the mixed water and toilet liquid cleanser to exit the mixing volume (108). As the mixed water and toilet liquid cleanser flows into the water tank (102), water flows into the mixing volume (108) from the water line (105) and toilet liquid cleanser flows into the mixing volume (108) from the cleanser pipe (111). The flow rate of the water is controlled by the system water pressure and the flow rate of the toilet liquid cleanser is controlled by the dose regulator (112). Flow of water and of toilet liquid cleanser will be stopped simultaneously by the float valve (115) when the float valve (115) has risen to a predetermined maximum level.

It should be noted that the bottom face of the refillable container (101) is not horizontal. The bottom face slopes downward towards the cleanser pipe (111) so that the lowest portion of the refillable container (101) is the portion where the cleanser pipe (111) is attached to the refillable container (101). This increases the efficiency of the system, as it minimizes the amount of toilet liquid cleanser remaining in the refillable container (101) when the refillable container (101) ceases to work because it is empty, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system.

Example 4

Fig. 9A-C depicts, respectively, a front view, a side view and a perspective view of an embodiment of the self-cleansing toilet with a refillable container (124) inside the water tank (125).

In Fig. 9A-C, inside the water tank (125) there is a refillable container (124) for toilet liquid cleanser with an opening in its top surface that extends through the lid of the water tank (125). Toilet liquid cleanser can be poured through this opening to refill the refillable container (124). Normally, the refillable container (124) is closed by a closure (123). The refillable container (124) is connected to the mixing volume (121) via a dose regulator (126). A water line comprising a water tap (128) is also connected to the mixing volume (121). The mixing volume (121) empties into the water tank (125) via an opening (129) in an exit pipe. The waste drains from the toilet bowl (not shown) via a waste pipe (127).

A float valve (not shown) is disposed within the water tank (102). When the liquid in the water tank (125) reaches a predetermined maximum level, the float valve (not shown) blocks exit of liquid from the mixing volume (121).

When the discharge button (122) is pressed, the float valve (not shown) drops, allowing the mixed water and toilet liquid cleanser to exit the mixing volume (121). As the mixed water and toilet liquid cleanser flows into the water tank (124), water flows into the mixing volume (121) from the water line and toilet liquid cleanser flows into the mixing volume (121) from the cleanser pipe via the dose regulator (126). The flow rate of the water is controlled by the system water pressure and the flow rate of the toilet liquid cleanser is controlled by the dose regulator (126). Flow of water and of toilet liquid cleanser will be stopped simultaneously by the float valve (not shown) when the float valve (not shown) has risen to a predetermined maximum level.

It should be noted that the bottom face of the refillable container (101) is not horizontal. The bottom face slopes downward towards the cleanser pipe (111) so that the lowest portion of the refillable container (101) is the portion where the cleanser pipe (111) is attached to the refillable container (101). This increases the efficiency of the system, as it minimizes the amount of toilet liquid cleanser remaining in the refillable container (101) when the refillable container (101) ceases to work because it is empty, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated and described above, but it can be modified and varied within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.