TOILET LID AND SEAT COMPRISING FIBER REINFORCED CEMENT BOARD, FIBER REINFORCED CALCIUM SILICATE BOARD OR SINTERED STONE

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed to toilet equipment, and more particularly to a toilet lid and seat that comprises fiber reinforced cement board, fiber reinforced calcium silicate board or sintered stone. In an embodiment, a toilet lid or seat includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid, and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the core structural layer comprises fiber reinforced cement board or fiber reinforced calcium silicate board. In another embodiment, a toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid, and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the core structural layer comprises sintered stone.

Claims

1. A toilet lid comprising: a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid, and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the core structural layer comprises fiber reinforced cement board or fiber reinforced calcium silicate board.

2. The toilet lid according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: a first layer is disposed on the first surface of the core structural layer, or a second layer is disposed on the second surface of the core structural layer.

3. The toilet lid according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first layer or the second layer comprises a painted layer or a coated layer.

4. A toilet seat comprising: a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet seat, and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the core structural layer comprises or substantially consists of fiber reinforced cement board or fiber reinforced calcium silicate board.

5. The toilet seat according to claim 4, wherein at least one of: a first layer is disposed on the first surface of the core structural layer, or a second layer is disposed on the second surface of the core structural layer.

6. The toilet seat according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the first layer or the second layer comprises a metal layer.

7. The toilet seat according to claim 5, wherein the first layer and the second layer are provided, and wherein the first layer comprises a painted layer or a coated layer, and the second layer comprises a metal layer.

8. The toilet seat according to claim 6, wherein the metal layer comprises aluminum, or a metal alloy.

9. The toilet seat according to claim 8, wherein the metal alloy is one of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or titanium alloy.

10. A toilet lid comprising: a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid, and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the core structural layer comprises sintered stone.

11. The toilet lid according to claim 10, wherein a first layer is disposed on the first surface of the core structural layer.

12. The toilet lid according to claim 11, wherein the first layer comprises a metal layer.

13. The toilet lid according to claim 12, wherein the metal layer comprises aluminum, or a metal alloy.

14. The toilet lid according to claim 13, wherein the metal alloy is one of aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or titanium alloy.

15. The toilet lid according to claim 11, wherein the first layer comprises fiber reinforced cement board or fiber reinforced calcium silicate board.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet that includes a toilet lid and/or seat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet lid with a core structural layer comprising or substantially consisting of fiber reinforced cement or calcium silicate board, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet seat with a core structural layer comprising or substantially consisting of fiber reinforced cement or calcium silicate board, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet lid or seat with a core structural layer comprising or substantially consisting of sintered stone, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The figures described below and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0039] It will be understood that embodiments of this disclosure may include any one, more than one, or all of the features described here. In addition, embodiments of this disclosure may additionally or alternatively include other features not listed here. Although the disclosed embodiments are described with respect to a toilet seat, such description is not limiting since the disclosed embodiments are suitable for a wide range of applications.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet that includes a toilet lid and/or a toilet seat according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, a toilet 10 is provided with a toilet lid 20 and toilet seat 30 over a bowl 40. The toilet 10 may be any suitable toilet with a bowl that is configured to be covered by a seat and lid. The bowl 40 has an opening that is generally round or oval shaped. The bowl 40 may generally be of any suitable shape and size. The toilet lid 20 and toilet seat 30 generally have an overall size and shape configured to match the size and shape of the bowl 40, and to cover the opening of the bowl 40. The toilet lid 20 and toilet seat 30 are attached to a rear portion of the bowl 40 or toilet 10, preferably using hinged hardware that allows the toilet lid 20 and toilet seat 30 to raise and lower independently with respect to the bowl 40 and to each other, as is known in the art.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet lid 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, the described structure may also be used for a toilet seat 30 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0042] In its simplest configuration, the toilet lid 20 substantially consists of a core structural layer 200 substantially made from fiber reinforced cement board (FCB) or fiber reinforced calcium silicate board (FCSB).

[0043] Since FCB and FCSB have a certain porosity that can negatively affect the toilet lid 20 if subjected to continuous and/or prolonged exposure to water, it is preferable to provide a first layer 210 on the upper surface of the core structural layer 200, and a second layer 220 on the lower surface of the core structural layer 200. The first layer 210 and/or the second layer 220 may provide a surface sealing effect and thus provide protection to the first and/or second surface of the core structural layer 200 against external influences such as water and humidity. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 210 and/or the second layer 220 are a painted layer or coated layer. Painting or coating the upper and/or lower surface of the core structural layer 200 with a first layer 210 and/or second layer 220 using known techniques provides protection of the core structural layer 200 against external influences in a simple and cost-effective manner, and further allows the exterior surface of the toilet lid to be decorated with colors, patterns, graphics and the like.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the toilet lid is between 10 to 12 mm.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet seat 30 according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, the described structure may also be used for a toilet lid 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0046] In the same manner as described in the context of embodiments shown in FIG. 2, the core structural layer 300 substantially consists of FCB or FCSB, and is preferably provided with a first layer 310 and a second layer 320, although the first layer 310 can also be omitted. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 310 and the second layer 320 are formed of a metal layer, preferably a metal plate. The metal layer increases the strength, durability, and longevity of the structure, which is particularly advantageous for toilet seats due to provision of the central opening. Furthermore, the metal layer prevents an increase in thickness of the core structural layer 300. This prevents the entire toilet seat 30 from becoming both too thick and heavy.

[0047] Preferred materials for the metal layer are aluminum, or metal alloys such as aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and titanium alloy. The use of aluminum or these metal alloys is particularly advantageous as it provides an increase in overall strength, durability, and longevity of the toilet lid comparable to the use of stainless steel. At the same time, aluminum and the aforementioned metal alloys are lighter than stainless steel and thus prevent the toilet seat from becoming too heavy to be comfortably used.

[0048] While both the upper layer 310 and the lower layer 320 can be provided as a metal layer, one of the upper layer 310 and the lower layer 320 may instead be a painted or coated layer that may additionally provide a surface sealing effect. Additionally, the exterior surface of the metal layer may further be provided with a painted or coated layer to further protect the metal layer against external influences. This may also serve to visibly mask the metal layer, and further allows the provision of decorative effects.

[0049] Preferably, the core structural layer 300 has a thickness of 8 to 12 mm. Additionally, a first layer 310 and/or a second layer 320 comprising or substantially consisting of a metal alloy may preferably have a thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, while a first layer 310 and/or a second layer 320 comprising or substantially consisting of aluminum may preferably have a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, when both a first layer 310 and a second layer 320 both comprising or substantially consisting of a metal layer are provided, the first layer 310 may preferably have a thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, and the second layer 320 may preferably have a thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm. The lower second layer 320 has a larger thickness as it is the second layer 320 that contributes significantly to the tensile strength of the toilet seat. This represents an optimal balance between strengthening the overall structure of the toilet seat, protecting the toilet seat against external influences, and preventing the toilet lid from becoming too heavy and too costly to manufacture.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet lid 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, the described structure may also be used for a toilet seat 30 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0051] As shown, the toilet lid 20 is provided with a core structural layer 200 that comprises or substantially consists of sintered stone. While sintered stone has high compression strength, is hard, scratch resistant, chemical resistant, water resistant, and easy to clean, it is also more brittle when compared to FCB or FCSB. In order to increase the strength, toughness, and impact resistance of the toilet lid 20, it is preferable that a first layer 210 be provided on the lower surface of the core structural layer 200. Providing the first layer 210 on the lower surface contributes in particular to an increased tensile strength.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 210 may be a metal layer as described in the context of embodiments shown in FIG. 3, and may additionally have a thickness between 0.5 to 2 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the core structural layer 200 comprising or substantially consisting of sintered stone preferably has a thickness between 5 to 7 mm.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the first layer 210 comprises or substantially consists of fiber reinforced cement board or fiber reinforced calcium silicate board, and may additionally have a thickness between 5 to 8 mm. A coated or painted layer may be disposed on the lower surface of the first layer 210 to provide further protection to the first layer 210 against external influences. Additionally, or alternatively, the core structural layer 200 comprising or substantially consisting of sintered stone preferably has a thickness between 3 to 6 mm.

[0054] Generally, some or all of the layers described in the context of embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be joined to each other using adhesives.

[0055] Generally, the toilet lids or seats as described for embodiments above, in particular in the context FIGS. 1 to 4, can be combined with each other to form a toilet lid and seat assembly. The above described toilet lids or seats according to embodiments of the disclosure may also be used in combination with a complementing lid or seat known in the art.

[0056] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

[0057] None of the description in this application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the claims. Moreover, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. ? 112(f) unless the exact words means for are followed by a participle. Use of any other term, including without limitation mechanism, module, device, unit, component, element, member, apparatus, machine, system, processor, or controller, within a claim is understood by the applicants to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. ? 112(f).