Toilet cover and seat comprising a fiber-reinforced cement board, a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board or sintered stone

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to toilet fittings and in particular to a toilet cover and seat comprising a fiber-reinforced cement board, a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board, or sintered stone. In one embodiment, a toilet cover (20) or seat (30) comprises a structural core layer (200, 300) having a shape and size associated with the toilet cover and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the structural core layer comprises a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board. In another embodiment, a toilet cover (20) comprises a structural core layer (200, 300) having a shape and size associated with the toilet cover and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the structural core layer comprises sintered stone.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to toilet equipment and in particular to a toilet cover and seat comprising a fiber-reinforced cement board, a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board or sintered stone. BACKGROUND

[0002] Two types of materials are commonly used to manufacture the main part of toilet seats and covers currently available on the market. The first type consists of wood materials such as molded wood and fiberboard, with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) playing a prominent role. The second type consists of thermoplastic materials such as urea-formaldehyde (thermoset) and polypropylene (PP).

[0003] However, the predominant use of these two types of materials has a negative impact on the environment. The use of wood materials contributes to the ongoing deforestation of forests. Furthermore, MDF and molded wood typically contain around 30 percent adhesive by weight, which releases harmful formaldehyde. The use of thermoplastic materials—especially non-recyclable thermoplastic materials—also contributes to an increased carbon footprint, as crude oil is used in their production, and further exacerbates plastic pollution.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for more environmentally friendly and durable toilet covers and seats that make the use of these two types of material unnecessary.

[0005] Toilet covers and seats are repeatedly subjected to almost the full weight of a person on a daily basis. However, conventional toilet covers and seats made of wood or thermoplastic materials have a limited lifespan and therefore need to be replaced regularly, which also has a negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, a heavier toilet cover and seat gives users a feeling of stability and sturdiness. However, attempting to increase the weight of toilet covers and seats made from lighter wood and thermoplastic materials like MDF and PP by increasing the amount of material leads to a significant increase in both cost and thickness, and also has a negative impact on the environment.At the same time, toilet covers and seats must have improved strength, durability, and lifespan to better withstand daily use. However, they must not be too heavy, as this would make them cumbersome for users.

[0006] There is therefore a need for toilet covers and seats that are more durable, longer-lasting and heavier, without significantly increasing their cost and thickness, thereby reducing their environmental impact. SUMMARY

[0007] One or more of the aforementioned objectives are achieved by the disclosed embodiments according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined by the sub-features of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a toilet cover or seat comprises a structural core layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet cover and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the structural core layer comprises or is substantially composed of a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board.

[0009] The first aspect is advantageous because it provides an environmentally friendly toilet seat or cover, eliminating the need for wood and thermoplastic materials. The structural core layer provides the essential material properties of the toilet seat or cover, thus crucially contributing to its strength, durability, and lifespan. Fiber-reinforced cement boards consist primarily of a mixture of organic fibers such as cellulose fibers, cement, and sand, while fiber-reinforced calcium silicate boards consist primarily of a mixture of organic fibers, cement, and silica. These two materials are therefore largely composed of rock-based substances that are abundant in the Earth's crust and, most importantly, do not require any wood or thermoplastic materials.Furthermore, these two materials have a higher density than typically used wood materials such as MDF or thermoplastic materials such as PP, thus increasing the weight of the toilet seat or cover without increasing its thickness.

[0010] According to a second aspect, in the first aspect a first layer is arranged on the first surface of the structural core layer and / or a second layer is arranged on the second surface of the structural core layer.

[0011] The second aspect is advantageous because it allows for the provision of further material properties for the toilet cover or seat and offers additional protection of the structural core layer against external influences.

[0012] According to a third aspect, in the preceding aspect, the first layer and / or the second layer comprises a painted layer or a coated layer, or consists essentially of such a layer.

[0013] The third aspect is advantageous because a painted or coated layer offers a simple and effective way to protect the outer surface(s) of the structural core layer from external influences and also allows for a decorative design of the outer surface(s).

[0014] According to a fourth aspect, in the second aspect the first layer and / or the second layer comprises a metal layer or consists essentially of it.

[0015] The fourth aspect is advantageous because the metal layer provides additional stability, strength, and impact resistance to the toilet seat or cover. This is particularly beneficial for toilet seats, as their central opening allows for a stronger and more durable structure compared to a flat toilet seat. Furthermore, when using fiber-reinforced cement or calcium silicate boards—which are heavier than MDF or PP—a metal layer allows for a reduction in the thickness of the structural core layer, preventing the overall weight of the toilet seat or cover from becoming excessive.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect the first layer comprises or consists substantially of a painted or coated layer, and the second layer comprises or consists substantially of a metal layer.

[0017] The fifth aspect is advantageous because it combines the advantages of the second and fourth aspects.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect the metal layer comprises or consists essentially of aluminum or a metal alloy.

[0019] The sixth aspect is advantageous because the use of lightweight aluminum or metal alloys allows for a wide variety of material properties to be provided for the toilet cover and seat.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect, the metal alloy in the preceding aspect is one of the following: aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy or titanium alloy.

[0021] The seventh aspect is advantageous because these alloys are lighter than commonly used stainless steels and thus help to prevent the toilet cover or seat from becoming too heavy.

[0022] According to an eighth aspect, a toilet cover comprises a structural core layer with a shape and size associated with the toilet cover, and with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the structural core layer comprises or is substantially composed of sintered stone.

[0023] The eighth aspect is advantageous because it provides an environmentally friendly toilet seat or cover, eliminating the need for wood or thermoplastic materials. The structural core layer provides the essential material properties of the toilet seat or cover, thus contributing significantly to its strength and durability. Sintered stone is a material made from a mixture of natural and recyclable materials such as sand, clay, and quartz, which are abundant in the Earth's crust. The material mixture is crushed under pressure and fired at over 1200 °C. Furthermore, the eighth aspect is advantageous because sintered stone has a higher density than wood materials like MDF or thermoplastic materials like thermosets, thus increasing the weight of the toilet seat or cover without increasing its thickness.Additionally, sintered stone has high compressive strength, hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance and water resistance, thus improving the strength, durability and lifespan of the toilet cover or seat to reduce environmental impact.

[0024] According to a ninth aspect, in the preceding aspect a first layer is arranged on the first surface of the structural core layer.

[0025] The ninth aspect is advantageous because it enables the provision of further material properties for the toilet cover or seat and offers additional protection of the structural core layer against external influences.

[0026] According to a tenth aspect, in the preceding aspect the first layer comprises a metal layer or consists essentially of it.

[0027] According to an eleventh aspect, in the preceding aspect the metal layer comprises a metal alloy or consists essentially of it.

[0028] According to a twelfth aspect, in the preceding aspect the metal alloy is one of the following: aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy or titanium alloy.

[0029] The advantages of the tenth, eleventh and twelfth aspects correspond to the advantages of the fourth, sixth and seventh aspects.

[0030] Preferred embodiments are now described only by way of example with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] Before the following DETAILED DESCRIPTION, it may be advantageous to provide definitions of certain words and terms used in this patent document. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect connection between two or more elements, whether or not these elements are physically in contact with each other. The terms "include" and "comprise," and their derivatives, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive and means "and / or." The expression "associated with" and its derivatives means: to include, to be enclosed in, to be connected with, to contain, to be contained in, to be coupled with, to be communicable with, to interact with, to overlap with, to be adjacent to, to be bound to, to possess, to have a property of, to be related to, or the like.The phrase "at least one of" when used with a list of elements means that various combinations of one or more of the listed elements can be used, and only one element from the list may be required. For example, "at least one of: A, B, and C" includes each of the following combinations: A, B, C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C.

[0032] Definitions of other specific words and terms are provided throughout the patent document. Those skilled in the art should understand that these definitions apply in many, if not most, cases to both past and future uses of the defined words and terms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of this revelation and its characteristics, reference is now made to the following description, along with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a toilet comprising a toilet cover and / or seat according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet cover with a structural core layer comprising or substantially consisting of a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet seat with a structural core layer comprising or substantially consisting of a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet cover or seat with a structural core layer comprising or substantially consisting of sintered stone, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The figures described below and the various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document serve only for illustrative purposes and must in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0035] It is understood that embodiments of this disclosure may include one, several, or all of the features described herein. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may additionally or alternatively include other features not listed here. Although the disclosed embodiments are described in connection with a toilet seat, this description is not limiting, as the disclosed embodiments are suitable for a wide variety of applications.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a toilet comprising a toilet cover and / or a toilet seat according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, a toilet 10 is provided with a toilet cover 20 and a toilet seat 30 over a bowl 40. The toilet 10 can be any suitable toilet with a bowl configured to be covered by a seat and a cover. The bowl 40 has an opening, which is generally round or oval in shape. The bowl 40 can generally have any suitable shape and size. The toilet cover 20 and the toilet seat 30 generally have an overall size and shape configured to fit the size and shape of the bowl 40 and to cover the opening of the bowl 40.The toilet cover 20 and the toilet seat 30 are attached to a rear section of the bowl 40 or the toilet 10, preferably by means of hinge fittings which make it possible to raise and lower the toilet cover 20 and the toilet seat 30 independently of each other with respect to the bowl 40 and to each other, as is known in the prior art.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet cover 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, the described structure can also be used for a toilet seat 30 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0038] In its simplest form, the toilet cover 20 essentially consists of a structural core layer 200, which essentially consists of a fiber-reinforced cement board (FCB) or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board (FCSB).

[0039] Since FCB and FCSB exhibit a certain porosity that can negatively affect the toilet cover 20 under continuous and / or prolonged water exposure, it is preferable to provide a first layer 210 on the upper surface of the structural core layer 200 and a second layer 220 on the lower surface of the structural core layer 200. The first layer 210 and / or the second layer 220 can have a surface-sealing effect and thus provide protection for the first and / or second surface of the structural core layer 200 against external influences such as water and moisture. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 210 and / or the second layer 220 is a painted layer or a coated layer.Painting or coating the upper and / or lower surface of the structural core layer 200 with a first layer 210 and / or a second layer 220 using known techniques provides simple and cost-effective protection of the structural core layer 200 against external influences and also allows for decorative design of the outer surface of the toilet cover with colors, patterns, graphics and the like.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the toilet cover is between 10 and 12 mm.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet seat 30 according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, the described structure can also be used for a toilet cover 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0042] In the same way as in connection with the embodiments in Fig. As described in Section 2, the structural core layer 300 consists essentially of FCB or FCSB and is preferably provided with a first layer 310 and a second layer 320, the first layer 310 being optional. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 310 and the second layer consist of a metal layer, preferably a metal plate. The metal layer increases the strength, durability, and service life of the structure, which is particularly advantageous for toilet seats due to the central opening. Furthermore, the metal layer prevents an increase in the thickness of the structural core layer 300. This prevents the entire toilet seat 30 from becoming too thick and heavy.

[0043] 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 because it increases the overall strength, durability, and lifespan of the toilet seat, making it comparable to stainless steel. At the same time, aluminum and the aforementioned metal alloys are lighter than stainless steel, thus preventing the toilet seat from becoming too heavy for comfortable use.

[0044] While both the top layer 310 and the bottom layer 320 can be made of metal, either the top layer 310 or the bottom layer 320 can instead be a painted or coated layer, which also provides a surface-sealing effect. Furthermore, the outer surface of the metal layer can be additionally painted or coated to further protect it from external influences. This can also serve to visually conceal the metal layer and allows for decorative effects.

[0045] Preferably, the structural core 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, where both a first layer 310 and a second layer 320 are provided, each comprising or substantially consisting of a metal layer, 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 greater thickness because it contributes significantly to the tensile strength of the toilet seat.This represents an optimal balance between reinforcing the overall structure of the toilet seat, protecting it from external influences, and avoiding excessive weight and manufacturing costs for the toilet cover.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet cover 20 according to embodiments of the disclosure. However, the described structure can also be used for a toilet seat 30 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0047] As shown, the toilet cover 20 is provided with a structural core layer 200 comprising or substantially consisting of sintered stone. While sintered stone exhibits high compressive strength, is hard, scratch-resistant, chemical-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean, it is also more brittle compared to FCB or FCSB. To increase the strength, toughness, and impact resistance of the toilet cover 20, it is preferably provided with a first layer 210 on the lower surface of the structural core layer 200. Providing the first layer 210 on the lower surface particularly contributes to increased tensile strength.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the first layer 210 can be a metal layer, as described in connection with the embodiments in Fig. 3 described, and can additionally have a thickness between 0.5 and 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the structural core layer 200, which comprises or consists substantially of sintered stone, preferably has a thickness between 5 and 7 mm.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the first layer 210 comprises or consists substantially of a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board and may additionally have a thickness between 5 and 8 mm. A coated or painted layer may be arranged on the lower surface of the first layer 210 to provide additional protection against external influences. Additionally or alternatively, the structural core layer 200, which comprises or consists substantially of sintered stone, preferably has a thickness between 3 and 6 mm.

[0050] In general, some or all of the features related to the embodiments in the Fig. The 1 to 4 described layers are joined together using adhesives.

[0051] In general, the toilet covers or seats described above can be adapted according to the embodiments, particularly in connection with the Fig. 1 to 4 can be combined to form a toilet seat and cover unit. The toilet seats or covers described above, according to embodiments of the disclosure, can also be used in combination with a supplementary cover or seat as known from the prior art.

[0052] Although certain embodiments have been described in this disclosure, modifications and variations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or limit this disclosure. Further modifications, substitutions, and variations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined in the following claims.

[0053] None of the descriptions in this application are to be interpreted as constituting a particular element, step, or function as an essential element that must be included in the scope of protection of the claims. The scope of protection of the patented subject matter is defined solely by the claims. Furthermore, none of the claims are intended to trigger 35 USC § 112(f) unless the exact words "means to" are immediately followed by a participle. The use of any other term, including but not limited to "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "part," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor," or "control" in any claim is understood by the applicants to refer to structures known to those skilled in the art in the relevant field and is not intended to trigger 35 USC § 112(f).

Claims

[1] A toilet cover, comprising: a structural core layer with a shape and size associated with the toilet cover, and with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the structural core layer comprises a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board. [2] The toilet cover according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following conditions is met: a first layer is arranged on the first surface of the structural core layer, or A second layer is arranged on the second surface of the structural core layer. [3] The toilet cover 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, including: having a structural core 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 structural core layer is a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board or consists substantially of it. [5] The toilet seat according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the following conditions is met: a first layer is arranged on the first surface of the structural core layer, or A second layer is arranged on the second surface of the structural core 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 aluminium or a metal alloy. [9] The toilet seat according to claim 8, wherein the metal alloy is one of the following: aluminium alloy, magnesium alloy or titanium alloy. [10] A toilet cover, comprising: a structural core layer with a shape and size associated with the toilet cover, and with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the structural core layer comprises sintered stone. [11] The toilet cover according to claim 10, wherein a first layer is arranged on the first surface of the structural core layer. [12] The toilet cover according to claim 11, wherein the first layer comprises a metal layer. [13] The toilet cover according to claim 12, wherein the metal layer comprises aluminium or a metal alloy. [14] The toilet cover according to claim 13, wherein the metal alloy is one of the following: aluminium alloy, magnesium alloy or titanium alloy. [15] The toilet cover according to claim 11, wherein the first layer comprises a fiber-reinforced cement board or a fiber-reinforced calcium silicate board.

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