Push-Button Toilet Device

Abstract

A push-button toilet device is provided. The device is comprised of a toilet with ergonomically positioned buttons mounted on the exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl. The buttons are preferably manufactured from water-resistant materials and are shaped for tactile and visual recognition. In one embodiment, the buttons include raised indicators or Braille to aid visually impaired users. The actuation system is powered either by an internal battery, a sealed housing, or a hardwired external connection. The invention also comprises a method of operation that allows users to flush the toilet by pressing a conveniently placed button, thereby engaging the flush valve to complete the flushing process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 761,212, which was filed on February 21, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of toilets. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved toilet with a flush button positioned on the front and sides of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] Individuals with limited physical strength, dexterity, or range of motion frequently encounter significant challenges when attempting to use conventional toilets independently. In particular, the standard rear-mounted flushing handle requires users to twist, reach, or exert force that may be difficult or impossible for people with physical impairments. This limitation often results in the need for caregiver assistance during or after toilet use, leading to delays, potential hygiene concerns, and diminished personal dignity. The dependence on others for such a routine function may be especially problematic in environments like hospitals, assisted living facilities, or private homes, where timely assistance is not always guaranteed. In commercial and public restroom settings, this can lead to accessibility barriers that violate usability standards and create discomfort for users. Furthermore, existing accessibility solutions often fail to directly address the core issue of flush mechanism placement and actuation. Many modifications focus on seat height or support rails but neglect the usability of the flushing mechanism itself.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for the push-button toilet device that allows individuals with limited dexterity and strength to flush a toilet without requiring excessive force or fine motor skills. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a push-button toilet device that provides ergonomic access to the flushing mechanism from a seated position without requiring users to twist or reposition their bodies. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a push-button toilet device that supports independent toilet use for individuals with disabilities in both residential and commercial environments.

[0005] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a push-button toilet device. The device is comprised of a toilet with ergonomically positioned buttons mounted on the exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl. The buttons are preferably manufactured from water-resistant materials and are shaped for tactile and visual recognition. In one embodiment, the buttons include raised indicators or Braille to aid visually impaired users. The actuation system is powered either by an internal battery, a sealed housing, or a hardwired external connection. The invention also comprises a method of operation that allows users to flush the toilet by pressing a conveniently placed button, thereby engaging the flush valve to complete the flushing process.

[0006] In this manner, the push-button toilet device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an improved toilet with flush activation buttons positioned on the front, left, or right surfaces of the toilet bowl. These buttons are located within easy arm’s reach of a seated user, minimizing the need for physical repositioning. The device supports both mechanical and electromechanical actuation mechanisms, allowing for reliable flushing with minimal applied force. Additional features, such as tactile indicators and audible feedback, improve accessibility for users with visual or motor impairments. The push-button toilet device is compatible with standard plumbing systems and is designed for use in a wide range of settings, including private residences, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Through these features, the invention promotes dignity, independence, and improved accessibility in personal hygiene routines.SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a push-button toilet device. The push-button toilet device is a modified toilet designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity. The device replaces the traditional rear-mounted flush lever with one or more enlarged, easily actuated buttons mounted on accessible exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl.

[0009] The toilet bowl is a conventional structure for waste collection, with a tank reservoir mounted at the rear. The tank reservoir includes a float-controlled inlet valve to regulate water level and a flush valve to release water into the bowl during a flush. The flushing system, which may be gravity-fed or pressure-assisted, connects to the flush valve and generates water flow for waste removal.

[0010] Each flush activation button is positioned on the front, left, and / or right exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl to allow ergonomic access from a seated position without requiring significant body movement. The buttons are preferably made from water-resistant materials and designed for low-force actuation. The button shapes may vary across embodiments and are selected for tactile and visual ease of identification. The buttons may be flush-mounted or protrude from the surface to aid users with impairments. The outer surfaces of the buttons may include tactile indicators such as raised symbols or Braille and provide feedback through mechanical or audible means.

[0011] Each button connects mechanically or electrically to the flushing system. In mechanical configurations, the button actuates a flush valve through a lever or cable linkage. In electromechanical configurations, a low-voltage switch energizes a powered actuator such as a solenoid or motor to operate the flush valve. Power may be supplied by a battery pack within the tank reservoir or sealed housing, or via a hardwired external connection.

[0012] The invention further comprises a method of use involving sitting on the toilet seat, selecting a flush activation button on the accessible surfaces, and pressing the button to engage the flushing mechanism via a connected linkage.

[0013] Accordingly, the push-button toilet device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved toilet with flush activation buttons positioned on the front, left, or right surfaces of the toilet bowl. These buttons are located within easy arm’s reach of a seated user, minimizing the need for physical repositioning. The device supports both mechanical and electromechanical actuation mechanisms, allowing for reliable flushing with minimal applied force. Additional features, such as tactile indicators and audible feedback, improve accessibility for users with visual or motor impairments. The push-button toilet device is compatible with standard plumbing systems and is designed for use in a wide range of settings, including private residences, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Through these features, the invention promotes dignity, independence, and improved accessibility in personal hygiene routines. In this manner, the push-button toilet device overcomes the limitations of existing toilets and method of using toilets known in the art.

[0014] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a push-button toilet device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a push-button toilet device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a push-button toilet device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0020] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for the push-button toilet device that allows individuals with limited dexterity and strength to flush a toilet without requiring excessive force or fine motor skills. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a push-button toilet device that provides ergonomic access to the flushing mechanism from a seated position without requiring users to twist or reposition their bodies. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a push-button toilet device that supports independent toilet use for individuals with disabilities in both residential and commercial environments.

[0021] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a push-button toilet device. The push-button toilet device is a modified toilet configured to improve accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity. The device replaces the traditional rear-mounted flush lever with one or more enlarged, easily actuated buttons positioned on accessible exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl.

[0022] The toilet bowl functions as a conventional waste collection structure, with a tank reservoir mounted at the rear. The tank reservoir includes a float-controlled inlet valve to regulate water level and a flush valve to discharge water into the bowl during flushing. The flushing system, which may be gravity-fed or pressure-assisted, interfaces with the flush valve to generate water flow for waste evacuation.

[0023] Each flush activation button is positioned on the front, left, and / or right exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl to enable ergonomic access from a seated position without requiring significant bodily movement. The buttons are preferably fabricated from water-resistant materials and are designed for actuation with minimal force. Button shapes may vary across embodiments and are selected to improve tactile and visual identification. The buttons may be flush-mounted or raised to assist users with impairments. Outer surfaces of the buttons may incorporate tactile indicators such as raised symbols or Braille and provide tactile or audible feedback upon activation.

[0024] Each button is mechanically or electrically linked to the flushing system. In mechanical configurations, the button operates the flush valve through a lever or cable linkage. In electromechanical implementations, a low-voltage switch energizes a powered actuator, such as a solenoid or motor, to actuate the flush valve. Power may be supplied by a battery pack housed within the tank reservoir or a sealed housing, or through a hardwired external connection.

[0025] The invention also includes a method of use involving the user sitting on the toilet seat, selecting a flush activation button located on an accessible surface, and pressing the button to activate the flushing mechanism through a connected linkage.

[0026] As a result, the push-button toilet device provides an improved toilet system featuring flush activation buttons mounted on the front, left, or right surfaces of the toilet bowl. These buttons are positioned within close reach of a seated user, reducing the need for physical repositioning. The device accommodates both mechanical and electromechanical flushing mechanisms, enabling reliable operation with minimal force. Features such as tactile indicators and audible feedback enhance usability for individuals with visual or motor impairments. The device is compatible with standard plumbing systems and is intended for use in various settings, including residential, healthcare, and commercial environments. Through these features, the invention promotes independence, dignity, and improved accessibility in personal hygiene tasks. Therefore, the push-button toilet device addresses and resolves limitations associated with conventional toilet designs and usage methods.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a push-button toilet device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The push-button toilet device 100 is a specialized toilet designed to enhance accessibility and facilitate independent operation by individuals with limited physical mobility, reduced dexterity, or compromised range of motion. The device 100 modifies the conventional flush actuation mechanism by replacing the traditional rear-mounted flush lever with one or more enlarged, easily actuated buttons 120 strategically positioned on accessible exterior surfaces of the toilet bowl 102.

[0028] The toilet bowl 102 is a conventional vessel configured to receive and discharge human waste. The tank reservoir 104 is mounted to the rear of the bowl 102 and functions as a water containment system for flushing operations. The tank reservoir 104 includes a water inlet valve 106 controlled by a float mechanism 108 to regulate the internal water level. A flush valve 110 is positioned at the base of the tank reservoir 104 and governs the release of water from the tank reservoir 104 into the bowl 102 during a flushing cycle.

[0029] The flushing system 112, which may be comprised of a gravity-fed or pressure-assisted configuration, interfaces with the flush valve 110 and is responsible for generating sufficient water flow to evacuate waste. The push-button toilet device 100 is designed for compatibility with standardized plumbing interfaces to accommodate common water supply and waste removal systems.

[0030] The device 100 is comprised of a lid 114, rotatably coupled to the toilet bowl 102 via a hinge assembly 116, and a toilet seat 118 that rests atop the rim of the toilet bowl 102.

[0031] Each flush activation button 120 is mounted on one or more accessible surfaces of the toilet bowl 102. The positioning of the buttons 120 may be located on the front-facing surface 122, the left-facing surface 124, and / or the right-facing surface 126 in various embodiments, as seen in FIG. 2. These placements are ergonomically selected to enable activation from a seated position without requiring the user to twist, lean, or stand.

[0032] Each button 120 is manufactured from water-resistant materials, including, but not limited to, coated thermoplastics, elastomers, or silicone-based compounds, and is dimensioned to allow actuation with minimal applied force. The buttons 120 may exhibit varied geometric profiles across different embodiments. The shape of each button 120 may be selected from circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or contoured forms to improve tactile identification, visual recognition, or compatibility with differing mounting surfaces.

[0033] Additionally, each button 120 may be flush-mounted with the surface of the toilet bowl 102 or configured to be raised outwardly from the mounting surface by a height differential, thereby providing a protruding structure that is easier to locate and press, particularly for users with visual or motor impairments.

[0034] The outer surface of each button 120 may incorporate tactile indicators 128 (as seen in FIG. 1), which include raised symbols, texturing, or Braille, to assist users with visual impairments. In addition, each button 120 provides confirmation of activation through tactile or audible feedback mechanisms, such as a mechanical click.

[0035] Internally, each button 120 is mechanically or electrically coupled to the flushing system 112 via a linkage 130, as seen in FIG. 1. In mechanical implementations, the linkage 130 is a lever arm or tensioned cable that translates the depression of the button 120 into linear or rotational motion that actuates the flush valve 110.

[0036] In electromechanical configurations, the linkage 130 is comprised of a low-voltage switch that energizes a powered actuator 132. The actuator 132 may include, but is not limited to, a solenoid plunger, rotary motor, or linear motor configured to displace the flush valve 110. Electromechanical actuation is powered by an energy source, which may be comprised of a battery pack 140 mounted within the tank reservoir 104 or within a sealed housing 142 located on the toilet bowl 102. Alternatively, the power supply may be comprised of a hardwired connection 143 to an external power source.

[0037] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided comprising a toilet bowl 102, a tank reservoir 104, at least one flush activation button 120, a flush valve 110, and a flushing system 112 configured to evacuate waste [Step 202]. Then, the user sits on the toilet seat 118 in a conventional manner [Step 204]. Next, the user selects and presses a flush activation button 120 positioned on the front-facing surface 122, left-facing surface 124, and / or right-facing surface 126 of the toilet bowl 102 [Step 206]. As a result, the actuation of the button 120 engages a linkage 130, which in turn triggers the flush valve 110 to initiate the flushing cycle.

[0038] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein, “push-button toilet device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the push-button toilet device 100 of the present invention.

[0039] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the push-button toilet device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the push-button toilet device 100, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the push-button toilet device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the push-button toilet device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the push-button toilet device 100 may be of any size, shape, and / or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user’s needs and / or preferences.

[0040] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0041] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A push-button toilet device comprising:a toilet bowl;a tank reservoir attached to the toilet bowl;a flush valve;a flushing system coupled to the flush valve;a button mounted on the toilet bowl, wherein the button is coupled to the flushing system via a linkage; andwherein actuation of the button causes the linkage to actuate the flush valve.

2. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the button is mounted on a front-facing surface of the toilet bowl.

3. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the button is mounted on a left-facing surface of the toilet bowl.

4. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the button is mounted on a right-facing surface of the toilet bowl.

5. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the button is flush-mounted with the surface of the toilet bowl.

6. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the button provides a tactile feedback upon activation.

7. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the button provides an audible feedback upon activation.

8. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the linkage is a mechanical linkage comprising a lever arm or a tensioned cable.

9. The push-button toilet device of claim 1, wherein the tactile indicator is comprised of a raised symbol, a texture, or a Braille.

10. The push-button toilet device of claim 1 further comprised of a powered actuator.

11. The push-button toilet device of claim 10, wherein the powered actuator is comprised of a solenoid plunger, a rotary motor, or a linear motor.

12. The push-button toilet device of claim 11, wherein the actuator is powered by a battery pack.

13. A push-button toilet device comprising:a toilet bowl;a tank reservoir attached to the toilet bowl;a flush valve;a flushing system coupled to the flush valve;a button mounted on the toilet bowl, wherein the button is comprised of a tactile indicator and is coupled to the flushing system via a linkage; andwherein actuation of the button causes the linkage to actuate the flush valve.

14. The push-button toilet device of claim 13, wherein the button is raised outwardly from the surface of the toilet bowl.

15. The push-button toilet device of claim 13, wherein the linkage is a mechanical linkage comprising a lever arm or a tensioned cable.

16. The push-button toilet device of claim 13, wherein the tactile indicator is comprised of a raised symbol, a texture, or a Braille.

17. The push-button toilet device of claim 13 further comprised of a powered actuator.

18. The push-button toilet device of claim 17, wherein the powered actuator is comprised of a solenoid plunger, a rotary motor, or a linear motor.

19. The push-button toilet device of claim 18, wherein the actuator is powered by a battery pack.

20. A method of using a push-button toilet device, the method comprising the following steps:providing a push-button toilet device comprised of a toilet bowl, a tank reservoir attached to the toilet bowl, a flush valve, a flushing system coupled to the flush valve, and a button mounted on the toilet bowl and coupled to the flushing system via a linkage;sitting on a toilet seat positioned atop the toilet bowl; andpressing the button to actuate the flush valve via the linkage in response to the button press.

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