It has previously been proposed to provide a toilet lid which is movable pivotally about a pre-determined axis, the lid incorporating a mechanism such that the toilet lid moves automatically from a substantially vertical position after a predetermined period of time to close the toilet. However, if a user of the toilet is sat on the toilet seat, the toilet lid may begin to close before the user has stood up from the seat. This is inconvenient and potentially painful for the user of the toilet.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved arrangement for automatically closing a toilet lid.

According to the present invention, there is provided a unit incorporating a first element and a second element, means being provided to mount the unit so that the first element is movable pivotally about a pre-determined substantially horizontal axis between a first substantially horizontal position and a second substantially vertical position, the first element being provided with at least a first chamber and second chamber interconnected by a pipe, the combination of the chambers being adapted to be at least partially filled with a fluid and a gas, the chambers being configured so that, when the first element is in the substantially vertical position, fluid will flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and gas will flow from the second chamber to the first chamber, either the fluid or the gas flowing via the pipe and wherein, when the first element is in the substantially vertical position, the centre of gravity of the first element and the fluid in the chambers is to one side of a vertical line through the pivot axis and so that when, in the substantially vertical position, the first fluid will flow from the first chamber to the second chamber so that the centre of gravity will move to the other side of the vertical line to bias the element to rotate back to the first substantially horizontal position, wherein a clamp is provided to clamp part of the pipe which is actuated in response to a downward force applied to the second element when the second element is in a substantially horizontal position and the first element is in said substantially vertical position, to prevent the flow through the pipe.

Conveniently, the fluid flows via the pipe, the pipe extending from part of the first chamber adjacent the pivot axis to part of the second chamber.

Alternatively, the gas flows via the pipe from the second chamber to the first chamber, the pipe extending from part of the second chamber remote from the pivot axis to part of the first chamber remote from the pivot axis.

Preferably, the pipe comprises a flexible pipe, part of which extends on the exterior of the first element substantially parallel to and adjacent the horizontal axis, the clamp acting on the said part of the pipe.

Conveniently, the pipe is formed from silicone rubber.

Advantageously, the clamp is formed by part of the second element which comprises at least one clamping face located above part of the pipe when the second element is in the substantially horizontal position, and the first element is in the substantially vertical position, the clamping face being adapted to move downwardly into clamping engagement with part of the pipe when the force is applied to the second element.

Conveniently, said means to mount the unit defines a recess dimensioned to receive said part of the flexible pipe when the second element is in the substantially vertical position, a recess defining a second clamping face opposed to the said at least one clamping face on the second element.

Preferably, the second element is mounted on resilient means which enable the second element to move downwardly into clamping engagement with part of the pipe when the second element is in the substantially horizontal position.

Conveniently, the resilient means comprises at least one spring.

Advantageously, the first element is a toilet lid and the second element is a toilet seat.

Preferably, the chambers contain a fluid in the form of water.

Alternatively, the chambers contain a fluid in the form of a silicone based fluid.

Conveniently, the chambers contain a gas in the form of air.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of an arrangement of the current invention in the form of a toilet lid and seat with part of the arrangement shown in phantom; FIGURE 2 is a part-sectional view taken on line A-A of figure 1 of the toilet lid of figure 1 in a first substantially horizontal position; FIGURE 3 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 showing the toilet lid in a second position; FIGURE 4 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 3 showing the toilet lid in a third position; FIGURE 5 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 4 showing the toilet lid in a fourth position; FIGURE 6 is a sectional view corresponding to Figure 5 showing the toilet lid in the fourth position after a period of time has elapsed; FIGURE 7 is a part-sectional view of the toilet seat and lid as seen from the side with the toilet lid in a position corresponding to that of Figure 3 and the toilet seat in a first condition; FIGURE 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but with the toilet seat in a second condition; FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a toilet lid incorporating a modified embodiment of the invention; and FIGURE 10 is a plan view of an adjustable valve incorporated in an arrangement of the current invention.

Referring initially to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing, a unit in accordance with the present invention, comprises a hinge housing 1 adapted to be mounted on an upper substantially horizontal face of a toilet bowl (not shown) by means of two outwardly extending apertured horizontal flanges, each adapted to accommodate a securing bolt which is connected to the toilet bowl in a conventional manner. The central part of the housing, between the flanges, is hollow and defines a cavity, access to the cavity being provided through an opening found in the base of the housing, which opening is closed when the housing is mounted on the toilet bowl.

The main part of the housing 1 defines a horizontal bore which extends through the horizontal part of the housing extending through a first vertical end wall 3 of the housing, adjacent one of said apertured flanges, to a second vertical end wall 4 of the housing, adjacent the other of the flanges.

The bore 2 defines a horizontal pivot axis 5.

A small aperture 6 is provided in each end wall 3,4 of the housing at a position below the bore 2.

The rear wall of the housing, as shown in Figure 1, which extends between the end walls 3 and 4 is provided with an elongate horizontal recess 7 which extends the entire length of the housing. At least in the region of the end walls 3 and 4, the lower part of the recess 7 is defined by a substantially horizontal upwardly directed face 8. As shown, the face 8 may extend to cover the upper part of a laterally extending support flange which forms an extension of the rear wall of the housing.

A damper is provided in the form of a cylindrical damper unit 9 dimensioned to be received within the cavity within the housing 1. The cylindrical unit 9 is provided, at each end, with a projecting locking element having two opposed parallel faces 10, with each face 10 lying in a plane parallel with the axis of the unit. The faces 10 are intended to co-operate with corresponding flat faces (not shown) provided within the recess within the housing 1 so that the unit 1 may be slid into position and retained in position by the co-operating flat faces.

Contained within the damper unit 9 is one or two rotatable damper members, which rotate in air or fluid contained within the unit, each damper member being connected to a rotating element 11 as provided at each end of the damper unit 9. Each rotating element 11 defines a recess or orifice 12 for a purpose which will become clear hereinafter.

Two separate end pieces 13 are provided. Each end piece 13 comprises a horizontal plate adapted to overlie one of the apertured flanges provided on the housing, and a vertical arm adapted to lie adjacent the end wall 3 or 4 of the housing 1. The vertical arm may be provided with a recess adapted to co- operate with a positioning lug provided on the housing. The plate also defines an aperture 15 adapted to be co-aligned with the bore 2 when the plate is in position adjacent an end wall 3 or 4 of the housing. Carried on the plate is a locating lug 14 dimensioned and positioned to be received within the aperture 6 provided in the end wall 3 (or the end wall 4) of the housing 1 so that the end piece may be located in an appropriate position.

The vertical plate of the end piece 13 carries a deflected lug which is in alignment with the rear wall of the housing, the lug presenting a planar upper surface 16 adapted to be co-aligned with and effectively form an extension of the upwardly directed face 8 provided at the lower part of the recess 7.

Two shafts 17 are provided, each shaft 17 having a first end 18 of substantially rectangular cross section and a second end 19 of substantially square cross section. The first end 18 and the second end 19 of each shaft 17 are interconnected by a region of circular cross-section.

The toilet seat 20 of generally planar form is provided with mounting protrusions 21 and 22 extending from the rear part of the seat 20 which is located adjacent the axis 5. The protrusions 21 and 22 extend rearwardly and upwardly when the seat 20 is horizontal. The protrusions 21 and 22 are each provided with a substantially horizontal clamping face 23 formed towards the rear of the protrusion at the lower part of the protrusion.

Each protrusion defines a slot 24 in a part of the protrusion which is offset from the plane of the seat 20. Each slot 24 accommodates a circular cross-section part of a respective shaft 17. Each slot 24 also accommodates a resilient element in the form of a coil spring 25.

A toilet lid 26 of generally planar form is provided comprising a first and a second moulded portion 27 and 28 which are secured together about their periphery to form an internal cavity. Each moulded portion is formed from injection moulded polypropylene but it is envisaged that any other suitable material could be used.

The first moulded portion 27 is provided with further protrusions 29 and 30 extending from the rear part of the lid 26 which is located adjacent the axis 5. The further protrusions 29 and 30 extend rearwardly and upwardly when the lid 26 is horizontal. The further protrusions 29 and 30 each define a further bore 31 which is offset from the plane of the lid 26. The further bore 31 comprises a region of circular cross-section 32 of relatively large diameter which terminates in a smaller region of square cross-section 33.

Both the toilet lid 26 and the seat 20 may be provided with a magnet 47 at a position remote from the further protrusions 29 and 30 and the protrusions 21 and 22 respectively. The magnets 47 will be adjacent one another when the lid 26 and seat 20 are both in a vertical position such that the seat is held against the lid by magnetic attraction between the magnet. Also, if the lid is lifted from a lowered position, due to magnetic attraction, the seat will also be lifted.

A reservoir 35 is provided to be received within the cavity defined between the two moulded portions. The reservoir 35 is formed from two layers of PVC welded together. It is to be appreciated that the reservoir 35 could be formed from any other suitable material. The reservoir 35 is provided with two chambers 36 and 37, one chamber 36 being spaced further from the rear part of the lid which is adjacent pivot axis 5 than the second chamber 37. The chambers are provided to receive a charge of a fluid 43 such as water, with a gas filling the rest of the space within the reservoir. When the lid 26 is horizontal the lower surface 8 of the first chamber 36 is located at a level below the level of the lower surface 8 of the second chamber 37. The described unit may be supplied with the charge of water in place, or the water may be introduced to the chamber when the unit is commissioned.

The first chamber 36 and the second chamber 37 are interconnected by a flexible pipe 38, of relatively narrow cross-section. The pipe 38 is formed of silicone rubber but it is to be appreciated that any other suitable material could be used. A first end of the pipe 38 extends from that part of the first chamber 36 which is nearest the pivot axis 5 and leads through the second chamber 37 to a central part 39 of the pipe 38. The central part 39 extends between the further protrusions 29 and 30 of the lid 26 along a line parallel with but located rearwardly of the pivot axis 3 when the lid 26 is in the substantially horizontal position. The central part 39 then leads to a second end of the pipe 38 which opens into the second chamber 37. An adjustable valve 40 may be provided at the end of the pipe 38 that communicates with the first chamber to vary the effective cross-sectional area of the pipe 38.

In the preferred embodiment the chambers are further interconnected by an elongate tube 41 which has a relatively large diameter or cross-sectional area in relation to that of the pipe 38. The tube 41 extends from that part of the second chamber which is furthest from the pivot axis 5 into the first chamber 36 by a substantial distance so that the open end of the tube is located within the first chamber 36 at a point remote from the pivot axis 3. The tube does not extend into the second chamber 37 or extends only a short distance into the second chamber 37 so that the open end of the tube is located at a point within the second chamber 37 which is remote from the axis 3.

The arrangement is assembled such that each end piece 13 is mounted on a respective end of the housing 1 with the lugs 14 each received within a respective small aperture 6 formed in the housing 1. The rearwardly extending platform 15 of each end piece will be adjacent the upwardly directed face 8 of the housing 1.

A helical spring 42 is mounted between each end piece and a respective end of the housing 1. Each helical spring 42 has two radially extending ends, one of which is secured between part of a respective end piece and part of the end of the housing 1. The other end of each helical spring 42 is in contact with part of the toilet lid 26. The springs bias the lid upwardly with a gentle force that can be overcome by the lid itself as will be described.

The first end of rectangular cross-section 18 and the region of circular cross-section of each shaft 17 will be inserted through a respective opening 15 in the end piece, through a respective slot 24 formed in a protrusion 21 or 22 of the seat 20 and through a further bore 31 formed in the lid 26. The first end 18 and the cylindrical portion of each shaft 17 will then extend through the bore 2 in the housing 1 such that the first end 18 of rectangular cross section is received within a respective orifice 12 formed in each rotating element 11 of the damper unit 9. The second end 19 of square cross-section will be received within the square cross-section region 32 of the further bore 31 provided in each further protrusion of the lid 26. The circular sectioned region of each shaft 17 is in a slot 24 of a protrusion 21,22 of the seat 20. It is therefore to be appreciated that, as the lid 26 rotates, the shafts 17 will rotate with the lid 26 and the shafts 17 will cause the rotating elements 11 of the damper 9 to rotate.

Thus, the damper will damp movement of the lid.

The seat may be moved, with the seat pivoting about the circular sectioned region of the shaft, the seat moving relative to the shaft, the coil springs 25 serving to retain the shaft of the lower part of each slot 24.

Each coil spring 25 is mounted in the respective slot 24 above the respective shaft 17 such that the seat 20 can move vertically downwardly against a resilient force provided by each coil spring when a substantially vertical downward force is applied to the seat 20.

The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 26 are thus movable pivotally about the pivot axis 5 which is offset from the plane of the lid 26 and from the plane of the seat 20. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 26 may therefore be rotated from a first substantially horizontal position in which the under part of the seat 20 engages the upper surface of the toilet bowl, to a second substantially vertical position. The lid 26 may be biased towards the vertical position by the helical springs 42. The movement of the lid 26 towards the horizontal position will be damped by the damper 9.

The central part 39 of the pipe 38 is dimensioned to be received in the elongate recess 7 in the housing 1 such that, when the seat 20 is in the horizontal position, and the lid is in a vertical position, the central part 39 is between the clamping faces 23 of the seat 20 and the horizontal face 8 of the recess 7 and the platform 15 of each end piece 13. It is to be appreciated that when the seat 20 is in the horizontal position, and the lid 26 is in a substantially vertical position, the central part 39 of the pipe 38 will be located within the recess 7 above the surface 8 and directly beneath the clamping faces 23 of the seat 20.

The arrangement is such that if the charge of fluid 43 is all, or substantially all, in the first chamber 36, the open end of the tube 41 will be above the level of the fluid 43 if the lid 26 is in a vertical position.

The arrangement is also such that if the charge of the fluid 43 is all, or substantially all, in the second chamber 37, the level of the fluid 43 will be below the open end of the tube 41 when the lid 26 is in a substantially vertical position so that the lower end of the tube 41 communicates with a space above the fluid 43. A more detailed description of the function of the elongate tube 41 will be given below.

Although not shown in Figure 1, it is a feature of the invention that the charge of fluid, shown as fluid 43 in Figures 2 to 6, will partially fill the combination of chambers. It is envisaged that the fluid 43 would be water or a similar low cost liquid, but it is to be noted that any material with similar fluid properties could be used as an alternative. A fluid having more viscous properties than water, for example a silicone based fluid or oil, could alternatively be used. It is envisaged that the gas would ordinarily be air.

The flow rate of the fluid 43 through the pipe 38 may be adjusted by varying the cross-sectional area of the pipe 38 using the adjustable valve 40.

Figure 2 shows the toilet lid 26 in a first substantially horizontal position and it is to be noted that the chambers and the pipe 38 are arranged such that when the lid 26 is in the substantially horizontal position shown the fluid 43 flows, via the pipe 38, so that the fluid has the same level in both the first chamber 36 which is spaced further from the pivot axis 3 and the second chamber 37 which is adjacent the pivot axis. Thus a substantial quantity of the fluid 43 is contained within said first chamber 36 when the lid 26 is in the first horizontal position.

If the lid 26 is then moved, with a pivoting action, the lid can be moved to a position in which the lid engages a stop 45. The lid has moved through a vertical position, and has moved to a substantially vertical position in which the centre of gravity of the lid has passed a vertical line 44 which extends through the pivot axis 3. Thus, the entire lid is biased, by gravity, into contact with the stop and does not tend to rotate back towards the horizontal position.

The centre of gravity is determined, to a large extent, by the effect of the fluid 43 within the chambers 36 and 37. Initially a substantial proportion of the fluid 43 is present within the chamber 36 which is furthest away from the pivot axis 5. Consequently, the centre of gravity is at a point spaced away from the pivot axis 5 and thus the centre of gravity passes the line 44. Thus, the entire lid is biased. by gravity, into contact with the stop and does not tend to rotate back towards the horizontal position.

It is to be appreciated that the chambers and the pipe 38 are arranged relative to one another such that the fluid 43 may flow from the first chamber 36 at a relatively slow rate through the pipe 38 into the second chamber 37 when the lid 26 is in this substantially vertical position. Because the upper end of the tube 41 is above the level of the fluid 43 contained in the first chamber 36 when the lid 26 is in the substantially vertical position the fluid 43 may only flow through the pipe 38. The rate of flow is that determined by the adjustable valve 40. As the fluid 43 flows through the pipe 38, so the gas is permitted to flow up the tube 41 into the first chamber 36. With the lid in the position shown in Figure 3, a substantial part of the second chamber 37 is located on the side of the vertical line 44 that passes through the pivot axis 5 that is remote from the stop 45. As the fluid 43 flows from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, the fluid will effectively flow from one side of the vertical line 44 to the other side and the centre of gravity of the lid 26 will move similarly. Thus, as the fluid 43 flows from the chamber spaced further from the pivot axis 5 into the second chamber 37 closest to the pivot axis 5 the centre of gravity of the lid 26 will move from the first side of the vertical line 44 to a second side such that a moment will act to bias the lid 26 away from the stop 45. The lid 26 will then move pivotally away from the stop 45, and will move downwardly, with a movement damped by the damper unit 9 and resisted by the springs 42.

It is to be noted that as the lid 26 moves away from the stop 45, both of the chambers 36 and 37 will then be located on the same side of the line 44.

The moment will therefore continue to act on the lid 26 about the axis 3 to cause the lid 26 to move from the substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position as shown in Figure 5.

When the lid 26 reaches the substantially horizontal position, at least part of the fluid 43 will flow from the second chamber 37 into the first chamber 36 with a substantial portion of the flow passing through the relatively large diameter tube 41 so that the flow into the second chamber 37 is completed rapidly. With the lid 26 in this final position the cycle as previously described herein may be repeated.

Figure 7 shows the toilet seat 20 in a substantially horizontal position and the toilet lid 26 in a substantially vertical position corresponding to that shown in Figure 3. It is to be appreciated that the toilet seat 20 will not compress each coil spring 25 to any great extent at this stage. In this position each clamping face 23 will be positioned adjacent and above the central part 39 of the pipe 38. In this position, the first fluid 43 will flow relatively freely along the length of the pipe 38 including the central part 39 and thus the lid 26 will eventually move to the horizontal position has as previously been described.

However, when a vertical force is applied to the toilet seat 20, for example when a user of the toilet sits down on the seat 20, the seat 20 will compress the springs 25. This compression will permit the part of the seat 20 adjacent the spring to move vertically downwardly. The downward movement of the seat 20 will bring each clamping face 23 of the seat 20 into engagement with the top of the central part 39 of the pipe 38. The bottom of the central part 39 of the pipe 38 will be brought into contact with the horizontal face 8 of the recess 7 and the platform 15 of each end piece. Further downward movement of the seat 20 will cause the central part 39 of the pipe 38 to be clamped between the clamping faces 23 and the horizontal faces 8 of the recess 7 which co-operate to form a clamp which operates so that the central part 39 is clamped substantially or completely closed. This is the position shown in Figure 8.

When in this condition it is to be appreciated that the fluid 43 is prevented from flowing along the pipe 38 from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 37. Consequently, the position of the centre of gravity of the fluid 43 and lid 26 will not move sufficiently for the lid 26 to move to the substantially horizontal position. Thus, when a user of the toilet is sat on the seat 20 the lid 26 will not begin to close until after the user of the toilet has stood up from the seat 20, thus re-operating the pipe 38 as the springs 25 push the protrusions 21,22 of the seat 20 upwardly, and an appropriate quantity of fluid has passed through the pipe 38.

Referring now to Figure 9, an alternative embodiment of the toilet lid 26 is shown with like features being identified by like numbers. The lid 26 is provided with a first chamber 36 and a second chamber 37, the combination of chambers being partially filled with a fluid 43 and a gas, as has been described above.

The first and second chambers 36 and 37 are interconnected by a flexible pipe 38. In this embodiment a first end of the flexible pipe 38 opens into part of the first chamber 36 remote from the pivot axis 3 and a second end of the pipe 38 opens into part of the second chamber 37 remote from the pivot axis 3.

A central part 39 of the pipe 38 extends between the further protrusions 29 and 30 and along a line parallel with but located rearwardly of the pivot axis 3 when the lid 26 is in the substantially horizontal position.

It is to be appreciated that, if the charge of the fluid 43 is all, or substantially all, in the first chamber 36, the first open end of the pipe 38 will be above the level of the fluid 43 of the lid 26 when in a vertical position. If the charge of fluid 43 is all, or substantially all, in the second chamber 37, the level of fluid 43 will be below the second end of the pipe 38 when the lid 26 is in a substantially horizontal position.

The first chamber 36 is also interconnected to the second chamber 37 by comprising an aperture 46 comprising a constriction. There is no other communication between the chambers.

When the toilet lid 26 is in a first substantially horizontal position, substantially all of the fluid 43 will be contained within the first chamber 36 and substantially all of the gas will be contained in second chamber 37 as has been previously described.

If the lid 26 is then moved to a substantially vertical position, the fluid 43 contained within the chamber causes the centre of gravity of the lid 26 to be located on one side of the vertical line 44 as shown in Figure 3. When in the substantially vertical position, the fluid 43 will flow from the first chamber 36 through the aperture 46 into the second chamber 37. It is to be appreciated that the fluid 43 will not flow into the second open end of the pipe 38 because the aperture 46 is spaced a distance away from the open end of the pipe 38. As the fluid 43 flows into second chamber 37, the fluid 43 contained within the chamber causes the centre of gravity of the lid 26 to move from the first side of the vertical line 44 to a second side as has been previously described. The lid 26 will then move pivotally from the substantially vertical position to the substantially horizontal position.

As the volume of the fluid 43 contained in the second chamber 37 increases, some of the gas initially contained in the second chamber 37, will be forced along the pipe 38 and into the first chamber 36. The total volume of the fluid 43 and the gaseous contained in the combination of chambers remains the same. It is therefore to be appreciated that, the flow of the gas through the pipe 38 from the second chamber 37 to the first chamber 36 permits the fluid 43 to flow through the aperture from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 37.

When the toilet seat 20 is in a substantially horizontal position and the toilet lid 26 is in a substantially vertical position and a person sits on the toilet seat 20, the central part 39 of the tube will be clamped substantially or completely closed as has been described with reference to the previous embodiment.

When in this position, it is to be appreciated that the force applied to the central part 39 of the tube prevents the gas from flowing along the pipe 38 from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 37. Thus the quantity of the gas contained in the second chamber 37 will remain constant and will prevent any flow of the fluid 43 from the first chamber 36 to the second chamber 37 when a person is sitting on the toilet seat 20. Thus, when a user of the toilet is sitting on the toilet seat 20, the lid 26 will not begin to close until the user of the toilet stands up from the seat 20.

It is to be noted that a feature of the current invention that if the cycle as described above is interrupted nothing within the toilet seat 20 or lid 26 will be subject to any damage or adverse effects as the fluid will simply flow into one of the two chambers 36 and 37 depending upon the position of the toilet seat 20 or lid 26.

Figure 10 shows part of an embodiment in which the aperture 46 is provided with a control valve 40. The valve 40, which is a so-called barrel valve may be moved from an open position, in which fluid may flow through the valve, to a closed position, where fluid is prevented from flowing. Thus, the above-described self-closing mechanism may be de-activated when the valve is in the closed position. The valve may also be removed to allow a user to fill or refill the arrangement with fluid when the lid 26 is in the vertical position. In another embodiment, a valve corresponding to the valve 40 may be associated with the pipe 38 of Figure 1.

In the present specification"comprise"means"includes or consists of' and"comprising"means"including or consisting of'.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.