Seal for a toilet outlet

Abstract

A seal for a toilet outlet is described, where the toilet outlet comprises a waste outlet from a toilet bowl. A connection device, such as a flange, for connecting the waste outlet to a waste removal system, is also described. The seal is adapted to provide a seal between the waste outlet and the connection device, where the direction of travel of the waste from the waste outlet to the connection device is substantially vertical. The seal is formed from a resilient material.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A seal for a toilet outlet, the toilet outlet comprising a waste outlet from a toilet bowl for fluid connection with a waste removal system, the seal being adapted to provide a seal between the waste outlet and the waste removal system, wherein a direction of travel of waste from the waste outlet to the waste removal system is substantially vertical, and wherein the seal is formed from a resilient material.  
     
     
         2 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the toilet outlet further comprises a connection device for connecting the waste outlet to the waste removal system.  
     
     
         3 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the seal is formed from a material having one, some or all of the following characteristics: 
 elasticity, the ability to regain its original shape or position after bending, stretching, compression or other deformation.    
     
     
         4 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the waste outlet is located on a lowermost portion of the toilet bowl.  
     
     
         5 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the waste outlet protrudes downwardly from the toilet bowl.  
     
     
         6 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein at least a portion of the waste outlet is frusto-conically shaped, with a greatest cross-sectional area of the waste outlet being vertically uppermost.  
     
     
         7 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the seal comprises a bore through which waste can travel.  
     
     
         8 . A seal according to    claim 7   , wherein the seal is generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the bore.  
     
     
         9 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the seal comprises, when in use, an upper portion which comprises an upper surface against which a portion of a bottom of the toilet bowl seats.  
     
     
         10 . A seal according to    claim 9   , wherein the upper portion comprises a recess formed therein, the recess providing for displacement of the upper portion.  
     
     
         11 . A seal according to    claim 10   , wherein the upper portion of the seal further comprises at least two annular seals coupled to a body.  
     
     
         12 . A seal according to    claim 11   , wherein the recess in the upper portion of the seal is provided in a region defined between the two annular seals and the body.  
     
     
         13 . A seal according to    claim 12   , wherein in use of the seal, the annular seals of the upper portion of the seal are vertically lowermost, and the body is vertically uppermost.  
     
     
         14 . A seal according to    claim 12   , wherein respective ends of the body are each coupled to one of the annular seals.  
     
     
         15 . A seal according to    claim 14   , wherein a base of at least one of the annular seals forms a seal surface for sealing against a seal surface provided one the connection device.  
     
     
         16 . A seal according to    claim 1   , wherein the connection device is a flange.  
     
     
         17 . A seal according to    claim 11   , wherein in use of the seal, the two annular seals may be compressed toward one another by the compressive force provided by the weight of the toilet bowl.  
     
     
         18 . A seal according to    claim 17   , wherein the annular seals are displaced towards one another to a substantial extent such that they bear against one another.  
     
     
         19 . A seal according to    claim 18   , wherein the recess is substantially collapsed, and a base of the two respective annular seals form respective seal surfaces for sealing engagement against a seal surface provided on the connection device.  
     
     
         20 . A seal according to    claim 11   , wherein the two annular seals may be splayed apart from one another by the compressive force provided by the weight of the toilet bow.  
     
     
         21 . A seal according to    claim 20   , wherein faces of the annular rings which are adjacent the recess provide respective seal surfaces for sealing engagement against the sealing surface provided on the connection device.  
     
     
         22 . A seal according to    claim 9   , wherein the upper portion of the seal comprises an inner annular seal and an outer annular seal, and the inner annular seal is located radially inwardly of the outer annular seal.  
     
     
         23 . A seal according to    claim 22   , wherein the outer annular seal is coaxial with respect to the inner annular seal.  
     
     
         24 . A seal according to    claim 9   , wherein the seal further comprises a lower portion which is coupled to the upper portion, and which is provided with at least one sealing element for sealing engagement against a lower portion of the connection device, or against a portion of the waste removal system.  
     
     
         25 . A seal according to    claim 24   , wherein the sealing element is a seal ring which is preferably arranged on an outer circumference of the lower portion.  
     
     
         26 . A seal according to    claim 25   , wherein the seal ring protrudes outwardly from the outer circumference of the lower portion to seal against an inner circumference of the connection device or the waste removal system.  
     
     
         27 . A seal according to    claim 25   , wherein there are a plurality of seal rings provided on the lower portion, the plurality of seal rings being axially spaced with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the seal.  
     
     
         28 . A seal according to    claim 24   , wherein the seal further comprises a middle portion which couples the upper portion of the seal to the lower portion.  
     
     
         29 . A seal according to    claim 24   , wherein an inner diameter of the upper portion of the seal is of a different diameter to an inner diameter of the lower portion.  
     
     
         30 . A seal according to    claim 29   , wherein the middle portion being coupled to the upper portion, and the other end being coupled to the lower portion.  
     
     
         31 . A seal according to    claim 30   , wherein an outer diameter of the upper portion of the seal is greater than an outer diameter of the lower portion.  
     
     
         32 . A seal according to    claim 1   , having taps with supporting a apertures for fixings.