Frenchman hopes his locking loo helps with hygiene

January 11, 1998
Web posted at: 10:14 p.m. EST (0314 GMT)

PARIS (CNN) -- A Frenchman who has been dubbed "the Leonardo da Vinci of the loo" has invented a new device that locks toilet users inside until they've washed their hands.

Jacques Robaey, 57, says he got the idea after watching a television report that a dish of peanuts put out by the staff in a Paris bar contained traces of urine from patrons. He decided to try to do something about poor hygiene.

The locking mechanism in his "Ten Plus" toilet is linked to the sink's tap and will not release until the water has been running for 10 seconds.

Toilet etiquette
	2.1M/32 sec./240x180 1.1M/32 sec./160x120 QuickTime movie

Since the invention was revealed, Robaey says the hospitality industry has shown a clear interest. A fast food company has already ordered 300 of the toilets.

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