Hinges Patents (Class 4/240)
  • Patent number: 11910968
    Abstract: A self-lifting toilet seat system includes a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. The system has a hinge configured to rotatably couple the toilet seat and a toilet bowl. The hinge is configured so that the toilet seat is transitionable from an up position to a down position. A lifting system is configured to raise the toilet seat towards the up position. A sealed hinge housing has at least a portion of a delay system therein. The delay system is configured to cause a time delay before the lifting system causes the toilet seat to self-lift towards the up position. The delay system is configured so that the time delay begins after removal of a threshold downward force on the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Cleana Inc.
    Inventors: Mingyuan Li, Max Pounanov, Kevin Z. Tang, Greg Blonder
  • Patent number: 11896172
    Abstract: A joint arrangement for the pivotable mounting of a lid, a seat or a seat/lid fitting about a pivot axis on a ceramic sanitary article, which joint arrangement comprises an elongate fastening element which is intended to be arranged on the sanitary article, a bearing element having a passage bore through which the fastening element is intended to engage, and a damper element which damps the pivoting movement and has a connecting element, which likewise has a passage bore into which the fastening element engages or through which said fastening element engages and which fits on the bearing element in the assembled position, wherein the bearing element has a retaining portion which receives the connecting element in a form-fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: DURAVIT AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Stammel, Rüdiger Demmel
  • Patent number: 11800958
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a toilet seat hinge configured to couple a toilet seat to a toilet bowl. The toilet seat hinge including a base configured to be coupled to an upper surface of the toilet bowl, a post defining a pivot axis about which the toilet seat can rotate, the post being slidable onto the base in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the toilet bowl to couple the post to the base, and a cap pivotally coupled to the post. The cap being pivotable about the pivot axis to secure the post on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian A. Henne, Jonathan Arndt
  • Patent number: 11647874
    Abstract: A raised toilet seat has a front part (2) and two wings (3, 4) of which the ends are, before the raised seat is fitted, separated by a gap. The wings (3, 4) at their free ends bear, in the case of one of them (3), a channel section equipped with notches (9, 10), and, in the case of the other (4), an opening (12) to accept the channel section, and ridges (13, 14, 15, 16) to retain the notches (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: HERDEGEN
    Inventors: Enrique Aparicio, Vincent Herdegen
  • Patent number: 11583149
    Abstract: A fastening assembly is configured to couple a toilet seat hinge to a toilet bowl by a threaded shaft. The fastening assembly includes a fastening nut including a clamping portion having a resilient protrusion configured to allow axial movement of the fastening nut relative to the threaded shaft without rotation therebetween. The resilient protrusion has threads configured to engage the threaded shaft. The fastening nut includes a drive portion in which the clamping portion extends therefrom. The drive portion has a first segment coupled to a second segment by a shear segment. At least the first segment is configured to be engaged by a tool for the tool to rotate the fastening nut relative to the threaded shaft such that the shear segment fractures at a predetermined torque applied to the first segment relative to the second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Brian A. Henne, Gérard Etaix, Jonathan Arndt, Joseph M. Hand
  • Patent number: 11523719
    Abstract: The device comprises the toilet seat assembly with a toilet lid and a toilet seat, a hinge sleeve that forms an axis that connects the toilet lid and the toilet seat, a hinge body package, and a hinge base with a pin, wherein the pin is connectable to the hinge body package, and wherein the pin comprises a pin axis that defines a vertical direction. The hinge body package comprises a claw part with flexible claws that are configured to lock the pin in a locking position and that are configured to release the pin by bending outwards from the locking position when a pulling force is acting on the pin for releasing the toilet seat assembly from the toilet bowl. The hinge body package further comprises a blocking member that is configured to rotate by a defined angle each time the pin is pushed into the hinge body package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG HENGYUAN SANITARY WARE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Xu Xiaofeng
  • Patent number: 11510533
    Abstract: This disclosure describes an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal portable personal toilet seat that is resistant to algae, mold and mildew and that can be safely folded and held without the danger of pinched fingers and without a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventors: James Jackson, Peter Wong, Anthony Bostick
  • Patent number: 11499304
    Abstract: A bidet attachment system includes an attachment structure configured for removable attachment to a toilet bowl, a spray structure for spraying water, a rotatable dial located on a top side of the attachment structure, and a valve having an inlet section, a valve section downstream of the inlet section, the valve section regulating passage of water from the inlet section, an outlet section downstream of the valve section, wherein the outlet section includes a first outlet that allows for egress of water and a second outlet that allows for egress of water, wherein the valve section includes an adjustable control disc being mechanically coupled with the dial such that rotation of the dial rotates the control disc, the control disc having a first and a second channel bore, and a stationary disc downstream from the stationary disc having a first and a second channel bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Tushy, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary Bensing
  • Patent number: 11344166
    Abstract: A toilet seat device includes a main body installed at an upper rear part of a toilet, a toilet seat attached to the main body, and a toilet lid. The toilet lid includes a toilet lid main body configured to cover the toilet seat; and a first shaft engagement part attached to the toilet lid main body and attachable to and detachable from a first shaft provided on the main body. The first shaft engagement part is configured to be switchable between an engaged state in which the first shaft engagement part is engaged with the first shaft and a non-engaged state in which the engagement with the first shaft is released and is switched to the non-engaged state when the toilet lid main body in the engagement state is pressed in a direction in which the toilet lid main body moves away from the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Isato Hirasawa, Saori Ichihara
  • Patent number: 11266278
    Abstract: A locking assembly for facilitating disassembly and assembly of a toilet cover plate on a mounting hole, comprising a bolt, a shaft sleeve in which a nut and a washer are fitted; two sides of the shaft sleeve are respectively provided with a upper guide groove and a lower guide groove, which are all parallel to an axial direction of the shaft sleeve, and bottoms of the upper guide grooves are narrowed to be steps and connect to tops of the lower guide grooves; the washer slidingly engages with the upper guide grooves by a rotating shaft, the nut slidingly engages with the lower guide grooves by guide ribs; the steps shelves the rotating shafts so that the washer is overhanging. The structure is compact and simple, it is convenient for assembly or disassembly, and has a high assembly and disassembly efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN IPRACE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weisheng Lian, Feng Guo
  • Patent number: 10660490
    Abstract: A toilet convenient to assemble and disassemble includes a toilet body (10) of which the upper end is provided with a supporting seat (30) and a toilet cover plate (20) of which the rear end is provided with a pivot shaft (40), wherein the supporting seat (30) is provided with an embedding hole (31) and the pivot shaft (40) is provided with an inserting column (41), the inserting column (41) being embedded into the embedding hole (31). In this way, whether the inserting column (41) is aligned to the embedding hole (31) or not can be seen clearly during the installation process, thereby the inserting column (41) may be directly aligned and embedded, thus, the operation is very convenient, blind installation is avoided and the installation efficiency is obviously improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN BEEWILL SANITARY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shisong Ren
  • Patent number: 10646080
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly for installation on a toilet includes a first toilet seat having a first seat aperture and a second toilet seat having a second seat aperture which is smaller than the first seat aperture. At least one of the first and second seats includes an attaching member for selectively attaching the first and second seats to each other. The first and second seat are hingedly connected to each other. When the first and second seats are attached by the attaching member, the first and second seats can be articulated together by an articulating force exerted on either one of the first and second seats. In one example, the first and second seats each include an attaching member which is a magnetic element such that the first and second seats are selectively attached to each other by a magnetic force generated between the magnetic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: John E. Regan
  • Patent number: 10626947
    Abstract: The fluid damper device includes a rotor inserted into a case, and a cover fixed to an opening portion of the case. A thin portion is formed at an end portion of the case on one side in an axis direction, and a contact portion which is in contact with a small-diameter portion of the cover in the axis direction is formed at four positions of an inner circumferential surface of the thin portion at equal angular intervals. A partitioning convex portion which partitions a damper chamber in a circumferential direction is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the case, and the contact portions are formed at positions corresponding to the partitioning convex portion in the circumferential direction. A concave portion recessed radially outward is formed at a position different from the contact portion in the circumferential direction, and a welding convex portion is formed in the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoya Mihara
  • Patent number: 10610068
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly that includes a docking station comprising a body and an electrical contact coupled to the body; a hinge lock configured to couple the body to a toilet base, the hinge lock comprising a fastener engaging an opening in the body and having a bore; a hinge body coupled to the body, such that an electrical contact of the hinge body is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the docking station; a seat and/or a lid rotatably coupled to the hinge; and an electronic component housed on/in the hinge body, the seat, and/or the lid, where the electronic component is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the hinge body and is configured to receive electric power from an electrical wire configured to route through the bore in the fastener to electrically connect to the electrical contact of the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Laundre, Douglas J. Diemel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10610069
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly that includes a unitary hinge base and a seat and/or lid rotatably coupled to the hinge base through a pivot member. The unitary hinge base includes a base member having interconnected walls including a front wall and defining an open bottom; a first mount extending from a first portion of the front wall; a second mount extending from a second portion of the front wall; a cover assembly configured to detachably couple to at least one of the first and second mounts in a covering position; a first living hinge connecting the cover assembly to the first mount, such that the cover assembly is movable relative to the first mount through the first living hinge; and a second living hinge connecting the cover assembly to the second mount, such that the cover assembly is movable relative to the second mount through the second living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Laundre
  • Patent number: 10582817
    Abstract: A toilet assembly that includes a toilet base including a bowl, a hinge assembly, and a toilet seat. The hinge assembly includes a housing configured to be secured to the toilet base; a lens comprising a base, which is enclosed within the housing, and a curved portion, which extends forward from the base beyond the housing to direct light from the light source downwardly toward the bowl, wherein the curved portion includes an upper arcuate surface and a lower arcuate surface; and a light source enclosed within the housing and configured to emit light toward an inlet of the base of the lens. The toilet seat is pivotally coupled to the hinge assembly, such that the toilet seat rotates relative to the housing and the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Laundre
  • Patent number: 10299639
    Abstract: A lid and seat assembly for a plumbing fixture includes a housing, a lid, and a seat. The housing includes a generally planar front surface and a generally planar rear surface. The lid is pivotably coupled to the housing. The seat is pivotably coupled to the housing. The front surface and the rear surface meet at a first edge located at a first end of the housing and at a second edge at a second end of the housing. The front surface, the rear surface, the first common edge, and the second common edge cooperatively define a continuous surface profile configured to facilitate single-wipe cleaning of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Karl Stevenson, Simon Mark Bickerstaffe, Keith John Thompson, Matthew Eric Batchelor, Nicholas G. Paget
  • Patent number: 10264933
    Abstract: A toilet convenient to assemble and disassemble includes a toilet body (10) of which the upper end is provided with a supporting seat (30) and a toilet cover plate (20) of which the rear end is provided with a pivot shaft (40), wherein the supporting seat (30) is provided with an embedding hole (31) and the pivot shaft (40) is provided with an inserting column (41), the inserting column (41) being embedded into the embedding hole (31). In this way, whether the inserting column (41) is aligned to the embedding hole (31) or not can be seen clearly during the installation process, thereby the inserting column (41) may be directly aligned and embedded, thus, the operation is very convenient, blind installation is avoided and the installation efficiency is obviously improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN BEEWILL SANITARY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shisong Ren
  • Patent number: 10041242
    Abstract: A toilet flange is provided with a planar perimeter portion to assist the installer in accurately determining the distance to an adjacent wall as well as insuring the toilet fastening bolts are aligned parallel thereto. The toilet flange assembly includes a cover to store needed fastening elements while simultaneously preventing debris from entering the plumbing riser pipe. Additionally, a sleeve is provided that protects the threads of the toilet fastening bolts during construction and acts as an extendable flexible guide sleeve. The guide sleeve functionally extends the height of the toilet fastening bolt thereby assisting the toilet installer as a visual aid during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Erika Yssel
  • Patent number: 9713407
    Abstract: A toilet set can be removably attached to a toilet fixture using a system having an attachment body and a post with laterally mateable portions. The post has a rod portion extendable through a mounting hole of the toilet fixture and a post engagement portion. The attachment body has a pivot portion, a movable closure, and a receiving opening. The post engagement portion is defined by radially oriented features, such as disc or ring-shaped portions of different diameters. A portion of the periphery of the receiving opening has features with contours inversely shaped with respect to the features of the post engagement portion so that the attachment body engagement portion is laterally mateable with the post engagement portion. The closure is movable between a closed position preventing disengagement of the attachment body and the post and an open position enabling disengagement of the attachment body from the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Nelson, Edward Scott Seccuro, Andrew L. Solinski
  • Patent number: 9549647
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for coupling a toilet seat to a toilet includes a bolt including a proximal end comprising an upper flange and a lower flange, the upper flange and lower flange defining a contact portion; and a threaded distal end; and a hinge including a first portion including a mechanism to rotatably couple the first portion to the toilet seat; and a second portion including a resilient member including a C-shaped engagement configured to be received by contact portion of the bolt via a snap fit in response to the application of a horizontal force to hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
  • Patent number: 9271617
    Abstract: A release mechanism including a fixed block with a rotating shaft for toilet lids is described. The release mechanism includes a shell, a fixed block, a rotating shaft, and a U-shaped clamping spring. The shell includes a notch for the rotating shaft. The fixed block includes a U-shaped recess that corresponds to the notch on the shell. The rotating shaft rests inside the U-shaped recess and the notch, connecting the toilet lid to the seat ring. The U-shaped clamping spring engages with the U-shaped recess and clamps the rotating shaft in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: SHANGHAI KOHLER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaojun Zhou
  • Patent number: 9144354
    Abstract: A lift-off toilet seat includes a hinge body for pivotably supporting a toilet seat and a mounting block having a slot therethrough for enabling positionable attachment of the block to a toilet seat via a bolt. A buckle extends from the hinge body and slidably engages sides of the block with the block having a top opening for enabling both the bolt to pass therethrough and positioning of the block on the toilet bowl together with the hinge body and toilet seat. A cover, hinged to the buckle is provided for covering the buckle and locking the buckle to the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: WDI INTERNATIONAL, INC
    Inventor: Mingchang Yang
  • Patent number: 8943618
    Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly that includes: a hinge configured for attachment to a toilet seat, a fastener including an expandable head; and a cap formed integrally with the hinge. The cap includes an engaging element extending from the first surface of the cap. The engaging element is configured to engage and expand the head of the fastener in order to releasably connect the toilet seat hinge assembly to a toilet bowl when the cap is in a first position relative to the base portion. A toilet seat assembly including the toilet seat hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Centoco Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Garnet Dundas, Edward Keck
  • Patent number: 8910320
    Abstract: The present invention is an automated seat and/or lid assembly for a toilet. The invention includes switch automation, wherein movement of a bowl attachment is initiated via a switch, and manual-urging automation, wherein movement of a bowl attachment is initiated via manual urging by a user. An automated attachment assembly may be configured to provide both switch and manual-urging automation concomitantly based upon predetermined logic. Furthermore, the invention includes a method of identifying manual movement and of assisting the movement of a bowl attachment. The invention further includes an object sensor incorporated within the seat or lid to detect the presence or absence of an object near the bowl attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Stauber, Erich C. Vierkant, III, Brian M. Kaule
  • Patent number: 8844067
    Abstract: A device to shut-off a water supply to a toilet diverts water from a toilet fill valve to a shut-off valve that has a housing that includes a valve mechanism, a trip mechanism, and a trip circuit. The trip mechanism includes a rotational spring that urges closing of the valve mechanism. A trip latch is adapted to prevent closing of the valve mechanism except when withdrawn from the valve mechanism by a solenoid that is electrically connected to the trip circuit. The trip circuit includes at least one trip sensor input and a power source, such that when the trip circuit detects a fault condition on any of the trip sensors, the trip circuit connects power to the solenoid to withdraw the solenoid to close the valve mechanism. A rest knob may then be rotated to reset the valve mechanism into a valve-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ceto Technologies Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Quintana, David Millar, Kermit L. Achterman
  • Publication number: 20140259339
    Abstract: The toilet seat locking assembly provides a device for anchoring a toilet seat in place. The assembly uses a double nut locking system that combines a seating nut with a locking nut assembly to significantly reduce the tendency of a bolt holding a seat on the toilet from becoming loose. The seating nut includes an interior threaded section for receiving a bolt, at least one ramp extending from the seating nut with a pilot extending from the ramp so that the pilot extends from the seating nut into a locking nut. The pilot extending from the seating nut ramp is designed to break away due to engagement with the locking nut, upon turning of the seating nut beyond a limit. The locking nut includes a threaded section for receiving the bolt. The locking nut has at least one pilot receiving slot, one ramp receiving slot, and a handle section for conveniently tightening the device and securing the seating nut and locking nut together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Toilet Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Isaac Rubio, Aaron Dickens Meares
  • Publication number: 20140215700
    Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly and method of installing the assembly are described, wherein the assembly includes a hinge body having a seat and a central opening extending longitudinally through the body; a fastening hinge post having a head, a longitudinally extending body and at least one locking pin; a bushing having an upper flange portion and a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinally extending channel therethrough, which body further has at least one transversely extending groove in or on the bushing body; and at least one fastening device for securing the hinge assembly to a toilet. The at least one locking pin locks the assembly by rotation of the fastening hinge post body within the channel in the bushing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140208494
    Abstract: A child's toilet seat which has handles for a child to grip when on the toilet seat and additional handles for an adult to use to remove the seat from a toilet bowl. The toilet seat is in two sections, the sections being joined by a pair of hinges which allows the seat to be folded before and after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Ginichi Ohira
  • Publication number: 20140189947
    Abstract: A toilet includes a seat, a bowl and a damper locking mechanism that allows the seat to rotate relative to the bowl with an influenced inertia. The damper locking mechanism includes a hinge base having a biasing member and an interior surface that defines a bore and a damper having an exterior surface that engages the interior surface. When the damper is disposed in the bore, the biasing member imparts a radial force to bias the damper into the hinge base and remove a looseness between the seat and the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Roger W. Murphy, Jeffrey T. Laundre, David Ourada
  • Patent number: 8763169
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for an elevated toilet seat includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket includes an opening, and the second bracket includes a cam that selectively engages the opening. The cam is rotatable between a first position and a second position to engage the first bracket relative to the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: James Leroy Daniels, Earl David Forrest
  • Publication number: 20140150172
    Abstract: A toilet seat fastening apparatus for use in tightening a toilet seat with a bolt having a plurality of bolt threads to a porcelain toilet bowl that defines a bolt hole, includes a body member having a channel extending between upper and lower ends that is configured to receive the bolt therethrough. The channel includes channel threads complementary to the bolt threads. The body member includes a central portion having a pair of opposed flanges extending outwardly and configured to be grasped by a user's fingers. The body member includes an upper portion situated atop the central portion having a diameter complementary to a diameter of the porcelain toilet bowl bolt hole so as to be selectively positioned therein. The body member may include a lower portion situated below the central portion and configured to be engaged by a wrench. The upper, central, and lower portions have a unitary construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Ralph D. Clark
  • Patent number: 8671468
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a toilet seat, the hinge assembly comprising a hinge post for pivotally supporting the toilet seat on a toilet bowl, and a bolt embedded in the hinge post and configured to extend through an opening in the toilet bowl, the bolt having thereon a plurality of projections extending into the hinge post to distribute to the hinge post forces applied to the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph Hand, John Seaman
  • Patent number: 8657086
    Abstract: An identical engagement hole 12b is formed in each of first and second brackets 1, 2. A first engagement portion 31c is formed in a damper body 31 of a rotary damper 3. A distal end portion of a rotor 32 of the rotary damper 3 is non-rotatably inserted in an adapter 4. A third engagement portion 46 is formed in an outer circumference of the adapter 4. The first engagement portion 31c is non-rotatably inserted in the engagement hole 12b of the first bracket 1. The third engagement portion 46 is non-rotatably inserted in the engagement hole 12b of the second bracket 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinpei Iwata
  • Patent number: 8631520
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a toilet having a bowl and a seat includes a hinge post configured to mount to the bowl. The hinge post includes a splined inner surface defining a bore. The hinge assembly also includes a pintle extending through the bore and configured to engage the seat to pivotally couple the seat to the hinge post. The pintle includes a splined portion that engages the splined inner surface of the hinge post to prevent rotation of the pintle relative to the hinge post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Brian A. Henne
  • Publication number: 20130340154
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a hinge post, a threaded fastener extending through the hinge post and configured to extend into a bore in the toilet bowl, a bushing positioned around a portion of the threaded fastener, and a nut threadably coupled to the threaded fastener. The nut includes an expandable section configured to extend into the bore in the toilet bowl. The nut has a surface that is engaged by a surface of the bushing so that the expandable section of the nut expands as the nut moves relative to the threaded fastener to secure the hinge post to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: BEMIS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Hand, Brian L. Le Mahieu, Brian A. Henne, Randall Grebel
  • Publication number: 20130312171
    Abstract: A lift-off toilet seat includes a hinge body for pivotably supporting a toilet seat and a mounting block having a slot therethrough for enabling positionable attachment of the block to a toilet seat via a bolt. A buckle extends from the hinge body and slidably engages sides of the block with the block having a top opening for enabling both the bolt to pass therethrough and positioning of the block on the toilet bowl together with the hinge body and toilet seat. A cover, hinged to the buckle is provided for covering the buckle and locking the buckle to the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Mingchang Yang
  • Publication number: 20130269092
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a hinge post, a bolt having a head and a threaded shaft configured to extend into a bore in the toilet bowl for securing the hinge post to the toilet bowl, and an adaptor having a first segment coupled to the head of the bolt, a second segment, and a shear segment connecting the first and second segments. The first and second segments are both configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate the bolt. The shear segment has a lower torque resistance than the first and second segments such that the shear segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount. The head of the bolt is fit into the adaptor such that the first segment of the adaptor surrounds the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: BEMIS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Hand, Brian L. Le Mahieu, Brian A. Henne, Randall Grebel
  • Patent number: 8555427
    Abstract: The present invention is an automated seat and/or lid assembly for a toilet. The invention includes switch automation, wherein movement of a bowl attachment is initiated via a switch, and manual-urging automation, wherein movement of a bowl attachment is initiated via manual urging by a user. An automated attachment assembly may be configured to provide both switch and manual-urging automation concomitantly based upon predetermined logic. Furthermore, the invention includes a method of identifying manual movement and of assisting the movement of a bowl attachment. The invention further includes an object sensor incorporated within the seat or lid to detect the presence or absence of an object near the bowl attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Stauber, Erich C. Vierkant, Brian M. Kaule
  • Publication number: 20130198942
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for coupling a toilet seat to a toilet includes a bolt including a proximal end comprising an upper flange and a lower flange, the upper flange and lower flange defining a contact portion; and a threaded distal end; and a hinge including a first portion including a mechanism to rotatably couple the first portion to the toilet seat; and a second portion including a resilient member including a C-shaped engagement configured to be received by contact portion of the bolt via a snap fit in response to the application of a horizontal force to hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
  • Patent number: 8429768
    Abstract: A toilet seat connection for a toilet having a top bowl surface and side surfaces includes an elongate mounting bracket mounted to the bowl portion, the mounting bracket being connected to either side of the toilet, the mounting bracket being elevated above the top bowl surface and defining a space between a top bowl surface and the mounting bracket, and a toilet seat pivotally mounted to the elongate mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Brent Hanna
  • Publication number: 20130067647
    Abstract: A toilet seat hinge for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a hinge post and a pin extending through the hinge post and defining an axis. The pin is configured to attach the toilet seat to the hinge post for pivotal movement about the axis. The toilet seat hinge also includes a quick release mechanism for releasably securing the hinge post to the toilet bowl. The quick release mechanism includes a member coupled to the pin for pivotal movement about the axis. The member is pivotable about the axis between a first position in which the hinge post is secured to the toilet bowl, and a second position in which the hinge post is released from the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BEMIS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: BEMIS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8327471
    Abstract: A mounting assembly mounts a seat to a toilet having a base with a pair of mounting holes. The mounting assembly includes a base member and first and second members for insertion into first and second of the pairs of mounting holes, respectively. The first member is interconnected to the base member. The second member is interconnected to the base member and spaced apart from the first member by a distance. The distance between the first member and the second member is adjustable for creating a clamping force between the first and second members and the first and second mounting holes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Instantlid, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Fielding, Jr., Roy L. Schooler
  • Patent number: 8312570
    Abstract: A quick-installation structure of a toilet seat cover assembly includes two positioning rods which are fixed on a toilet and two connection devices which are disposed on the toilet seat cover assembly and correspond to the two positioning rods, respectively. Each of the connecting devices includes a sleeve formed on a toilet seat, a rotating axle fixed to a cover, a connecting block connected to the rotating axle, a connecting sleeve fitted on the connecting block and a button connected to the connecting sleeve. The connecting block includes a main body, an engaging plate and a first restoration spring. The main body is longitudinally formed with a positioning hole. The engaging plate and the first restoration spring are laterally and pivotally connected to the main body above the positioning hole. The engaging plate is moved to swing by pressing the button. The positioning rod has an annular groove at an upper portion thereof and a cone with an inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hoti (Xiamen) Plumbing Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Bin Chen
  • Publication number: 20120284909
    Abstract: A quick-installation structure of a toilet seat cover assembly includes two positioning rods which are fixed on a toilet and two connection devices which are disposed on the toilet seat cover assembly and correspond to the two positioning rods, respectively. Each of the connecting devices includes a sleeve formed on a toilet seat, a rotating axle fixed to a cover, a connecting block connected to the rotating axle, a connecting sleeve fitted on the connecting block and a button connected to the connecting sleeve. The connecting block includes a main body, an engaging plate and a first restoration spring. The main body is longitudinally formed with a positioning hole. The engaging plate and the first restoration spring are laterally and pivotally connected to the main body above the positioning hole. The engaging plate is moved to swing by pressing the button. The positioning rod has an annular groove at an upper portion thereof and a cone with an inclined surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Guo-Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 8281420
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a toilet seat, the hinge assembly comprising a hinge post for pivotally supporting the toilet seat on a toilet bowl, and a bolt embedded in the hinge post and configured to extend through an opening in the toilet bowl, the bolt having thereon a plurality of projections extending into the hinge post to distribute to the hinge post forces applied to the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph Hand, John Seaman
  • Patent number: 8214932
    Abstract: A self-closing toilet seat assembly includes a longitudinal hinge tube mounted in a cavity on the underside of a toilet lid in coaxial alignment with the hinge flanges thereof. The hinge tube is secured in hinged engagement with both the toilet lid and seat by means of a pair of slow-close hinge dampeners. A self-closing mechanism, in association with a mounting base attached to the bowl of a conventional toilet and to the underside of the hinge tube, is responsive to manual lifting of either the toilet lid itself or of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat to the open or vertical position for initiating closing rotation of the toilet lid and the toilet seat, if also upright, to the vertical tipping point, past which they continue to gravitationally rotate to the closed position, at a rate limited by the slow-close hinge dampeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Smart Lid, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Shannon
  • Patent number: 8209789
    Abstract: A quick-release structure of a toilet cover hinge includes a fixing bolt, a locking base, and a lid. To assemble, the present invention is coupled to a toilet cover. The fixing bolt is inserted into and engaged with a elongated engaging hole, and a stopping block is to press against the bolt head, which locks the toilet seat to the fixing bolt. To disassemble, the user places their fingers into arched notches of the locking base to pull the lid up and to disassemble the toilet cover for replacement or cleaning; the fixing bolt does not need to be unscrewed from the toilet bowl to remove the toilet seat. To reassemble, the locking base directly engages with the fixing bolt, which provides for a quick and convenient assembly and disassembly of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: LDR Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Greenspon
  • Patent number: 8205274
    Abstract: A toilet featuring a lift and clean toilet seat hinge includes a toilet bowl, toilet seat, and the hinge includes a hinge base, a post, and a flap for closing the hinge base. The mounting post is provided with an expandable head and the flap includes a ring for expanding the head in order to releasably lock the mounting post to the toilet seat hinge base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: WDI International, Inc.
    Inventors: Shan Lin, Yanxin Xu
  • Publication number: 20120151665
    Abstract: A mount for a toilet seat includes a first elongate post configured to be secured to a first post holder; a second elongate post configured to be secured to a second post holder; a first hinge pin configured to join the toilet seat and the first post holder; a second hinge pin configured to join the toilet seat and the second post holder; a first post receptacle configured to be secured in a first aperture of a toilet bowl flange; and a second post receptacle configured to be secured in a second aperture of the toilet bowl flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried