Lid Patents (Class 4/242.1)
  • Patent number: 11613193
    Abstract: A seat apparatus includes a vehicle seat including a cushion member having a bottom portion with a plurality of recessed portions, a plurality of air cells configured to expand by injection of compressed air, and a fluid supply mechanism configured to supply the fluid to the air cells. In the seat apparatus, at least one of the recessed portions is provided at a portion of the bottom portion of the cushion member positioned at a seating portion of the vehicle seat, the hip of a passenger being placed on the seating portion. Each air cell is expandable in a corresponding one of the recessed portions. The fluid supply mechanism is configured to expand at least one air cell by supplying the compressed air thereto and to change the at least one air cell to be expanded by switching a fluid supply destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohisa Chiba
  • Patent number: 10519641
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a light-emitting rotary knob. The light-emitting rotary knob comprises a rotary knob body, a connecting base and a PCB, wherein a plurality of LED light-emitting bodies are mounted on the PCB, a connecting concave hole is formed in one end of the connecting base, the rotary knob body is provided with a concave cavity and connected with the connecting base in a sleeving mode through the other end of the connecting base by means of the concave cavity, the PCB is mounted on the connecting base, and the multiple LED light-emitting bodies guide out light through the rotary knob body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Changtai Yike Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinjiang Wang, Huiqing Wang
  • Patent number: 9775475
    Abstract: A toilet seat and lid assembly comprising a toilet seat lid (also known as a cover) equipped with both fixed and movable grab area equipped with a lever or with a slide switch. The movable area of the grab or the slide switch integrates with the seat below through a latch. Lifting the lid by using the lever or sliding the switch, disconnects the lid from the seat and lifts only lid. Lifting the lid using the fixed grab area of the lid or without sliding the switch, does not disengage the seat and thus results in the lifting of the integrated seat and lid at the same time. Methods of using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Ned Falk
  • Patent number: 9648998
    Abstract: A laminar composite toilet lid and seat are formed of a composite laminar material. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first decorative exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the, core structural layer. The toilet lid further includes a second decorative exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer, the second surface opposite the first surface. The toilet lid still further includes a painted edge configured to cover seams between the core structural layer and the first and second decorative exterior layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chengdong Wu
  • Publication number: 20140338113
    Abstract: A toilet bowl lid actuated linkage toilet flushing system wherein a conventional toilet-flushing flapper is actuated by a drain pull chain controlled relative to the positioning of the toilet bowl lid to the toilet. The toilet bowl lid must be moved from an upward position to a downward position to flush the toilet, which a magnetic plastic ribbon actuator mechanism is provided for completion of the toilet flush even when the toilet bowl lid remains in the downward position. Movement of the lid actuates a magnetic flush pull of a plastic ribbon that is linked to a drain pull chain connected to the flapper. An alternate version of the toilet bowl lid actuated linkage toilet flushing system is compatible with flushometer toilets and enables an opening and closing of a valve controlling outflow of a pressurized water source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: STEVEN WEBSTER TERRY
  • Publication number: 20140201895
    Abstract: A lid for a toilet including a bottom surface that faces a top surface of a seat for the toilet when the seat is in a lowered position proximate to a bowl of the toilet. The bottom surface of the lid has a sweeping profile that extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface of the lid and is configured to engage the top surface of the seat. A uniform gap between the seat and lid is defined by the sweeping profile of the lid and the material thickness of the lid when both the lid and the seat are in a lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Roger W. Murphy, Jeffrey T. Laundre, Michael R. Bates, David P. Ourada
  • Publication number: 20140196204
    Abstract: A lid fitting (5) for a toilet bowl (1) can be inserted into through-holes (2) in the rear periphery, each with a blocking element (3). Each of said blocking elements contains an insert element (4) of the lid fitting (5), in which case they are movable with vertical play in the insert element (4) and fit into the through-holes (2) with play. The blocking elements (3) each have two spherical notches (6b, c), in which a spherical lower end (7) of the insert element (4) can be accommodated in each case. The blocking elements (3) bear, at their upper boundary, a peripheral bead (6) with a protective cap (6a) made of metal or plastics material. The lid fitting (5) has two positions, that is to say an insertion position, in which the spherical lower end (7) can latch in the spherical notch (6b) of the first blocking element (3), and a second spherical notch (6c) in the vicinity of the end, it being possible for this notch to retain the blocking element (3) in the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Maria Ayer, Francois Ayer, Mathias Och
  • Publication number: 20140047627
    Abstract: A laminar composite toilet lid and seat are formed of a composite laminar material. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first decorative exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the, core structural layer. The toilet lid further includes a second decorative exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer, the second surface opposite the first surface. The toilet lid still further includes a painted edge configured to cover seams between the core structural layer and the first and second decorative exterior layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: TOPSEAT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Chengdong Wu
  • Publication number: 20140033417
    Abstract: A toilet lid is manufactured with a lenticular three-dimensional image. The toilet lid includes a protective cover sheet attached to the lenticular image. The toilet lid also includes a sealing agent applied to the edges of the protective cover sheet and lenticular image, resulting in a protected lenticular image. The toilet lid further includes the protected lenticular image incorporated into the toilet lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chengdon Wu
  • Publication number: 20130239314
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of toilet seats, and in particular, self actuating toilet seat and toilet seat lid assemblies which silently close after use. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a piston and cylinder designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ellis J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130097772
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Xiaojun Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130007951
    Abstract: A cover installation 120 includes a cover 40 which is connected to the base 60 by a connecting module 80. The connecting module 80 enables the cover 40 to be opened and closed. A driving device 30 drives the connecting module 80 so that the cover is automatically opened and closed. A locking module can allow the cover 40 to be operated manually by disabling the driving device 30. Two connecting components 82 and 84 are connected to the cover 40 and configured to allow the top surface of the cover 40 to face the user when the cover 40 is opened automatically, while allowing the bottom surface of the cover 40 to face the user when the cover 40 is opened manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Yihua Wang, Eric M. Plate, Nicholas W. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20120278982
    Abstract: The present invention is a covering to contain sewer gases within an abandoned toilet. The present invention is a covering dimensioned to seat over the abandoned toilet with an airtight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120266371
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a laminate toilet lid with display cavity and a method of manufacturing thereof. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having an aperture through a middle portion and having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the core structural layer and configured to cover the aperture. The toilet lid further includes a second exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer opposite the first decorative graphic layer, the second exterior layer configured to cover the aperture such that the first and second exterior layers enclose the aperture to form a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jie Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120255107
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a laminate composite toilet lid and seat and a method of manufacturing thereof. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes first and second resilient layers disposed on first and second surfaces of the core structural layer. The toilet lid further includes a plurality of exterior layers disposed on exterior surfaces of the core structural layer and the first and second resilient layers, the exterior layers configured to envelop the toilet lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengdong Wu, Jie ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20120255106
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a laminate composite toilet lid and seat and a method of manufacturing thereof. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first decorative graphic layer disposed on a first surface of the core structural layer. The toilet lid further includes a plurality of exterior layers disposed on exterior surfaces of the core structural layer and the first decorative graphic layer, the exterior layers configured to envelop the toilet lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengdong Wu, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 8185974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet in which the bowl (1) has at least one bearing (4) with an open cross section, preferably a curved wall, particularly in the general shape of a C, against which is rotatably engaged at least one part forming a pivot (20) attached to a moving part such as a flap forming a lid, a seat or a urinal, characterized in that said pivot (20) and said bowl each comprise means of mutual magnetic attraction (6) so arranged that said moving part (2) can be moved between a lowered position resting on the bowl (1) or roughly parallel to the upper plane of the bowl, and a raised position, wherein said pivot (20) is engaged in said bearing (4), and this pivot (20) can be separated from said bearing (4) provided said moving part (2) is pulled strongly enough to overcome the force of magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Daniel Mauduit
    Inventor: Daniel Mauduit
  • Patent number: 8176576
    Abstract: A container comprising a body (1), a lid (5) for the body (1), and a locking arrangement for securing the lid (5) to the body (1): the locking arrangement comprising a handle (23) which fits around at least a part of the periphery of the lid (5), and at least one locking device which connects the handle (23) to the lid (5) such that the lid (5) is movable by the handle (23), which is such that the locking device locks when the handle (23) is lowered with respect to the lid (5), and which is such that the lifting of the handle (23) away from the lid (5) causes the locking device (4) to unlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Phoenix Product Development Limited
    Inventors: Garry Moore, Christopher Bryson Garcin
  • Publication number: 20120084907
    Abstract: A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon
  • Patent number: 7958575
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a correlated magnet toilet seat cover lock which may include a first correlated magnetic field structure securely attachable to a toilet bowl, a second correlated magnetic field structure that is complementary to the first correlated magnetic field structure and securely attachable to a toilet seat cover, and wherein the first correlated magnetic field structure associated with the toilet bowl is capable of being aligned with the second correlated magnetic field structure attachable to the toilet seat cover such that the toilet bowl and the toilet seat cover produce an attractive force that secures the toilet seat cover to the toilet seat bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cedar Ridge Research, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Patent number: 7797767
    Abstract: A cover for a wall-hung urinal or a cover or a seat board (13) for the toilet seat (12) of a toilet (10) with interchangeable decoration and design elements or articles of daily use which are adapted to the respective individual wishes of the users has at least one through bore (210) or a blind bore (210?), whereby an insert member (200) filling the bore and held in the bore is placed fixedly or detachably in the bore (210; 210?), this insert member being configured as a full body or a hollow body, whereby the insert member (200) is made totally, partially or portionwise of a clear material with or without colouration, whereby fixed or movable decoration articles or articles of daily use or functional articles (230) such as lighting means, radio or television, a CD-player, a time displaying device, a speech and/or music module with a current production source such as a battery or a solar cell, liquid means or games, are placed in the material of the insert member (200) configured as a full body or in the inne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Axel Benkhardt, Andreas Hack
  • Publication number: 20100223718
    Abstract: A closing apparatus is provided for automatically closing a toilet seat assembly adapted for mounting to a top ledge of a toilet bowl. Embodiments of the closing apparatus include an actuator for automatically rotating the toilet seat assembly between open and closed positions. The closing apparatus may also include one or more dampers for resisting the rotational movement of the toilet seat assembly so as to extend the closing rotation of the toilet seat assembly over a desired delay period. In other embodiments, the respective centers of gravity of a seat and a lid of the toilet seat assembly may be positioned with respect to a hinge axis of the toilet seat assembly in a manner that causes the seat or the seat and the lid to automatically close via gravitational torque when released in the open position. The closure apparatus may also include a simplified latch mechanism for selectively restraining the toilet seat assembly in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert A. Andersen
  • Patent number: 7730559
    Abstract: A toilet seat is provided for mounting on a toilet bowl (1) and is configured to be placed in communication with a mechanical air extraction system. The toilet seat includes a seat (4) that can be applied in a sealed manner on the toilet bowl. The toilet seat (4) has an air inlet (6) at the front and an air outlet (7) at the rear. The outlet (7) is connected by ducts (8, 9, 10) to the air extraction system (14, 15). A cover (11) is hinged in proximity to the seat (4). The cover (11) is configured to prevent the toilet bowl (1) from being flushed when the cover (11) is in the open position and seals the front air inlet (6) when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Alain-Dominique Gallizia
  • Patent number: 7725961
    Abstract: A portable toilet is provided comprising a bowl provided with an outlet and at least one spout. A flush tank is adapted to store a fluid, wherein the flush tank is adapted to be pressurized. A manually-actuated pump is in sealed communication with the flush tank, wherein the pump is adapted to cause the flush tank to become pressurized. A pressure relief valve adapted to release pressure from the flush tank. A manually-actuated flush valve is in sealed communication with the flush tank and is normally biased to a closed position. The flush valve includes a fluid outlet connected to the at least one spout and a fluid inlet. A flush valve actuator is disposed outside of the flush tank and is adapted to actuate the flush valve, wherein actuation of the flush valve actuator causes the flush valve to open to permit pressurized fluid contained within the flush tank to be delivered through the at least one spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel O. Martinez, Patrick J. Curran, Edward F. McKiernan, Otto E. Erbacher, Robert D. Krieder
  • Publication number: 20090100581
    Abstract: A foot-operated apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat has base support adapted to attach to an existing flooring surface using a loop and hook fastener with an adhesive material allowing the base to be easily installed and easily removed for ease of cleaning the unit and the area around the toilet. A lever foot pedal mounted in the base may be a single unit made of extruded and molded poly carbonate material for durability and corrosion resistance. A push rod pivotally connected to the foot pedal and pivotally connected to the toilet seat lifts and lowers the seat upon foot actuation and release, respectively. A leaf spring disposed in the base under the foot pedal returns the toilet seat to the down position after use. Kits may provide the disassembled parts of the apparatus and written instructions for assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Vance Mixon
  • Publication number: 20090038064
    Abstract: A removable toilet seat cover scale device for weighing a person or an object includes, in combination, a toilet seat cover including hinges for hinged attachment to a toilet seat, a scale mechanism connected to the toilet seat cover, the scale mechanism having at least two force sensors located on a bottom of the toilet seat cover for contact with a toilet seat when the toilet seat cover is attached to a toilet seat and is in a closed position. The force sensors transmit the weight force measurements to a processor, which converts the weight force measurements to an accurate total weight measurement, and the processor transmits the accurate total weight measurement to a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Peter E. Rigas
  • Patent number: 7437781
    Abstract: A toilet seat cover scale device for weighing a person or an object includes, in combination, a toilet seat cover including hinges for hinged attachment to a toilet seat, a scale mechanism connected to the toilet seat cover, the scale mechanism having at least two force sensors located on a bottom of the toilet seat cover for contact with a toilet seat when the toilet seat cover is attached to a toilet seat and is in a closed position. The force sensors transmit the weight force measurements to a processor, which converts the weight force measurements to an accurate total weight measurement, and the processor transmits the accurate total weight measurement to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Pleo Originals, LLC
    Inventor: Peter E. Rigas
  • Patent number: 7089948
    Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. A latch is provided to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch comprises a catch and a strike, with the strike having an integrated handle resulting in a small form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: John M. DeBoer, Larry D. Marks, Ryan K. Roth
  • Publication number: 20040172743
    Abstract: A covering for a toilet seat lid, including a body in the form of a pocket made of fabric having an opening. The pocket is adapted to conform to contours of a toilet seat lid and encapsulate all but a hinge of a toilet seat lid when the pocket is positioned over the toilet seat lid with the hinge positioned in the opening. This form of covering provides an aesthetically pleasing visual appearance, even when the toilet seat lid is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Antonieta Crerar
  • Publication number: 20040143891
    Abstract: A lid cover suitable for covering a seat, such as a toilet seat lid, is disclosed. The lid cover has a top portion of material that forms a top surface of the lid cover; a bottom portion of material that forms a bottom surface of the lid cover and is coupled to the top portion of material along a perimeter of the cover; a placket formed in the bottom portion of material adjacent a top edge of the cover operable to assist in the placement and removal of the lid cover from a lid; a closure element adjacent the placket and the top edge of the cover and operable to retain the lid cover on the lid when activated; and a first fit enhancing element arranged on an axis substantially longitudinal the top edge and adjacent the perimeter of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Bonnie Lauder Deibler, Robin Lauder
  • Patent number: 6640349
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly is provided. The toilet seat assembly has a toilet seat ring and a toilet seat cover having cores of cellulosic materials such as wood derivatives or other natural cellulosic materials. The toilet seat ring and cover are encapsulated by a polymeric material bonded thereto, preferably polypropylene plastic. The plastic overlay has integrally formed hinge ears to allow the toilet seat ring to be pivotally connected with the toilet seat bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Centoco Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Anthony G. Toldo, Leo Meyer, Osman Mourad
  • Patent number: 6543065
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cover including a main body made of wooden material. The main body is enclosed by a cover layer. The cover layer is made of fabric or paper material with natural fibers. The cover layer is further enclosed by an outer layer. The cover layer serves to fill up the irregular portions of the outer face of the main body. Also, the cover layer serves as a lining of the outer layer to highlight the colors of the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Elvis Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20020112280
    Abstract: An aesthetically-enhanced toilet tank cover and toilet seat lid cover assembly (10). The assembly (10) is disclosed in three designs: the first design has the toilet tank cover (12) integrally attached to a tank lid cover (60); in the second design (104) the toilet tank cover (12) is separate from the tank lid cover (60); and the third design (110) is a one-piece enclosure, that includes a toilet tank and tank lid cover combination. The assembly (10) features indicia (100) on the toilet tank cover (12) and/or the toilet seat lid cover (76). Preferably, the indicia (100) on the toilet tank cover (12) compliments the indicia (100) on the toilet seat lid cover (76).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Eyon Neal Christmas
  • Patent number: 6347415
    Abstract: A toilet seat and lid, each comprising a rigid insert injection molded of thermoplastic material. Each insert is then over-molded by injection molding with a thermoplastic elastomeric material which provides the outer surface of the seat and lid. The inserts are dimensioned with respect to their over-molded surfaces to be smaller than the finished seat and lid and are designed to give maximum strength to the seat and lid. Each insert is shaped to promote the flow of the over-mold material and to minimize shrinking, swelling or distortion of the insert. The elastomeric material is preferably chemically compatible with the inserts to allow a chemical as well as a mechanical bond to take place. The over-molded material provides the desired soft, non-slip, warm to the touch outer characteristics of the seat and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Aaron G. Hogue
  • Patent number: 6279180
    Abstract: The combination of plural photoluminescent panels and a commode and a method of illuminating the commode are described. The commode has a bowl including a top surface and an arcuate inner wall portion contiguous with the top surface. The commode may also include a seat pivotally connected to the bowl for selective disposition on the top surface of the bowl, and a cover pivotally connected to the bowl for selective disposition on the seat. Each photoluminescent panel is a generally planar, flexible member of generally rectangular shape having rounded corners. Each panel has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with its exterior surface being arranged to be activated by exposure to ambient light to produce photoluminescent illumination when the ambient light decreases to a threshold level. The interior surface of each panel includes an adhesive, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive, thereon covered by a peel-off liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan Marc Bell, Jonathan Todd Pollack
  • Patent number: 6243884
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly comprising a seat for permitting a user to sit over a toilet bowl of a toilet apparatus and a hinge pivotally attaching the seat to the toilet apparatus so that the user can manually pivot the seat relative to the toilet bowl between a vertical-upright position and a horizontal-down position. The hinge has a lock which automatically engages when the seat is manually pivoted into the vertical-upright position to prevent the seat from inadvertently pivoting back to the horizontal-down position. The toilet seat assembly can be further provided with a lid for selectively covering the toilet seat. The hinge lock can be adapted to automatically engage when the lid is manually pivoted into the vertical-upright position to prevent the lid from inadvertently pivoting back to the horizontal-down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Simonson
  • Patent number: 6173454
    Abstract: A safety device for restricting access into the open interior portion of a toilet bowl is disclosed. The safety device may be used with any conventional toilet unit having a hinged toilet seat and lid combination. The safety device comprises a pair of compression springs and a safety lid having a first end configured to overlay the open interior portion of the toilet bowl and a second end configured to overlay the distal connecting portion of the toilet bowl. The second end of the safety lid is further configured to include a pair of slots that are positioned for engagement with the mounting screws of the hinge mechanism of the toilet seat and lid combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Alvarez