Toilet Seat Device

Abstract

A toilet seat device is disclosed. One example toilet seat device comprises a base, a toilet seat and a plate. The base comprises a hinge and at least one fastening aperture for attachment to a toilet bowl. The toilet seat is attached to the hinge, and the toilet seat comprises a bottom side. The plate is attached to the bottom side of the toilet seat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/121,661 filed Dec. 11, 2008, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application generally relates to devices enabling a user to use a toilet with the toilet seat disposed in a lifted position and methods for displaying important information to a toilet user. More specifically, the present application relates to toilet seat devices which enable a user to view important information when the toilet seat is disposed in a lifted position.

BACKGROUND

Some users lift a toilet seat prior to using a toilet. Some such users may be so adept at using the toilet with the seat lifted that their full attention is not required for the toilet use. During the time that such users are using the toilet, their excess capacity for attention is largely wasted.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide toilet users with a way to utilize their excess attention. There is further a need for toilet owners to communicate important information to toilet users.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present application, a first example toilet seat device is disclosed. The first example toilet seat device comprises a base, a toilet seat and a plate. The base comprises a hinge and at least one fastening aperture for attachment to a toilet bowl. The toilet seat is attached to the hinge, and the toilet seat comprises a bottom side. The plate is attached to the bottom side of the toilet seat.

According to a second aspect of the present application, a second example toilet seat device is disclosed. The first example toilet seat device comprises a base, a lid, a toilet seat and a plate. The base comprises a hinge and at least one fastening aperture for attachment to a toilet bowl. The lid is attached to the hinge. The toilet seat is attached to the hinge such that the toilet seat is movable with respect to the lid. The toilet seat comprises a bottom side and a front edge. The plate is attached to the bottom side of the toilet seat in proximity to the front edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses, systems, methods, and so on, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. It should be noted that various components depicted in the figures may not be drawn to scale, and that the various assemblies and designs depicted in the figures are presented for purposes of illustration only, and should not be considered in any way as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an environmental view of a first example toilet seat device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom side view of the toilet seat of the first example toilet seat device.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded top side view of the toilet seat of the first example toilet seat device.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the first toilet seat device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application describes toilet seat devices and methods for displaying information to toilet users via toilet seat devices. Such devices and methods may be used to provide information to a toilet user.

The toilet seat devices and methods described herein are designed to enable a toilet owner to convey information to toilet users. Further, the toilet seat devices and methods described herein are designed to enable a user of a toilet user to receive information while using the toilet.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first example toilet seat device 110. FIG. 1 is an environmental view of first example device 110. As shown, device 110 is designed to be installed on a toilet 100 in the same fashion as conventional toilet seat. Example device 110 comprises a hinged base 120 and a toilet seat 210 attached to the base 120. Example device 110 further comprises a plate 220 disposed on a bottom side of the toilet seat 210. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, device 110 may also include toilet lid 310 attached to hinged base 120. Toilet seat 210 and toilet lid 310 may be movable with respect to one another to enable the toilet seat and toilet lid to be arranged in a variety of configurations. For example, the toilet seat may rest on the toilet bowl while the toilet lid is raised.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a bottom side view of example toilet seat 210. As illustrated, plate 220 may be attached to the bottom side of toilet seat 210 to enable display of the plate to a user of the toilet when toilet seat 210 is up or disposed in an open configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, plate 220 is attached to toilet seat 210 in proximity to a front edge of toilet seat 210. Of course, the disposition of plate 220 is not limited to the illustrated location. For example, plate 220 may be attached to a back portion 230 of toilet seat 220. In other embodiments, plate 220 may be on the top side of toilet lid 310; the bottom side of toilet lid 310; the top of toilet seat 210; the bottom side of toilet seat 210 and/or any combination of all four locations simultaneously. Plate 220 may be of any dimension/size, as long as it is no larger than the portion of what toilet seat 210 or toilet lid 310 to which it is affixed.

Plate 220 is attached to the bottom surface of toilet seat 210 wherein a lower surface of plate 220 faces an upper surface of toilet bowl 105. Plate 220 may comprise a polished stainless metallic surface thereby reducing or preventing pitting or discoloration to the area that would normally be part of the toilet seat 210. Plate 220 thereby protects the under surface from the elements (i.e., it won't break down over time so it won't rust, pit or corrode). Plate 220 may be consistent with the curvature of the portion of toilet seat 210 to which it is affixed, and it may be attached using any existing or future methods known in the art including, but not limited to, using Velcro, snaps, adhesive, sealant, screws. The underside attachment provides an impression of high quality, and yet is functional. Plate 220 is primarily visible when a user raises the toilet seat 210 and/or if the toilet seat 210 is in the “up” position.

An advantage of having plate 220 as a separate piece is that, at any time, a user/owner may swap the current plate with a new plate. One benefit is if plate 220 was constructed out of the same material as the toilet lid, plate 220 can be replaced without having to replace the entire toilet seat 210 and lid 310. Another benefit is if the user simply got tired of the original plate and wanted a new one.

Although plate 220 has been initially disclosed as being a polished stainless metallic surface, numerous embodiments of the invention can range from the plate being made out of the same material as the rest of toilet seat 210 and lid 310 or to any type of material such as graphite; marble; Corian; wood; plastic; laminate; metal, such as gold, silver or chrome.

One commercial use would be in public bathrooms. Various plates may display advertisements which may be easily interchanged at the discretion of the owner. In some public restrooms, the toilet may only have a seat (i.e., no lid) so, in this instance, there would only be two potential plates (i.e., top of the toilet seat and bottom of the toilet seat).

Plate 220 may include graphic designs; statements, similar to what one may see on a bumper sticker; phrases, including trademarks or company logos; Family Crest; sports teams to an individual's initials. It further may be a solid color such as red, blue, white, black etc.

A company selling toilet seats may offer the ability, on the spot, to engrave or place specific information on a plate—similar to how a company sells “T-shirts” and can print the information requested on a specific T-shirt.

Plate 220 may comprise a material that inherently has cold or warm properties (or both, depending on the season) so that if a user sat on it, they would feel the cold or warmth.

Further, plate 220 may have antibacterial characteristics such as being sealed into thermoplastic construction. Plate 220 may comprise a built-in air refresher/scent or a periodic spray that releases air refresher and/or antibacterial based liquid/spray (“Chemicals”). Plate 220 may be a “smart” plate wherein it can determine air quality changes and release the Chemicals accordingly. Plate 220 may release more or less Chemicals based upon a determination of the strength of a particular smell/odor. Optionally, plate 220 may release Chemicals based upon specific time intervals using, for example, a chip or timer. Optionally, plate 220 may determine the amount of Chemicals remaining and the amount of Chemicals previously released over a specific time period (“usage”); and based upon said usage determine how aggressive or non aggressive it should be to a current air quality change. Plate 220 may further determine or store the date upon which it is to be replaced/refilled and may include this information (in its algorithm) when determining how much Chemical to release.

In one embodiment, plate 220 or toilet seat 210 may comprise a space or bevel accentuating the separation between the toilet seat and the plate.

In another embodiment, plate 220 may be or include a light (such as an LED light) that operates by motion sensor. As one lifts the toilet seat or lid, the light turns on for a predetermined time, such as one minute. Optionally, the light may automatically turn on from the first motion (i.e., raising the toilet seat or lid) and turn off with a second motion (for lowering the toilet seat or lid). The light can shine down into the toilet. The light may be positioned in/on the plate so as the light shining into the toilet bowel is centered. The light may produce different designs such as a (red) target for aiming purposes; an item such as a flower; an animal such as a snake; or any type of phrase, logo or advertisement.

In another embodiment, plate 220 may not be consistent with the curvature of the toilet seat. Rather, it may protrude out. Additionally, it may serve more than one purpose such as also being a bumper guard.

In one example embodiment, plate 220 may be a distorted mirror (that may or may not be tempered) used to make shapes big or small. Additionally, plate 220 on the top of the toilet seat may comprise advertising indicia, such as “If your behind needs shaping up, visit Acme Gym today” with its address, current membership specials or reference to a specific promotion. In another example embodiment, plate 220 may comprise instructional indicia, such as “Gentleman don't leave a toilet seat up” or it may say “Only Jerks leave the toilet seat up.” In another example embodiment, plate 220 may comprise amusing indicia, such as “If you can't aim properly, maybe you're not all man” or “If you can't hit the hole, may be you need to sit down.” In another example embodiment, a user may display their favorite team on a toilet seat lid (top and/or bottom) on a bathroom off of a game room.

Optionally, the plate may be formed as part of the toilet seat 210 or lid 310.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Furthermore, while the devices, systems, methods, and so on have been illustrated by describing examples, and while the examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict, or in any way, limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the devices, systems, methods, and so on provided herein. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. The preceding description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Finally, to the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed in the claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B, but not both,” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Similarly, when the applicants intend to indicate “one and only one” of A, B, or C, the applicants will employ the phrase “one and only one.” Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995).

Claims

1. A toilet seat device comprising:

a base, the base comprising a hinge and at least one fastening aperture for attachment to a toilet bowl;

a toilet seat attached to the hinge, the toilet seat comprising a bottom side; and

a plate attached to the bottom side of the toilet seat.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the toilet seat further comprises a front edge, and the plate disposed adjacent to the front edge.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the plate further comprises indicia displayed on a bottom side of the plate.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the indicia comprises advertising indicia.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the indicia comprises instruction indicia.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a lid attached to the hinge, the lid movable with respect to the toilet seat.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the toilet seat further comprises a back portion, and the plate is disposed in proximity to the back portion.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the plate is integrally formed by the toilet seat.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the plate comprises a stainless metallic material.

10. A toilet seat device comprising:

a base, the base comprising a hinge and at least one fastening aperture for attachment to a toilet bowl;

a lid attached to the hinge;

a toilet seat attached to the hinge, the toilet seat being movable with respect to the lid, the toilet seat comprising a bottom side and a front edge; and

a plate attached to the bottom side of the toilet seat in proximity to the front edge.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the plate further comprises indicia displayed on a bottom side of the plate.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the plate comprises advertising indicia.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein the plate comprises instruction indicia.

14. The device of claim 10 wherein the toilet seat further comprises a back portion, and the plate is disposed in proximity to the back portion.

15. The device of claim 10 wherein the plate is integrally formed by the toilet seat.

16. The device of claim 10 wherein the plate comprises a stainless metallic material.