Toilet seat that lifts

Abstract

The present invention, hereinafter referred as A Toilet Seat That Lifts, is a specially designed toilet seat featuring an integrated lift mechanism which raises the seat upward and gently sets it atop the bowl after use comprising a hydraulic lift mechanism, incorporated into the base of the unit. This lift features spring loaded hinges which gently raise and lower the seat on demand. This action is automatic, simply by pressing downward on the seat. In another embodiment the Toilet Seat That Lifts is externally connected to a motorized device which controls the lifting action. The Toilet Seat That Lifts, as mentioned, is manually operated, or in the motorized embodiment, operates on conventional 110 volts, 60 hertz power and is connected to a standard power outlet.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/396,906 filed Jun. 4, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Toilet Seat That Lifts.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of toilet seat devices, and more specifically to the field of lifting toilet seat devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for lifting toilet seat devices. Among these ate:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,618 to Yueh-Tse Chiang describes an automatic toilet seat lift mechanism including torsional springs to retain the toilet seat in the vertical position, a rod inserted in a rubber brushing in a hole on the toilet bowl with its bottom end coupled to a gate in front of the water outlet of the flush pipe and its top end stopped against a stop plate on the toilet seat. Flushing the toilet causes the rod to release the stop plat for permitting the toilet seat to be lifted to the vertical position by the torsional springs.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,289 to Dominic Sardo describes a toilet seat lowering system which is comprised of a top plate, a bottom plate and a bellows having an internal cavity. When the toilet seat is manually lifted from its initial lowered position to a raised position, air is drawn into the internal cavity through the intake valve, pressurizing the internal cavity and thus maintaining the toilet seat in the raised position. After a period of time, air escapes through the slow release valve, causing the toilet seat to return to the lowered position automatically.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,297 to Ryosuke Hayashi, et al, describes an automatic toilet seat or toilet cover lifting and lowering device. The device includes a rotating shaft rotated together with the toilet seat or the toilet cover, a drive motor rotating the rotating shaft in normal and reverse directions, and a speed reduction gear train. The drive force of the drive motor is transmitted to the rotating shaft through the speed reduction gear train to automatically lift and lower the toilet seat or toilet cover.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved toilet seat lifting device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention with the seat in the downward position.

FIG. 2 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention with the seat in the lifted position.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up side angled perspective view of a portion of the device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With today's heightened awareness of health concerns and constantly improving medical care, people are living longer than ever. As the baby boomer generation gets older, dramatic increases are expected in the elderly population. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that people 65 and older will comprise 20.4 percent of the country's population by the year 2030, up from the current 13 percent. However, if the unprecedented increase in life expectancy has a downside, it is the exposure of risk to chronic age-related disorders. Such serious ailments as diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are but a few of the disabling disorders that keep many older persons from enjoying their longevity. Additionally, the elderly also have to deal with physical infirmities brought on by the inevitability of aging. The scientific journal Age and Aging reports that some 50% of persons over age 65 have osteoarthritis, and one-half of those are seriously disabled by it. However, challenges presented to those with limited mobility are not exclusive to the elderly. According to other statistics provided by the Census Bureau, nearly 8 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 64 suffer from some form of disability that hinders independent movement. Adding to these numbers are those with more temporary ailments, such as broken bones or postoperative conditions.

As many with limited mobility can easily attest, attempting to complete day to day tasks without assistance can be daunting and frustrating. Arthritic patients, those who suffer back pain or injury, seniors and others find it very difficult, if not nearly impossible to complete such simple tasks as lifting a toilet seat and/or lid in order to utilize the facilities. Causing extreme discomfort, this mobility challenge can contain a high degree of risk. Those without caregivers to lend a hand seriously injure themselves in spills and falls which occur when they lose their balance in awkward attempts to lift or lower a toilet seat. As a result, their condition is effectively worsened.

The present invention, hereinafter referred as A Toilet Seat That Lifts, is a specially designed toilet seat featuring an integrated lift mechanism which raises the seat upward and gently sets it atop the bowl after use. Similar in appearance to a standard toilet seat, the Toilet Seat That Lifts is generally oval in shape and manufactured of heavy duty plastic, and in other embodiments, wood or similar materials. The most notable aspect of the Toilet Seat That Lifts however and that which sets this product apart from traditional toilet seats is found in the hydraulic lift mechanism, incorporated into the base of the unit. This lift features spring loaded hinges which gently raise and lower the seat on demand. This action is automatic, simply by pressing downward on the seat. In another embodiment the Toilet Seat That Lifts is externally connected to a motorized device which controls the lifting action. The Toilet Seat That Lifts, as mentioned, is manually operated, or in the motorized embodiment, operates on conventional 110 volts, 60 hertz power and is connected to a standard power outlet.

Use of the Toilet Seat That Lifts is very simple and straight forward. First, the user installs the A Toilet Seat That Lifts on their existing toilet. The A Toilet Seat That Lifts is installed by a professional service technician, or in the case of a skilled do-it-yourselfer, the user installs the unit themselves. Once installed, the A Toilet Seat That Lifts is easily activated by any child, teen or adult user. To lift the lid or seat to provide support to the user in sitting down, the user simply manually presses downward on the seat, causing the spring loaded hinges to automatically lift the seat up off the bowl. The seat is then lifted and the user can sit on the seat to lower himself or herself onto the toilet bowl. When finished, the user can activate the lifting mechanism by engaging the lever or push button mounted on the side of the unit.

Alternately, the Toilet Seat That Lifts is activated by way of a simple operational button mounted on the side of the unit, with the seat replaced atop the bowl following use.

There are many significant benefits and advantages associated with the A Toilet Seat That Lifts. Foremost, this unique and practical product allows consumers who suffer with mobility problems to use the facilities in an expedient and easy manner. A cleverly designed toilet seat that is easily lifted or lowered with the simple press of a button, use of this product enables consumers to comfortably lift and lower the seat and lid before and after use, without the burden and challenges associated with completing this task manually. In this manner, the A Toilet Seat That Lifts fosters a renewed sense of independence and self-sufficiency in elderly patients afflicted with arthritis or similar ailments. Not just for the older population, the A Toilet Seat That Lifts also proves invaluable to anyone with mobility challenges, from sufferers of palsy or scoliosis to those recovering from temporary disabilities stemming from surgery or broken bones. Easily operated, another important advantage is that this device is effortlessly activated. A fully functioning toilet seat, the A Toilet Seat That Lifts also provides the user comfortable seating when using the facilities. Durably constructed, this cleverly designed product withstands years of repeated use. Though primarily intended for home use, the A Toilet Seat That Lifts is very beneficial to hospitals, and especially nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lifting toilet seat device, comprising an integrated lift mechanism which raises the seat upward and gently sets it atop the bowl after use comprising a hydraulic lift mechanism, incorporated into the base of the unit, comprising spring loaded hinges which gently raise and lower the seat by pressing downward on the seat.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the hydraulic lift mechanism is positioned on the floor near the rear side of the toilet bowl and is attached to a telescoping lifting rod anchored to the lift mechanism, which lifting rod is attached to the toilet seat, so that when the hydraulic lifting mechanism is engaged, the lifting rod extends, thereby lifting the toilet seat.

3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a hinge at the front of the toilet seat which permits the motion of the rear of the seat to lift upon engagement of the hydraulic lift mechanism.

4. The device of claim 2 further comprising a second telescoping lifting rod and lift mechanism positioned on the opposite side of the toilet to stabilize the motion of the toilet seat.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising external connection to a motorized device which controls the lifting action.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the motorized device operates on conventional 110 volts, 60 hertz power and is connected to a standard power outlet.