Toilet seat hand lifter

Abstract

An apparatus for raising and lowering toilet seating parts, such as a toilet seat or a seat cover or lid, can be placed on a toilet. A lifting means, such as a bar or lever, connects to the toilet seating part. The lifting means is mounted on a beam, and as the beam rotates, so does the lifting means. A placing means, such as an anchor or clip, holds the apparatus in place. A handle is attached to the beam to rotate the beam and lift or lower the toilet seating part.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

N/A

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a nonprovisional utility patent application claiming the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/341,088.

BACKGROUND

When a person is going to use a toilet, he or she has to touch and lift the toilet seat. If toilet has a seat cover, then it has to be touched and lifted too. Conventional bathroom toilet seats do not provide a mechanism to hygienically raise the toilet seat. To lift it, users need to manually become in direct contact with the surface of the toilet seat. This is unsanitary and spreads diseases. Also, because it is a health risk to contact the toilet seat manually, many people opt to discharge fluids without lifting the toilet seat, spreading furthermore contamination.

SUMMARY

I invented an apparatus that raises and lowers toilet seating parts, such as toilet seats and toilet seating covers (or toilet seating lids), on toilets or commodes. Because some toilets only have a toilet seat and not a seat cover, some of the embodiments of the invention only operate on the toilet seat. However, these embodiments may also be used on toilets with both a seat and a cover to operate on either the toilet seat or the seat cover or lid. For users which want to control both the toilet seat and the toilet seat lid without having direct contact with the seat or lid, other embodiments will follow which connect to and operate both the toilet seat and the lid.

A particular advantage of the present invention is that it does not disturb the immediate surrounding of the toilet seat. Therefore, a person seating on the toilet will not be bothered by the handle or other parts of the apparatus. Also, a person who does not wish to use the apparatus may directly touch the toilet seat or toilet seating part without using the apparatus.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus that allows a person or user to raise and lower the toilet seat, the toilet lid, or a toilet seating part without direct contact with the seat, lid, or part. An apparatus having features of the present invention comprises:

(a) a beam;
(b) a support, the beam is held by the support and the support allows the beam to rotate in place;
(c) a handle to operate the beam, the handle is connected to the beam whereby the beam rotates as the handle is moved; and
(d) a toilet part supporter, the toilet part supporter is connected to the beam and the toilet part supporter acts on the toilet seating part to move the toilet seating part from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the beam.
If a toilet seat, a toilet lid, or any other similar toilet seating part is attached or connected to the toilet part supporter, then moving the handle will cause the apparatus to move the toilet seating part.

Optionally, the apparatus may have the beam comprise two distal ends and a lateral surface, with the lateral surface comprising an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides, while also have the toilet part supporter comprising: an at least one lifting sleeve, the at least one lifting sleeve comprises: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the beam, each of the at least one lifting sleeve is mounted to the beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the beam, whereby rotation of the beam provokes rotation of the at least one sleeve; and a toilet part holder, the toilet part holder is connected to each of the at least one sleeve and acts on the toilet seating part, whereby rotation of the at least one sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet part holder.

Another optional feature may be obtained in which the support comprises an at least one support sleeve, the beam is mounted in each of the at least one support sleeve, whereby the beam rotates inside each of the at least one support sleeve. To this, the following features may be added: (a) the beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and (b) the toilet part supporter comprises: an at least one lifting sleeve, the at least one lifting sleeve comprises: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the beam, each of the at least one lifting sleeve is mounted to the beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the beam, whereby rotation of the beam provokes rotation of the at least one sleeve; and a toilet part holder, the toilet part holder is connected to each of the at least one sleeve and acts on the toilet seating part, whereby rotation of the at least one sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet part holder.

In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus having features of the present invention comprises:

(a) a seat actuating beam;
(b) a lid actuating beam;
(c) a support, the seat actuating beam and the lid actuating beam are held by the support, and the support allows both the seat actuating beam and the lid actuating beam each to rotate in place;
(d) a seat actuating handle to operate the seat actuating beam, the seat actuating handle is connected to the seat actuating beam whereby the seat actuating beam rotates as the seat actuating handle is moved;
(e) a lid actuating handle to operate the lid actuating beam, the lid actuating handle is connected to the lid actuating beam whereby the lid actuating beam rotates as the lid actuating handle is moved;
(f) a toilet seat supporter, the toilet seat supporter is connected to the seat actuating beam and the toilet seat supporter acts on the toilet seat to move the toilet seat from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the seat actuating beam; and
(g) a toilet lid supporter, the toilet lid supporter is connected to the lid actuating beam and the toilet lid supporter acts on the toilet seat lid to move the toilet seat lid from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the lid actuating beam.

Optional Features for the Apparatus Comprise:

(a) the seat actuating beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a cylindrical diameter and the seat actuating beam comprises an at least one portion defining an at least one groove; and (b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve comprises: an at least one internal protrusion at the inside of the at least one seat actuating sleeve and an internal diameter, the internal diameter is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

Another optional feature is an apparatus in which the seat actuating beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides.

Yet another optional features is an apparatus in which: (a) the seat actuating beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and (b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least on seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

The user may also choose to, as additional features, an apparatus in which the support comprises: at least two support sleeves, the seat actuating beam being mounted in at least one of the at least two support sleeves, the lid actuating beam being mounted in at least one of the at least two support sleeves, with both the seat actuating beam and the lid actuating beam rotating with respect to the support. The user may also choose, for example features of an apparatus in which at least a pair of the at least two support sleeves are connected to each other, the seat actuating beam is located through one of the pair of the at least two support sleeves and the lid actuating beam is mounted through the other of the pair, or features of an apparatus in which: (a) the seat actuating beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and (b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least on seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus having features of the present invention comprises:

(a) a seat actuating beam, the seat actuating beam being hollow and comprising two distal ends, an external lateral surface, a portion of one of the two distal ends defining an opening, and a portion of the external lateral surface defining an at least one hole;
(b) a lid actuating beam, the lid actuating beam is mounted inside the seat actuating beam and rotates with respect to the seat actuating beam;
(c) a support, the seat actuating beam is held by the support and the support allows the seat actuating beam to rotate in place;
(d) a seat actuating handle to operate the seat actuating beam, the seat actuating handle is connected to the seat actuating beam, whereby the seat actuating beam rotates as the seat actuating handle is moved;
(e) a lid actuating handle to operate the lid actuating beam, the lid actuating handle is connected to the lid actuating beam, whereby the lid actuating beam rotates as the lid actuating handle is moved;
(f) a toilet seat supporter for raising and lowering the toilet seat, the toilet seat supporter is connected to the seat actuating beam and the toilet seat supporter acts on the toilet seat to move the toilet seat from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the seat actuating beam; and
(g) a toilet lid supporter for raising and lowering the toilet seat lid, the toilet lid supporter is connected to the lid actuating beam through the at least one hole of the seat actuated beam and the toilet lid supporter acts on the toilet seat lid to move the toilet seat lid from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the lid actuating beam.

As an alternative, the apparatus may comprise features in which the seat actuating handle comprises a portion defining an aperture, and the lid actuating handle is connected to the lid actuating beam through the aperture of the seat actuating handle.

As another alternative, the apparatus may comprise features in which: (a) the internal lateral surface of the seat actuating beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises a cylindrical diameter and an at least one portion defining an at least one groove; and (b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve comprises: an at least one internal protrusion at the inside of the at least one seat actuating sleeve and an internal diameter, the internal diameter is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the internal diameter while each of the at least one internal protrusion fits into the at least one groove of the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

Other optional features are those in which the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides.

As an additional alternative, the apparatus may have features in which (a) the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and (b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one seat actuating sleeve, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

Other optional features are those in which the support comprises an at least one support sleeve, the seat actuating beam is mounted in each of the at least one support sleeve, whereby the seat actuating beam rotates inside each of the at least one support sleeve. A user may also choose features in which: (a) the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises an at least three sides whereby a cross-section of the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and (b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one seat actuating sleeve, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

The invention itself, both as to its configuration and its mode of operation and its features, aspects, and advantages, will be best understood, and additional objects and advantages thereof will become apparent, by the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

The Applicant hereby asserts, that the disclosure of the present application may include more than one invention, and, in the event that there is more than one invention, that these inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respect to the other.

Further, the purpose of the accompanying abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated herein constitute part of the specifications and illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus with features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a bottom view of a toilet part supporter.

FIG. 5B is a side view of a toilet part supporter.

FIG. 5C is a front view of a toilet part supporter.

FIG. 5D is a side view of an alternative toilet part supporter.

FIG. 6A is a top view of an another alternative toilet part supporter.

FIG. 6B is a side view of an another alternative toilet part supporter.

FIG. 6C is a front view of an another alternative toilet part supporter.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a beam.

FIG. 7B is a front and back view of the ends of a beam.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an alternative beam.

FIG. 7D is a front and back view of the ends of the alternative beam.

FIG. 7E is a perspective view of another alternative beam.

FIG. 7D is a front and back view of the ends of the another alternative beam.

FIG. 8A is a top view of a support.

FIG. 8B is a side view of a support.

FIG. 8C is a back view of a support.

FIG. 8D is a side view of an alternative support.

FIG. 9A is a top view of a handle.

FIG. 9B is a side view of a handle.

FIG. 9C is a front view of a handle.

FIG. 9D is a side view of an alternative handle.

FIG. 9E is a side view of another alternative handle.

FIG. 10A is a side view of a stop.

FIG. 10B is a front view of a stop.

FIG. 10C is a side view of an alternative stop.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a section of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a beam inside another beam.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a beam inside another beam.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and raising and lowering toilet seat parts.

A “toilet seat part” or “toilet seating part”, for purposes of this specification and the claims, is any component that may be placed on top of a toilet related to the purposes of seating on the toilet or covering the toilet or covering the toilet seat. Such toilet seat parts may be the toilet seat itself and the toilet seat cover. The toilet seat cover is sometimes referred to as a lid or toilet seat lid. An apparatus which comprises, incorporates, or shows features of the present invention may be referred to as an “apparatus” or “lifter”.

FIG. 1 shows a lifter 10, which has a beam 101, a handle 300, a support 200, two stops 600, and two toilet part supporters 400. Lifter 10 may be implemented to assist a user in lifting and lowering a toilet seat or a toilet seating part without directly touching the seat or the toilet seating part, by moving the handle 300.

A beam may have multiple sides on its lateral surface. The sides may be plane-like, without curves, or curve like. The beam may also be partially or completely cylindrical. In FIG. 1, beam 101 is shown to have four sides on its lateral surface 111, which can be observed from looking at the distal end 121. A lifter may be manufactured from any material or combinations of materials, such as plastics or metals. I suggest to use a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, as these materials are strong and last multiple and continuous lifting and lowering of toilet seats and lids.

Handle 300 has a sleeve 330 with a shape that matches and fits beam 101. The handle may be glued, soldered, snapped, nailed or screwed into position. Because the handle is the part of the lifter that users will operate, the handle should be oriented and directed in a manner that will facilitate access to users. Also, the length of the beam will determine how far away the handle will be from the toilet. So an appropriate handle size and beam distance will allow the lifter to operate while having the handle not obstruct the use of the toilet, particularly not having the handle obstruct the thighs of users seating on a toilet with an implemented lifter.

A toilet part supporter will support a toilet seating part. A lifter or its beam may be manufactured so that the beam already includes protrusions or members that function as a toilet part supporter. In FIG. 1, both toilet part supporters 400 mounted on the beam 101, as they are placed with the same orientation with respect to the beam 101, and both toilet part supporters 400 have a toilet part holder 401. Toilet part holder 401 is the component of the toilet part supporter that comes in direct contact with the toilet seat, the toilet seat cover, or the toilet seating part. A toilet part holder may be a bar, beam, or attachment mechanism that is capable to be connected to or capable to hold a toilet seating part. A toilet part holder may be glued, screwed, inserted into, or otherwise attached to a toilet seating part. In FIG. 1, each toilet part holder 401 has two holes 402, which may be used to insert screws and through them to attach to a toilet seating part. Both toilet part supporter 400 also have a sleeve 430. Although one toilet part holder may connect to multiple sleeves, and alternatively, a single sleeve may branch out to multiple toilet part holders, in FIG. 1, each toilet part supporter 400 has only one sleeve 430 branching to one toilet part holder 401. Notice that the geometrical shape made by a cross-section of beam 101, in FIG. 1 making a square, is matched by the geometrical shape of the hollow internal portion 700 of the lifting sleeve 430, which can be observed in FIG. 5B. With the configuration described, toilet part supporters 400 will not change their angle with respect to beam 101, but they may move across beam 101. If a toilet seating part were to be installed with lifter 10, then both toilet part supporters would be fixed in position with the toilet seating part and they would not move across beam 101. However, there are ways to prevent toilet part supporters 400 movement across beam 101, such as placing additional stops 600, manufacturing the sleeves or the toilet part supporter as an integral component with the beam, or placing a nail or screw that reaches beam 101 through each sleeve 430.

Lifter 10 also has two supports 200. Each support 200 holds beam 101 while allowing beam 101 to rotate in place. Each support has a support sleeve 231, and a connector 201, which connects or anchors each support 200 to the toilet. Alternatives to creating a support are to have the support be an integral member of the toilet structure, so that there is no need for a connector 201, so that the toilet already has a support, such as a holder for a beam or a support sleeve or an equivalent structure, close to the toilet opening where the toilet seating part would normally be attached when there is no lifter implemented. Connector 201 may be any anchor, attachment, or structure that fixes support 200 to a toilet.

Assuming that each toilet part supporters 400 is fixed in position with respect to each other (as when they are attached to a toilet seat), and that each support 200 is also fixed with respect to each other (as when they are anchored to the toilet), then there is nothing stopping beam 101 from sliding back and forth through the hollow support sleeves 231 and the lifting sleeves 430. To prevent sliding from happening, you may glue or solder the beam to toilet part supporters 400. Alternatively, FIG. 1 shows two stops 600. Although the order of the pieces may be interchanged as a matter of design, FIG. 1 shows, from left to right, a stop 600, followed by a support 200, followed by a toilet part supporter 400, then space, and then again another toilet part supporter 400, followed by a support 200, followed by a stop 600. The leftmost stop 600 prevents the beam 101 from sliding to the right, and the rightmost stop 600 prevent the beam 101 from sliding to the left. In FIG. 1, each stop 600 is a hollow sleeve with a hole 403, which permits the insertion of a nail or screw to fix the position of each stop 600 with respect to the beam 101. Likewise, it may be chosen for stop 600 to be glued or soldered, or it to be snapped into position. For example, instead of stop 600 being a sleeve, one may choose to just hammer a nail on the lateral surface of beam 101, so that when the beam 101 slides, the nail hits a piece such as the supports 200 and the beam 101 does not slide further.

FIG. 2 shows lifter 11, which is the same as lifter 10 in FIG. 1, but two additional toilet part supporters. As shown in FIG. 2, toilet part supporters 400 will function as toilet seat supporters, and toilet part supporters 500 are toilet lid supporters. Although the position is a matter of design, FIG. 2 show toilet lid supporters 500 each between toilet seat supporters 400 and stops 600. Each toilet lid supporter 500 has a sleeve 530 and a lid holder 501 attached to the sleeve 530. Because the lid will generally be on top of the toilet seat, notice that when lid holder 501 are parallel to seat supporters 401, lid holder 501 will be in a higher position. Unlike sleeves 430, the toilet lid sleeves 530 should be circular or otherwise have a shape that allows the unimpeded rotation of lid sleeve 530 with respect to beam 101, so that the toilet seat part to be attached to toilet seat holder 401 may be raised and lowered regardless of the position of the lid and the lid holders 501. The lid holder 501 may have similar aspects as seat holder 401 (or attach to the lid or to a toilet seating part in a completely different manner), and in FIG. 2 each lid holder 501 has two holes 402 for inserting screws. This is the preferred embodiment, as it is simple to build and install, and can manage both a toilet seat and a toilet seat cover or lid.

FIG. 3 also shows a lifter 12 which is similar to lifter 10 of FIG. 1, except that lifter 12 has a cylindrical beam 102 instead of a rectangular, lateral side beam 101. The cylindrical aspect of beam 102 may be observed from distal end 122. Lifter 12 also comprises two stops 650, two supports 200, toilet seating supporters 450, and a handle 310. Handle 310 has a sleeve 331, which is cylindrical so that it matches the shape of beam 102. Like with handle 300, handle 310 may be configured differently, as it may be glued, soldered, nailed, or otherwise be made part of the lifter combination. A beam may also be manufactured as to already incorporate a handle in its structure. Compared to stops 600, stops 650 have cylindrical internal hollow portions 710 to match the shape of beam 102; however, because the main aspect of each stop 650 is to block the sliding of the beam 102, even a stop with a hollow internal portion that does not match the shape of beam 102 (and even a stop that does not surround the beam) may prevent the beam from sliding.

Toilet part supporters 450 have sleeves 431. Sleeves 431 may have cylindrical hollow internal portions 710 as shown in FIG. 5D. To fix the angular position of toilet part supporters 450 with respect to the beam 102, one could solder, glue, screw, nail, or otherwise fix the parts together. Alternatively, FIG. 5D shows a sleeve 431 with internal protrusions 715. Beam 102 may, as in FIG. 7C, have grooves 720 on its surface at the positions of both sleeves 431, so that a sleeve 431 comprising internal protrusions 715 will be fixed in its position with respect to the beam. A beam may also have one or more grooves on its surface all along the length of the beam, such as beam 175 in FIG. 7E, to enable an easy mounting of a sleeve with protrusions that match the positions of the grooves of the beam by inserting the beam into the sleeve from a distal end of the beam to a desired position.

As between lifter 10 and lifter 12, the main difference between lifter 11 and lifter 13 is the cylindrical beam 102. Lifter 13 in FIG. 4 has the same configuration as lifter 12 except for the additional toilet lid supporters 500. Although the position of the pieces is a matter of design, FIG. 4 shows lifter 13 with, mounted on beam 102 from left to right from the first distal end of the beam 102, a stop 650 followed by a toilet lid supporter 500, followed by a support 200, followed by a toilet seat supporter 450, then space in the beam followed by toilet seat supporter 650, followed by support 200, followed by toilet lid supporter 500, followed by stop 650, them more space, and then handle 310 mounted at the second distal end of the beam 102. Notice that toilet lid supporters 500, in the configurations of lifters 11 and 13, does not exert force or action through on to the toilet lid or another seating part except to hold the lid. Toilet lid supporters 500 in the configurations of lifters 11 and 13 rotate on corresponding beam without regard to the beam, and the corresponding beams rotate without regard to the position of the toilet lid supporters 500 (in fact, lifters 11 and 13 would still work and operate on toilet seating parts attached to toilet part holders or toilet seat holders 401 even if there was no toilet seating part attached to toilet lid holders 500). Toilet lid supporters 500 have a cylindrical sleeve 530 in order to minimize the resistance of movement of the beam 101 and 102.

Looking at some of the sample components of lifters, FIGS. 5A to 5D show toilet part supporters. FIG. 5A is a bottom view of toilet part supporter 400. FIG. 5B is a side view of a toilet part supporter 400. FIG. 5C is a front view of a toilet part supporter 400. FIG. 5D is a side view of a toilet part supporter 450. Toilet part supporters 400 and 450 will generally be toilet seat supporters, and their toilet part holder 401 will generally be a toilet seat holder attached to the corresponding sleeve. The hollow internal portions of the sleeves may vary. FIG. 5B shows a square sleeve 700, while FIG. 5D shows a cylindrical hollow portion 710 with internal sleeve protrusions 715. All toilet part holders in FIGS. 5A to 5D show holes 402 and toilet part holders 401. Notice that the direction of toilet part holder 401 is not aligned with the center of the sleeves of the toilet part supporters 400 and 450. Therefore, when mounting a toilet part supporter on a beam such as those in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the inclination of the toilet seating part may be affected by the orientation of mounting of the toilet part supporter on the corresponding beam. Mounting multiple toilet part supporters with different orientations with respect to the beam will allow for attachment of multiple toilet seating parts.

FIGS. 6A to 6C show toilet part supporters 500 that will generally not be fixed in an angular position with respect to the corresponding beam. FIG. 6A shows a top view of a toilet part supporter 500. FIG. 6B shows a side view of a toilet part supporter 500. FIG. 6C shows a front view of a toilet part supporter 500. All FIGS. 6A to 6C show holes 402 on toilet part holders 501 and sleeve 530, with FIG. 6B showing a hollow internal portion 710 of a cylindrical shape. Toilet part supporters 500 will generally be toilet lid supporters. To achieve the toilet part supporters 500 freedom from the angular position of the corresponding beam, the sleeve of the toilet part supporters 500 may have a cylindrical hollow portion 710. Another option is to implement the toilet part supporters by attaching toilet part holder 501 to a wheel (as opposed to a sleeve). The wheel may be part of the beam itself, or the center of the wheel may be held by the beam or another support.

FIGS. 7A to 7F show beams. FIG. 7A shows a side view of a beam 101 with lateral sides, the figure showing side 111. FIG. 7A also shows an optional opening 775. Additional similar openings may be placed on different parts of different beams (such as openings on the lateral surface or sides of beams to receive screws to mount stops on the beam). FIG. 7B shows both distal ends 121 of beam 101, one of the distal ends showing opening 775. FIG. 7C shows a beam 150 with grooves 720 and distal end 122. FIG. 7D shows both distal ends 122 of beam 150, one of the distal ends 122 with opening 775. FIG. 7E shows beam 175 with grooves 720 that go along through the length of the beam. This simplifies the mounting of sleeves such as a sleeve 431 with internal protrusions 715 as in FIG. 5D, as the device with a sleeve of the type as that of sleeve with protrusions 715 may be slid through to the desired position in the beam, and such a sleeve will maintain a fixed angular position with respect to the beam. FIG. 7F shows both distal ends of the beam 175, one distal end showing an opening 775, the beam 175 having two grooves 720.

FIGS. 8A to 8D show supports. FIG. 8A shows a top view of support 200. FIG. 8B shows a side view of support 200 with sleeve 231 with a hollow internal cylindrical space 710. FIG. 8C is a back view of support 200 showing the back of sleeve 231. FIG. 8D is a side view of a support 250, which has two sleeves 231, each with hollow portions 710. FIGS. 8B, 8C, and 8D show connector 201, which should be designed and prepared to match and fit or otherwise be attachable to the toilet on which the lifter will be implemented. The anchoring to the toilet should be secure, as a flexible connection may result in an unstable lifter. The particular connector 201 in FIGS. 8B to 8D is an opening that allows fitting into an screw or attachment found at the toilet.

FIGS. 9A to 9E show handles or levers. FIG. 9A is a top view of a handle 300 with an opening 375 for placing a screw or otherwise securing the handle to a beam, taking advantage of beam opening 775, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7D, and 7F. FIG. 9B is a side view of handle 300 showing the inside hollow portion 700 of sleeve 330. FIG. 9C is a front view of handle 300. Sleeve 330 of handle 300 is shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C along with internal hollow space 700. FIG. 9D shows a handle 310 with a sleeve 331 having a circular hollow internal portion 710, and also showing opening 375. Handle 311 of FIG. 9E is like handle 310 of FIG. 9D, but with protrusions 715 at sleeve 331. Attention has to be paid to the manner of fixing the handle 310 to the beam so that the sleeve 331 of handle 310 does not just roll on a beam. Ways to address the connection of handle 310 to the beam are to tightly screw the beam and the handle 310, or to place glue or to solder them together.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show stop 600, comprising a hole 403 and a hollow internal space 700. FIG. 10C shows stop 650, with circular hollow space 710 and hole 403.

Hole 403 allows for the insertion of a screw or member to fix the position of the stop. The screw, nail or member should have a part of it inside the beam and a part of it still within hole 403 so that the stop is fixed in place.

Distances, sizes, and shapes of pieces and elements as disclosed, such as the shape and size of an hollow internal portion or space 700, may vary from element to element. For example, the size and diameter of a first sleeve 231 of a support 250 does not have to be the same as that of a second sleeve 231 of the support 250. Likewise, the diameter of a sleeve 231 of a support 200 does not have to be equal to that of a toilet lid supporter 500. The general operation of a lifter just requires that the beams and pieces fit into place and that they can move as intended.

FIG. 11 shows a lifter 14. Lifter 14 has the same features as lifter 13 of FIG. 4, except that beam 102 is replaced with beam 175, and handle 300 is replaced with handle 331. Instead of the grooves being limited to the position of the toilet seat supporters 400, the grooves go through the length of the beam 175. Notice that adding additional grooves is not likely to affect the operation of the lifter 14.

FIG. 12 is a view of a section of a lifter, such as lifter 13, except that the beam in FIG. 12 has no grooves, and a new toilet part supporter 450A is presented, which comprises a toilet part support 401 and a sleeve with no protrusions. The sleeve of toilet part supporter 450A has a hole 403 so that it may be fixed to the cylindrical beam in the figure, similarly to how a stop would be fixed to the beam.

FIG. 13 shows lifter 15. Lifter 15 is similar to lifter 10 of FIG. 1, but the supports 200 are substituted with supports 250. This allows the lifter 15 to have two beams. Each beam 101 of lifter 15 is held in place by supports 250. The second beam 101 has a handle 300 to the left side, showing opening 775 at the handle. The configuration of elements has been changed in the second beam 101, as the toilet lid supporters are placed next to the stops 600. From right to left, the second beam has mounted on it a stop 600, followed by a toilet lid supporter 400, followed by a support 250, followed by space, followed by a second support 250, followed by a second toilet lid supporter 400, followed by a second stop 600, followed by space and ending with a handle 300 mounted on the beam. Assuming both the toilet seat and lid are down, using the right hand handle 300 to raise the seat will also raise the lid, but raising the lid will not raise the seat to a vertical position. Likewise, assuming both the seat and lid are up on the toilet, lowering the lid will also lower the toilet seat, but lowering the seat will not lower the lid.

The same concept of lifter 15 may be replicated with cylindrical beams, beams of other shapes, or combinations of different types of beams.

FIG. 14 shows a lifter 16. Lifter 16 is also similar to lifter 10, but instead of having a beam 101, is has a beam 1000 that has a hollow portion and has holes 1500 on its surface. A cylindrical beam 2000 goes into distal end 1001 of beam 1000. The toilet part supporters 450 that are mounted on cylindrical beam 2000 may be installed by placing them inside holes 1500 and then passing the beam through them. Cylindrical beam 2000 could have a groove for toilet part supporters 450 to snap into. An option not shown is having cylindrical beam 2000 comprise one or more grooves along the length of the beam 2000 to ease the installing of toilet part supporters 450. Another alternative is to have a mechanism from the beam for toilet part supporters to snap or connect to, or to screw or nail the toilet part supporters once the pieces are in place.

To see how a beam could fit into another beam, FIGS. 15A and 15B show a cylindrical beam 5000 inside a regular beam 6000. In FIG. 15A, the cylindrical beam is partially inserted from right to left. In FIG. 15B, the cylindrical beam is completely inserted into the rectangular beam. Openings 6500 provide access to cylindrical beam 5000, similar to how openings 1500 of lifter 16 provide access to cylindrical beam 2000 through beam 1000.

While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by this invention as defined in the following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All, or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be incorporable at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentable distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.

Claims

1. An apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seating part on a toilet, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a beam;

(b) a support, the beam is held by the support and the support allows the beam to rotate in place;

(c) a handle to operate the beam, the handle is connected to the beam, whereby the beam rotates as the handle is moved; and

(d) a toilet part supporter, the toilet part supporter is connected to the beam and the toilet part supporter acts on the toilet seating part to move the toilet seating part from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the beam.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which:

(a) the beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a cylindrical diameter and an at least one portion defining an at least one groove; and

(b) the toilet part supporter comprises: an at least one sleeve, each of the at least one sleeve comprises: an at least one internal protrusion at the inside of the at least one sleeve and an internal diameter, the internal diameter is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the beam, each of the at least one sleeve is mounted to the beam through the internal diameter while each of the at least one internal protrusion fits into the at least one groove of the beam, whereby rotation of the beam provokes rotation of each of the at least one sleeve; and a toilet part holder, the toilet part holder is connected to each of the at least one sleeve and acts on the toilet seating part, whereby rotation of the at least one sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet part holder.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which:

(a) the beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, in which:

(a) the beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and

(b) the toilet part supporter comprises: an at least one lifting sleeve, the at least one lifting sleeve comprises: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the beam, each of the at least one lifting sleeve is mounted to the beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the beam, whereby rotation of the beam provokes rotation of the at least one sleeve; and a toilet part holder, the toilet part holder is connected to each of the at least one sleeve and acts on the toilet seating part, whereby rotation of the at least one sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet part holder.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the support comprises:

an at least one support sleeve, the beam is mounted in each of the at least one support sleeve, whereby the beam rotates inside each of the at least one support sleeve.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, in which:

(a) the beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and

(b) the toilet part supporter comprises: an at least one lifting sleeve, the at least one lifting sleeve comprises: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the beam, each of the at least one lifting sleeve is mounted to the beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the beam, whereby rotation of the beam provokes rotation of the at least one sleeve; and a toilet part holder, the toilet part holder is connected to each of the at least one sleeve and acts on the toilet seating part, whereby rotation of the at least one sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet part holder.

7. An apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat and a toilet seat lid on a toilet, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a seat actuating beam;

(b) a lid actuating beam;

(c) a support, the seat actuating beam and the lid actuating beam are held by the support, and the support allows both the seat actuating beam and the lid actuating beam each to rotate in place;

(d) a seat actuating handle to operate the seat actuating beam, the seat actuating handle is connected to the seat actuating beam, whereby the seat actuating beam rotates as the seat actuating handle is moved;

(e) a lid actuating handle to operate the lid actuating beam, the lid actuating handle is connected to the lid actuating beam, whereby the lid actuating beam rotates as the lid actuating handle is moved;

(f) a toilet seat supporter, the toilet seat supporter is connected to the seat actuating beam and the toilet seat supporter acts on the toilet seat to move the toilet seat from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the seat actuating beam; and

(g) a toilet lid supporter, the toilet lid supporter is connected to the lid actuating beam and the toilet lid supporter acts on the toilet seat lid to move the toilet seat lid from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the lid actuating beam.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, in which:

(a) the seat actuating beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a cylindrical diameter and the seat actuating beam comprises an at least one portion defining an at least one groove; and

(b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve comprises: an at least one internal protrusion at the inside of the at least one seat actuating sleeve and an internal diameter, the internal diameter is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, in which:

the seat actuating beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, in which:

(a) the seat actuating beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and

(b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least on seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, in which the support comprises:

at least two support sleeves, the seat actuating beam being mounted in at least one of the at least two support sleeves, the lid actuating beam being mounted in at least one of the at least two support sleeves, with both the seat actuating beam and the lid actuating beam rotating with respect to the support.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, in which:

at least a pair of the at least two support sleeves are connected to each other, the seat actuating beam is located through one of the pair of the at least two support sleeves and the lid actuating beam is mounted through the other of the pair.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, in which:

(a) the seat actuating beam comprises two distal ends and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and

(b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least on seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one lifting sleeve with the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

14. An apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat and a toilet seat lid on a toilet, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a seat actuating beam, the seat actuating beam being hollow and comprising two distal ends, an external lateral surface, a portion of one of the two distal ends defining an opening, and a portion of the external lateral surface defining an at least one hole;

(b) a lid actuating beam, the lid actuating beam is mounted inside the seat actuating beam and is able to rotate in place;

(c) a support, the seat actuating beam is held by the support and the support allows the seat actuating beam to rotate in place;

(d) a seat actuating handle to operate the seat actuating beam, the seat actuating handle is connected to the seat actuating beam, whereby the seat actuating beam rotates as the seat actuating handle is moved;

(e) a lid actuating handle to operate the lid actuating beam, the lid actuating handle is connected to the lid actuating beam, whereby the lid actuating beam rotates as the lid actuating handle is moved;

(f) a toilet seat supporter for raising and lowering the toilet seat, the toilet seat supporter is connected to the seat actuating beam and the toilet seat supporter acts on the toilet seat to move the toilet seat from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the seat actuating beam; and

(g) a toilet lid supporter for raising and lowering the toilet seat lid, the toilet lid supporter is connected to the lid actuating beam through the at least one hole of the seat actuated beam and the toilet lid supporter acts on the toilet seat lid to move the toilet seat lid from a horizontal position to a vertical position and from a vertical position to a horizontal position depending on the direction of the rotation of the lid actuating beam.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, in which:

the seat actuating handle comprises a portion defining an aperture, and the lid actuating handle is connected to the lid actuating beam through the aperture of the seat actuating handle.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, in which:

(a) the internal lateral surface of the seat actuating beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam is substantially cylindrical in shape and the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises a cylindrical diameter and an at least one portion defining an at least one groove; and

(b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve comprises: an at least one internal protrusion at the inside of the at least one seat actuating sleeve and an internal diameter, the internal diameter is at least as long as the cylindrical diameter of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the internal diameter while each of the at least one internal protrusion fits into the at least one groove of the seat actuating beam, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, in which:

the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, in which:

(a) the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and

(b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one seat actuating sleeve, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, in which the support comprises:

an at least one support sleeve, the seat actuating beam is mounted in each of the at least one support sleeve, whereby the seat actuating beam rotates inside each of the at least one support sleeve.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, in which:

(a) the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam further comprises an at least three sides, whereby a cross-section of the external lateral surface of the seat actuating beam substantially makes a geometrical shape with the at least three sides; and

(b) the toilet seat supporter comprises: an at least one seat actuating sleeve comprising: a hollow internal portion, the hollow internal portion has a shape that matches the geometrical shape of the seat actuating beam, each of the at least one seat actuating sleeve is mounted to the seat actuating beam through the hollow internal portion while fixing the angular position of the at least one seat actuating sleeve, whereby rotation of the seat actuating beam provokes rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve; and a toilet seat holder, the toilet seat holder is connected to the at least one seat actuating sleeve and acts on the toilet seat, whereby rotation of the at least one seat actuating sleeve provokes rotation of the toilet seat holder.