TOILET SEAT

Abstract

A toilet seat and method for supporting an individual atop a toilet is disclosed. The toilet seat may be configured with a first portion generally for supporting skeletal structure of an individual and a second portion generally for supporting lateral fat of the individual. The second portion may be configured to extend outwardly from the first portion generally between the back and the front of the toilet bowl. The second portion is cantilevered outward relative to the toilet bowl. The moment of pressure between the first portion and a forward portion of the individual's legs remains unchanged by approximating the second portion relative to the front end of the toilet bowl to not inhibit the individual from being able to lean forward and stand from a seated position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/030,152 filed Jul. 29, 2014 and entitled “TOILET SEAT” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to an improved toilet seat, and more particularly to a toilet seat configured to provide both skeletal and weight bearing support without limiting an individual's ability to lean forward and/or stand from a seated position.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Toilet seats are designed to support, at least in part, a person's weight while seated on a toilet. The areas of the person's body in contact with the surface of the toilet seat are the only supported areas while seated. Configuring specific portions and the surface area of those portions to be in contact with the individual while seated is key to providing adequate support for both skeletal and weight bearing purposes without limiting the individual's ability to lean forward and/or stand from the a seated position. For example, simply enlarging the entire toilet seat or supporting an individual's weight without supporting their skeletal structure is not biomedically desirable. A particular problem arises in the case of an overweight or obese person who has a weight bearing surface generally much larger than their skeletal bearing component (i.e., the amount of lateral fat may far exceed their skeletal structure). Inadequate support or misplaced support, particularly for an overweight or obese person, can limit and even decrease compression of the ischial tuberosity, sciatic nerve, lower back, and the ability to lean forward and elevate from a seated position.

It is therefore desirable to provide a toilet seat that is configured to provide both skeletal and weight bearing support without limiting an individual's ability to lean forward and/or stand from a seated position.

It is further desirable to provide a toilet seat that is configured to provide targeted support to both the skeletal and weight bearing structure of an obese or overweight person while maintaining or improving compression of the ischial tuberosity, sciatic nerve, lower back, and the ability to lean forward and elevate from a seated position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a toilet seat for use with a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim spaced between an inner and outer circumference. The seat includes, for example, a top and bottom surface spaced apart by a thickness extending between a front and back end. The bottom surface between the front and back end is supported by the upper rim of the toilet bowl. An outer portion of the top and bottom surface extends outwardly from the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl starting near the back end. The bottom surface of the outer portion is cantilevered outward away from the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl. Relative to the outer circumference meaning away for the outer circumference of the upper rim of the bowl. The outer portion also is configured to extend inwardly toward the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally before the front end to not inhibit an individual from leaning forward and standing from a seated position.

The surfaces of the inner and outer portions are typically configured with a decreasing slope from the outer edge to the inner edge of each portion. Although this specification identifies an inner and an outer portion the portions may be created together as one piece.

In another embodiment, the invention is a toilet seat configured for supporting an overweight person seated atop a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim spaced between an inner and outer circumference. The seat may be configured with a first portion generally for supporting the skeletal structure of an individual. The first portion has a thickness extending between a front and back end. The thickness of the first portion may be designed to decrease toward the front of the seat. The first portion between the front and back end is supported by the upper rim of the toilet bowl. The seat is configured with a second portion generally for supporting the lateral fat of an individual. The second portion is configured, for example, to extend outwardly from the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl starting as close as practical to the back end. The second portion is cantilevered outward relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl. The second portion is also configured, for example, to extend inwardly toward the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl before the front end. Thus the second portion is designed such that the distance between its outer and inner edges decreases toward the front of the bowl with the overhang beyond the outer circumference of the upper ring of the bowl also decreases toward the front of the bowl. A moment of pressure between the first portion and a forward portion of the individual's legs remains unchanged by the second portion so as to not inhibit the individual from leaning forward and standing from a seated position.

In another embodiment, the invention is a method for supporting an overweight person atop a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim spaced between an inner and outer circumference. The method includes generally supporting skeletal structure of the overweight person with a first portion having a thickness extending between a front and back end and generally supporting lateral fat of the overweight person with a second portion. The second portion may be configured to extend outwardly from the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally near the back end and is cantilevered outward relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl. The second portion may also be configured to extend inwardly toward the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally before the front end. Keeping a moment of pressure between the first portion and a forward portion of the overweight person's legs unchanged by approximating the second portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl toward the front end of the first portion does not restrict the overweight person's ability to lean forward and stand from a seated position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the various exemplary aspects of the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 isometric view of the toilet seat in combination with a toilet according to an exemplary aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an individual seated atop the toilet seat.

PARTS LIST
10  toilet seat
12  toilet seat first portion
14  first portion top surface
16  first portion bottom surface
18  toilet seat thickness
20  front end of toilet seat
22  back end of toilet seat
24  first portion inner edge
26  first portion outer edge
28  hinge connector
30  second or outer portion of toilet seat
32  top surface of outer portion
34  bottom surface of outer portion
36  outer portion thickness
38  outer portion outer edge
40  moment of pressure
100 toilet
102 toilet bowl
104 upper rim
106 inner circumference of toilet seat
108 outer circumference of toilet seat

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 of the present invention provide exemplary disclosure and embodiments for a toilet seat configured to provide both skeletal and weight bearing support without limiting an individual's ability to lean forward/or stand from a seated position. The toilet seat 10 is configured for use in combination with a toilet 100 having, for example, a bowl 102 extending generally upwardly terminating in an upper rim 104 spaced between an inner circumference 106 and an outer circumference 108. The toilet seat 10 may be configured with one or more hinge connectors 28 pivotally attaching the seat 10 to the upper rim 104 of the toilet 100. The hinge connectors 28 allow the toilet seat 10 to be articulated between vertical (i.e., an up position) and horizontal (i.e., a down position) positions. The toilet seat 10 is used in the horizontal or down position.

The toilet seat 10 includes a first portion 12 configured general akin to a traditional style toilet seat. The first portion 12 includes a top surface 14 and opposite bottom surface spaced apart by a thickness 18 of the seat 10. The thickness 18 may be designed to decrease toward the front of the toilet bowl. The top surface 14 and bottom surface 16 terminate at an inner edge 24 which generally approximates the contour of the inner circumference 106 of the toilet 100. The inner edge 24 of the toilet seat 10 may be configured to be cantilevered over the inner circumference 106 of the toilet 100 when located in the down or horizontal position. The top surface 14 and bottom surface 16 also terminate in an outer edge 26 which generally approximates the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102. The top surface 14 and bottom surface 16 of the first portion 12 of the toilet seat 10 extend generally between the front end 20 which generally approximates the front of the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102 and the back end 22 which is generally proximate the back of the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102.

When the toilet seat 10 is in the horizontal or down position the bottom surface 16 of the first portion 12 is supported by the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface 16 of the first portion 12 is in contact, at least at one or more points, with the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102 generally from the back end 22 to the front end 20. For example, one or more bumpers may be configured on the bottom surface 16 of the toilet seat 10 to be in contact with the upper rim 104 of the toilet 100 when the seat 10 is in the down position. When an individual is seated atop the toilet seat 10, the first portion 12 is configured to generally support the bone or skeletal structure of the individual. Notwithstanding the weight of the individual ranging from thin to overweight, the bone structure of the individual generally remains unchanged and therefore is supported by the top surface 14 of the first portion 12. The top surface 14 may be configured with a distal to medial slope (e.g., a decreasing slope from the outer edge 26 toward the inner edge 24.

The toilet seat 10 is also configured to include a second or outer portion 30, designed according to one aspect of the present invention, to be located between the front end 20 and back end 22 of the first portion 12. The second or outer portion 30 includes a top surface 32 integral with the top surface 14 of the first portion 12 and a bottom surface 34 integral with the bottom surface 16 of the first portion 12. The top surface 32, like the top surface 14 of the first portion 12, may be configured with a distal to medial slope (e.g., a decreasing slope from outward to inward). In one aspect of the invention, the thickness 36 of the second or outer portion 30 is configured similar to the thickness 18 of the first portion 12. In another embodiment the thickness 36 of the second or outer portion may also be greater than the first portion 12.

The top surface 32 and bottom surface 34 of the second portion 36 terminate in an outer edge 38. The outer edge 38 of the second or outer portion 30 extends outward from the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102 so that the seat 10 has a width generally greater than the width of the first portion 12. When the toilet seat 10 is in the down or horizontal position, the second or outer portion 30 is cantilevered out from the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102. Thus, the outer edge 38 of the second or outer portion 30 extends generally outwardly (i.e., away from the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104) from the back end 22 of the first portion 12, curves radially to generally follow the contour the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102, and extends inwardly toward the first portion 12 (i.e., toward the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104) approximating the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102.

The second or outer portion 30 is generally configured to widen the first portion 12 of the toilet seat 10 between the back end 22 and the front end 20. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the second or outer portion 30 widens the first portion 12 closer to the back end 22 than the front end 20. For example, the outer edge 38 of the second or outer portion 30 closer approximates the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102 as the outer edge 38 extends closer to the front end 20 of the seat 10. For applications where the seat is designed to fit in the typical public restroom stall the outer portion typically extends a maximum of 2 inches

According to one design, the front end of the first portion 12 is not widened by the second or outer portion 30 and thereby maintains an outer edge that generally approximates the contour of the outer circumference 108 of the outer rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102. The second or outer portion 30 is configured to support generally the lateral fat or weight of an individual seated atop a toilet seat 10 while the first portion 12, as previously indicated, is configured to support the bone or skeletal structure of the individual.

In use or operation, the features, functions and design/configuration of the toilet seat 10 are further defined. In the horizontal or down position, the toilet seat 10 has a first portion 12 with a bottom surface 16 support by the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102. The toilet seat 10 may be configured so that the bottom surface 16 of the first portion 12 is in contact with the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102 from the back end 22 to the front end 20 whereas the second or outer portion 30 is cantilevered over the outer circumference 108 of the outer rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102. The present invention also contemplates that one or more strengthening ribs or reinforcements may be integrally formed on or in the second or outer portion 30 and the first portion 12 for supporting the forces on the second or outer portion 30 when cantilevered over the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102.

As an individual sits atop the toilet seat 10, particularly an overweight person, the top surface 14 of the first portion 12 supports generally the bone or skeletal structure of the individual. Depending on the obesity of the individual, the lateral fat may extend inward and outward away from the skeletal or bone structure of the individual. Generally, a majority of the lateral fat is carried outwardly as opposed to inwardly. And a majority of the lateral fat will generally extend outwardly from the rear of the person not the person's sides. Thus the outer portion of the seat is designed with the maximum overhang beyond the toilet below rim starting as close to the back end 22 as practical.

The second or outer portion 30 supports the lateral fat extending outward from the bone or skeletal structure of the individual. The top surface 14 of the first portion 12 and the top surface 32 of the second or outer portion 30 create pressure or, more particularly, a moment of pressure 40 on the underside of the individual's legs. Increasing the moment of pressure 40 on the underside of the individuals legs towards his/her knees increases the difficulty of leaning forward and elevating from a seated to a standing position. Therefore, the outer edge of 38 of the second or outer portion 30 narrows to generally proximate the contour of the outer circumference 108 of the upper rim 104 of the toilet bowl 102 toward the front end 20 of the toilet seat 10 to minimize the moment of pressure 40 acting upward on the underside of the individuals legs to not inhibit the individual's ability to lean forward and elevate to a standing from a seated position.

The second or outer portion 30 in combination with the first portion 12 generally near the back end 22 of the toilet seat 10, as previously indicated, provides support for both the skeletal and lateral fat of the individual. These support points helps maintain and improve compression of the ischial tuberosity, the sciatic nerve and lower back without creating an unwanted upward pressure or moment 40 on the underside of the forward portion of the individuals legs thereby preventing or inhibiting the ability of the individual to lean forward and stand from the seated position. Conversely, widening the toilet seat 10 near the front end 20 creates a moment of pressure 40 on the underside of the individuals legs, particularly near his/her knees, that can inhibit and even prevent an individual from being able to lean forward and elevate from the seated position to a standing position. Therefore, the present invention provides both skeletal and weight bearing support without limiting an individual's ability to lean forward and/or stand from a seated position atop the toilet seat 10.

Other concerns with widening the front end 20 of the toilet seat 10 include limiting or even inhibiting the ability of the individual while seated atop the toilet seat 10 from being able to touch the ground with his or her feet and thereby control movement while seated, lean forward and even rise to the standing position. The present invention also contemplates that the toilet seat 10 may be configured as a basic circular seat where the seat approximates the contour of the outer and inner circumference of the toilet bowl without a gap in the front, an open front seat that includes a gap or opening in the front of the seat, or an elongated seat which provides additional length between the front and back end.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternative configurations and methods obvious to those skilled in the art are considered included in the invention. The description is merely examples of embodiments. For example, the exact location of the second portion relative to the first portion and the width of the second portion may be configured to provide variations or alternatives. In addition, the toilet seat style may be configured to provide other variations or alternatives. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions may be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the exemplary aspects of the disclosure accomplishes at least all of the intended objectives.

Claims

1. A toilet seat for use with a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim spaced between an inner circumference and an outer circumference, comprising:

an inner portion with a top surface and a bottom surface spaced apart by a thickness extending between a front end and a back end of the toilet seat, with the bottom surface between the front end and the back end being supported by the upper rim of the toilet bowl; and

an outer portion of the top surface and the bottom surface of the toilet seat extending outwardly from the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally near the back end, a bottom surface of the outer portion being cantilevered outward away from the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl, and created such that a distance between an inner edge and an outer edge of the outer portion decreases toward the front end of the toilet seat.

2. The toilet seat according to claim 1 wherein the top surface of the toilet seat is configured to support an individual's skeletal structure when seated.

3. The toilet seat according to claim 1 wherein the outer portion is configured to support an individual's lateral fat when seated.

4. The toilet seat according to claim 1 wherein the inner edge is designed to be consistent with the inner circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl.

5. The toilet seat according to claim 1 further comprising one or more bumpers on the bottom surface of the toilet seat.

6. The toilet seat according to claim 1 wherein the slope from the outer edge of the toilet seat to the inner edge of the toilet seat decreases toward the inner edge.

7. The toilet seat according to claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of the inner portion is cantilevered inward away from the inner circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl.

8. A toilet seat for use with a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim spaced between an inner circumference and an outer circumference, comprising:

a first portion generally for supporting skeletal structure of an individual, the first portion having a thickness extending between a front end and a back end, with the first portion between the front end and the back end being supported by the upper rim of the toilet bowl; and

a second portion generally for supporting lateral fat of the individual, the second portion extending outwardly from the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally near the back end, the second portion being cantilevered outward away from the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl, and created such that a distance between the inner edge and an outer edge decreases toward the front end of the toilet seat; wherein the toilet seat is designed with a moment of pressure between the first portion and a forward portion of the individual's legs remaining unchanged by the second portion.

9. The toilet seat according to claim 8 wherein the second portion is integrally formed with the first portion.

10. The toilet seat according to claim 8 further comprising one or more bumpers on the bottom surface of the toilet seat.

11. The toilet seat according to claim 8 wherein the slope from the outer edge of the toilet seat to the inner edge of the toilet seat decreases toward the inner edge.

12. The toilet seat according to claim 8 wherein the bottom surface of the inner portion is cantilevered inward away from the inner circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl.

13. The toilet seat according to claim 8 wherein the thickness of the second portion is greater than the thickness of the first portion.

14. The toilet seat according to claim 8 further comprising one or more strengthening ribs in the second portion of the toilet seat.

15. The toilet seat of claim 8 wherein the outer edge comprises a continuous ring generally approximating the inner circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl.

16. A method for supporting an overweight person atop a toilet having a bowl with an upper rim spaced between an inner and outer circumference, comprising:

generally supporting skeletal structure of the overweight person with a first portion having a thickness extending between a front and back end;

generally supporting lateral fat of the overweight person with a second portion extending:

outwardly from the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally near the back end, the second portion being cantilevered outward relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl;

inwardly toward the first portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl generally before the front end; and

keeping a moment of pressure between the first portion and a forward portion of the overweight person's legs unchanged by approximating the second portion relative to the outer circumference of the upper rim of the toilet bowl toward the front end of the first portion to not inhibit the overweight person from leaning forward and standing from a seated position.

17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising integrally forming the second portion with the first portion.

18. The method according to claim 16 wherein the first portion further comprises inner and outer edges spaced apart by a top and bottom surface.

19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising widening the first portion between the front and back end to form the second portion.

20. The method according to claim 16 further comprising supporting the first portion between the front and back end on the upper rim of the toilet bowl.