Closing Mechanism for Toilet

Abstract

A closing mechanism for a toilet is integrated within a pivoting member, or lid, of the toilet, providing a self-closing lid. The self-closing lid includes a sensor to detect when a user of the toilet leaves a field of view of the sensor. The sensor sends a signal to actuate a motor, which may include a closing member, to rotate the pivoting member from an open position to a closed position. Rotation is achieved by biasing engagement of the motor and/or closing member with a surface of the toilet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of previously filed co-pending application having U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/483,668, filed on May 30, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a closing mechanism for a toilet that can move one or more pivoting members from an open position to a closed position. More particularly, the present application involves a closing mechanism for a toilet that has a sensor that can determine when a user leaves the vicinity of the toilet and that automatically causes a lid and/or seat of the toilet to move from an open position down to a closed position. The closing mechanism is integral with the lid of the toilet.

BACKGROUND

Toilets are generally provided with a movable seat that can be rotated from a closed, down position to an open, up position and back as desired. Most toilets are also provided with a movable lid that can likewise be moved from a closed, down position to an open, up position and back as desired. The lid may be capable of being rotated independently of the seat such that the seat may be down and the lid may be up. Men and women use a toilet differently due to their anatomical differences and it may be the case that the seat is left in an inconvenient position for a subsequent user of the toilet in the household. Further, the lid may be inadvertently left in the open position after use of the toilet. This orientation may allow household pets to undesirably drink out of the toilet or may allow for contamination to escape the toilet when flushed or simply when the lid remains open for an extended amount of time. As such, it is desirable to immediately properly orient the seat and/or lid of a toilet to a closed position when the user gets done with the toilet and leaves the vicinity of the toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs. in which:

FIG. 1 is a top, partial cross-sectional view of a closing mechanism in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the closing mechanism of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a toilet that includes a closing mechanism in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the toilet of FIG. 3 with the pivoting members in closed positions.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the toilet of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the toilet of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a closing mechanism in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the closing mechanism of FIG. 7 attached to a toilet.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the toilet of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a toilet with another embodiment of the closing mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 along line A-A.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.

It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.

The present invention provides for a closing mechanism 10 that can be used to close a pivoting member 40 of a toilet 12 that was inadvertently left in an open position 44. The closing mechanism 10 includes a closing member 16 that can engage the pivoting member 40 and cause it to rotate from the open position 44 down to a closed position 46 once the closing mechanism 10 determines that a user 20 of the toilet 12 has left the vicinity of the toilet 12. The closing mechanism 10 includes a sensor 18 that can sense when the user 20 leaves a field of view 22 of the sensor 18. When this happens, the closing mechanism 10 may determine that the user 20 has left the toilet 12 and if the pivoting member 40 is in the open position 44 the closing mechanism 10 may effect closure. The closing mechanism 10 can be arranged so that pivoting members 40 such as lids and seats of the toilet 12 are both closed if one or both of them are inadvertently left open.

One exemplary embodiment of the closing mechanism 10 is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The closing mechanism 10 includes a frame 14 that can be made out of any suitable material such as plastic, metal or wood. The frame 14 may be generally rectangular in shape, although various shapes are possible. The closing mechanism 10 may include a sensor 18 located at a front wall of the frame 14 that has a lens, emitter, or other member oriented out of the interior of the frame 14. The sensor 18 may be carried by the frame 14 and can be completely or partially within the interior of the frame 14, or may be completely outside of the interior of the frame 14. The closing mechanism 10 can include a central processing unit 34 that may be a logic circuit in some embodiments. The central processing unit 34 may include memory that can be dynamic or solid state. The central processing unit 34 may be capable of obtaining a signal from the sensor 18 that is used to determine whether a user 20 has left the vicinity of the toilet 12. In this regard, the central processing unit 34 is in communication with the sensor 18. The communication may be one way in that a signal is sent from the sensor 18 to the central processing unit 34 but a signal is not sent from the central processing unit 34 to the sensor 18. In other arrangements, the communication may be two way in that signals are sent back and forth between the central processing unit 34 and the sensor 18. It is to be understood that as used herein, the term communication is broad enough to include both one way communication and two way communication.

The central processing unit 34 may also be capable of determining if one or more pivoting members 40 of the toilet 12 are in the open position 44 so that the central processing unit 34 can determine whether the closing mechanism 10 must act to close the pivoting member or members 40. The central processing unit 34 may be in communication with a motor 24 so that signals sent from the central processing unit 34 to the motor 24 function to turn on the motor 24 to actuate the motor 24. Again, signal communication between the central processing unit 34 and the motor 24 may be one way in that signals are only sent from the central processing unit 34 to the motor 24, or may be two way so that signals are sent both back and forth to and from the central processing unit 34 and the motor 24. In this regard, if the signal communication is two way, the motor 24 can send a signal back to the central processing unit 34 to inform the central processing unit 34 of a rotational or actuation state of the motor 24. This signal may be used to interpret the position of a closing member 16 or drive shaft 32 so that the central processing unit 34 can determine whether the pivoting member or members 40 are in an open position 44 or a closed position 46. In alternative arrangements, a sensor (not shown) may be in communication with the central processing unit 34 to inform the central processing unit 34 of whether the pivoting member 40 is open 44 or closed 46. In yet other arrangements, the closing mechanism 10 can be arranged so that knowledge of the position of the pivoting member 40 or drive shaft 32 or any positional state of the motor 24 is not necessary for the central processing unit 34 to know. The closing mechanism 10 can still function to close the pivoting member 40 when left open.

A battery 36 may also be included within the interior of the frame 14 and can be used to power both the central processing unit 34, motor 24, and sensor 18. In other arrangements, additional batteries can be included to power various components of the closing mechanism 10. The motor 24 may be completely contained within the interior of the frame 14 or may have one or more parts that protrude from the interior. Also, the apertures through which the various parts may protrude from the interior to the exterior may be sealed to prevent water from entering the interior of the frame 14 or otherwise damaging components of the closing mechanism 10. The motor 24 can be in communication with a drive shaft 32 that is a part of the motor 24 or is coupled to the motor 24. The motor 24 functions to rotate the drive shaft 32. As used herein, the term “rotation” and the term “pivoting” mean the same thing in that a member is turned in relation to another member. Rotation and pivoting need not be completely 360° rotation about an axis, but may only be partial turning about an axis that can be any degree of turning, for example the amount of rotation may be from 1°-5°, from 6°-10°, from 0°-95°, or up to 270°.

The drive shaft 32 can be in communication with a closing member 16 by way of a paddle wheel 38. Other drive train components such as gears, belts, couplers, and other shafts could be included in other arrangements. The closing member 16 engages the pivoting member 40 and urges the pivoting member 16 to a closed position 46. Rotation of the drive shaft 32 is communicated to the closing member 16 to cause rotation of the closing member 16. The closing member 16 can include a base portion 26 that has an engagement portion 27 that engages the paddle wheel 38. The base portion 26 can be rectangular in shape and may be made out of plastic, metal, wood, or any suitable material. The engagement portion 27 may be that part of the base portion 26 that is on an opposite side of a mounting pin 62 than the other part of the base portion 26 that engages a body 28 of the closing member 16. The engagement portion 27 can be integrally formed with the base portion 26 and thus essentially the same part or could be a separate part that is subsequently attached to the base portion 26.

The closing member 16 is pivotally attached to the frame 14 by way of a pin 64 that is mounted to a pair of mounting blocks 62 on opposite sides of the base portion 26 in the lateral direction 100. The mounting blocks 62 may be rigidly attached to the frame 14 and not move relative to the frame 14. The pin 62 can be attached to the mounting blocks 62 and may pivot relative to the mounting blocks 62. The base portion 26 can be rigidly attached to the pin 62 so that rotation of the base portion 26 causes the pin 62 to rotate relative to the mounting blocks 62. In other arrangements, the pin 62 can be rigidly attached to the mounting blocks 62 and the base portion 26 can rotate about pin 62. The paddle wheel 38 rotates upon rotation of the drive shaft 32 and one or more of its paddles may engage the engagement portion 27 and cause it, and thus the entire closing member 16, to rotate about the pin 64. The paddle wheel 38 rotates counter-clockwise in FIG. 2. In other exemplary embodiments, other mechanisms of causing the closing member 16 to rotate may be employed. For example, the base portion 26 may be rigidly attached to the drive shaft 32 so that rotation of the drive shaft 32 is directly translated into rotation of the base portion 26.

A body 28 of the closing member 16 is rigidly attached to the base portion 26 and extends from the base portion 26. The body 28 may have a curved portion as can be more easily seen with reference to FIG. 2. The curved portion is arranged so that a lower, concave surface of the body 28 faces towards the bowl 96 of the toilet 12. An upper, convex surface of the body 28 faces away from the user 20 that is using the toilet 12 or standing next to the toilet 12. The upper, convex surface of the body 28 may directly face the tank 92 of the toilet 12, while the lower, concave surface of the body 28 may face away from the tank 92 and can directly face the user 20, rim surface 90, and/or pivoting member 40. The curved body 28 allows closing member 16 to be positioned in a closed and open orientation with respect to the toilet 12 and pivoting member 40 so that it does not inadvertently engage other components of the assembly and can be moved in this manner. However, it is to be understood that the body 28 need not be curved in other arrangements of the closing mechanism 10. An attachment portion 30 may be located at the terminal end of the body 28 opposite the terminal end to which the base portion 26 is attached. The attachment portion 30 can be rigidly attached to the pivoting member 40. In other arrangements, the attachment portion 30 is not rigidly attached to the pivoting member 40 but can engage the pivoting member 40 to rotate the pivoting member 40. It is to be understood that the arrangement of the closing member 16 shown and described is only exemplary and that the various components of the closing member can be eliminated, added, or modified from the embodiment described.

The closing mechanism 10 is attached to the toilet 12 such that the frame 14 is rigidly attached to the toilet 12. Any form of attachment may be used to connect the frame 14 to the toilet 12. In one embodiment, an adhesive strip 118 is located at the bottom of the frame 14. The adhesive strip 118 may be supplied with the frame 14 and can be permanently attached. The closing mechanism may come with an alcohol wipe that the user 20 can use to clean a flat surface 94 of the toilet 12. The user 20 can then remove a peel strip of the adhesive strip 118 and apply the frame 14 and adhesive strip 118 to the cleaned flat surface 94 to cause the frame 14 and hence closing mechanism 10 to be rigidly attached to the toilet 12. Other forms of attachment are possible. For example, bolts, clamps, or other mechanical fasteners may be used to rigidly attach the frame 14 to the toilet 12. Further, the frame 14 need not be permanently attached to the toilet 12 but could be releasably attached to the toilet 12 so that it can be removed and reattached when desired. Also, the frame 14 need not even be attached to the toilet 12. In this regard, should the closing member 16 be rigidly attached to the pivoting member 40, the frame 14 may simply engage the toilet 12 and need not itself be attached to the toilet 12.

FIG. 3 shows the closing mechanism 10 attached to the toilet 12. The toilet 12 has a first pivoting member 40 that is a lid, and a second pivoting member 42 that is a seat that are both located in an open position. The first pivoting member 40 is in a first pivoting member open position 44 and can rest against a tank 92 of the toilet 12. The second pivoting member 42 is in a second pivoting member open position 48 and can rest against the first pivoting member 40.

The sensor 18 has a field of view 22 and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 senses the presence of a user 20. The sensor 18 can be configured in a variety of manners. For example, the sensor 18 may be an active sensor that injects something, such as light, microwaves, or sound, into the environment to determine the presence or absence of the user 20. Beams shown in conjunction with the field of view 22 are shown being emitted from the sensor 18 and then striking the user 20 and bouncing back to the sensor 18 In one embodiment, the sensor 20 may include a portion at the frame 14 and another portion at a wall or other object in front of the toilet 12 that can be a photosensor. A light beam can be transmitted between these two portions. Once a user 20 moves in front of the toilet 12 and breaks the light beam, a signal can be sent to the central processing unit 34. After the user 20 leaves and no longer interrupts the light beam between the two portions of the sensor 18, the sensor 20 will send a signal to the central processing unit 34 that can be used to activate the motor 24.

In another embodiment, the sensor 18 may emit microwave energy that is bounced back to the sensor 18 for detection. When the amount of reflected energy changes, the sensor 18 will know that a user 20 is proximate the toilet 12. Once the user 20 leaves the amount of reflected energy may change back thus instructing the sensor 18 and/or central processing unit 34 that the user 20 is no longer proximate to the toilet 12. The motor 24 could be turned on to ensure the pivoting member 40 is closed. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the sensor 18 may emit ultrasonic sound waves that are reflected back to the sensor 18. When the amount or pattern of reflected ultrasonic sound waves change, the sensor 18 and/or central processing unit 34 may determine that a user 20 has entered or moved from the field of view 22. As such, in various embodiments the sensor 18 may emit a pulse of energy onto an object, for example onto the user 20, and may receive the reflected pulse of energy back from the object. The various energy sent out and received within the field of view 22 may be seen with reference to FIG. 3. Although the field of view 22 is not illustrated in some other embodiments, it is to be understood that this is for sake of clarity and that the field of view 22 and the energy sent out and/or received into the sensor 18 can be present even though not shown in the figures.

The sensor 18 may in other embodiments be a passive sensor 18 instead of an active sensor. A passive sensor does not emit energy into the environment but rather simply observes the environment. One type of passive sensor may be a passive infrared detector or pyroelectric sensor that sees infrared light. The sensor 18 may view the infrared light detected from the field of view 22. When a rapid change in infrared light in the field of view 22 is detected the sensor 18 may send a signal indicating that a user 20 has entered the field of view 22. When another, subsequent rapid change in infrared light in the field of view 22 is detected, the sensor 18 may send a signal to the central processing unit 34 that is used to determine that the user 20 has left the field of view 22. If the sensor 18 then views no change in the field of view 22 in infrared light the sensor 18 may send another signal that verifies that the user 20 has left and this signal can be used to instruct the motor 24 to turn on to rotate the closing member 16. Alternatively, this waiting signal is not used to turn on the closing member 16 but instead the subsequent rapid change in infrared light determination signal is used to actuate the motor 24.

A lens can be included with the sensor 18 to give a large field of view 22. The field of view 22 may extend in the longitudinal direction 98 and can extend in a lateral direction 100. Also, the field of view 22 may extend in the vertical direction so as to be above a rim surface 90 of the toilet 12 and even at a height above the tank 92 of the toilet. The field of view 22 may be partially blocked by various components of the toilet at different times such as the first pivoting member 40, second pivoting member 42, or components of the closing mechanism 10. Although some of the field of view 22 may be blocked, other portions of the field of view 22 may be unblocked thus allowing the sensor 18 to see the user 20 to determine whether the user 20 has left the vicinity of the toilet 12. As such, a completely unobstructed view need not be afforded the sensor 18 for the sensor 18 to accurately determine when a user 20 has left the field of view 22 of the sensor 18 and thus has left the vicinity of the toilet 12. It is to be understood that the variously configured sensors 18 all may have a field of view 22 even though this was not explicitly disclosed as being present in the various embodiments. Also, the sensor 18 could be configured differently from those previously discussed in other exemplary embodiments of the closing mechanism 10.

The closing member 16 is shown in an upwards position in FIG. 3 and the attachment portion 30 is rigidly attached to an upper surface 52 of the first pivoting member 40. The upper surface 52 directly faces the tank 92 when the first pivoting member 40 is in the first pivoting member open position 44. The attachment portion 30 can be attached to the upper surface 52 via adhesives, mechanical fasteners, magnetic connection, or any other form of attachment. The attachment portion 30 may be permanently attached to the upper surface 52 or can be removably attached so that it can be attached and removed at will by the user 20. Although shown as attached to and engaging the upper surface 52, the attachment portion 30 need not be attached to the upper surface 52 in other arrangements but could engage and disengage the upper surface 52. Also, the attachment portion 30 could be attached and engage the lower surface 54 in other arrangements. Further, the attachment portion 30 may engage and be attached to the lower surface 54 in other embodiments. The lower surface 54 of the first pivoting member 40 faces directly away from the tank 92 when the first pivoting member 40 is in the first pivoting member open position 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the second pivoting member 42 is in the second pivoting member open position 48 but does not engage the closing member 16. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the attachment portion 30 may be attached to the upper surface 56 of the second pivoting member 42, or to the lower surface 58 of the second pivoting member 42. In still other arrangements, a second closing member 16 (possibly with a second motor 24) could be present and could engage either of the surfaces 56 or 58 while the first closing member 16 engages one of the surfaces 52, 54.

The sensor 18 may determine that the user 20 is present and thus the central processing unit 34 may not function to cause the closing mechanism 10 to effect closure. However, once the user 20 leaves the field of view 22 or the sensor 18 otherwise senses the user 20 has left the vicinity of the toilet 12, the closing mechanism 10 may effect closure. FIG. 4 shows the toilet 12 of FIG. 3 in which the pivoting members 40, 42 have been moved to the first pivoting member closed position 46 and the second pivoting member closed position 50. Closure in this exemplary embodiment is effected by rotation of the closing member 16 in the clockwise direction (towards the bowl 96) that urges the attached first pivoting member 40 to likewise move in the clockwise direction (towards the bowl 96). Movement of the first pivoting member 40 clockwise causes the first pivoting member 40 to be urged against the second pivoting member 42 and thus the second pivoting member 42 is urged in the clockwise direction (towards the bowl 96). The closing mechanism 10 may be configured so that it can close the pivoting members 40, 42 but cannot move the pivoting members 40, 42 back up into the open positions 44, 48. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the closing mechanism 10 can in fact be arranged so that it can move the pivoting members 40, 42 back up into the open positions 44, 48.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top views of the toilet 12 with the pivoting members 40 and 42 in the closed 46, 50 and open 44, 48 positions. The toilet 12 has a bowl 96 that is located forward of a tank 92 of the toilet 12 in the longitudinal direction 98. A rim surface 90 of the bowl 96 is visible in FIG. 6 and is located forward of a flat surface 94 of the toilet 12 in the longitudinal direction 98. The flat surface 94 is located between the rim surface 90 and the tank 92 in the longitudinal direction 98. Hinges 102 and 104 are used to attach the pivoting members 40 and 42 to the toilet 12. Hinge 102 is placed at a location of attachment 106 at the flat surface 94, and hinge 104 is placed at a location of attachment 108 at the flat surface 94. Bolts can be used to effect attachment of the hinges 102 and 104 to the flat surface 94. A bolt may extend through the location of attachment 106 and a second bolt may extend through the location of attachment 108.

A boundary line 122 is defined through the location of attachment 106, and a boundary line 124 is defined through location of attachment 108. The boundary lines 122 and 124 are spaced from one another in the lateral direction 100. The boundary lines 122 and 124 may thus extend through the hinges 102, 104 and through the bolts that connect the hinges 102, 104 to the toilet 12. The closing mechanism 10 may be arranged with respect to the toilet 12 so that it is entirely located between the boundary lines 122 and 124 in the lateral direction 100. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame 14, motor 24, drive shaft 32, closing member 16, sensor 18, dampening member 70 (and dampening member 76 if present) and other portions of the closing mechanism 10 may be located completely between the boundary lines 122 and 124 so that no portion of these members extends beyond either of the boundary lines 122 and 124 in the lateral direction 100. The components that are between the boundary lines 122 and 124 in other embodiments in the lateral direction 100 may be any or all of the components at the adhesive strip 118 or higher as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 7. This arrangement may prevent inadvertent damage to these members of the closing mechanism 10, may make it easier to clean these members of the closing mechanism 10, provide better functioning of the closing mechanism 10, and may provide a more ascetically appealing closing mechanism 10. Also in the embodiment shown, none of these components of the closing mechanism 10 are even located in the lateral direction 100 at either one of the hinges 102, 104 such that all of the components are located completely between even the interior edges of the hinges 102 and 104 in the lateral direction 100. However, in accordance with other exemplary embodiments, one or more of these components of the closing mechanism 10 may in fact be located beyond one or both of the boundary lines 122 and 124 so that all of these components of the closing mechanism 10 are not completely located between the boundary lines 122 and 124 in the lateral direction 100. In some arrangements, when the closing mechanism 10 is understood to include the toilet 12, all of the components of the closing mechanism 10 may be between the boundary lines 122 and 124 except for the toilet 12 and pivoting members 40 and 42.

As used herein, when described as being between in the lateral direction 100, it is to be understood that the location in the longitudinal direction 98 is irrelevant. As such, an object/component may still be completely between the boundary lines 122 and 124 in the lateral direction 100 even if the object/component is three feet in front of the bowl 96 in the longitudinal direction 98.

The closing mechanism 10 may be arranged so that it is attached to the flat surface 94 and is located between the tank 92 and the cavity of the bowl 96 visible at the rim surface 90 in the longitudinal direction 98. The closing member 16 has a body 28 that may be curved as previously discussed, but may also widen in the lateral direction 100 upon extension away from the base portion 26 as shown with reference to FIG. 5. However, the body 28 may maintain the same width in the lateral direction 100 upon extension away from the base portion 26 in the longitudinal direction 98 in other embodiments.

With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the closing mechanism 10 may include a dampening member 70 in some arrangements. The dampening member 70 can be used to slow the rotational speed of the pivoting member 40 so that the pivoting member 40 does not slam into the rim surface 90, second pivoting member 42, or other object upon being moved from the open position 44 to the closed position 46. The dampening member 70 may thus absorb some of the momentum of the falling/closing pivoting member 40 and absorb this energy so that the pivoting member 40 closes with less force and does not slam or bang into other components. However, it is to be understood that the dampening member 70 need not be present in other arrangements. The pivoting member 40 may have sufficient frictional resistance upon configuration of the hinge 102, 104 attachments so that it does not slam into the rim surface 90 or other components. Also, the closing mechanism 10 may be set up so that slamming of the pivoting member 40 in fact occurs. Cushions may be located on the lower surfaces 54 and/or 58 of the pivoting members 40 and 42 as shown for example in FIGS. 3 and 4 to absorb energy of closing pivoting members 40 and 42 to prevent this unwanted noise/damage. In yet other arrangements, the closing member 16 itself may be strong enough to slowly rotate the pivoting member 40 so that the pivoting member 40 does not fall via gravity but is instead completely rotated and held via the closing member 16. The motor 24 may be sufficient to both rotate and hold the pivoting member 40 through its entire length of travel from the open position 44 to the closed position 46.

The dampening member 70 if present may be a spring, pneumatic cylinder, cushion, or other object capable of slowing the rotation speed of the pivoting member 40. With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dampening member 70 is a spring that has a first end 72 and an oppositely disposed second end 74. The spring is arranged so that a linear portion extends from a coil and turns at a 90° angle to form the first end 72 that is at a terminal end of the dampening member 70. A second linear portion extends from the coil in a different direction in the longitudinal direction 98, and a portion then turns from this linear portion at a 90° angle to form the second end 74. The first end 72 is inserted into one of a plurality of apertures 114 that are disposed through the frame 14. The apertures 114 are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction 98. The apertures 114 allow the position of the dampening member 70 to be adjusted with respect to the frame 14 and hence with respect to portions of the toilet 12 when the frame 14 is attached to the toilet 12. This adjustment allows for the dampening member 70 to contact the pivoting member 40 or pivoting member 42 to account for different toilets 12 that may have differently sized, shaped or configured pivoting members 40, 42. As such, the apertures 114 allow for adjustment so that the dampening member 70 properly engages the pivoting member 40 or 42. Although shown as extending completely through a wall of the frame 14 to the interior of the frame 14, in other embodiments the apertures 114 may not extend completely through the wall into the interior.

The first end 72 can be rigidly attached to the frame 14 so that these components cannot be disengaged without one having to firmly pull the first end 72 from the aperture 114. The portion of the dampening member 70 extending from the first end 72 to the coil may engage the flat surface 94, although it is shown as being spaced upwards from the flat surface 94 in the vertical direction in FIG. 2. The coil may engage the flat surface 92, and the second end 74 and a portion of the dampening member 70 extending from the coil to the second end 74 may be oriented upwards at some angle in the vertical direction. The dampening member 70 is shown in its unbiased, at rest position in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3 shows the dampening member 70 in the unbiased, at rest state in which the second end 74 is shown located generally between the pivoting members 40, 42 and the rim surface 90. Actuation of the motor 24 causes the closing member 16 to rotate to cause the pivoting members 40 and 42 to likewise rotate. The pivoting member 42 will rotate until such time that the lower surface 58 of the pivoting member 42 engages the second end 74 of the dampening member 70. The momentum of the falling pivoting member 42 will be transferred into the dampening member 70, and the speed of rotation of the pivoting member 42 will decrease upon contact with the dampening member 70. As used herein, the term decreasing the speed of rotation means that the pivoting member 40 and/or 42 will have its rotational speed decreased, or will have it remain the same or not increase, or will increase it some amount. The dampening member 70 thus changes the speed of rotation of the pivoting member 40 and/or 42 due to its presence such that the speed is different than what would be the case if the dampening member 70 were not present. In some arrangements, the speed of the pivoting member 40 and/or 42 will increase upon contact with the dampening member 70, but the presence of the dampening member 70 will function to minimize the increase in acceleration the pivoting member 40 and/or 42 would have experienced if the dampening member 70 were not present. As such, when the dampening member 70 is stated as decreasing the speed, it is to be understood that this may simply mean that the speed is different than what otherwise would have been experienced if the dampening member 70 were not present and this difference is some amount less than that which would have been experienced.

The arrangement of the dampening member 70 in FIG. 4 is such that it engages the second pivoting member 42 but not the first pivoting member 40. Here, the first pivoting member 40 does not contact the dampening member 70. However, since the second pivoting member 42 may have its speed decreased, it is the case that the first pivoting member 40 may likewise experience a decrease in speed since its momentum may be transferred into the second pivoting member 42 and hence absorbed and slowed down by the dampening member 70.

An alternative exemplary embodiment of the closing member 16 is shown with reference to FIG. 7. The sensor 18 is angled a bit differently than that in the previous embodiment, but can be otherwise configured in a similar manner. The closing mechanism 16 includes a second dampening member 76. The second dampening member 76 may include a first end 78 that engages the frame 14 and a second end 80 that is at an opposite terminal end that is oriented vertically higher than the rest of the second dampening member 76. The second dampening member 76 may be arranged in similar manner to the first dampening member 70 and a repeat of this information is not necessary. The frame 14 may include a second plurality of apertures 120 that may be arranged in a similar manner as the first plurality of apertures 114 only vertically higher.

The apertures 120 can be spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction 98 and the first end 78 can be received within one of the apertures 120. The apertures 120 allow the second dampening member 76 to be positioned relative to the frame 14 so that it is properly positioned for engagement with the first pivoting member 40 and/or the second pivoting member 42. A platform 116 extends in the lateral direction 100 from the wall of the frame 14 so that a portion of the second dampening member 76 such as the first end 78, coil, or other portion can engage the platform 116. The second dampening member 76 may be braced against the platform 116 on one end and can engage one of the pivoting members 40 or 42 on the other end. The first end 78 may be frictionally retained within one of the apertures 120 or may be otherwise attached to the frame 14 in manners previously discussed with respect to the first end 72 and aperture 114.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the closing mechanism 10 engaged to the flat surface 94. The user 20 is present and the sensor 18 can detect the presence of the user 20. The second pivoting member 42 is a seat that is in the second pivoting member closed position 50 such that the first dampening member 70 engages the lower surface 58. The weight of the second pivoting member 42 is sufficient to compress the first dampening member 70 to a biased position and the first dampening member 70 is not strong enough to push the second pivoting member 42 up from the closed position 50. The second pivoting member 42 can be moved upwards and downward to and from the open and closed positions 48 and 50 and not engage the second dampening member 76 due to the configurations of these components.

A series of positions 82, 84 and 86 are noted in FIG. 8. The positions 82, 84, and 86 are noted relative to the position of the rim surface 90. Position 82 is the orientation of the first pivoting member 40 relative to the rim surface 90 when in the first pivoting member open position 44. This angle may be 95° in some embodiments. The first pivoting member 40 is shown contacting the tank 92 and thus will remain in this position absent force applied thereto through the closing mechanism 10 or by the user 20. The motor 24 may actuate and the closing member 16 can rotate the first pivoting member 40 in the clockwise direction towards the rim surface 90. Once the first pivoting member 40 reaches a certain point, the motor 24 may stop actuating and the closing member 16 may stop urging the first pivoting member 40. At this point, the closing mechanism 10 is turned completely off. However, the first pivoting member 40 may have been rotated to an orientation in which its weight is forward of its pivot point about hinge 102/104. The first pivoting member 40 may move forward due to gravity such that it will continue to rotate clockwise or forward towards the rim surface 90. If frictional resistance of the hinge 102/104 is sufficient, this may cause the first pivoting member 40 to stop rotating. In such instances, the closing member 16 may continue to push to urge the first pivoting member 40 downwards into the closed position 46.

The point at which the closing mechanism 10 may stop urging the first pivoting member 40 in the clockwise direction or towards the rim surface 90 may be designated by position 84. Position 84 may be oriented at a minimum 85° to the rim surface 90 in certain exemplary embodiments. As such, the closing member 16 may urge the first pivoting member 40 from 95° to 85° relative to the rim surface 90 in some embodiments. Position 86 is the location of the second end 80 of the second dampening member 76 with respect to the rim surface 90. Position 86 may be oriented at 30° to the rim surface 90 in some exemplary embodiments. Once the first pivoting member 40 reaches position 84, the closing mechanism 10 no longer urges the first pivoting member 40 and the first pivoting member 40 rotates via gravity. The first pivoting member 40 will essentially freely rotate from position 84 to position 86 such that nothing acts to speed, slow, or urge the first pivoting member 40. Once the first pivoting member 40 reaches position 86 the lower surface 54 will engage the second end 80 and the second dampening member 76 will function to slow down the rotational speed of the first pivoting member 40.

The first pivoting member 40 will continue to rotate due to its momentum from freely rotating and will continue to be dampened by the second dampening member 76. The first pivoting member 40 will engage the second pivoting member 42 at such time the second dampening member 76 will be completely biased. The second dampening member 76 does not have strength adequate to push back the weight of the first pivoting member 40 to rotate the first pivoting member 40 backwards in the counter-clockwise direction. The second pivoting member 42 and first dampening member 70 may be arranged in a manner similar to that of the first pivoting member 40 and second dampening member 76 relative to positions 82, 84, and 86 and a repeat of this information is not necessary. In other arrangements of the closing mechanism 10, a dampening member 70 may engage the first pivoting member 40 that is a lid, but no dampening member engages the second pivoting member 42 that is a seat. In these arrangements, the lid is dampened but falling of the seat is not dampened.

The closing mechanism 10 may function to close one or both of the pivoting members 40, 42 completely independently of flushing of the toilet 12. The closing may be performed only upon sensing when the user 20 has left the toilet 12 and is no longer in proximity of the toilet 12. The closing may be effected once this sensing is accomplished and a timing mechanism is not employed such that the closing is not a timed closing but rather is one that takes place immediately upon sensing the user's 20 absence. The closing mechanism 10 may thus function to close the pivoting members 40, 42 based solely upon sensing the absence of a user 20 and hence be completely independent of toilet 12 flushing or timing. This arrangement may eliminate contamination that would otherwise occur if the user 20 leaves the vicinity of the toilet 12 and some amount of time elapses before closure, and affords the user 20 the opportunity of manually closing the seat/lid after flushing but before leaving the vicinity of the toilet 12 in the instances that flushing occurs when sitting on the seat in the down position or of placing items into the toilet 12 after flushing but before leaving the vicinity of the toilet 12.

All of the components of the closing mechanism 10 may be located completely exterior of the tank 92 such that none of the components of the closing mechanism 10 are located within tank 92. Further, the closing mechanism 10 may be constructed so that none of the components of the closing mechanism 10 engage the handle of the toilet 12 that is used to flush the toilet 12.

The closing mechanism 10 may be arranged so that it is capable of closing the pivoting members 40 and 42 (lid and seat) but not opening the pivoting members 40 and 42. In this regard, the motor 24 may be arranged to rotate only in one direction, for example counter clockwise, and not in two different directions. Likewise, the closing member 16 can be moved in one direction by the motorized components of the closing mechanism 10 but not in the other direction, although it may be moved by a user in the other direction. Opening of the pivoting members 40 and 42 may be effected entirely by the user and cannot be opened by the closing mechanism 10 in certain exemplary embodiments.

The frame 14, sensor 18, motor 24, may remain stationary with respect to the rim surface 90 and flat surface 94 so that they do not move relative to surfaces 90 and 94 in the height direction. The frame 14, sensor 18, and motor 24 may be separate from the pivoting members 40 and 42 so that they are not part of the pivoting members 40 and 42 and are not carried by the pivoting members 40 and 42.

It is to be understood that when the pivoting members 40, 42 are described as being either open or closed, these orientations need not be a single or definite angle with respect to the rim surface 90. The open positions 44, 48 need only be positions associated with the opening of the toilet 12 and need not be a particular orientation but can be variously oriented in different exemplary embodiments. Further, the closed positions 46, 50 need not always be located at a 0° angle to the rim surface 90 but can be any position associated with a closed toilet 12. As such, the open positions 44, 48 are oriented differently than the closed positions 46, 50 but need not be a specific single orientation in all exemplary embodiments. The closing mechanism 10 can be arranged so that it functions to close the pivoting members 40 and/or 42 to the closed positions 46 and/or 50 but cannot function to open the members 40 and/or 42 to the open positions 44 and/or 48. However, in other embodiments, the closing mechanism 10 instead of only being capable of closing can additionally be capable of opening the members 40 and/or 42.

In another embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 10-12, the closing mechanism 10′ is integral with the first pivoting member 40 or lid of the toilet. This embodiment may also be referred to as a self-closing closure or self-closing lid. In at least one such embodiment, the closing mechanism 10′ is provided as a retrofit to a toilet lid. In another embodiment, the closing mechanism 10′ is provided as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) toilet lid such as may be purchased from a distributor, wholesale manufacturer, or retail store. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12 provides a simpler install in which all the components of the closing mechanism 10′ are provided in a single piece that can be easily attached to a toilet. Since the components are contained within the pivoting member 40, the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12 is also more sanitary as it prevents intrusion of contaminants into the component parts, and is easier to clean.

With particular reference to FIG. 10, closing mechanism 10′ is integrated with first pivoting member 40. In a preferred embodiment, closing mechanism 10′ is fully integrated within first pivoting member 40. Accordingly, first pivoting member 40 may be shaped to accommodate the various components of closing mechanism 10′. For instance, first pivoting member 40 may be generally shaped as a conventional lid of a toilet, but may further include bulges in the upper surface 52 or lower surface 54 to house the components of closing mechanism 10′ therein. Such bulges may take any shape appropriate to accommodate the components of closing mechanism 10′, but are minimal so as not to interfere with the action of first pivoting member 40, or to impede a user 20 from using the toilet 12. In another embodiment, the closing mechanism 10′ and its component parts are attached to first pivoting member 40 and move with said first pivoting member 40. First pivoting member 40 has an open position 44 and a closed position 46, as previously described.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure includes sensor 18 as previously described, which may be a passive or active sensor. In a preferred embodiment, sensor 18 is an infrared sensor configured to emit and/or detect infrared light. As FIG. 10 shows, sensor 18 is integral with first pivoting member 40, such as within and/or at a lower surface 54 which faces away from tank 92 and toward a user 20 of the toilet 12. Accordingly, sensor 18 detects when an object, such as a user 20, is present or absent from a field of view 22 of sensor 18. Sensor 18 also generates and conveys a signal to another component of closing mechanism 10′ representing whether an object, such as a user 20, is present or absent from the field of view 22. Accordingly, sensor 18 can determine when the user 20 leaves the field of view 22 of sensor, and communicate such information to other components of the closing mechanism 10′ to effectuate the closing of the lid. As previously described, detection and signaling may be one-way or two-way between sensor 18, the field of view 22, user 20, and components of closing mechanism 10′.

As seen in FIGS. 10 and 12, closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure further includes a motor 24 integral with first pivoting member 40. Motor 24 is in communication with sensor 18 so as to receive, either directly or indirectly, signals from sensor 18 regarding the status of detection of user 20. Motor 24 may be as previously described, and may include servos and/or a drive shaft 32 to rotate upon actuation of motor 24. Motor 24 is also in mechanical communication with a surface of toilet 12, such as a flat surface 94, so as to modify the position of first pivoting member 40 from an open position 44 to a closed position 46. Accordingly, signals from sensor 18 activate motor 24 and cause rotation of drive shaft 32 or other internal component of motor 24 to effect movement.

In at least one embodiment, motor 24 includes a closing member 16 which extends from first pivoting member 40 so that when motor 24 is actuated and components thereof rotate or move, such as previously described, motor 24 actuates closing member 16. Such actuation may occur as a result of signals from sensor 18. For instance, closing member 16 may include an engagement portion 27 disposed within first pivoting member 40 and in contacting engagement with at least a portion of the remainder of motor 24. In at least one embodiment, actuation of motor 24 pushes on engagement portion 27 of closing member 16. The force from pushing is propagated through the body 28 of closing member 16, to an oppositely disposed terminal attachment portion 30 which extends outside of first pivoting member 40. Terminal attachment portion 30 is in contacting engagement with a part of the toilet 12, such as the flat surface 94 as shown in FIG. 12. Upon contact with a surface 94 of toilet 12 at the terminal attachment portion 30, closing member 16 biases against the contacted surface 94. Continued pressure or force applied from motor 24 increases the biasing force of closing member 16 against surface 94, until such force is sufficient to begin to rotate first pivoting member 40 about hinges 102, 104. Positioning of closing member 16 along the edge of first pivoting member 40, such as along an outer edge of the upper surface 52 as shown in FIG. 10, may maximize the effect of closing member 16 by minimizing the amount of biasing force needed to begin rotational movement of first pivoting member 40.

Sufficient biasing force is applied to rotate first pivoting member 40 from an open position 44 to a closed position 46, as previously described. For instance, once first pivoting member 40 has reached a point in rotation that gravity may complete the movement from an open position 44 to a closed position 46, biasing force from closing member 16 is no longer needed, and may not be continued. Also as previously described, the rotation of first pivoting member 40 from an open position 44 to a closed position 46 may include contacting and pushing on a second pivoting member 42 (not shown), such as the seat of the toilet 12, and in turn cause the second pivoting member 42 to rotate from a second pivoting member open position 48 to a second pivoting member closed position 50. It should be noted that motor 24 and/or closing member 16 do not engage the second pivoting member 42, but only a surface of toilet 12 and/or first pivoting member 40.

In a preferred embodiment, closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure provides for one-way movement of first pivoting member 40 and second pivoting member 42. In other words, only unidirectional movement of first pivoting member 40 and second pivoting member 42 from open positions 44, 48 to closed positions 46, 50 is permitted. Closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure only allows for closure of the system, not opening of the system.

In order to effectuate rotation of first pivoting member 40, motor 24, and more particularly closing member 16, may be biasingly engaged against a portion of the toilet 12, such as a flat surface 94, and provide force thereto. In some embodiments, the biasing force applied is constant. In other embodiments, the biasing force is increased until the point is reached when gravity may complete the rotation of first pivoting member 40. Further, in at least one embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, closing member 16 need not be in contact with surface 94 of toilet 12 until such time as closing member 16 is actuated. Accordingly, contacting engagement of the terminal attachment portion 30 of closing member 16 with a surface 94 of toilet 12 may preferably only occur when motor 24 and/or closing member 16 is actuated. Such contacting engagement may be temporary, such as only for the length of time needed to rotate first pivoting member 40 from an open position 44 to a closed position 46, or to rotate first pivoting member 40 to a point where gravity can complete the rotation of first pivoting member 40.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure further includes a central processing unit 34 integral with first pivoting member 40. Central processing unit 34 may be as previously described, and includes circuitry for reception, conveyance and/or generation of electrical impulses or signals. For instance, central processing unit 34 is in communication with sensor 18, such as electrical communication, to receive signals from sensor 18 indicating the presence or absence of a user 20 from the field of view 22. Central processing unit 34 is also in communication with motor 24, such as electrical communication, to convey such signals to motor 24, or generate other signals to motor 24, thereby actuating motor 24 and commencing rotation of first pivoting member 40.

The closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure may also include a power source 36′ attachable to first pivoting member 40. Power source 36′ is in electrical communication with sensor 18, motor 24 and/or central processing unit 34 to provide power to run these various components. In a preferred embodiment, power source 36′ is at least one battery integral with first pivoting member 40, as shown in FIG. 12. In such an embodiment, power source 36′ or battery may be entirely located within first pivoting member 40. First pivoting member 40 may also include a panel or other similar structure allowing for access to power source 36′, such as a battery, to permit replacement of batteries as needed. In another embodiment, power source 36′ may be an electrical connection, such as through a power cord, providing power through an attachment with a wall outlet for grounded or ungrounded electricity.

In at least one embodiment (not shown), closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure further includes at least one dampening member 70, as previously described. Dampening member 70 is attached to first pivoting member 40 and serves to slow, or decrease the speed of first pivoting member 40 as it rotates from its open position 44 to the closed position 46, and before it reaches the closed position 46. Dampening member 70 is specifically designed to keep first pivoting member 40 from crashing into the rim surface 90 of the toilet 12, or second pivoting member 42, during its closing rotation.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, closing mechanism 10′ or self-closing closure further includes a mounting assembly 200 to attach first pivoting member 40 to the toilet 12. As depicted, mounting assembly 200 may include at least one, but preferably a plurality, of hinges 102, 104 as previously described. Hinges 102, 104 may be commercially available as is customarily used to secure a lid to a toilet. It should be appreciated that mounting assembly 200 may include any structural components to attach first pivoting member 40 to a toilet 12 which still permits rotational movement of first pivoting member 40 from an open position 44 to a closed position 46.

Moreover, the points of contact for joining first pivoting member 40 with mounting assembly 200 may define the boundaries of the components of closing mechanism 10′. For instance, in at least one embodiment, sensor 18, motor 24, central processing unit 34 and power source 36′ are located on or in first pivoting member 40 between contact points with hinges 102, 104, as best seen in FIG. 12.

While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A self-closing closure for a toilet, comprising:

a pivoting member having an open position and a closed position;

a sensor integral with said pivoting member, said sensor detecting at least one of the presence and absence of an object within a field of view of said sensor, and generating a signal representative of said at least one of presence and absence of an object within said field of view of said sensor; and

a motor integral with said pivoting member which receives said signal and modifies the position of said pivoting member from said open position to said closed position upon receipt of said signal.

2. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said pivoting member is a lid of the toilet.

3. The self-closing closure of claim 1, said motor comprising a closing member extending from said pivoting member to contacting engagement with a surface of the toilet.

4. The self-closing closure of claim 3, wherein said closing member is movable into biasing engagement against said surface of the toilet to effectuate rotation of said pivoting member from an open position to a closed position.

5. The self-closing closure of claim 1, further comprising a central processing unit integral with pivoting member in communication with said sensor and configured to receive signals from said sensor.

6. The self-closing closure of claim 5, said central processing unit in communication with said motor and configured to actuate said motor upon receipt of signals from said sensor.

7. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said sensor is integral with a surface of said pivoting member facing a user.

8. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a passive sensor.

9. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said sensor is an active sensor.

10. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said sensor is an infrared sensor configured to detect infrared light.

11. The self-closing closure of claim 1, further comprising a power source attachable to said pivoting member and in electrical communication with at least one of said sensor and said motor for providing power to at least one of said sensor and said motor.

12. The self-closing closure of claim 11, wherein said power source is at least one battery integral with said pivoting member.

13. The self-closing closure of claim 1, further comprising a mounting assembly to attach said pivoting member to the toilet.

14. The self-closing closure of claim 13, wherein said mounting assembly comprises at least one hinge.

15. The self-closing closure of claim 1, further comprising a dampening member attached to said pivoting member to decrease the speed of rotation of said pivoting member before said pivoting member reaches said closed position.

16. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said self-closing closure is configured for unidirectional movement of said pivoting member from said open position to said closed position.

17. The self-closing closure of claim 1, wherein said sensor and said motor are integral with said pivoting member between contact points for attaching to hinges.

18. The self-closing closure of claim 1, further comprising a second pivoting member having an open position and a closed position, wherein said second pivoting member is a seat of the toilet, and wherein rotation of said pivoting member from said open position to said closed position brings said pivoting member into contact with said second pivoting member and forces said second pivoting member to also move from said open position to said closed position.

19. A self-closing lid for a toilet, comprising:

a pivoting member having an open position and a closed position, wherein said pivoting member is a lid of the toilet;

a sensor integral with said pivoting member, said sensor detecting at least one of the presence and absence of an object within a field of view of said sensor, and generating a signal representative of said at least one of presence and absence of an object within said field of view of said sensor;

a central processing unit integral with said pivoting member and in electrical communication with said sensor for receiving signals from said sensor;

a motor integral with said pivoting member and in electrical communication with said central processing unit for receiving signals from said central processing unit; and

said motor in mechanical communication with a surface of the toilet for biasing engagement against said surface to rotate said pivoting member from an open position to a closed position upon receipt of electrical signals from said central processing unit.

20. The self-closing lid of claim 19, wherein said sensor is a passive sensor.

21. The self-closing lid of claim 19, wherein said sensor is an active sensor.

22. The self-closing lid of claim 19, further comprising a power source attachable to said first pivoting member and in electrical communication with at least one of said sensor and said motor for providing power to at least one of said sensor and said motor.

23. The self-closing lid of claim 22, wherein said power source is at least one battery integral with said pivoting member.

24. The self-closing lid of claim 19, further comprising a mounting assembly to attach said pivoting member to the toilet.

25. The self-closing lid of claim 24, wherein said mounting assembly comprises at least one hinge.

26. The self-closing lid of claim 19, said motor comprising a closing member extending from said pivoting member to contacting engagement with a surface of the toilet and movable into biasing engagement against said surface of the toilet to effectuate rotation of said pivoting member from an open position to a closed position.

27. A self-closing mechanism for a toilet, comprising:

a first pivoting member of the toilet having an open position and a closed position, wherein said first pivoting member is a lid;

a sensor integral with a surface of said first pivoting member, wherein said sensor is capable of sensing when a user of the toilet leaves a field of view of the said sensor;

a motor integral with said first pivoting member and comprising a closing member, at least a portion of said closing member in said first pivoting member;

wherein when the user of the toilet leaves said field of view of said sensor, said sensor sends a signal that actuates said motor, which causes said closing member to bias against a surface of the toilet and rotate said pivoting member from an open position to a closed position;

wherein the toilet has a second pivoting member that is a seat, and wherein said closing member is free from engagement with said second pivoting member;

wherein the rotation of said first pivoting member from the open position to said closed position engages said second pivoting member and pushes said second pivoting member to rotate from a second pivoting member open position to a second pivoting member closed position; and

wherein said self-closing mechanism is configured for unidirectional movement of said first pivoting member and said second pivoting member from said open positions to said closed positions.

28. The self-closing mechanism of claim 21, wherein said closing member comprises a body extending from said motor and an opposite terminal end that biasingly engages a surface of the toilet for moving said first pivoting member.

29. The self-closing mechanism of claim 21, further comprising a central processing unit integral with said pivoting member and in interrelating communication with said sensor and said motor for relaying signals from said sensor to said motor for actuation of said motor and rotation of said first pivoting member.