SWIVEL FLOW SEAT

Abstract

An apparatus for improved toilet seat structured and arranged to freely swivel in both left and right directions, a full 360 degrees to provide a user especially a handicapped user a toilet seat that increases comfort and facilitates freedom of movement while utilizing a bathroom facility.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/499,087, filed Jan. 18, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet seat devices and more specifically relates to an improved toilet seat structured and arranged to freely swivel in both left and right directions, a full 360 degrees to provide a user especially a handicapped user a toilet seat that increases comfort and facilitates freedom of movement while utilizing a bathroom facility.

2. Description of the Related Art

One of the most useful and practical rooms in any household is the bathroom. The bathroom is the one room in the home where people shower or bathe, brush their teeth, shave, apply make-up, and undergo other personal grooming tasks. Perhaps most importantly, the bathroom houses that most necessary of items: the toilet. Although difficult to discuss, the need to use the toilet is something every human being shares in common. Since 1596, when the first flushing toilet was invented by author Sir John Harrington for his godmother, Queen Elizabeth I, the “water closet” has evolved into the efficient, closed tank and bowl system common today. While an accessible toilet is something that is found in every home and business, this most utilitarian of items can still possess limitations.

One such drawback that can be found in modern toilet designs is the seat. Securely mounted to the bowl to serve as a buffer between the user and the water in the bowl, the seat can prove quite uncomfortable and unyielding at times. For instance, users who may have limited physical abilities due to illness or age often have trouble easily positioning themselves on the immovable seat when needing to sit, get up, or attend to the person while on the toilet. For healthy individuals as well as the disabled, the stationary seat can pose a problem should one need to access an item that is slightly out of reach, such as a ringing cellphone or a new roll of toilet tissue.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in toilet seat device art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,472 to Robert C. Martin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,328 to Alfred Potvin; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,662 to Sharon Carper-White. This prior art is representative of toilet seats comprising swivel means.

Ideally, a swivel flow seat should be user-friendly and safe in-use and, yet should operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for an improved toilet seat structured and arranged to freely swivel in both left and right directions, a full 360 degrees to provide a user especially a handicapped user a toilet seat that increases comfort and facilitates freedom of movement while utilizing a bathroom facility and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known toilet seat device art, the present invention provides a Swivel Flow Seat. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an improved toilet seat structured and arranged to freely swivel in both left and right directions, a full 360 degrees to provide a user especially a handicapped user a toilet seat that increases comfort and facilitates freedom of movement while utilizing a bathroom facility.

In a toilet seat having a top surface and an aperture therethrough forming an inner rim, the improvement comprising: a swivel seat member and a swivel assembly. The swivel seat member comprises a top portion; a bottom portion; and an aperture. Wherein the top portion has an outer edge portion. Wherein the bottom portion has an outer edge portion. Wherein the aperture is formed through the top portion and bottom portion and forms an inner rim.

The swivel assembly includes a base plate; a master ring; a circular bearing. The base plate includes an inner edge portion. The base plate is removably secured to the top portion of the toilet seat. Wherein the master ring is attached to the bottom portion. Wherein the circular bearing is attached between the base plate and the master ring and is adapted to allow rotary movement therebetween. Wherein the swivel seat member is adapted to allow a user to swivel upon the toilet seat when in use.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a Swivel Flow Seat. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, an improved toilet seat having top surface and aperture therethrough forming an inner rim entitled Swivel Flow Seat, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view illustrating an improved toilet seat having a U-Shape design with a top surface and aperture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view illustrating an improved toilet seat having a circular-shaped design with a top surface and aperture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view illustrating a swivel assembly having a base plate; master ring; and circular bearing of the improved toilet seat having top surface and aperture according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view illustrating the base plate having an inner splash guard member of the improved toilet seat having top surface and aperture according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view illustrating an inner splash guard member of the improved toilet seat having top surface and aperture according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view illustrating the improved toilet seat in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a toilet seat device and more specifically relates to an improved toilet seat structured and arranged to freely swivel in both left and right directions, a full 360 degrees to provide a user especially a handicapped user a toilet seat that increases comfort and facilitates freedom of movement while utilizing a bathroom facility.

Generally speaking, the Swivel Flow Seat would resemble a standard toilet seat, and may be produced in a variety of materials including plastic, wood, or rubber padding, to name just a few examples. Additionally, the unit would be made in all shapes and existing sizes, as well as in a variety of colors and designs, to accommodate both rounded and oval, elongated toilet bowls, as well as match existing bathroom décor.

Unique to the Swivel Flow Seat and what sets it apart from common varieties is its rotation assembly. The underside of the seat preferably comprises a three-tiered configuration: a unit stabilizer (base plate), core circle (circular bearing), and master ring. In addition to securing and stabilizing the seat onto any standard mount, these components will preferably feature an integrated pivoting axle or circular bearing, which will provide the unit's swiveling capabilities. Thus constructed, the Swivel Flow Seat, when installed onto a toilet bowl and put into operation, would allow for complete, unimpeded movement from left to right and back again; essentially, 360 degrees of rotation.

Allowing for complete side-to-side rotation, the Swivel Flow Seat will preferably permit a user to sit as per usual, and if needed, simply rotate in the direction he or she needs to go, whether to reach for something or for any reason, without repositioning the body in an awkward position or having to get up from the seat to do so. With the free range and accessibility offered here, users can attend to any needed task that presents itself at this delicate time with expedience and simplicity. For example, one may choose to read, talk business, or chat on the phone; paint their toe nails or apply make-up, or even just have a smoke, all easily done with the freedom of movement this product allows.

The Swivel Flow Seat would be especially beneficial to those with mobility limitations, by helping these users better position themselves without stress or strain. With the unit's rotating assembly rotating a full 360 degrees, this invention would work to facilitate free movement, without worry of damaging toilet seat parts should the need to move around arise. Indeed, the Swivel Flow Seat will preferably foster a renewed sense of independence and self-sufficiency in those who need it. Not just for home use, the Swivel Flow Seat will preferably be very beneficial to hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Businesses and other venues might also find the Swivel Flow Seat an attractive and useful addition.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, showing perspective views illustrating improved toilet seat 100 having top surface 110 and aperture 150 therethrough forming inner rim 154 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

In improved toilet seat 100 having top surface 110 and aperture 150 therethrough forming an inner rim 124 comprising: swivel seat member 120 and swivel assembly 160. As shown in FIG. 1A improved toilet seat 100 may be U-shaped 102. As shown in FIG. 1B improved toilet seat 100 may be circular-shaped 104. It should be noted that improved toilet seat 100 may be manufactured in other shapes and designs such as oval as well. Swivel seat member 120 comprises top portion 130; bottom portion 140; and aperture 150. Wherein top portion 130 has outer edge portion 132. Wherein top portion 130 of swivel seat member 120 includes padded member 134 thereon. Wherein top portion 130 of swivel seat member 120 includes rubber material 136 attached to a substantial portion of top surface 130 thereof. Wherein bottom portion 140 has outer edge portion 142. Wherein aperture 150 is formed through top portion 130 and bottom portion 140 and forms inner rim 154. Wherein outer edge portion 132 of top portion 130 has opening 138 and outer edge portion 142 bottom portion 140 of swivel seat member 120 have opening 146 therethrough that are aligned; and wherein opening 138 of top portion 130 and opening 146 of bottom portion 140 extends between and through inner rim 154 and said outer edge portion 132 of top portion 130 and outer edge portion 142 of bottom portion 140. Wherein said top portion 130 and bottom portion 140 of swivel seat member 120 are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of plastic, wood, and metal.

Swivel assembly 160 includes base plate 200; master ring 220; and circular bearing 240. Base plate 200 includes inner edge portion 204. Base plate 200 is removably secured to bottom portion 140 of toilet seat 100. Wherein base plate 200 of swivel assembly 160 is formed having aperture 210 therethrough; master ring 220 of swivel assembly 160 is formed having aperture 230 therethrough; and circular bearing 240 of swivel assembly 160 is formed having aperture 250 therethrough; wherein when base plate 200, swivel assembly 220, and circular bearing 240 are connected together aperture 210 of base plate, aperture 230 of master ring 220, and aperture 250 of circular bearing 240 concentrically align and are substantially similar in shape and size; and when in use aperture 210 of base plate, aperture 230 of master ring 220, and aperture 250 of circular bearing 240 concentrically align with aperture 150 of toilet seat 100. Wherein base plate member 200 removably secured to bottom portion 140 of toilet seat 100 via fastener 206 chosen from a group of fasteners 206 consisting of double-sided tape, hook and loop material, glue, and suction cups. Wherein aperture 150 of swivel seat member 160, base plate 210, master ring 230, and circular bearing 230 have a circular cross section.

Wherein master ring 220 is attached to bottom portion 140. Wherein circular bearing 240 is attached between base plate 200 and master ring 220 and is adapted to allow rotary movement therebetween. Wherein circular bearing 240 includes inner races 242 and outer races 244 and set of balls 246 therebetween.

Wherein swivel seat member 120 is adapted to allow user 510 to swivel upon toilet seat 100 when in use as shown in in-use condition 500 of FIG. 5. Wherein swivel seat member 120 is adapted to allow user 510 to swivel upon toilet seat 100 through 360 degrees when in use.

Improved toilet seat 100 further comprising inner splash guard member 400 attached to and extending along the length of inner edge portion 204 of base plate 200, extends upwardly therefrom and is adapted to cover and protect master ring 220 and circular bearing 240 of swivel assembly 160 from water and waste splashing thereon. Improved toilet seat 100 further comprising spring suspension assembly 420 connected between bottom portion 140 and master ring 220 of swivel assembly 160. Wherein spring suspension assembly 420 includes plurality of spaced helical spring members 430.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, 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.

Claims

1. In a toilet seat having a top surface and an aperture therethrough forming an inner rim, the improvement comprising:

a swivel seat member comprising: a top portion; wherein said top portion has an outer edge portion; a bottom portion; wherein said bottom portion has an outer edge portion; an aperture; wherein said aperture is formed through said top portion and bottom portion and forms an inner rim; and a swivel assembly including: a base plate; wherein said base plate includes an inner edge portion; and wherein said base plate is removably secured to said bottom portion of said toilet seat; a master ring; wherein said master ring is attached to said bottom portion; a circular bearing; wherein said circular bearing is attached between said base plate and said master ring and is adapted to allow rotary movement therebetween; wherein said swivel seat member is adapted to allow a user to swivel upon said toilet seat when in use.

2. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said base plate of said swivel assembly is formed having an aperture therethrough; said master ring of said swivel assembly is formed having an aperture therethrough; and said circular bearing of said swivel assembly is formed having an aperture therethrough; wherein when said base plate, said master ring, and said circular bearing are connected together said apertures concentrically align and are substantially similar in shape and size; and when in use said apertures concentrically align with said aperture of said toilet seat.

3. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said apertures of said swivel seat member, said base plate, said swivel assembly, and said circular bearing have a circular cross section.

4. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said circular bearing includes inner and outer races and a set of balls therebetween.

5. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said outer edge portions of said top and bottom portions of said swivel seat member have an opening therethrough that are aligned; and wherein said openings extends between and through said inner rim and said outer edge portions.

6. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said swivel seat member is adapted to allow a user to swivel upon said toilet seat through 360 degrees when in use.

7. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said top and bottom portions of said swivel seat member are formed from a material chosen from a group of materials consisting of plastic, wood, and metal.

8. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said top portion of said swivel seat includes a padded member thereon.

9. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said top portion of said swivel seat includes a rubber material attached to a substantial portion of a top surface thereof.

10. The improvement of claim 1, wherein said base plate member removably secured to said top portion of said toilet seat via a fastener chosen from a group of fasteners consisting of double-sided tape, hook and loop material, glue, and suction cups.

11. The improvement of claim 1, further comprising an inner splash guard member attached to and extending along the length of said inner edge portion of said base plate, extends upwardly therefrom and is adapted to cover and protect said master ring and said circular bearing of said swivel assembly from water and waste splashing thereon.

12. The improvement of claim 1, further comprising a spring suspension assembly connected between the bottom portion and the master ring of the swivel assembly.

13. The improvement of claim 12, wherein said spring suspension assembly includes a plurality of spaced helical spring members.