RAISED TOILET SEAT

Abstract

A raised toilet seat includes a seat body that defines an oval opening. The seat body has a front portion and a back portion that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a major axis of the oval opening. The seat body also has first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening. The raised toilet seat further includes a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob and a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob. The threaded member extends inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member. The clamp extends below an underside of the seat body, and rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many individuals desire to use a raised toilet seat in order to reduce the vertical displacement necessary to sit down on a toilet from a standing position. Accordingly, a raised toilet seat can reduce bodily strain necessary for a user to use a toilet. Raised toilet seats can benefit, for example, handicapped persons, persons recovering from injuries, geriatrics, etc.

Existing raised toilet seats suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, many conventional raised toilet seats include support members that extend to the floor surrounding a toilet when installed over the toilet. Such raised toilet seats are often too big to fit in many restroom spaces (e.g., restrooms in relatively small dwellings). Furthermore, such toilet seats can be undesirable for travel due to their bulky form.

Many conventional raised toilet seats are configured for affixation to a toilet by removing an existing toilet seat and bolting the raised toilet seat to the toilet instead. However, installing such raised toilet seats can be tedious and/or difficult for persons in need of a raised toilet seat. Furthermore, such permanent raised toilet seats are often unsuitable for travel and/or shared restroom spaces (e.g., where one person in a dwelling prefers a raised toilet seat while another person in the dwelling does not).

Some conventional raised toilet seats can be configured for installation over a toilet bowl with adjustment features that enable selectable affixation of the raised toilet seat to the toilet. Conventional adjustment features of such raised toilet seats, however, often occupy considerable space on the raised toilet seat, particularly for raised toilet seats that accommodate different toilet sizes (e.g., elongated, standard). The space requirements of the adjustment features of such conventional raised toilet seats can restrict seat opening size, which can cause user discomfort and/or difficulty (e.g., for larger users).

Thus, there are many problems in the field of raised toilet seats that can be addressed.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein are directed to raised toilet seats, raised toilet seat assemblies, and methods for installing raised toilet seats. In some embodiments, a raised toilet seat includes a seat body that defines an oval opening. The seat body has a front portion and a back portion that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a major axis of the oval opening. The seat body also has first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening. The raised toilet seat further includes, in at least one embodiment, a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob accessible from an outer edge of the first side portion of the seat body and a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob. The threaded member extends inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member. The clamp extends below an underside of the seat body, and rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

In some implementations, a raised toilet seat assembly includes a seat body that defines an oval opening. The seat body includes a front end, a back end, and opposing first and second lateral sides. The first lateral side includes two slots configured for selectively receiving two inserts of a removably affixable handle. The first lateral side also includes a fastening assembly disposed between the two slots of the first lateral side. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob accessible from the first lateral side of the seat body and a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob. The threaded member extends inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member. The clamp extends below an underside of the seat body such that rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

In some instances, a method for installing a raised toilet seat includes arranging a seat body of a raised toilet seat over a toilet bowl of the toilet. The seat body includes first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening. The seat body also includes a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob, a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob, and a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member and that extends below an underside of the seat body. The method also includes positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl such that the clamp at least partially descends into the toilet bowl and securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet by rotating the rotatable knob to adjust a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member to bring the clamp into secure abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of embodiments described herein may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the embodiments described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other features of the embodiments described herein, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only examples of the embodiments described herein and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a raised toilet seat, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a raised toilet seat, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a raised toilet seat, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a raised toilet seat, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a raised toilet seat, according to implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a raised toilet seat installed on a toilet, according to implementations of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram depicting a method for installing a raised toilet seat, according to implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments are directed to raised toilet seats, raised toilet seat assemblies, and methods for installing raised toilet seats. In some embodiments, a raised toilet seat includes a seat body that defines an oval opening. The seat body has a front portion and a back portion that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a major axis of the oval opening. The seat body also has first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening. The raised toilet seat further includes, in at least one embodiment, a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob accessible from an outer edge of the first side portion of the seat body and a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob. The threaded member extends inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member. The clamp extends below an underside of the seat body, and rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

In some implementations, a raised toilet seat assembly includes a seat body that defines an oval opening. The seat body includes a front end, a back end, and opposing first and second lateral sides. The first lateral side includes two slots configured for selectively receiving two inserts of a removably affixable handle. The first lateral side also includes a fastening assembly disposed between the two slots of the first lateral side. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob accessible from the first lateral side of the seat body and a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob. The threaded member extends inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening. The fastening assembly also includes a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member. The clamp extends below an underside of the seat body such that rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

In some instances, a method for installing a raised toilet seat includes arranging a seat body of a raised toilet seat over a toilet bowl of the toilet. The seat body includes first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening. The seat body also includes a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body. The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob, a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob, and a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member and that extends below an underside of the seat body. The method also includes positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl such that the clamp at least partially descends into the toilet bowl and securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet by rotating the rotatable knob to adjust a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member to bring the clamp into secure abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, in view of the present disclosure, that at least some of the presently disclosed embodiments may solve at least some of the problems associated with conventional raised toilet seats. By way of non-limiting example, at least some raised toilet seats of the present disclosure are securable to a toilet with fastening assemblies that secure to an interior portion of a toilet bowl. Accordingly, at least some raised toilet seats of the present disclosure omit supports that extend to the floor surrounding the toilet, allowing for a compact raised toilet seat design. Additionally, at least some of the raised toilet seats of the present disclosure are selectively securable to toilets and can therefore be suitable for shared restroom arrangements and/or travel.

Furthermore, at least some of the raised toilet seats of the present disclosure omit fastening assemblies (or other inserts) on the front portions thereof. Thus, at least some of the raised toilet seats of the present disclosure provide a larger toilet seat opening than conventional selectively securable raised toilet seats. A larger toilet seat opening can increase user comfort and/or facilitate easier use of the raised toilet seat (e.g., easier wiping).

Additionally, at least some of the raised toilet seats of the present disclosure include a smooth and/or featureless front underside. The front underside of a raised toilet seat can easily become dirty due to its proximity, under use, to user waste pathways. The front underside of a raised toilet seat can be particularly difficult to clean when channels, cavities, and/or fastening assemblies are disposed thereon. Accordingly, at least some raised toilet seats of the present disclosure are easily cleaned by omitting such features.

Still furthermore, at least some of the raised toilet seats of the present disclosure provide fastening assemblies on side portions (or lateral sides) thereof. Accordingly, at least some of the raised toilet seats of the present disclosure can accommodate toilets of different sizes (e.g., elongated and standard) without a significant amount of user adjustment, in contrast with conventional raised toilet seats that include a fastening apparatus on the front portion thereof.

Also, in some implementations, the presently disclosed raised toilet seats include handles that are in close proximity to the fastening assemblies, which can result in a simplified installation process by providing a handle for stabilizing the raised toilet seat in close proximity to a knob for securing the raised toilet seat while stabilized.

Having just described some of the various high-level features and benefits of the disclosed embodiments, attention will now be directed to FIGS. 1-7. These figures illustrate various functionalities, examples, and supporting illustrations related to raised toilet seats and components thereof and methods for installing raised toilet seats.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a raised toilet seat 100. FIG. 1 shows that the raised toilet seat 100 includes a seat body 102. The seat body defines an opening 104. In some instances (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), the opening 104 is substantially oval in shape. One will recognize, however, that the opening 104 can take on any suitable shape.

Furthermore, in view of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the opening 104 in the raised toilet seat 100 need not be surrounded entirely by the seat body 102. For example, in some implementations, a seat body 102 forms a substantially U-shaped opening 104. One will note that a U-shaped opening 104 is, in some instances, enabled because at least some raised toilet seats 100 of the present disclosure omit fastening components on the front portion/side of the raised toilet seat 100, as described hereinafter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a raised toilet seat 100. In some instances, as represented in FIG. 2, the seat body 102 of the raised toilet seat 100 includes different portions, such as a front portion 202, a back (or rear) portion 204, and side portions 206, 208 (e.g., a left or first side portion 206 and a right or second side portion 208). FIG. 2 demonstrates that, in some implementations, the various portions of the seat body 102 define the opening 104. For example, the opening 104 of FIG. 2 has an oval shape, and the front portion 202 encompasses one end of a major axis of the oval opening 104 while the back portion 204 encompasses the other end of the major axis of the oval opening 104. Similarly, the first side portion 206 encompasses one end of a minor axis of the oval opening 104 while the second side portion 208 encompasses the other end of the minor axis of the oval opening 104.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, in view of the present disclosure, that the various portions 202, 204, 206, 208 of the seat body 102 are not necessarily constrained to the points on the seat body 102 that meet the ends of the minor and/or major axes of the oval opening 104. For example, the various portions 202, 204, 206, 208 can extend to surround the oval opening 104 and meet adjacent portions. As a specific, non-limiting example, the first side portion 206 can encompass one end of the minor axis of the oval opening 104 and extend around the oval opening 104 toward the front portion 202 and the back portion 204.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a raised toilet seat 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the raised toilet seat includes a first fastening assembly 302 integrated into the first side portion 206 of the seat body 102. FIG. 3 also illustrates a second fastening assembly 312 integrated into the second side portion 208 of the seat body 102 of the raised toilet seat 100. In some instances, the first and second fastening assemblies 302, 312 enable the raised toilet seat to be secured to a toilet (e.g., toilet 600 of FIG. 6).

FIG. 3 further illustrates that, in some embodiments, the first fastening assembly 302 includes a first rotatable knob 304, and the second fastening assembly 312 includes a second rotatable knob 314. In some instances, the first and second rotatable knobs 304, 314 are accessible from opposing outer/lateral edges of the first and second side portions 206, 208, respectively (see FIG. 4). Thus, in at least some instances, a user accesses and operates the first and/or second rotatable knobs 304, 314 to secure the raised toilet seat 100 to a toilet.

In at least one example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first rotatable knob 304 is affixed to a first threaded member 306 that extends from the first rotatable knob 304 inward toward the opening 104 within a first guide channel 310. In some instances, the longitudinal position of the first threaded member 306 is fixed along the first guide channel 310, such that rotating the first threaded member 306 (e.g., by rotating the first rotatable knob 304 affixed thereto) does not cause the longitudinal position of the first threaded member 306 within the first guide channel 310 to change.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first fastening assembly 302 also includes a first clamp 308. The first clamp 308 of FIG. 3 is in threaded communication with the first threaded member 306 within the first guide channel 310 (e.g., with the first threaded member 306 being threaded through the first clamp 308). Thus, in at least some implementations, rotating the first rotatable knob 304 causes the first threaded member 306 to rotate as well. Also, in some instances, rotating the first threaded member 306 causes the first clamp 308 to advance or retract longitudinally along the first threaded member 306.

For instance, in some embodiments, rotating the first rotatable knob 304 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) causes the first clamp 308 to advance along the first threaded member 306 toward the first rotatable knob 304 (e.g., away from the opening 104). Similarly, in some embodiments, rotating the first rotatable knob 304 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) causes the first clamp 308 to retract along the first threaded member 306 away from the first rotatable knob 304 (e.g., toward the opening 104).

FIG. 3 depicts that the second fastening assembly 312 includes, in some instances, components that correspond to those described hereinabove with respect to the first fastening assembly 302. For instance, FIG. 3 shows that the second rotatable knob 314 of the second fastening assembly 312 is affixed to a second threaded member 316 that extends from the second rotatable knob 314 inward toward the opening 104 within a second guide channel 320. In some instances, the longitudinal position of the second threaded member 316 is fixed along the second guide channel 320, such that rotating the second threaded member 316 (e.g., by rotating the second rotatable knob 314 affixed thereto) does not cause the longitudinal position of the second threaded member 316 within the second guide channel 320 to change.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second fastening assembly 312 also includes a second clamp 318. The second clamp 318 of FIG. 3 is in threaded communication with the second threaded member 316 within the second guide channel 320 (e.g., with the second threaded member 316 being threaded through the second clamp 318). Thus, in at least some implementations, rotating the second rotatable knob 314 causes the second threaded member 316 to rotate as well. Also, in some instances, rotating the second threaded member 316 causes the second clamp 318 to advance or retract longitudinally along the second threaded member 316.

For instance, in some embodiments, rotating the second rotatable knob 314 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) causes the second clamp 318 to advance along the second threaded member 316 toward the second rotatable knob 314 (e.g., away from the opening 104). Similarly, in some embodiments, rotating the second rotatable knob 314 in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) causes the second clamp 318 to retract along the second threaded member 316 away from the second rotatable knob 314 (e.g., toward the opening 104).

In some implementations, the first clamp 308 extends outward from the first guide channel 310 below the seat body 102 of the raised toilet seat 100 (see FIG. 4). Similarly, in some implementations, the second claim 318 extends outward from the second guide channel 320 below the seat body 102 of the raised toilet seat 100 (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, in some instances, when the raised toilet seat 100 is positioned over a toilet bowl of a toilet (e.g., toilet 600 in FIG. 6), the first and second clamps 308, 318 descend into the toilet bowl. Under such a configuration, a user can rotate the first and/or second rotatable knobs 304, 314 to bring the first and/or second clamps 308, 318 into abutment with the inner rim of the toilet bowl to secure the raised toilet seat 100 to the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the first and/or second clamps 308, 318 comprise a non-slip material (e.g., a non-slip pad) to facilitate a secure interface between the first and/or second clamps 308, 318 and the toilet bowl.

Additionally, the implementation of a raised toilet seat 100 depicted in FIG. 3 includes a toilet bowl insert 322 positioned on the back portion 204 of the seat body 102 and extending partially around the opening 104 (e.g., between the first and second fastening assemblies 302, 312). In some instances, the toilet bowl insert 322 extends downward from the underside of the back portion 204 of the seat body 102 (see FIG. 4). Thus, in some instances, a toilet bowl insert 322 descends into a toilet bowl of a toilet when the raised toilet seat 100 of the present disclosure is positioned atop a toilet bowl.

Thus, in some implementations, the toilet bowl insert 322 can interface with an inner surface of the toilet bowl to provide stability to the raised toilet seat 100 when the raised toilet seat 100 is secured to the toilet. Similar to the first and/or second clamps 308, 318, in some embodiments, the toilet bowl insert 322 comprises a non-slip material (e.g., a non-slip pad) to facilitate a secure interface between the toilet bowl insert 322 and the toilet bowl.

Although FIG. 3 focuses, in some respects, on implementations in which a toilet bowl insert 322 is a fixed, non-adjustable insert, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in some implementations, the toilet bowl insert 322 is adjustable to enable users to adjust the front-to-back positioning of the raised toilet seat 100 with respect to a toilet (e.g., toilet 600 of FIG. 6) when the raised toilet seat 100 is installed on the toilet. For instance, in some embodiments, the toilet bowl insert 322 is adjustable via components similar to those described herein for the first and second fastening assemblies 302, 312.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a raised toilet seat 100 with an underside of the front portion 202 of the seat body 102 that is smooth or featureless, particularly around the opening 104 between the first fastening assembly 302 and the second fastening assembly 312. For example, the raised toilet seat 100 depicted in FIG. 3 omits a fastening assembly and a toilet bowl insert on the underside of the front portion 202.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, in view of the present disclosure, that a raised toilet seat 100 that has a smooth or featureless underside of its front portion 202 (e.g., by omitting fastening assemblies and/or toilet bowl inserts) can advantageously enable a large opening 104 in the front-to-back dimension. For instance, in some embodiments, a seat body 102 of a raised toilet seat 100 includes an oval opening 104 that has a major axis that measures at least 10 inches in length (e.g., 10.5 inches or greater). Put differently, in some instances, the seat body 102 of a raised toilet seat 100 includes an oval opening 104 that is at least 270 square inches in area (e.g., 280.3 square inches or greater).

Additional and/or alternative benefits will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the present disclosure. For instance, in some embodiments, a raised toilet seat 100 that omits fastening assemblies on its front portion 202 can advantageously accommodate toilets of different sizes without requiring significant user adjustment to switch between one toilet size and another. For example, when adjusting some conventional raised toilet seats to accommodate an elongated toilet after accommodating a standard toilet seat, a user adjusts the front-mounted fastening assembly of the raised toilet seat in accordance with the major axis length disparity between a standard toilet opening and an elongated toilet opening (which disparity is often greater than the minor axis length disparity between such toilets).

In contrast, a user can adjust at least some of the raised toilet seats 100 of the present disclosure to accommodate an elongated toilet after accommodating a standard toilet by adjusting the first and/or second fastening assemblies 302, 312 in accordance with the minor axis length disparity between a standard toilet opening and an elongated toilet opening (which disparity is often smaller than the major axis length disparity between such toilets). As such, in some embodiments, the first and/or second threaded members 306, 316 of the present disclosure measure 3 inches in length or less (e.g., 2.5 inches or less).

In some instances, in addition to being compact in length, the threaded members 306, 316 are advantageously at least partially concealed from view when the raised toilet seat 100 is installed on a toilet, providing a desirable aesthetic while simultaneously providing improved functionality as discussed above. In one example, the threaded members 306, 316 are, respectively, covered by the first and second rotatable knobs 304, 314 while residing within the first and second guide channels 310, 320 and being positioned above a toilet bowl of a toilet when the raised toilet seat 100 is installed on the toilet. Put differently, the threaded members 306, 316 do not cover outer portions of the toilet bowl of the toilet when the raised toilet seat 100 is installed thereon, providing a desirable aesthetic.

Although FIG. 3 focuses, in some respects, on implementations in which a raised toilet seat 100 includes two fastening assemblies (i.e., first and second fastening assemblies 302, 312) and one toilet bowl insert (e.g., toilet bowl insert 322), those skilled in the art will recognize, in view of the present disclosure, that other configurations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a raised toilet seat 100 omits a toilet bowl insert 322 extending downward from the back portion 204 thereof. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a raised toilet seat 100 includes only a single side-mounted fastening assembly and one side-mounted toilet bowl insert that opposes the side-mounted fastening assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a raised toilet seat 100. FIG. 4 demonstrates that, in some implementations, a lateral side of a seat body 102 of a raised toilet seat 100 includes slots 402, 404 for selectively securing a removably affixable handle 406 to the raised toilet seat 100. For example, in some instances, the removably affixable handle 406 has inserts 408, 410 for insertion into the slots 402, 404. In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 4, the inserts 408, 410 further include quick-release protrusions 412, 414 for securing the inserts 408, 410 within the slots 402, 404 of the seat body 102. The quick-release protrusions 412, 414 are, in some instances, pressable by a user to release the removably affixable handle 406 from the slots 402, 404 of the seat body 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first fastening assembly 302 of the raised toilet seat 100 disposed on the seat body 102 between the two slots 402, 404 of the seat body 102. Accordingly, in some implementations, the removably affixable handle 406 becomes positioned substantially above the laterally accessible first rotatable knob 304 when the removably affixable handle 406 is secured within the slots 402, 404 of the seat body 102 (see FIG. 5 also).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that positioning the removably affixable handle 406 above the first rotatable knob 304 with the inserts 408, 410 inserted into slots 402, 404 surrounding the first rotatable knob 304 can provide various benefits. For example, a removably affixable handle 406 in close proximity to the first rotatable knob 304 provides a user with a readily accessible handle for stabilizing the raised toilet seat 100 while operating the first rotatable knob 304 to secure the raised toilet seat 100 to a toilet.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a raised toilet seat 100. FIG. 5 illustrates that the raised toilet seat 100 includes, in some embodiments, a second removably affixable handle 506 that includes inserts (e.g., insert 510) for insertion into slots (e.g., 504) on another lateral side of the seat body 102. In some instances, the second removably affixable handle 506 similarly includes a quick-release protrusion 514 to allow the second removably affixable handle 506 to selectively secure and release from the seat body 102 of the raised toilet seat 100.

FIG. 5 also demonstrates that a raised toilet seat 100 of the present disclosure includes, in some instances, a recessed portion 520. In some instances, the recessed portion 520 enhances user access for wiping while using a toilet upon which a raised toilet seat 100 of the present disclosure is secured.

FIG. 6 illustrates a raised toilet seat 100 installed on a toilet 600. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram 700 depicting a method for installing a raised toilet seat (e.g., raised toilet seat 100) on a toilet (e.g., toilet 600), according to implementations of the present disclosure.

The following discussion now refers to a number of methods and method acts that may be performed. Although the steps shown in the flow diagram may be illustrated or discussed in a certain order, no particular ordering is required unless specifically stated, or required because an act is dependent on another act being completed prior to the act being performed. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all steps represented in flow diagram 700 are essential for installing a raised toilet seat as presently disclosed.

Flow diagram 700 depicts acts of arranging a seat body of a raised toilet seat over a toilet bowl (act 702), positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl such that a fastening assembly on a side portion of the seat body at least partially descends into the toilet bowl (act 704), securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet with the fastening assembly (act 706), and removably affixing a handle to the seat body (act 708).

As noted above, act 702 includes arranging a seat body of a raised toilet seat over a toilet bowl. In some instances, the raised toilet seat includes a seat body that defines an oval opening. The seat body includes, in some implementations, first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening including (e.g., as shown and described with reference to FIG. 2). The raised toilet seat also includes, in some embodiments, a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body (e.g., as shown and described with reference to FIG. 3). The fastening assembly includes a rotatable knob, a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob, and a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member and that extends below an underside of the seat body.

In some embodiments, the raised toilet seat further includes a second fastening assembly integrated into the second side portion of the seat body. The second fastening assembly includes a second rotatable knob, a second threaded member affixed to the second rotatable knob, and a second clamp in threaded communication with the second threaded member and that extends below an underside of the seat body.

Act 704 includes positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl such that a fastening assembly on a side portion of the seat body at least partially descends into the toilet bowl. For instance, in some implementations, the clamp of the fastening assembly at least partially descends into the toilet bowl, and/or the second clamp of the second fastening assembly at least partially descends into the toilet bowl.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl causes a toilet bowl insert that extends downward from an underside of a back portion of the seat body to at least partially descend into the toilet bowl.

Act 706 includes securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet with the fastening assembly. By way of non-limiting example, in some implementations, a user rotates the rotatable knob of the fastening assembly to adjust a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member to bring the clamp into secure abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl. Furthermore, in some examples, a user also (or alternatively) rotates the second rotatable knob to adjust a positioning of the second clamp along the second threaded member to bring the second clamp into secure abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl.

Additionally, in some implementations, securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet can also include bringing a toilet bowl insert of the raised toilet seat into abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl.

Act 708 includes removably affixing a handle to the seat body. In some instances, the removably affixable handle includes two inserts that are configured for insertion into two slots on a lateral side of the seat body of the raised toilet seat (e.g., as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5). The inserts of the removably affixable handle are, in some instances, held secure within the slots of the seat body with quick-release protrusions on each of the inserts of the removably affixable handle.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the raised toilet seat includes a second removably affixable handle that includes inserts for insertion into two slots on another lateral side of the seat body of the raised toilet seat (e.g., as shown and described with reference to FIG. 5).

Those skilled in the art will recognize, in view of the present disclosure, that any denotations of first, second, front, back, top, bottom etc. (e.g., first and second side portions, front and back portions, first and second lateral sides, first and second fastening assemblies, etc.) in the present disclosure can be somewhat arbitrary and are provided for illustrative purposes and for ease of description. Thus, any ordinal or other denotations included herein are in no way limiting of the present disclosure. One will appreciate that any other denotations not explicitly included herein are within the scope of this disclosure.

The concepts and features described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or descriptive characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A raised toilet seat, comprising:

a seat body defining an oval opening, the seat body comprising: a front portion and a back portion that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a major axis of the oval opening; and first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening; and

a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body, the fastening assembly comprising: a rotatable knob accessible from an outer edge of the first side portion of the seat body; a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob, the threaded member extending inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening; and a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member, the clamp extending below an underside of the seat body, wherein rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

2. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, wherein the seat body omits a fastening assembly on the front portion of the seat body.

3. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, wherein an underside of the front portion of the seat body is smooth or featureless.

4. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, wherein the major axis of the oval opening is at least 10 inches.

5. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, wherein the oval opening is at least 270 square inches.

6. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, wherein the threaded member is 3 inches or less in length.

7. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, further comprising a second fastening assembly integrated into the second side portion of the seat body, the second fastening assembly comprising:

a second rotatable knob accessible from an outer edge of the second side portion of the seat body;

a second threaded member affixed to the second rotatable knob, the second threaded member extending inward from the second rotatable knob toward the oval opening; and

a second clamp in threaded communication with the second threaded member, the second clamp extending below the underside of the seat body, wherein rotating the second rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the second clamp along the second threaded member.

8. The raised toilet seat of claim 7, wherein the back portion of the seat body comprises a toilet bowl insert extending downward from an underside of the back portion of the seat body, the toilet bowl insert extending around the oval opening at least partially between the first fastening assembly and the second fastening assembly.

9. The raised toilet seat of claim 7, wherein the seat body omits a toilet bowl insert extending downward from an underside of the front portion of the seat body around the oval opening and between the first fastening assembly and the second fastening assembly.

10. The raised toilet of claim 7, wherein an underside of the front portion of the seat body between the first fastening assembly and the second fastening assembly is smooth or featureless.

11. The raised toilet seat of claim 1, further comprising one or more handles that are removably affixable to the seat body.

12. A raised toilet seat assembly, comprising:

a seat body defining an oval opening, the seat body comprising: a front end; a back end; and opposing first and second lateral sides, the first lateral side comprising: two slots configured for selectively receiving two inserts of a removably affixable handle; and a fastening assembly disposed between the two slots of the first lateral side, the fastening assembly comprising: a rotatable knob accessible from the first lateral side of the seat body; a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob, the threaded member extending inward from the rotatable knob toward the oval opening; and a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member, the clamp extending below an underside of the seat body, wherein rotating the rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member.

13. The raised toilet seat assembly of claim 12, further comprising the removably affixable handle.

14. The raised toilet seat assembly of claim 13, wherein the two inserts of the removably affixable handle each comprise a quick-release protrusion that is accessible when the two inserts of the removably affixable handle are disposed within the two slots of the seat body.

15. The raised toilet seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the second lateral side comprises:

two slots configured for selectively receiving two inserts of a second removably affixable handle; and

a second fastening assembly disposed between the two slots of the second lateral side, the second fastening assembly comprising: a second rotatable knob accessible from the second lateral side of the seat body; a second threaded member affixed to the second rotatable knob, the second threaded member extending inward from the second rotatable knob toward the oval opening; and a second clamp in threaded communication with the second threaded member, the second clamp extending below an underside of the seat body, wherein rotating the second rotatable knob adjusts a positioning of the second clamp along the second threaded member.

16. The raised toilet seat assembly of claim 15, further comprising the second removably affixable handle.

17. A method for installing a raised toilet seat on a toilet, comprising:

arranging a seat body of a raised toilet seat over a toilet bowl of the toilet, wherein the seat body defines an oval opening and includes: first and second side portions that encompass, respectively, opposing ends of a minor axis of the oval opening; and a fastening assembly integrated into the first side portion of the seat body, the fastening assembly including a rotatable knob, a threaded member affixed to the rotatable knob, and a clamp in threaded communication with the threaded member and that extends below an underside of the seat body;

positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl such that the clamp at least partially descends into the toilet bowl; and

securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet by rotating the rotatable knob to adjust a positioning of the clamp along the threaded member to bring the clamp into secure abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein positioning the underside of the seat body on the toilet bowl causes a toilet bowl insert extending downward from an underside of a back portion of the seat body to at least partially descend into the toilet bowl.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the seat body further includes a second fastening assembly integrated into the second side portion of the seat body, the second fastening assembly including a second rotatable knob, a second threaded member affixed to the second rotatable knob, and a second clamp in threaded communication with the second threaded member and that extends below an underside of the seat body, and wherein securing the raised toilet seat to the toilet further includes rotating the second rotatable knob to adjust a positioning of the second clamp along the second threaded member to bring the second clamp into secure abutment with an interior portion of the toilet bowl.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising inserting two inserts of a removably affixable handle into two slots on a first lateral side of the seat body, the fastening assembly being disposed between the two slots.