Ergonomic Toilet Seat

- AS America, Inc.

A comfortable toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises a top circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front, and a back, wherein the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line from front to back, the inner edge comprises a downward curve from the seat front towards the seat back, the outer edge comprises a downward curve followed by a lesser upward curve from the back to the front, and a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to back.

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Description
BACKGROUND

Seating comfort has always been and continues to be very important. This includes, and for many people especially includes, seating comfort on a toilet. Desired is a toilet seat which provides comfort to a variety of body types.

SUMMARY

It has been found that a toilet seat having certain x, y, z spatial coordinates provides comfort to most people when seated thereon.

Accordingly, disclosed is an ergonomic toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises a top circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front, and a back, wherein the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line from front to back, the inner edge comprises a downward curve from the seat front towards the seat back, the outer edge comprises a downward curve followed by a lesser upward curve from the back to the front, and a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to back.

In some embodiments, the inner edge comprises a curved thigh support surface positioned towards the seat front, the curved thigh support surface extending inward towards the bisecting center line.

Also disclosed is an ergonomic toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises a top circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front, and a back, wherein, the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line from front to back, a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to back, and wherein a slope along the bisecting line from a back inner edge center point to a highest back point is from about 25 degrees to about 55 degrees.

Also disclosed is an ergonomic toilet seat, wherein a sample size of people seated thereon provides an average contact area of ≥115 in2 and an average pressure of 2.0 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 0 psi, an average contact area of ≤4.5 in2 and an average pressure of ≤7.4 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 5 psi, and an average contact area of ≤2.5 in2 and an average pressure of ≤8.6 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 7 psi.

Also disclosed is a modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a toilet seat as disclosed herein, and a toilet seat cover having an outer edge configured to compliment, correspond to, and rest on the outer edge of the toilet seat.

Also disclosed is a modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a toilet seat as disclosed herein, and a set of lateral stabilization pads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

FIG. 1 provides a top view of a left side of a toilet seat, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show different toilet seats of the disclosure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show a cross-section views of a toilet seat installed on a toilet, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B provide views of a toilet seat coupled to a seat cover, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C show a toilet seat and cover from an underneath view, and lateral stabilization pads, according to some embodiments.

 DETAILED DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 provides a top view of toilet seat 100, according to an embodiment. The top view shows substantially one symmetrical half (left) of toilet seat 100 bisected by a center line. The bisecting center line from front to back, although not shown, comprises surface points 128), 123), 117), 111), 21), 1), 42), 41), 40), and 22). Inner edge point 13) has corresponding outer edge point 34) (have a same Y value). The top view shows top circumferential seating surface 101 comprising surface points 40)-128). Also shown are inner edge 102 comprising surface points 1)-21) and outer edge 103 comprising surface points 22)-39). Back top seating surface 104 comprises surface points 85)-128). Thigh support surface 105 is positioned in a front half of seat 100, extending inward toward a bisecting center line, and comprising inner edge points 4)-10). Inner edge 102 curves downward from front inner edge center point 1) to back inner edge center point 21), to below a top surface of a toilet once installed, allowing one's rear end to drop down into seat 100. Outer edge 103 comprises a downward curve followed by a lesser upward curve, from back point 39) to front point 22). Back top seating surface 104 comprises a steep upward curve from front to back. Inner edge center point 1) is assigned x, y, z spatial coordinates 0, 0, 0. Inner edge 102 is at least partially defined by surface points 1)-21). Outer edge 103 is at least partially defined by surface points 22-39). Back seating surface 104 is at least partially defined by surface points 85)-128). Back seating surface 104 may also be at least partially defined by points 35)-39) and/or points 15)-21). Thigh support surface 105 may be at least partially defined by points 4)-10) and/or points 28)-32) and/or points 54)-74). Following are spatial coordinates of top seat surface points 1)-128) of seat 100 in millimeters.

    • 1) 0 mm, 0 mm, 0 mm
    • 2) about −18 mm, about 3 mm, about 0 mm
    • 3) about −34 mm, about 11 mm, about −0 mm
    • 4) about −49 mm, about 27 mm, about −1 mm
    • 5) about −57 mm, about 47 mm, about −2 mm
    • 6) about −63 mm, about 68 mm, about −3 mm
    • 7) about −72 mm, about 88 mm, about −5 mm
    • 8) about −82 mm, about 107 mm, about −7 mm
    • 9) about −93 mm, about 126 mm, about −9 mm
    • 10) about −102 mm, about 146 mm, about −11 mm
    • 11) about −108 mm, about 167 mm, about −13 mm
    • 12) about −112 mm, about 188 mm, about −14 mm
    • 13) about −112 mm, about 210 mm, about −16 mm
    • 14) about −109 mm, about 231 mm, about −18 mm
    • 15) about −102 mm, about 250 mm, about −19 mm
    • 16) about −92 mm, about 269 mm, about −20 mm
    • 17) about −78 mm, about 284 mm, about −21 mm
    • 18) about −61 mm, about 296 mm, about −21 mm
    • 19) about −41 mm, about 305 mm, about −22 mm
    • 20) about −21 mm, about 310 mm, about −22 mm
    • 21) about 0 mm, about 311 mm, about −22 mm
    • 22) about 0 mm, about −66 mm, about 14 mm
    • 23) about −39 mm, about −59 mm, about 14 mm
    • 24) about −74 mm, about −40 mm, about 13 mm
    • 25) about −95 mm, about −22 mm, about 12 mm
    • 26) about −114 mm, about −0 mm, about 11 mm
    • 27) about −130 mm, about 23 mm, about 11 mm
    • 28) about −144 mm, about 47 mm, about 11 mm
    • 29) about −156 mm, about 73 mm, about 11 mm
    • 30) about −165 mm, about 99 mm, about 12 mm
    • 31) about −173 mm, about 126 mm, about 13 mm
    • 32) about −179 mm, about 154 mm, about 15 mm
    • 33) about −182 mm, about 182 mm, about 17 mm
    • 34) about −183 mm, about 210 mm, about 20 mm
    • 35) about −181 mm, about 239 mm, about 24 mm
    • 36) about −176 mm, about 267 mm, about 29 mm
    • 37) about −170 mm, about 295 mm, about 35 mm
    • 38) about −161 mm, about 322 mm, about 42 mm
    • 39) about −143 mm, about 347 mm, about 42 mm
    • 40) about 0 mm, about −50 mm, about 13 mm
    • 41) about 0 mm, about −30 mm, about 8 mm
    • 42) about 0 mm, about −10 mm, about 3 mm
    • 43) about −20 mm, about −50 mm, about 13 mm
    • 44) about −20 mm, about −30 mm, about 9 mm
    • 45) about −20 mm, about −10 mm, about 4 mm
    • 46) about −40 mm, about −50 mm, about 13 mm
    • 47) about −40 mm, about −30 mm, about 10 mm
    • 48) about −40 mm, about −10 mm, about 5 mm
    • 49) about −60 mm, about −30 mm, about 11 mm
    • 50) about −60 mm, about −10 mm, about 8 mm
    • 51) about −60 mm, about 10 mm, about 4 mm
    • 52) about −80 mm, about −10 mm, about 10 mm
    • 53) about −80 mm, about 10 mm, about 7 mm
    • 54) about −80 mm, about 30 mm, about 4 mm,
    • 55) about −80 mm, about 50 mm, about 2 mm
    • 56) about −80 mm, about 70 mm, about −1 mm
    • 57) about −100 mm, about 10 mm, about 10 mm
    • 58) about −100 mm, about 30 mm, about 7 mm
    • 59) about −100 mm, about 50 mm, about 5 mm
    • 60) about −100 mm, about 70 mm, about 3 mm
    • 61) about −100 mm, about 90 mm, about −0 mm
    • 62) about −100 mm, about 110 mm, about −4 mm
    • 63) about −120 mm, about 30 mm, about 10 mm
    • 64) about −120 mm, about 50 mm, about 8 mm
    • 65) about −120 mm, about 70 mm, about 6 mm
    • 66) about −120 mm, about 90 mm, about 4 mm
    • 67) about −120 mm, about 110 mm, about 1 mm
    • 68) about −130 mm, about 70 mm, about 9 mm
    • 69) about −130 mm, about 90 mm, about 8 mm
    • 70) about −160 mm, about 110 mm, about 10 mm
    • 71) about −150 mm, about 110 mm, about 6 mm
    • 72) about −160 mm, about 130 mm, about 10 mm
    • 73) about −140 mm, about 130 mm, about 4 mm
    • 74) about −120 mm, about 130 mm, about −2 mm
    • 75) about −160 mm, about 150 mm, about 2 mm
    • 76) about −140 mm, about 150 mm, about 2 mm
    • 77) about −120 mm, about 150 mm, about −5 mm
    • 78) about −160 mm, about 170 mm, about 8 mm
    • 79) about −140 mm, about 170 mm, about 0 mm
    • 80) about −160 mm, about 190 mm, about 8 mm
    • 81) about −140 mm, about 190 mm, about −1 mm
    • 82) about −120 mm, about 190 mm, about −10 mm
    • 83) about −160 mm, about 210 mm, about 9 mm
    • 84) about −140 mm, about 210 mm, about −1 mm
    • 85) about −160 mm, about 230 mm, about 13 mm
    • 86) about −140 mm, about 230 mm, about 2 mm
    • 87) about −120 mm, about 230 mm, about −11 mm
    • 88) about −160 mm, about 250 mm, about 18 mm
    • 89) about −140 mm, about 250 mm, about 6 mm
    • 90) about −120 mm, about 250 mm, about −7 mm
    • 91) about −160 mm, about 270 mm, about 24 mm
    • 92) about −140 mm, about 270 mm, about 12 mm
    • 93) about −120 mm, about 270 mm, about −1 mm
    • 94) about −100 mm, about 270 mm, about 32 mm
    • 95) about −160 mm, about 270 mm, about 32 mm
    • 96) about −140 mm, about 290 mm, about 21 mm
    • 97) about −120 mm, about 290 mm, about 8 mm
    • 98) about −100 mm, about 290 mm, about −5 mm
    • 99) about −140 mm, about 310 mm, about 31 mm
    • 100) about −120 mm, about 310 mm, about 34 mm
    • 101) about −100 mm, about 310 mm, about 8 mm
    • 102) about −80 mm, about 310 mm, about −3 mm
    • 103) about −60 mm, about 310 mm, about −11 mm
    • 104) about −140 mm, about 330 mm, about 42 mm
    • 105) about −120 mm, about 330 mm, about 34 mm
    • 106) about −100 mm, about 330 mm, about 23 mm
    • 107) about −80 mm, about 330 mm, about 14 mm
    • 108) about −60 mm, about 330 mm, about 7 mm
    • 109) about −40 mm, about 330 mm, about 2 mm
    • 110) about −20 mm, about 330 mm, about −2 mm
    • 111) about 0 mm, about 330 mm, about −3 mm
    • 112) about −100 mm, about 350 mm, about 41 mm
    • 113) about −80 mm, about 350 mm, about 34 mm
    • 114) about −60 mm, about 350 mm, about 28 mm
    • 115) about −40 mm, about 350 mm, about 24 mm
    • 116) about −20 mm, about 350 mm, about 24 mm
    • 117) about 0 mm, about 350 mm, about 20 mm
    • 118) about −100 mm, about 370 mm, about 55 mm
    • 119) about −80 mm, about 370 mm, about 54 mm
    • 120) about −60 mm, about 370 mm, about 52 mm
    • 121) about −40 mm, about 370 mm, about 49 mm
    • 122) about −20 mm, about 370 mm, about 47 mm
    • 123) about 0 mm, about 370 mm, about 46 mm
    • 124) about −88 mm, about 381 mm, about 60 mm
    • 125) about −66 mm, about 381 mm, about 61 mm
    • 126) about −44 mm, about 381 mm, about 62 mm
    • 127) about −22 mm, about 381 mm, about 63 mm
    • 128) about 0 mm, about 381 mm, about 63 mm

In some embodiments, the term “about” may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±1%, ±2%, ±5%, ±7%, ±10%, ±15%, ±20%, or more. In some embodiments, the term “about” in relation to seat surface points may mean±1 mm, ±2 mm, ±3 mm, ±4 mm, ±5 mm, ±6 mm, or more.

In some embodiments, a back top seating surface may be defined as about the back one third of a seat surface. In some embodiments, a back seating surface may rise from any of about 65 mm, about 66 mm, about 67 mm, about 68 mm, about 69 mm, about 70 mm, about 71 mm, about 72 mm, about 73 mm, about 74 mm, about 75 mm, about 76 mm, or about 77 mm, to about any of about 78 mm, about 79 mm, about 80 mm, about 81 mm, about 82 mm, about 83 mm, about 84 mm, about 85 mm, about 86 mm, about 87 mm, about 88 mm, about 89 mm, about 90 mm, about 91 mm, about 92 mm, about 93 mm, about 94 mm, about 95 mm, about 96 mm, about 97 mm, about 98 mm, about 99 mm, about 100 mm, about 101 mm, 102 mm, about 103 mm, about 104 mm, or more, from an inner edge low point to a highest back point. For example from point 21) to point 128) of FIG. 1.

In some embodiments a slope along a bisecting line from a back inner edge center point to a highest back point may be from any of about 25°, about 26°, about 27°, about 28°, about 29°, about 30°, about 31°, about 32°, about 33°, or about 34°, to any of about 35°, about 36°, about 37°, about 38°, about 39°, about 40°, about 41°, about 42°, about 43°, about 44°, about 45°, about 46°, about 47°, about 48°, about 49°, about 50°, about 51°, about 52°, about 53°, about 54°, about 55°, or more. Seat 100 of FIG. 1 has a slope from point 21) to point 128) of about 50 degrees. A term “steep” may in some embodiments refer to a slope of from about 25° to about 55°.

In some embodiments, a slope along a bisecting line from a front inner edge center point to a front outer edge center point may be from any of about 4°, about 5°, about 6°, about 7°, about 8°, or about 9°, to any of about 10°, about 11°, about 12°, about 13°, about 14°, about 15°, about 16°, about 17°, about 18°, about 19°, about 20°, about 21°, or more. Seat 100 of FIG. 1 has a slope from point 1) to point 22) of about 12 degrees.

In some embodiments, a highest slope may be in a rear seating surface along a bisecting line, and wherein the slope gradually decreases from back to front. In some embodiments, a slope from an inner edge point to a corresponding outer edge point decreases from the toilet seat back to the front. A corresponding inner edge point and outer edge point may mean at a same Y value, for example from inner edge points 1 through 21 of FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, an inner edge downward curve from front to back may be represented by a drop in height from a front inner edge center point to a back inner edge center point of from any of about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 or about 19 mm to any of about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, or more. Seat 100 of FIG. 1 has a drop of about 22 mm from point 1) to point 21).

In some embodiments, an outer edge downward curve from back to front may be represented by a drop from a back outer edge high point to an outer edge low point of from any of about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 26 mm, or about 27 mm, to any of about 28 mm, or about 29 mm, to any of about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36 mm, about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm or more. Seat 100 of FIG. 1 has a drop of about 31 mm from point 39) to point 28).

In some embodiments, an outer edge lesser upward curve from back to front may be represented from a rise from an outer edge low point to a front outer edge center point of from any of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 2 mm, about 2 mm, or about 2 mm, to any of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 3 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 4 mm, about 4 mm, about 4 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5 mm, or more. Seat 100 of FIG. 1 has a rise of about 3 mm from point 28) to point 22).

In some embodiments, a toilet seat may comprise a rise from a back inner edge center point to a highest back point of from any of about 30 mm, about 33 mm, about 36 mm, about 39 mm, or about 42 mm, to any of about 47 mm, about 51 mm, about 56 mm, about 60 mm, about 64 mm, about 69 mm, about 73 mm, about 79 mm, about 81 mm, about 84 mm, about 85 mm, about 88 mm, about 95 mm, about 99 mm, about 101 mm, about 105 mm, or more. Seat 100 of FIG. 1 has a rise of about 85 mm from point 21) to point 128).

In some embodiments, an outer edge low point may be positioned in a front one third of a toilet seat. In some embodiments, an outer edge low point may be positioned in a same area as a thigh support surface.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B provide views of toilet seat 200 without thigh support surfaces and toilet seat 100 with thigh support surfaces 105, installed on a toilet, according to some embodiments. Seat 200 comprises seating surface 201, inner edge 202, outer edge 203, and back top seating surface 204. Seat 100 comprises inner edge 102, outer edge 103, back seating surface 104, and thigh support surface 105. Seat 100 comprises a front thickness TF of about 24 mm, a smallest thickness TS of about 20 mm and a largest thickness TL of about 57 mm. Seats 100 and 200 comprise a partial bowl-like shape.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B provide a cross-section views of toilet seat 100, according to an embodiment. It is seen that inner edge 102 comprises a downward curve from front to back, such that inner edge 102 curves down towards the toilet bowl top edge upon installation. In some embodiments, an inner edge may curve downwards to below a toilet bowl top edge. FIG. 3B provides a view of steep back seating surface 104.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict toilet seat 100 coupled to seat cover 420, according to some embodiments. Seat 100 comprises an irregular shape as outer edge comprises a downward curve followed by an upward curve from back to front. Accordingly, cover 420 comprises a complimentary shape to compensate for this, allowing cover 420 to correspond to and fit (rest) on seat 100 in a closed position.

FIG. 5A provides an underneath perspective view of toilet seat 100 with cover 420, according to an embodiment. Visible are rear lateral stabilization pads 550 and front lateral stabilization pads 555. FIG. 5B shows a close-up view of front lateral stabilization pad 555, and FIG. 5C shows a close-up view of lateral stabilization pad 556, according to some embodiments. Stabilization pads may be provided in varying sizes, like 555 (large) and 556 (medium). Stabilization pads 555 and 556 comprise an “L” shape. Stabilization pads prevent lateral movement of a toilet seat and aid in providing comfort and ergonomics. In some embodiments, lateral stabilization pads may be provided as part of a modular toilet seat assembly, wherein a proper size is chosen and inserted into a seat depending on a toilet bowl size. A “down leg” of a lateral stabilization pad, 555a or 556a, may be configured to rest on an interior of a toilet bowl upper rim.

Although the figures show ergonomic toilet seats having a closed front, an ergonomic toilet seat having a top circumferential seating surface and an open front is also included and subject of the invention.

In some embodiments, a toilet seat may be prepared via injection molding. A toilet seat may comprise one or thermoplastics, for instance one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, other polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyesters, blends thereof, copolymers thereof, or composites thereof. In some embodiments, a toilet seat surface may be smooth and continuous. In other embodiments, a toilet seat surface may comprise a texture.

A set of lateral stabilization pads may mean one or more, for instance 2, 3, 4, or more pads. Lateral stabilization pads may comprise a same material as a toilet seat, or may comprise a different material. In some embodiments, lateral stabilization pads may comprise a softer or more flexible thermoplastic, for instance an elastomer.

In some embodiments, a toilet seat may comprise one or more areas configured to receive and couple to a lateral stabilization pad. In some embodiments, a lateral stabilization pad may “snap fit” to a toilet seat. In some embodiments, a lateral stabilization pad may be coupled to a toilet seat via an adhesive.

In some embodiments, a toilet seat of the disclosure may have a pressure mat or pad placed thereon and a pressure of a person sitting on the seat may be measured. Such measurements may relate directly to ergonomic performance. In some embodiments pressure measurements may be taken at different minimum thresholds, for example 0 psi, 5 psi, or 7 psi. At 0 psi threshold, a high contact area and low pressure are desired. At 5 psi and 7 psi, a low contact area and low pressure are desired.

In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 0 psi threshold, an average contact area of ≥115 in2, ≥120 in2, ≥125 in2, ≥130 in2, ≥135 in2, ≥140 in2, ≥145 in2, ≥150 in2, ≥155 in2, ≥160 in2, ≥165 in2, ≥170 in2, ≥175 in2, or greater over a sample size of different people. In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 0 psi measurement threshold, an average pressure of ≤2.0 psi, ≤1.8 psi, ≤1.6 psi, ≤1.4 psi, ≤1.2 psi, or lesser over a sample size of different people.

In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 5 psi threshold, an average contact area of ≤4.5 in2, ≤4.3 in2, ≤4.1 in2, ≤3.9 in2, ≤3.7 in2, ≤3.5 in2, ≤3.3 in2, ≤3.1 in2, ≤2.9 in2, ≤2.7 in2, ≤2.5 in2, ≤2.3 in2, or lower over a sample size of different people. In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 5 psi measurement threshold, an average pressure of 7.4 psi, 7.3 psi, 7.2 psi, 7.1 psi, 7.0 psi, 6.9 psi, 6.8 psi, or lesser over a sample size of different people.

In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 7 psi threshold, an average contact area of ≤2.5 in2, ≤2.3 in2, ≤2.1 in2, ≤1.9 in2, ≤1.7 in2, ≤1.5 in2, ≤1.3 in2, ≤1.1 in2, ≤1.0 in2, or lower over a sample size of different people. In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 7 psi measurement threshold, an average pressure of ≤8.6 psi, ≤8.5 psi, ≤8.4 psi, ≤8.3 psi, ≤8.2 psi, ≤8.1 psi, ≤8.0 psi, ≤7.9 psi, ≤7.8 psi, ≤7.7 psi, ≤7.6 psi, or lesser over a sample size of different people.

The term average people may mean average adults. In some embodiments a sample size of average adults may have an average height of 59 inches to about 73 inches and an average weight of about 164 pounds to about 204 pounds. In some embodiments, a sample size may comprise from 5 to 10 adults, or more, within these ranges. It has been found that present toilet seats perform well over a wide variety of body types.

The term “adjacent” may mean “near” or “close-by” or “next to”.

The term “coupled” means that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The term “flow communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow there through and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles “a” and “an” herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term “about” used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, “about” may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±05%, ±0.1%, ±0%, ±0%, ±0%, ±0%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10%, ±15%, ±20%, or more. All numeric values are modified by the term “about” whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term “about” include the specific identified value. For example “about 5” includes 5.

The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±05%, ±0.1%, ±0%, ±0%, ±0%, ±0%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.

Example 1

A flexible pressure pad is placed on a toilet seat; the pad is configured to detect and report pressure resulting from a person sitting on a seat. A random sample of 10 people sit on a present seat 100 with thigh supports, as well as a commercial seat (Kohler FRENCH CURVE). Results are taken at pressure thresholds of 0 psi (pounds per square inch), 5 psi, and 7 psi. Results of average contact area in square inches and average pressure in psi (average of 10 people) are shown below. The sample of 10 adults have an average height of from about 59 inches to about 73 inches and an average weight of about 164 pounds to about 204 pounds.

0 psi threshold contact area (in2) pressure (psi) seat 100 179 1.1 commercial seat 108 1.6

At low pressure threshold of 0 psi, a large contact area is desired, which represents a distribution of pressure. Lower pressure is desired. Present seat 100 shows a 66% increase in contact area and 31% decrease average pressure compared to the commercial seat.

5 psi threshold contact area (in2) pressure (psi) seat 100 2.3 6.8 commercial seat 4.6 7.5

At low pressure threshold of 5 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure are desired. Present seat 100 shows a 50% decrease in contact area and a 9% decrease in pressure compared to the commercial seat.

7 psi threshold contact area (in2) pressure (psi) seat 100 1.0 7.6 commercial seat 2.6 8.7

At low pressure threshold of 7 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure are desired. Pressure seat 100 shows a 62% decrease in contact area and a 13% decrease in pressure compared to the commercial seat.

The results display a toilet seat of the disclosure is highly ergonomic.

Example 2

A flexible pressure pad is placed on a toilet seat; the pad is configured to detect and report pressure resulting from a person sitting on a seat. A random sample of 7 people sit on another present seat with thigh supports, as well as a commercial seat (Kohler FRENCH CURVE). The present seat of Example 2 comprises a slope along a bisecting center line from a back inner edge center point to a highest back point of 30°, a rise in height from the back inner edge center point to the highest back point of 38 mm, a slope along the bisecting center line from a front inner edge point to a front outer edge point of 7°, a drop in height from the front inner edge center point to the back inner edge center point of 7 mm, a drop in height from the back outer edge high point to an outer edge low point of 18 mm, and a rise in height from an outer edge low point to the front outer edge center point of 2 mm. Results are taken at pressure thresholds of 0 psi (pounds per square inch), 5 psi, and 7 psi. Results of average contact area in square inches and average pressure in psi (average of 10 people) are shown below. The sample of 7 adults have an average height of from about 59 inches to about 73 inches and an average weight of about 164 pounds to about 204 pounds.

0 psi threshold contact area (in2) pressure (psi) seat Ex 2 147 1.8 commercial seat 127 2.3

At low pressure threshold of 0 psi, a large contact area is desired, which represents a distribution of pressure. Lower pressure is desired. Present Example 2 seat shows a 16% increase in contact area and 22% decrease average pressure compared to the commercial seat.

5 psi threshold contact area (in2) pressure (psi) seat Ex 2 2.3 6.8 commercial seat 13.4 7.2

At low pressure threshold of 5 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure are desired. Present Example 2 seat shows a 83% decrease in contact area and a 6% decrease in pressure compared to the commercial seat.

7 psi threshold contact area (in2) pressure (psi) seat Ex 2 1.0 7.6 commercial seat 6.5 8.8

At low pressure threshold of 7 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure are desired. Pressure Example 2 seat shows a 85% decrease in contact area and a 14% decrease in pressure compared to the commercial seat.

The results display a toilet seat of the disclosure is highly ergonomic.

Claims

1. An ergonomic toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises a top circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front, and a back,

wherein the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line from front to back, a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to back, and
wherein a slope along the bisecting center line from a back inner edge center point to a highest back point is from about 25 degrees to about 55 degrees.

2. The ergonomic toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein a rise from the back inner edge center point to the highest back point is from about 30 mm to about 105 mm.

3. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein a slope from an inner edge point to a corresponding outer edge point decreases from the toilet seat back to the front.

4. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein a slope along the bisecting center line from a front inner edge center point to a front outer edge center point is from about 5 degrees to about 21 degrees.

5. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein the inner edge comprises a downward curve from the seat front to the seat back.

6. The toilet seat according to claim 5, wherein the inner edge downward curve results in a back inner edge portion being positioned below a toilet bowl top edge upon installation on a toilet.

7. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein there is a drop in height from a front inner edge center point to a back inner edge center point of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

8. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein the outer edge comprises a downward curve followed by a lesser upward curve from the back to the front.

9. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein there is a drop in height from a back outer edge high point to an outer edge low point of from about 12 mm to about 40 mm.

10. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein there is a rise in height from an outer edge low point to a front outer edge center point of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

11. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein the inner edge comprises a curved thigh support surface positioned towards the seat front, the curved thigh support surface extending inward towards the bisecting center line.

12. An ergonomic toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises a top circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front, and a back, wherein the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line from front to back, the inner edge comprises a downward curve from the seat front towards the seat back, the outer edge comprises a downward curve followed by a lesser upward curve from the back to the front, and a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to back.

13. The toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein a sample size of people seated thereon provides

an average contact area of ≥115 in2 and an average pressure of 2.0 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 0 psi,
an average contact area of ≤4.5 in2 and an average pressure of 7.4 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 5 psi, and
an average contact area of ≤2.5 in2 and an average pressure of 8.6 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 7 psi.

14. The toilet seat according to claim 12, wherein a sample size of people seated thereon provides

an average contact area of ≥115 in2 and an average pressure of 2.0 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 0 psi,
an average contact area of ≤4.5 in2 and an average pressure of 7.4 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 5 psi, and
an average contact area of ≤2.5 in2 and an average pressure of 8.6 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 7 psi.

15. The toilet seat according to claim 1, comprising a set of lateral stabilization pads.

16. The toilet seat according to claim 12, comprising a set of lateral stabilization pads.

17. A modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a toilet seat according to claim 1, and a toilet seat cover having an outer edge configured to correspond to and rest on the outer edge of the toilet seat in a closed position.

18. A modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a toilet seat according to claim 1, and a set of lateral stabilization pads.

19. A modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a toilet seat according to claim 12, and a toilet seat cover having an outer edge configured to correspond to and rest on the outer edge of the toilet seat in a closed position.

20. A modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a toilet seat according to claim 12, and a set of lateral stabilization pads.

Patent History
Publication number: 20230309763
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 28, 2021
Publication Date: Oct 5, 2023
Applicant: AS America, Inc. (Piscataway, NJ)
Inventors: Douglas F. Leavitt (Bethlehem, PA), Behnam Heydari (Ridgewood, NJ), Christophe Bucher (Hillsborough, NJ), Steven D. Kappus (Manville, NJ)
Application Number: 18/024,900
Classifications
International Classification: A47K 13/02 (20060101); A47K 13/04 (20060101);