Seat And Lid Patents (Class 4/234)
  • Patent number: 11952766
    Abstract: A semi-hidden system for the water flushing handle of toilets that forces the user to lower the lid or lid and seat before activating the flushing of the cistern. The flushing handle is embedded in the front wall of the cistern in such a way that a portion of the handle is covered by the lid of the toilet when the lid is raised, forcing users to close the lid in order to be able to flush, and thus substantially reducing the emission of infectious and polluting bioaerosols. The system aims to contribute to preventive medicine and to improve health worldwide by avoiding contagion of diseases. The toilet lid and seat, which combine with the semi-hidden flushing system, complement the innovative system with fast soft-closing hinges. This invention can be used in public restrooms, homes, hospitals, hotels, schools, and other environments where sanitation is a high priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventors: Ariel Arnaldo Perez, Nicolás Martín Biach
  • Patent number: 11751731
    Abstract: A stabilized toilet seat and toilet bowl that operates to prevent the toilet seat, when placed in a parallel orientation relative to the rim of a toilet bowl, from moving laterally or diagonally. The stabilized toilet seat and toilet bowl includes an interlocking system integral with both the toilet seat and the toilet bowl which automatically engages whenever the toilet seat is hinged into the parallel orientation without placing any restriction on the toilet seat's hinging movement into or out of the parallel orientation. A locking protrusion integral with the toilet seat and a locking slot integral with the toilet bowl may form the interlocking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Leonard C Brown
  • Patent number: 11633077
    Abstract: A toilet seat mounting assembly that includes a hinge mount on an upper surface of a portion of a pedestal, the hinge mount having a body with a bore; an anchor underneath a lower surface of the portion; a fastener extending through the bore and operatively coupled to the anchor to clamp the portion between the hinge mount and the anchor; a hinge base having a mount supported by the upper surface, the mount having an outer wall, which defines an opening that receives the body, and a locking feature flexibly coupled to the outer wall; and a lock cap rotatably coupled to the mount and having a wall. The wall retains the locking feature into a locking engagement with the hinge mount in a locking position of the lock cap, and the mount is removable from the hinge mount in a non-locking position of the lock cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Laundre
  • Patent number: 11129508
    Abstract: A toilet seat mounting assembly that includes a hinge mount on an upper surface of a portion of a pedestal, the hinge mount having a body with a bore; an anchor underneath a lower surface of the portion; a fastener extending through the bore and operatively coupled to the anchor to clamp the portion between the hinge mount and the anchor; a hinge base having a mount supported by the upper surface, the mount having an outer wall, which defines an opening that receives the body, and a locking feature flexibly coupled to the outer wall; and a lock cap rotatably coupled to the mount and having a wall. The wall retains the locking feature into a locking engagement with the hinge mount in a locking position of the lock cap, and the mount is removable from the hinge mount in a non-locking position of the lock cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Laundre
  • Patent number: 10578510
    Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods for desorbing molecules from a chamber wall. In an embodiment, a desorption device includes several light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a substrate having a wafer form factor. The LEDs may emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as UV radiation in a UV C range. In an embodiment, the LEDs are thermally coupled to a heat exchanger, such as a thermoelectric cooling device. The emitted radiation may uniformly irradiate a chamber wall to desorb water molecules from the chamber wall. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo M. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 10499775
    Abstract: A deodorizing toilet seat stabilizing device configured to attach to the rim of a toilet bowl to prevent the toilet seat from sliding thereon. The device is comprised of a unitary rigid member having a bottom side and at least one side wall defining an encasing slot adapted for receiving a toilet seat bumper. The encasing slot is also adapted to prevent the toilet seat from sliding back and forth on the toilet; and attachment material for securely attaching the bottom side of the device to the rim of the toilet bowl. The attachment material is comprised of a scented adhesive material, the adhesive material is comprised of a stretch releasing adhesive tape strip having an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive pull tab, wherein the attached device can be removed from the rim of the toilet bowl by pulling on the non-adhesive pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Carli A. Ramos
  • Patent number: 10485390
    Abstract: A lid for a toilet including a bottom surface that faces a top surface of a seat for the toilet when the seat is in a lowered position proximate to a bowl of the toilet. The bottom surface of the lid has a sweeping profile that extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface of the lid and is configured to engage the top surface of the seat. A uniform gap between the seat and lid is defined by the sweeping profile of the lid and the material thickness of the lid when both the lid and the seat are in a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Roger W. Murphy, Jeffrey T. Laundre, Michael R. Bates, David P. Ourada
  • Patent number: 10441118
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a toilet seat that is formed by joining together a seat front member and a seat rear member. The method includes a cutting step of forming a processed surface of a joint part between the seat front member and the seat rear member by cutting the joint part between the seat front member and the seat rear member with a cutting tool having a curved cutting blade part such that the shape of the processed surface is formed in a curved shape in which the seat rear member side thereof protrudes outward in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the joint part extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Akitaka Hamajima, Yudai Morikawa, Motoki Kagawa, Toshiaki Ikeda, Ryuichi Yokoi, Kouta Higuchi, Ryosuke Nakamura, Ryosuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10244905
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a toilet seat apparatus that includes a main part mounted at a rear upper part of a toilet, a toilet seat provided rotatably with respect to the main part, and a radio wave sensor being provided in the interior of the main part and using a radio wave to sense a human body; and in the state in which the toilet seat is lowered, the toilet seat covers the radio wave sensor, and the radio wave passes through the toilet seat and is radiated frontward of the radio wave sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Masami Tsujita, Takeshi Yasugata, Yuji Ota
  • Patent number: 10201258
    Abstract: A toilet seat includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a first wood board. The first layer has a first surface and a second surface. The second layer includes a flexible material. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer. The third layer includes a second wood board. The third layer is coupled to the second layer opposite the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Roger W. Murphy
  • Patent number: 10136777
    Abstract: A stool is provided that provides a raised heel squat position to a user that engages the stool. The raised heel squatting position promotes a healthy and productive experience on a toilet. The stool may be collapsible for easier storage and transportation. The stool may be adjustable to provide custom fittings to different size users. Additionally, the stool may be intelligent and may provide a customized immersive experience to a person on a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NadiaLabs, Inc.
    Inventor: Tikeswar Naik
  • Patent number: 9901225
    Abstract: A support structure may provide stability to a young child, infant, and/or neonate during waste elimination. The support structure may include a headrest, backrest, one or more armrests, and may couple to a toilet. The coupling may be implemented by a fastener to secure the support structure to the toilet. In some cases, the support structure may further couple to a potty ring and/or other assistance device for child waste elimination. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure may integrate other assistance devices for child waste elimination in a single support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Bloom A Boo
    Inventor: Jennifer Victoria Haralovich
  • Patent number: 9636896
    Abstract: A toilet lid is manufactured with a lenticular three-dimensional image. The toilet lid includes a protective cover sheet attached to the lenticular image. The toilet lid also includes a sealing agent applied to the edges of the protective cover sheet and lenticular image, resulting in a protected lenticular image. The toilet lid further includes the protected lenticular image incorporated into the toilet lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chengdon Wu
  • Patent number: 9445697
    Abstract: A toilet lid or seat for use with a toilet includes first and second metallic layers bonded together along an edge to form a shell having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid or seat, the shell having an interior volume. The toilet lid or seat also includes a core structural layer disposed within the interior volume of the shell. The toilet lid or seat further includes a plurality of exterior layers disposed on exterior surfaces of the shell, the exterior layers configured to envelop the toilet lid or seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chengdong Wu
  • Patent number: 9339158
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning toilet seat assembly with a cover surrounding a toilet seat to define a conduit spanning from a back end to a front end of a toilet seat and with a width approximately from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface, defining at least one liquid aperture fluidly coupled to a liquid source with a liquid matter, and defining at least one gas aperture in fluid communication with the conduit and fluidly coupled to a gas source with a gaseous matter, the assembly also having an electrical system operable to cause the liquid matter to discharge onto a portion of the toilet seat proximal to the back end of the toilet seat through the at least one liquid aperture and to cause the gaseous matter to discharge through the at least one gas aperture at a speed sufficient to transport the liquid matter through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Maximo Dorra
  • Patent number: 9295233
    Abstract: A pet toy including: an elongated member in the form of a bone, the elongated member including a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each having a front side and arranged juxtaposed to one another with the front sides facing in opposite directions; the first member including a transparent first member decorative sheet, the first member decorative sheet located between a first member outer shell and a first member inner lining; and the second member comprises including a transparent second member decorative sheet, the second member decorative sheet located between a second member outer shell and a second member inner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: T.F.H. PUBLICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria
  • Patent number: 9138112
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly has a user operated cleaning feature in the form of a mechanism that includes a plurality of discharge ports formed within a toilet seat cover and being open along the bottom surface of the toilet seat cover. The mechanism also includes a manually operated actuator that is accessible along one surface of the toilet seat cover and a reservoir for containing a sanitizing agent. The actuator is operably coupled to the reservoir and operable to drive the sanitizing agent from the reservoir and out of the discharge ports so as to allow sanitizing agent to be delivered to the top surface of the toilet seat when the actuator is operated with the seat cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Ferro
  • Patent number: 9131813
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a laminate toilet lid with display cavity and a method of manufacturing thereof. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having an aperture through a middle portion and having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the core structural layer and configured to cover the aperture. The toilet lid further includes a second exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer opposite the first decorative graphic layer, the second exterior layer configured to cover the aperture such that the first and second exterior layers enclose the aperture to form a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: TOPSEAT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jie Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140317838
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling overflows is provided. The apparatus for controlling overflows may comprise an interior bowl including a waste receptacle and one or more water outlets connected to a water tank. The one or more water outlets may be configured to flush the interior bowl through a primary drain. Additionally, the apparatus for controlling overflows may include an exterior bowl, which may surround the interior bowl. The exterior bowl and the interior bowl may be separated by a gap. The gap may be configured to capture overflow water from the interior bowl when the primary drain malfunctions. Once the overflow water is captured by the gap, it may then be emptied into one or more containers configured to collect the overflow water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Paul A. Komorita
  • Patent number: 8863321
    Abstract: A chair assembly including a toilet seat, a chair seat lid and a backrest. The toilet seat, the lid and the backrest are connected relative to one another such that they are positionable in alternative chair and toilet-use modes. The lid is behind the generally upright backrest when the assembly is in the toilet-use mode and is on the toilet seat when the assembly is in the chair mode. The assembly can have self-supporting legs whereby it can form a standalone chair remote from the toilet. When in a male urination mode, the toilet seat is lifted and the backrest is in a lifted, generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Albi Design I LLC
    Inventors: Aryeh Leib Schottenstein, Marcy Elizabeth Kelly
  • Publication number: 20140215699
    Abstract: A seal for use with a toilet bowl has a horizontal lip with a horizontal ledge beneath the lip. An annular base of the seal is positioned upon the lip. The interior edge of the seal is positioned upon the lip above the interior surface of the toilet bowl. The exterior edge is positioned upon the lip above the exterior surface of the toilet bowl. The central extent of the seal is spaced above the lip. The lower end of an upstanding finger of the seal is integrally formed with the base above the central extent. The upstanding finger has a lower extent in a linear configuration extending outwardly from the vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: SANDRA EILEEN DILLARD
  • Publication number: 20140215698
    Abstract: A toilet lid or seat for use with a toilet includes first and second metallic layers bonded together along an edge to form a shell having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid or seat, the shell having an interior volume. The toilet lid or seat also includes a core structural layer disposed within the interior volume of the shell. The toilet lid or seat further includes a plurality of exterior layers disposed on exterior surfaces of the shell, the exterior layers configured to envelop the toilet lid or seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: TOPSEAT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Chengdong Wu
  • Patent number: 8769729
    Abstract: A linear heater is formed of an enamel wire composed of a heating wire and an enamel layer. The heating wire is made of a copper alloy containing silver, for example. The enamel layer is made of polyester imide (PEI), polyimide (PI) or polyamide imide (PAI), for example. The enamel layer is coated with an insulating coating layer. The insulating coating layer is made of fluororesin such as perfluoroalkoxy mixture (PFA), polyimide (PI), or polyamide imide (PAI). The linear heater is bonded to the lower surface of an upper toilet seat casing such that it is sandwiched between a metal foil and a metal foil made of aluminum, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nishimura, Shigeru Shirai, Hideki Ohno, Yoshiharu Shimada
  • Publication number: 20140130244
    Abstract: A chair assembly including a toilet seat, a chair seat lid and a backrest. The toilet seat, the lid and the backrest are connected relative to one another such that they are positionable in alternative chair and toilet-use modes. The lid is behind the generally upright backrest when the assembly is in the toilet-use mode and is on the toilet seat when the assembly is in the chair mode. The assembly can have self-supporting legs whereby it can form a standalone chair remote from the toilet. When in a male urination mode, the toilet seat is lifted and the backrest is in a lifted, generally horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Aryeh Leib Schottenstein, Marcy Elizabeth Kelly
  • Publication number: 20130239314
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of toilet seats, and in particular, self actuating toilet seat and toilet seat lid assemblies which silently close after use. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a piston and cylinder designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ellis J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8499368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toilet system (1) for installation in a vehicle, wherein the toilet system comprises the following components indicated: namely a base (2) which is to be fixed to the vehicle and has a top wall portion, also a toilet bowl (3) which is borne by the top wall portion of the base and has a top peripheral portion preferably bearing a toilet-seat ring (6), further a sewage-retention tank (15) which, in the use position, is arranged, at least in part, beneath the top wall portion, and additionally a guiding, retaining and coupling device which is configured such that the user—preferably from the outside of the vehicle—can pull the correspondingly formed sewage-retention tank out of its use position, in which it can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the outflow of the toilet bowl (3), remove it from the vehicle and then replace it in said use position, wherein the toilet system (1) is configured such that, even after the base has been fixed to the vehicle, it is possible to make a se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Dometic GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Wunderlich, Volker Müller
  • Patent number: 8443469
    Abstract: A mount for a toilet seat includes a first elongate post configured to be secured to a first post holder; a second elongate post configured to be secured to a second post holder; a first hinge pin configured to join the toilet seat and the first post holder; a second hinge pin configured to join the toilet seat and the second post holder; a first post receptacle configured to be secured in a first aperture of a toilet bowl flange; and a second post receptacle configured to be secured in a second aperture of the toilet bowl flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
  • Patent number: 8402571
    Abstract: A handle mechanism for lifting a toilet seat and its cover. The handle mechanism is affixed to the toilet seat cover, and selectively engages the toilet seat to lift the cover and the seat individually or together. Because the handle mechanism is affixed to the front of the cover, when the toilet is being used, with the seat up or down, the handle mechanism is well away from the toilet, such that the handle mechanism remains clean and sanitary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Pagett
  • Patent number: 8296870
    Abstract: The invention concerns a toilet seat consisting of a seat (1) and a lid (2) capable of being hinge-mounted on it or actually hinge-mounted on it, whereby this lid (2) has a top cover (3) that may consist of sheets of veneer shaped along two axes and a bottom frame (4) consisting of a veneer bundle curved along one axis (FIG. 1e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Villeroy & Boch AG
    Inventor: Thomas Kannengiesser
  • Patent number: 8214931
    Abstract: A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet bowl; a toilet seat; and a hinge pivotally connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl, the hinge including a base portion connected to the toilet bowl, the base portion being made of a relatively rigid material; a leaf portion connected to the toilet seat, the leaf portion being made of a relatively rigid material; and a living hinge portion pivotally connecting the base portion to the leaf portion, the living hinge portion being made of a relatively flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Joseph Hand, Randy Hulsebus, Gary Vande Berg
  • Patent number: 8209789
    Abstract: A quick-release structure of a toilet cover hinge includes a fixing bolt, a locking base, and a lid. To assemble, the present invention is coupled to a toilet cover. The fixing bolt is inserted into and engaged with a elongated engaging hole, and a stopping block is to press against the bolt head, which locks the toilet seat to the fixing bolt. To disassemble, the user places their fingers into arched notches of the locking base to pull the lid up and to disassemble the toilet cover for replacement or cleaning; the fixing bolt does not need to be unscrewed from the toilet bowl to remove the toilet seat. To reassemble, the locking base directly engages with the fixing bolt, which provides for a quick and convenient assembly and disassembly of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: LDR Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Greenspon
  • Patent number: 8108952
    Abstract: A controlling apparatus for automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device is provided, including a mat, at least a detection module, and a control module. The detection module is located inside the mat. The control module is electrically connected to the detection module and an automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device, respectively. The mat is placed in front of the toilet. When a user steps on the mat, the detection module and the control module detects the orientation and position of the footprint to determine whether the user is facing or facing away from the toilet and sends control signals to the automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device to operate accordingly. Also, the detection module can detect the user finishing using the toilet and leaving the mat, a corresponding signal is sent to the automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device to close the lid and flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Po-Sen Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20120023651
    Abstract: A toilet seat incorporating a laser pointing device for creating a target to increase accuracy during standing urination. Several embodiments of decorative and/or functional lighting may also be combined in various embodiments of the toilet seat. Power may be supplied from an internal battery pack or, optionally, from an external power supply connected to the power grid. Numerous versions of sensors and/or controls may be implemented to switch one or more features on or off depending upon such factors as ambient light levels, the proximity of a person to the toilet seat, etc. In some embodiments, timers may be used to control one or more features. Ancillary devices such as audio annunciatiors, audio message generators, and fragrance generators may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Carlos Taylor, Noah Moffett, III, Andrew Moore
  • Patent number: 8091152
    Abstract: A toilet seat for maintaining a stable engagement with an existing toilet base includes a body suitably sized and shaped for conforming to a top rim of the existing toilet base. The seat includes an outer flange statically coupled to a bottom surface of the body and extending downwardly therefrom. The seat further includes first and second inner flanges adjustably coupled to the body and juxtaposed adjacent to the outer flange. Further, each of the first and second inner flanges include a rubber pad directly attached thereto in such a manner that the rubber pads frictionally engage the inner surface of the existing toilet base top rim. The flanges further include first and second deformably resilient spring members which have a corresponding top end anchored to a curvilinear inner face of the first and second notches respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Derick Rucker, Gloria Crump
  • Patent number: 8091153
    Abstract: A device (10) for opening a toilet flushing system including a water cistern (12) supplied by a filler valve, and having a bottom discharge orifice (14) and a vertical movable discharge valve element (15) associated with this orifice (14) which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern (12) or a high open position for discharging the water to a toilet pan, a float (18) which, when the cistern (12) is full, is submerged in order to move the valve element (15) to its open position, and a rod (22) for blocking the valve element (15) capable of being blocked or released by a magnetic valve and a finger at two emptying levels of the cistern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: CELEC Conception Electronique
    Inventor: Christian Martin
  • Patent number: 8091154
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly comprising a seat (2) and hinge means (5) for hingedly attaching the seat (2) to a toilet. The hinge means (5) comprises a mounting block (50) having an arcuate slot (17), and an arcuate seat tang (20) extends rearwardly of the seat which is slidable in the arcuate slot of the mounting block. The assembly may also comprise a lid (3); and hinge means for hingedly attaching the lid (3) to a toilet; and an arcuate lid tang (23) extending rearwardly of the lid which is also slidable in the arcuate slot (17) of the mounting block (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen, Paul Bartholomew Ravenhill
  • Patent number: 8087103
    Abstract: A toilet including a toilet bowl having a bowl flange with apertures and a toilet seat. The seat has a seat ring configured to rest on the bowl flange and a seat mounting means, the mounting means having at least one ring portion extending from the ring, two flange portions, each flange portion being aligned with one of said flange apertures, and an connecting means joining said ring portion and said flange portions, said connecting means permitting rotation of said ring portion between a generally horizontal use position and an over center storage position position. The mounting apparatus for the seat includes a post receptacle secured in each of the flange apertures, an elongate post secured to and extending downwardly from each of the seat flange portions and longitudinally extendable through and beyond the aligned receptacle to permit the seat to be elevated above the bowl flange to facilitate maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
  • Patent number: 8082603
    Abstract: A toilet including a toilet bowl having a bowl flange with apertures, a toilet seat, a toilet seat cover and mounting apparatus. The seat comprises a seat ring configured to rest on the bowl flange and seat mounting means and the seat cover comprises a cover and cover mounting means. The mounting apparatus includes the seat mounting means, the cover mounting means, post holders which overlie the bowl flange apertures, and connecting means joining said seat and cover mounting means and the post holders to permit rotation of the seat ring and cover between a generally horizontal use position and an over center storage position. An elongate post is secured to and extends downwardly from each of the post holders. A post receptacle is positively secured in each of the bowl flange apertures and extends there beyond. A cylindrical receptacle retainer surrounds and engages each receptacle over most of its length and engages the underside of the bowl to positively secure the receptacle in the bowl flange aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
  • Patent number: 8032954
    Abstract: To provide a coupling member for fixing a toilet seat device with warm-water sprays on a toilet bowl that is able to prevent a bolt from being screwed too tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Furukawa, Tadashi Tomita, Hideki Kawai, Toshiaki Takaba, Masato Takeda
  • Patent number: 7976600
    Abstract: A device for detection, collection, containment, neutralization, and elimination of aerosolized contaminants has a lid that fully covers an edge of a toilet bowl for containment of exiting aerosolized contaminants. The lid including a main lid section and a single piece lid cap, with the single piece lid cap having a housing for accommodating an article. The single piece lid cap having a first vent located normal to a natural vertical upward move of the aerosolized contaminants, and a second vent at a back end of the single piece lid cap, oriented substantially parallel to the vertical upward movement of the aerosolized contaminants. The aerosolized contaminants are detected, collected, contained, neutralized, and eliminated by the article within the housing, allowing only uncontaminated air out of the second vent through a natural upward movement of the aerosolized contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Safuto
  • Patent number: 7966674
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a toilet seat and lid. The apparatus comprises a clamp and a handle which attaches to a toilet lid. A user may open and close a toilet seat and/or lid by grasping the handle, in lieu of directly touching the toilet seat or lid. In preferred embodiments, the clamp contains a wireless controlled lever and motion detector which senses when a user moves away from the toilet, and automatically closes the toilet seat and or lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Segun Olowofela
  • Patent number: 7958575
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a correlated magnet toilet seat cover lock which may include a first correlated magnetic field structure securely attachable to a toilet bowl, a second correlated magnetic field structure that is complementary to the first correlated magnetic field structure and securely attachable to a toilet seat cover, and wherein the first correlated magnetic field structure associated with the toilet bowl is capable of being aligned with the second correlated magnetic field structure attachable to the toilet seat cover such that the toilet bowl and the toilet seat cover produce an attractive force that secures the toilet seat cover to the toilet seat bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cedar Ridge Research, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Fullerton, Mark D. Roberts, James L. Richards
  • Publication number: 20110119818
    Abstract: A toilet assembly utilizing a toilet bowl having an opening at a top. A seat portion is swivelly connected to the toilet bowl and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is visible when the seat portion is in an open position; this lower surface has an artistic cosmetic design imprinted thereon which ideally compliments a design on the lid portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Nora Lee Hastings
  • Publication number: 20110083258
    Abstract: A toilet assembly utilizing a toilet bowl having an opening at a top. A seat portion is swivelly connected to the toilet bowl and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is visible when the seat portion is in an open position; this lower surface has an artistic cosmetic design imprinted thereon which ideally compliments a design on the lid portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Nora Lee Hastings
  • Publication number: 20100275353
    Abstract: An installation mechanism for a toilet cover member comprises a rotating shaft for rotating the cover member, a support base for fixing the rotating shaft and a sleeve for containing the rotating shaft. An elongated hole of the sleeve is provided with at least a first hole in any portion which has bigger aperture than other portions of the elongated hole, the aperture of the first hole matches the peripheral wall of the pin so that the pin can be inserted into the first hole; the middle portion of the pin has a groove, which cooperates with the wall of the sleeve so that when the pin is moved from the first hole, the two sides of the width direction of the elongated hole of the sleeve is clamped in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: BESTTER(XIAMEN) TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Binhua Gong
  • Patent number: 7816840
    Abstract: A spindle used in an ultrasonic machine for transmitting vibration to a working tool of the ultrasonic machine is disclosed. The spindle includes a main body, a rotor disposed in the main body, an elastic clamping unit disposed in the rotor, a vibrating unit having one end thereof connected to the inner wall of the rotor while the other end connected to the elastic clamping unit, and a pre-pressure unit penetrating the rotor and one end thereof connected to the elastic clamping unit to provide the elastic clamping unit with rigidity against the rotor, thereby making the elastic clamping unit provide pre-pressure to the vibrating unit which further provides the elastic clamping unit with vibration against the rotor. The present invention further provides a flexible hinge for the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kuo-Yu Tang, Chun-Hung Huang, Yu-Chieh Chen
  • Patent number: 7797767
    Abstract: A cover for a wall-hung urinal or a cover or a seat board (13) for the toilet seat (12) of a toilet (10) with interchangeable decoration and design elements or articles of daily use which are adapted to the respective individual wishes of the users has at least one through bore (210) or a blind bore (210?), whereby an insert member (200) filling the bore and held in the bore is placed fixedly or detachably in the bore (210; 210?), this insert member being configured as a full body or a hollow body, whereby the insert member (200) is made totally, partially or portionwise of a clear material with or without colouration, whereby fixed or movable decoration articles or articles of daily use or functional articles (230) such as lighting means, radio or television, a CD-player, a time displaying device, a speech and/or music module with a current production source such as a battery or a solar cell, liquid means or games, are placed in the material of the insert member (200) configured as a full body or in the inne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Axel Benkhardt, Andreas Hack
  • Patent number: 7676857
    Abstract: A toilet seat and lid lifter assembly which is constructed of a first frame member of generally U-shape and a second frame member of generally S-shape for gripping both a toilet seat and a toilet lid together such that the seat and lid can be simultaneously lifted or lowered without having to touch by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Shawn M. Zuidema
  • Publication number: 20090193569
    Abstract: An apparatus for a toilet seat hinge assembly has a shroud, a base plate, a pin or pins, two bolts, and two threaded nuts. The shroud has a contoured surface and molded bolt tracks. The base plate has a bolt entry opening and a bolt guide. The pin, or pins, are configured to interconnect the shroud to a toilet seat and optionally a toilet seat cover. The two bolts each have a threaded shaft and a head where the heads are either over-molded or configured to engage the bolt entry opening and the bolt tracks of the shroud. The two threaded nuts are configured to engage the threaded shafts of the two bolts. The apparatus provides a smoothly contoured, relatively joint-free surface for easy cleansing and maintenance of the hinge area of a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
  • Patent number: 7485166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for detection, collection, containment, neutralization, and elimination of aerosolized contaminants, comprising a lid that fully covers an edge of a container for containment of exiting aerosolized contaminants, with the lid having housing for accommodating an article. The housing comprising a top vent aligned along atop of a bottom vent, with the top vent optionally smaller in size than the bottom vent, and with the housing, the top vent, and the bottom vent located normal to a natural vertical upward move of the aerosolized contaminants. The aerosolized contaminants are detected, collected, contained, neutralized, and eliminated and sanitized by the article within the housing, allowing only uncontaminated air out of the top vent through a natural upward movement of the aerosolized contaminants via the force of the flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Safuto