Seat And Lid Patents (Class 4/234)
  • Publication number: 20080313796
    Abstract: This invention is related to a toilet-seat-system or a similar system which makes use of the lid to serve the user as a backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Paola Wendt
  • Publication number: 20080271230
    Abstract: An easy release hinge assembly for connecting a covering member to a toilet base is disclosed. It has a mounting plate mountable on an upper rearward surface of the toilet base, and having two spaced apart through holes and two overhanging lateral wings. Fasteners are extendible through the through holes and then through a portion of the toilet base to mount the mounting plate thereon. There is also a hinge base member adapted to support the covering member in a pivotal fashion, the hinge base member having a pair of spaced essentially horizontally extending extension arms defining in part an opening for receiving the mounting plate therebetween. A lid is pivotably mounted on the hinge base to pivot between a first position where a rearward portion of the lid is positioned behind the mounting plate, and a second position where it is not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Laundre
  • Publication number: 20080235857
    Abstract: A cushion paper assembly for a toilet seat includes a base, and a stack of cushion paper and a double-coated adhesive tape respectively adhered to a top and a bottom of the base. The stack of cushion paper is adhered to three folded edges of the base extending upwards. The double-coated adhesive tape is adhered to the toilet seat when the assembly is used. When the toilet seat is lifted up, the cushion paper assembly is clipped between a toilet seat cover and the toilet seat. When the assembly is to be used, the toilet seat is lowered down, and the used cushion paper is torn off to expose the next sanitary and unused cushion paper. Thus, it is possible to prevent the hip and the legs from being infected by skin germs, and the cushion paper assembly for the toilet seat can be used in a sanitary and convenient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Chia-Yuan Tzeng
  • Publication number: 20080235858
    Abstract: An improved elevated hinged toilet seat with lid of simple construction and ease of installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Richard W. Schanz
  • Patent number: 7340782
    Abstract: The toilet assembly includes a toilet seat lid, a toilet seat, a toilet tank, a toilet bowl and a hinge assembly. The toilet seat lid is situated on top of the toilet seat. The toilet seat lid has a front peripheral lid portion and an end portion extended off of the front peripheral lid portion. The toilet seat has a front peripheral seat portion and an end portion extended normal to the front peripheral seat portion. The hinge assembly is affixed to the lid end portion, the seat end portion, and additionally to the front surface of the toilet tank. The seat end portion rises perpendicular to the front peripheral seat portion so that when the toilet seat lid is raised, the hinge assembly is covered, protecting it from exposure to urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Javier Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20070143910
    Abstract: In a toilet seat and covering lid combination pivotally mounted to the rear of a toilet bowl, wherein the seat and lid are normally in a horizontal at-rest closed position on top of the toilet bowl, an improvement comprising an extension of the curved front edge of a semielliptical lid protruding about one-half to three inches beyond the toilet seat when the lid is in a closed position such that a person can easily grasp the lid with little risk of contacting the toilet seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventor: Cecil Lauffer
  • Patent number: 7216374
    Abstract: A multi-function toilet seat having a body including an oval and arcuate shaped portion, defining an ergonomically configured upper surface and an open interior. A rear portion interconnects opposite extending ends of the arcuate shaped portion. A fluid inlet plug extends from a first location associated with the body and communicates with a plurality of succeeding and interior extending passageway channels. The channels communicate in turn with a plurality of spray nozzles located at spaced locations along an inner defining surface of the seat. A suction outlet extends from a second location associated with the body and communicates with an exhaust motor incorporated into the rear portion. A plurality of exhaust apertures extend along spaced inner locations of the seat and evacuate an airflow from within an associated toilet bowl interior and through the suction outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Shawky Hassan
  • Patent number: 7137154
    Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating the selective lifting of the lid or the seat/lid combination of a two-piece toilet seat assembly comprises (a) a stem member that is adapted to pass through a pre-formed opening in the lid portion of the seat assembly so as to be movably supported by the lid portion, (b) a manually-engagable handle rigidly connected to one end of the stem member, and (c) a latch member radially-extending from the stem member at a location on axially spaced from the handle. During movement (e.g., rotation) of the stem member within the pre-formed opening in the lid portion, the latch member moves between a seat-latching position in which it underlies a portion of the seat portion of the toilet seat assembly, and a second position in which it is spaced from the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen H. Miller, Peter J. Takos
  • Patent number: 7111331
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly 10 includes a toilet seat 12 having a seat skin 14 defining the exterior surfaces thereof and a seat core 16 disposed within and surrounded by the seat skin 14 and a cover 18 having a cover skin 20 defining the exterior surfaces thereof and a cover core 22 disposed within and surrounded by the cover skin 20. The assembly is characterized by the cores 16, 22 each comprising a waste material. The waste material may be a single polymer wasted in the process of making other products. Alternatively or in combination therewith, combining a plurality of different materials (including different polymers) from different sources may be employed to formulate the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Talhin/T Corporation
    Inventor: Euclide Cecchin
  • Patent number: 6959458
    Abstract: A toilet seat with decorative effect includes a toilet lid as well as a circular seat with a plurality of isolated sections. Each of the isolated section forms a transparent closed space for accommodating liquid or ornaments with different colors such as single-liquid with lustrous foil fragments or dual-liquid with floats so as to achieve a colorful decorative effect. Thus no matter the toilet lid or the circular seat is lifted up or put down, the isolated sections with liquid and ornament have decorative effects. The toilet seat can also match the interior design of the whole bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jui-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 6851130
    Abstract: A new sanitary toilet seat apparatus for permitting a user to raise and lower a toilet seat without having to touch the toilet seat directly. The inventive device includes a toilet seat member which is pivotally coupled to a toilet bowl apparatus. At least one counterweight member is coupled to or extends outwardly from the back end of the toilet seat. A lid or cover member of for said toilet seat counterbalances the seat and is provided with a handle for ease of operation well away from the normal contamination areas of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Berring
  • Publication number: 20040226082
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a member having an external surface and a channel extending into the member from a slit in the external surface; wherein the channel has opaque sides adjoining the external surface of the member; the channel width increases and subsequently decreases as the channel extends into the member; and the channel is or contains an optical wave guide. In some instances the apparatus is a toilet comprising an RLS with the toilet seat comprising a side emitting optical fiber. In other instances the apparatus is a toilet lid comprising a graphic image illuminated by at least one optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: John B. Squicciarini
  • Patent number: 6807686
    Abstract: An easily removable and replaceable toilet seat and hinge assembly. When it becomes necessary to clean the top of the toilet and seat and lid, a toilet seat and lid may be readily removed without having to remove the bolts which hold the seat and lid on the toilet. Instead, male and female clip members hold the seat to the toilet and may be readily snapped in and out of attachments to remove or replace a toilet seat and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy T. Janes
  • Patent number: 6760929
    Abstract: A healthcare device intended for use by persons with either temporary or permanent limited mobility as a paraplegic or near paraplegic, who possess full use of the upper body and upper extremities. An intermediary device between the bedside commode where use of lower extremities permits walking, and the bedpan where a person is immobile or requires the help of an attendant or caregiver. This toilet or commode does not require the user to stand or sit independently, and there is no need to turn around for use. It is comprised of a wedged shaped, smooth surface, ventrally cantilevered bench with a toilet opening above a suspended waste collection bucket at the enlarged far end. Enclosed on three sides by a girdling fence rail, it is approached directly by a wheelchair user who, with chair brakes set, can slide forward onto the co-planer bench using the parallel side rails to aid in forward and backward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: David William Dippel
  • Publication number: 20040098795
    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 décoration 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
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Axel Benkhardt, Andreas Hack
  • Publication number: 20040064876
    Abstract: A detachable toilet seat mounting structure is constructed to include a pivot shaft horizontally provided at a mounting plate at the top of a toilet bow, the pivot shaft having two reduced portions, and two knuckles provided at the rear side of a toilet seat for coupling to the pivot shaft to detachably pivotally secure the toilet seat to the mounting plate at the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Shou Chi Lu
  • Publication number: 20040049840
    Abstract: A sanitary toilet seat apparatus for permitting a user to raise and lower the toilet seat without having to physically touch the toilet seat. The toilet seat comprising a two-part assembly is physically coupled to the toilet bowl apparatus at two coupled pivot points located adjacent to each other. One counterweighed upper is coupled to the back end of the toilet seat. Another second counterweighed seat element is coupled to the apparatus in balanced arrangement, the upper member is balancled to provide a handle for movement of the seat well away from normally contaminated areas of the toilet seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Berring
  • Patent number: 6658672
    Abstract: A hinge of toilet bowl seat and toilet bowl cover, including a subplate and a sleeve disposed on the subplate. The subplate is integrally formed with an upright column. A top end of the column is formed with an inner thread section. The sleeve has an axial through hole corresponding to the column, whereby the sleeve can be fitted around the column. The sleeve is fixed on the subplate by a bolt corresponding to the inner thread section of the column. An outer diameter of the head section is larger than an inner diameter of the through hole. The bolt is downward fitted into the sleeve and screwed into the inner thread section of the column. The head section of the bolt is stopped at the top edge of the sleeve to fix the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Elvis Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6643851
    Abstract: An easily removable and replaceable toilet seat lid and hinge assembly. When it becomes necessary to clean the top of the toilet, toilet seat, and lid, the toilet seat and lid may be readily removed without having to remove the bolts which hold the seat on the toilet. Instead, male and female clip members hold the seat to the toilet and may be readily snapped in and out of attachment to remove or replace the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy T. Janes
  • Publication number: 20030204899
    Abstract: A removable toilet lid cover with hook-and-loop or other fasteners for quick and sturdy attachment to a toilet lid. The uniquely designed lid cover does not extend to a toilet lid's side or underside and consequently avoids soiling by an inattentive user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Janice E. Cairns
  • Patent number: 6640349
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly is provided. The toilet seat assembly has a toilet seat ring and a toilet seat cover having cores of cellulosic materials such as wood derivatives or other natural cellulosic materials. The toilet seat ring and cover are encapsulated by a polymeric material bonded thereto, preferably polypropylene plastic. The plastic overlay has integrally formed hinge ears to allow the toilet seat ring to be pivotally connected with the toilet seat bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Centoco Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Anthony G. Toldo, Leo Meyer, Osman Mourad
  • Publication number: 20030121090
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly 10 includes a toilet seat 12 having a seat skin 14 defining the exterior surfaces thereof and a seat core 16 disposed within and surrounded by the seat skin 14 and a cover 18 having a cover skin 20 defining the exterior surfaces thereof and a cover core 22 disposed within and surrounded by the cover skin 20. The assembly is characterized by the cores 16, 22 each comprising a waste material. The waste material may be a single polymer wasted in the process of making other products. Alternatively or in combination therewith, combining a plurality of different materials (including different polymers) from different sources may be employed to formulate the waste material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Euclide Cecchin
  • Patent number: 6543065
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cover including a main body made of wooden material. The main body is enclosed by a cover layer. The cover layer is made of fabric or paper material with natural fibers. The cover layer is further enclosed by an outer layer. The cover layer serves to fill up the irregular portions of the outer face of the main body. Also, the cover layer serves as a lining of the outer layer to highlight the colors of the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Elvis Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20030028955
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cover including a main body made of wooden material. The main body is enclosed by a cover layer. The cover layer is made of fabric or paper material with natural fibers. The cover layer is further enclosed by an outer layer. The cover layer serves to fill up the irregular portions of the outer face of the main body. Also, the cover layer serves as a lining of the outer layer to highlight the colors of the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Elvis Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6421842
    Abstract: A holder arrangement for a toilet-bowl having a body, a seat and a lid includes a holder with a case and a bottom opening for inserting a pair of operating hinges and a pair of opposite, coaxial, side openings at opposite ends of the holder case. A pair of fixtures project horizontally from the holder case for fixed the arrangement to the body of the toilet bowl. The pair of operating hinges each have a hinge case with a pair of legs and a rotating shaft projecting from the hinge case. The hinge cases and rotating shafts are coaxial to each other in the holder case, the operating hinges being inserting into the holder case through the bottom opening of the holder case and the rotating shafts extending out of the holder case through the side openings of the holder case. One rotating shaft is adapted for connection to the seat and the other is for connection to the lid. An engagement mechanism has of a pair of engagement pieces inside the holder case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Oriya Fujita
  • Patent number: 6347415
    Abstract: A toilet seat and lid, each comprising a rigid insert injection molded of thermoplastic material. Each insert is then over-molded by injection molding with a thermoplastic elastomeric material which provides the outer surface of the seat and lid. The inserts are dimensioned with respect to their over-molded surfaces to be smaller than the finished seat and lid and are designed to give maximum strength to the seat and lid. Each insert is shaped to promote the flow of the over-mold material and to minimize shrinking, swelling or distortion of the insert. The elastomeric material is preferably chemically compatible with the inserts to allow a chemical as well as a mechanical bond to take place. The over-molded material provides the desired soft, non-slip, warm to the touch outer characteristics of the seat and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Aaron G. Hogue
  • Patent number: 6338167
    Abstract: This invention is related generally to detachable assemblies and more particularly to novel hardware for easily attaching or removing portable members from stationary structures. A quick acting fastener assembly is described for attaching a portable member, such as a toilet seat, to a stationary member, such as a toilet bowl, for example. The portable member carries a pair of headed pins fixed to the margin thereof and projecting outward to mate with receptacles on the stationary member. Said pins and the mating receptacles are of a unique design such that when the pins are inserted into the matching receptacles the portable member is securely fastened to the stationary member, yet can be removed, disengaged, without any adjustments (levers pulled, fasteners removed, etc.). The distinguishing feature of this invention is in the simplicity of the mechanical hardware, the absence of moving parts, springs, fasteners, levers, or removable nuts, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Richard H. Baker, Krista K. Finigan, Anthony G. P. Marini
  • Patent number: 6279180
    Abstract: The combination of plural photoluminescent panels and a commode and a method of illuminating the commode are described. The commode has a bowl including a top surface and an arcuate inner wall portion contiguous with the top surface. The commode may also include a seat pivotally connected to the bowl for selective disposition on the top surface of the bowl, and a cover pivotally connected to the bowl for selective disposition on the seat. Each photoluminescent panel is a generally planar, flexible member of generally rectangular shape having rounded corners. Each panel has an exterior surface and an interior surface, with its exterior surface being arranged to be activated by exposure to ambient light to produce photoluminescent illumination when the ambient light decreases to a threshold level. The interior surface of each panel includes an adhesive, e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive, thereon covered by a peel-off liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan Marc Bell, Jonathan Todd Pollack
  • Patent number: 6154892
    Abstract: A toilet seat and lid, each comprising a rigid insert injection molded of reinforced thermoplastic material. Each insert is then over-molded by injection molding with a thermoplastic elastomeric material which provides the outer surface of seat and lid. The inserts are dimensioned with respect to their over-molded surfaces to be smaller than the finished seat and lid and are designed to give maximum strength to the seat and lid. Each insert is shaped to promote the flow of the over-mold material and to minimize shrinking, swelling or distortion of the insert. The elastomeric material is preferably chemically compatible with the inserts to allow a chemical as well as mechanical bond to take place. The over-molded material provides the desired soft, non-slip, warm to the touch outer characteristics of the seat and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Aaron G. Hogue
  • Patent number: 6085365
    Abstract: A structurally improved toilet is provided. The toilet includes a bowl having a urine protector at front end, an opening, a transverse extension from a sloped partition in a water reservoir inside the bowl so as to define a shallow water portion thereon and a saddle portion abutting the front end, and a seat assembly which is comprised of a seat and cover hinged with each other on their rear end, each has an upright and a saddle portion respectively engaging with the urine protector and the saddle portion of the bowl. This disclosure is characterized in that the user will be comfortable to sit on the toilet, the water will not splash on the buttock of the user and the urine of the user will not splash out of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Feng-I Chiang
  • Patent number: 6085360
    Abstract: For use with a toilet having a toilet bowl and a lid mounted to pivot between a closed position covering the bowl and an open position pivoted approximately 90.degree. from the bowl, an apparatus for automatically closing the lid includes a control mechanism engageable with the lid for locking the lid in the open position when the lid is pivoted to the open position and a timer mechanism for actuating the control mechanism to release the lid from the open position after the passage of a predetermined time. Where the toilet includes a toilet seat pivotally mounted to the toilet bowl between the bowl and the lid and is pivotable from a closed position resting atop the bowl, a timer suspension system temporarily suspends operation of the timer mechanism while at least a predetermined weight is applied to the seat in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: W. Calvin Yoke, James H. Yoke
  • Patent number: 6003160
    Abstract: Mounted on a toilet lid is a lamp, a battery, a gravity switch and a light sensor, whereby the lamp is automatically lit in the absence of light when the toilet lid is raised, and is automatically extinguished when the light sensor senses light or when the toilet lid is lowered to rest on the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: James Seidle, Linda Seidle
  • Patent number: 5991935
    Abstract: A toilet seat device includes a seat having a base, a soft insert disposed on the base, an outer cover layer engaged on the insert and having a peripheral flange, and a frame secured to the base for securing the peripheral flange of the outer cover layer to the base and for solidly securing the insert between the base and the outer cover layer. The frame has one or more positioning pins for engaging with the base and for positioning the frame relative to the base. The base includes a bottom recess for receiving the frame. A cover is pivotally coupled to the seat and includes a soft insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Shih Kai Wang
  • Patent number: 5950251
    Abstract: A portable toilet and waste receptacle system is provided including a toilet seat and a conventional bucket for performing toilet functions, said seat being attachable to the upper rim of a bucket for use in locations not having conventional toilet facilities. In one embodiment, a flexible waste container can be placed within the bucket to receive human waste. The flexible waste container can be sealed, stored in the bucket, and a separate sealable lid can be placed onto the bucket to seal-in the waste contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Timothy L. Cost, Michele M. Greene
  • Patent number: 5946740
    Abstract: According to the invention, in order to make opening/closing devices for seats and lids of Western-styled lavatory tools readily detachable from the stool, a holder for such opening/closing devices is composed of a cylindrical case open at both ends, structured so as to allow insertion and engagement of a pair of opening/closing devices, of which one works on the seat and the other on the lid, with one inserted from one of the two ends of the case and the other from the other end in a detachable manner; a pair of legs hanging from this case each having at its lower end an engaging piece given elasticity; and holder receptacles structured to be to be fitted into fitting holes provided in the lavatory stool to allow detachable insertion and engagement of the pair of legs as well in a freely detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Sorimachi
  • Patent number: 5918321
    Abstract: A device for fastening a toilet seat and cover to the rim of a toilet bowl, including a plate having a slot extending laterally across the plate and a screw passing through the slot. The plate is selectively adjustable along the length of the slot with respect to the screw and around the screw for positioning the plate. A stud standing up from the plate receives a hollow sleeve shaped toilet seat support over the stud. The stud is expanded by a tightening screw to secure the stud inside the support and thereby to fix the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Estoli, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Estape Olle
  • Patent number: 5842235
    Abstract: In order to control the rotational torque of opening/closing bodies, such as seats and lids for Western-styled lavatory stool, allowing them to be easily opened, stopped and held stably in an opened state, and preventing them from dropping abruptly when they are closed, the present invention provides an opening/closing device with a pair of brackets fitted on two sides at the upper end of the rear part of a lavatory stool and a pair of cases, one for each of the pair of brackets, for bearing and holding one side of a corresponding bracket. A holder housing receives each of these cases, and has a fitting part for a lavatory lid, and is disposed rotatably between the pair of brackets. A pair of supporting members for the lavatory is positioned outside the brackets, and is borne and held by the cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanetsugu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5655233
    Abstract: A decorative cover for a toilet comprises a fabric shaped by a plurality of ribs, the ribs pivotally mounted to the rear of the toilet seat. The ribs are of sequentially reduced configurations allowing for a fully nested relationship therebetween. The ribs are movable to a first nested relationship adjacent the water reservoir which collapses the cover and allows access to the toilet bowl. Upon movement of the nested ribs away from their nested relationship, the cover is extended between the water reservoir and towards the toilet rim. A fixed spacer cover encloses the space between the water reservoir and one end of the collapsible cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Gary R. Lackey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5642531
    Abstract: A method of warming a toilet seat is described. Firstly, provide a toilet having a toilet seat and a pivotally mounted toilet seat cover. The toilet seat cover has a lower surface and a peripheral edge. The toilet seat cover is pivotally movable between a substantially vertical raised position and a substantially horizontal lowered position in which the lower surface of the toilet seat cover overlies the toilet seat. Secondly, secure a string of low voltage lights to the lower surface of the toilet seat cover adjacent the peripheral edge. Thirdly, position the toilet seat cover in a pivotal position parallel to the toilet seat when the toilet seat is not in use. Heat generated by the low voltage lights in proximity to the toilet seat warms the toilet seat in preparation for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Anna Marie Holtom, James A. Holtom, Darin L. Holtom
  • Patent number: 5611089
    Abstract: A toilet lighting device is provided and consists of a illuminating unit within a toilet seat which will illuminate a toilet bowl, so that the toilet can be used in the dark. A radiating unit within a toilet seat cover can function as a night light when the toilet seat cover is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Kent J. Cretors
  • Patent number: 5594957
    Abstract: A foldable toilet seat cover includes two sections pivotally coupled together. A lower section has a lower portion for pivotally coupling to a toilet seat. The lower portion of the upper section includes a notch for engaging with a handle. The handle includes a cavity for engaging with the hand of a user and includes two side portions each having a slot for engaging with fastening members so as to allow the handle to be rotated about the fastening members. The lower section includes a rear peripheral flange for engaging with and for retaining newspaper and books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Shiu F. Shih
  • Patent number: 5457824
    Abstract: An easily removable and attachable toilet seat connector and method is disclosed herein. The device of the present invention comprises a threaded bolt and a nut which is threadable thereto. The threaded bolt has an axially extending aperture. A pin fits within the axially extending aperture of the threaded bolt. The radius of the pin is expandable, thereby securing the pin to a toilet seat mounting bracket, the mounting bracket having a bracket hole extending therethrough to accept the pin. The pin also has a threaded aperture axially extending therein, and a screw is threadable with the threaded aperture of the pin to provide radial expansion of the pin. The method for attaching a toilet seat to a toilet bowl basin first comprises inserting the threaded bolt into a toilet bowl basin hole and threading a nut to said threaded bolt. Thereafter, the radially expandable pin is inserted into a bracket hole of a toilet seat mounting bracket. The radius of the pin is expanded to secure the pin to the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Timothy M. Reed
  • Patent number: 5435016
    Abstract: A toilet flush handle cover or guard is attachable to the bottom of a toilet seat and provides cover for the flush handle of a conventional toilet when the seat is raised to an upright position. The cover is formed to require a male user of the toilet to lower the seat to access the flush handle and flush the toilet after use, thereby providing considerate positioning of the seat of the toilet in the lowered position for subsequent female users. The flush handle cover may be formed in various configurations in order to provide proper coverage for various flush handles as desired, or alternatively may be formed as a single, integral unit with the toilet seat to extend therefrom. The present handle cover is adapted to remain clear of the upper surface of the seat and of any portion of the lid or tank, thus insuring comfort for a user of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventors: Gregory S. Smith, Edward D. Rhead
  • Patent number: 5426793
    Abstract: A refreshable fragrant cushioned toilet seat (100) releases air freshener (26) concealed in its interior cushioning (20) through holes (16) in the upper panel (10) or the lower panel (12) or both into the toilet area on a continuous basis to eliminate odorous air in the toilet area. Upon exhaustion of the air freshener (26) in the toilet seat (100), the air freshener (26) is replenished by impregnating the holes with air freshener (26) dispensed from a container (22) with an acicular head (24). This acicular head (24) is of selected length and penetrates through the holes (16) into the interior of the cushion (20) where air freshener (26) is deposited. In another embodiment, the holes (16) penetrate into a cavity (32) in the upper panel (10) of the toilet seat (100) which is filled with air-refreshening potpourri (33) and covered with a transparent lid (34) flush with the top of this panel. This embodiment provides a pleasing aspect to the eye as well as serving the replenishable, air freshening function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Andrew C. Mac
  • Patent number: 5396663
    Abstract: A central spindle which at the base end is eccentric. The central spindle is surrounded by a sleeve which is deformed and expands its effective diameter at the base when the spindle is turned. To release, the spindle is turned in the opposite direction, and the seat assembly may be removed. The device is particularly useful for attaching a toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Sheridan L. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5289596
    Abstract: A commode chair of unitary molded plastic construction having chair legs, a seat and a chair back. The seat comprises an upper and a lower seat section, at least one of which comprises a toilet seat with a central opening. The toilet seat has a seating surface sculpted and configured in molded form to accommodate and support the posterior of the human anatomy in the seating position. A commode bucket is provided which is supported by the lower seat section and depends downwardly through the central opening therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Guardian Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Rose, David Hodge
  • Patent number: 5182823
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a toilet seat clock for mounting on a toilet seat hingably attached to a toilet bowl having a toilet seat and a cover hingably attached to the bowl. The clock apparatus is mounted on the toilet seat in a chamber provided in a forward portion of a toilet seat, the chamber extending through the toilet seat and the clock apparatus being contained within a housing to be inserted in the chamber, the housing to be enclosed on the top by a transparent lens for viewing the display panel including the time display and being enclosed on the bottom by a base plate which is fastened by attachment members to the bottom surface of the toilet seat. A sealing member is provided for sealing the lens mounted on the upper surface of the seat for preventing the moisture from entering the chamber and contacting the clock apparatus, the clock apparatus being of conventional construction including a digital watch which is battery operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Ron Alsip
  • Patent number: 5123130
    Abstract: An organization is set forth including a series of components including a ring member for securement to and about a commode seat, a frame member for adherably mounting about a tissue roll dispenser, and a plurality of elongate longitudinally aligned mat members of flexible construction, wherein the components include illumination with characteristics to provide directional training to a child and the like for proper use of a commod during limited light conditions. The organization may include luminescent layers to provide visual observation to the components or alternatively utilize a fiber optic cable network directed therethrough to provide continuous, as well as selective, illumination of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: James M. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5123124
    Abstract: A toilet system providing improved convenience, efficiency and sanitation with automatic operation. Basically, the toilet includes a bowl, a seat partially covering the bowl opening and a lid movable between a raised position exposing the seat and a lower position covering the seat and sealing the bowl. When the lid is raised, an air extraction system removes air and odors from the bowl. After use, the lid is either manually or automatically closed, initiating a high or low flush. When left to close automatically a low flush only is initiated. In a low flush, water is directed under pressure through two rotating spray jets against the bowl interior, then is removed along with any toilet contents by the rotating jets action and the macerator which reduces solids to small particles. Heated air is then directed into the bowl to dry the bowl. In a high flush, an additional spray jet cleans the seat and a larger quantity (typically 1/3 additional) of water is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Richard Brower
  • Patent number: 5086521
    Abstract: A padded toilet seat lid is made by magnetically induction welding to the upper surface of a plastic lid shell, a plastic frame which surrounds a cushion providing the padding. The frame traps a peripheral margin of the cushion against the upper surface of the lid. The cushion is also secured to the lid by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Welding of the frame to the lid is accomplished in a special fixture that supports the lid and cushion upside down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Sanitation Equipment Limited
    Inventor: John M. Stewart