Closet-bowl Closures Patents (Class 4/253)
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Patent number: 11445837Abstract: A display is configured to be coupled to a shelving structure. The display includes a bracket having an upper portion. The upper portion includes a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls is configured to contact a member of the shelving structure to couple the bracket to the shelving structure. The bracket also includes a mounting portion extending below the upper portion. The mounting portion includes a surface configured to be recessed within the shelving structure when the plurality of walls contact the member of the shelving structure. The mounting portion also includes an aperture extending through the surface. The aperture is positioned below the plurality of walls of the upper portion and configured to receive a fastener that couples a toilet seat assembly to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kenneth Alt, Mary Distl
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Patent number: 11406233Abstract: A toilet bowl cover apparatus, for use on a toilet having a toilet bowl and a seat, includes an arcuate frame member configured to surround or fit on top of the toilet bowl below the seat. The cover apparatus also includes a flexible plastic sheet member having a shape configured to fit on the frame member, the sheet member having an upper side and a lower side with a sticky adhesive material thereon. The cover apparatus is configured to adhesively attach to an upper surface of the toilet bowl, in order to substantially seal the bowl and minimize water evaporation from the bowl during periods of non-use.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Inventor: Paul W. Painter
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Patent number: 11213175Abstract: An automatic lifting toilet seat apparatus for raising the toilet seat after use to prevent mess includes a pair of seat sprockets is coupled to a seat back side of a toilet seat. A hinge pin is coupled to the pair of seat sprockets. A pair of hinges coupled to a toilet receives the hinge pin. A pair of lifter tracks is toothed and in operational communication with the pair of seat sprockets to rotate the hinge pin and lift the toilet seat. A drive cylinder is coupled within a cover coupled to the toilet and is in operational communication with the pair of lifter tracks. A motor is coupled to the cover and is in operational communication with the drive cylinder. The motor is in operational communication with a motion sensor of the toilet to automatically lift the toilet seat after use and before flushing.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Inventor: David Wise
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Patent number: 11021834Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating laundry items according to an automatic cycle of operation can include a cabinet defining an interior and having a top panel that at least partially defines an access opening to the interior. A lid is rotatable between a closed position and an opened position to selectively open or close the access opening. At least one hinge assembly couples the top panel with the lid. The at least one hinge assembly can include a lid hinge coupled to the lid and defining an axis of rotation of the lid. A hinge housing is coupled to the top panel and to the lid and configured to receive the lid hinge. A damper housing has a damper receiving portion, with a damper at least partially received within the damper receiving portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Iftkhar Ahamad, Raghavendran Prabhakaran, Neyda Eliza Leon Lopez, Pramod V Kanawade, Vasudeo Nivrutti Patil
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Patent number: 10655315Abstract: Flood water removal systems including a motor, a vacuum generating device, a discharge pump, and a vacuum tank can be efficiently arranged to be transversely mounted to a vehicle. Certain flood water removal systems can include a supercharger driven by the engine to generate vacuum. The systems can include a valve to prevent collapse of a vacuum tank and maintain a predetermined vacuum pressure without varying the speed of the motor. The systems can also include a two-stage exhaust that blends exhaust from the blower with motor exhaust in a silencer to reduce noise generation for operation in residential or other noise-sensitive settings. The systems can also include a vacuum tank comprising a noise reduction baffle to further reduce noise generation.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: The CO-CAL Group, LLCInventors: Mark Exner, Aaron S. Bingle, David Cody Sizemore
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Patent number: 9995027Abstract: A transparent, biodegradable, disposable splash shield sized to fit on a toilet bowl rim to prevent splashing of water from the bowl when a plunger is used to free an obstruction in the toilet. The shield is dome shaped and has an upstanding projection on its top that can be gripped to pull the shield from the plunger handle following use. An annular flange on the bottom end of the shield is adapted to rest on rim of a toilet bowl. Adhesive material on the underside of the flange, or strips of adhesive tape on the marginal edge of the shield, releasably secure the shield in position. The shield is nestable and may be foldable in half. A toilet kit includes the splash shield, gloves, at least one paper towel, and a flattened box, all packaged in an envelope-like bag that can be used to contain and dispose of these items following use.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Robert S. Martinisko
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Patent number: 9095241Abstract: An offset bracket device for adjusting the attachment point of a toilet seat to a toilet bowl allows a user to move the pivot point of the toilet seat forwardly away from a toilet water tank in order to prevent the toilet seat from accidentally closing when in an open state. A pair of devices attaches the toilet seat to the toilet; each including bracket having a downwardly extending threaded attachment and an upwardly extending forwardly offset threaded attachment. Each device is installed by orienting the offset threaded attachments with a receiving aperture of the toilet bowl and a receiving aperture of the toilet seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Inventor: John E. Abbuhl
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Patent number: 9009875Abstract: A lock for lavatory plumbing fixtures includes one or more griping members adapted to receive and attach to an internal rim of the lavatory fixture bowl. At least one of the gripping members can be translationally adapted or slideably engaged. A keyed rotational lock or a padlock can be incorporated for locking the article in place. Alternatively, a screw having a special head can be utilized to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Fabcon Products, LLCInventors: Bill Smashey, Dan Vincent, Jaime Vincent
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Patent number: 8914919Abstract: A device to prevent the use of newly placed toilets in buildings under construction by securing the toilet seat and toilet lid of a toilet in a fixed position to the toilet bowl. The toilet use prevention system includes a locking mechanism to secure an L-shape lid retainer and a J-shape bowl clamp in a position to prevent a toilet from being opened. Another embodiment prevents use of faucets in sinks and tubs.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Inventors: Jerry Schubert, Teresa Schubert
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Patent number: 8695653Abstract: A cover for a toilet is provided. The cover includes a sheet having side-facing portions that extend from a top portion and are configured to extend to a ground surface and a front-facing portion that extends from the top portion and is configured to extend to a ground surface spaced-frontwardly from the toilet. A support is carried on about a proximal end of the front-facing portion for providing support to a technician during servicing of the toilet. The support may be a cushion that is made of any appropriately configured material.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey F. Bennett
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Patent number: 8613115Abstract: A monitoring device and method are provided for monitoring a vacuum toilet, as well as a personal transport vehicle, in particular an aircraft, which uses a monitoring device for vacuum toilets. The monitoring device has a position detector for detecting the position of a toilet lid, a mechanical latching device and a flushing control unit. The latching device is designed to latch the toilet lid in an open position based on the weight of a person acting on a toilet seat. The flushing control unit is further designed to control the flushing operation based on the toilet lid position, and to block the flushing operation upon detection of the toilet lid in the open position. This makes it possible to improve both the comfort and hygienic conditions for the toilet user while using the vacuum toilet.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Christian Seibt, Matthias Mueller
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Patent number: 8220081Abstract: A cover element for preventing the use of certain urinals, such as those which are out of use. The cover element temporarily covers an open area of a urinal bounded by a urinal edge, which area is accessible to a user. The dimension of the cover element is at least such that substantially the entire open area of the urinal can be covered therewith. The cover element has at least two lips which can be moved against a spring force from a first position to a second secured position, such that the lips are positioned in clamping contact against an inner side of the urinal edge. This serves to attach the cover element over the open area of the urinal.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Attention ReclameInventor: Levi Vlemmings
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Patent number: 8176576Abstract: A container comprising a body (1), a lid (5) for the body (1), and a locking arrangement for securing the lid (5) to the body (1): the locking arrangement comprising a handle (23) which fits around at least a part of the periphery of the lid (5), and at least one locking device which connects the handle (23) to the lid (5) such that the lid (5) is movable by the handle (23), which is such that the locking device locks when the handle (23) is lowered with respect to the lid (5), and which is such that the lifting of the handle (23) away from the lid (5) causes the locking device (4) to unlock.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Phoenix Product Development LimitedInventors: Garry Moore, Christopher Bryson Garcin
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Publication number: 20110308000Abstract: An anti-reverse device includes a handle, a blocking member secured on the handle, a fixing plate mounted on the handle, and an adjusting sleeve movably mounted on the handle and abutting the fixing plate. Thus, the fixing plate is fixed on the flange of the toilet bowl, and the blocking member is fixed on the draining port of the toilet bowl to lock the anti-reverse device onto toilet bowl so that the blocking member can block the draining port of the toilet bowl closely and tightly to prevent the waste water from flowing back from the draining port of the toilet bowl due to an irregular pressure condition such that the waste water is stopped and will not flow outward from the toilet bowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventor: Lung-Yuan Tseng
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Publication number: 20110271434Abstract: A lock for lavatory plumbing fixtures includes one or more griping members adapted to receive and attach to an internal rim of the lavatory fixture bowl. At least one of the gripping members can be translationally adapted or slideably engaged. A keyed rotational lock or a padlock can be incorporated for locking the article in place. Alternatively, a screw having a special head can be utilized to prevent unauthorized unlocking of the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: FABCON, LLCInventors: Bill Smashey, Dan Vincent, Jaime Vincent
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Patent number: 8011401Abstract: A toilet bowl protecting assembly includes a flexible toilet bowl covering with a top wall having a front edge, a pair of lateral edges and a rear edge. A vertical wall is attached to and extends downwardly from the top wall. The vertical wall is attached to and is coextensive with each of the front and lateral edges. The top wall is positioned on top of a toilet lid and seat of the toilet and the vertical wall extending downwardly over a toilet bowl of the toilet. A flexible tank covering including an upper wall and a perimeter wall is attached to and extending downwardly from the upper wall, the tank covering is positionable on and covering a tank of the toilet.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: David K. Utterback
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Patent number: 7966674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Segun Olowofela
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Publication number: 20100255770Abstract: Protective covering for cabinets, appliances, and residential construction components of multi-layer sheeted materials capable of being die-cut into shapes and configurations suitable for protecting kitchen and bath countertops and appliances, home construction components, and desirable multi-layer configurations for various embodiments of the invention. Corrugated materials including paper and plastic are provided in sheets and may be combined with other layers of complementary materials, including plastic sheets, for extending downwardly to protect kitchen and bath cabinets and countertops from paint splashes and for covering air duct openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Michael P. Blake, Raymond A. Blake
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Patent number: 7703154Abstract: An embodiment of the safety lid system includes a container having an interior chamber and a lid moveably connected to the container, an arm having a locking end is functionally connected to the lid, and a holding device having an interior channel adapted for disposing a portion of the locking end is connected to the container. The locking end of the arm is moveable from a locked position wherein the locking end is disposed within the channel of the holding device securing the lid to the container in a position restricting access to the interior chamber and an unlocked position wherein the locking end is removed from the channel. The arm may be biased toward the container wherein when the system is in the locked position the arm must be urged outward from the container to lift the lid from the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Michael Bryan Botello
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Publication number: 20100037377Abstract: The invention relates to a cover element for temporarily covering an open area of a urinal bounded by a urinal edge, which area is accessible to a user. The dimension of the cover element is at least such that substantially the entire open area of the urinal can be covered therewith. The cover element is provided with means of attachment which can be clamped against the urinal edge for attaching the cover element over the open area of the urinal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Levi Vlemmings
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Publication number: 20090049591Abstract: A protective toilet bowl cover for temporary installation during construction or pending maintenance. The bowl cover element includes a clear viewing window so that toilet operation can be observed with the cover in place. The bowl cover element may be adjustable by breaking off a portion of the cover along a selected score line. Two bowl rim engagement elements are pivotally mounted on the bottom of the bowl cover, and provided with toothed pull elements, so that a rim engagement portion of each engagement element may be rotated into contact with the underneath side of the bowl rim by pulling the pull elements partially through small holes in the cover. The toothed portions of the pull elements engage the holes to hold the pull elements and rim engagement elements in place, and excess exposed length of the toothed pull element may be cut.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Abelino Orona, JR.
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Publication number: 20090019626Abstract: A toilet bowl locking device (1) having a cover (7), a slot (4) located in the cover (7), an anchor (2) having an opening (24) located on the cover top surface (18), a pivotal bar (8) having flanges (14) secured to the cover bottom surface (19), a pivot point (5) about which the pivotal bar (8) pivots, and a handle (3) having at least one opening (24). The handle (3) is secured to the pivotal bar (8) and extends through the slot (4) to permit a user to pivot the pivotal bar (8) when the handle (3) is pivoted within the slot (4). The flanges (14) are spaced a predetermined distance from the cover bottom surface (19) so as to be located beneath the toilet bowl rim (12) when the toilet bowl locking device (1) is secured within a toilet bowl (10). A lock (11) may be used to lock the handle (3) to the anchor (2) and thereby prevent pivoting of the pivotal bar (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: Michael P. Sullivan
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Publication number: 20080178375Abstract: A container comprising a body (1), a lid (5) for the body (1), and a locking arrangement for securing the lid (5) to the body (1): the locking arrangement comprising a handle (23) which fits around at least a part of the periphery of the lid (5), and at least one locking device which connects the handle (23) to the lid (5) such that the lid (5) is movable by the handle (23), which is such that the locking device locks when the handle (23) is lowered with respect to the lid (5), and which is such that the lifting of the handle (23) away from the lid (5) causes the locking device (4) to unlock.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2005Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: PHOENIX PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT LIMITEDInventors: Garry Moore, Christopher Bryson Garcin
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Publication number: 20040006816Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an aperture against ingress of floodwater is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a cover portion for covering and forming a seal around an aperture, and location means for engaging with a component associated with the aperture to retain the cover portion in place. For example, the locating means may include a securing element that engages with the fixed component, and screw threaded components to draw the cover portion into place. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to seal an aperture such as an airbrick, a wastewater outlet, an overflow, etc. Further apparatus comprises a sealing portion and a securing portion whereby the apparatus can be disposed for use in a toilet bowl such that the sealing portion is retained in position by the securing portion to substantially seal an outlet of the toilet bowl. Once the risk of flooding has passed, the apparatus can be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Robert Alexander Jones, Peter Anthony Jones
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Publication number: 20030024038Abstract: A commode bowl guard for covering a bowl portion of a commode is provided. The commode bowl guard is provided with a cover plate having an upper surface adapted to cover a section of the bowl portion of the commode when the commode bowl guard is in an installed position on the commode. The commode bowl guard is further provided with a means for retaining the cover plate disposed over the bowl portion of the commode such that the cover plate covers at least the section of the bowl portion of the commode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Lynette E. Cross, Edward C. Cross
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Patent number: 6314589Abstract: A toilet lid lock for maintaining a toilet lid in a closed position. The toilet lid lock is comprised of an upper portion including a horizontally extending arm and a vertically extending stem and a base including a flange portion with slots and a sleeve. The stem of the upper portion is inserted into the sleeve of the base. The height of the arm is adjusted by a set screw positioned in the sleeve. The arm is positioned across a toilet lid and prevents the toilet lid from being lifted. The arm is unlocked when a user presses a release button and rotates the arm so that it is parallel to the tank ofthe toilet. The toilet lid is then free to be lifted to an upright position. Once the toilet lid is lowered, the toilet lid lock automatically resets by rotating the arm back to its original position.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Kidco, Inc.Inventor: Piet Schilt
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Patent number: 6226805Abstract: A manufactured article comprising a upper lid attachment piece (50), protruding member (12), housing unit (22), forward assist springs (40), slide-bolt (18) and handle (20) which is disposed on a toilet bowl, toilet lid and hinge connection points utilizing existing holes and fasteners whereby the user pulls a handle to the rear then lifts the toilet lid to gain access and closes the lid to automatically engage the system, thereby denying access of small children into the toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Timothy Joseph Watkins
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Patent number: 6173454Abstract: A safety device for restricting access into the open interior portion of a toilet bowl is disclosed. The safety device may be used with any conventional toilet unit having a hinged toilet seat and lid combination. The safety device comprises a pair of compression springs and a safety lid having a first end configured to overlay the open interior portion of the toilet bowl and a second end configured to overlay the distal connecting portion of the toilet bowl. The second end of the safety lid is further configured to include a pair of slots that are positioned for engagement with the mounting screws of the hinge mechanism of the toilet seat and lid combination.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Inventor: Dennis Alvarez
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Patent number: 6108827Abstract: A toilet bowl cover for covering a toilet bowl to prevent use of the toilet. The toilet bowl cover includes a top panel with a lower wall downwardly extending along a front edge of the top panel. A spaced apart pair of securing arms are extended from a pair of rear edges of the lower wall. Each of the securing arms has a hole therethrough adjacent a free end of the respective securing arm. An elongate rod is extended through the holes of the securing arms such that the rod extends between the securing arms.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Octavio Espadas
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Patent number: 5706528Abstract: A system for containing the splashing produced when using a toilet plunger to unclog a flush toilet is comprised of a substantially flat stiff splash plate that covers the upper opening of a toilet bowl when the plate is rested on the toilet bowl rim. The plate is visually transparent and has a central aperture for a plunger handle to freely pass through. A gasket is interposed between the plate and the toilet bowl rim and is formed of an absorbent paper material that may be disposed of by flushing it down the toilet drain after use. A method of using the splash plate and the gasket utilizes the transparency of the splash plate and the disposability of the gasket. The splash plate may optionally have stiffness enhancing features including a contoured portion and a perimeter flange. A kit of equipment has a splash plate, a gasket and a reclosable envelope for holding the splash plate and gasket.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventor: William A. Broback
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Patent number: 5682776Abstract: An adjustable toilet-lid closing and lock-down device, with optional use key lock-down, for use on many different types, and styles of toilets, that is sturdily attached, keeping toilet-lid lock-down in it's normal position, requiring adult supervision to use, thus providing safety and general hygiene for infants, young children and household pets.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Inventor: Gene Doyle Burt
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Patent number: 5669081Abstract: A lock for use with an associated toilet having a rim portion and a generally outwardly oriented, depending surface, and having a seat cover thereon includes a releasably engageable receiving member and locking member. The receiving member has a housing and a pivotably connected mounting member. The mounting member is mountable to the rim portion of the bowl on the depending surface thereof. The housing includes at least one lock receiving element therein. The releasably engageable locking member has an elongated cover retaining element and at least one biased locking element. The locking element includes a releasing member thereon for releasing the locking member from the lock receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Scherer, David C. Brown, Michael C. Thuma
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Patent number: 5655233Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Gary R. Lackey, Jr.
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Patent number: 5581824Abstract: A toilet bowl safety cover including a rigid housing member having a housing cavity having a first portion contoured to receive therein in a close fitting relationship the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet bowl base receiving portion contoured to receive therein in close fitting relationship the base of the toilet bowl assembly; and a top seating surface sized to cover the entire opening of the toilet bowl defined by the toilet bowl rim, the seating surface being supported by the rigid housing member with sufficient strength to support a person seated thereon; and a strapping mechanism having first and second strap sections connectable with a coupling mechanism, at least one of the first and second strap sections being configured with a length adjustment mechanism. In use the toilet bowl and toilet base are positioned respectively within the bowl receiving portion and the base receiving portion of the housing cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Inventor: Oliver K. Crook, Sr.
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Patent number: 5560049Abstract: A toilet seat safety device for preventing the lid of a toilet from being lifted. The toilet seat safety includes a cover panel for covering a portion of the toilet lid, a base panel for wrapping around and covering the front portion of the base of the toilet bowl, and a pair of elongated flaps extending transversely from the base panel for wrapping around the rear portion of the toilet bowl and fastening together for securely fastening the toilet seat safety device to the toilet. The toilet seat safety device is formed from cloth material and is therefore washable and easy to attach and remove.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventors: Glorious Robinson, Ella M. Damron
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Patent number: 5347663Abstract: A toilet lid lock comprising a restraining arm removably coupled to a threaded rotatable lock rod mechanism. This mechanism has a first and second end. A repositioning handle and a lock bolt are located at the first end of the mechanism. A threaded portion of the second end of the mechanism receives a compression spring and an adjustable end cap. Two similarly shaped stanchions are further included in the Lid Lock, a first and second respectively, have one aperture each which passes through the stanchion for receiving the threaded rotatable lock rod mechanism. An additional aperture passes through the first stanchion for receiving the threaded rotatable lock rod mechanism lock bolt. The lock bolt is essentially a metal pin which is inserted or withdrawn from the aperture when the repositioning handle is rotated 90 degrees. Integral perpendicular flanges form the bases of the first and second stanchions with each flange having a plurality of screw holes passing through the flange for receiving mounting bolts.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventor: Richard W. Yost
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Patent number: 5267357Abstract: A lid and seat locking apparatus for a toilet includes a mounting assembly, an elongated rod, and an actuating assembly. The mounting assembly is attachable to the flush tank at a location spaced above the bowl. The rod couples the seat and lid to the mounting assembly to undergo pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a lowered position in which the seat and lid cover a top opening of the bowl and a raised position in which the seat and lid uncover the bowl top opening. Hinge brackets on the seat and lid are pivotally attachable to the rod. The rod and actuating assembly are mounted to the mounting assembly for sliding movement relative thereto between locking and unlocking positions along the pivotal axis of the seat and lid. The rod has a pair of radial pins mounted thereon adjacent to selected ones of the seat and lid hinge brackets.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1993Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Inventor: Bruce A. Ades
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Patent number: 5171690Abstract: The invention relates to a composting device for toilet and foodstuff waste to be used in connection with a toilet. In the device according to the invention, the upper portion of a rotating compost container 6 provided with a filtering floor 9 is divided into four sections to keep apart compost materials of different degree of compositing. The compost container is positioned partialy within the toilet room so that the toilet seat 5 is positioned immediately or substantially immediately above the cover of the composting device. In this way, the natural aeration will not cause the smell of the compost material to enter the toilet room when the cover of the toilet is opened. In the composite container, the waste is aerated both from above and from below. The circulation of air is arranged to take place naturally so that it flows all the time upwards.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Inventor: Matti J. Ylosjoki
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Patent number: 5003641Abstract: A gravity reset mechanism having a pivotable locking arm extending over a toilet lid and is affixed to a housing containing interlocking parts which permit locking and unlocking of the device. The locking arm prevents the toilet lid from being raised until a latch release lever and locking bar are repositioned thereby allowing the lid to be raised until it comes to rest against a water holding tank. As the lid is raised it lifts the unlocked locking arm to a position between it and the water holding tank. The locking arm is counter balanced so that when the toilet lid is lowered, the locking arm "free falls" with it until it reaches a 90.degree. angle with the housing at which point gravity influences the locking bar to slide into a locking cam slot thereby relocking the device. The latch release is counter balanced and reset by gravity at the same moment.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1990Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Inventor: Willis M. Selman, Jr.
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Patent number: 4995120Abstract: A toilet seat closing device incorporating a reversible DC electric motor connected through a three position reversible ratchet clutch mechanism to the toilet seat. A control circuit incorporating a timer is set when the toilet seat is raised and is adapted to energize the electric motor at the expiration of a predetermined time interval for moving the toilet seat from the raised position to a lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1989Date of Patent: February 26, 1991Inventor: Benny L. Tager
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Patent number: 4930166Abstract: A flexible securing harness, secures a toilet seat lid against raising by infants and children while permitting ready access by adults. The harness, composed of flexible strapping encircles the toilet bowl in a front girth strap and a rear girth strap, secured together by their bottom portions. The rear girth strap either continuously encloses a rear portion of the toilet bowl behind the seat or hooks to the toilet bowl lid hinge point. Two angled bridle assemblies extend from spaced upper points, one from each girth strap. The bridle assemblies are interconnected by an easily removable snap fitting to form a cross-hitch securing the toilet lid. The device is flexible, easily cleaned, and readily released and refastened for toilet use.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1989Date of Patent: June 5, 1990Inventor: Jan Salloum
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Patent number: 4910810Abstract: A toilet seat assembly comprising a toilet seat and a seat lid (16) hingedly mounted on a toilet bowl so that the lid may be raised independently of the seat. A counterweight (17) or the like biases the seat to the raised position but is inoperative to raise the seat when the lid (16) is in its lowered position. When weight on the seat is removed, a suction cup (21) on the underside of the seat holds the seat in engagement with toilet bowl, but an air bleed to the suction cup releases the seat after a delay.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1987Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Inventor: Davis Solomon
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Patent number: 4894870Abstract: A latch mechanism for a hinged cover such as a toilet cover comprising a base which is mounted on the bowl of the toilet, a latch bar which is pivotally mounted on the base and movable between a horizontal position which interferringly overlies as the toilet cover and a raised position which permits raising of the cover, and locking means which must be released to allow the latch bar to be moved to its raised or entry-authorized position. In one embodiment of the invention, the base is mounted on the ceramic structure of the toilet between the cover and the wafer closet, and the locking means comprises an element which depends pivotally from the latch bar and has dog-leg portions with feet which swing under a portion of the base to prevent the latch bar from being raised.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1989Date of Patent: January 23, 1990Inventors: Dennis J. Buckshaw, James A. Clark
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Patent number: 4839928Abstract: A first embodiment of a toilet seat lowering device is provided for coupling to the toilet handle of a toilet system to lower a vertically positioned toilet seat. The device consists of a tubular member which is positioned over the handle of the toilet system and a spaced wedge member for sliding between the toilet lid and seat. The sleeve and wedge member are connected together by a wire member. Upon operation of the toilet handle, the wedge slides between the toilet lid and toilet seat to lower the latter to the toilet commode. In a second embodiment of the invention, the toilet lowering device consists of a pair of holding members for holding the toilet lid and a wedge for causing a vertically positioned toilet seat to be lowered when the toilet handle is operated. A plastic connector connects the toilet handle to the toilet lowering device.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1988Date of Patent: June 20, 1989Inventor: Timothy C. Probasco
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Patent number: 4833737Abstract: A locking apparatus for securing adjacent articulated members such as a toilet seat and lid mounted on a bowl. Included is a plate for mounting the apparatus to the bowl and a locking arm movable with respect to said plate to a position where the leg of the locking arm overlies the lid.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1987Date of Patent: May 30, 1989Assignee: Sanitoy, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Boucher, Randy L. Abrams
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Patent number: 4763362Abstract: A Velcro latching device for a torroidal toilet seat and a toilet seat cover. In a first embodiment an elongated attaching strap has one end adhesively secured to an upper surface to a toilet seat cover and a Velcro attaching device at its free end. A Velcro patch member is adhesively secured to the lower surface of the toilet seat cover to receive the Velcro attaching device on its exposed surface. The elongated attaching strap is sufficiently long to be looped over the toilet seat so as to engage the Velcro patch member and thereby secure the toilet seat to the cover member when each are in a raised position. In the second embodiment, the elongated strap is adhesively secured to the under surface of the toilet seat cover and the Velcro patch member is adhesively secured to the upper surface of the toilet seat cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Inventor: Lee B. Eure
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Patent number: 4763363Abstract: An improved toilet locking apparatus of the type comprising a strap element having a clip attached at each end thereof for securing a toilet lid and seat in a closed position on a toilet bowl is provided. An improved first clip device is secured to a front or side portion of the internal spillway of a toilet bowl rim. A second improved clip device having a shape substantially similar to the first clip device but having a reduced dimension may removably engage a back or side portion of a toilet lid thereby allowing one to easily and efficiently lock or unlock the toilet lid by simply moving the second clip device outwardly. A notch is provided in a bottom portion of the first clip device so that water released from the toilet spillway rim may freely pass therethrough and to receive the small ceramic ball provided under the spillway rim of certain toilet bowls. Slots are provided in top portions of each clip device so that an elastic strap may be permanently attached therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1983Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Inventor: Albert A. Lallemand
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Patent number: 4736472Abstract: A latch mechanism for a hinged cover such as a toilet cover comprising a base which is mounted on the bowl of the toilet, a latch bar which is pivotally mounted on the base and movable between a horizontal position which interferringly overlies as the toilet cover and a raised position which permits raising of the cover, and locking means which must be released to allow the latch bar to be moved to its raised or entry-authorized position. In one embodiment of the invention, the base is mounted on the ceramic structure of the toilet between the cover and the water closet, and the locking means comprises an element which depends pivotally from the latch bar and has dog-leg portions with feet which swing under a portion of the base to prevent the latch bar from being raised.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1985Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Inventors: Dennis J. Buckshaw, James A. Clark
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Patent number: 4724551Abstract: A toilet seat lid lock to reliably and releasably secure a toilet lid in a closed position above a toilet seat to deny access to the toilet bowl. The lid lock comprises a hinge arm connected to the toilet lid, a locking base connected to the hinge arm, and a locking handle pivotally connected to the locking base. The locking handle is rotatable around the locking base between open and locked positions. In the locked position, the locking handle is aligned with the locking base so as to form a stop against the toilet bowl and thereby block the rotation of the lid off the toilet seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1986Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Inventor: Robert J. Gardner
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Patent number: D336330Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Inventors: Ronald K. Harshman, Joan D. Harshman