Self-Lowering Toilet Seat System

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/629,525, filed Apr. 8, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/197,678, filed May 15, 2023, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,950,733, which claims priority from provisional U.S. patent application No. 63/395,168, filed Aug. 4, 2022, and is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/987,746, filed Nov. 15, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,910,968, the disclosures each of which are incorporated herein, in their entireties, by reference.

Illustrative embodiments generally relate to toilet seats and, more particularly, illustrative embodiments relate to self-lowering toilet seats.

Toilet seats in public restrooms are frequently soiled, particularly in male and gender-neutral restrooms because men often urinate standing up while the toilet seat is in the down position. Soiling of toilet seats can also occur in female restrooms. Because restroom facilities do not belong to the users, people often have little consideration for the messes they cause. This means that users are less likely to lift the seat up before use, more likely to make messes, and less likely to clean up after themselves if they do make a mess. Conversely, in the home, users of a toilet seat often lift the seat to urinate, only to forget to lower it after use.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a self-lowering toilet seat system includes a toilet bowl and a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. The system includes a hinge rotatably coupling the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. The hinge is configured so that the toilet seat is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A lowering device is configured to self-lower the toilet seat towards the down position. A fixedly sealed hinge housing has a mechanical seat delay device therein. The seat delay device is configured to cause a seat time delay before the lowering device causes the toilet seat to lower towards the down position. The seat delay device is engaged by applying a seat lifting force to raise the toilet seat towards the up position and removing the seat lifting force from the toilet seat. The seat delay device is configured to reset the seat time delay when the lifting force is reapplied before the seat delay device has expired.

In various embodiments, the system may include a toilet seat lid rotatably coupled to the hinge. The lid and/or the seat may include a coupling portion, such that the lid is lowered when the seat is lowered by the seat delay device when the coupling portion is engaged. In various embodiments, the delay device is engaged when the seat lifts to the up position.

Among other things, the system may include a second lowering device configured to self-lower the lid towards the down position. The system may also include a lid delay device within the sealed hinge housing. The lid delay device may be configured to cause a lid time delay before the lowering device causes the lid to lower towards the down position. The lid delay device may be engaged by applying a lid lifting force to raise the lid towards the up position and removing the lid lifting force from the lid. The lid delay device may be configured to reset the lid time delay when the user re-applies the lifting force before the lid delay device has expired.

In some embodiments, the lid time delay is equal to or greater than the seat time delay. The duration of the seat time delay and/or the lid time delay may be user adjustable. Some embodiments may include a latching system configured to prevent the lid and/or the seat from moving from the down position towards the up position when the latching system is engaged. The seat time delay may be between about 1 minute and about 60 minutes.

Among other things, the lid delay device may include a suction cup and an attachment surface. The temporary adhesion of the cup to the attachment surface delays the lid from self-lowering to the down position. In a similar manner, the seat delay device may include a suction cup and an attachment surface. The temporary adhesion of the cup to the attachment surface delays the seat from self-lowering to the down position. In some embodiments, the attachment surface includes one or more controlled leakage channels.

In various embodiments, the system may include a damper on the seat and/or the lid. A first axle may be coupled with the seat, and a second axle may be coupled with the lid. The first axle and the second axle may be coaxially rotatable. The first axle and the second axle may be translationally fixed relative to one another. Additionally, the first axle and the second axle may be translationally fixed relative to the bowl. However, the first axle and the second axle may rotate relative to one another. The axes of rotation of the seat and the lid may be fixed relative to one another. For example, the first axle and the second axle may rotate around the same axis of rotation. However, some embodiments may include a single axle.

The system may also include a second hinge housing. A second lowering device and a second delay device for the lid may be positioned within the second hinge housing. A perimeter of the first housing and/or the second housing may fit within a footprint defined by a perimeter of the toilet.

In accordance with another embodiment, a self-lowering toilet seat lid system is configured to rotate relative to a toilet seat. A hinge rotatably couples the lid and a toilet bowl. The hinge is configured so that the lid is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A lowering device is configured to self-lower the lid towards the down position. A sealed hinge housing has a mechanical delay device therein. The delay device is configured to cause a lid time delay before the lowering device causes the lid to lower towards the down position, the delay device being engaged by a user applying a lid lifting force to raise the lid towards the up position and removing the lid lifting force from the lid, the delay device configured to reset the lid time delay if the user re-applies the lifting force before the delay device has expired.

The system may include a toilet seat rotatably coupled to the hinge. A duration of the lid time delay may be user adjustable. The lid time delay may be between about 1 minute and about 60 minutes. A latching system may be configured to prevent the lid and/or the seat from moving towards the up position from the down position when the latching system is engaged. The latching system may automatically engage when the seat and lid are full lowered, or may be manually engaged by the user.

In various embodiments, the lid delay device includes a suction cup and an attachment surface. The temporary adhesion of the cup to the attachment surface may delay the lid from self-lowering to the down position. The attachment surface may be part of a plate. The attachment surface may include one or more controlled leakage channels.

In accordance with another embodiment, a system includes a toilet bowl and a hinge rotatably coupling the toilet bowl with a seat and/or a lid. The hinge is configured so that the seat and/or the lid is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A lowering device is configured to self-lower the seat and/or the lid towards the down position. A hinge housing has a mechanical seat delay device therein. The seat delay device is configured to cause a seat time delay before the lowering device causes the seat and/or the lid to lower towards the down position. The seat delay device is engaged by applying a seat lifting force to raise the toilet seat towards the up position and removing the seat lifting force from the toilet seat. The seat delay device is configured to reset the seat time delay when the user re-applies the lifting force before the seat delay device has expired. The mechanical delay device includes a suction cup and an attachment surface. Some embodiments may also include an electronic delay device, in addition to, or instead of the mechanical delay device.

In various embodiments, the temporary coupling of the cup to the attachment surface delays the seat and/or the lid from self-lowering to the down position. The hinge housing may be fixedly sealed. Some embodiments may include a second lowering device configured to self-lower the seat and/or the lid that is not self-lowered by the first lowering device. A lid delay device may be engaged by a raising the lid towards the up position. The lid delay device may be configured to reset the lid time delay when the lid is forced towards the up position before the seat delay device has expired.

In accordance with another embodiment, a device includes a hinge housing having a mechanical seat delay device therein. The housing is configured to couple with a toilet bowl. The housing includes a hinge configured to rotatably couple the toilet bowl with a seat and/or a lid such that the seat and/or the lid is transitionable between a down position and an up position. The housing has a seat delay device therein. The seat delay device is configured to cause a seat time delay before a lowering device causes the seat and/or the lid to lower towards the down position. The seat delay device is engaged by raising the toilet seat towards the up position.

In various embodiments, the seat delay device is configured to reset the seat time delay when the toilet seat is forced towards the up position before the seat delay device has expired. The mechanical delay device may include a suction cup and an attachment surface. The housing may be sealed, for example, fixedly sealed. The axles of the hinge may be fixed relative to one another.

In accordance with yet another embodiment a method self-lowers a toilet seat. The method provides a self-lowering device. The self-lowering device includes a housing having a mechanical seat delay device therein. The housing is coupled with a toilet bowl.

The housing includes a hinge configured to rotatably couple the toilet bowl with a seat and/or a lid such that the seat and/or the lid is transitionable between a down position and an up position. The housing has a seat delay device therein. The seat delay device is configured to cause a seat time delay before a lowering device causes the seat and/or the lid to lower towards the down position. The seat delay device may be engaged by raising the toilet seat towards the up position. The seat delay device may be configured to reset the seat time delay when the toilet seat is forced towards the up position before the seat delay device has expired. The method lifts the seat and/or the lid towards the up position to engage a delay system that delays the seat and/or the lid from being lowered by the lowering device. The method self-lowers the seat and/or the lid using the lowering device.

In various embodiments, the delay system provides a predetermined time delay. The seat and/or the lid may be forced towards the up position at any time prior to expiration of the predetermined time delay to reset the predetermined time delay. The toilet seat and/or lid may be manually lowered in a standard manner at any time prior to the expiration of the predetermined time delay without damaging the delay device or the lowering device, and without causing injury to the user. In some embodiments, the lid is freely rotating. In some other embodiments, the seat is freely rotating.

In some embodiments, the mechanical delay device comprises a suction cup and an attachment surface. The attachment surface may be a surface of a plate. A leakage channel may pass through the attachment surface. The leakage channel may be covered by a flow restriction material.

In illustrative embodiments, a self-lowering toilet seat system is configured to automatically lower a toilet seat to a seat down position. To that end, the self-lowering toilet seat system has a lowering device configured to bias the toilet seat and/or the lid towards the down position. In illustrative embodiments, a delay device provides a lowering delay for a predetermined amount of time after a user force is removed from a lifted toilet seat. After expiration of the lowering delay, the lowering device moves the seat towards the down position. In some embodiments, the lowering device acts lowers the seat directly (e.g., by acting on the seat) and/or indirectly (e.g., by acting on the lid that pushes on the seat).

Additionally, or alternatively, the self-lowering toilet seat system is configured to self-lower a toilet lid to a lid down position. Thus, the self-lowering toilet seat system may also be referred to as a self-lowering toilet lid system (generally referred to as a lowering system). Details of illustrative embodiments are discussed below.

The lowering system may be configured such that a user may manually lower the seat and/or the lid to the down position at any time without significant resistance, and without damaging the delay device. Advantageously, lowering the lidafter use blocks children or pets from accessing the inside of the toilet bowl, as well as prevents items such as phones or towels from dropping into the water. Lowering the seatalso assures the seat is normally in the down position (e.g., horizontal) so the user does not inadvertently sit on the toilet bowl rim. Accordingly, various embodiments advantageously provide an overall improved user experience (e.g., in residential settings).

Furthermore, illustrative embodiments advantageously withstand moisture, filth, cleaning chemicals, and other elements typically encountered in commercial or residential restrooms. To that end, illustrative embodiments include a robust housing that is sealed from outside contaminants, and a lowering system that can withstand rough usage for years on end, ensuring long-lasting and dependable performance.

schematically shows a home bathroomin accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. The bathroomhas a toiletthat includes the self-lowering system(not visible from this view). The toiletincludes a toilet seatupon which a user may sit, a lid, and a toilet bowlconfigured to receive waste from the user. A hinge rotationally couples the toilet seatwith the toilet bowl. Additionally, the same hinge may rotationally couple the toilet lidwith the toilet bowl. However, some embodiments may use a different hinge for the seatand the lid. In various embodiments, the hinge may include the housing, the axle, and a connection to the seatand/or the lid. Some embodiments may include one or more hinges.

Although illustrative embodiments refer to the toiletin the home bathroom, it should be understood that illustrative embodiments apply to toiletsin any setting. For example, illustrative embodiments may be applied to portable toilets, residential bathroom toilets, and/or public restroom toilets. Illustrative embodiments provide a passive, non-electrically powered system, and therefore are particularly suited for high-volume settings without nearby electrical connections (e.g., portable toilets at sporting events/festivals). Some embodiments may include a battery-powered system. However, preferred embodiments are non-electrically powered. Undesirably, battery-powered systems are high-maintenance, require the batteries to be replaced at regular intervals (and to be properly disposed of), and the battery connection and access may compromise long-term reliability. Furthermore, as best shown inthe self-lowering systempreferably maintains a small footprint, such that a perimeter defined by the housing of the systemis within the footprint of the bowl.

schematically shows a top-down view of the toilethaving the self-lowering systemin accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the seatand lidhave been removed, but it should be understood that the seatand/or the lidmay be coupled to the hinge. Additionally, the axle(s)are truncated, but it should be understood that the axle(s)may be coupled with the seatand/or the lid. The hingehas a housingthat is preferably sealed from outside contamination. The housingmay be formed as a single piece, or from two or more components joined together.

As will be described in more detail further below, the housingmay have openings to receive the one or more axlesthat rotationally couple the seatand/or the lidto the lowering devicewithin the housing. In some embodiments, a single axlemay be coupled to either one or both the seatand the lid. In some other embodiments, a first axleS may be coupled to the seat, and a second axleL may be coupled to the lid. In either instance, in various embodiments, the axis of rotation of the seatand/or the lidis preferably translationally fixed relative to one another. In other words, the axes of rotation do not translate relative to one another. In various embodiments, the axes of rotation for the seatand the lidare parallel or coaxial.

The housinghas a first axis, also referred to as a longitudinal axis, and a second axis, also referred to as a transverse axis. The first axisextends across the toilet, i.e., from side to side, and is aligned, or parallel, with an axis of rotation of the seat and/or the toilet (best seen in). The second axisextends in a direction generally from the frontA to the backB of the toilet. Generally, these two axes,are perpendicular to one another. Preferably, the housinghas one or more openings for receiving the axles, such that axlesare aligned with, or parallel to, the first axis. By providing the openings on the side of the housing, the axlemay be positioned through the side of the housing. Positioning the axleson the side of the housingadvantageously allows for easy coupling of each axleto one or both of the seatand/or the lid. Furthermore, movement of the seatand/or the lidfrom an up position to a down position, and vice-versa, causes corresponding rotation of the one or more axles(rather than translational movement of the axle, allowing for rotary sealing of the axle). To that end, the housingmay include one or more rotary seals configured to seal around each of the rotating axles.

In various embodiments, the axlespreferably are translationally fixed relative to one another. However, some other embodiments may include axlesthat slide up or down relative to one another. The inventors determined that translating axles(e.g., that slide up and down relative to one another) undesirably allow for dust and other particles to get into the housingmore easily and stick in the sliding/moving connection. This may decrease the lifetime and performance of the lowering deviceand/or delaying device. The sliding axlesare also more difficult to clean and sanitize. Undesirably, the entire slot must be sealed, rather than just the opening for the axles. Various embodiments include axlesthat may rotate relative to one another, but are otherwise translationally fixed. Thus, a systemwith translationally fixed axlesadvantageously allows the housingto be sealed while providing rotational coupling with the seatand lid.

Furthermore, as shown from the top view of, the footprintof the housing(e.g., the perimeterdefined by the top-down view of the housing) is within the footprintof the bowl(i.e., does not extend outside of a perimeterformed by the top-down view of the bowl). Illustrative embodiments advantageously minimize the size the housingto fit within the footprintof the bowl, such that a visual impact of the housingis minimal.

schematically show the lowering systemin a variety of configurations in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. Like many toilets, the seatand/or lidare configured to transition from a down position to an up position, and vice-versa (e.g., by rotating about the hinge). Generally, for the seat, the down positionis the position on which the toilet seatis meant to be sat upon by a user, and the up positionis the lifted stable position of the toilet seat(e.g., frequently employed when a male user is urinating). Similarly, for the lid, the down positionis the position at which the lidcovers the seatin the down position, and the up positionis the lifted rested position of the lid, often against the toilet tank.

schematically show the seat down positionin accordance with illustrative embodiments. In, the lidis also in the down position. In, the lidis in the up position. Although not shown, another configuration includes the seatin the down positionwith a toiletwithout a lid. In contrast,schematically show a seat up position.shows the toiletwith no lid, whereasshows the toilethaving the lidin the up position.

In illustrative embodiments, the down positionis a general callout to the location of the seat. In the down position, the bottom plane of the seat(e.g., the intersection of the surfaces of nubsof seat, if the seat has nubs, or whichever components first contact the bowl) is generally substantially parallel to the top plane of the bowl(e.g., about −15 degrees to about 25 degrees).

In illustrative embodiments, the up positionand the down positionis a general callout to the location of the seat. In the up position, the bottom plane of the seatis generally substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the bowl(e.g., about 80-115 degrees from the down position). In the down position, the bottom plane of the seatis generally substantially horizontal and rests on the bowldirectly or indirectly. In a similar manner, the up positionof the lidis a general callout to the location of the lid. In the up position, the bottom plane of the lidis generally substantially perpendicular to the top plane of the bowl. In the down position, the bottom plane of the lidis generally horizontal and rests on the seat. However, the precise position of the seatand the lidin their respective up positions and down positions will vary from toilet to toilet. Those skilled in the art can readily identify the up position and down position of the seatand the lidwithout being limited to a particular angle or relative fixed position.

In various embodiments, lifting or forcing the toilet seat“towards” the up positionmay include lifting the toilet seatuntil the seatreaches the up position. In a similar manner, lifting or forcing the lid“towards” the up positionmay include lifting the liduntil the lidreaches the up position. In some embodiments, the seatand or the lidmay be in the up position,(e.g., being held there by delay device), the user may reset the delay device by pressing the seatand/or the lid“towards” the up position,, despite the seatand/or the lidalready being in the up position,. Thus, although the seatmay already be positioned in the up position, a user may still force/press the seat“towards” the up position.

In various embodiments, resetting the time delay may include completely restarting, partially restarting (i.e., setting back the time delay by a number of seconds or minutes), or pausing the time delay (i.e., for the period while the force is applied). In various embodiments, the magnitude of the reset of the time delay may be based on the force applied to the seator the lid, and/or the amount of time that the force is applied to the seator the lid. For example, application of force below a given threshold may partially reset or pause the time delay. In illustrative embodiments where the delay deviceincludes suction cups, the material of the suction cupsmay impact the amount of force used to reset the time delay to varying degrees. However, some embodiments may be configured to easily restart or partially restart the time delay upon the application of a normally applied user force.

In a similar manner, although the lidmay already be positioned in the up position, a user may still force/press the lid“towards” the up position. In some embodiments, the seatmay be indirectly lowered by the lowering device. For example, the lowering devicemay operate on the lid, which simultaneously pushes the seatto the down position. A delay devicedelays the lowering devicefrom self-lowering the toilet seattowards the down position. Additionally, or alternatively, the delay devicedelays the lowering devicefrom self-lowering the lidtowards the down position.

schematically shows a front view of the toilet seatand the lidin the up position,in accordance with illustrative embodiments. The hingeallows the seatto rotate from the up positionto the down position(e.g., where the seatcontacts the bowl), and to a plurality of positions between the up positionand the down position, and vice-versa. For example, as discussed further below, some embodiments (e.g., self-lowering) begin the time delay when the seatis user-lifted to the up positionand released (i.e., force holding the seatin the up positionis removed).

The toilet seathas a contact surface upon which a user sits when the seatis in the down position. In some embodiments, particularly in commercial settings, the seatmay have one or more nubsconfigured to contact the toilet bowl. The nubsmay be formed of a durable material, either as one piece with the toilet seator as separate parts later as attached. The nubsare sandwiched between the weight of the user on the toilet seatand the toilet bowl. Optionally, the toilet seatmay include a handle to assist the user with lifting and/or lowering the seat. The hingecouples the toilet seatwith the toilet bowlsuch that the seatis rotatable around a seat axis of rotationdefined by a rotating axle.

As mentioned above, the hingeincludes a substantially dust-proof and/or sealed hinge housing. The housinghas a base, which couples with the toilet bowl(e.g., via bolting). The connection between the hinge housingand housing baseis sealed such that ingress of liquids and dust is prevented during normal usage and maintenance of the seat. Additionally, the rotary seal also allows for such a seal between hinge housing, housing base, and the rotating axle. Though considered substantially sealed, various embodiments may allow for a small leak of air between interior compartments within the housing, such that the air pressure in the hinge housingmay equalize to ambient conditions.

In various embodiments, the sealed housinghas an IP seal rating with a first digit (protection against solid objects) that is 5 or greater. In other words, the housingis preferably sealed such that it is protected against dust, with a limited ingress. Various embodiments may have a first digit that of 6, i.e., that is totally protected against dust. As dust enters the housing, the reliability of the delay systemmay be undesirably impacted, causing faulty delay timing. Similarly, the sealed housingmay have an IP seal rating with a second digit (protection against liquids) that is 1 or greater. Ingress of fluid within the housingis undesirable because, similar to dust and other solid objects, it may impact the reliability of the delay system. Various embodiments position the housingwithin the perimeterof the toilet seat bowl. Therefore, it is likely that the housingmay encounter fluid (e.g., from the toilet, the user, and/or cleaning solutions). Therefore, various embodiments may have an IP level.seal or greater (e.g., IP seal rating.,.,.,.,., etc.). Some embodiments may have a higher IP rating (e.g., IP.or above) to account for commercial use environments, where a high-pressure cleaning system may be used (e.g., to remained sealed against liquid ingress when cleaning with KaiVac® 2750 or other similar high pressure cleaning equipment).

Some embodiments include a vent configured to allow an exchange of air through the housingand ambient external environment (e.g., through a vented bolt used to couple the housingwith the bowl). Such vent advantageously allows collected water vapor within the housingto evaporate and/or to equalize pressures during shipping or use. The vent is preferably covered by a water repellent screen (such as a self-adhesive GORE® protective vent VE-80205) and/or configured so that the vent is secreted in an area not subject to direct cleaning or water exposure.

In various embodiments, the housingmay be formed of a number of components (e.g., joined together). In some embodiments, the housingmay have movable components. The housingprovides the seal around the delay devicefixedly. In various embodiments, the housingmay be a “fixedly sealed housing”. In other words, the parts of the housingthat form the seal around the delay devicedo not translate relative to one another. The fixedly sealed housingmay include one or more axlesthat help form the seal. In various embodiments, the one or more axlesthat form part of the seal may rotate, but not translate, relative to the housing. Advantageously, having the fixedly sealed housingprovides a robust seal that maintains the integrity of the housingand provides long-lasting operation. Illustrative embodiments having a dynamic housingwith components that translate relative to one another undesirably provide opportunity for contaminants and other filth to more quickly break down the operation of the device.

schematically show the hingewith a transparent housing. In particular,schematically shows a rear perspective view of the toilet seatin the down position.schematically shows a front perspective view of the toilet seatin the up position.

In some embodiments, the self-lowering toilet seat systemincludes a lowering deviceconfigured to self-lower the toilet seattowards the down position. In various embodiments, the lowering devicemay be comprised of a spring, such as a torsion spring, but may also be comprised of a linear compression or extensions spring, and/or a spiral torsion spring.

As best seen in, the torsion springof this configuration may be coupled (e.g., via a first bolt) to a fixed spring mount. On the other end, the torsion springcouples with an axle link(e.g., via a second bolt, best shown in). The axle linkis fixed to the axle, and therefore, rotates with the axlewhen the seatis rotated. Thus, when the seatis user-lifted, the torsion springis loaded (e.g., via the connection of the axle link), and begins to apply a torque in the direction of self-lowering the seatback to the down position.

schematically show a side view of the seatas it is lifted by the user from the down positionto the up position. In, the seat is in the down position. In, the seatis nearing the up positionbut the delay devicehas not engaged (e.g., the suction cuphas not engaged with the plate). In, the seatis in the up position.

The axle linkis coupled with the axleand with one end of the spring. As the seatis user-lifted towards the up position, the springis loaded and applies a counter torque back towards the direction of the unloaded, down position. Because the springis coupled with the axle link, the torque of springis applied to the axle link, which relays that torque to the axle, and thus to seat. Lowering the toilet seattowards the down positionmay include lowering the toilet seat until the seatreaches the down position.