Systems and Devices for Securing a Toilet Lid

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for securing a toilet lid to restrict access to, and use of, the toilet associated with the secured toilet lid.

Toilet bowls often harbor infectious microorganisms, making them a potential breeding ground for further infectious microorganisms. Unsupervised children frequently move to and from the toilet, posing a potential safety concern such as drowning and exposure to the presence of these microorganisms. For example, toddlers and small children have been known to lift a toilet lid in order to access the toilet bowl (e.g., to play with the toilet water) which can create safety concerns if they fall in and/or come into contact with infectious microorganisms. Therefore, it is preferable to limit access to the toilet bowl in order to shield the young children from playing with toilet water, accidental falls/drowning, exposure to infectious microorganisms, and/or placing undesirable objects into the bowl, potentially causing harm and necessitating plumbing repair expenses.

Further still, often times individuals and companies would prefer people and employees not to have access to use a toilet. For example, homeowners selling their houses often invite strangers into their homes (e.g., during open houses) and may not wish to have their toilet used by strangers. For another example, during construction (e.g., of high-end properties, large properties with many bathrooms) it may be undesirable to have workers utilize new toilets as this can require cleaning of many toilets, which may be substantial in quantity for large construction projects, and drive up construction costs and prices.

Various toilet lid locking devices have been disclosed previously, to prevent small children and adults from accessing the toilet bowls. However, these toilet lid locking devices are inefficient at, for example, keeping a toilet secure from children, adults, and use. Further, currently available toilet lid locking devices are prohibitively expensive to produce, operate in an excessively complicated way that makes it difficult for users, and further, in some instances, cannot be retrofitted into already-existing toilets and seats.

Therefore, a need exists for an economical toilet lid lock capable of securing a toilet lid (e.g., prohibiting access to the toilet bowl and water) to reduce safety concerns (e.g., drowning, etc.), exposure to infectious microorganisms, and address undesirable use of new toilets (e.g., during construction).

Examples of the present disclosure relate to, among other things, systems and methods for securing a toilet lid to restrict access to, and use of, an associated toilet. Each of the examples disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in connection with any of the other disclosed examples.

The present disclosure includes toilet lid locks that may be used for securing a toilet lid closed on a toilet. Disclosed toilet lid locks can include, but are not limited to, a toilet rim interfacing element and a plurality of toilet lid securing straps. The plurality of toilet lid securing straps can be affixed to, and/or extending from, the toilet rim interfacing element. Disclosed toilet lid locks can also include, but are not limited to, a lockable buckle (e.g., that may be used for securing one of the toilet lid securing straps at a desired length and adjustably securing the other toilet lid securing strap to a desired tensioning length securing the toilet lid closed on the toilet) and/or a locking mechanism that can be used for restricting adjustment of the adjustable buckle.

In at least some instances the toilet rim interfacing element(s) of the disclosed toilet lid lock can be adjustable to a desired length, which can be adjusted to a desired length and/or can include one or more elements, for example, that can slidably connected. In at least some instances, the toilet lid lock can include only a single toilet rim interfacing element and/or can include the plurality of toilet lid securing straps that may be affixed to the toilet rim interfacing element at different locations. Disclosed toilet rim interfacing elements can be made from plastic, wood, or other materials.

Further, disclosed toilet lid locks may, in at least some instances, include at least one locking mechanism (e.g., a key-operated ratchet system) to, for example, allow the straps to be tightened, and/or to prevent unauthorized access to the toilet lid lock.

The disclosed toilet lid locks can be designed to secure a toilet lid firmly in place, and/or may include several components such as, but not limited to, a toilet rim interfacing element that can be adjusted in length, an adjustable buckle, and two toilet lid securing straps. In at least some instances, the disclosed first toilet lid securing strap(s) can have one end affixed to, and/or extending from, the first end region of the toilet rim interfacing element and can have the other end coupled to the adjustable buckle. The second toilet lid securing strap can have one end affixed to, and/or extending from, the second end region of the toilet rim interfacing element and can have the other end adjustably secured through the adjustable buckle to achieve the desired tensioning length. Further, in some instances, a locking mechanism can be incorporated into the adjustable buckle, which may utilize a key, or other unlocking technique, to unlock and/or make adjustments to the second toilet lid securing strap in order to ensure enhanced security and prevent unauthorized changes to the tension once set.

Disclosed toilet lid locks can be adjusted to a desired length and/or can have the adjustable toilet rim interfacing element, for example, fabricated from two elements that may be slidably connected. The rim interfacing element(s) may be made from plastic, wood, or other suitable materials. Further, in at least some instances, the toilet lid lock includes at least one locking mechanism (e.g., such as a key-operated ratchet system), for example, to allow the straps to be tightened and to prevent unauthorized access to the toilet lid lock.

Various methods of securing the disclosed toilet lid to the toilet bowl rim are disclosed and can involve several steps. For example, initially, a toilet rim interfacing element may be positioned in contact with the underside of the toilet bowl rim, and straps affixed to, and/or extending from, the toilet rim interfacing element may then be placed and/or extend over the top surface of the toilet bowl rim. Subsequently, the toilet lid may be lowered onto the toilet bowl rim and the straps may then, for example, be adjustably coupled to the desired tensioning length, in order to firmly secure the toilet lid to the toilet bowl rim. Further, a locking mechanism can then be employed to prevent any movement of the straps, thereby immobilizing the toilet lid securely closed on the toilet bowl rim. In at least some instances, the toilet rim interfacing element(s) may be adjusted, for example, to adapt to various sized toilet bowls and/or toilets. For example, the length may be adjusted by sliding two elements that connect. Further, methods disclosed can include a locking step, for example by including at least one locking mechanism that may employ a key-operated ratchet system to immobilize the straps, and prevent unauthorized use to the toilet lid lock.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Additionally, the term “exemplary” is used herein in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.” References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term “or” should generally be understood to mean “and/or” and so forth. The terms “object,” “part,” and “component,” as used herein, are intended to encompass any object fabricated through the additive manufacturing techniques described herein.

It should be noted that all numeric values disclosed or claimed herein (including all disclosed values, limits, and ranges) may have a variation of +/−10% (unless a different variation is specified) from the disclosed numeric value. In this disclosure, unless stated otherwise, relative terms, such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” are used to indicate a possible variation of +/−10% in the stated value. Moreover, in the claims, values, limits, and/or ranges of various claimed elements and/or features means the stated value, limit, and/or range +/−10%.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for securing a toilet lid to restrict access to, and use of, an associated toilet. Reference now will be made in detail to examples of the present disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

, illustrate a toilet lid lock, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, for securing a toilet lid (not shown) associated with a toilet (not shown) such that when secured access to and/or use of the toilet is restricted (e.g., the toilet lid cannot be opened such that the toilet bowl, and seat, cannot be exposed).

In exemplary embodiments, toilet lid lockcan include one or more toilet rim interfacing elements (at times referred to as toilet rim interfacing element, a first interfacing element, second interfacing element, a first and/or second interfacing element), such as toilet rim interfacing element, having at least a region that, when securing the toilet lid, can be located under the toilet rim (e.g., in the toilet bowl) and one or more securing strapsthat mate with (e.g., couple to, pass through an opening, etc.) one or more toilet rim interfacing elements. For example, a single securing strap can be used as illustrated inby passing through opening in the one or more toilet rim interfacing elements. For another example, a first securing strap can be coupling at one end to the one or more toilet rim interfacing elements (e.g., near the region the interfacing element that interfacings with, contacts the underside of, the toilet rim) and a second securing can be coupling at another end to the one or more toilet rim interfacing elements (e.g., near the other region the interfacing element that interfacings with, contacts the underside of, the toilet rim).

In exemplary embodiments, toilet lid lockcan include a length adjustable toilet interfacing element (e.g., as shown in) using two or more toilet interfacing elements capable of moving relative to one another to adjust the length of the toilet interfacing element or can include a fixed length toilet interfacing element (e.g., as shown inand described below).

In exemplary embodiments, a length adjustable toilet interfacing element can enable a user to adjust the length of the toilet interfacing element, for example, to accommodate different size toilet bowls using any reasonable technique to adapt the length of the toilet interfacing elements.

For example, the length may be adjustable using a telescoping design (e.g., a system where one interfacing element slides into another, allowing for adjustment by extending or retracting the components); slotted holes (e.g., drilling, cutting or otherwise forming slots along the length of interfacing elements and using fasteners to secure it at different positions within the slots); pivot points (e.g., incorporating a hinge or pivot mechanism that enables interfacing elements to fold or extend to various lengths); clamp and set screw (e.g., implementing a clamping mechanism along with set screws to lock interfacing elements in place at different lengths; threaded ends (e.g., using threaded sections at the ends of interfacing elements and coupling them with nuts or threaded connectors to adjust the length); removable inserts (e.g., employing interchangeable inserts or segments that can be added or removed to alter the overall length of the interfacing element); rotating joints (e.g., utilizing a rotating joint or coupling that allows interfacing elements to twist or rotate, thereby adjusting its effective length); any combination or further separation thereof; to name a few. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many techniques capable of adjusting the length of the interfacing element. For ease, a limited number of exemplary adjustment techniques are discussed in further detail. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be limiting.

In exemplary embodiments, toilet lid lockcan include an adjustable toilet rim interfacing element including a first toilet rim interfacing element, a second toilet rim interfacing element, and a securing strap. The second toilet rim interfacing elementmay be configured to slide on the first toilet rim interfacing element. The sliding of second toilet rim interfacing elementon the first toilet rim interfacing elementmay be configured to adjust the width of the toilet lid lockaccording to the toilet seat. Further, the first toilet rim interfacing elementmay comprise at least two screw holes (not shown) at one end and a first toilet rim interfacing element slotat another end. The at least two screw holes may be disposed longitudinally adjacent to each other at a predetermined distance from one end. The predetermined distance may be the distance required to fit a width of the toilet seat. The at least two screw holes may be configured to allow at least two screwsto lock the first toilet rim interfacing elementto the second toilet rim interfacing element.

Further, the second toilet rim interfacing elementmay comprise a canal slotbeginning at one end and extending toward the other end longitudinally, and a second toilet rim interfacing element slotat the other end. It may be noted that the canal slotmay be fabricated along the length of the second toilet rim interfacing element. The canal slotmay be configured to allow the sliding of the second toilet rim interfacing elementparallel to the lower base plate. The canal slotmay be provided with a width equal to the diameter of the at least two screws. In some embodiments, the length of the canal slotmay be greater than the predetermined distance between the at least two screws. Such length may facilitate the sliding action of the second toilet rim interfacing elementover the first toilet rim interfacing element. In some embodiments, the canal slothaving a length equal to a predetermined distance that may be required to fit the width of the toilet seat. It may be noted the at least two screwsmay be configured to pass through the canal slotof the second toilet rim interfacing element. Further, the at least two screwsmay be provided a fastener. The fastenermay be configured to lock the second toilet rim interfacing elementto the first toilet rim interfacing element.

In some embodiments, the securing strapmay be configured to loop around the toilet lid to secure the toilet seatfrom being accessed by a user. The securing strapmay be configured to pass through the first toilet rim interfacing elementfrom the first toilet rim interfacing element slot. Further, the securing strapmay be configured to pass through the second toilet rim interfacing elementfrom the second toilet rim interfacing element slot. Thus, the securing strapmay be configured to pass under the first toilet rim interfacing elementand the second toilet rim interfacing elementto secure the toilet lid. The securing strapmay comprise a buckleat one end. The bucklemay be configured to secure another end of the securing strap.

In an embodiment, the bucklemay be installed at a distance from one end and to the other end of the securing strap. Further, the bucklemay comprise a housingand a latch. The housingmay be coupled to one end of the securing strap. Further, the housingmay comprise a latch hinge. The latch hingemay be configured to couple the latchto the housing. The latchin an open configuration may facilitate passing the other end of the securing strapacross the housing. Further, the latchin a closed configuration (not shown) may lock the other end of the securing strapto the housing.

Further, the housingmay comprise a lock slotto secure the latch, via a lock. The lockmay be configured to prevent unlocking of the latchwithout a key (not shown). Further, the lockmay slide along the lock slotwhen in closed configuration of the latch. In some embodiments, the buckle, the lock, and the components therein may be collectively referred as a fastening mechanism to adjust the tightening/loosening of the securing strapaccording to the toilet lid/toilet seat.

illustrates a front view of the toilet lid lock, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least two screwsmay be configured to pass through at least two screw holes of the first toilet rim interfacing elementand the canal slotof the second toilet rim interfacing element. The at least two screwsmay be provided with a fastener. In some embodiments, the fastenermay correspond to a head of the at least two screws. In some example embodiments, the fastener may include a V-shape clip. The V-shape clip may allow the user to provide a torsional force to the fastenerto lock the first toilet rim interfacing elementto the second toilet rim interfacing element. In some embodiments, the at least two screwsmay be a threaded screw made from a material selected from a group of materials, such as, but not limited to, of stainless steel, wood, alloy steel, plastic, PCB, any further combination or separation thereof; to name a few. For example, the user may first adjust the first toilet rim interfacing elementand the second toilet rim interfacing elementat a predetermined distance to fit the width of the toilet seat. Further, the fastenermay be configured to lock the second toilet rim interfacing elementand the first toilet rim interfacing elementat the set predetermined distance. In one example embodiment, the predetermined distance may be equal to a length of the canal slot.

illustrates a side view of the toilet lid lock, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the latchmay be inserted in the housing. Further the latchmay include at least two latch slots (not shown). The at least two latch slots, in closed configuration, may align with the latch hingefor locking the latchto the housing, via the lock. It may be noted that the lockmay prevent any user to access the toilet, without the key.

illustrates a perspective view of the toilet lid lockinstalled on a toilet, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.illustrates another perspective view of the toilet lid locksecuring a toilet lid, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the toilet lid lockmay be installed under a rimof a toilet bowl. The toilet lid lockmay be secured to the toiletby adjusting the second toilet rim interfacing elementand the first toilet rim interfacing element. The second toilet rim interfacing elementmay be configured to slide along the canal slotto match an internal diameter of the toilet bowl. The end of the second toilet rim interfacing elementand the first toilet rim interfacing element, may extend to a bottom of the rim. In this positioning, with interfacing elements/located under and/or contacting the bottom surface of rim, removal of the toilet lid lockfrom the toiletcan be obstructed. Further, the securing strapmay be configured to secure a toilet lid. As shown in, the securing strapmay be wrapped around the toilet lidto secure the toiletfrom being accessed by the user. It may be noted that the unfastening mechanism of the securing strapmay be simple lift and push mechanism. For instance, to unfasten the securing strapthe latchmay be lifted from the housing, and one end of the securing strapmay be pulled back to detach from the buckle.

illustrates another perspective view of a toilet lid lock, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.are described in conjunction with.

The toilet lid lockmay operate in a similar manner as the toilet lid lockdescribed earlier in. However, the adjustment of the toilet lid lockmay be different from the toilet lid lock.

The toilet lid lockmay comprise a base plate. The base platemay be a non-adjustable plate. Further, the base platemay comprise at least two base plate slotsat each end. The at least two base plate slotsmay be fabricated transversely towards either end of the base plate. The at least two base plate slotsmay be provided for receiving the securing strap. It may be noted that the base platemay act as a housing for the securing strap. Further, the securing strapmay be tightened or coupled using buckles (that can be adjustable and lockable), clips or snaps (a quick release mechanism for easy attachment), Velcro or hook-and-loop (for reusable and adjustable closures), d-rings or carabiners (used to link straps or attach to loops), magnetic fasteners (for lighter application), combination or separation thereof, to name a few, or the similar mechanism as explained inabove.

Referring to, another perspective view of the toilet lid lockinstalled on the toilet, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.illustrates another perspective view of the toilet lid locksecuring the toilet lid, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

As discussed earlier, the toilet lid lockmay be installed under the rimof the toilet bowl. The toilet lid lockmay be secured to the toilet lid. The base platemay be inserted to match an internal diameter of the toilet bowl. The end of the base platemay extend to a bottom of the rim. The rimmay be configured to prevent the removal of the secure toilet lidfrom the toilet. It will be apparent that the toilet bowlmay have a conical structure such that the base plateof the toilet lid lockmay not fall into the toilet bowl.

Referring to, the securing strapmay be configured to secure the toilet lid. The securing strapmay be wrapped around the toilet lidto secure the toiletfrom being accessed by the user. The lockmay be configured to prevent unlocking of the latchwithout the key. Further, the lockmay slide along the lock slotwhen in the closed configuration of the latch.

In some example embodiments, the toilet lid locks,as discussed above may be used to restrict access to, and usage of, a toilet and/or may limit the spread of diseases in washrooms. The toilet lid locks,may prevent accidents caused by flushing items that should not be flushed, such as toys, socks, or other small objects. Additionally, the toilet lid locks,may reduce the risk of injury and accidental drowning of young children.

In certain alternate embodiments, instead of a plurality of securing straps, a single securing strap may be employed, for instance with one strap passing through and under a toilet rim interfacing element such that each end of the single securing strap serves the purpose that may otherwise be served by a separate securing strap affixed at either end of the rim interfacing element. This may, for example, reduce the number of parts necessary for the device.

One skilled in the art will understand that the securing strap described can be any item capable of being used to secure the toilet lid. For example, the securing strap can be a rope or cord (e.g., utilizing strong and durable ropes or cords made of materials like nylon, polyester, or natural fibers such as hemp or cotton, etc.); bungee cords (e.g., elastic cords with hooks on each end that provide flexibility and tension for securing items); chains (e.g., strong metal chains with hooks or fasteners at the ends for heavy-duty securing); ratchet tie-downs (e.g., straps with a ratcheting mechanism that allows for easy tightening and securing of cargo); rubber straps (e.g., elastic rubber straps or bands that stretch and secure items in place); tarp straps (e.g., specifically designed straps with hooks at each end, commonly used to secure tarps or covers); cargo nets (e.g., webbed nets made of strong materials like nylon, capable of holding down variously sized objects); twist ties or zip ties (e.g., plastic or metal ties that can be cinched tight around items to hold them in place); sash cord (e.g., a strong, smooth, and flexible cord often used for tying down objects due to its strength and durability); locking straps (e.g., straps with a locking mechanism that provides additional security once fastened); any further combination or separation thereof; to name a few.

While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims.

The description above and examples are illustrative and are not intended to be restrictive. One of ordinary skill in the art may make numerous modifications and/or changes without departing from the general scope of the invention. For example, and as has been referenced, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, portions of the above-described embodiments may be removed without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or aspect to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from their scope. Many other embodiments will also be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.