Flexible Toilet Seat

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/116,062 filed Mar. 1, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and which claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/319,534 filed Mar. 14, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present application relates generally to the field of seats for toilets. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to toilet seats including a cushion configured to deform user-specifically, thereby improving user comfort.

Toilet seats are often designed for high volume usage and to accommodate users of all shapes and sizes. User comfort is often sacrificed in favor of a high durability, universal toilet seat. Accordingly, there is a need for a more comfortable toilet seat that provides user customizability.

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

Described herein are toilet seat assemblies (i.e., toilet seats) including a cushion disposed within a cavity in the seat. The toilet seat assembly (i.e., seat and cushion) are configured to deform elastically and vertically when a user sits on the toilet seat. The cushion may control deformation of the seat and be removably coupled to the seat. Accordingly, the cushions may be interchangeable allowing a user to select a cushion, and hence a deformation, based on their preference. In some examples, a cushion may provide multiple stage deformation providing a wide spectrum of deformation and improving comfort for users of various shapes, sizes, and weights. In some examples, the cushionfurther includes a fastening and locking loop for easily coupling the cushionto the seat.

illustrate toilets according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a skirted toiletthat includes a tank, a pedestal(or base), a seat assemblyand a coupling or mounting assembly. The tankmay include a reservoirfor storing the water used during operational (or flushing) cycles, a lid (or cover)for providing selective access into the reservoir, and an actuatorthat is configured to initiate an operational cycle when activated. The actuatoror flush mechanism may be a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, or any suitable device configured to activate based upon an input manipulation by a user.

It should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the tank, pedestal, seat assembly, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the embodiments shown and described herein, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be made of vitreous china. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. It should be noted, for example, that although the exemplary embodiment of the toiletis shown configured with the tankformed separately from the pedestaland later coupled to the pedestal, the tank may be integrally formed with the pedestal as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet may be a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or have any suitable configuration. The toilet disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended as illustration only of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments.

The tankmay include an inlet opening configured to receive water from a coupled water supply, such as from a hose (e.g., line, tube). The tankmay also include an inlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the water supply into the tank through the inlet opening. Within the tankmay be provided a float device for controlling the inlet valve assembly, such as by opening the valve to refill the reservoirof the tankafter an operational cycle and closing the valve when the water in the reservoirreaches a preset volume or height. The tankmay also include an outlet opening configured to transfer (e.g., conduct) the water stored in the reservoirof the tank to the pedestalupon activation of the actuator. The pedestalmay include toilet bowl. The tankmay include an outlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the tank into the pedestalthrough the outlet opening.

The pedestal(or base) of the toiletmay include a wallhaving any suitable shape that is configured to form a bowlhaving an opening formed by an upper rim at the top of the opening. The pedestalmay also be configured to include a plurality of walls having varying shapes that together form a bowl having an opening formed by a rim. The wallof the pedestal may extend downward and/or rearward from the bowlto form a lower portionconfigured to support the pedestaland the toilet. The lower portionmay be formed by the end (e.g., lower rim) of the wall, or may include a member that extends generally in a horizontal plane from one or more than one end of the wall. The pedestalmay also include a top memberthat extends between two sides of the wall(or between two opposing walls) and is provided rearward (or behind) the bowl, wherein the top memberforms a plateau for supporting the tank, such as the bottom surface of the reservoirof the tank. The top membermay include an inlet opening that may be aligned with the outlet opening of the tank, such as when the tankis coupled to (or resting above) the pedestal, wherein water is selectively transferred (e.g., conducted) from the tankthrough the outlet opening of the tank to the pedestalthrough the inlet opening of the pedestal, when the toilet is activated through the actuator. The outlet valve assembly may control the flow of water from the tank to the pedestal. The toilet may also include a gasket or seal that is provided between the tankand the pedestalto prohibit leaking. For example, a gasket may be provided between the outlet opening of the tank and the inlet opening of the pedestal to prohibit leaking between the tank and the pedestal.

The plateau formed by the top memberof the pedestalmay also provide for coupling of the seat assemblyto the pedestalof the toilet. For example, the top membermay include one or more than one opening, wherein each opening is configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g., attach) the seat assemblyto the top memberof the pedestal. As another example, the top membermay include one or more than one fastening device (e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e., already provided connected or coupled to the pedestal), wherein the fastening device may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the seat assemblyto the pedestal.

The bowlof the pedestalmay be configured to include a receptacle (e.g., sump) and an outlet opening, wherein the water and waste is collected in the receptacle until being removed through the outlet opening, such as upon activation of the actuator. The pedestalmay also include a pedestal internal passageway, such as a trapway, that connects the outlet opening or discharge outlet of the bowlto a drain or soil pipe. The passageway, or trapway, generally includes a first portion, a second portion, and a weir separating the first and second portions. The first portion of the passageway may extend from the outlet opening of the bowlat an upwardly oblique angle to the weir. The second portion of the passageway may extend from the weir downwardly to the exiting device, such as the drain or soil pipe.

Between operational cycles (e.g., flush cycles) of the toilet, the water (and waste) is collected in the first portion of the trapway (in addition to the receptacle of the bowl), such that the weir prohibits the water from passing past the weir and into the second portion of the trapway. A flushing cycle may begin upon activation of the actuator. Upon activation of the actuator, additional water (e.g., fresh water and or grey water) may be discharged into the bowlof the pedestal, resulting in the flushing action and waste removal through the soil pipe. The flushing cycle may include generation of a siphon to assist the flushing action and waste removal.

The seat assemblymay include a cover member(e.g., lid), a seat member(e.g., ring member), and a hinge. The seat membermay be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet. The seat membermay also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover membermay be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet. The cover membermay also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first down lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover membermay be provided above the seat member in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowlof the pedestal. The cover membermay be configured to rest against the outside surface of the tank, when the cover memberis in the upright position, such that the cover memberremains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member.

illustrates a non-skirted toiletaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal components, including the trapway, are visible in the pedestalof non-skirted toilet. It should be noted that the devices, methods, and systems described herein may include and/or be used with both skirted and non-skirted toilets. It should further be noted that devices, methods, and systems described herein may include or be used with both toilets including tanks and tankless toilets. A waterline may supply a tankless toilet with water during a flush cycle.

illustrates a toiletincluding a toilet seat assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to, the toiletincludes a base(e.g., a pedestal, bowl). The base is configured to be attached to another object such as a drainpipe, floor, or other suitable object. The baseincludes a bowl, a sumpdisposed below the bowl and a trapwayconnecting fluidly connecting the bowlto a drainpipe or sewer line. In some embodiments, the toiletmay include a tank. The tank may be supported by the base, such as an upper surface of the rim. In some embodiments, the tank may be integrally formed with the base. In other embodiments, the tank may be formed separately from the baseand coupled (e.g., attached, secured, fastened, connected, etc.) to the base. The toiletmay further include a tank lid covering an opening and an inner cavity in the tank. The toiletmay further include a toilet seat assemblyrotatably coupled to the base. In some embodiments, the toiletmay be connected to a waterline that supplies the toilet with water. The toiletofis provided herein as a non-limiting example of a toilet that may be configured to utilize aspects of the present disclosure.

illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a toilet seat assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The toilet seat assemblyincludes a seatand a cushion. The cushionmay be disposed within the seat. The cushionmay be removably coupled (e.g., attached, secured, fastened) to the seat. In other examples, the cushionmay be permanently coupled to the seat. The seatand the cushionmay be configured to deform elastically and vertically in response to a load being applied to the seat. For example, the seatand the cushionmay be configured to deform elastically and vertically in response to the weight of a user sitting on the seat. In some examples, the cushionmay be configured to control (e.g., substantially control) deformation of the seat.

In some examples, as illustrated in, the cushionmay extend below a bottom surface of a cavity formed in the seat (i.e., cavity bottom surface) concealing or hiding a seam or interface between the cushionand a bottom portion of the seat. The portion of the cushionextending below the cavity bottom surface may additionally improve the quality of the interface between the cushionand the seatduring deformation of the toilet seat assembly.

illustrates a perspective view of a toilet seat assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in, the seatincludes a seat top surface, seat bottom surfaceopposite the seat top surface, and seat inner edgewhere the seat top surfaceand the seat bottom surfacemeet. The seat top surfaceand the seat bottom surfacemay each have an oval or elliptic shape. The seatfurther includes seat outer surfaceextending from an outer perimeter of the seat top surfaceto an outer perimeter of the seat bottom surface. The seatmay further include a seat back endand a seat front end. The seat front endmay be narrower than the seat back end.

The seatfurther includes a cavity (see) extending from the seat outer surfacetoward the seat inner edge. In the toilet seat assemblyas illustrated in, the cushionis disposed within the cavity. In some examples, the cavity may occupy a majority of the seat outer surfaceextending between the outer perimeter of the seat top surfaceand the outer perimeter of the seat bottom surface. The cushionmay be compressed within the cavityof the seatwhen a user sits on the seat top surface, controlling deformation of the seat.

illustrates a side view of the seatofwithout the cushion. As illustrated, the seatincludes cavityin the outer surfaceof the seat. In some examples, as illustrated in, the cavitymay occupy a majority of the vertical distance of the seat outer surfacebetween the seat top surfaceand the seat bottom surface. The height of the cavitymay vary. In other examples the height of the cavitymay be smaller or larger. A cavity inner surface(i.e., cavity interior surface) may define (e.g., the shape of) the cavityin the seat. The cavity inner surfacemay include a cavity top surfaceand a cavity bottom surface. The shape of the cavitymay vary.

In some examples, as illustrated in, the cavityextends around the entire seat outer surface(i.e., the cavityextends around the entire outer perimeter of the seat). In other examples, the cavityextends around a majority of the seat outer surface. In still other examples, the cavity extends around less than half of the seat outer surface. In some examples, the cavitymay have an arcuate or parabolic shape corresponding to a portion of the seat, with the ends of the arcuate or parabolic shape disposed at or near the seat back endand the center of the arcuate or parabolic shape at or near the seat front end. The portion of the seat outer surfacealong which the cavity extends may vary. In some examples, the portion of the seat outer surfacealong which the cavityextends may be longer or shorter. The depth to which the cavityextends into the seatmay vary.

Referring to, in some examples, the toilet seatfurther includes one or more hinge bracketsconfigured to attach or coupled the seatto a hinge assembly. In some examples, as illustrated in, the seatmay include two hinge brackets. The hinge bracketsmay be disposed at or near the seat back end. The hinge bracketsmay extend between the cavity top surfaceand the cavity bottom surface. The hinge bracketsmay be configured to receive a pin for rotatably coupling the seatto the toilet.

In some examples, the seatmay include one or more locking projections. For example, a locking projectionmay extend radially inward from the hinge bracket. In some examples, the locking projectionmay extend into the cavityof the seat. In some examples, as illustrated in, the seatmay include two hinge bracketsand a locking projectionextending from each hinge bracket. Each of the hinge bracketsand thus each of the locking projectionsmay be disposed at or near the seat back endand offset from a centerline of the seaton opposite sides of the centerline of the seat. The locking projectionmay be configured to be circumscribed by the cushionwhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. For example, a locking loop of the cushionmay be stretched around the locking projectioncoupling the cushionand the seatto one another.

Referring to, the seatmay include a centering ribextending upward from the bottom surfaceof the cavity inner surface. In some examples, the centering ribmay extend vertically upward from the bottom surfaceof the cavity inner surface. The centering ribmay be configured as a datum or reference point for attaching the cushionto the seat. In some examples, the centering ribmay extend from the bottom surfaceof the cavityalong a central axis of the seat. The centering ribmay be configured to center a cushionwhen a cushionis coupled to the seat. A portion of the cushionmay surround the centering ribwhen the cushionis coupled to the seat. A center channel formed in the cushion may be configured to receive the centering ribwhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. The centering riband center channel of the cushionmay control a position of the seatand the cushionrelative to one another, when the seatand the cushionare coupled. Additionally, the centering riband the center channel of the cushion may control a position of the cushionrelative to the seatsuch that there is an equal or substantially similar amount of deformation or stretch in the cushionon both sides of the center channel when the seatand cushionare coupled.

illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the seataccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some examples, the seatmay further include one or more locking features comprising aconfigured to receive a portion of the cushion. Each of the slotsmay be configured to secure the cushionwithin the seat. Additionally, each of the slotsmay advantageously prevent contaminants (e.g., dirt, dust, odor causing bacteria) from entering the cavity.

In some examples, as illustrated in, the seatmay include two slots. Each of the slotsmay be disposed in the cavityof the seat. For example, a first slotmay be disposed in the top surfaceof the cavityand a second slotmay be disposed in the bottom surfaceof the cavity. In some examples, a slotin the top surfaceof the cavity may be disposed closer to the seat inner edgethan the slot formed in the bottom surfaceof the cavity. The location and/or number of slotsmay vary. For example, the seatmay include a single slot. The shape of the slotsmay vary. For example, as illustrated in, the seatmay include a triangular or substantially triangular slot. In other examples, the slot may be rectangular, semi-circular, semi-spheroid or the like. In some examples, the locking feature(s) may extend along the entire length of the cavity. In other examples, the locking features may be provided intermittently along the length of the cavity.

The seatmay further include one or more groovesdisposed in the cavity inner surface. For example, as illustrated in, a single groovemay be disposed in the cavity inner surfaceat or near a top of the cavity. In some examples, the groovemay be disposed between a slot(e.g., first slot) and the outer perimeter of the seat top surface. The groovemay be configured to receive an exterior flange of the cushionwhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. In some examples, the groovemay have a triangular or a substantially triangular shape. In other examples, the groove may have a rectangular shape, a semi-circular, a semi-elliptic, or any other suitable shape. The shape of the grooveand a shape of the exterior flange of the cushionmay mirror one another. In some examples, the seatmay include two or more grooves. For example, the seatmay include a first groove in the cavity inner surfaceat or near a top of the cavityand a second groove in the cavity inner surfaceat or near a bottom of the cavity. The groove(s) in the seatmay advantageously improve a seam between the seatand the cushionwhen the seatand the cushionare coupled to one another, securing, or locking a position of the seatand cushionrelative to one another, and preventing contaminants from entering the cavityof the seat.

In some examples, the seatmay be comprised of plastics, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, polycarbonate, or other similar materials. In other examples, the seat may be comprised of another material. The seatmay be comprised of a different material than the cushion. The material comprising the seatmay have a higher durometer than a material comprising the cushion.

illustrates a top view of the cushionof. In this example, the cushionhas an arcuate shape extending from a first endto a second end. The cushionincludes a cushion outer wall. In some examples, a vertical height of the outer wallmay vary along the length of the outer wall. For example, the outer wallmay have a largest vertical height at or near the first endand the second endand a smallest vertical height at a front endof the cushion. A vertical height of the outer wallmay gradually increase from a front endof the cushionto each of the first endand the second end. The thickness of the cushion outer wallmay vary. The cushion outer wallextends between a top surfaceof the cavityand a bottom surfaceof the cavitywhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. The cushion outer wallis configured to deform elastically when a user sits on the toilet seat assembly.

The cushion outer wallincludes a cushion outer surfacedefining an outer perimeter of the cushion. The cushion outer surfacemay be exposed to an exterior of the toilet seat assemblywhen the cushionis coupled to the seat. In some examples, the cushion outer surfacemay be the only surface of the cushion exposed to the exterior of the toilet seat assemblywhen the cushionis coupled to the seat.

The cushionfurther includes an upper flangeextending radially inward from the cushion outer wall. The upper flangemay be disposed at or near a top of the cushion outer wall. In some examples, as illustrated in, the cushionmay include a plurality of upper flangesextending radially inward from the cushion outer wall. In some examples, the plurality of upper flangesmay extend along the outer wallat a regular interval. In other examples, the plurality of upper flangesmay extend along the outer wallat an irregular interval. In some examples, a single upper flangemay extend along the entire length of the cushion outer wall.

The upper flange(s)may be configured to reside in a slotdisposed in a top surfaceof the cavitywhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. The upper flange(s)and the slotmay advantageously improve a seam or interface between the seatand the cushionwhen the seatand the cushion are coupled to one another. The upper flange(s)of the cushion may be maintained within the slotof the seatpreventing the cushionand the seatfrom moving relative to one another.

A shape of the upper flange(s)and a shape of the slotmay mirror one another. In some examples, as illustrated in, the upper flangesand the slotmay have a triangular or substantially triangular shape. The shape of the upper flange(s)and/or slotmay vary. For examples, the upper flange(s)and/or slot may have a rectangular, semi-circular, or semi-elliptic shape. In some examples, the upper flange(s)and the slotmay have different shapes.

The cushionmay further include an exterior flangeextending upward and/or radially outward from the cushion outer wall. In some examples, as illustrated in, a single exterior flangemay extend along the entire length of the cushion outer wall. In some examples, a plurality of exterior flanges may extend from for the cushion outer wall at regular or irregular intervals. The exterior flangemay be configured to reside in the groovewhen the cushionand the seat are coupled to one another. Accordingly, a shape of the exterior flangeand a shape of the groovemay mirror one another. In some examples, the exterior flangemay have a triangular or a substantially triangular shape. In other examples, the exterior flangemay have a rectangular shape, a semi-circular, a semi-elliptic, or any other suitable shape.

The cushionmay further include a lower flangeextending radially inward from the cushion outer wall. The lower flangemay be disposed below the upper flange. The lower flangemay be disposed at or near a bottom of the cushion outer wall. In some examples, as illustrated in, the cushionmay include a plurality of lower flangesextending radially inward from the cushion outer wall. In some examples, the plurality of lower flangesmay extend along the cushion outer wallat a regular interval. In other examples, the plurality of lower flangesmay extend along the cushion outer wallat irregular intervals. In some examples, a single lower flangemay extend along the entire length of the cushion outer wall.

The lower flange(s)may be configured to reside in a slotdisposed in the cavity bottom surfacewhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. The lower flange(s)and the slotmay advantageously improve a seam or interface between the seatand the cushionwhen the seatand the cushion are coupled to one another. The lower flange(s)of the cushion may be maintained within the slotof the seatpreventing the cushionand the seatfrom moving relative to one another.

A shape of the lower flange(s)and a shape of the slotmay mirror one another. In some examples, as illustrated in, the lower flangesand the slotmay have a triangular or substantially triangular shape. The shape of the lower flange(s)and/or slotmay vary. For examples, the upper flange(s)and/or slotmay have a rectangular, semi-circular, or semi-elliptic shape. In some examples, the lower flange(s)and the slotmay have different shapes.

In some examples, as illustrated in, the plurality of upper flangesand the plurality of lower flangesmay be staggered such that upper flangesand lower flangesalternate along the outer wall. For example, the outer wallmay include only an upper flangefor a length along the outer wall and then only a lower flangefor a length along the wall. This pattern may repeat along the outer wall. In some examples, there may be gap or space without an upper flangeor a lower flangebetween the upper flangeand the lower flange. In some examples, the length of an upper flange along the outer wallmay be longer than the length of a lower flange along the outer wall. In some examples, the length of upper flange(s)and the lower flange(s)may be the same. In some examples, a total length of all of the upper flange(s)may be the same as a total length of all the lower flange(s). In other examples, the total length of all the upper flanges(s)may be shorter or longer than the total length of all the lower flange(s).

In some examples, the cushionmay include a cushion inner walldisposed radially inward from the cushion outer wall. A height and/or thickness of the cushion inner wallmay vary. In some examples, a height of the cushion inner wallmay vary along the length of the cushion inner wall. The cushion inner wallmay be configured to deform elastically when a user sits on the toilet seat assembly. In some examples, as illustrated in, the inner wallmay have a smaller vertical height than the outer wall. In other examples, the inner walland the outer wallmay have the same vertical height.

A plurality of bridgesmay extend radially inward from the cushion outer wallconnecting the cushion outer walland the cushion inner wall. A thickness of the plurality of bridgesmay vary. A height of the plurality of bridgesmay vary. For example, the plurality of bridgesmay have the same vertical height as the cushion inner wall. In some examples, the height of the plurality of bridgesmay vary along the length of the plurality of bridges. For example, a height of the bridge may gradually decrease from a height of the outer wallat the outer wallto a height of the inner wallat the inner wall. In some examples, a bridgemay be disposed between adjacent flanges (e.g., upper flange, lower flange) of the cushion.

illustrates a perspective view of the cushionof. In some examples, as illustrated in, the cushionincludes a locking ribat each of the first endand the second endof the cushion. The locking ribis configured to extend radially inward from the outer walland/or the inner wall. The locking ribis disposed in the cavityof the seatwhen the cushionand the seatare coupled to one another. The locking ribmay contact the bottom surfaceof the cavitywhen the cushionis coupled to the seat. The locking ribmay contact the top surfaceof the cavitywhen the cushionis coupled to the seat. The locking ribmay help maintain a position of the cushionrelative to the seatwhen the cushionand seat are coupled to one another. The locking ribmay advantageously prevent the cushionfrom uncoupling with the seatduring deformation of the cushion.

In some examples, the cushionmay include a center channel. The center channelmay be a datum or reference point for coupling the cushionto the seat. For example, the center channelmay be aligned with a centering ribof the seatwhen coupling the cushionto the seat. The centering channelmay receive the centering ribwhen the cushionis slid or positioned into the centner channel. The center channelmay secure or maintain a position of the centering ribwhen the cushionis coupled to the seat.

Collectively, the center channeland the centering ribmay control a position of the cushionrelative to the seatwhen the cushionis coupled to the seat. Additionally, the center channeland the centering ribmay control deformation or stretch of the cushionwhen the cushionis stretched to be coupled to the seat. The center channeland the centering ribmay also control deformation or stretch of the cushionwhen the cushionis in a stretched state of being coupled to the seat. For example, the center channeland the centering ribmay ensure that there is an equal or substantially similar amount of deformation or stretch in the cushionon both side of the center channel.

In some examples, as illustrated in, the cushionincludes a locking tabat each of the first endand the second end. The locking tabs may be configured to engage with the seatwhen the cushionis in a stretched state, coupling the cushionto the seat. Each of the locking tabs(and the cushiongenerally) may be configured to be stretched around the seat to couple the cushionto the seat. For example, each locking tabmay include a fastening loopand a locking loop. The fastening loopmay be configured to be clasped by a user and/or a tool to stretch the cushionaround the seat. The locking loopmay be configured to be stretched to engage or circumscribe a portion of the seatcoupling the cushionto the seat. For example, the locking loopmay be stretched to circumscribe a locking projectionof the seat, coupling the cushionto the seat.illustrates a locking loopengaged with or circumscribing a locking projectionaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

illustrates a partial cross section of the toilet seat assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in, a bumper pocketmay extend through the seatfrom the cavity bottom surfaceto the seat bottom surface. The shape of the bumper pocketmay vary. For example, the bumper pocketmay have an oval shape when viewed from below the seat. In other examples, the bumper pocketmay have an oblong, rectangular, circular, or another shape. The bumper pocketmay be configured to receive a bumper. The bumper pocketand the bumpermay have the same shape. For example, both the bumper pocketand the bumpermay have an oval shape when viewed from below the seat. The bumpermay include a bumper flangeprotruding from the bumper. The bumper flangemay contact the cavity bottom surface, preventing the bumperfrom translating through the bumper pocket.

The bumpermay be comprised of a rubber or a rubber like resin. For example, the bumpermay be comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), styrenic block copolymers (TPE-S), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPE-U), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPE-E), melt processable rubber (MPR), thermoplastic polyether block amides (TPE-A), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the bumpermay be formed of a different material than the cushion. In some embodiments, the bumpermay be comprised of two or more materials. In one example, the bumpermay include a polypropylene (PP) shell and over molded with a rubber or rubber like resin. Accordingly, the grip performance of the bumper may be maximized.

Further, referring to, in some examples, the cushionmay include a bumper pad. The bumper padmay be configured to secure or maintain a position of the bumper. When the cushionis coupled to the seat, the bumper padmay align with the bumpersuch that the bumper padcontacts the bumper. In some examples, the bumper padmay extend between the cavity top surfaceand bumper pad. In some examples, the bumper padmay further include a locking edgeextending downward from the bumper pad. The locking edgemay be configured to engage or contact the bumper, for example, the bumper flange, securing or locking the position of the bumperand the cushionwhen the cushionis coupled to the seat. In some examples, the seatmay include two or more bumper pocketseach configured to receive a bumperand the cushionmay include a bumper padfor each bumper.

Referring to, the toilet seat assemblymay be configured to deform elastically and vertically when a force is applied to a top surfaceof the seat. Specifically, the seatand the cushionmay be configured to deform elastically and vertically when the weight of a user is applied to the seat top surface. More specifically, the seat inner edge, the outer perimeter of the seat top surface, and the cushionmay be configured to deform elastically and vertically. The shape of the seatand cushionand the materials comprising the seatand cushionmay be specifically selected to provide a desired deformation of the toilet seat assemblywhen a user sits on the seat. The deformation or flex of the toilet assembly may be controlled to improve the comfort of a user when they sit on the toilet seat assembly. In one example, the cushionmay be configured to maximize deformation at the outer perimeter of the seat top surface, thereby improving comfort for large users.

Further, the toilet seat assemblymay be configured to deform differently for different users. For example, the toilet seat assembly may deform differently for a small user than for a large user. In another, the toilet seat assemblymay deform differently for a lighter user than a heavier user. The toilet seat assembly may deform differently depending on a magnitude and/or a location(s) where a load is applied. In another example, the inner edgeof the seatmay be configured to deform elastically and vertically downward in response to a smaller user (because the user is only occupying that portion of the seat). Conversely, an outer perimeter of the seat top surfacemay be configured to deform elastically and vertically in response to a larger user (because this is the location occupied by a user and where a majority of the load is applied by the user.

Deformation or flex of the toilet seat assemblymay be controlled by the materials comprising the seatand/or the cushion. Deformation of the toilet seat assembly may be controlled by a shape of the seatand/or cushion. For example, deformation may be controller by a thickness of the seatand/or cushion. Deformation of the toilet seat assemblymay further be controlled by a varying cross-sectional profile or bending profile of the seatand/or cushion.