ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TOILET SEAT SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments generally relate to toilets, and more particularly, illustrative embodiments relate to self-lowering or self-lifting toilet systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the home, males often lift the toilet seat to urinate, only to forget to lower it after use. This is a frequent source of annoyance for other occupants of the home. Additionally, a lowered toilet lid inhibits pet or child access to the toilet bowl water, and blocks items such as phones or towels from inadvertently falling into the toilet bowl.

Conversely, toilet seats in public restrooms are frequently soiled, particularly in male and gender-neutral restrooms because men often urinate standing up while the toilet is in the down position. Although more common in male restrooms, soiling of toilet seats can also occur in female restrooms. Because public 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 urinating from a standing position, more likely to make messes, and less likely to clean up after themselves if they do make a mess.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a self-lifting toilet system includes toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. A hinge rotatably couples the toilet seat to a base. The hinge is configured so that the toilet seat is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A mechanical lifting device is configured to lift the toilet seat towards the up position. A mechanical latch is configured to hold the seat in the down position. En electronic timing system is configured to cause a seat time delay before triggering an electro-mechanical latch release system to release the mechanical latch so that the mechanical lifting device lifts the toilet seat towards the up position.

In accordance with another embodiment, a self-lowering toilet seat system includes a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. A hinge rotatably couples the toilet seat to a base. The hinge is configured so that the toilet seat is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A mechanical lowering device is configured to self-lower the toilet seat towards the down position. A mechanical latch is configured to hold the seat in the up. An electronic timing system is configured to cause a seat time delay before triggering an electro-mechanical latch release system to release the mechanical latch so that the mechanical lowering device lowers the toilet seat towards the down position.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a self-lowering toilet lid system includes a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. The system also includes a toilet lid. A hinge rotatably couples the lid with a base. The hinge is configured so that the toilet lid is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A mechanical lowering device is configured to self-lower the toilet lid towards the down position. A mechanical latch is configured to hold the lid in the up position. An electronic timing system is configured to cause a lid time delay before triggering an electro-mechanical latch release system to release the mechanical latch so that the mechanical lowering device lowers the toilet lid towards the down position.

In various embodiments, the base may be a toilet bowl. The system may also include a toilet lid. The toilet seat and/or lid may be rotatably coupled with the toilet bowl via the hinge.

An electro-mechanical latch release system may include a servo motor and/or a solenoid. The mechanical latch may includes a clutching feature configured to allow the user to manually disengage the latch before expiration of the time delay. The mechanical latch may include an interlock switch configured to uncouple the delay system from a power source when the interlock switch is disengaged. The interlock switch may be disengaged after the lifting device or the lowering device moves the seat or lid to its bias position.

Various embodiments include a hinge housing. The hinge housing may be substantially sealed to protect components within. Additionally, or alternatively, the timing system and/or the sensing system are preferably substantially sealed as well or instead of the hinge housing. The seal may be specified to be rated at IP54 or above in order to prevent dust ingress and light splashes of water. The seal may preferably be an IP 65 seal in order to protect the mechanism from any of the harshest bathroom environments the seat system may encounter. The seat system may be integrated with an IOT flushometer.

A sensing system may be configured to detect the absence or presence of a user. The sensing system may include an electronic position sensor, optical time of flight sensor, a load sensor, and/or a capacitive sensor to detect when a user is near the toilet bowl. The seat time delay may be a function of detecting the absence of the user. The electronic timing system may includes a pre-set, fixed delay time that is independent of a sensing system.

In some embodiments, the user raises the seat and lid to the up position. The lowering device may lower lid, which also pushes the to lower to the down position. Some embodiments may include a hard stop configured to prevent over-rotation of the lid or seat when moved to the lifted position. The lowering device and the lifting device may be passive (e.g., spring based).

In accordance with another embodiment, a method self-lifts a toilet seat. The method provides a self-lifting toilet system. The self-lifting toilet system includes a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. A hinge rotatably couples the toilet seat. The hinge is configured so that the toilet seat is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A mechanical lifting device is configured to self-lift the toilet seat towards the up position. A mechanical latch is configured to hold the seat in the down position after being lowered by the user. An electronic timing system is configured to cause a seat time delay before triggering an electro-mechanical latch release system to release the mechanical latch (also referred to as disengaging the latch) so as to allow the mechanical lifting device to lift the toilet seat towards the up position.

In some embodiments of the self-lifting system, a delay system is engaged when the user lowers the toilet seat to the down position. The delay system may be disengaged after the expiration of a time delay. The method may lift the toilet seat using a passive lifting system after time delay ends. In some embodiments, the time delay begins after a user is not detected. In some embodiments, the time delay is dynamic as a function of sensing of the user. Alternatively, the time delay may be a static delay.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method self-lowers a toilet seat. The method provides a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user. A hinge rotatably couples the toilet seat. The hinge is configured so that the toilet seat is transitionable between a down position and an up position. A mechanical lowering device is configured to self-lower the toilet seat towards the down position. A mechanical latch is configured to hold the seat in the up position. An electronic timing system is configured to cause a seat time delay before triggering an electro-mechanical latch release system to release the mechanical latch (also referred to as disengaging the latch) so as to allow the mechanical lowering device to lower the toilet seat towards the down position.

The method engages a delay system by lifting the toilet seat to the up position. The method disengages the delay system after the expiration of a time delay. The method may lower the toilet seat using a passive lifting system after the time delay ends. The time delay may begin after a user is not detected. In some embodiments, the time delay is dynamic as a function of sensing of the user.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method self-lowers a toilet lid. The method provides a toilet seat configured to be sat upon by a user, and a toilet lid. A hinge rotatably couples the toilet seat and lid. The hinge is configured so that the toilet lid and seat are transitionable between a down position and an up position. A mechanical lowering device is configured to self-lower the toilet lid towards the down position. A mechanical latch is configured to hold the lid in the up position after being rotated there by the user. An electronic timing system is configured to cause a lid time delay before triggering the lowering device to cause the toilet lid to lower towards the down position.

The method may engage a delay system by lifting the toilet seat to the up position. The method may disengage the delay system after the expiration of a time delay. The toilet seat may be lowered using a passive lifting system after the time delay ends. The time delay may begin after a user is not detected. The time delay may be dynamic as a function of sensing of the user.

In various embodiments, the hinge rotatably couples the base and the seat. The base may be a toilet bowl. Among other things, the delay system may include a latching system, a latch release system, a sensing system, and an electronic timing system, wherein the delay system is sealed.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are implemented as a computer program product having a computer usable medium with computer readable program code thereon. The computer readable code may be read and utilized by a computer system in accordance with conventional processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those skilled in the art should more fully appreciate advantages of various embodiments of the invention from the following “Description of Illustrative Embodiments,” discussed with reference to the drawings summarized immediately below.

FIG. 1A schematically shows a toilet seat system in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 1B schematically shows the lid in a up position and the seat in a down position in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 1C schematically shows the lid and the seat in a lifted position in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a hinge in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 3A schematically shows the exposed internal components of the hinge housing in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 3B schematically shows a different perspective view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C schematically shows a top-down view of FIGS. 3A-3B.

FIGS. 4A-4C schematically show a cutaway side view of the delay system as the lid transitions from a substantially down to a substantially up position in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a cutaway side view of the electronic sensor board and main control board in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D schematically show a cutaway side view of the delay system as the lid transitions from a substantially upward position to a substantially down position in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a cutaway side view of the delay system for a self-lifting toilet system, in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a perspective view of the internals of a self-lifting embodiment in accordance with of illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 9 schematically shows details of a toilet system in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a process of using the self-lowering toilet system in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows a process of using the self-lifting toilet system in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In illustrative embodiments, a mechanical system self-lowers a toilet seat (e.g., residential), or a toilet seat and toilet lid, from a substantially upright position to a substantially down position after an electro-mechanical time delay. Some embodiments also incorporate various dampers to prevent the seat and/or lid from lowering too quickly and potentially slamming onto the toilet bowl when lowered.

Additionally, illustrative embodiments provide a system to self-lift a toilet seat (e.g., commercial) from a substantially down position to a substantially upright position after an electro-mechanical time delay. Some embodiments also incorporate various dampers to prevent the seat and/or lid from lifting too quickly and potentially slamming onto the toilet tank when lifted.

In various embodiments a delay system is configured to prevent seat and/or lid motion from occurring until the user is out of the path of the seat and/or lid motion. The delay system is activated by the user lifting or lowering the seat between the up and down positions.

Some embodiments are considered to be self-lifting. In other words, the delay system is configured to cause a time delay before a mechanical lifting system causes the seat to lift to the upright position. Furthermore, the delay system is configured with a mechanical latch that restrains the seat in the down position during the duration of the time delay. In various embodiments, the duration of the time delay is determined via an electronic timing system as well as a sensing system. After expiration of the time delay, the mechanical latch is released by an electro-mechanical latch release, which allows the seat to lift to the upright position.

Some embodiments are considered to be self-lowering. In other words, the delay system is configured to cause a time delay before the mechanical lowering device 40 causes the seat and/or lid to lower to the down position. Furthermore, the delay system is configured with a mechanical latch that restrains the seat and/or lid in the up position during the duration of the time delay. The duration of the time delay is determined via an electronic timing system as well as a sensing system. After expiration of the time delay, the mechanical latch is released by an electro-mechanical latch release, which allows the seat and/or lid to lower to the down position.

In various embodiments, the electronic timing systems may include a sensing system capable of detecting the proximity of the user to the toilet. The sensor system communicates with the computer program to modify the timing system.

Most commercially available electronically actuating toilet seats involve a motorized component that lifts and lowers the seat—a very power-hungry operation that quickly drains internal batteries. Wired outlet connections are impractical alternatives as outlets are typically located far away from toilet seats due to safety concerns. Connecting the seat to an electrical outlet also increases the system's complexity, cost, and installation time. Thus, it is advantageous to employ a lifting/lowering apparatus where the user initially lifts or lowers the seat until it is restrained by a latch. After a delay, a low power electro-mechanical latch release system releases the latch, thus removing the power-hungry motor from the equation. Details of illustrative embodiments are discussed below.

FIGS. 1A-1C schematically shows a toilet seat system 1 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. The toilet seat system 1 includes a toilet seat 2, and optionally, a lid 3 for the toilet seat 2. The system 1 includes a hinge 50 configured to rotatably couple the toilet seat 2 (and/or the lid 3) to a toilet bowl, which allows the seat 2 and the lid 3 to rotate from a down position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A) to an up position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1C).

In general, the toilet seat 2 typically has two main positions: the up and the down position. The down position is the default position for the seat 2 when it is being used. The seat 2 is lowered onto the toilet bowl rim, making it ready for someone to sit. In the up position, the seat 2 is lifted and held against the toilet tank or remains upright. This position is commonly used by males when urinating to avoid soiling the seat 2. It can also facilitate cleaning of the toilet, allowing better access to the rim and bowl.

Although various embodiments refer to a toilet bowl 3, it should be understood that some toilet systems do not have a traditional toilet bowl filled with water, like the ones found in permanent restrooms. For example, portable toilets have a holding tank and a seat similar in shape to a regular toilet bowl. Various embodiments may generally refer to the toilet bowl, the holding tank, or any lower support for the toilet seat as a base. Frequently, the hinge 50 couples the toilet seat 2 and/or lid 3 to the base.

In a similar manner, the toilet lid 3, like the toilet seat 2, primarily has two positions: open (also referred to as up) and closed (also referred to as down). In the open position, the lid 3 is lifted up and typically stands vertically, resting against the toilet tank or held upright. This allows access to the toilet for usage and allows access for cleaning the bowl and rim. In the closed position the lid 3 is lowered to cover the toilet bowl. This position is generally used to maintain hygiene by preventing the spread of germs during flushing, as the lid 3 helps contain aerosol droplets that can be released. The closed position also blocks access to the toilet bowl by children and pets.

It should be understood that the hinge 50 may be configured to allow the seat 2 and the lid 3 to rotate freely relative to one another, such that the lid 3 may be rotated to the open position while the seat 2 remains in the down position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B). Furthermore, various toilet seat systems 1 may be configured to have different up positions and/or down positions. In other words, the up position does not necessarily imply a 90-degree vertical angle, nor does the down position imply parallel to the ground. However, in general, the up position and the down position may approximate these positions. Those skilled in the art understand how the up position and down position may be changed.

Various embodiments include hinge 50 comprising a housing 102 (which may couple to the toilet bowl), as well as an axle that provides rotation of the seat 2 relative to the housing 102 and the lid 3. Furthermore, the hinge 50 allows for relative rotation of the lid 3 relative to the housing 102 and the seat 2. The housing 102 acts as a casing or enclosure that protects mechanical and/or electrical parts of the toilet seat system 1 from external elements, like dust, water, other contaminants, and accidental contact. The housing 102 may also provide organization and alignment of various components of the system 1. In various embodiments, an axle of the hinge 50 (also referred to as a hinge rod) around which the seat 2 and/or lid 3 pivot may be at least partially within the housing 102. The housing 102 may be formed of two coupled components, such as a top housing 5 and a bottom housing 4.

The hinge housing 102 may be substantially sealed such that ingress of liquids and dust is prevented during normal usage and maintenance of the seat 2. Additionally, a rotary seal also allows a seal between hinge housing 102, and rotating axles. Though considered substantially sealed, various embodiments may allow for a small leak of air between interior compartments within the housing 102, such that the air pressure in the hinge housing 102 may equalize to ambient conditions.

In various embodiments, the sealed housing 102 has an IP seal rating with a first digit (protection against solid objects) that is 5 or greater. In other words, the housing 102 is 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 102, the reliability of the delay system 11 may be undesirably impacted, causing faulty delay timing. Similarly, the sealed housing 102 may have an IP seal rating with a second digit (protection against liquids) that is 1 or greater. Ingress of fluid within the housing 102 is undesirable because, similar to dust and other solid objects, it may impact the reliability of the delay system 11. Various embodiments position the housing 102 within a perimeter of the toilet seat bowl. Therefore, it is likely that the housing 102 may encounter fluid (e.g., from the toilet, the user, and/or cleaning solutions). Therefore, various embodiments may have an IP level 5.1 seal or greater (e.g., IP seal rating 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.1, etc.). Some embodiments may have a higher IP rating (e.g., IP 5.5 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 housing 102 and ambient external environment (e.g., through a vented bolt used to couple the housing 102 with the bowl). Such vent advantageously allows collected water vapor within the housing 102 to 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 housing 102 may be formed of a number of components (e.g., joined together). In some embodiments, the housing 102 may have movable components. The housing 102 provides the seal around the delay system 11 fixedly. In various embodiments, the housing 3 may be a “fixedly sealed housing” 102. In other words, the parts of the housing 102 that form the seal around the delay device 11 do not translate relative to one another. The fixedly sealed housing 102 may include one or more axles that help form the seal. In various embodiments, the one or more axles that form part of the seal may rotate, but not translate, relative to the housing 102. Advantageously, the fixedly sealed housing 102 provides a robust seal that maintains the integrity of the housing 102 and provides long-lasting operation. Illustrative embodiments having a dynamic housing 102 with 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. A system 1 with translationally fixed axles advantageously allows the housing 102 to be sealed while providing rotational coupling with the seat 2 and the lid 3.

FIGS. 2-6 generally show a self-lowering toilet system 1 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. FIGS. 7-8 schematically show a self-lifting toilet system 1 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. Generally, with the reconfiguration of a few components, discussion of the operating principles and components of the self-lowering toilet system 1 also applies to the self-lifting toilet system 1.

FIGS. 2-3C schematically show the self-closing toilet seat system 1 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. In particular, this view shows the components internal to the housing 102.

In general, the toilet seat system 1 includes a mechanical lowering device 40 configured to mechanically rotate the seat 2 and/or the lid 3 from a first position to a second position (e.g., from the up position to the down position or vice-versa). The delay in lowering the seat 2 and/or the lid 3 is caused by a mechanical latching system 20 configured to physically hold the lid 3 and/or the seat 2 in a given position when engaged (e.g., in the up position). An electronic timing system 35 is configured to control the time delay before instructing a latch release system 45 to release the latch. It should be understood that the term “latch” is used to refer to a device that holds or constrains the seat and/or lid in a given position while also allowing for the release of the seat and/or lid from the given position (e.g., caused by the latch release system 45). Examples of the latch include, among other things, the axle link 21 to latch 23 connection (which may also be referred to as a keeper or strike), magnets, suction cups with holes having closable openings, cam locks, hairpin triggers, deadbolts, etc.

The electronic timing system 35 may adjust the time delay based on signals received from a sensing system 30 that is configured to detect the presence of a user. When the time delay expires, the electronic timing system 35 may disengage the latching system 20 using the electro-mechanical latch release system 45. The release system 45 is configured to cause the latching system 20 to disengage, and thereby release hold of the lid and/or the seat from the given position.

In various embodiments, the electronic timing system 35, the sensing system 30, the mechanical latching system 20, and the latch release system 45 can be said to form the delay system 11. Thus, in general, various embodiments include the delay system 11 that delays rotational motion of the seat 2 and/or the lid 3 triggered by mechanical lowering device 40. In particular, FIG. 2 shows the delay system 11 configured to delay downward motion of the seat 2 and the lid 3 by the lowering device 40.

In various embodiments, the seat 2 rotates about the same axle 12 as the lid 3. The seat 2 is mounted to the axle 12 via a free axle connection point 10A, thus allowing it to rotate independently of axle 12, while still being concentric to it. The lid 3 is mounted to the axle 12 via a fixed axle connection point 9A. Thus, as the lid 3 is rotated, its rotation is transferred into the housing 102, allowing the delay system 11 to act upon it. On the other side of the housing 102, the seat 2 and lid 3 are mounted about the seat damper 6. An adaptor 8 is fitted to the shaft 19 of the seat damper 6 such that the seat 2 mounts to the damper 6 in a fixedly attached manner 9B, whereas the lid 3 keys into it in a freely rotatable manner 10B. The lid 3 keys into its own lid damper 7 via its fixed connection 9A to axle 12, which is in turn fixedly attached to the damper 7 through the lid-to-axle connector 13. Thus, both the lid 3 and seat 2 are mounted coaxially and independently dampened, but in various embodiments the delay system 11 only operates on the lid 2. In illustrative embodiments without the damper, the seat may be coupled directly to the shaft extending out of the housing 102.

The lowering device 40 is configured to bias the lid 3 towards the down position. When the time delay expires, and the latch is disengaged, the lowering device 40 lowers the lid 3. The lowering device 40 may include a torsion spring 41. Though shown as a torsion spring, the spring 41 could be configured as a linear compression or extension spring on a lever arm, a leaf spring, or a spiral or conical torsion spring.

FIG. 4A schematically shows the delay system 11 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. In particular, the delay system 11 includes a latching system 20 configured to engage when the lid 3 is raised toward or to the open position. The delay system 11 also includes a latch release system 45 configured to disengage the latching system 20 after expiration of the time delay. FIG. 4B schematically shows the delay system 11 as the lid is in the process of raising. FIG. 4C schematically shows the delay system 11 engaged when the lid is sufficiently raised towards the up position.

A typical interaction of a user with the self-closing seat system 1 begins with a user coming up to the self-closing seat system 1 and finding the seat 2 and lid 3 in the down position. A cross-sectional view of the housing 102 in this position is shown in FIG. 4A.

In various embodiments, the user lifts either the lid 3 alone, or the seat 2 and the lid 3. In either scenario, the delay system 11 is engaged due to the actuation of the lid 3. As the lid 3 begins to lift, the axle link 21, affixed to the axle 12 via a spring pin mounted about the locating hole 22, rotates with the lid 3. As the lid 3 continues to lift, the axle link 21 rotates downward in the housing 102, through the position shown in FIG. 4B, and continues rotating until it brushes past the latch 23 and reaches the position shown in FIG. 4C.

The latch 23 is biased to the position shown in FIG. 4C by a latch spring 24 and constrained to rotate about pivot point 26. When the axle link 21 comes into contact with latch 23, the latch 23 is pushed down and the return spring 24 is compressed until the axle link 21 rotates to the position shown in FIG. 4C and the axle link 21 snaps into cutout in the latch 23. Once in this position, the axle link 21, and therefore the lid 3, is fixed in the vertical position. Various embodiments include a clutching feature. For example, the mating faces of the axle link 21 and latch 23 may be configured so that a user may manually pull the lid 3 downwards and the mating faces of the axle link 21 and the latch 23 push each other away and slide by one another before the electro-mechanical latch release system 45 is trigged by the timing system 35 to disengage the latch 23. This in-built clutch capability ensures that the system 1 does not break or cause injury to a user if the lid 3 is lowered before expiration of the time delay.

A hard stop 16 positioned on the housing 102 is designed to prevent over-rotation of the lid 3 as well as over stressing of the latch 23. Additionally, as the lid 3 is lifted and the axle link 21 rotates towards the latched position (shown in FIG. 4C), the axle link 21 comes into contact with, and depresses an electrical limit switch 25 (best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3B). This positioning of the switch 25 and the geometry of the axle link 21 is such that the limit switch 25 remains in the depressed position until the lid 3 fully or partially lowers back down. This switch functions as a power saving interlock—only when the limit switch 25 is pressed does any current flow through the electronic timing system 35, the sensing system 30, or the electro-mechanical latch release system 45. When un-pressed, all current flow ceases. In this way, power is advantageously saved when the lid 3 is not lifted, maximizing battery life.

After the lid 3 is in the lifted position shown in FIG. 3C, and the delay system 11 circuit is closed (e.g., the wired combination of a sensor, microcontroller, battery pack, and servo motor), the electronic timing system 35 and sensing system 30 are initiated. A shown in FIGS. 3A-C and FIG. 5, a sensor 33 (e.g., optical time-of-flight sensor) is mounted on a sensor board 32, which is affixed inside of the top housing 102. The receiver/emitter of the sensor 33 may face outwards through a hole in the top housing 5, for example. The sensor 33 may be covered by a protective glass or plastic cover 34. The cover may form part of the substantially sealed housing 102. The sensor 33 is configured to send short sensing pulses at predetermined intervals, or continuously, in order to sense if the user is standing or sitting in front of the self-closing seat system 1.

When the user is detected, that information is conveyed to the microcontroller 36, for example via wire buses not shown in the figures, which then pauses the action of the latch release motor 46. There are a plurality of ways to configure the position of the microcontroller 36 on the control board 37. FIG. 5 shows one such configuration wherein the microcontroller 36 is mounted on the underside of the control board 36 so as to provide room on the top of the control board 36 for wire connections. The control board 36 is therefore stood up off of the bottom of the bottom housing 4 to provide room for the microcontroller 36 mounting.

After the sensor 34 detects that the user is no longer near the seat 1, the microcontroller 36 delays the electro-mechanical latch release system 45 for a predetermined amount of time. This ensures that the user is no longer in the path of the lid 3 and seat 2. Then, a signal is sent to release the latch 23 that holds the lid 3 in the vertical position. The fidelity of the sensing regime (frequency of the sensing pulses, the number of sensing cycles required to come back negative for user presence before the lid can close, etc.) can be modified and balanced based on user testing and feedback so as to achieve the best performance with minimal power consumption. For example, the sensor could be set up to sense continuously, thus ensuring an exact knowledge of when the user leaves the self-lowering toilet system 1, but that may dramatically decrease the lifespan of the batteries. Alternatively, the sensor 33 may send a sensing pulse in a predetermined time frame, e.g., once every 30 seconds. The non-continuous pulsing advantageously saves power.

Alternatively, other sensors 33 may be used to determine the presence of a user. For example, an ultrasonic sensor 33 may be used, but it may be less sensitive and may provide more false readings than a time-of-flight sensor 33. Capacitive or load sensors 33 in the seat 2 may be used as well. A load sensor 33 may also be integrated with the axle 12 Alternatively, some embodiments may include a fixed delay system that begins a preset timer triggered when the seat 2 is lifted.

The electro-mechanical latch release system 45 consists of a servo motor 46 and a cam wheel 47 that interferes with and forces latch 23 downwards and out of the way of the axle link 21 when the servo motor 46 spins. When the microcontroller 36 determines it is time to release the lid 3, the servo motor 46, originally in the position shown in FIG. 4C, begins to rotate in the clockwise direction towards the position shown in FIG. 6A. As the servo motor 46 rotates, the part of the wheel 47 with a larger radius begins to contact the latch 23.

As the wheel 47 continues to rotate, the latch 23 is pushed to the fully disengaged position shown in FIG. 6B. At this point, there is no more interference between the axle link 21 and the latch 23, and the axle link 21 is free to rotate under the forcing of the lowering device 40. The servo wheel 47 spins slowly enough such that the axle link 21 has enough time to clear the latch 23 and move to the position shown in FIG. 6C, before the servo wheel 47 can rotate substantially far enough so as to allow the latch 23 to return to its spring biased position.

As the servo wheel 47 continues to rotate, it moves to the position shown in FIG. 6D, hitting and depressing a second limit switch 48 in the process. This switch is used to measure the position of servo 46, and when this switch is pressed, a signal is given to the timing system 35 to stop the rotation of the servo 46. Using this limit switch 48, the exact position of the servo can be maintained. It is advantageous for the servo wheel 47 to hit this limit switch 48 before the axle link 21 rotates far enough so as to move off of the interlock switch 25 and turn the power off. If system power is shut off before proper servo 46 positioning is determined, the servo 46 may not rotate far enough, or may rotate too far in subsequent cycles, causing either premature lid 3 lowering, or no lowering at all.

Additionally, or alternatively, a solenoid may be used to disengage the latch 23 instead of the servo 46. In this case, a positioning switch 48 may not be used, as the solenoid is a binary actuator, with its positions before and after actuation always being the same. However, the solenoid is a disadvantageously high-power draw device that requires higher voltages and power than the servo 36. The required current is proportional to the force. Thus, in a low power implementation of a solenoid in the hinge housing 102, the latch force is quite weak (e.g., just on the cusp of releasing). In various embodiments, improper placement of the lid 3 into the vertical position, or any external jolting of the lid 3 (e.g., a user brushing against it) may cause the latch 23 to release and prematurely lower the lid 3 and/or seat 2. To resolve this issue, a significantly overpowered solenoid may be used, however this also reduces the battery life of the system 1.

In various embodiments, the lowering device 40 biases the lid 3 towards the down position, such that when the axle link 21 is released by the latch 23, the axle link 21 immediately begins to rotate in the lid-lowering direction. If the seat 2 is in the vertical position along with the lid 3, then the lowering device 40 lowering the lid 3 causes the seat 2 to move towards the down position as well. The lowering device 40 can be best seen in FIGS. 3A-C. The torsion spring 41 is mounted on one side to a fixed point 43 on the bottom housing 4, and on another side to the rotating axle link 21 at point 42. Thus, when the axle link 21 rotates due to the lifting action of the lid 3, the spring 41 is rotated into a loaded position, applying a load to the axle link 21 that tends to lower the lid 3 when it is not constrained by the latch 23. The spring 41 mounting may be reconfigured such that the spring is only compressed when the lid 3 approaches the fully vertical position. It should be noted that the spring 41 may only act on the lid 3 until it passes vertical (e.g., 90 degrees). Subsequently, gravity may bias the lid 3 to the down position. Though pictured as a torsion spring, the spring 41 could be configured as a linear compression or extension spring on a lever arm, a leaf spring, or a spiral or conical torsion spring.

Alternatively, in a commercial bathroom environment, the delay system 11 may be applied to a self-lifting toilet system 1. The user may lower the seat 2 until it latches, storing return-energy in, for example, a torsion spring. As above, the electronic timing system 35, along with an electro-mechanical latch release system 45 releases the seat 2 so it returns to the upward position when the user is finished and distant from the toilet bowl.

In public bathrooms, the lid 3 may be omitted. In this case, the mounting of the seat 2 and the sensor 33 to the hinge 50 is flipped by 180 degrees from the orientation shown in FIGS. 1-6. Other than that, the system 1 remains generally as described above. This configuration is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The mechanical latch is engaged when the seat 2 is moved by a user to the downwards position, and the axle link 21 engages with the latch 23, until it is released by the servo motor 46. Such a reconfiguration is advantageous as it means that the top and bottom housing, as well as the delay system components, can be the same between different models (self-lowering and self-lifting) and advantageously re-use some of the same molds in production—saving time and cost in production, and ultimately reducing the cost to the consumer.

In some embodiments, the delay system 11 can be configured such that both the seat 2 and lid 3 are independently latched and released. To that end, some embodiments may include two parallel latches that act on two independent axle links, or by one latch acting on two independent axle links, sequentially. This advantageously provides for greater control of the position of both the seat 2 and the lid 3, but undesirably may increase power consumption and system complexity. A secondary axle may have to be placed between the seat damper 6 and the seat damper adaptor piece 8 to transmit the torque of the seat into the hinge 50, reducing space for batteries and generally complicating the system.

FIG. 9 schematically shows details of the toilet seat system controller 36 of FIGS. 1-8 configured in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. Each of these components is operatively connected by any conventional interconnect mechanism. FIG. 9 simply shows a bus communicating each of the components. Those skilled in the art should understand that this generalized representation can be modified to include other conventional direct or indirect connections. Accordingly, discussion of a bus is not intended to limit various embodiments.

Indeed, it should be noted that FIG. 9 only schematically shows each of these components. Those skilled in the art should understand that each of these components can be implemented in a variety of conventional manners, such as by using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, across one or more other functional components. For example, the timing system 35 (discussed in detail below) may be implemented using a plurality of microprocessors executing firmware. As another example, the user detector 244 may be implemented using one or more application specific integrated circuits (i.e., “ASICs”) and related software, or a combination of ASICs, discrete electronic components (e.g., integrated circuits), and microprocessors.

Accordingly, the representation of the user detector 244 and other components in a single box of FIG. 9 is for simplicity purposes only. In fact, in some embodiments, the toilet seat system controller of FIG. 9 is distributed across a plurality of different components—not necessarily within the same housing or chassis.

It should be reiterated that the representation of FIG. 9 is a significantly simplified representation of an actual toilet seat system controller 36. Those skilled in the art should understand that such a device has other physical and/or functional components, such as central processing units, other packet processing modules, and short-term memory. Accordingly, this discussion is not intended to suggest that FIG. 9 represents all of the elements of the controller 36.

The timing system 35 may be configured to control operation of the delay system. In particular, the timing system 35 may control operation of the servo motor that releases the latch and allows the mechanical lifting device or lowering device 40 to operate on the lid 3 and/or the seat 2.

A user detector 244 may be configured to communicate with one or more sensors 33 through the sensor interface 212 to determine whether a user is near the toilet seat system 1. In some embodiments, the user detector 244 may be configured to detect if a user is within a preset distance of the toilet seat system (e.g., within 4 feet of the sensor). In some other embodiments, the user detector 244 may be configured to determine whether the user is sitting on the seat 2.

The electronic microcontroller 36 of the self-closing seat system may be in communication with an Internet-of-Things (IOT) connected flushometer valve to add further functionality. Specifically, this kind of connection may ensure that the bowl is flushed only after the lid 3 is closed by communicating the closing of the seat 2 and lid 3 to the flushometer. A post-close flushing functionality is useful in both commercial and residential environments in order to ensure that the flushing of the toilet occurs when the seat 2 and lid 3 are both in the closed position, so as to reduce the toilet plume and aerosolization of any particulates that are within the toilet, thus preventing their spreading throughout the bathroom and beyond.

A switch, lever, or cable may be actuated in the housing 102 when the lid 3 closes (such as switch 48), which can be communicated through the microcontroller 36 to the IOT flushometer through direct electrical wiring or via Bluetooth or other wireless connection means. A Bowden-style cable could mechanically trigger the flushometer. Alternatively, an IOT flushometer could be fitted with a proximity or magnetic (RFID) sensor to detect when the seat moves from the up position (obscuring/near the sensor) to the down position (not obscuring/far from the sensor). This method, however, may disadvantageously require retrofitting of sensors to the flushometer, whereas receiving a signal from the housing 102 may be easy to implement through a software update alone.

To flush, the user may simply walk away from the toilet when finished. The toilet delay system then sends a signal (mechanical or electronic as described above) to the flushometer instructing the flushometer that the lid has closed, and the flushometer controls the toilet to flush. The microcontroller 36 may determine that the lid has closed. Alternatively, the flushometer may detect the user has left but delays flushing until it receives a signal from the seat mechanism that the lid has closed. In some examples, the network interface 206 can facilitate the communication of information between the controller 36 and one or more other devices or entities over a communications network. For example, the network interface 206 can be configured to communicate with a remote computing device such as a remote server or other similar computing device. The network interface 206 can include communications circuitry for transmitting data in accordance with a Bluetooth® wireless standard for exchanging such data over short distances to an intermediary device(s) (e.g., a base station, a “hotspot” device, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable computing device, and/or other devices in proximity of the wearable smart garment 110). The intermediary device(s) may in turn communicate the data to a remote server over a broadband cellular network communications link. The communications link may implement broadband cellular technology (e.g., 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, 5G cellular standards) and/or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology or GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA technologies for high-speed wireless communication. In some implementations, the intermediary device(s) may communicate with a remote server over a Wi-Fi™ communications link based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.

In certain implementations, the user interface 208 can include one or more physical interface devices such as input devices, output devices, and combination input/output devices and a software stack configured to drive operation of the devices. These user interface elements may render visual, audio, and/or tactile content. Thus, the user interface 208 may receive input or provide output, thereby enabling a user to interact with the controller 36.

The user interface 208 may output a battery level, indicating the amount of battery left (e.g., visually, or audibly when the battery is low). Additionally, or alternatively, an alarm may be sent to a maintenance person informing them that the battery is low, that a leak has been detected in the housing 102, or other significant matters. In large commercial operations, advantageously a smartphone enabled application may provide battery levels and identify the toilet system 1 by identifier or location. Thus, maintenance staff may easily identify and change batteries when desirable.

The controller 36 can also include at least one battery 31 configured to provide power to one or more components integrated in the controller 36. The battery 31 can include a rechargeable multi-cell battery pack. In one example implementation, the battery 31 can include three or more lithium-ion cells that provide electrical power to the other device components within the controller 36. For example, the battery 31 can provide its current output in a range of between 20 mA to 1000 mA (e.g., 40 mA) output and can support 300 hours, 600 hours, 1,000 hours, or more, of runtime between charges or changing of battery. In certain implementations, the battery capacity, runtime, and type (e.g., lithium ion, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride) can be changed to best fit the specific application of the controller 36.

In various embodiments, the battery 31 may be disconnected by the limit switch 25 described previously. The switch functions as a power saving interlock. In this way, power is advantageously saved when the seat 2 and/or the lid 3 is not lifted, maximizing battery 31 life.

The sensor interface 212 can be coupled to and receive data from one or more sensors configured to monitor whether the user is near the toilet seat system 1 and/or whether they are using the toilet seat system 1. The sensors 33 may be coupled to the controller 36 via a wired or wireless connection. The sensors 33 can include one or more optical time of flight sensors, capacitive sensor, and load sensors, among others. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensors 33 may also indicate whether the lid 3 and/or the seat 2 are in the up position, the down position, or any position therebetween.

The data storage 204 can include one or more of non-transitory computer readable media, such as flash memory, solid state memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, cache memory, combinations thereof, and others. The data storage 204 can be configured to store executable instructions and data used for operation of the controller 36. For example, the data storage 204 may include user login credentials for adjusting functions of certain controllers (e.g., the number of consecutive user detection cycles in step 306 below before the timing system 35 begins the latch release process). In certain implementations, the data storage can include executable instructions that, when executed, are configured to cause the processor 218 to perform one or more functions.

FIG. 10 shows a process of using the toilet seat system in accordance with illustrative embodiments. It should be noted that this method is substantially simplified from a longer process that may normally be used. Accordingly, the method shown in FIG. 10 may have many other steps that those skilled in the art likely would use. In addition, some of the steps may be performed in a different order than that shown, or at the same time. Furthermore, some of these steps may be optional in some embodiments. Accordingly, the process 1000 is merely exemplary of one process in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art therefore can modify the process as appropriate.

FIG. 10 shows a process of using the toilet seat system in accordance with illustrative embodiments. The process begins at step 302, where the user lifts the lid 3. If, prior to use, both the toilet seat 2 and the toilet lid 3 are in the down position, the user wanting to use the seat 2 manually raises the lid 3. The user may then use the toilet (e.g., sit on the seat 2), or they may also lift the seat 2 in addition to the lid 3. Alternatively, the lid 3 and the seat 2 may be raised simultaneously.

A step 304, raising the lid 3 stores energy in the lowering device 40 spring, engages the latching system 20 and triggers the start of the timing system 35, which delays the self-lowering of the lid 3. The timing system 35 provides a timing delay before the lid 3 starts to lower. In various embodiments, the timing system 35 is engaged when the lid 3 is raised. The initial delay may be considered dynamic, in that the length of the delay is a function of detecting the user at step 306. Thus, while the detecting intervals are pre-programmed, the total delay time caused by multiple cycles of step 304-306 vary based on the circumstances encountered during use.

The process then proceeds to step 306, which asks if the user is detected. The delay system includes a sensing and timing system which determines when the user is sitting on, or is near the seat. If the user is detected, the delay is extended until the user is no longer detected.

In some embodiments, the system checks at a plurality of intervals whether the user is detected. In some embodiments, the process may only move to step 312 when the user is not detected for a pre-set number of consecutive intervals. For example, the user detector 244 may check at three different intervals, such as, at 5 seconds, 10 seconds, and 15 seconds, to confirm that the user is not present during all of the sensing cycles. If the user is present during any of the sensing cycles, the process returns to step 304, which restarts the delay. Then, the process returns to step 306, and the user detector 244 again detects for the user. Thus, in some embodiments, the process requires a minimum number of consecutive negative intervals for user detection before proceeding to step 312. For a continuous sensor, a pre-set amount of time without detecting the user may be required before the process proceeds to step 312. When the user is not detected, the process moves to step 308, which begins the static time delay before the latching system 20 is disengaged. If the delay expires before the user sits down on the seat, or the sensor does not sense a user for a pre-set period of time, the lid 3 is lowered by the lowering device 40 to avoid leaving the bowl open when the time delay expires. In some embodiments, the pre-set time delay may be 0 seconds, and the toilet seat 2 may drop instantaneously after the last check that the user is not detected. In various embodiments, the static time delay may be between 0.5 seconds and 4 seconds.

At step 310, the user many manually lower the lid 3 and/or the seat 2. If the user chooses to manually lower the lid 3 and/or the seat 2, the seat 2 lowers without damaging the system 1. For example, this may be accomplished by providing the mating faces of the axle link 21 and latch 23 so that the mating faces of the axle link 21 and the latch 23 push each other away and slide by one another when the user manually pulls the lid 3 downwards. Accordingly, the latching system 20 is not damaged. Although shown as occurring after step 306, it should be understood that illustrative embodiments advantageously allow the user to manually lower the lid 3 and/or the seat 2 at any time during the process 1000.

The process then goes to step 314, where the lid 3 and/or the seat 2 are lowered. If the user does not manually interrupt the delay, the time delay naturally expires, and the lowering device 40 lowers the toilet seat 2. To that end, the sensor may detect the absence of the user for the pre-determined number of checks, after which point the user detector 244 sends a signal to the timing system 35. The timing system 35 then determines when the requisite timing delay has expired and sends a signal to the electro-mechanical latch release system 45 which disengages the latch (e.g., by controlling the servo motor). Alternatively, the electro-mechanical latch release system 45 may turn a solenoid that releases the latch and allows the lid 3 to be pressed down by the lowering device 40. The process then comes to an end.

FIG. 11 shows a process 1100 of using the self-lifting system 1 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. FIG. 11 operates similarly to FIG. 10, but in reverse, and with the configuration shown, for example, in FIGS. 7-8. Accordingly, discussion of similar steps is not repeated in detail here.

Toilet practices are very personal, and because of this, the user may interact with the toilet seat and lid in an unpredictable order according to their preferences and habits. Thus, illustrative embodiments advantageously anticipate and react to numerous use-cases. In residential environments, toilet seats often include a toilet lid.

Illustrative embodiments advantageously provide for a self-closing or self-lifting system wherein the initial lifting/lowering step is purely mechanical so as to minimize battery power drain, replacement cost, and associated maintenance requirements for the user. Thus, illustrative embodiments advantageously provide a robust, low-maintenance, low-power, and low-cost electro-mechanical sensing, timing, and latch release system that allows for a mechanical lifting and/or lowering device to reposition the seat and/or lid to its resting position.

Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented at least in part in any conventional computer programming language. For example, some embodiments may be implemented in a procedural programming language (e.g., “C”), or in an object-oriented programming language (e.g., “C++”). Other embodiments of the invention may be implemented as preprogrammed hardware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits, FPGAs, programmable analog circuitry, and digital signal processors), or other related components.

In an alternative embodiment, the disclosed apparatus and methods (e.g., see the various flow charts described above) may be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computer system. Such implementation may include a series of computer instructions fixed either on a tangible, non-transitory medium, such as a computer readable medium (e.g., a diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or fixed disk). The series of computer instructions can embody all or part of the functionality previously described herein with respect to the system.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that such computer instructions can be written in a number of programming languages for use with many computer architectures or operating systems. Furthermore, such instructions may be stored in any memory device, such as semiconductor, magnetic, optical or other memory devices, and may be transmitted using any communications technology, such as optical, infrared, microwave, or other transmission technologies.

Among other ways, such a computer program product may be distributed as a removable medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the network (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web). In fact, some embodiments may be implemented in a software-as-a-service model (“SAAS”) or cloud computing model. Of course, some embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a combination of both software (e.g., a computer program product) and hardware. Still other embodiments of the invention are implemented as entirely hardware, or entirely software.

In some implementations, the processor 218 includes one or more processors (or one or more processor cores) that each are configured to perform a series of instructions that result in manipulated data and/or control the operation of the other components of the controller 36. In some implementations, when executing a specific process (e.g., determining whether the user is near the toilet seat system), the processor 218 can be configured to make specific logic-based determinations based on input data received, and be further configured to provide one or more outputs that can be used to control or otherwise inform subsequent processing to be carried out by the processor 218 and/or other processors or circuitry with which processor 218 is communicatively coupled. Thus, the processor 218 reacts to specific input stimulus in a specific way and generates a corresponding output based on that input stimulus. In some example cases, the processor 218 can proceed through a sequence of logical transitions in which various internal register states and/or other bit cell states internal or external to the processor 218 may be set to logic high or logic low.

As referred to herein, the processor 218 can be configured to execute a function where software is stored in a data store coupled to the processor 218, the software being configured to cause the processor 218 to proceed through a sequence of various logic decisions that result in the function being executed. The various components that are described herein as being executable by the processor 218 can be implemented in various forms of specialized hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor can be a digital signal processor (DSP) such as a 24-bit DSP processor. The processor can be a multi-core processor, e.g., having two or more processing cores. The processor can be an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor such as a 32-bit ARM processor. The processor can execute an embedded operating system, and include services provided by the operating system that can be used for file system manipulation, display & audio generation, basic networking, firewalling, data encryption and communications.

As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and the” refer to plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “the housing” in the singular includes a plurality of housings, and reference to “the delay system” in the singular includes one or more delay systems and equivalents known to those skilled in the art. Thus, in various embodiments, any reference to the singular includes a plurality, and any reference to more than one component can include the singular.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein.

It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. Disclosed embodiments, or portions thereof, may be combined in ways not listed above and/or not explicitly claimed. Thus, one or more features from variously disclosed examples and embodiments may be combined in various ways. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which examples have been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Although the above discussion discloses various exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent that those skilled in the art can make various modifications that will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Number	Date	Country
63549495	Feb 2024	US
63544429	Oct 2023	US
63466676	May 2023	US
63461628	Apr 2023	US

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TOILET SEAT SYSTEM

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Provisional Applications (4)