TOILET COVER

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20210282606
  • Publication Number
    20210282606
  • Date Filed
    March 16, 2021
    3 years ago
  • Date Published
    September 16, 2021
    3 years ago
  • Inventors
    • Mulligan; Gerald Shane (Boise, ID, US)
    • Rogers; Ramona Lynn (Caldwell, ID, US)
Abstract
The invention herein relates to a toilet cover. The toilet cover is configured to cover the toilet seat, the toilet base and the floor in front of the toilet. The toilet seat cover has a flange that will fit into the opening of the toilet bowl and prevent a user from touching the inside of the toilet bowl and/or toilet seat. The toilet seat cover also has a skirt that will cover the outer perimeter of the toilet seat and/or toilet bowl. The toilet cover has a toilet base cover. The base cover may have a sleeve configured for contactless disposal by a user. The base cover may also have a storage pouch. The toilet cover has a floor mat that prevent a users' feet and/or clothing items from contacting the floor of the restroom. The toilet cover is foldable and configured for tight packaging into an airtight packaging unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed technology relates to a covers for use on toilets. More particularly, the present invention is a portable toilet cover that covers the toilet seat, the toilet base, and the floor.


BACKGROUND

Public restrooms can be unsanitary environments. Specifically, public toilets and the floor around the toilets can be unsanitary for a user. These areas can pose a risk of exposure to bacteria, virus, and/or other contaminants to a user. The risk of exposure can create a concern for the average user. To reduce the possibility of exposure, toilet seat covers may be typically found in public restrooms.


Public restrooms may include these disposable toilet covers. However, these covers commonly only cover the seat of a toilet. These toilet seat covers still leave the user exposed to significant areas of possible contamination. What is needed is a portable toilet cover that covers the toilet seat, the toilet base, and the floor.


SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Summary is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.


In accordance with the present invention is a new and improved portable toilet cover. The toilet cover is defined as having an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The upper section includes a seat cover. The middle section includes a base cover to cover the base of the toilet. The lower section includes a floor mat.


The seat cover is configured to cover the toilet seat and defines an opening corresponding to the top opening of a toilet bowl, and a skirt configured to cover the sides of the seat and bowl. The seat cover has a flange that is configured to hang into the opening of the toilet bowl through the opening in the seat of the toilet. The base cover is configured to substantially cover the front of the toilet base and prevent a user's legs from coming in contact with the toilet base. The floor mat configured to prevent a user's pants and shoes from touching the bathroom floor.


In a one embodiment, the toilet cover is made from a generally resilient, tear resistant material, such as plastic, paper, or a nonwoven fabric such as polyester of polypropylene. The material is disposable. In alternate embodiments the material is recyclable. In a further alternate embodiment, the material can be treated with softeners, lotions, or disinfectants. Further an underside of the material can be configured to absorb liquid on the toilet seat to further prevent potential contact with the user.


In a one embodiment, a disposal sleeve is integrally attached to the toilet cover. The disposal sleeve is preferably attached to the base cover. Alternatively, the disposal sleeve can attach to the floor mat or the seat cover. The disposal sleeve is an elongated sleeve configured for disposal of the toilet cover. The disposal sleeve preferably has a closed end attached to the toilet cover and a free moving open end opposite of the closed end. The disposal sleeve is configured such that when a user is done using the toilet cover, the user can reach into the opening of the disposal sleeve and pull the toilet cover through the disposal sleeve without physically touching the toilet cover. The disposal sleeve is turned inside out when the user pulls the content through the disposal sleeve. A user can dispose of the toilet cover in the disposal sleeve.


In a one embodiment, a storage pouch is integrated with the base cover. The storage pouch is configured to be a re-sealable pouch configured to store toiletry items, such as wet wipes, toilet paper, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, or disposable gloves. A user can access the storage pouch while using the toilet cover. The storage pouch preferably has a pull tab allowing for a user to quickly open the storage pouch. The accessories are preferably included in the packaging for the toilet cover. A user can buy a portable toilet cover with accessories as needed for the user's specific circumstances.


The toilet cover is foldable and configured to be stored in portable packaging. The packaging is preferably a flexible, thin walled, airtight packaging unit adapted for sanitary storage of the toilet cover. The packaging is preferably small enough to fit in a small purse or bag. When a user is in a bathroom, the user can easily access the toilet cover by opening the packaging and unfolding the toilet cover. The packaging can be formed from a plastic material, cardboard, or an aluminum packaging material.


In another embodiment, the outer perimeter of the floor mat has a weighted lining. In another embodiment, the top of the seat cover has a weighted lining configured to secure the top of the toilet cover proximate to a toilet's reservoir. In another embodiment, the flange of the seat cover has a weighted lining to secure the flange into a toilet bowl. In another embodiment, the floor mat, the flange, and the seat cover have weighted linings configured to secure the floor mat and seat cover into position. The weighted linings disclosed herein are preferably a pliable material including, but are not limited to, a wax material, weighted tape, rubber dots or lines, metal or plastic rivets, hemmed plastic material, or any other pliable construction that weighs the edges of the floor mat or seat cover.


In another embodiment, the toilet cover includes fold lines indicating the folding positions between the upper section, middle section, and lower section. The fold lines are located to separate the seat cover and the base cover, between the flange and the seat cover, and between the base cover and the floor mat.


Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a toilet cover.



FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a toilet cover.



FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a toilet cover.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.



FIG. 1 illustrates a one embodiment of the portable toilet cover 10. The toilet cover 10 has an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. The portable toilet cover 10 has a seat cover 12, a base cover 14, and a floor mat 16. The seat cover 12 is located in the upper section. The base cover 14 is located in the middle section. The floor mat 16 is located in the lower section. The toilet cover 10 is configured for a user to cover the seat and base of a toilet 11, such as in a public restroom. The toilet cover 10 is preferably made from a generally resilient, tear resistant material, such as plastic, paper, plant or food derivatives, or a nonwoven fabric such as polyester or polypropylene.


The seat cover 12 is configured to cover over a toilet seat. The cover seat 12 has an opening 20 allowing a user to use the toilet. The seat cover 12 preferably has an interior flap or flange 22 configured to insert into the interior of the toilet bowl. The flange 22 prevents a user's genitals from coming in contact with the interior of a toilet bowl. The flange 22 may include a weighted liner 23 configured for securing the flange 22 within the toilet bowl. The weighted liner 23 is preferably a pliable material including, but are not limited to, a wax material, weighted tape, rubber dots or lines, metal or plastic rivets, hemmed plastic material, or any other pliable construction that weighs the edges of the floor mat or seat cover.


The seat cover 12 preferably has a skirt 24 that is configured to fold over the sides of the seat and the upper edges of the outer circumference of a toilet bowl.


The seat cover 12 may include a rear weighted liner 26 positioned proximate to the top of the seat cover 12, such that the weighted liner 26 is positioned proximate to a toilet reservoir. The weighted liner 26 is configured to prevent the toilet cover 10 and seat cover 12 from slipping off the toilet seat. The weighted liner 26 preferably has tabs 28 on each end. The tabs 28 are configured to allow a user to properly position the weighted liner 26 between the toilet tank and toilet seat. The weighted liner 26 is preferably a pliable material including, but are not limited to, a wax material, weighted tape, rubber dots or lines, metal or plastic rivets, hemmed plastic material, or any other pliable construction that weighs the edges of the floor mat or seat cover.


Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an optional disposal sleeve 30. The disposal sleeve 30 is integrally attached to the toilet cover 10. The disposal sleeve 30 is preferably attached to the base cover 14. Alternatively, the disposal sleeve can attach to the floor mat or the seat cover. The disposal sleeve 30 is an elongated sleeve configured for disposal of the toilet cover. The disposal sleeve 30 has a closed end whereby the disposal sleeve 30 is attached to the toilet cover 10. Opposite the attachment point of the disposal sleeve 30 is a free moving open end.


The disposal sleeve 30 is configured such that when a user is done using the toilet cover 10, the user can reach into the open end of the disposal sleeve and pull the toilet cover through the disposal sleeve without directly touching the toilet cover. The disposal sleeve is turned inside out when the user pulls the body of the toilet cover 10 through the disposal sleeve 30. A user can dispose of the toilet cover 10 in the disposal sleeve 30. The disposal sleeve 30 preferably includes a tab 31 configured for a user to easily access the disposal sleeve 30. The disposal sleeve 30 preferably has a thicker, easy to open top edge 32.


In another embodiment, a storage pouch 34 is integrated with the base cover 14. The storage pouch 34 is configured to be a re-sealable pouch configured to store toiletry items, such as sanitizing wet wipes, liquid sanitizer packets, toilet paper, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, or disposable gloves. A user can access the storage pouch 34 while using the toilet cover 10. The storage pouch preferably has a pull tab 36 allowing for a user to quickly open the storage pouch along the opening line 35. The accessories may be included in the packaging for the toilet cover. A user can buy a portable toilet cover with accessories as needed for the user's specific circumstances.



FIG. 1 further illustrates the floor mat 16. The floor mat 16 may have a weighted liner 40. The weighted liner 40 is positioned on the perimeter of the floor mat 16. The weighted line 40 is preferably a pliable material including, but are not limited to, a wax material, rubber dots or lines, plastic or metal rivets, weighted tape, or any other pliable construction that weighs the edges of the floor mat or seat cover.



FIG. 2 illustrates the toilet cover 10 from a bottom perspective. FIG. 3 illustrates the toilet cover 10 from a top perspective. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate prefabricated folding lines 50, 52 and 54 of the toilet cover 10. The prefabricated folding lines 50, 52 and 54 are configured such that a user can easily position the toilet cover 10 over a toilet.


The toilet cover 10 is foldable and configured to be stored in portable packaging. The packaging is preferably a flexible, thin walled, airtight packaging unit adapted for sanitary storage of the toilet cover. The packaging is preferably small enough to fit in a small purse or bag. When a user is in a bathroom, the user can easily access the toilet cover by opening the packaging and unfolding the toilet cover. The packaging can be formed from a plastic material, cardboard, cardstock, or an aluminum packaging material.


Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.


While certain preferred embodiments are shown in the figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims
  • 1. A toilet cover comprising: an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section;said upper section having a toilet seat cover, said toilet seat cover having an opening configured to match the opening of a toilet bowl, said toilet seat cover having a flange and a skirt, wherein said flange is configured to hang into the opening of a toilet bowl, wherein said skirt is configured to cover the sides of a toilet seat and toilet bowl, said skirt being defined by a first prefabricated folding line;said middle section having a base cover, said base cover configured to cover the front base of a toilet, wherein said base cover section is defined by a second prefabricated folding line that separates said base cover from said upper section;said lower section having a floor mat, said floor mat configured to protect a users' pants and shoes from contacting the floor, wherein said floor mat is defined by a third prefabricated folding line that separates said floor mat from said middle section.
  • 2. The toilet cover of claim 1 wherein said base cover includes an elongate disposal sleeve.
  • 3. The toilet cover of claim 2 wherein said disposal sleeve has a closed end and an open end, wherein said closed end defines the attachment point to said base cover and said open end is configured to allow a user to reach into and pull said toilet cover into said disposal sleeve so as to allow for contactless disposal.
  • 4. The toilet cover of claim 1 wherein said base cover includes a re-sealable storage pouch, wherein said storage pouch has a prefabricated opening line and tab, said tab configured for pulling said storage pouch open along said prefabricated opening line.
  • 5. The toilet cover of claim 1 wherein said flange of said seat cover has a weighted liner configured to weigh said flange down in to position in the opening of a toilet bowl.
  • 6. The toilet cover of claim 1 wherein said seat cover has a rear weighted liner positioned proximate to a toilet reservoir, wherein said rear weighted liner is configured to hold said seat cover and said toilet cover in place.
  • 7. The toilet cover of claim 6 wherein said rear weighted liner has tabs positioned at either end thereof.
  • 8. The toilet cover of claim 1 wherein said floor mat includes a weighted liner positioned along the outer perimeter of said floor mat.
  • 9. The toilet cover of claim 1 where said first, second and third prefabricated folding lines are configured to allow said toilet cover to be foldable and packed into a prepackaged device.
PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/990119, filed Mar. 16, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62990119 Mar 2020 US