Patent Application
20100058520
The present invention relates generally to a device for detecting the position of a toilet seat cover once a user exits the bathroom.
The position of a toilet seat and toilet seat cover when the toilet is not in use has long been a problem for several reasons the foremost being between women and men. It is universally recognized that a problem arises when, after a man uses the toilet for urination, the seat is not in a position conducive for use by a woman. Arguments commonly arise between men and women as to the “correct” resting position of the toilet seat when not in use. Although this seems to be the most well known issue regarding the position of the toilet seat and cover there are actually more practical and safety issues. The first being that of small children throwing things into the toilet that could plug the toilet mechanism. There is also the potential problem of toddlers falling into the toilet and drowning. Yet another problem with the toilet seat cover in the raised position is that animals, particularly dogs, tend to drink water from the toilet which may not be safe for the family pet and creates hygiene concerns for people if the pets drink from the toilet and then have contact with humans.
It can be reasonably assumed that the toilet seat cover was intended to be used to close the toilet bowl from these mentioned issues and therefore it can be appreciated that a device is needed to remind users that the cover should rest in the down position, covering the bowl from the aforementioned events.
Attempts have been made to address these issues. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,742 Warrington, Jul. 18, 1989 Toilet Seat Cover Position which describes a means to determine the raised position of the toilet seat cover based on a flush sensing mechanism. It is only by the flush process is the seat cover determined to be in the raised or lowered position. If for reasons the toilet is not flushed and the seat cover remains in the up position, no alarm is sounded.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,099 Unum, Jul. 20, 1999 Electronic Lid Position Signal describes a signaling means that is always activated when the seat or cover are raised. This means that the alarm is on while the toilet is in use which could be quite annoying for long usages of the toilet.
These prior art examples illustrate the effort to solve the problem of reminding toilet users to lower the toilet seat cover after use but are limited by either the design that requires a specific function of the toilet, as in flushing, or may be an annoying sound, even in the form of music, while using the toilet. The approach of the present invention provides for a suitable, home and family friendly solution.
The invention disclosed herein pertains generally to an apparatus for detecting the position of a toilet seat cover. More specifically, it applies to a sensor that detects the position of the toilet seat cover in either the raised position or the lowered position and provides for an alarm to indicate the seat cover is in the raised, or vertical position when the door to the bathroom is opened.
Referring to the drawings in detail,
Referring to
The signal generator in the preferred embodiment is a radio frequency or RF generator. Signal generator technologies such as optical or microwave may be used or any technologies known to those skilled in the art as long as it generates a signal that can be recognized by a complementary receiving device.
The power source in the preferred embodiment is any commercially available battery, sized appropriate to the signal generator. AC power may also be used. Mechanically generated power source devices such as a hand crank may also be used to provide green power source alternatives.
In
In a preferred embodiment, the switch 200 is a dual position pressure switch. Alternative switch technologies can be used such as magnetic relay switch, mercury switch or any known two position switch that will change state when the door is opened.
The signal detector 220 technology is consistent with the signal generator technology and may be of the type RF, optical, microwave or any detector technology compatible with the signal generator technology. The signal detector in the preferred embodiment is a radio frequency, RF detector. The frequency of the signal detector is consistent with the frequency generated by the signal generator.
The alarm device 250 is any audible, sound generator or visual signal such as a light bulb created for the purpose of indicating the seat cover is in the raised or lowered position.
The power source 240 in the preferred embodiment is any commercially available battery sized appropriate to the demands of the signal detector plus the alarm. Mechanically generated power source devices such as a hand crank may also be used to provide green power source alternatives. The signal detector and alarm may be wired to use AC power.
A disable device or kill switch 260 may be attached within the receiver circuitry between the power source and the alarm in the event manual disablement of the alarm is desired.
In an alternate embodiment a timer circuit 280 can also be added to the receiver circuitry. The timer circuit will allow for a shutoff of the alarm after a preset time has elapsed.
The function of the present invention is now described. Normal state of the present invention is the seat cover is in the lowered position and the door to the bathroom is open.
To begin, an individual enters the bathroom and closes the door. Closing the door does not activate any components of the invention. The individual lifts the seat cover for normal use. Referring to
If the individual had lowered the seat cover after usage, referring to
While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept.
