Patent Application
20240335070
The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet seat devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an expanding toilet seat designed to add comfort and stability for larger people, elderly individuals, and others who have a difficult time sitting on conventional toilet seats. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in toilet seat devices. Generally, some people need a larger toilet seat to sit on due to obesity or lack of stability when trying to sit down and get up. Asking for assistance to use the toilet can be embarrassing. Slips and falls can occur if a person tries to stand up on their own and is unable to do so.
Toilets generally further include a toilet seat and a lid. The toilet seat is rotatably coupled to the basin such that it is disposed on top of the basin but can be rotated up out of the way. Likewise, the lid is rotatably coupled to the basin, such that it is disposed on top of the seat but can be rotated up and out of the way. Various basin, seat, and lid configurations are known in the art.
One of the major problems with conventional toilet seats is their inability to comfortably accommodate a variety of different users. Different groups of people require special considerations, including, large, small, elderly, or disabled people. For example, unusually large people may not be able to comfortably sit on a toilet seat that is shaped to accommodate one body size/shape.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat that comfortably accommodates a wide variety of individuals and prevents or minimizes the need to ask for assistance when using a toilet. Further, the disclosed toilet seat also prevents slips and falls while using the toilet.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that provides users with an expanding toilet seat designed to add comfort and stability for larger people, elderly individuals, and others who have a difficult time sitting on conventional toilet seats. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that features a pair of expanding wings or handles underneath the toilet seat that can be pulled out to extend the width of the seat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that improves balance while sitting down on and standing up from the toilet. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that reduces the chance of any slips and falls while trying to independently use the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that can be expanded further outward than the toilet seat itself for easy and convenient cleaning. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that is manufactured of plastic material.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet seat device. The device is a toilet seat with a pair of expanding handles for navigating oneself on and off a toilet. The toilet seat device comprises a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The handle components can be adjusted to a desired width and then locked in place to offer a secure object to hold onto while accommodating a user's backside. The device is especially useful for those who are overweight or those with balance issues. Accordingly, the device is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down on a toilet.
In this manner, the toilet seat device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that adds comfort and stability for those utilizing a conventional toilet seat. The device is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down. The device can be manufactured of a plastic material that matches a conventional toilet seat.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet seat device. The device is a toilet seat with a pair of expanding handles for navigating oneself on and off a toilet. The toilet seat device comprises a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The handle components can be adjusted to a desired width and then locked in place to offer a secure object to hold onto while accommodating a user's backside. The device is especially useful for those who are overweight or those with balance issues. Accordingly, the device is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down on a toilet.
In one embodiment, the toilet seat device can be utilized with commercial and/or residential toilets. Commercial toilets, as discussed in this patent application, refers to toilets in a public restroom such as an office, recreational venue, such as a zoo or amusement park, and any other facility where toilets are publicly used. Toilets in dwellings such as a hotel room may be either commercial or residential toilets. Generally, residential toilets are those in a home or apartment.
In one embodiment, the toilet seat device relates to an expandable toilet seat. The toilet seat device comprises a standard or conventional toilet seat secured to a toilet base. The toilet seat is secured to the toilet base on a suitable hinge to allow the toilet seat to move or pivot up away from the toilet base and down on the toilet base (i.e.., traditional pivoting of the toilet seat). Generally, the toilet seat is coupled to the toilet base via a suitable set of hinges, or any other suitable movable securing means as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the toilet seat includes a standard or conventional toilet seat secured to a toilet base with a pair of extendable wing-like handle components secured to a bottom face of the toilet seat. The toilet seat may be shaped in any manner that provides an opening. Generally, the toilet seat is substantially oval shaped with a particular curvature towards the opening in the middle. Alternatively, the toilet seat may include two sections shaped to form an opening in the middle but still provide comfortable regions upon which a user's buttocks may rest. In one embodiment, the toilet seat is formed in one integral piece. Various shapes, materials, textures, colors, etc., may be implemented with the toilet seat and remain consistent with the present invention. Generally, the toilet seat is composed of a plastic material and the wing-like handle components are composed of the same material or different.
In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components are coupled at a fixed location to a rear portion of the bottom face of the toilet seat. Generally, the wing-like handle components are secured to the toilet seat via a pin joint or other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The pin joints allow the wing-like handle components to pivot outward from under the toilet seat in an expanded, open position for use or for cleaning. Generally, the pair of wing-like handle components protrude out from the rear portion of the toilet seat. Thus, in this embodiment, the expansion of the wing-like handle components comfortably accommodates the dimensions of a user's buttocks while sitting on the toilet. Further, the pair of wing-like handle components are pivoted inward back under the toilet seat in a closed position when not in use. Thus, the wing-like handle components would be incorporated underneath the toilet seat and hidden from view when not in use, in an effort to hide their appearance and minimize the need for cleaning.
In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components are sized and shaped to be approximately the same size and shape of the toilet seat, such that the wing-like handle components are incorporated underneath the toilet seat and hidden from view when not in use. In other embodiments, various configurations of the wing-like handle components may be utilized and remain consistent with the present invention. In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components comprise a right and a left component which are mirror images of each other and form opposite sides of the toilet seat.
In one embodiment, in use, the wing-like handle components are rotated outward in an expanded or open configuration. Specifically, the wing-like handle components rotate about the pin joint, which is located at approximately the rear portion of the toilet seat. The location of the pin joint around which the right and left wing-like handle components are able to rotate out, is determined by the movable coupling between the toilet seat and the wing-like handle components. In another embodiment, the pin joint facilitates a smooth expansion motion of the wing-like handle component from a closed position to an open position. The pin joints are configured to allow the wing-like handle components to rotate with respect to the toilet seat, when in use or when cleaning.
In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components are expanded in various degrees based on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components are expanded out fully during use. In another embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components are expanded only a small degree from the toilet seat. The degree of expansion may be proportional to the size of the user using the toilet seat. For example, a smaller individual may only need a small expansion of the wing-like handle components for use and a larger individual may need a complete expansion of the wing-like handle component for use.
In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components comprise at least one transverse stabilizing member or rib on the rear surface of the handle components. The at least one transverse stabilizing member or rib acts to support the handle components when in an expanded position. Thus, the transverse stabilizing members or ribs allow a user to put their full weight on the wing-like handle components when a user stands up from the toilet or sits down on the toilet for use.
In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components are secured or locked in place, once extended out from the toilet seat. Generally, the handle components comprise any suitable locking mechanism as is known in the art, such as a spring button lock, a pin lock, or a slide lock, etc. The lock acts to retain the handle components in an extended position, away from the toilet seat.
In yet another embodiment, the toilet seat device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of expanding a toilet seat to add comfort and stability for obese and elderly individuals is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a toilet seat device comprising a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The method also comprises extending the wing-like handle components in an open position. Further, the method comprises utilizing the wing-like handle components to sit down on the standard toilet seat component to use the toilet. The method comprises utilizing the wing-like handle components to stand up from the standard toilet seat component. Finally, the method comprises retracting the wing-like handle components in a closed position.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that provides users with an expanding toilet seat designed to add comfort and stability for larger people, elderly individuals, and others who have a difficult time sitting on conventional toilet seats. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that features a pair of expanding wings or handles underneath the toilet seat that can be pulled out to extend the width of the seat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that improves balance while sitting down on and standing up from the toilet. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that reduces the chance of any slips and falls while trying to independently use the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that can be expanded further outward than the toilet seat itself for easy and convenient cleaning. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that is manufactured of plastic material.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel toilet seat device. The device is a toilet seat with a pair of expanding handles for navigating oneself on and off a toilet. The toilet seat device comprises a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The handle components can be adjusted to a desired width and then locked in place to offer a secure object to hold onto while accommodating a user's backside. The device is especially useful for those who are overweight or those with balance issues. Accordingly, the device is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down on a toilet. The present invention also includes a novel method of expanding a toilet seat to add comfort and stability for obese and elderly individuals. The method includes the steps of providing a toilet seat device comprising a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The method also comprises extending the wing-like handle components in an open position. Further, the method comprises utilizing the wing-like handle components to sit down on the standard toilet seat component to use the toilet. The method comprises utilizing the wing-like handle components to stand up from the standard toilet seat component. Finally, the method comprises retracting the wing-like handle components in a closed position.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the toilet seat device 100 can be utilized with commercial and/or residential toilets 106. Commercial toilets, as discussed in this patent application, refer to toilets 106 in a public restroom such as an office, recreational venue, such as a zoo or amusement park, and any other facility where toilets 106 are publicly used. Toilets 106 in dwellings, such as a hotel room, may be either commercial or residential toilets. Generally, residential toilets are those in a home or apartment.
As shown in
Generally, the toilet seat 104 includes a standard or conventional toilet seat 104 secured to a toilet base 200 with a pair of extendable wing-like handle components 102 secured to a bottom face 204 of the toilet seat 104. The toilet seat 104 may be shaped in any manner that provides an opening 206. Generally, the toilet seat 104 is substantially oval shaped with a particular curvature towards the opening 206 in the middle. Alternatively, the toilet seat 104 may include two sections (i.e.., a right 208 section and a left 210 section) shaped to form an opening 206 in the middle but still provide comfortable regions upon which a user's buttocks may rest. In one embodiment, the toilet seat 104 is formed in one integral piece. Various shapes, materials, textures, colors, etc., may be implemented with the toilet seat 104 and remain consistent with the present invention. Generally, the toilet seat 104 is composed of a plastic material and the wing-like handle components 102 are composed of the same material or different.
As shown in
Furthermore, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are sized and shaped to be approximately the same size and shape of the toilet seat 104, such that the wing-like handle components 102 are incorporated underneath the toilet seat 104 and hidden from view when not in use. In other embodiments, various configurations of the wing-like handle components 102 may be utilized and remain consistent with the present invention. In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 comprise a right 304 and a left 306 component which are mirror images of each other and are secured to opposite sides 108 of the toilet seat 104.
As shown in
Further, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are expanded in various degrees based on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are expanded out fully during use. In another embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are expanded only a small degree from the toilet seat 104. The degree of expansion may be proportional to the size of the user using the toilet seat 104. For example, a smaller individual may only need a small expansion of the wing-like handle components 102 for use and a larger individual may need a complete expansion of the wing-like handle component 102 for use.
As shown in
Furthermore, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are secured or locked in place, once extended out from the toilet seat 104. Generally, the handle components 102 comprise any suitable locking mechanism 504 as is known in the art, such as a spring button lock, a pin lock, or a slide lock, etc. The lock 504 acts to retain the handle components 102 in an extended position, away from the toilet seat 104. The handle components 102 can be fully extended for easy cleaning.
In yet another embodiment, the toilet seat device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 506. The handle component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the handle component 102, or any other indicia 506 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 506 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be toilet, toilet seat, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “toilet seat device”, “seat device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the toilet seat device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the toilet seat device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/494,075, which was filed on Apr. 4, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63494075 | Apr 2023 | US |
