TRAVEL TOILET SEAT COVER WITH MATCHING CARRYING CASE

Abstract

A foldable, washable, and reusable toilet seat cover is disclosed which protects an individual from direct unsanitary contact with a toilet seat. The cover includes a lower barrier layer, such as made from vinyl, to non-slidably rest the cover on a toilet seat, and an upper comfort layer to provide comfort while sitting on the toilet seat cover. The lower barrier layer and the upper comfort layer are attached together either with adhesive, or by sewing, for example. Additionally, the toilet seat cover folds conveniently into a matching carrying case so as to ensure that the toilet seat cover can be taken wherever it is needed. The toilet seat cover eliminates the need to use excess toilet paper, or flimsy disposable plastic or paper seat covers provided by some public restrooms, the use of which can be both ineffective and inconvenient to use.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates generally to toilets, and more particularly to toilet seat covers.

BACKGROUND

Public restrooms can often be unsightly and unsanitary. Direct skin contact with a public toilet seat can lead to making contact with various germs and bacteria, possibly leading to illness. For individuals with compromised immune systems, these germs and bacteria can be extremely dangerous. While there are disposable toilet seat covers available in public restrooms, these covers are often thin and flimsy, offering virtually no reliable protection for the user. Further, public restrooms may not even provide these types of covers, leaving an individual with limited options, such as using toilet paper to cover the toilet seat. Using this approach can result in only partial protection.

Devices are known that relate to portable toilet seat covers, and in some instances, storage cases for these devices. Some devices provide toilet seat covers that include a polymeric sheet of material shaped similarly to a toilet seat, wherein the toilet seat cover can be folded and transported in a carrying case. However, these toilet seat covers are very thin, and so tend to not conform to the seat, resulting in difficulty of use, and unreliability of protection. Due to the thinness and light weight of such covers, the cover can adhere to the legs of the user, possibly bringing an unsanitary surface of the cover in contact with the user's hand or leg when attempting to regain control over the cover for disposal of the cover.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an individual with a sanitary, washable, easy-to-control, easy-to-store, and reusable toilet seat cover that protects the individual from direct unsanitary contact with a toilet seat. The device features a lower barrier layer of an impenetrable material that firmly secures the cover to a toilet seat by making slide-resistant contact with the toilet seat, and an upper comfort layer of soft, comfortable (possibly plush) material for the user's comfort while using a toilet. Additionally, the toilet seat cover folds conveniently into a matching carrying case so to ensure that the device can be taken, in a sanitary manner, wherever needed. Moreover, the device eliminates the need to use excess toilet paper or flimsy paper or plastic disposable seat covers provided by some public restrooms, thereby reducing the possibility that bacteria and germs are contacted while using a public toilet.

One general aspect of the invention is a toilet seat cover device including: a seat cover having a lower barrier layer and an upper comfort layer, the upper comfort layer being attached to the lower barrier layer; and a case including a closure mechanism, the case being sized so as to accommodate the seat cover in a folded condition.

In some embodiments, the case further includes a flap supporting the closure mechanism. In further embodiments, the closure mechanism is a decorative button or a hook and loop closure.

In some embodiments, the case includes two compartments, one compartment being sized so as to accommodate the seat cover in a folded condition.

In some embodiments, the lower barrier layer is made of vinyl.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer is a decorative material that is the same decorative material that covers the case.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer is made from a plush soft fabric such that the seat cover can nevertheless be folded.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer is attached to the lower barrier layer using an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer are attached by sewing together the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer.

Another general aspect of the invention is a toilet seat cover that includes: a seat cover having a lower barrier layer and an upper comfort layer, the upper comfort layer being attached to the lower barrier layer.

In some embodiments, the seat cover is configured to be folded and enclosed in a case for convenient carrying. In further embodiments, the case includes a closure mechanism. In yet further embodiments, the case includes two compartments, one compartment being sized so as to accommodate the seat cover in a folded condition.

In some embodiments, the lower barrier layer is made of vinyl.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer is decorated in the same manner as material used to cover the case.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer is made from a plush soft fabric such that the seat cover can nevertheless be folded.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer is attached to the lower barrier layer using an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer are attached by sewing together the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be more fully understood from the following Detailed Description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view n of an oval embodiment of the toilet seat cover of the invention resting on an oval toilet seat.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a horseshoe embodiment of the toilet seat cover of the present invention resting on a horseshoe toilet seat.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an oval toilet seat cover.

FIG. 2B is a top view of a horseshoe toilet seat cover.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the toilet seat cover of both FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a double compartment embodiment of the carrying case.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a single compartment embodiment of the carrying case.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a woman inserting the toilet seat cover into the double compartment embodiment of the carrying case.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a man inserting the toilet seat cover into the single compartment embodiment of the carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a toilet seat cover along with a case in which the cover can be placed for sanitary storage and/or transport. The device enables sanitary conditions for women, men, and children, including individuals with compromised immune systems, when using a public toilet. The device protects its user from having direct contact with a toilet seat, offering the user “peace-of-mind” regarding sanitary conditions. Additionally, the toilet seat cover is comfortable, compact, flexible, foldable, and re-usable, and can be placed in its carrying case, thereby affording convenient transportability.

FIG. 1A shows a toilet 10 having an oval toilet bowl 12, an oval toilet seat 14, covered by the oval toilet seat cover 16 of the invention resting in slip-resistant relationship on top of the oval toilet seat. In this view, only the upper comfort layer of the toilet seat cover is visible. As shown, the toilet seat cover is oval-shaped so as to match the shape of a standard oval public toilet seat.

FIG. 1B shows a toilet 11 having a horse-shoe-shaped toilet bowl 13, a horse-shoe-shaped toilet seat 15, covered by the horse-shoe-shaped toilet seat cover 17 of the invention resting in slip-resistant relationship on top of the horse-shoe-shaped toilet seat. In this view, only the upper comfort layer of the toilet seat cover is visible. As shown, the toilet seat cover is horse-shoe-shaped so as to match the shape of a standard horse-shoe-shaped public toilet seat. Of course, the toilet seat cover of the invention can be adapted to any shape of toilet seat presently manufactured, or to be manufactured in the future.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the oval-shaped toilet seat cover 16.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the horse-shoe-shaped toilet seat cover 17.

FIG. 2C is a sectional side view of a portion of the toilet seat cover 16 taken through line 2C of the top view of FIG. 2A. This same structure represents the structure of the entire toilet set cover for both FIGS. 2A and 2B. The upper comfort layer 21 can be made of upholstered fabric, plush fabric, silky fabric, or other comfortable fabric providing a comfortable seat for the user. The lower barrier layer 22 can be made of vinyl, or other rubbery, moisture-barrier material, so that dirt, bacteria, germs and the like are prevented from reaching the fabric, and possibly going through the fabric so as to contaminate the user. In addition, the lower barrier layer 22 rests on the toilet seat in slip-resistant relationship, securely maintaining the device 10 in place on the toilet seat until intentionally removed by the user. A seam 23 indicates the location of the attachment, connection, and/or bonding between the upper comfort layer 21 and the lower barrier layer 22. This seam 23 can be implemented by sewing, gluing, and/or similar attachment means.

FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a case 31 for use by women. This case 31 includes two compartments 32 and 34. Compartment 34 can be used to contain the toilet seat cover 16 or 17 in a folded condition, and compartment 34 can contain other items useful to a woman, such as tampons, panty liners, sanitary wipes/napkins, and other feminine hygiene products, and/or other toiletries, makeup, etc. Each compartment 32 and 34 can be lined with vinyl material which enables the case to remain dry and sanitary while holding the folded toilet seat cover. The carrying case 31 can be covered by the same material used to make the upper comfort layer 21 of the toilet seat cover. The carrying case 31 facilitates sanitary transport of the cover 16 or 17 in a purse, pocket, bag, and the like.

The case 31 can have a flap 35 that closes to join with the decorative button 36, thereby closing the compartments 32 and 34. Other fastening means, such as snaps or hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro®) or the like can also be used. The carrying case 31 can be approximately six inches in length and six inches in width. Other sizes or dimensions can also be used.

FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of a case 30 for use by men. The case 30 can be sized so that the folded toilet seat 16 or 17 cover fits snuggly, e.g., can be approximately five inches in length and five inches in width. This carrying case 30 can be closed with fastening means 33 and 38, such as hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro®), or a snap closure, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there are displayed views of a woman and a man, respectively, each preparing to use the toilet set cover of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a woman opening the carrying case 31 with two compartments, and holding an item that could be stored in the carrying case 31 along with the toilet seat cover 16, for example.

FIG. 5 shows a man extracting the folded toilet seat cover 16 from the carrying case 30 with a single compartment 40.

The toilet seat cover 16 or 17 with carrying case 30 or 31 can be used as follows. Initially, a user removes the toilet seat cover 16 or 17 from the carrying case 30 or 31. Next, the user places the barrier portion 22 onto a toilet seat so that the device adheres to the toilet seat. When the user sits on the upper comfort portion 21 of the toilet seat cover on the toilet seat, the device further adheres to the toilet seat while comfortably cushioning the user. When the user is finished sitting on the toilet, the device can be removed by intentionally lifting the toilet seat cover 16 or 17 up from the toilet seat. Typically this is done by lifting the front and back of the toilet seat cover 16 or 17 simultaneously. Next the user folds the toilet seat cover 16 or 17 so that the lower barrier layer 22 is against itself, and the upper comfort layer 21 is on the outside of the folded device. When folding is complete, the device fits into the carrying case 30 or 31. For example, the front and back can be folded together, causing the lower barrier layer 22 to touch and the upper comfort layer 21 to be on the outside, and then the sides can be folded over from right to left. Finally, the folded device is placed into the carrying case and, if appropriate, the flap 35 or 39 of the carrying case 31 or 30 can be secured.

The present invention can be made using flexible vinyl or other suitable materials for the lower barrier layer 22, and soft fabric or other suitable materials for the upper comfort layer 21. The carrying case 30 or 31 can be constructed using soft, wallet-like material, having an interior made from vinyl or other moisture barrier lining. The toilet seat cover 16 or 17 will be able to fully cover any type of standard toilet seat. The upper portion 21, as well as both carrying cases 30, 31, can be made available in a multitude of colors and designs to suit user preferences. For example, the upper portion 21 and the carrying case 30,31 can be made of the same or matching material. The exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described so as to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use can be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.

Claims

1. A toilet seat cover device comprising: a seat cover having a lower barrier layer and an upper comfort layer, the upper comfort layer being attached to the lower barrier layer; anda case including a closure mechanism, the case being sized so as to accommodate the seat cover in a folded condition.

2. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the case further includes a flap supporting the closure mechanism.

3. The toilet seat cover device of claim 2, wherein the closure mechanism is a decorative button or a hook and loop closure.

4. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the case includes two compartments, one compartment being sized so as to accommodate the seat cover in a folded condition.

5. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the lower barrier layer is made of vinyl.

6. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the upper comfort layer is a decorative material that is the same decorative material that covers the case.

7. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the upper comfort layer is made from a plush soft fabric such that the seat cover can nevertheless be folded.

8. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the upper comfort layer is attached to the lower barrier layer using an adhesive.

9. The toilet seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer are attached by sewing together the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer.

10. A toilet seat cover comprising: a seat cover having a lower barrier layer and an upper comfort layer, the upper comfort layer being attached to the lower barrier layer.

11. The toilet seat cover device of claim 10, wherein the seat cover is configured to be folded and enclosed in a case for convenient carrying.

12. The toilet seat cover device of claim 11, wherein the case includes a closure mechanism.

13. The toilet seat cover device of claim 11, wherein the case includes two compartments, one compartment being sized so as to accommodate the seat cover in a folded condition.

14. The toilet seat cover device of claim 10, wherein the lower barrier layer is made of vinyl.

15. The toilet seat cover device of claim 11, wherein the upper comfort layer is decorated in the same manner as material used to cover the case.

16. The toilet seat cover device of claim 10, wherein the upper comfort layer is made from a plush soft fabric such that the seat cover can nevertheless be folded.

17. The toilet seat cover device of claim 10, wherein the upper comfort layer is attached to the lower barrier layer using an adhesive.

18. The toilet seat cover device of claim 10, wherein the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer are attached by sewing together the upper comfort layer and the lower barrier layer.