US20100146689A1

US20100146689A1 - Toilet seat assembly having a lifting device and one way damping hinges

Info

Publication number: US20100146689A1
Application number: US12/316,491
Authority: US
Inventors: Ue-Ming Yang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-15
Filing date: 2008-12-15
Publication date: 2010-06-17

Abstract

A toilet seat assembly has a novel suction cup assembly and one way damping hinge assemblies for lifting and lowering toilet seat without touching it, and for preventing a slamming action of toilet seat during lowering it.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Present invention relates to an improved toilet seat assembly having a lifting device for manually lifting and lowering a toilet seat without hand touching it, and one way damping hinges for lowering the toilet seat without a slamming action and without hand touching the under side of toilet seat. By incorporating both lifting device and damping hinges of present invention, toilet seat can be lifted and lowered between a lift-up position and a lie-down position without hand touching the toilet seat, and without a slamming action during lowering the toilet seat.
For sanitary reason, numerous attempts have been made in prior art for lifting a toilet seat without making a hand contact with under side of toilet seat. For example, some proposed unconventional shape or construction of a toilet seat in order to provide a finger landing area (such as a cavity or handle) remote from under side of toilet seat. Others proposed tools or mechanisms operated by hand or foot for remotely lifting toilet seat. For various reasons, such as unattractive appearance, difficulty for cleaning maintenance, space interference, potential safety hazard, costly and complex mechanical parts . . . , these prior attempts have not been successful.
Therefore, there is still a need for a simple and cost effective lifting device that enables lifting a toilet seat without hand touching it.
Numerous attempts have also been made in prior art for lowering a toilet seat without a slamming action. These include damping hinges operated by viscous fluid, torsion springs or frictional devices. However, all prior art encounter drawbacks of high cost, low reliability, complicated design, and/or occupying too large space.
Therefore, there is still a need for a simple and cost effective damping hinge for lowering a toilet seat without a slamming action.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of present invention is to provide a lifting device and method for lifting and lowering a toilet seat without hand touching it.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and method for lifting and lowering a toilet seat with a single hand operation.
Another object of present invention is to provide a damping device for lowering a toilet seat without a slamming action and without hand touching the under side of toilet seat.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a damping device without requiring usage of viscous fluid or a mechanical spring.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a damping device that does not create a damping effect during lifting the toilet seat.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device that have the least cost.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device that require the simplest installation.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device that do not affect the overall appearance of the toilet seat.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device that do not interfere with cleaning maintenance of the toilet seat and the area surrounding the toilet.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device that occupy the least space in the area around the toilet without interfering normal activities in the area around the toilet.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping devise that do not comprise comfortable usage of the toilet.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device at a location that is least likely to be contaminated and does not require frequent cleaning maintenance.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device and damping device that are easy and convenient for use.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device at a location that prevents user's accidental impact and damage to the device.
Another object of present invention is to provide such a lifting device at a location that prevents user's accidental impact and potential harm to user.
The technique of present invention for achieving the above objects of lifting device is to attach a detachably connecting device to the front end of toilet lid. When toilet lid is pressed downward against toilet seat in lie-down position, the connecting device is automatically engaged to interlock toilet lid and toilet seat together as a combined unit. This enables user to lift up the combined unit by grasping the front end of toilet lid. As a result, user is able to lift up the toilet seat without hand touching it. The connecting device is provided with a release means. When the release means is pulled, the connecting device is disengaged to allow toilet lid and toilet seat to operate independently as separate units.
In present invention, the preferred embodiment of the detachably connecting device is a suction cup assembly. When toilet lid is pressed against toilet seat in lie-down position, suction cup is depressed to a vacuum state, which interlocks toilet lid and toilet seat together as a combined unit. A release means is provided for venting off vacuum, which disengages toilet lid and toilet seat as separate units.
The technique of present invention for achieving the above objects of damping device is to adopt o-ring(s) to create resistant torque. A ratchet means is provided between the rotating and stationary elements. During lowering the toilet seat, ratchet means is engaged so that rotating of toilet seat in lowering direction is subject to resistant torque. During lifting the toilet seat, ratchet means is disengaged so that rotating of toilet seat in lifting direction is not subject to resistant torque.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified side view of a toilet seat assembly of prior art.

FIG. 2 is a simplified side view of the toilet seat assembly of present invention, having the first preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly of present invention, in which, toilet seat and toilet lid are in lie-down and lift-up positions respectively.

FIG. 3 is a simplified side view of the toilet seat assembly of present invention, having the first preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly of present invention, in which, both toilet seat and toilet lid are in lie-down position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective and exclusive view of the first preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly of present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective and exclusive view of the second preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly of present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective and exclusive view of the third preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly of present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective and exploded views of the first preferred embodiment of one way damping hinge assembly of present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective and exploded views of the second preferred embodiment of one way damping hinge assembly of present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a typical toilet seat assembly 1 of prior art which comprises of a planar toilet seat 2 pivotally connected to a toilet bow 3, and a planar toilet lid 4 pivotally connected to toilet bow 3. FIG. 1 shows toilet lid 4 in vertical lift-up position. However, lift-up position of toilet lid 4 generally exceeds 90 degree vertical position.
FIGS. 2 and 3 represent the toilet seat assembly 5 of present invention in two different operating conditions. The toilet seat assembly 5 comprises of a planar toilet seat 6 and toilet lid 7 which are pivotally connected to a toilet bow 8. Toilet seat assembly 5 is identical to toilet seat assembly 1 of prior art with one exception. The exception is that the first preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly 9 of present invention is attached to the bottom surface of toilet lid 7 adjacent to the front end of toilet lid 7.
In FIG. 4, the first preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly 9 of present invention comprises of a suction cup 10, an elongated shaft 11, a flange 12 and a release strip 13, which are preferably constructed by a single plastic injection molding process. The suction cup 10 has a base 14 and a suction bell 15. Flange 12 is provided with an adhesive backing 16 at top end of flange 12, which is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of toilet lid 7 adjacent to the front end of toilet lid 7. The top end of shaft 11 is connected to flange 12. The bottom end of shaft 11 is connected to base 14 of suction cup 10. The release strip 13 has a first end connected to the exterior surface of suction bell 15 adjacent to the bottom planar surface 17 of suction bell 15, and a second end connected to shaft 11 adjacent to flange 12.
The suction cup assembly 9 is used for lifting up toilet seat 6. The method for lifting up toilet seat 6 in FIG. 2 consists of: First, rotate toilet lid 7 downward until toilet lid 7 sits on top of toilet seat 6 in lie-down position (See FIG. 3). Second, press toilet lid 7 against toilet seat 6 by force. The pressing force depresses suction cup 9 to a vacuum state, which interlocks toilet lid 7 and toilet seat 6 together as a combined unit. Third, grasp the front end of toilet lid 7 and rotate the combined unit upward to lift-up position. In the above method, user is not required to touch toilet seat 6 by hand.
After toilet seat and toilet lid being lifted up, they can be restored to FIG. 1 configuration by two methods:
The following method applies if suction cup 10 remains in a vacuum state, and toilet seat 6 and toilet lid 7 remains interlocked as a combined unit in lift-up position. First, rotate the combined unit downward to lie-down position. Second, pull the release strip 13 to vent off vacuum in suction cup 10, which disengages toilet lid 7 from toilet seat 6. Third, rotate toilet lid 7 upward to lift-up position. In the first method, user is not required to touch toilet seat by hand.
The following method applies if suction cup 10 has lost vacuum for any reason, and toilet seat 6 and toilet lid 7 are disengaged as separate units in lift-up position. Simply grasp the front end of toilet seat 6 and rotates it downward to lie-down position. In this case, it requires user to hand touch the under side of toilet seat 6. Under normal circumstance, this method is not needed due to the fact that suction cup 10 is capable of maintaining vacuum, provided bottom planar surface 17 of suction bell 15 is properly sealed against the top planar surface of toilet seat 6.
According to the above operating methods, there is an advantage to interlock toilet seat 6 and toilet lid 7 together as a combined unit in lie-down position (FIG. 3). When a male user needs to urinate, it is certain that both toilet lid 7 and toilet seat 6 will be lifted up together as a combined unit. This decreases the possibility of contaminating toilet seat 6 by an irresponsible male user. Such distinct feature is not provided by any toilet seat assembly of prior art.
The above operating methods can be easily performed by user with a single hand operation. Since suction cup assembly 8 is located at highly visible and accessible location, the above operating methods can be naturally and easily adopted by user.
In the suction cup assembly 9 of present invention, the height of elongated shaft 11 is critical. It must provide adequate clearance between interlocked toilet seat 6 and toilet lid 7. The clearance provides an access to allow user to grasp the front end of toilet lid 7 by hand during operation. It also provides an access to the release strip 13, and allows user to pull the release strip 13 in slightly upward direction to vent off vacuum in suction cup 10. Without a proper clearance, the release strip 13 can only be pulled in a horizontal direction. In this case, pulling of release strip 13 can only cause a shear force at the bottom planar surface 17 of the suction bell 15, which can not possibly cause a tip opening at the bottom planar surface 17 of suction bell 15 to vent off vacuum in suction cup 10. As discovered through experiments, ideal height of shaft 11 is between one and two finger height.
FIG. 5 represents the second preferred embodiment of the suction cup assembly 18 of present invention. The second preferred embodiment is identical to the first preferred embodiment in FIG. 4 with one exception. The exception is that flange 12 in FIG. 4 is now replaced by a second suction cup 19, which has a suction bell 20, and a base 21 fixedly connected to the top end of shaft 22. Preferably, the central interior surface of suction bell 20 is provided with adhesive backing 23. Adhesive backing 23 provides a positive engagement so that suction cup assembly 18 can not accidentally fall off into the toilet.
FIG. 6 represents the third preferred embodiment of the suction cup assembly 24 of present invention. The third preferred embodiment is identical to the first preferred embodiment in FIG. 4 with one exception. The exception is that the second end of the release strip 25 is connected to the flange 26 that is connected to the top end of shaft 27.
It is understood that the above preferred embodiments are intended for demonstrating rather than limiting the scope of present invention. Variations and modifications are allowed without exceeding the scope of present invention. For example, connecting joints between shaft and release strip, shaft and base of suction cup, or between shaft and flange can be by other means different from an integral joint. Various sizes or shapes of suction cup can also be adopted without exceeding the scope of present invention.
It is also understood that application of suction cup assembly of present invention is not restricted. For example, the second preferred embodiment of suction cup assembly (FIG. 5), with or without the interior adhesive backing in the second suction cup, is ideal for detachably connecting two objects that require a quick release. Therefore, variation and modification to suction cup assembly of present invention to suit a particular application are allowed and considered within the scope of present invention.
In present invention, there is a possibility that suction cup may not sustain vacuum for a long period of time, and thus toilet seat and toilet lid may disengage as separate units when they are in lift-up position. In order to achieve the object for lifting and lowering toilet seat without hand touching it at all time, there is a need to provide one way damping hinges in the toilet seat assembly. The one way damping hinges provide a resistant torque when toilet seat rotates in downward direction. Therefore, in the event when toilet seat and toilet lid are disengaged as separate units in lift-up position, user can lower toilet seat by pushing toilet lid against toilet seat in downward direction. As a result, user can lower toilet seat without hand touching it, and without causing a slamming action of toilet seat.
FIG. 7 is a perspective and exploded views of the first preferred embodiment of one way damping hinge assembly 28 of present invention. One way damping hinge assembly 28 comprising of:
a first sleeve 29 integrally connected to a rear end of a toilet seat 30,
a second sleeve 31 fixedly connected to a base 32 anchored to a toilet bow (not shown),
a third sleeve 33 fixedly connected to a rear end of a toilet lid 34,
a fourth sleeve 35 fit within first sleeve 29 and interlocked with first sleeve 29 by tongues 36 and grooves 37,
a shaft 38 having an outside diameter conforming the inside diameter of fourth sleeve 35, second sleeve 31 and third sleeve 33, so that shaft 38 is fit within fourth sleeve 35, second sleeve 31 and third sleeve 33 to form a rotational axis of toilet seat 30 and toilet lid 34,
a pair of compressed elastic o-rings 39 fit between circumferential surface of shaft 38 and circumferential surface of grooves 40 in second sleeve 31, so that o-rings 39 generate a resistant torque during rotation of shaft 38, and
a ratchet means for generating the resistant torque and damping effect only during lowering the toilet seat 30.
The ratchet means comprises of four integral flexible projectiles 41 and adjacent cavities 42, which are circumferentially and equally spaced 90 degree apart in interior surface of fourth sleeve 35. Each of projectiles 41 has a front profile end 43 and a rear straight end 44. The straight ends 44 are positioned along a horizontal axis and a vertical axis when toilet seat 30 is positioned along the vertical axis. Shaft 38 has an eccentric stud 45 at the front end of shaft 38, which has a reduced height smaller than the diameter of shaft 38. The top side of stud 45 has a profile end 46 and a straight end 47. The profile in profile end 46 matches the profile in profile end 43 of projectiles 41.
When toilet seat 30 rotates in downward direction, rear straight end 44 of projectile 41 is stopped by rear straight end 47 of stud 45, which forms a positive engagement so that toilet seat 30, fourth sleeve 35 and shaft 38 rotate simultaneously under resistant torque in downward direction.
When toilet seat 30 rotates in upward direction, front profile end 43 of projectiles 41 is flexibly depressed by front profile end 46 of stud 45 in a spring action. This allows front profile end 43 to pass over front profile end 46 under minimum friction, so that shaft 38 remains stationary while toilet seat 30 and fourth sleeve 35 rotate together freely without encountering resistant torque in upward direction.
The above first preferred embodiment can be easily assembled as follows: First, insert fourth sleeve 35 into first sleeve 29, and insert o-rings 39 into grooves 40 of second sleeve 31. Second, place toilet lid 34 on top of toilet seat 30 to line up first sleeve 29, second sleeve 31 and third sleeve 33. Third, position stud 45 in inclined position and push shaft 38 into the assembly from the opening end of third sleeve 33.
In FIG. 7, the o-ring grooves 40 are preferably located in interior surface of second sleeve 31 to facilitate easy insertion of shaft 38 during assembling. Shaft 38 has a gradual smooth transition behind stud 45 to facilitate easy insertion of shaft 38 through o-rings 39. Alternatively, o-ring grooves 40 can be located in circumferential surface of shaft 38. The first sleeve 29 is provided with close end to prevent contaminant from entering into first sleeve 29.
FIG. 8 is a perspective and exploded views of the second preferred embodiment of one way damping hinge assembly 48 of present invention. One way damping hinge assembly 48 comprises of:
a first sleeve 49 integrally connected to a rear end of a toilet seat 50,
a second sleeve 51 fixedly connected to a base 52 anchored to a toilet bow (not shown),
a third sleeve 53 fixedly connected to a rear end of a toilet lid 54,
a fourth sleeve 55 fit within second sleeve 51,
a shaft 56 having tongues 57 for interlocking with grooves 58 in first sleeve 49, a step-down diameter conforming the reduced inside diameter of third sleeve 53, and a step-up diameter conforming the inside diameter of first sleeve 49 and fourth sleeve 55, so that shaft 56 is fit within first sleeve 49, fourth sleeve 55 and third sleeve 53 to form a rotational axis of toilet seat 50 and toilet lid 54,
a pair of compressed elastic o-rings 59 fit between interior surface of second sleeve 51 and circumferential surface of grooves 60 located in exterior surface of fourth sleeve 55, so that o-rings 59 generate a resistant torque to cause damping effect during rotation of fourth sleeve 55. Alternatively, grooves 60 can be located in interior surface of second sleeve 51, and
a ratchet means for generating the resistant torque and damping effect only during lowering the toilet seat 50.
The ratchet means comprises of four integral flexible projectiles 61 and adjacent cavities 62, which are circumferentially and equally spaced 90 degree apart in interior surface of fourth sleeve 55. Each of projectiles 61 has a front profile end 63 and a rear straight end 64. The rear straight ends 64 are positioned along a horizontal axis and a vertical axis when toilet seat 50 is positioned along the vertical axis. In the step-down diameter section of shaft 56, a longitudinal projectile 65 is provided on exterior surface of shaft 56. Projectile 65 has a front profile end 66 and a rear straight end 67. The profile in profile end 66 matches the profile in profile end 63 of projectiles 61.
When toilet seat 50 rotates in downward direction, rear straight end 67 of projectile 65 is stopped by rear straight end 64 of projectiles 61, which forms a positive engagement so that toilet seat 50, shaft 56 and fourth sleeve 55 rotate simultaneously under resistant torque in downward direction.
When toilet seat 50 rotates in upward direction, front profile end 63 of projectiles 61 is flexibly depressed by front profile end 66 of projectile 65 in a spring action. This allows front profile end 66 of projectile 65 to pass over front profile end 63 of projectiles 61 under minimum friction, so that fourth sleeve 55 remains stationary while toilet seat 50 and shaft 58 rotate together freely without encountering resistant torque in upward direction.
The above second preferred embodiment can be easily assembled as follows: First, insert o-rings 59 into grooves 60 in exterior surface of fourth sleeve 55, and insert fourth sleeve 55 into second sleeve 51. Second, place toilet lid 54 on top of toilet seat 50 to line up first sleeve 49, second sleeve 51 and third sleeve 53. Third, position projectile 65 offset from projectiles 61 and push shaft 56 into the assembly from the opening end of first sleeve 49.
In FIGS. 7 and 8, the hinge assembly of present invention is installed only on one side of toilet seat assembly. The hinge assembly installed on another side of toilet seat assembly is a mirror image of hinge assembly shown in FIG. 8 or 9. It is understood that such pairing of hinge assembly of present invention has an advantage of preventing axial movements of toilet seat and toilet lid during operation.
The above preferred embodiments of the hinge assembly of present invention are intended for demonstrating rather than limiting the scope of present invention. Modifications and variations are allowed without exceeding the scope of present invention. It is also understood that application of hinge assembly of present invention is not restricted. Modifications and variations, which allow the hinge assembly of present invention to fit in a particular application, or a particular installation in various size, shape or configuration, are considered within the scope of present invention. For example, in the first preferred embodiment, eccentric stud 45 can be modified to a concentric stud that has profile and straight ends at both top and bottom sides of the stud. For another example, in the second preferred embodiment, multiple projectiles 65 can be adopted on exterior surface of shaft 56. The above modification can enhance the performance of the ratchet means of present invention, if there is sufficient space available for installing such modification.

Claims

1. A toilet seat assembly comprising of:

a planar toilet seat having a front end and a rear end,

a planar toilet lid having a front end and a rear end,

a first connecting means for pivotally connecting said rear end of said toilet seat to a rear end of a toilet bow,

a second connecting means for pivotally connecting said rear end of said toilet lid to said rear end of said toilet bow,

a third connecting means for detachably connecting said front end of said toilet lid to said front end of said toilet seat, having a locking means for interlocking said toilet lid and said toilet seat together as a combined unit, and a releasing means for disengaging said toilet lid and said toilet seat as separate units,

wherein:

said toilet seat capable of being lifted up from a lie-down position by pressing said toilet lid against said toilet seat in said lie-down position by force, which activates said locking means of said third connecting means for interlocking said toilet lid and said toilet seat together as said combined unit, so that user is capable of lifting up said toilet seat by grasping said toilet lid and lifting up said combined unit.

2. The toilet seat assembly according to claim 1, in which, said third connecting means is provided by a suction cup assembly comprising of:

a suction cup, having a base and a suction bell,

an elongated shaft, having a bottom end fixedly connected to said base of said suction cup,

a release strip, having a first end connected to an exterior surface of said suction bell adjacent to a bottom planar surface of said suction bell,

a means for attaching said suction cup assembly to said bottom surface of said toilet lid adjacent to said front end of said toilet lid,

wherein:

said suction cup capable of being depressed to a vacuum state, which provides said locking means for interlocking said toilet lid and said toilet seat together as said combined unit; and

said releasing means being provided by said release strip, which vents off said vacuum in said suction cup upon pulling said release strip, and disengages said toilet lid and said toilet seat as said separate units.

3. The suction cup assembly according to claim 2, in which, said means for attaching said suction cup assembly to said bottom surface of said toilet lid is provided by a flange fixedly connected to a top end of said shaft, having an adhesive backing at a top end of said flange.

4. The suction cup assembly according to claim 2, in which, said means for attaching said suction cup assembly to said bottom surface of said toilet lid is provided by a second suction cup fixedly connected to a top end of said shaft.

5. The suction cup assembly according to claim 2, in which, said release strip has a second end connected to said shaft.

6. The suction cup assembly according to claims 2 and 3, in which, said release strip has a second end connected to said flange.

7. The suction cup assembly according to claims 2 and 4, in which, said second suction cup is provided with an adhesive backing in central interior surface of said suction bell.

8. A suction cup assembly comprises of:

a first suction cup, having a suction bell and a base,

an elongated shaft, having a top and bottom ends wherein said bottom end of said shaft being fixedly connected to said base of said first suction cup,

a release strip, having a first and second ends wherein said first end being connected to an exterior surface of said suction bell adjacent to a bottom planar surface of said suction bell, and

an attaching means for attaching said suction cup assembly to a first planar surface of a first object;

wherein:

said first suction cup capable of being depressed to a vacuum state when said bottom planar surface of said suction bell of said first suction cup being pressed against a second planar surface of a second object; and

said release strip capable of venting off said vacuum when said release strip being pulled by force.

9. The suction cup assembly according to claim 8, in which, said attaching means is provided by a flange having a top and bottom ends, said bottom end of said flange being fixedly connected to said top end of said shaft, and said top end of said flange having an adhesive backing for attaching said suction cup assembly to said first planar surface of said first object.

10. The suction cup assembly according to claim 8, in which, said attaching means is provided by a second suction cup having a base, a suction bell and a release tab,

wherein:

said base of said second suction cup is fixedly connected to said top end of said shaft; and

said release tab of said second suction cup is connected to an exterior surface of said suction bell in said second suction cup adjacent to a planar bottom surface of said suction bell; and

said second suction cup is capable of being depressed to a vacuum state when said bottom planar surfaces of said suction bell in said second suction cup being pressed against said first planar surface of said first object; and

said release tab is capable of venting off said vacuum in said second suction cup when said release tab being pulled by force.

11. The suction cup assembly according to claim 8, in which, said second end of said release strip is connected to said shaft.

12. The suction cup assembly according to claims 8 and 9, in which, said second end of said release strip is connected to said flange.

13. The suction cup assembly according to claims 8 and 10, in which, an adhesive backing is provided at central interior surface of said suction bell of said second suction cup.

14. A one-way damping hinge assembly comprises of

a first sleeve fixedly connected to a rotator,

a second sleeve fixedly connected to a stator,

a third sleeve fit within said first sleeve, having a locking means for interlocking said first and third sleeves,

a shaft fit within said second and third sleeves to form a rotational axis of said rotator, and at least

a compressed elastic insert fit between interior and exterior circumferential surfaces of said second sleeve and shaft respectively, which generates a resistant torque during rotation of said shaft,

wherein:

said third sleeve having a ratchet means for performing a positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in a first direction, so that said rotator, said third sleeve and said shaft rotate simultaneously under said resistant torque in said first direction; and

said ratchet means performing no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in a second direction opposed to said first direction, so that said shaft remains stationary while rotator and said third sleeve rotate together freely without encountering said resistant torque in said second direction

15. A one-way damping hinge assembly comprises of:

a first sleeve fixedly connected to a rotator,

a second sleeve fixedly connected to a stator,

a third sleeve fit within said second sleeve,

a shaft fit within said first and third sleeves to form a rotational axis of said rotator, which has a locking means for interlocking said shaft and said first sleeve, and at least a compressed elastic insert fit between interior and exterior circumferential surfaces of said second and third sleeves respectively, which generates a resistant torque during rotation of said third sleeve,

wherein:

said third sleeve having a ratchet means for performing a positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in a first direction, so that said rotator, said shaft and said third sleeve rotate simultaneously under said resistant torque in said first direction; and

said ratchet means performing no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in a second direction opposed to said first direction, so that said third sleeve remains stationary while said rotator and said shaft rotate together freely without encountering said resistant torque in said second direction.

16. The one way damping hinge assembly according to claim 14, in which:

said first sleeve is fixedly connected to said rotator which is a toilet seat; and

said second sleeve is fixedly connected to said stator which is a base anchored to a toilet bow; and

said third sleeve is fit within said first sleeve, having said locking means for interlocking said first and third sleeves; and

a fourth sleeve is provided and fixedly connected to a toilet lid; and

said shaft is fit within said third, second and fourth sleeves to form said rotational axis of said toilet seat and said toilet lid; and

said compressed elastic insert is fit between said interior and exterior circumferential surfaces of said second sleeve and said shaft respectively, which generates said resistant torque during rotation of said shaft; and

said third sleeve has said ratchet means for performing said positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said downward direction, so that said toilet seat, said third sleeve and said shaft rotate simultaneously under said resistant torque in said downward direction; and

said ratchet means performs said no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said upward direction, so that said shaft remains stationary while said toilet seat and said third sleeve rotate together freely without encountering said resistant torque in said upward direction.

17. The one way damping hinge assembly according to claim 15, in which:

said third sleeve is fit within said second sleeve; and

a fourth sleeve is provided and fixedly connected to a toilet lid; and

said shaft is fit within said first, third and fourth sleeves to form said rotational axis of said toilet seat and said toilet lid, and said shaft has said locking means for interlocking said shaft and said first sleeve; and

said compressed elastic insert is fit between said interior and exterior circumferential surfaces of said second and third sleeves respectively, which generates said resistant torque during rotation of said third sleeve; and

said third sleeve having said ratchet means for performing said positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said downward direction, so that said toilet seat, said shaft and said third sleeve rotate simultaneously under said resistant torque in said downward direction; and

said ratchet means performs said no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said upward direction, so that said third sleeve remains stationary while said toilet seat and said shaft rotate together freely without encountering said resistant torque in said upward direction.

18. The one way damping hinge assembly according to claim 14, in which, said ratchet means is provided by a plural number of first flexible projectiles circumferentially and equally spaced in said interior surface of said third sleeve, and a stud connected to said shaft, wherein:

each of said first projectiles has a front profile end and a rear straight end; and

said stud has a front profile end and a rear straight end, and profile of said front profile end of said stud matches profile of said front profile end of said first projectile; and

said rear straight end of said first projectile is stopped by said rear straight end of said stud, which performs said positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in said first direction; and

said front profile end of said first projectile is flexibly depressed by said front profile end of said stud in a spring action, which performs said no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in said second direction.

19. The one way damping hinge assembly according to claim 16, in which, said ratchet means is provided by a plural number of first flexible projectiles circumferentially and equally spaced in said interior surface of said third sleeve, and a stud connected to said shaft, wherein:

said rear straight end of said first projectile is stopped by said rear straight end of said stud, which performs said positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said downward direction; and

said front profile end of said first projectile is flexibly depressed by said front profile end of said stud in a spring action, which performs said no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said upward direction.

20. The one way damping hinge assembly according to claim 15, in which, said ratchet means is provided by a plural number of first flexible projectiles circumferentially and equally spaced in said interior surface of said third sleeve, and at least a second projectile provided on exterior surface of said shaft, wherein:

said second projectile has a front profile end and a rear straight end, and profile of said front profile end of said second projectile matches profile of said front profile end of said first projectile; and

said rear straight end of said second projectile is stopped by said rear straight end of said first projectile, which performs said positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in said first direction; and

said front profile end of said first projectile is flexibly depressed by said front profile end of said second projectile in a spring action, which performs said no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said rotator rotates in said second direction.

21. The one way damping hinge assembly according to claim 17, in which, said ratchet means is provided by a plural number of first flexible projectiles circumferentially and equally spaced in said interior surface of said third sleeve, and at least a second projectile provided on exterior surface of said shaft, wherein:

said rear straight end of said second projectile is stopped by said rear straight end of said first projectile, which performs said positive engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said downward direction; and

said front profile end of said first projectile is flexibly depressed by said front profile end of said second projectile in a spring action, which performs said no engagement between said third sleeve and said shaft when said toilet seat rotates in said upward direction.

22. The toilet seat assemblies according to claims 1 through 7, in which, said first and second connecting means are integrated into said one way damping hinge assembly in accordance with claims 16 and 19.

23. The toilet seat assemblies according to claims 1 through 7, in which, said first and second connecting means are integrated into said one way damping hinge assembly in accordance with claims 17 and 21.