US20120023652A1

US20120023652A1 - Toilet seat liner

Info

Publication number: US20120023652A1
Application number: US13/193,375
Authority: US
Inventors: Sheena Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-02
Filing date: 2011-07-28
Publication date: 2012-02-02

Abstract

One example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/370,077 filed on Aug. 2, 2010, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that venereal diseases, viruses, and germs exist on toilet seats and are transmitted to individuals when in direct contact with the toilet seat. Therefore, many users prefer to use a toilet seat liner or cover which prevents direct contact between the user and the toilet seat. I.e., users, especially in public restrooms, often use a toilet seat liner to prevent coming into direct contact with a toilet seat.
However, these toilet seat liners suffer from a number of drawbacks. In particular, these toilet seat liners are often made of paper or a similar material. In some instances, this is insufficient for protecting the user. For example, the toilet seat liner can rip with even small applications of force. I.e., the placement of the toilet seat liner may be sufficient to tear the toilet seat liner, leading to holes or tears where the user makes direct contact with the toilet seat. When tears occur, contaminants are able to pass through the toilet seat liner and make contact with the user.
In addition, the toilet seat liners are often quite thin. This can lead to problems if the toilet seat includes a high amount of moisture. In particular, high amounts of moisture can pass through the toilet seat liner, making contact with the user. This can prevent the toilet seat liner from protecting the user from contaminants, as the user desires.
Further, the material used to create the toilet seat liner can itself host the contaminants that the user desires to avoid. I.e., microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants can live and breed in the toilet seat liner. Thus the toilet seat liner itself can become a source of contamination to the user.
Moreover, the user does not know whether the toilet seat liner is sanitary prior to use. I.e., if contaminants enter the package or someone attempts to reuse a toilet seat liner, the toilet seat liner may not be sanitary even before being placed on the toilet seat. This can eliminate the benefits of using the toilet seat liner for the user.
Finally, the user is unable to reuse many toilet seat liners. I.e., the toilet seat liners are intended to be used a single time, and then disposed of. This can help prevent contamination from user to user, but leads to increased waste production. These toilet seat liners are either disposed of in the toilet and flushed into sewer or septic systems or thrown into the trash, where they contributed to filling landfills.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that prevents contaminants from passing through the toilet seat liner. Additionally, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that can kill microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants. Further, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that can be reused as necessary. Moreover, there is a need in the art for access to the toilet seat liner to be controlled by the user. In addition, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that the user can transport, as desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.
Another example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The substrate includes an outer portion, where the outer portion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat. The substrate also includes a hole. The hole is located in an interior portion of the substrate and is configured to be placed over an opening in a toilet seat. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.
Another example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The substrate includes an outer portion, where the outer portion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat. The substrate also includes a hole. The hole is located in an interior portion of the substrate and is configured to be placed over an opening in a toilet seat. The substrate further includes a flat edge, where the flat edge is configured to correspond to a flat edge on the toilet seat, where one or more toilet seat hinges are attached to the toilet seat along the flat edge of the toilet seat. The substrate additionally includes one or more creases, where the one or more creases are configured to allow a user to fold the substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate. The system further includes one or more fasteners, where the one or more fasteners are configured to attach the substrate to the toilet seat.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user;

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded along a first set of creases;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded along a second set of creases;

FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded along a third set of creases; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner in a carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of a system 100 for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of the system 100; and FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the system 100. In at least one implementation, the system 100 can provide a layer between the user and the toilet seat or other surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can prevent the spread of microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants from the toilet seat to the user and vice versa, as described below.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show that the system 100 can be used with a toilet seat 102. A toilet seat 102 is a hinged unit consisting of a seat which is bolted onto a toilet bowl 104. In at least one implementation, the toilet seat 102 can be contoured for the user to sit on, and can include a lid 106, which covers the toilet when it is not in use. The toilet seat 102 may be built to fit the shape of the toilet bowl 104; two examples of this being the elongated bowl and the regular bowl. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat 102 can include a closed shape or can include a gap near the front.
One of skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat 102 can be made of various materials. For example, the toilet seat 102 can be made of metal, plastic, wood or any other desired materials. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat 102 can include a covering for sanitation or comfort purposes. For example, the toilet seat 102 can include a padded covering.
FIGS. 1A and 1B also show that the system 100 can include a toilet seat liner 108. In at least one implementation, the toilet seat liner 108 is configured to be placed on the toilet seat 102. For example, the toilet seat liner 108 can be attached to the toilet seat 102. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat liner 108 can be placed on top of the toilet seat 102 for temporary use. In particular, the toilet seat liner 108 can be thicker and more durable than disposable toilet seat liners which tear easily during use.
FIGS. 1A and 1B further show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include an opening 110. In at least one implementation, the opening 110 can be placed over the opening in the toilet seat 102. I.e., the toilet seat liner 108 can cover the toilet seat 102 without obstructing or otherwise covering the opening in the toilet seat 102. The opening 110 can be an oval to fit over a toilet seat. Additionally or alternatively, the opening 110 can be any other desired shape.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of a toilet seat liner 108. FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner 108; and FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner 108. In at least one implementation, the toilet seat liner 108 is configured to be placed on a toilet seat.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include a substrate 202. In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can provide a barrier between the user and the toilet seat. In particular, the substrate 202 provides a sanitary surface for a user. I.e., the substrate 202 can allow the user to avoid direct contact with the toilet seat on which the user is currently witting. The substrate 202 can be reusable and/or can be biodegradable, giving the user the option of reusing the toilet seat liner 108 or disposing of the toilet seat liner 108, as desired.
In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can be of sufficient width to prevent liquids and other materials on the toilet seat from moving through the substrate 202. E.g., the substrate 202 can be between 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters thick. For example, the substrate 202 can be approximately 2 millimeters thick. As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified.
In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can include materials that are antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or antifungal substances. In particular, the substances can prevent any contaminants on the toilet seat from coming into contact with the user. I.e., the substances can kill any bacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi before the bacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi are able to infect the user. For example, the substances can include bamboo charcoal or some other substance. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the substances can serve multiple purposes. For example, bamboo charcoal is a desiccant in addition to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
In at least one implementation, the substrate 202 can be made of any desired material. In particular, the substrate 202 can include any material which will contain the antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal substances. For example, the substrate 202 can include a paper or a fabric, either woven or non-woven. Nonwoven fabric is a fabric-like material made from long fibers, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. I.e., nonwoven fabrics are fabrics, such as felt, which are neither woven nor knitted.
FIGS. 2A and 2B also show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include an attachment mechanism 204. In at least one implementation, the attachment mechanism 204 can releasably attach the toilet seat liner 108 to a toilet seat. For example, the attachment mechanism 204 can include one or more suction cups. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism 204 can prevent lateral movement of the toilet seat liner relative to the toilet seat. In particular, the attachment mechanism can stop the toilet seat liner from shifting while the user is using the toilet seat liner 108.
FIGS. 2A and 2B further show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include one or more creases 206. In at least one implementation, the one or more creases 206 can be used to fold the toilet seat liner 108. Folding the toilet seat liner 108 can allow the user to more easily transport the toilet seat liner 108, as desired. The number of creases 206 can determine the extent to which the toilet seat liner can be folded. For example, two creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in half, three creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in thirds, four creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in fourths, and eight creases 206 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in eighths.
In at least one implementation, the width of the creases 206 can be sufficient to allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded. For example, the creases 206 can be between 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters wide. E.g., the creases 206 can be approximately 3 millimeters wide. Additionally or alternatively, the creases 206 can extend through the substrate 202 from the opening to the outside edge of the substrate 202.
FIGS. 2A and 2B additionally show that the toilet seat liner 108 can include a flat edge 208. In at least one implementation, the flat edge 208 can correspond to the rear of the toilet seat. In particular, the flat edge 208 can ensure that the toilet seat liner 108 fits properly on the toilet seat even when a seat hinge or toilet seat lid is present. I.e., the flat edge 208 can match the flat edge of the toilet seat.
FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate an example of the toilet seat liner 108 being folded along one or more creases 208. FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner 108 being folded along a first set of creases; FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner 108 being folded along a second set of creases; and FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner 108 being folded along a third set of creases. In at least one implementation, folding the toilet seat liner 108 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be transported by the user as desired. For example, the user can place the toilet seat liner 108 within a carrying case for transporting the toilet seat liner 108, as described below. Transporting the toilet seat liner 108 can allow the user to have a toilet seat liner 108 available that the user is comfortable using at all times. I.e., the user can have a toilet seat liner 108 which provides greater protection than disposable toilet seat liners when at home, travelling or in public restrooms.
FIG. 3A shows that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded a first time along two creases 208 opposite one another. I.e., the creases 208 opposite one another can both be oriented the same direction, allowing the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in approximately half. Additionally or alternatively, the creases 208 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded either direction. I.e., the crease 208 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to have a complete range of motion, so that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded in either direction.
FIG. 3B shows that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded a second time along two additional creases 208 opposite one another. In at least one implementation, the additional creases 208 can allow the toilet seat liner to be folded in approximately one quarter of its original size. I.e., the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded along two creases 208 that are located approximately half way between the creases 208 which allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in half. The additional creases 208 can be oriented opposite one another, such that they are oriented the same direction as one another once the toilet seat liner 108 has been folded in half. Additionally or alternatively, the additional creases 208 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded either direction.
FIG. 3C shows that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded a third time along four additional creases opposite one another. In at least one implementation, the four additional creases 208 can allow the toilet seat liner to be folded into approximately one eighth of its original size. I.e., the toilet seat liner 108 which has been folded in fourth can be folded along four creases 208 that are located approximately half way between the two additional creases 208 which allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in fourths and the first two creases 208 which allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded in half. The four additional creases 208 can be oriented such that they are oriented the same direction as one another once the toilet seat liner 108 has been folded in half. Additionally or alternatively, the additional creases 208 can allow the toilet seat liner 108 to be folded either direction. One of skill in the art can appreciate that the toilet seat liner 108 can be folded into eighths by folding the toilet seat liner 108 which has been folded into fourths a single time, such as the example shown in FIG. 3C or can be folded accordion style.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner 108 in a carrying case 400. In at least one implementation, the carrying case 400 can allow the user to transport the toilet seat liner 108 to any desired location. In particular, the carrying case 400 can allow the user to carry the toilet seat liner 108 without requiring the user to touch or otherwise interact with the toilet seat liner 108 unless intended by the user.
FIG. 4 shows that the carrying case 400 can include a cover 402. In at least one implementation, the cover 402 can be configured to encase the toilet seat liner 108. In particular, the cover 402 can partially or completely surround the toilet seat liner 108, allowing the user to touch the cover 402 rather than the toilet seat liner. The cover 402 can include any desired material. For example, the cover 402 can include waterproof material that prevents any contaminants acquired during use on the toilet seat liner 108 from exiting the cover 402.
FIG. 4 also shows that the carrying case 400 can include a fastener 404. In at least one implementation, the fastener 404 can be configured to open or close the cover 402, as desired by the user. In particular, the fastener 404 can allow the cover 402 to be closed, preventing the transmission of any contaminants from the interior of the carrying case 400 to the exterior of the carrying case, and vice versa. For example, the fastener 404 can include a zipper, a button, a hook and loop fastener or any other desired fastener. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the fastener 404 can be attached to a flap or other mechanism which allows the user access to the interior of the carrying case 400.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user, the system comprising:

a substrate; and

a sanitizing substance, wherein the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sanitizing substance includes an antibacterial substance.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sanitizing substance includes an antimicrobial substance.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sanitizing substance includes an antifungal substance.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sanitizing substance includes bamboo charcoal.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a fabric.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the substrate includes a non-woven fabric.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate is between 1 millimeter thick and 3 millimeters thick.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate is approximately 2 millimeters thick.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a hole.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the hole is configured to correspond with a hole in a toilet seat.

12. A system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user, the system comprising:

a substrate, wherein the substrate includes:

an outer portion, wherein the outer portion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat; and

a hole, wherein the hole:

is located in an interior portion of the substrate; and

is configured to be placed over an opening in a toilet seat; and

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the substrate includes a flat edge on at least a portion of the edge of the substrate.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the flat edge is configured to correspond to a flat edge on the toilet seat, wherein one or more toilet seat hinges are attached to the toilet seat along the flat edge of the toilet seat.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the substrate includes one or more creases.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more creases are configured to allow a user to fold the substrate.

17. A system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user, the system comprising:

a substrate, wherein the substrate includes:

an outer portion, wherein the outer portion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat;

a hole, wherein the hole:

is located in an interior portion of the substrate; and

is configured to be placed over an opening in a toilet seat;

a flat edge, wherein the flat edge is configured to correspond to a flat edge on the toilet seat, wherein one or more toilet seat hinges are attached to the toilet seat along the flat edge of the toilet seat;

one or more creases, wherein the one or more creases are configured to allow a user to fold the substrate;

a sanitizing substance, wherein the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate; and

one or more fasteners, wherein the one or more fasteners is configured to attach the substrate to the toilet seat.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more fasteners include a suction cup.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more creases includes eight creases.

20. The system of claim 17 further comprising a carrying case, wherein the carrying case is configured to surround the system.