WO2007104095A1 - Toilet seat lifting apparatus - Google Patents
Toilet seat lifting apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007104095A1 WO2007104095A1 PCT/AU2007/000305 AU2007000305W WO2007104095A1 WO 2007104095 A1 WO2007104095 A1 WO 2007104095A1 AU 2007000305 W AU2007000305 W AU 2007000305W WO 2007104095 A1 WO2007104095 A1 WO 2007104095A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- lid
- lifting
- drive
- accordance
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
- A47K13/10—Devices for raising and lowering, e.g. tilting or lifting mechanisms; Collapsible or rotating seats or covers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to apparatus for lifting the seat and lid of a toilet. It has been recognised previously that, due to the potential unhygienic nature of toilet seats and lids, a method of lifting the seat and lid without requiring physical contact may be beneficial. While attempts have been made to produce such devices, they have not gained particularly wide acceptance in many areas due to a number of reasons. For example, power must generally be provided to drive the seat and lid up and down and overly complex systems result in an increase in cost to an item that would otherwise be relatively inexpensive. For many consumers, the issue of needing to make contact with a potentially unhygienic toilet seat is simply not of sufficient importance to justify the additional cost and effort to install such a device.
- the present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous devices provided for lifting the seat and lid of a toilet.
- apparatus for lifting a seat and lid of a toilet seat and lid assembly, the seat and lid being pivotally mounted for rotation about a base
- the apparatus includes: a first hinge portion integral with the seat and rotatably mounted to the base; a second hinge portion integral with the lid and rotatably mounted to the base; and a drive means engageable with the first and second hinge portions; wherein the first hinge portion is adjacent a first side of the seat and is the only integral part of the seat secured for rotation about the base, the second hinge portion is adjacent a second opposite side of the lid and is the only integral part of the lid secured for rotation about the base and the drive means is mounted between the first and second hinge portions and engages with the first and second hinge portions to rotate either or both of the seat and lid about the base.
- the seat and lid rotate about a common rotation axis and the first hinge portion extends from the first side of the seat along the rotation axis to a point adjacent the midpoint of the seat and the second hinge portion extends from the second side of the seat along the rotation axis to a point adjacent the midpoint of the lid.
- the first hinge portion comprises a first hollow cylindrical member
- the second hinge portion comprises a second hollow cylindrical member
- the drive means engages inside adjacent open ends of the first and second hollow cylindrical members.
- the drive means preferably comprises a cylindrical drive housing into which is received a first drive motor and a second drive motor, the first and second drive motors having drive shafts extending in opposite directions along the central axis of the cylindrical drive housing.
- the first and second drive shafts may each include gears that extend through apertures in the drive housing and engage with inner surfaces of the first and second hollow cylindrical members respectively.
- the base preferably includes a mounting portion comprising a first end portion having an arcuate upper surface onto which is received the first hinge portion, a second end portion having an arcuate upper surface onto which is received the second end portion and a central portion having a cradle into which is received the drive housing.
- the base portion includes a battery housing for batteries to power the drive means, the battery housing being located parallel to and behind the mounting portion such that the battery housing is accessible when the seat and lid are both closed.
- a spring bias mean is provided in engagement with the seat and lid to provide a rotational force in the direction of opening to the lid and seat.
- the spring bias means may comprise a first coil spring in the first hollow cylindrical member and a second coil spring in the second hollow cylindrical member.
- a control means is provided to control operation of the drive means.
- the control means may include a control panel having a transmitter and the drive means include a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter in the control panel such that the drive means can either raise or lower either the seat or lid or both.
- the control panel includes a sensor to detect motion such that motion detected by the sensor is used to control operation of the drive means.
- Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of a toilet seat and lid assembly and drive means in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 2 is a fully exploded view of the toilet seat and lid assembly and drive means of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 is a top view of the toilet seat and lid assembly of Figure 1 assembled.
- Figure 4 is a side cross sectional view of the toilet seat and lid of Figure 1 assembled. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
- the seat and lid assembly includes a toilet seat 12 and a lid 14.
- the toilet seat 12 and the lid 14 are mounted for rotational movement about a base 16.
- the base 16 is to be mounted to a toilet (not shown) by any suitable means.
- the seat 12 and the lid 14 are mounted to both be rotatable about a common axis 18 such that either the seat 12 and lid 14 can be opened together or the lid 14 can be rotated open and the seat 12 left in place.
- the apparatus 10 is provided with a drive means 20 capable of providing a rotational force to either the seat 12 and the lid 14 together or the lid 14 alone.
- the drive means 20 comprises a first electric motor 22 having a first drive shaft 24 for rotation of the seat 12 and a second electric motor 25 having a second drive shaft 27 for rotation of the lid 14.
- the base 16 comprises a battery housing 32 and a mounting portion 30, onto which is mounted the seat 12, the lid 14 and the drive means 20.
- the battery housing 32 is located parallel to and behind the mounting portion 30 in use such that the battery housing 32 is accessible when the seat 12 and the lid 14 are closed.
- the mounting portion 30 includes a first end portion 34, a second end portion 36 and a central portion 38. Each of the first and second end portions 34 and 36 include a generally arcuate upper surface.
- the seat 12 includes a first hinge portion 80 comprising a first hollow cylindrical member 40.
- the first hinge portion 80 is integrally formed with the seat 12 and is located on a first side of the seat 12.
- the first hollow cylindrical member 40 is received in the arcuate upper surface of the first end portion 34 such that the seat 12 is rotatable about the base 16 by rotation of the first hollow cylindrical member 40 within the first end portion 34.
- the first hollow cylindrical member 40 extends from the first side of the seat 12 to a point before the midpoint of the seat 12.
- the length of the hollow cylindrical member 40 allows the seat 12 to rotate about the base 16 while being connected only on the first side thereof.
- the lid 14 includes a second hinge portion 82 comprising a second cylindrical member 42.
- the second hinge portion 82 is integrally formed with the lid 14 and is located on a second side of the lid 14 opposite the first hinge portion 80.
- the second hollow cylindrical member 42 is received in the arcuate upper surface of the second end portion 36 such that the lid 14 is rotatable about the base 16 by rotation of the second hollow cylindrical member 42 within the second end portion 36.
- the second hollow cylindrical member 42 extends from the second side of the lid 14 to a point before the midpoint of the lid 14. The length of the hollow cylindrical member 42 allows the lid 14 rotate about the base 16 while being connected only on the second side thereof.
- the drive means 20 includes a drive housing 44 into which is received the first and second electric motors 22 and 25.
- the housing 44 is generally cylindrical and the first and second electric motors 22 and 25 are arranged centrally within the drive housing 44 such that the first and second drive shafts 24 and 27 extend coaxially away from each other.
- the central portion 38 of the mounting portion 30 includes a cradle 46 into which is mounted the drive housing 44. When received in the cradle 46, a first end of the drive housing 44, in which is located the first drive shaft 24, extends into the first hollow cylindrical member 40 of the seat 12. A second end of the drive housing 44, in which is located the second drive shaft 27, extends into the second hollow cylindrical member 42 of the lid 14.
- Each of the first and second drive shafts 24 and 27 include gears that extend through apertures in the drive housing 44 and engage with inner surfaces of the corresponding first and second hollow cylindrical members 40 and 42 such that operation of the first electric motor 22 rotates the first hollow cylindrical member 40 and thereby the seat 12, and operation of the second electric motor 25 rotates the second hollow cylindrical member 42 and thereby the lid 14.
- the arrangement in which the first and second integral hinge portions on the seat 12 and the lid 14 are provided on opposite sides with the drive means mounted centrally allows for easy assembly of the apparatus.
- the drive housing 44 can be placed in position and the seat 12 and lid 14 slid into engagement with the drive means from opposite sides.
- a cover member 50 is also provided to extend over the drive housing 44 between the first and second hollow cylindrical members 40 and 42 and prevent access to the drive housing 44.
- a first securing clip 66 is received in a corresponding slot 67 in the first hollow cylindrical portion 40 to engage with the drive housing 44.
- a second securing clip 68 is received in a corresponding slot (not visible) in the second hollow cylindrical portion 42 to engage with the drive housing 44.
- the first and second securing clips 66 and 68 comprise generally arcuate members being received in the corresponding slots.
- the securing clips 66 and 68 have protrusions 70 at each end to engage with corresponding apertures in the drive housing 44.
- suitable circuitry located in the cradle 46 below the drive housing to control operation of either or both of the first and second electric motors 22 and 25.
- the battery housing 32 houses sufficient batteries 35 to power the first and second electric motors 22 and 25
- the apparatus 10 of the present invention includes spring bias means.
- the spring bias means comprises a first coil spring 60 arranged to be in engagement with the seat 12 and a second coil spring 62 in engagement with the lid 14.
- the first coil spring 60 is located in the first hollow cylindrical member 40 and the second coil spring 62 is located in the second hollow cylindrical member 42.
- the first coil spring 60 is engaged such that when the seat 12 is in the closed position, the first coil spring 60 provides a rotational force to the seat 12 in a direction that would tend to move the seat 12 to the open position.
- the rotational force provided by the first coil spring 60 is not sufficient to move the seat 12 by itself but provides sufficient bias such that only a minimal amount of force provided by the first electric motor 22 results in movement of the seat 12 .
- the second coil spring 62 is engaged such that when the lid 14 is in the closed position, the second coil spring 62 provides a rotational force to the lid 14 in a direction that would tend to move the lid 14 to the open position.
- the rotational force provided by the second coil spring 62 is not sufficient to move the lid 14 by itself but provides sufficient bias such that only a minima! amount of force provided by the second electric motor 25 results in movement of the lid 14 .
- the first and second electric motors 22 and 25 provided may be relatively small and inexpensive.
- the apparatus 10 is provided also with a control means in the form of a control panel 66.
- the control panel 66 is provided with a transmitter (not shown) that transmits a signal received by a receiver (not shown) in communication with the drive means 20.
- the control panel 66 includes means to accept user input to select functions including lifting the lid 14 only, lifting both the lid 14 and the seat 12 and lowering the lid 14 and the seat 12.
- the control panel 66 includes a sensor to detect motion such that the user may control the operation of the apparatus by moving their hand in the vicinity of the sensors.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Toilet Supplies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2007225009A AU2007225009A1 (en) | 2006-03-15 | 2007-03-13 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
CA002680725A CA2680725A1 (en) | 2006-03-15 | 2007-03-13 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
CN200780052763A CN101742955A (en) | 2006-03-15 | 2007-03-13 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
EP07718559A EP2170143A1 (en) | 2006-07-07 | 2007-03-13 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
US12/530,831 US20100083431A1 (en) | 2006-03-15 | 2007-03-13 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2006901329 | 2006-03-15 | ||
AU2006901329A AU2006901329A0 (en) | 2006-03-15 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus | |
AU2006903668 | 2006-07-07 | ||
AU2006903668A AU2006903668A0 (en) | 2006-07-07 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2007104095A1 true WO2007104095A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
Family
ID=38508966
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2007/000305 WO2007104095A1 (en) | 2006-03-15 | 2007-03-13 | Toilet seat lifting apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100083431A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101742955A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2007225009A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2680725A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007104095A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101496702B (en) * | 2008-01-30 | 2011-03-30 | 德昌电机(深圳)有限公司 | Device for automatically turning cover and combination with the same |
CN102389277B (en) * | 2011-08-03 | 2013-05-08 | 上海科勒电子科技有限公司 | Closestool |
US9462919B2 (en) | 2013-01-08 | 2016-10-11 | Kohler Co. | Damper locking mechanism for toilet seat |
CN103807286B (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2016-08-17 | 仝达机电工业(惠州)有限公司 | A kind of automatic turning device |
DE102016003281A1 (en) * | 2016-03-18 | 2017-09-21 | Grohe Ag | Device for a toilet with a drive assisted by a torsion spring and a toilet with a corresponding device. |
CN106137011A (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2016-11-23 | 周海能 | A kind of toilet lid control method |
US10610069B2 (en) | 2018-01-06 | 2020-04-07 | Kohler Co. | Toilet seat and hinge |
EP3773104B1 (en) | 2018-04-11 | 2024-06-05 | Kohler Co. | Toilet |
US11324364B2 (en) | 2020-04-20 | 2022-05-10 | Parminder Singh | Remote controlled toilet seat lift system and methods of use |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2074272A1 (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1994-01-21 | Jiri Marek | 'td' lifting apparatus |
US6321393B1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2001-11-27 | Darryl A. Jones | Automated toilet seat lowering device |
JP2002065510A (en) * | 2000-08-31 | 2002-03-05 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Motor-driven open/close device for toilet seat/lid |
JP2004089523A (en) * | 2002-09-02 | 2004-03-25 | Inax Corp | Toilet device |
WO2004100745A1 (en) * | 2003-02-17 | 2004-11-25 | Glenn Michael Watt | Powered toilet & seat assembly |
US20050217010A1 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2005-10-06 | Ryosuke Hayashi | Automatic open/close device for toilet seat or toilet cover |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070056084A1 (en) * | 2003-02-17 | 2007-03-15 | Watt Glenn M | Powered toilet & seat assembly |
US7636956B1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2009-12-29 | Sheryl Doucet | Hands free toilet seat system |
-
2007
- 2007-03-13 WO PCT/AU2007/000305 patent/WO2007104095A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-03-13 CA CA002680725A patent/CA2680725A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-03-13 AU AU2007225009A patent/AU2007225009A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-03-13 CN CN200780052763A patent/CN101742955A/en active Pending
- 2007-03-13 US US12/530,831 patent/US20100083431A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2074272A1 (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1994-01-21 | Jiri Marek | 'td' lifting apparatus |
JP2002065510A (en) * | 2000-08-31 | 2002-03-05 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Motor-driven open/close device for toilet seat/lid |
US6321393B1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2001-11-27 | Darryl A. Jones | Automated toilet seat lowering device |
US20050217010A1 (en) * | 2002-02-08 | 2005-10-06 | Ryosuke Hayashi | Automatic open/close device for toilet seat or toilet cover |
JP2004089523A (en) * | 2002-09-02 | 2004-03-25 | Inax Corp | Toilet device |
WO2004100745A1 (en) * | 2003-02-17 | 2004-11-25 | Glenn Michael Watt | Powered toilet & seat assembly |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2007225009A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
CN101742955A (en) | 2010-06-16 |
US20100083431A1 (en) | 2010-04-08 |
CA2680725A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100083431A1 (en) | Toilet seat lifting apparatus | |
CN100382993C (en) | Lid operating device and storage device using the same | |
CN101712280B (en) | Accelerator pedal device | |
EP2630555B2 (en) | Haptic feedback touch-sensitive interface module | |
CN107208434A (en) | Gear assembly and the door mounting mechanism including the gear assembly | |
US20170107739A1 (en) | Device for an actuation handle, actuation handle, and method for wireless transmission of a signal generated by autonomous energy | |
KR100921018B1 (en) | Auto hinge module and apparatus having the same for opening and closing for the use of a toilet bowl | |
CN109901662B (en) | Knob and domestic appliance are inhaled to magnetism | |
JP3940059B2 (en) | motor | |
CN109920685B (en) | Knob and domestic appliance are inhaled to magnetism | |
CN110406370A (en) | A kind of automobile access port box device, control system and its automobile | |
CN112412231A (en) | Actuator for vehicle charging port cover plate | |
CN213597739U (en) | Rotating mechanism and electric appliance | |
CN108316802B (en) | Manually-operated electric opening and closing actuator for revolving door and working method thereof | |
CN107654152B (en) | Novel manually-operated electric door/cover opening and closing actuator and working method thereof | |
WO2007126297A2 (en) | An automatic stopper apparatus | |
EP2170143A1 (en) | Toilet seat lifting apparatus | |
WO2021107020A1 (en) | Electronic lock | |
CN106024437A (en) | Multifunctional selection operation switch apparatus | |
US8519646B2 (en) | Container lid | |
WO2003027426A1 (en) | Power slide device for vehicle slide doors | |
CN1782658B (en) | Rotary electrical component | |
JP5007256B2 (en) | Power window switch device | |
US20180209201A1 (en) | Drive for a rotatable wing | |
EP3400604A1 (en) | Remote controlled switch cover |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 200780052763.9 Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 07718559 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2680725 Country of ref document: CA |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1891/MUMNP/2009 Country of ref document: IN Ref document number: 2007225009 Country of ref document: AU |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2007225009 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20070313 Kind code of ref document: A |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2007718559 Country of ref document: EP |