WO2017081359A1

WO2017081359A1 - System and method for operating a toilet cover

Info

Publication number: WO2017081359A1
Application number: PCT/FI2015/050791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jussi HYVÄRINEN
Original assignee: HYVÄRINEN, Natalia
Priority date: 2015-11-12
Filing date: 2015-11-12
Publication date: 2017-05-18

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for operating a toilet cover (5), the system comprising a toilet cover (5) including a first magnet (7), a guide system (9) configured to be arranged in a cistern (3) of a toilet structure (1), a floating body (10) comprising a second magnet (11), the floating body (10) being movably connected to the guide system (9), and wherein the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11) are configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover (5) during lowering a liquid level (13) in the cistern (3) of the toilet structure (1).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A TOILET COVER

FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a system for operating a toilet cover. Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a toilet cover.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Toilet structures typically comprise a toilet bowl that is equipped with a water cistern, and a hinged toilet seat and a hinged toilet cover. The toilet seat and the cover may, for example, be arranged in a generally horizontal orientation, i.e. in closed position, or in a substantially vertical or upright position, i.e. in open position. The toilet seat and/or the cover may rest against the cistern in open position or be held in open position manually or by a sufficient system. Document US 4451950, for example, discloses a toilet seat assembly in which the seat and cover have magnetic elements to prevent the seat from falling down while in use or while the toilet bowl is being cleaned.

[0003] Leaving the lavatory cover open when flushing the toilet can have an impact on the spread of bacteria. When flushing a toilet a mist including the bacteria is created. The mist can travel several feet away and can settle on nearby surfaces and objects such as towels, toothbrushes, curtains, and other nearby objects. Further, users of toilets would often like to have the toilet cover in closed position after use of the toilet for reasons of outer appearance. Therefore, different systems have been designed to automatically close the toilet cover.

[0004] For example, document AU 2006201931 Al discloses a releasable magnetic latch which is used in a toilet seat and/or cover. The latch includes a magnetically- attractive component in the toilet seat and/or cover, and includes a second magnetically- attractive component installed inside the cistern on a component that moves out when the cistern is flushed. When the cistern is flushed, the second component moves out of operative range, and hence the magnetic attraction between the two components is weakened, thus allowing the seat and/or the cover to be returned to the generally horizontal orientation.

[0005] According to AU 2006201931 Al, the seat and/or cover swing toward the bowl by gravitation when the magnetic attraction between the two components is weakened. This means that the angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface of the toilet bowl and the hinged toilet seat and/or cover cannot be more than 90° in order to allow the seat and/or the cover to be returned to the generally horizontal orientation. Such an arrangement is very untypical. The angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface of the toilet bowl and the hinged toilet seat and/or cover is normally greater than 90° when the seat and/or cover are in open position and resting against the cistern.

[0006] Additionally, document WO 1998/031269 Al discloses a toilet seat lowering device for the automatic lowering of the seat of a toilet when the toilet has been flushed. A counterbalance arm extends generally rearwardly from the seat, and is offset to one side to clear the tank support and structure behind the bowl. The seat is substantially balanced by the arm, with the arm allowing the seat to lower slowly and gently to a lowered position on the rim of the bowl. The seat and arm are actuated by an actuating line which is removably connected by a magnet to a float within the tank. When the float descends with the water in the tank as a result of a flush, the actuating line is drawn downwardly by the descending float, thereby drawing the counterbalance arm upwardly to cause the seat to lower.

[0007] The arrangements described in document AU 2006201931 Al and document

WO 1998/031269 Al require both a certain number of moving parts. The moving parts further require sufficient space within the cistern and/or outside of the cistern.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to provide a system for operating a toilet cover, wherein the cover can be automatically returned to the generally horizontal position when flushing the toilet structure in order to avoid or at least decrease spreading of bacteria. The system should be operable in connection with toilet structures, wherein the angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface of the toilet bowl and the hinged toilet seat and/or cover in a substantially vertical or upright position is more than 90°. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for operating a toilet cover, the system comprising a toilet cover including a first magnet, a guide system configured to be arranged in a cistern of a toilet structure, a floating body comprising a second magnet, the floating body being movably connected to the guide system, and wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover during lowering a liquid level in the cistern of the toilet structure.

[0011] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

• the toilet cover is configured to be connected to a toilet structure by means of a hinge

• the guide system is a linear guide system the guide system is configured to be arranged in the cistern in a substantially vertical direction

• the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to repel each other during flushing of the toilet structure · the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to repel each other during lowering a liquid level in the cistern of the toilet structure

• the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged and configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover during flushing of the toilet structure

• the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged to cause a motion of the toilet cover during lowering a liquid level in the cistern of the toilet structure the first magnet of the toilet cover is arranged below the level of the second magnet in stationary rest position before flushing the toilet structure • the system is configured to move the toilet cover from a first position to a second position by means of the first magnet and the second magnet

• in the first position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface of a toilet bowl and the toilet cover is greater than 90°

• in the second position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface of a toilet bowl and the toilet cover is less than 90°

• the system is configured to operate at least one of the toilet cover and a toilet seat

• the system is configured to refit a toilet structure

• the distance between the first magnet of the toilet cover and the second magnet in the cistern in stationary rest position before flushing the toilet structure is in the range between 5 cm and 20 cm

• the floating body is configured to move along the guide system

• the floating body comprises a weight

• the weight is provided in a cavity of the floating body

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a toilet cover, the method comprising providing a toilet cover including a first magnet, the cover being arranged in a first position, providing a guide system configured to be arranged in a cistern of a toilet structure, providing a floating body including a second magnet, the floating body being movably connected to the guide system, lowering a liquid level in the cistern, and causing the toilet cover to move from the first position to a second position by means of the repelling force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0013] Various embodiments of the second aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

• in the first position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface of a toilet bowl and the toilet cover is greater than 90° in the second position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface of a toilet bowl and the toilet cover is less than 90' the method further comprising causing a toilet seat to move by means of the repelling force between the first magnet and the second magnet a position of the floating body depends on the liquid level in the cistern a weight is provided in a cavity of the floating body

[0014] Considerable advantages are obtained by means of the embodiments of the present invention. Certain embodiments of the invention provide a system for operating a toilet cover. According to the embodiments, the cover can be automatically returned to the generally horizontal position when flushing the toilet structure in order to avoid or at least decrease spreading of bacteria. The system is operable in connection with toilet structures, wherein the angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface of the toilet bowl and the hinged toilet seat and/or hinged toilet cover is more than 90°. By means of repelling magnets the seat and/or cover can be moved from a first position to a second position. When flushing the toilet the liquid level decreases, thus also decreasing the distance between the repelling magnets. At a certain distance between the magnets the motion of the seat and/or cover is triggered.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the system can be preinstalled in toilet structures. According to certain other embodiments, the system is configured to refit an existing toilet structure.

[0016] Certain embodiments of the system are simple and easy to manufacture.

Embodiments of the system can be manufactured in industrial scale.

[0017] Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method for operating a toilet cover. Of course, also the toilet seat can be operated by certain embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a common toilet structure, wherein the seat and the cover are in closed position, [0019] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a common toilet structure, wherein the cover is in open position,

[0020] FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic view of a toilet structure including a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0021] FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic view of a toilet structure including a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a flushing situation is shown,

[0022] FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic view of a magnetic field created by a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0023] FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic view of a time-distance-diagram of the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet of a system for operating a toilet seat and/or cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention during flushing,

[0024] FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic view of a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the system is configured to refit a toilet structure,

[0025] FIGURE 8 illustrates a schematic view of a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the guide system is an integral part of the cistern, and

[0026] FIGURE 9 illustrates a schematic view of a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the system is configured to refit a toilet structure and includes an adjuster.

EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for operating a toilet cover 5, the system comprising a toilet cover 5 including a first magnet 7, a guide system 9 configured to be arranged in a cistern 3 of a toilet structure 1, and a floating body 10 comprising a second magnet 11. The floating body 10 is movably connected to the guide system 9. The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 1 1 are configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover 5 during lowering a liquid level 13 in the cistern 3 of the toilet structure 1. The provided system operates the closing of the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet structure after flushing.

[0028] In FIGURE 1 a schematic side view of a common toilet structure 1 is illustrated. Toilet structure 1 comprises a toilet bowl 2 that is equipped with a water cistern 3. The toilet structure 1 further comprises a hinged toilet seat 4 and a hinged toilet cover 5. The toilet seat 4 and the cover 5 are arranged in a generally horizontal orientation, i.e. in closed position.

[0029] In FIGURE 2 a schematic side view of a common toilet structure 1 is illustrated, wherein the cover 5 is in open position. The toilet cover 5 rests substantially vertical or upright against the cistern 3, i.e. in open position. The angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface 12 of the toilet bowl 2 and the hinged toilet cover is more than 90°.

[0030] Of course, also the toilet seat 4 may be arranged in a vertical or upright position. In this case, the toilet seat 4 rests against the toilet cover 5.

[0031] In FIGURE 3 a schematic view of a toilet structure 1 including a system for operating a toilet seat 4 and/or cover 5 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The toilet cover is resting against the outer wall of the cistern 3 such that the angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface 12 of the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet cover 5 is greater than 90°. The toilet cover 5 and the toilet seat 4 are hinged to the toilet bowl 2 via at least one hinge mechanism 6. The toilet cover 5 further comprises a first magnet 7. The first magnet 7 may be, for example, an integral part of the toilet cover 5 or otherwise fixedly attached to the cover 5. The first magnet 7 may be arranged within the toilet cover 5 or attached to an outer surface of the toilet cover .

[0032] The cistern 3 is filled with water 8 and ready for flushing the toilet bowl 2. A linear guide system 9 is arranged in the cistern 3. Further, a floating body 10 is movably connected to the linear guide system 9. The floating body 10 includes a second magnet 11. [0033] The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are both permanent magnets.

The magnets 7, 11 are orientated such that the created magnetic field does not attract the magnets 7, 1 1. The first magnet 7 is arranged below the level of the second magnet 1 1 when the cistern 3 is ready for flushing the toilet bowl 2. The distance in vertical direction between the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 1 1 before flushing may be, for example, in the range between 5 cm and 20 cm. The distance in vertical direction may be e.g. 5 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, or 20 cm. In this case, the created magnetic field is not strong enough to start to rotate the toilet cover 5 about the hinge mechanism 6. The toilet cover 5 remains in stationary rest position, i.e. the cover 5 can rest against the cistern 3 in open position.

[0034] Of course, also the toilet seat 4 may rest against the toilet cover 5, which is resting against the cistern 3 in open position. According to certain embodiments, the toilet seat 4 comprises a third permanent magnet (not shown).

[0035] In FIGURE 4 a schematic view of a toilet structure 1 including a system for operating a toilet seat and/or cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein a flushing situation is shown. In the cistern 3 lowering of the liquid level 13 takes place during flushing. Accordingly, the floating body 10 including the second magnet 1 1 varies position along the linear guide system 9. The floating body 10 comprises a weight 18. The weight 18 may be, for example, a lead weight. The floating body 10 may e.g. comprise a plurality of lead pellets. The floating body 10 may have a cavity for insertion of a specific weight. The weight 18 is required to guarantee the working principle of the system.

[0036] In the beginning a distance between the second magnet 11 in the cistern 3 and the first magnet 7 of the cover 5 decreases during the lowering of the water level. At a certain point during movement of the floating body 10 a magnetic field is created between the first magnet 7 of the toilet cover 5 and the second magnet 1 1 in the cistern 3 that causes starting of a rotation of the cover 5 about the hinge mechanism 6.

[0037] The system is configured to create a magnetic field which is strong enough to move the cover 5 during flushing into such a position that the angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface 12 of the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet cover 5 is at least less than 90°. Subsequently, the cover 5 can swing toward the toilet bowl 2 by gravitation. [0038] In other words, the system is configured to move the toilet cover 5 from a first position to a second position by means of the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11. In the first position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of the surface 12 of the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet cover 5 is greater than 90°. In the second position an angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the surface 12 of a toilet bowl 2 and the toilet cover 5 is less than 90°. The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 1 1 are configured to repel each other during flushing of the toilet structure 1. In other words, the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 1 1 are configured to repel each other during lowering a liquid level 13 in the cistern 3 of the toilet structure 1 , thus creating a force which causes the toilet cover 5 to start to swing into the generally horizontal orientation. The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are arranged and configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover 5 during flushing of the toilet structure 1. The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are arranged and configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover 5 during lowering a liquid level 13 in the cistern 3 of the toilet structure 1. [0039] In case that also the toilet seat 4 should rest against the cover 5, the system is of course configured to create a magnetic field which is strong enough to move the cover 5 and the toilet seat 4 during flushing into such a position that the angle between the generally horizontal orientation of the upper surface 12 of the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet cover 5 is at least less than 90°. Subsequently, the cover 5 and the toilet seat 4 can swing toward the toilet bowl 2 by gravitation.

[0040] According to certain embodiments, the returning cover 5 creates a local fluid flow which prevents spreading of a mist including bacteria.

[0041] In FIGURE 5 a schematic view of a magnetic field created by a system for operating a toilet seat and/or cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The first magnet 7 of the toilet cover 5 and the second magnet 1 1 in the cistern 3 are orientated such that the magnets 7, 1 1 repel each other, thus creating forces F in opposite directions. Since the second magnet 1 1 in the cistern is connected to the floating body 10 guided by the linear guide system 9, only the first magnet 7 and the cover 5 can be moved by means of the magnetic field. The position of the floating body 10 and the second magnet 1 1 depends on the liquid level 13 of the water 8 in the cistern 3 during flushing. The magnetic field is substantially not affected by the wall 14 of the cistern 13 or the toilet cover 5. [0042] In FIGURE 6 a schematic view of a time-distance-diagram of the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet of a system for operating a toilet seat and/or cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention during flushing is illustrated. After resting the toilet cover against the cistern the cover will remain in position and the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet is constant. The magnetic field between the first magnet and the second magnet is not strong enough to cause the cover to move away from the wall of the cistern. The distance between the first magnet and the second magnet starts to decrease when flushing the toilet at time ti. At time t₂ the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet reaches the system's minimum, thus creating the greatest force F in order to return the cover to the generally horizontal orientation. Subsequently, the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet increases until the toilet cover arrives in the generally horizontal orientation at time Ϊ3. The cistern can then be refilled with water.

[0043] In FIGURE 7 a schematic view of a system for operating a toilet seat and/or cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The system is configured to refit existing toilet structures.

[0044] The system includes a toilet cover (not shown) comprising a first permanent magnet (not shown). The first permanent magnet may be an integral part of the cover or configured to refit the cover. [0045] Further, the system includes a linear guide system comprising two rods 16 which each comprise a suction cup 15 for attaching the rods 16 to a bottom (not shown) of a cistern (not shown). The rods 16 are connected to each other by means of an intermediate piece 17 in order to improve the stability of the structure. Furthermore, the system includes a floating body 10 comprising a weight 18, a permanent magnet 11 and four connectors 19. The connectors 19 are formed as a ring such that the floating body 10 can move along the rods 16 depending on a liquid level in the cistern.

[0046] The rods 16 and the intermediate part 17 may be, for example, made of plastic material. The suction cups are also typically made of plastic material. The watertight floating body 10 may be also, for example, made of plastic material. The weight 18 may be, for example, made of a metal. The weight is typically arranged within the floating body 10 in order to avoid a direct contact between the weight and the water in the cistern. In other words, the weight may be covered with a sheet of plastic material. The connectors 19 may be, for example made of plastic material or stainless steel.

[0047] According to certain embodiments, the toilet seat (not shown) is also equipped with a permanent magnet (not shown). [0048] In FIGURE 8 a schematic view of a system for operating a toilet cover 5 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the guide system 9 is an integral part of the cistern 3. The system is configured to be preinstalled in toilet structures 1. The cistern 3 is equipped with two linear guide systems 9. The guide systems 9 are configured to be orientated in the cistern 3 in a substantially vertical direction. The cistern 3 may be, for example, made of plastic material. The cistern 3 may be made, for example, by injection moulding. In each linear guide system 9 a sledge 22 is arranged which is movable along the respective guide system 9. The sledges 22 are connected to each other via a sledge connector 21. A floating body 10 is connected to the sledge connector 21. A magnet holder 20 is connected to the floating body 10. A permanent magnet 11 is connected to the magnet holder 20. The magnet holder 20 is configured to hold the magnet 11 as close as possible to the wall 14 of the cistern 3 next to the toilet cover 5. The toilet cover 5 is hinged to a toilet structure 1 via two hinges 6. The toilet cover 5 comprises a magnet 7.

[0049] The position of the floating body 10 in the cistern 3 depends on the liquid level in the cistern 3. The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are configured to repel each other during flushing of the toilet structure 1. In other words, the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are configured to repel each other during lowering a liquid level 13 in the cistern 3 of the toilet structure 1 , thus creating a force which causes the toilet cover 5 to start to swing into a generally horizontal orientation. Of course, the force can also cause the toilet cover 5 and a toilet seat (not shown) to start to swing into a generally horizontal orientation. In other words, the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are arranged and configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover 5 during flushing of the toilet structure 1. The first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11 are arranged and configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover 5 during lowering a liquid level 13 in the cistern 3 of the toilet structure 1. The system is configured to move the toilet cover 5 from a first position to a second position by means of the first magnet 7 and the second magnet 11. The first magnet 7 of the toilet cover 5 is arranged below the level of the second magnet 11 in stationary rest position before flushing the toilet structure 1, i.e. when the cistern 3 is filled with water and ready for flushing.

[0050] In FIGURE 9 a schematic view of a system for operating a toilet cover in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the system is configured to refit a toilet structure and includes an adjuster 24.

[0051] The system includes a toilet cover (not shown) comprising a first magnet (not shown). The first magnet may be an integral part of the cover or configured to refit the cover.

[0052] Further, the system includes a hollow profile 23 forming a linear guide system 9. The guide system 9 can be attached to the rear wall (not shown) of a cistern (not shown). Attachment may take place, for example, by means of adhesive or suitable attachment means. The term adhesive refers to a material, by means of which the hollow profile 23 can be attached to the rear wall. The adhesive used in the embodiment resists water. The thickness of the adhesive layer may be, for example, in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The adhesive used is selected in such a way that the adhesive used will have sufficient adhesion to the rear wall. The hollow profile 23 may be, for example, made from plastic material. The guide system 9 is configured to be orientated in the cistern in a substantially vertical direction. The cistern may be, for example, made of ceramic material.

[0053] In the hollow profile 23 a sledge 22 is arranged which is movable along the guide system 9. The sledge 22 is connected to a floating body 10. A magnet holder 20 is connected to the floating body 10 via an adjuster 24. By means of the adjuster 24 it is possible to adapt the system to different cisterns having a different width between the rear wall and the front wall (not shown). By means of the adjuster 24 the distance between the magnets 7, 1 1 can be adjusted in order to provide a sufficient magnetic field. Thus, the system can be used for many different cisterns.

[0054] A magnet 11 is connected to the magnet holder 20. The magnet holder 20 is configured to hold the magnet 11. The toilet cover (not shown) is hinged to a toilet structure (not shown).

[0055] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0056] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0057] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In this description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0059] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0060] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0061] At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in toilet structures as well as in production of toilet structures.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 toilet structure

2 toilet bowl

3 cistern

4 seat

5 cover

6 hinge mechanism

7 first magnet

8 water

9 guide system

10 floating body

11 second magnet

12 surface of toilet bowl

13 liquid level

14 wall of cistern

15 suction cup

16 rod

17 intermediate piece

18 weight

19 connector

0 magnet holder

1 sledge connector 22 sledge

23 hollow profile

24 adjuster

F force

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

US 4451950

AU 2006201931 Al

WO 1998/031269 Al

Non Patent Literature

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for operating a toilet cover (5), the system comprising:

- a toilet cover (5) including a first magnet (7),

- a guide system (9) configured to be arranged in a cistern (3) of a toilet structure (1),

- a floating body (10) comprising a second magnet (11), the floating body (10) being movably connected to the guide system (9), and wherein

- the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11) are configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover (5) during lowering a liquid level (13) in the cistern (3) of the toilet structure (1).

2. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 1, wherein the toilet cover (5) is configured to be connected to a toilet structure (1) by means of a hinge (6),

3. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide system (9) is a linear guide system.

4. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the guide system (9) is configured to be arranged in the cistern (3) in a substantially vertical direction.

5. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11) are configured to repel each other during flushing of the toilet structure (1).

6. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11) are configured to repel each other during lowering a liquid level (13) in the cistern (3) of the toilet structure (1).

7. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11) are arranged and configured to cause a motion of the toilet cover (5) during flushing of the toilet structure (1).

8. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11) are arranged to cause a motion of the toilet cover (5) during lowering a liquid level (13) in the cistern (3) of the toilet structure (1).

9. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first magnet (7) of the toilet cover (5) is arranged below the level of the second magnet (11) in stationary rest position before flushing the toilet structure (1).

10. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the system is configured to move the toilet cover (5) from a first position to a second position by means of the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11).

11. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 10, wherein in the first position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface (12) of a toilet bowl (2) and the toilet cover (5) is greater than 90°.

12. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the second position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface (12) of a toilet bowl (2) and the toilet cover (5) is less than 90°.

13. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the system is configured to operate at least one of the toilet cover (5) and a toilet seat (4).

14. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the system is configured to refit a toilet structure (1).

15. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the distance between the first magnet (7) of the toilet cover (5) and the second magnet (1 1) in stationary rest position before flushing the toilet structure (1) is in the range between 5 cm and 20 cm.

16. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the floating body (10) is configured to move along the guide system (9).

17. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the floating body (10) comprises a weight (18).

18. The system for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 17, wherein the weight (18) is provided in a cavity of the floating body (10).

19. A method for operating a toilet cover (5), the method comprising:

- providing a toilet cover (5) including a first magnet (7), the cover (5) being arranged in a first position,

- providing a guide system (9) configured to be arranged in a cistern (3) of a toilet structure (1),

- providing a floating body (10) including a second magnet (11), the floating body

(10) being movably connected to the guide system (9),

- lowering a liquid level (13) in the cistern (3), and

- causing the toilet cover (5) to move from the first position to a second position by means of the repelling force between the first magnet (7) and the second magnet

(11) .

20. The method for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 19, wherein in the first position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface (12) of a toilet bowl (2) and the toilet cover (5) is greater than 90°.

21. The method for operating a toilet cover (5) according to claim 19, wherein in the second position an angle between a generally horizontal orientation of a surface (12) of a toilet bowl (2) and the toilet cover (5) is less than 90°.

22. The method for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 19-21, the method further comprising:

- causing a toilet seat (4) to move by means of the repelling force between the first magnet (7) and the second magnet (11).

23. The method for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein a position of the floating body (10) depends on the liquid level (13) in the cistern (3).

24. The method for operating a toilet cover (5) according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein a weight (18) is provided in a cavity of the floating body (10).