US20080010733A1

US20080010733A1 - Self-lowering toilet seat

Info

Publication number: US20080010733A1
Application number: US11/487,917
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth E. Lambert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-17
Filing date: 2006-07-17
Publication date: 2008-01-17

Abstract

A device for automatically lowering a toilet seat. A lowering finger, in slidable connection with a cylinder like chamber, is utilized to create a vacuum in a chamber. The vacuum pressure varies from a metering valve system that thus propels the finger toward the seat in a controlled manner in order to affect a complete lowering of the seat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of bathroom fixtures and particularly automated fixtures, including self-lowering toilets seats.
2. Description of the Related Art
Although there exists several designs for automated features in many arts, the long felt need for an automated or semi-automated, self-lowering toilet seat still remains. Further, for many years there has existed a need for a system to automatically lower toilet seats which didn't require an operator standing by in a control booth or the like.
With the present invention a simple system which requires only manual commencement to operation and utilizes variable vacuum pressures to close a seat exists.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-lowering toilet seat wherein the operational cycle commences when the user opens the toilet seat.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-lowering toilet seat wherein the operational cycle is adjustable by the user.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-lowering toilet seat wherein the system can be incorporate in presently configured toilet systems with no alteration of the original toilet bowl structure.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-lowering toilet seat wherein the system utilizes pressure differential as a means of operation It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-lowering toilet seat wherein the system utilizes a vacuum chamber in sequence with a metering valve.
It is an object of the present to provide a self-lowering toilet seat which operates silently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of the module illustrating the vacuum chamber and metering valve.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the module attached to a toilet prior to and subsequent to operation.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the module attached to a toilet, illustrating the position when a cycle commences operation and the seat depresses the seat lowering finger.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the seat lowering finger in the process of lowering the seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the seat lowering system 1 commences a cycle at rest with a toilet seat in the closed position and the actuating means or mechanism, the seat lowering finger 2 is dormant. As shown in FIG. 1 and 4, when a user raises the seat 11, the cycle is commenced, as the seat depresses the seat lowering finger 2 which actuates the air tight chamber, the vacuum chamber 3. The system operates silently, such that the user is unaware that the cycle has commenced. Thus, as the seat lowering finger 2 is depressed as the seat 1 is raised, the cylindrically shaped rear end 4 of the seat lowering finger 2 acts a piston to expel the air (accumulated from the prior cycle) existing in the vacuum chamber 3, through the outlet of a check valve 8, and thus automatically closing the vacuum chamber 3.
Next, an apparatus creating internal outward force or an opposing force generating mechanism 9, (spring tension or the like) converts atmospheric pressure to a vacuum. This vacuum created is the primary control feature. The internal outward force pushes the seat lowering finger 2 outward slightly until internal outward force and the vacuum reach equilibrium. At this juncture, the seat lowering finger 2 is dormant.
Thus while a vacuum exists, simultaneously, the valve begins to alter the pressure the vacuum chamber 3, reducing its force and allowing the opposing force generating mechanism 9 to control, pushing the seat lowering finger 2 outward as the vacuum pressure is altered in the vacuum chamber. Thus, over time the seat lower finger 2 pushes the seat into the downward position.
Further, the apparatus does not inhibit normal seat usage since, during activation, the seat may be manually moved to any position, at any time. Further, the apparatus is designed such that the amount of time elapsed for a complete cycle can be adjusted by the user by utilizing the valve screw 10.

Claims

1. A seat lowering system comprising:

an actuation mechanism;

a vacuum chamber;

a check valve;

an apparatus for creating an internal outward force;

a valve possessing an inlet;

wherein said actuation mechanism is in slidable communication with said chamber; wherein said actuation mechanism creates a vacuum in said air tight chamber and wherein said two way valve introduces air into said system to drive said actuation mechanism.

2. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuation mechanism is manually operated.

3. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuation mechanism is automatically operated.

4. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 1 wherein an operational cycle commences when a user opens a cover.

5. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 4 wherein said operational cycle is commenced without the knowledge of said user.

6. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 5 wherein the duration of said operational cycle is adjustable.

7. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 1 wherein said system is incorporated in presently configured toilet systems with no alteration of the original toilet bowl structure.

8. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus for creating an internal outward force is spring tension.

9. The seat-lowering apparatus of claim 1 wherein said system operates silently.

10. A seat-lowering system comprising:

an actuation mechanism comprising an outwardly extending member in communication with a cylindrical member, said cylindrical member in slidable communication with a chamber, said chamber possessing a force generating mechanism, said chamber in communication with a valve, said valve in communication with the atmosphere, wherein a complete depression of said actuation mechanism against said force generating mechanism expels all air existing within said chamber through said check valve out to the atmosphere, to create a vacuum within said chamber and alter vacuum pressure through said valve said chamber and extend said actuation mechanism to lower a seat.

11. The seat lowering system of claim 10 wherein the variable vacuum pressure is controlled mechanically.

12. The seat lowering system of claim 11 wherein the variable vacuum pressure is controlled through adjustment of said valve.

13. An automatic seat lowering system comprising:

an actuation mechanism;

a cylindrical member;

a vacuum chamber;

a check valve;

an internal force generating mechanism; and,

a valve in communication with said atmosphere; wherein, upon complete depression of said actuation mechanism, the system utilizes variable vacuum pressure as a means of operation.

14. The automatic seat lowering system of claim 13 wherein an operational cycle includes vacuum development, equilibrium, and variable vacuum pressure.