Toilet Seat Device

Abstract

A novel toilet seat device is disclosed which comprises a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The handle components can be adjusted to a desired width and then locked in place to offer a secure object to hold onto while accommodating a user's backside. The device is especially useful for those who are overweight or who have balance issues. Accordingly, the device is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down on a toilet.

Claims

1. A toilet seat device that acts to expand a conventional toilet seat to add comfort and stability for individuals, the toilet seat device comprising: a toilet seat component; and a pair of handle components; and wherein each of the pair of handle components is secured to a side of the toilet seat component; and further wherein the pair of handle components are expanded or retracted as needed.

2. The toilet seat device of claim 1, wherein the toilet seat device is utilized with commercial or residential toilets.

3. The toilet seat device of claim 2, wherein the toilet seat component is a conventional toilet seat secured to a toilet base via a set of hinges, which allow the toilet seat component to open and close.

4. The toilet seat device of claim 3, wherein the toilet seat component is substantially oval shaped with a curvature towards an opening in a middle.

5. The toilet seat device of claim 3, wherein the toilet seat component includes a right and a left section shaped to form an opening in a middle.

6. The toilet seat device of claim 3, wherein the pair of handle components are secured to a bottom face of the toilet seat component.

7. The toilet seat device of claim 6, wherein the pair of handle components are coupled at a rear portion of the bottom face of the toilet seat component.

8. The toilet seat device of claim 7, wherein the pair of handle components are secured to the toilet seat component via a pin joint.

9. The toilet seat device of claim 8, wherein the pin joint allows the pair of handle components to pivot outward from under the toilet seat in an expanded, open position for use or for cleaning.

10. The toilet seat device of claim 9, wherein expansion of the pair of handle components comfortably accommodates dimensions of a user's buttocks while sitting on the toilet.

11. The toilet seat device of claim 10, wherein the pin joint allows the pair of handle components to pivot inward back under the toilet seat component in a closed position when not in use.

12. The toilet seat device of claim 11, wherein the pair of handle components would be incorporated underneath the toilet seat component and hidden from view when not in use.

13. The toilet seat device of claim 12, wherein the pair of handle components are sized and shaped to be approximately same size and shape of the toilet seat component and comprise a right and a left component which are mirror images of each other.

14. The toilet seat device of claim 13, wherein the pair of handle components comprise at least one transverse stabilizing member on a rear surface of the pair of handle components, to support the pair of handle components when in an expanded position.

15. The toilet seat device of claim 14, wherein the pair of handle components comprise a lock to retain the pair of handle components in an expanded position.

16. A toilet seat device that acts to expand a conventional toilet seat to add comfort and stability for individuals, the toilet seat device comprising: a toilet seat component; and a pair of handle components; wherein the toilet seat component is a conventional toilet seat secured to a toilet base via a set of hinges, which allow the toilet seat component to open and close; wherein each of the pair of handle components is secured to a bottom face of the toilet seat component and coupled at a rear portion of the bottom face of the toilet seat component via a pin joint; wherein the pin joint allows the pair of handle components to pivot outward from under the toilet seat in an expanded, open position for use or for cleaning; wherein expansion of the pair of handle components comfortably accommodates dimensions of a user's buttocks while sitting on the toilet; wherein the pin joint allows the pair of handle components to pivot inward back under the toilet seat component in a closed position when not in use; wherein the pair of handle components would be incorporated underneath the toilet seat component and hidden from view when not in use; wherein the pair of handle components are sized and shaped to be approximately same size and shape of the toilet seat component and comprise a right and a left component which are mirror images of each other; and further wherein the pair of handle components comprise at least one transverse stabilizing member on a rear surface of the pair of handle components, to support the pair of handle components when in an expanded position.

17. The toilet seat device of claim 16, wherein the pair of handle components are expanded in various degrees based on a user.

18. The toilet seat device of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

19. The toilet seat device of claim 16, wherein the pair of handle components comprise a lock to retain the pair of handle components in an expanded position.

20. A method of expanding a toilet seat to add comfort and stability for obese and elderly individuals, the method comprising the following steps: providing a toilet seat device comprising a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side; extending the wing-like handle components in an open position; utilizing the wing-like handle components to sit down on the standard toilet seat component to use the toilet; utilizing the wing-like handle components to stand up from the standard toilet seat component; and retracting the wing-like handle components in a closed position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet seat device of the present invention showing the expandable handle components secured to a bottom of a conventional toilet seat in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet seat device of the present invention showing the expandable handle components in a closed position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet seat device of the present invention showing the device installed on a toilet in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet seat device of the present invention showing the expandable handle components in an open position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet seat device of the present invention showing the device in use and being cleaned in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of expanding a toilet seat to add comfort and stability for obese and elderly individuals in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0032] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0033] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that provides users with an expanding toilet seat designed to add comfort and stability for larger people, elderly individuals, and others who have a difficult time sitting on conventional toilet seats. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that features a pair of expanding wings or handles underneath the toilet seat that can be pulled out to extend the width of the seat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that improves balance while sitting down on and standing up from the toilet. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that reduces the chance of any slips and falls while trying to independently use the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that can be expanded further outward than the toilet seat itself for easy and convenient cleaning. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a toilet seat device that is manufactured of plastic material.

[0034] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel toilet seat device. The device is a toilet seat with a pair of expanding handles for navigating oneself on and off a toilet. The toilet seat device comprises a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The handle components can be adjusted to a desired width and then locked in place to offer a secure object to hold onto while accommodating a user's backside. The device is especially useful for those who are overweight or those with balance issues. Accordingly, the device is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down on a toilet. The present invention also includes a novel method of expanding a toilet seat to add comfort and stability for obese and elderly individuals. The method includes the steps of providing a toilet seat device comprising a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The method also comprises extending the wing-like handle components in an open position. Further, the method comprises utilizing the wing-like handle components to sit down on the standard toilet seat component to use the toilet. The method comprises utilizing the wing-like handle components to stand up from the standard toilet seat component. Finally, the method comprises retracting the wing-like handle components in a closed position.

[0035] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet seat device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the toilet seat device 100 is an improved toilet seat device 100 that acts to expand a conventional toilet seat 104 to add comfort and stability for individuals. The device 100 is a toilet seat 104 with a pair of expanding handle components 102 for navigating oneself on and off a toilet 106. Specifically. the toilet seat device 100 comprises a standard toilet seat component 104 with extendable wing-like handle components 102 on each side 108. The handle components 102 can be adjusted to a desired width and then locked in place to offer a secure object to hold onto while accommodating a user's backside. The device 100 is especially useful for those who are overweight or those with balance issues. Accordingly, the device 100 is beneficial to obese and elderly people who struggle when standing up or sitting down on a toilet 106.

[0036] Generally, the toilet seat device 100 can be utilized with commercial and/or residential toilets 106. Commercial toilets, as discussed in this patent application, refer to toilets 106 in a public restroom such as an office, recreational venue, such as a zoo or amusement park, and any other facility where toilets 106 are publicly used. Toilets 106 in dwellings, such as a hotel room, may be either commercial or residential toilets. Generally, residential toilets are those in a home or apartment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat device 100 relates to an expandable toilet seat 104. The toilet seat device 100 comprises a standard or conventional toilet seat 104 secured to a toilet base 200. The toilet seat 104 is secured to the toilet base 200 on a suitable hinge 202 to allow the toilet seat 104 to move or pivot up away from the toilet base 200 and down on the toilet base 200 (i.e.., traditional pivoting of the toilet seat 104). Generally, the toilet seat 104 is coupled to the toilet base 200 via a suitable set of hinges 202 or any other suitable movable securing means as is known in the art, which allows the toilet seat 104 to open and close.

[0038] Generally, the toilet seat 104 includes a standard or conventional toilet seat 104 secured to a toilet base 200 with a pair of extendable wing-like handle components 102 secured to a bottom face 204 of the toilet seat 104. The toilet seat 104 may be shaped in any manner that provides an opening 206. Generally, the toilet seat 104 is substantially oval shaped with a particular curvature towards the opening 206 in the middle. Alternatively, the toilet seat 104 may include two sections (i.e.., a right 208 section and a left 210 section) shaped to form an opening 206 in the middle but still provide comfortable regions upon which a user's buttocks may rest. In one embodiment, the toilet seat 104 is formed in one integral piece. Various shapes, materials, textures, colors, etc., may be implemented with the toilet seat 104 and remain consistent with the present invention. Generally, the toilet seat 104 is composed of a plastic material and the wing-like handle components 102 are composed of the same material or different.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are coupled at a fixed location to a rear portion 300 of the bottom face 204 of the toilet seat 104. Generally, the wing-like handle components 102 are secured to the toilet seat 104 via a pin joint 302 or other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The pin joints 302 allow the wing-like handle components 102 to pivot outward from under the toilet seat 104 in an expanded, open position for use or for cleaning. Generally, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 protrude out from the rear portion 300 of the toilet seat 104. Thus, in this embodiment, the expansion of the wing-like handle components 102 comfortably accommodate the dimensions of a user's buttocks while sitting on the toilet 106. Further, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are pivoted inward back under the toilet seat 104 in a closed position when not in use. Thus, the wing-like handle components 102 would be incorporated underneath the toilet seat 104 and hidden from view when not in use, in an effort to hide their appearance and minimize the need for cleaning.

[0040] Furthermore, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are sized and shaped to be approximately the same size and shape of the toilet seat 104, such that the wing-like handle components 102 are incorporated underneath the toilet seat 104 and hidden from view when not in use. In other embodiments, various configurations of the wing-like handle components 102 may be utilized and remain consistent with the present invention. In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 comprise a right 304 and a left 306 component which are mirror images of each other and are secured to opposite sides 108 of the toilet seat 104.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, in use, the wing-like handle components 102 are rotated outward in an expanded or open configuration. Specifically, the wing-like handle components 102 rotate about the pin joint 302, which is located at approximately the rear portion 300 of the toilet seat 104. The location of the pin joint 302 around which the right 304 and left 306 wing-like handle components 102 are able to rotate out, is determined by the movable coupling between the toilet seat 104 and the wing-like handle components 102. In another embodiment, the pin joint 302 facilitates a smooth expansion motion of the wing-like handle component 102 from a closed position to an open position. The pin joints 302 are configured to allow the wing-like handle components 102 to rotate with respect to the toilet seat 104 when in use or when cleaning.

[0042] Further, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are expanded in various degrees based on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are expanded out fully during use. In another embodiment, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are expanded only a small degree from the toilet seat 104. The degree of expansion may be proportional to the size of the user using the toilet seat 104. For example, a smaller individual may only need a small expansion of the wing-like handle components 102 for use and a larger individual may need a complete expansion of the wing-like handle component 102 for use.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 comprise at least one transverse stabilizing member or rib 500 on the rear surface 502 of the handle components 102. The at least one transverse stabilizing member or rib 500 acts to support the handle components 102 when in an expanded position. Thus, the transverse stabilizing members or ribs 500 allow a user to put their full weight on the wing-like handle components 102 when a user stands up from the toilet 106 or sits down on the toilet 106 for use.

[0044] Furthermore, the pair of wing-like handle components 102 are secured or locked in place, once extended out from the toilet seat 104. Generally, the handle components 102 comprise any suitable locking mechanism 504 as is known in the art, such as a spring button lock, a pin lock, or a slide lock, etc. The lock 504 acts to retain the handle components 102 in an extended position, away from the toilet seat 104. The handle components 102 can be fully extended for easy cleaning.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the toilet seat device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 506. The handle component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the handle component 102, or any other indicia 506 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 506 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be toilet, toilet seat, or brand related.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of expanding a toilet seat to add comfort and stability for obese and elderly individuals. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a toilet seat device comprising a standard toilet seat component with extendable wing-like handle components on each side. The method also comprises at 602, extending the wing-like handle components in an open position. Further, the method comprises at 604, utilizing the wing-like handle components to sit down on the standard toilet seat component to use the toilet. The method comprises at 606, utilizing the wing-like handle components to stand up from the standard toilet scat component. Finally, the method comprises at 608, retracting the wing-like handle components in a closed position.

[0047] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein toilet seat device, seat device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the toilet seat device 100 of the present invention.

[0048] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the toilet seat device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the toilet seat device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toilet seat device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the toilet seat device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0049] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.