Telescoping and Collapsible Seat Integrated Sanitary Fixture

Abstract

An adjustable toilet device that includes a base supporting a telescoping seat that adjusts vertically between extended and collapsed positions via a hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system operates with a cylinder filled with incompressible fluid, controlled by a user-operated button located on the water tank cover. The seat comprises multiple vertically stacked circular members, or concentric and non-circular members, that facilitate telescoping. In one embodiment, a wireless actuator connected to the water tank, operable via a remote device enables users to adjust the seat height remotely. The hydraulic system is installed within the base of the toilet seat platform and is adapted to push fluid into the cylinder to raise the seat when the control button is pressed.

Claims

1. A height adjustable sanitary fixture comprising: a selectively telescoping seat; a toilet seat platform; a plurality of concentric members; and an adjustment controller; wherein said plurality of concentric members disposed on a top surface of said toilet seat platform; wherein said plurality of concentric members defining an opening for accommodating a pelvis of a user; wherein said plurality of concentric members are vertically stacked; wherein said plurality of concentric members adapted to raise selectively upward from a compressed state to an extended state; and further wherein said plurality of concentric members adapted to lower selectively downward from said extended state to said compressed state.

2. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 1 further comprising: an actuator; and a seat adjustment lever; wherein said actuator is a hydraulic fluid pump actuated by said seat adjustment lever; wherein said hydraulic fluid pump having a hydraulic rod; and further wherein said hydraulic fluid pump pushes fluid into a cylinder for pushing said hydraulic rod and raising said plurality of concentric members.

3. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 2, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump actuates while actuating said seat adjustment lever.

4. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 3, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump remains fixed upon releasing said seat adjustment lever.

5. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 4, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump actuates upon actuating said seat adjustment lever to release said fluid from said cylinder for pulling said hydraulic rod and compressing said plurality of concentric members.

6. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 5 further comprising an electronic controller for actuating said hydraulic fluid pump remains fixed upon releasing said seat adjustment lever.

7. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 6, wherein a shape of each of said plurality of concentric members is selected from the group consisting of a circle, an oval, an elliptical, a square, and a rectangle.

8. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 7, wherein a height of said plurality of concentric members is from 2 to 8.

9. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 7, wherein a height of said plurality of concentric members is from 3 to 6.

10. A height adjustable sanitary fixture comprising: a selectively telescoping seat; a toilet seat platform; a plurality of concentric members; an adjustment controller; an actuator; and a seat adjustment lever; wherein said plurality of concentric members disposed on a top surface of said toilet seat platform; wherein said plurality of concentric members defining an opening for accommodating a pelvis of a user; wherein said plurality of concentric members are vertically stacked; wherein said actuator is a hydraulic fluid pump actuated by said seat adjustment lever; wherein said hydraulic fluid pump having a hydraulic rod; and further wherein said hydraulic fluid pump pushes fluid into a cylinder for pushing said hydraulic rod and raising said plurality of concentric members.

11. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 10, wherein said plurality of concentric members adapted to raise selectively upward from a compressed state to an extended state, and further wherein said plurality of concentric members adapted to lower selectively downward from said extended state to said compressed state.

12. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 11, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump actuates while actuating said seat adjustment lever.

13. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 12, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump remains fixed upon releasing said seat adjustment lever.

14. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 13, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump actuates upon actuating said seat adjustment lever to release said fluid from said cylinder for pulling said hydraulic rod and compressing said plurality of concentric members.

15. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 14 further comprising an electronic controller for actuating said hydraulic fluid pump remains fixed upon releasing said seat adjustment lever.

16. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 15, wherein a shape of each of said plurality of concentric members is selected from the group consisting of a circle, an oval, an elliptical, a square, and a rectangle.

17. The height adjustable sanitary fixture of claim 16, wherein a height of said plurality of concentric members is from 2 to 8.

18. A method of adjusting a height of a sanitary fixture, the method comprising the steps of: providing a selectively telescoping seat, a toilet seat platform, a plurality of concentric members, an adjustment controller, an actuator, and a seat adjustment lever; affixing said plurality of concentric members on a top surface of said toilet seat platform, wherein said plurality of concentric members defining an opening for accommodating a pelvis of a user; vertically stacking said plurality of concentric members, wherein said actuator is a hydraulic fluid pump actuated by said seat adjustment lever, further wherein said hydraulic fluid pump having a hydraulic rod; and pushing fluid into a cylinder with said hydraulic fluid pump for pushing said hydraulic rod and raising said plurality of concentric members.

19. The method of adjusting a height of the sanitary fixture of claim 18, wherein said plurality of concentric members adapted to raise selectively upward from a compressed state to an extended state, and further wherein said plurality of concentric members adapted to lower selectively downward from said extended state to said compressed state.

20. The method of adjusting a height of the sanitary fixture of claim 18, wherein said hydraulic fluid pump actuates while actuating said seat adjustment lever.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable toilet device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an internal view of the adjustable toilet system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the adjustable toilet seat of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of telescoping and collapsing the telescoping toilet seat of the adjustable toilet device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a user independently going to a raised or extended seat in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing the user sitting on the raised seat in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified toilet seat that can be easily used by the elderly and individuals with limited physical dexterity. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved toiled seat that enables the elderly or disabled person to use to toilet seat without taking assistance from others. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet seat that can be used by the elderly/disabled person in absence of others without worrying about falling down while sliding onto or off of the toilet seat. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an enhanced toilet seat that prevents the elderly/disabled person from falling down while shifting to the toilet seat from their wheelchairs and prevents them from becoming injured while using the toilet. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet seat that has an appropriate height for a user who is on the wheelchair and enables the disabled person to comfortably shift to the toilet seat from their wheelchair. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved toilet seat that prevents the elderly from being disappointed or uncomfortable while using the toilets. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified toilet seat that is easily accessible by the elderly or individuals with limited physical dexterity.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a height-adjustable toilet system. The system includes a base and a toilet seat platform supporting a telescoping seat configured for vertical movement between an extended or elevated position and a collapsed position, a hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump and cylinder for enabling the vertical movement of the telescoping seat, a control button is operatively connected to the hydraulic system for manual operation of the seat adjustment, a wireless actuator is disposed on a water tank of the toilet system, wherein the wireless actuator is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote device, and wherein the remote device includes user-operable controls for remotely actuating the wireless actuator to extend and collapse the telescoping seat.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the height adjustable toilet device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The height adjustable toilet device 100 is designed as an improved toilet system to cater specifically to the needs of elderly or disabled individuals, making it easier and safer for them to use the toilet. More specifically, the height adjustable sanitary fixture 100 can be adjusted in height and thus can accommodate different mobility needs. The toilet system 100 includes a telescoping or collapsing seat 102 disposed on top surface 104 of the toilet seat platform 106. The adjustable seat 102 defines an opening 108 for accommodating pelvis of a user and to accommodate waste in a receptacle 110 defined by the toilet bowl 112.

[0028] The adjustable seat 102 has a one-piece construction and includes a plurality of vertically stacked circular or concentric (i.e., non-circular) members 114a-n. The circular or concentric members 114a-n are adapted to move up or down, which in turn raises or lowers the entire seat height to adapt to different heights. The adjustable seat 102 can be made of plastic or any other similar material which enables the vertically stacked circular or concentric members 114a-n to move up or down enabling the seat 102 to telescope or collapse.

[0029] The toilet system 100 includes a water tank 116 for storing water for delivery to waste receptacle 110 when the toilet is flushed. A lever 118 or any other similar mechanism such as a button or more can be used for delivering water to the receptacle 110. A toilet seat adjustment button or lever 120 is disposed on the cover 122 of the tank 116. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the button or lever 120 can be disposed at any appropriate position on the tank 116 for easy accessibility to a user. The button or lever 120 and the seat 102 are coupled using one or both hydraulic and electrical system (as described later in the disclosure) enabling a user to push the button or lever 120 to raise or lower the adjustable toilet seat 102. When the button or lever 120 is not pushed, the adjustable seat 102 does not rise or lower and prevents slips and falls and helps prevent any abrupt or jerky movements that can unbalance a user.

[0030] The seat cover 124 is adapted to cover the seat 102 when the seat is in a retracted or collapsed position and is attached to the rear end 126 of the top surface 104 of the toilet seat platform 106 via a hinge 128 which enables pivotal movement of the seat cover 124 relative to the seat 102. The tank 116 and the toilet seat platform 106 can be integrated or can also be designed as independent units to form the adjustable toilet system 100.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an internal view of the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the push button or lever 120 is operatively connected to a hydraulic fluid pump or actuator 202 which is preferably installed in the toilet seat platform 106 but can also be disposed in the tank 116. The pump or actuator 202 is adapted to push incompressible fluid stored therein into a cylinder 204. When the fluid is pushed into the cylinder 204, the hydraulic rod 206 is pushed to raise the adjustable seat 102 to transform into a raised orientation. The rod 206 is operatively connected to the adjustable seat 102. The seat 102 is raised gradually when the button or lever 120 is kept pushed by a user and therefore, enables a controlled movement of the seat 102. The seat 102 then remains raised upon releasing the lever 120. When the button or lever 120 is once again actuated, the fluid is pulled from the cylinder 204, thereby pulling the hydraulic rod 206 to retract or lower the seat 102 (i.e., compress the concentric members).

[0032] The pump or actuator 202 can include an electronic controller 208 which enables the bottom member 114n to extend when button or lever 120 is pushed. Similarly, to raise the seat 120 further, the button or lever 120 can be pushed multiple times.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated in the extended state, the adjustable toilet seat 102 includes a plurality of vertically stacked and equidistant horizontal circular or concentric members 114a-n. Each member may have same diameter and each circular member of the seat 102 is depicted in the drawings as being generally round, however the concentric members may be of any suitable geometric shape such as oval, elliptical, square, rectangular, or any other shape to match top surface 104 of the toilet bowl. The seat 102 has a selectively extendable height from about 2 to about 8 with about 3 to 6 being preferred to meet requirements of different users. The seat 102 can be made from silicone and plastic and are designed to extend and collapse. The seat 102 is non-slippery and can be easily wiped and cleaned with water and cleaning agents. A user sits on the top member 114a and the bottom member 114n is integrated or removably attached to the top surface 104 of the bowl.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of telescoping and collapsing the telescoping toilet seat of the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, in the present embodiment, a wireless actuator 402 is disposed on the tank 116 and is wirelessly coupled to a remote device 404. The remote device 404 can be used for actuating the wireless actuator 402 and the actuator 402 in real-time pushes the push button or lever 120 to telescopically extend or raise the seat 102. The remote device 404 enables a user to easily extend/raise the seat without physically reaching the button or lever 120. This embodiment is also helpful where the toilet system is designed with a hidden tank cover. As described earlier, the button or lever 120 can be positioned at any appropriate location on the toilet system.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a user independently moving to a raised or extended seat in accordance with the disclosed structure. Before sitting on the toilet seat 102, the user 502 can extend or raise the seat 102 by either pressing the button or lever 120 directly or using the remote device 404. When the telescoping seat 102 is raised to a desired height, the user 502 can move easily and get in position to sit on the top surface 114a of the seat 102. It should be noted that the seat 102 does not collapse on its own unless is collapsed using the push button or lever 120 or the remote device 404.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing the user sitting on the raised seat in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the user 502 can easily and securely sit on the adjustable seat 102 with the seat 102 in the raised position. The telescoping and collapsing seat 102 enables the toilet system 100 to be adaptable for different users and enables adequate bending of the knees and support to the feet.

[0037] 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 persons 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 adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system, adjustable toilet seat, height adjustable toilet device, and height adjustable sanitary fixture are interchangeable and refer to the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system 100 of the present invention.

[0038] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system 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 adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the adjustable toilet seat integrated sanitary system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.