SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR SECURING A TOILET LID

Abstract

A toilet lid lock for securing a toilet lid of a toilet seat is provided. The toilet lid lock may include first and second toilet rim interfacing elements. The second toilet rim interfacing element is configured to slide on the first toilet rim interfacing element. The slidable action of second toilet rim interfacing element with respect to the first adjusts the width of the securing lid lock to the toilet seat. Further, a securing strap is configured to loop around the toilet lid to secure the toilet seat from being accessed. Further, a locking mechanism is installed to prevent unauthorized access to the toilet by a prospective user.

Claims

1. A toilet lid lock for securing a toilet lid closed on a toilet, comprising: a toilet rim interfacing element configured to interface with a toilet rim of the toilet; at least one toilet lid securing strap affixed to and extending from the toilet rim interfacing element; a lockable buckle configured to adjustably secure the at least one toilet lid securing strap around a surface of the toilet lid such that the toilet lid is held closed by the combined action of the toilet rim interfacing element against the toilet rim and the toilet lid securing strap against the toilet lid; and a locking mechanism configured to restrict the adjustment of the lockable buckle.

2. The toilet lid lock of claim 1, wherein: the at least one toilet lid securing strap is a plurality of toilet lid securing straps, each secured at a first end to the toilet rim interfacing element and having a second end configured for interfacing with the lockable buckle; and wherein the toilet rim interfacing element is adjustable in length.

3. The toilet lid lock of claim 2, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element comprises two elements that slidably connect.

4. The toilet lid lock of claim 2, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element has a first end region and a second end region.

5. The toilet lid lock of claim 4, wherein a first end region stopper is affixed to the first end region and a second end region stopper is affixed to the second end region.

6. The toilet lid lock of claim 5, wherein the first end region stopper and the second end region stopper are constructed of rubber.

7. The toilet lid lock of claim 2, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element is constructed of plastic.

8. The toilet lid lock of claim 2, wherein the plurality of toilet lid securing straps are affixed to the toilet rim interfacing element at different locations.

9. The toilet lid lock of claim 2, wherein the toilet lid securing straps are constructed of nylon.

10. A toilet lid lock for securing a toilet lid closed on a toilet, comprising: a toilet rim interfacing element having a first end region and a second end region, and being adjustable in length; an adjustable buckle; a first toilet lid securing strap having one end affixed to the first end region and another end coupled to the adjustable buckle; a second toilet lid securing strap having one end affixed to the second end region and another end adjustably secured to the adjustable buckle; and a locking mechanism requiring a key to unlock the adjustably secured second toilet lid securing strap.

11. The toilet lid lock of claim 10, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element comprises two elements that slidably connect.

12. The toilet lid lock of claim 10, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element's length is locked into place once adjusted to a desired length.

13. The toilet lid lock of claim 10, wherein the toilet lid securing straps are constructed of nylon.

14. The toilet lid lock of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism includes a key-operated ratchet system.

15. A method of securing a toilet lid to a toilet bowl rim, comprising: placing a toilet rim interfacing element in contact with an underside of the toilet bowl rim; laying straps affixed to and extending from the toilet rim interfacing element over a topside of the toilet bowl rim; lowering the toilet lid onto the toilet bowl rim; adjustably coupling the straps on the lowered toilet lid to a desired tensioning length; and locking the straps using a locking mechanism to immobilize the toilet lid in a closed position.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element is adjusted in length by sliding two elements that connect.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element adjusted length is locked into place.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein stoppers affixed to the toilet rim interfacing element make contact with the toilet bowl and the toilet bowl rim.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism employs a key-operated ratchet system.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the toilet rim interfacing element is constructed of plastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. There are many aspects and embodiments described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the features of a particular aspect or embodiment may be used in conjunction with the features of any or all of the other aspects or embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary toilet lid lock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the exemplary toilet lid lock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the exemplary toilet lid lock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exemplary toilet lid lock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the installation of the exemplary toilet lid lock partially installed on a toilet, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary toilet lid lock installed on a toilet securing the toilet lid, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary toilet lid lock, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates partial installation of the exemplary toilet lid lock on a toilet, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates the exemplary toilet lid lock installed on the toilet securing the toilet lid, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for securing a toilet lid to restrict access to, and use of, an associated toilet. Reference now will be made in detail to examples of the present disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0026] FIGS. 1-4 and 7, illustrate a toilet lid lock 100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, for securing a toilet lid (not shown) associated with a toilet (not shown) such that when secured access to and/or use of the toilet is restricted (e.g., the toilet lid cannot be opened such that the toilet bowl, and seat, cannot be exposed).

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, toilet lid lock 100 can include one or more toilet rim interfacing elements (at times referred to as toilet rim interfacing element, a first interfacing element, second interfacing element, a first and/or second interfacing element), such as toilet rim interfacing element 102, having at least a region that, when securing the toilet lid, can be located under the toilet rim (e.g., in the toilet bowl) and one or more securing straps 106 that mate with (e.g., couple to, pass through an opening, etc.) one or more toilet rim interfacing elements. For example, a single securing strap can be used as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 by passing through opening in the one or more toilet rim interfacing elements. For another example, a first securing strap can be coupling at one end to the one or more toilet rim interfacing elements (e.g., near the region the interfacing element that interfacings with, contacts the underside of, the toilet rim) and a second securing can be coupling at another end to the one or more toilet rim interfacing elements (e.g., near the other region the interfacing element that interfacings with, contacts the underside of, the toilet rim).

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, toilet lid lock 100 can include a length adjustable toilet interfacing element (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-6) using two or more toilet interfacing elements capable of moving relative to one another to adjust the length of the toilet interfacing element or can include a fixed length toilet interfacing element (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7-9 and described below).

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, a length adjustable toilet interfacing element can enable a user to adjust the length of the toilet interfacing element, for example, to accommodate different size toilet bowls using any reasonable technique to adapt the length of the toilet interfacing elements.

[0030] For example, the length may be adjustable using a telescoping design (e.g., a system where one interfacing element slides into another, allowing for adjustment by extending or retracting the components); slotted holes (e.g., drilling, cutting or otherwise forming slots along the length of interfacing elements and using fasteners to secure it at different positions within the slots); pivot points (e.g., incorporating a hinge or pivot mechanism that enables interfacing elements to fold or extend to various lengths); clamp and set screw (e.g., implementing a clamping mechanism along with set screws to lock interfacing elements in place at different lengths; threaded ends (e.g., using threaded sections at the ends of interfacing elements and coupling them with nuts or threaded connectors to adjust the length); removable inserts (e.g., employing interchangeable inserts or segments that can be added or removed to alter the overall length of the interfacing element); rotating joints (e.g., utilizing a rotating joint or coupling that allows interfacing elements to twist or rotate, thereby adjusting its effective length); any combination or further separation thereof; to name a few. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many techniques capable of adjusting the length of the interfacing element. For ease, a limited number of exemplary adjustment techniques are discussed in further detail. This is merely for ease and is in no way meant to be limiting.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, toilet lid lock 100 can include an adjustable toilet rim interfacing element including a first toilet rim interfacing element 102, a second toilet rim interfacing element 104, and a securing strap 106. The second toilet rim interfacing element 104 may be configured to slide on the first toilet rim interfacing element 102. The sliding of second toilet rim interfacing element 104 on the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 may be configured to adjust the width of the toilet lid lock 100 according to the toilet seat. Further, the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 may comprise at least two screw holes (not shown) at one end and a first toilet rim interfacing element slot 108 at another end. The at least two screw holes may be disposed longitudinally adjacent to each other at a predetermined distance from one end. The predetermined distance may be the distance required to fit a width of the toilet seat. The at least two screw holes may be configured to allow at least two screws 110 to lock the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 to the second toilet rim interfacing element 104.

[0032] Further, the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 may comprise a canal slot 112 beginning at one end and extending toward the other end longitudinally, and a second toilet rim interfacing element slot 114 at the other end. It may be noted that the canal slot 112 may be fabricated along the length of the second toilet rim interfacing element 104. The canal slot 112 may be configured to allow the sliding of the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 parallel to the lower base plate. The canal slot 112 may be provided with a width equal to the diameter of the at least two screws 110. In some embodiments, the length of the canal slot 112 may be greater than the predetermined distance between the at least two screws 110. Such length may facilitate the sliding action of the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 over the first toilet rim interfacing element 102. In some embodiments, the canal slot 112 having a length equal to a predetermined distance that may be required to fit the width of the toilet seat. It may be noted the at least two screws 110 may be configured to pass through the canal slot 112 of the second toilet rim interfacing element 104. Further, the at least two screws 110 may be provided a fastener 116. The fastener 116 may be configured to lock the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 to the first toilet rim interfacing element 102.

[0033] In some embodiments, the securing strap 106 may be configured to loop around the toilet lid to secure the toilet seat 506 from being accessed by a user. The securing strap 106 may be configured to pass through the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 from the first toilet rim interfacing element slot 108. Further, the securing strap 106 may be configured to pass through the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 from the second toilet rim interfacing element slot 114. Thus, the securing strap 106 may be configured to pass under the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 and the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 to secure the toilet lid. The securing strap 106 may comprise a buckle 118 at one end. The buckle 118 may be configured to secure another end of the securing strap 106.

[0034] In an embodiment, the buckle 118 may be installed at a distance from one end and to the other end of the securing strap 106. Further, the buckle 118 may comprise a housing 120 and a latch 122. The housing 120 may be coupled to one end of the securing strap 106. Further, the housing 120 may comprise a latch hinge 124. The latch hinge 124 may be configured to couple the latch 122 to the housing 120. The latch 122 in an open configuration may facilitate passing the other end of the securing strap 106 across the housing 120. Further, the latch 122 in a closed configuration (not shown) may lock the other end of the securing strap 106 to the housing 120.

[0035] Further, the housing 120 may comprise a lock slot 126 to secure the latch 122, via a lock 128. The lock 128 may be configured to prevent unlocking of the latch 122 without a key (not shown). Further, the lock 128 may slide along the lock slot 126 when in closed configuration of the latch 122. In some embodiments, the buckle 118, the lock 128, and the components therein may be collectively referred as a fastening mechanism to adjust the tightening/loosening of the securing strap 106 according to the toilet lid 508/toilet seat 506.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the toilet lid lock, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least two screws 110 may be configured to pass through at least two screw holes of the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 and the canal slot 112 of the second toilet rim interfacing element 104. The at least two screws 110 may be provided with a fastener 116. In some embodiments, the fastener 116 may correspond to a head of the at least two screws 110. In some example embodiments, the fastener may include a V-shape clip. The V-shape clip may allow the user to provide a torsional force to the fastener 116 to lock the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 to the second toilet rim interfacing element 104. In some embodiments, the at least two screws 110 may be a threaded screw made from a material selected from a group of materials, such as, but not limited to, of stainless steel, wood, alloy steel, plastic, PCB, any further combination or separation thereof; to name a few. For example, the user may first adjust the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 and the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 at a predetermined distance to fit the width of the toilet seat. Further, the fastener 116 may be configured to lock the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 and the first toilet rim interfacing element 102 at the set predetermined distance. In one example embodiment, the predetermined distance may be equal to a length of the canal slot 112.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the toilet lid lock 100, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the latch 122 may be inserted in the housing 120. Further the latch 122 may include at least two latch slots (not shown). The at least two latch slots, in closed configuration, may align with the latch hinge 124 for locking the latch 122 to the housing 120, via the lock 128. It may be noted that the lock 128 may prevent any user to access the toilet 500, without the key.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the toilet lid lock 100 installed on a toilet 500, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the toilet lid lock 100 securing a toilet lid, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] In some embodiments, the toilet lid lock 100 may be installed under a rim 502 of a toilet bowl 504. The toilet lid lock 100 may be secured to the toilet 500 by adjusting the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 and the first toilet rim interfacing element 102. The second toilet rim interfacing element 104 may be configured to slide along the canal slot 112 to match an internal diameter of the toilet bowl 504. The end of the second toilet rim interfacing element 104 and the first toilet rim interfacing element 102, may extend to a bottom of the rim 502. In this positioning, with interfacing elements 102/104 located under and/or contacting the bottom surface of rim 502, removal of the toilet lid lock 100 from the toilet 500 can be obstructed. Further, the securing strap 106 may be configured to secure a toilet lid 508. As shown in FIG. 6, the securing strap 106 may be wrapped around the toilet lid 508 to secure the toilet 500 from being accessed by the user. It may be noted that the unfastening mechanism of the securing strap 106 may be simple lift and push mechanism. For instance, to unfasten the securing strap 106 the latch 122 may be lifted from the housing 120, and one end of the securing strap 106 may be pulled back to detach from the buckle 118.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates another perspective view of a toilet lid lock 700, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8-9 are described in conjunction with FIG. 7.

[0041] The toilet lid lock 700 may operate in a similar manner as the toilet lid lock 100 described earlier in FIGS. 1-6. However, the adjustment of the toilet lid lock 700 may be different from the toilet lid lock 100.

[0042] The toilet lid lock 700 may comprise a base plate 702. The base plate 702 may be a non-adjustable plate. Further, the base plate 702 may comprise at least two base plate slots 704 at each end. The at least two base plate slots 704 may be fabricated transversely towards either end of the base plate 702. The at least two base plate slots 704 may be provided for receiving the securing strap 106. It may be noted that the base plate 702 may act as a housing for the securing strap 106. Further, the securing strap 106 may be tightened or coupled using buckles (that can be adjustable and lockable), clips or snaps (a quick release mechanism for easy attachment), Velcro or hook-and-loop (for reusable and adjustable closures), d-rings or carabiners (used to link straps or attach to loops), magnetic fasteners (for lighter application), combination or separation thereof, to name a few, or the similar mechanism as explained in FIG. 1 above.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, another perspective view of the toilet lid lock 700 installed on the toilet 500, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates another perspective view of the toilet lid lock 700 securing the toilet lid 508, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] As discussed earlier, the toilet lid lock 700 may be installed under the rim 502 of the toilet bowl 504. The toilet lid lock 700 may be secured to the toilet lid 508. The base plate 702 may be inserted to match an internal diameter of the toilet bowl 504. The end of the base plate 702 may extend to a bottom of the rim 502. The rim 502 may be configured to prevent the removal of the secure toilet lid 508 from the toilet 500. It will be apparent that the toilet bowl 504 may have a conical structure such that the base plate 702 of the toilet lid lock 700 may not fall into the toilet bowl 504.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, the securing strap 106 may be configured to secure the toilet lid 508. The securing strap 106 may be wrapped around the toilet lid 508 to secure the toilet 500 from being accessed by the user. The lock 128 may be configured to prevent unlocking of the latch 122 without the key. Further, the lock 128 may slide along the lock slot 126 when in the closed configuration of the latch 122.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the toilet lid locks 100, 700 as discussed above may be used to restrict access to, and usage of, a toilet and/or may limit the spread of diseases in washrooms. The toilet lid locks 100, 700 may prevent accidents caused by flushing items that should not be flushed, such as toys, socks, or other small objects. Additionally, the toilet lid locks 100, 700 may reduce the risk of injury and accidental drowning of young children.

[0047] In certain alternate embodiments, instead of a plurality of securing straps, a single securing strap may be employed, for instance with one strap passing through and under a toilet rim interfacing element such that each end of the single securing strap serves the purpose that may otherwise be served by a separate securing strap affixed at either end of the rim interfacing element. This may, for example, reduce the number of parts necessary for the device.

[0048] One skilled in the art will understand that the securing strap described can be any item capable of being used to secure the toilet lid. For example, the securing strap can be a rope or cord (e.g., utilizing strong and durable ropes or cords made of materials like nylon, polyester, or natural fibers such as hemp or cotton, etc.); bungee cords (e.g., elastic cords with hooks on each end that provide flexibility and tension for securing items); chains (e.g., strong metal chains with hooks or fasteners at the ends for heavy-duty securing); ratchet tie-downs (e.g., straps with a ratcheting mechanism that allows for easy tightening and securing of cargo); rubber straps (e.g., elastic rubber straps or bands that stretch and secure items in place); tarp straps (e.g., specifically designed straps with hooks at each end, commonly used to secure tarps or covers); cargo nets (e.g., webbed nets made of strong materials like nylon, capable of holding down variously sized objects); twist ties or zip ties (e.g., plastic or metal ties that can be cinched tight around items to hold them in place); sash cord (e.g., a strong, smooth, and flexible cord often used for tying down objects due to its strength and durability); locking straps (e.g., straps with a locking mechanism that provides additional security once fastened); any further combination or separation thereof; to name a few.

[0049] While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims.

[0050] The description above and examples are illustrative and are not intended to be restrictive. One of ordinary skill in the art may make numerous modifications and/or changes without departing from the general scope of the invention. For example, and as has been referenced, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, portions of the above-described embodiments may be removed without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or aspect to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from their scope. Many other embodiments will also be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.