TOILET SEAT

Abstract

A bumper for a toilet seat includes a peripheral support extending from a first end of the bumper to a second, opposite end of the bumper and a radial support extending from and disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support. The peripheral support and the radial support are configured to engage a socket protruding from a bottom surface of the toilet seat.

Claims

1. A bumper for a toilet seat, the bumper comprising: a peripheral support extending from a first end of the bumper to a second end of the bumper opposite the first end; and a radial support extending from and disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support, wherein the peripheral support and the radial support are configured to engage a socket protruding from a bottom surface of the toilet seat.

2. The bumper of claim 1, wherein the peripheral support is disposed parallel to an outer perimeter of the bottom surface of the toilet seat, when the bumper engages the socket.

3. The bumper of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions, each of the plurality of protrusions configured to engage a recess disposed in the socket, wherein at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends from the peripheral support and at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends from the radial support.

4. The bumper of claim 1, further comprising: a body comprised of a first material configured to engage the socket; and a base coupled to the body and configured to engage the socket, the base comprised of a second material, different than the first material, wherein the body and the base each form a portion of the peripheral support and a portion of the radial support.

5. The bumper of claim 4, wherein the first material has a higher durometer than the second material.

6. The bumper of claim 4, wherein the base is configured to engage a surface of a toilet.

7. A toilet seat comprising: a bottom surface; at least one socket protruding from the bottom surface, the at least one socket including a cavity; and a bumper configured to engage the cavity, the bumper including a peripheral support extending from a first end of the bumper to a second end of the bumper opposite the first end, and a radial support extending from the peripheral support.

8. The toilet seat of claim 7, wherein the peripheral support is disposed parallel to an outer perimeter of the bottom surface of the toilet seat.

9. The toilet seat of claim 7, wherein the cavity includes a peripheral portion configured to receive the peripheral support and a radial portion configured to receive the radial support.

10. The toilet seat of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions extending from the bumper; and a plurality of recesses disposed in side surface of the cavity, each of the plurality of recesses configured to receive one of the plurality of protrusions.

11. The toilet seat of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends from the peripheral support and at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends from the radial support, and wherein at least one of the recesses is disposed in a side wall of the cavity along the peripheral portion and at least one of the recesses is disposed in the side wall of the cavity along the radial portion.

12. The toilet seat of claim 7, wherein the cavity includes a plurality of bridges extending from an interior surface of the cavity, the plurality of bridges configured to engage the bumper.

13. The toilet seat of claim 7, further comprising: an exterior lip extending from the bottom surface of the seat along an outer perimeter of the toilet seat, wherein the socket abuts the exterior lip.

14. A toilet seat comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; an opening extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; and at least one socket protruding from the bottom surface, the at least one socket including a cavity; and a bumper configured to engage the cavity, the bumper including a peripheral support disposed parallel to an outer perimeter of the bottom surface, the peripheral support extending from a first end of the bumper to a second end of the bumper opposite the first end, and a radial support extending from the peripheral support.

15. The toilet seat of claim 7, wherein the radial support is disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support.

16. The toilet seat of claim 14, wherein the cavity includes a peripheral portion configured to receive the peripheral support and a radial portion configured to receive the radial support.

17. The toilet seat of claim 16, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions extending from the bumper; and a plurality of recesses disposed in side surface of the cavity, each of the plurality of recesses configured to receive one of the plurality of protrusions.

18. The toilet seat of claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends from the peripheral support and at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends from the radial support, and wherein at least one of the recesses is disposed in a side wall of the cavity along the peripheral portion and at least one of the recesses is disposed in the side wall of the cavity along the radial portion.

19. The toilet seat of claim 14, wherein the cavity includes a plurality of bridges extending from an interior surface of the cavity, the plurality of bridges configured to engage the bumper.

20. The toilet seat of claim 14, further comprising: an exterior lip extending from the bottom surface of the seat along an outer perimeter of the toilet seat, wherein the socket abuts the exterior lip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure should become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

[0005] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of toilets in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet including a tank and FIG. 2 illustrates a tankless toilet.

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a toilet seat assembly in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a toilet seat in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a toilet seat in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial exploded view of a toilet seat in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a socket in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a bumper assembly in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for assembling a toilet seat in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Described herein are bumper assemblies and toilet seats including bumper assemblies configured to engage a surface (e.g., rim) of the base or pedestal of toilet, preventing movement (e.g., sliding) of the seat during use. The bumper assemblies and toilet seats described herein are further configured to be resiliently coupled to one another without requiring the use of adhesives or fasteners. For example, the bumper assemblies and toilet seats described herein may include mechanical mating features configured to resiliently couple the bumper assembly and toilet seat. In some examples, the bumper assembly and toilet seat may include mating features disposed along multiple (e.g., perpendicular, oblique) axes, facilitating resilient, durable coupling of the bumper assembly and toilet seat.

[0014] In accordance with some examples, provided herein are bumper assemblies including a bumper having a peripheral support disposed parallel to an outer perimeter of a surface (e.g., bottom surface) of a toilet seat and/or parallel to an outer perimeter of a surface, for example, a rim, of the toilet. The peripheral support may engage a surface of the toilet, preventing movement of the toilet seat. For example, the peripheral support may prevent sliding of the seat relative to a rim of a toilet when a user initially sits on the seat or moves while sitting on the seat.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the peripheral support of the bumper may contact an upper surface of the rim along a perimeter of the rim, perpendicular to a radius extending from a center of the seat and/or pedestal or bowl of the toilet. Accordingly, the peripheral support of the bumper may advantageously prevent movement, for example, radially outward sliding of the seat during use. For example, a bumper assembly according to the present disclosure may prevent movement or sliding of a toilet seat relative to the rim of a toilet when a user initially sits on the seat or moves while sitting on the toilet seat.

[0016] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the bumper assembly may further include a radial support extending from the peripheral support. In some examples, the radial support may be disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support. Accordingly, the bumper assembly may have a T-shape configured to abut an upper surface of a toilet (e.g., rim) about multiple axes, preventing movement of the seat relative to the base or pedestal of the toilet. For example, the T-shape may efficiently prevent movement (e.g., sliding) of the seat in multiple directions, while reducing or minimizing required materials and costs.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate toilets that may include a toilet seat and bumper assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, a toilet 100 including a base 110 (e.g., pedestal, bowl) and a tank 120 is shown. The base 110 is configured to be attached to another object such as a drainpipe, floor, or another suitable object. The base 110 includes a bowl 111, a sump (e.g., a receptacle) disposed below the bowl 111, and a trapway fluidly connecting the bowl 111 to a drainpipe or sewage line. The tank 120 may be supported by the base 110, such as an upper surface of a rim 115. The tank 120 may be integrally formed with the base 110 as a single unitary body. In other embodiments, the tank 120 may be formed separately from the base 110 and coupled (e.g., attached, secured, fastened, connected, etc.) to the base 110. The toilet 100 may further include a tank lid 122 covering an opening and inner cavity in the tank 120. The toilet 100 may include a seat assembly 130 including a seat 131 and a seat cover 132 rotatably coupled to the base 110. The toilet 100 may further include a hinge assembly 135.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, a tankless toilet 200 is shown. The toilet 200 includes a base 210 and a seat assembly 230 coupled to the base. The base 210 includes a bowl 211, a sump disposed below the bowl 211, and a trapway fluidly connecting the bowl 211 to a drainpipe or sewage line. The toilet 200 includes a waterline 240 that supplies the toilet 200 with water. The toilet 200 may further include a seat assembly 230 including a seat 231 and a seat cover 232 rotatably coupled to the base 210. The toilets 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided herein as non-limiting examples of toilets that may be configured to utilize aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, a seat assembly 301 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the seat assembly 301 may include a seat 300, a seat cover 390, and a hinge assembly 395. The seat assembly 301 may be provided with or without a seat cover 390. The hinge assembly 395 may rotatably couple the seat 300 and/or seat cover 390 to a toilet (e.g., 100, 200). Specifically, the hinge assembly 395 may rotatably couple the seat 300 and/or the seat cover 390 to a base or pedestal (e.g., 110, 210) of a toilet, such that the seat 300 and/or seat cover 390 may rotate between an upward (e.g., open) position and a downward (e.g., closed) position.

[0020] The seat cover 390 may be disposed above the seat 300 when both the seat 300 and the seat cover 390 are disposed in the downward (e.g., closed) position. The seat cover 390 may enclose (e.g., cover, conceal) an opening extending through the seat 300 when the seat cover 390 is in the closed position. The seat cover 390 may be rotated from the closed position to an open position, such that the seat 300 (and an opening extending therethrough) are accessible. The seat 300 and the seat cover 390 are both examples of toilet attachments in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0021] Referring generally to FIGS. 4 and 5, a toilet seat 300 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the seat 300 includes a top surface 310, a bottom surface 320 opposite the top surface 310, and an opening 325 extending between the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 may both have an annular shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 may have an oval or elliptical shape. A shape of the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 may vary. In other examples, the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 may have a (e.g., substantially) circular shape. The top surface 310 of the seat 300 may be configured to support a user sitting on the seat 300.

[0022] The seat 300 may further include an inner edge or inner perimeter 311 where the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 meet. In some examples, an inner wall may extend between the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 and define the inner perimeter of the seat. The inner perimeter 311 may define a size and/or shape of the opening 325 extending through the seat 300. The opening 325 may be disposed at a center of the seat 300. The opening 325 may be configured to receive waste deposited from a user into the bowl (e.g., 111, 211) of the toilet. As shown in FIG. 4, the seat 300 may include an outer wall 312 extending between the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 320 along a periphery of the seat 300. The outer wall 312 may define an outer perimeter 313 of the seat 300.

[0023] According to some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the seat 300 may further include an interior lip 321 extending from the bottom surface 320 of the seat along the inner perimeter 311 of the seat 300. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the seat 300 may include an exterior lip 322 extending from the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300 along the outer perimeter 313 of the seat 300. The interior lip 321 and exterior lip 322 may contribute to the structural integrity and/or rigidity of the seat 300. For example, a thickness of the interior lip 321 and/or exterior lip 322 may be selected based on desired deformation or flex of the seat 300.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat 300 may further include one or more sockets 330 and one or more bumper assemblies 400. As described above, the bumper assemblies 400 may be configured to contact a surface, for example, a rim of the toilet to prevent movement of the seat 300 during use. The seat 300 may include a corresponding number of sockets 330 and bumper assemblies 400. Each of the sockets 330 may be configured to receive a bumper assembly 400. As noted above and described hereinafter in greater detail, each socket 330 and bumper assembly 400 may include mating features configured to mechanically couple the socket 330 and bumper assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the bumper assemblies 400 is disposed within a corresponding socket 330.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the seat 300 may include one or more sockets 330. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the one or more sockets 330 may protrude from the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. In other examples, the one or more sockets 330 may be formed within the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. Each of the sockets 330 may be configured to receive a bumper assembly 400. As described hereinafter in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, each socket 330 and a respective bumper assembly 400 may be configured to lockingly engage one another, coupling the socket 330 and bumper assembly 400.

[0026] According to some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the seat 300 may include two sockets 330 and two bumper assemblies 400. The seat 300 may include a corresponding number of sockets 330 and bumper assemblies 400. Any number of sockets 330 and bumper assemblies 400 may be included. For example, the seat 300 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more than five sockets 330 and bumper assemblies 400.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, a partial exploded view of a toilet seat 300 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a bumper assembly 400 disposed outside of the socket 330 of the toilet seat 300. As shown in FIG. 6, the bumper assembly 400 may include a linear segment, edge support, or peripheral support 410 extending between a first end 411 of the bumper assembly 400 and a second end 412 of the bumper assembly 400. The first end 411 and the second end 412 may be opposite ends of the bumper assembly 400, such that the peripheral support 410 extends along an entire length of the bumper assembly 400. The peripheral support 410 may extend in a straight line between the first end 411 and the second end 412.

[0028] According to some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral support 410 of the bumper assembly 400 may be disposed parallel to an outer perimeter 313 of the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. Accordingly, the peripheral support 410 may engage a surface (e.g., rim) of a toilet along a perimeter of the seat 300, preventing movement of the seat 300 during use, for example, when a user sits or moves on the seat 300. Specifically, in some examples, the peripheral support 410 may prevent radial (e.g., inward, outward) movement of the seat 300 during use. In some examples, the peripheral support 410 or a socket 330 including the peripheral support 410 may abut and/or be disposed along the exterior lip 322 of the seat 300.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 6, the bumper assembly 400 may include a spoke segment or radial support 420 extending from the peripheral support 410 of the bumper assembly 400. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the radial support 420 may be disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support 410. The radial support 420 may extend from the peripheral support 410 toward a center of the seat 300. For example, the radial support 420 may extend along a radius of the seat 300 toward a center of the seat 300. In some examples, the radial support 420 may extend from a center of the peripheral support 410. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the radial support 420 may extend from a center of the peripheral support 410 such that the bumper 400 has a substantially T-shape.

[0030] According to some examples, the radial support 420 of the bumper assembly 400 may be disposed along a radius of the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. Accordingly, the radial support 420 may engage a surface (e.g., rim) of the toilet along a radius of the seat 300, preventing movement of the seat 300 during use, for example, when a user sits or moves on the seat 300.

[0031] In some examples, the bumper assembly 400 may include two or more radial supports 420 extending from the peripheral support 410. In some examples, one or more of the radial supports 420 may be disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the peripheral support 410. For example, the bumper assembly 400 may include two radial supports extending from a center of the peripheral support 410, such that the bumper assembly 400 has a substantially K-shape. Accordingly, in some examples, one or more of the radial supports 420 may extend toward a center of the seat, without extending directly along a radius extending from the center of the seat 300 (e.g., the radial support 420 may be slightly askew from an exact center point of the seat 300). In some examples, two or more radial supports 420 may extend from and be disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support 410 of the bumper assembly 400. For example, all of the radial supports 420 may be disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support 410. For example, a radial support 420 disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support 410 may extend from each of the first end 411 and the second end 412 of the peripheral support 410, such that the bumper assembly 400 has a substantially n-shape. In some examples, the bumper assembly 400 may include at least one radial support 420 disposed perpendicular to the peripheral support 410 and at least one radial support 420 disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the peripheral support 410.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6, the seat 300 may include a socket 330 extending from the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. The socket 330 may form a cavity 331 configured to receive the bumper assembly 400. In other examples, the cavity 331 may be disposed (e.g., formed) directly in the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6, the socket 330 may include a plurality of socket walls 332. Each of the socket walls 332 may extend from the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. The plurality of socket walls 332 may define the size and/or shape of the cavity 331 disposed in the socket 330.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, the cavity 331 and the bumper assembly 400 may have corresponding shapes, such that the bumper assembly 400 may be disposed within the cavity 331. Accordingly, the cavity 331 may include a peripheral portion 341 disposed parallel to an outer perimeter 313 of the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. The peripheral portion 341 of the cavity 331 may be configured to receive the peripheral support 410 of the bumper assembly 400. The cavity 331 may further include one or more radial portions 342 extending from the peripheral portion 341. Each radial portion 342 of the cavity 331 may be configured to receive a radial support 420 of the bumper assembly 400. According to the present disclosure, the cavity 331 may include a radial portion 342 for each radial support 420 included in the bumper assembly 400.

[0034] As noted above, the cavity 331 of the socket 330 may be configured to receive the bumper assembly 400. As described hereinafter in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cavity 331 of the socket 330 and the bumper assembly 400 may each include mating features, such that the socket 330 and bumper assembly 400 engage one another, coupling the socket 330 and the bumper assembly 400.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, a socket 330 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. As noted above, the socket 330 may include a plurality of socket walls 332 extending from the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300. The plurality of socket walls 332 may define a size and shape of the cavity 331 configured to receive the bumper assembly 400. Specifically, the plurality of socket walls 332 may define a side surface 333 of the cavity 331. The cavity 331 may include an opening 334 extending between the socket walls 332 at a distal end of the plurality of socket walls 332 (an end opposite the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300). Additionally, the cavity 331 may include an interior surface 335 disposed opposite the opening 334. In some examples, the interior surface 335 may be the bottom surface 320 of the seat 300.

[0036] Additionally, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 7, the cavity 331 may include one or more bridges 336 disposed within the cavity 331. Each of the one or more bridges 336 may extend from the interior surface 335 (e.g., bottom surface 320) of the cavity 331. Each of the one or more bridges 336 may be configured to engage (e.g., abut) a portion of the bumper assembly 400, controlling a position of the bumper assembly 400 relative to the cavity 331.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, the cavity 331 may further include a plurality of undercuts or recesses 337 formed in the side surface 333 of the cavity 331. Each of the recesses 337 may be configured to receive a protrusion 453 (see FIG. 8) extending from the bumper assembly 400, such that the bumper assembly 400 and cavity 331 may be coupled to one another. According to some examples, the cavity may include at least one recess 337 disposed in the side surface 333 of the cavity 331 along the peripheral portion 341 of the cavity 331 and at least one recess 337 disposed in the side surface 333 of the cavity 331 along the radial portion 342 of the cavity 331. In some examples, the cavity 331 may include a plurality of recesses 337 provided in pairs. For example, the cavity 331 may include a plurality of recesses 337 provided in pairs, such that each recess 337 has corresponding recess 337 formed in an opposite side surface 333 of the cavity. Accordingly, each recess 337 may include a corresponding recess formed across the cavity 331 in an opposite side surface 333 of the cavity 331.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 8, an exploded view of a bumper assembly 400 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8, the bumper assembly 400 may include a body 450 and a base 470 coupled to one another. The body 450 and the base 470 may be composed of different materials. The body 450 and the base 470 may be composed of different materials. Specifically, the body 450 may be composed of a first material and the base 470 may be composed of a second, different material. In some examples, the first material may have a higher durometer than the second material. In some examples, the body 450 may be more rigid than the base 470. In some examples, the base 470 may be more flexible than body 450.

[0039] The base 470 of the bumper assembly 400 may be configured to abut a surface (e.g., rim) of a toilet (e.g., 100, 200) and prevent movement of a seat (e.g., 300) relative to the base or pedestal of the toilet. Specifically, a bottom panel 471 (see FIG. 6) of the base 470 may be configured to contact a surface of the base or pedestal of the toilet. The bottom panel 471 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the bumper assembly 400. Specifically, the bottom panel 471 may include a peripheral portion 477 configured to extend along a periphery of the seat 300 and be disposed within the peripheral portion 341 of the cavity 331 when the bumper assembly 400 is coupled to the socket 330 and a radial portion 478 configured to extend from the peripheral portion 341 (e.g., toward a center of the seat 300) and be disposed within the radial portion 342 of the cavity 331 when the bumper assembly 400 is coupled to the socket 330.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 8, the base 470 may further include a plurality of sidewalls 472 extending (e.g., upward) from the bottom panel 471 along a periphery of the bottom panel 471. The bottom panel 471 and the plurality of sidewalls 472 may define an interior hollow section 473 therebetween. According to some examples, the interior hollow section 473 of the base 470 may be configured to receive the body 450 of the bumper assembly 400.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the base 470 may further include a plurality of inserts 474 extending from the plurality of sidewalls 472 into the interior hollow section 473 of the base 470. The plurality of inserts 474 may be configured to be engaged by the body 450 of the bumper assembly 400 facilitating coupling of the base 470 and the body 450.

[0042] Still referring to FIG. 8, in some examples, base 470 may include one or more caps 475 extending (e.g., upward) from a sidewall 472 and/or insert 474 of the base 470. Each cap may extend from a sidewall 472 and/or insert 474 at a location along the sidewall 472 corresponding an insert 474. Each of the caps 475 may be configured to engage a protrusion extending from the body 450, facilitating coupling of the base 470 and the body 450.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the body 450 may include a frame 451, a plurality of columns 452, and a plurality of protrusions 453. As shown in FIG. 8, the frame 451 may be a wall or panel having a shape corresponding to an outline or contour of the bumper assembly (e.g., the peripheral support 410 and the one or more radial supports 420). Specifically, the frame 451 may include a peripheral portion 457 configured to extend along a periphery of the seat and be disposed within the peripheral portion 341 of the cavity 331 when the bumper assembly 400 is coupled to the socket 330. Additionally, the frame 451 may include a radial portion 458 configured to extend from the peripheral portion 457 (e.g., toward a center of the seat 300) and be disposed within the radial portion 342 of the cavity 331 when the bumper assembly 400 is coupled to the socket 330.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the body 450 may further include a plurality of columns 452 extending from the frame 451. As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of columns 452 may extend in an axial direction, downwardly from the frame 451 of the body 450. The plurality of columns 452 may be configured to extend into the interior hollow section 473 of the base 470. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8, adjacent columns 452 may extend from the frame 451 of the body 450 such that an opening 454 is disposed between the pair of adjacent columns 452. According to some examples, an insert 474 of the base 470 may be disposed between an adjacent pair of columns 452.

[0045] According to some examples of the present disclosure, one of the body 450 and the base 470 may be molded or overmolded on the other of the body 450 and the base 470. For example, the base 470 may be molded on the body 450. According to some examples, the body 450 may be formed in a first mold and placed in a second different mold in which the base 470 is formed around the body 450. In other examples, the base 470 and the body 450 may formed in the same mold (e.g., using a two-shot molding process with or without rotation of the mold).

[0046] According to other examples, the body 450 and the base 470 may be formed individually and coupled to one another. For example, the opening 454 disposed between columns 452 may be configured to receive an insert 474 of the base 470 when the columns are disposed in the interior hollow section 473 of the base 470. The adjacent columns 452 may configured to engage (e.g., abut) an insert 474 disposed in the opening 454. For example, the insert 474 and the columns 452 may have an interference fit connection such that the base 470 and the body 450 are coupled to one another when the columns 452 engage the insert 474.

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 8, the body 450 may further include a plurality of protrusions 453 extending from the frame 451. As sown in FIG. 8, the plurality of protrusions 453 may extend laterally from the frame 451 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of columns 452). Each of the plurality of protrusions 453 may be configured to engage a respective recess 337 formed in a side surface 333 of the cavity 331, coupling the bumper assembly 400 and the socket 330. Specifically, a recess 337 formed in a side surface 333 of the cavity 331 and a protrusion 453 extending from the bumper assembly 400 may interfere with one another, preventing the bumper assembly 400 from being withdrawn from the cavity 331.

[0048] According to some examples, one or more (e.g., all of) the protrusions 453 extending from the frame 451 may be configured to abut a cap 475 extending from a sidewall 472 and/or insert 474 of the base 470.

[0049] According to some examples, the plurality or protrusions 453 may be provided in pairs. For example, a protrusion 453 may extend from an exterior (e.g., peripheral) surface of the frame 451 at corresponding (e.g., the same) location on opposite sides of the frame 451. For example, the body 450 may include one or more pairs of protrusions 453 extending from each of opposite sides of the frame 451 at the same location along the length of the peripheral portion 457 of the frame 451. Additionally, the body 450 may include one or more pairs of protrusions 453 extending from each of opposite sides of the frame 451 at the same location along the length of the radial portion 458 of the frame 451.

[0050] According to some examples, the bumper assembly 400 may include protrusions 453 extending from both the peripheral support 410 and the radial support 420. Similarly, the cavity 331 may include recesses 337 disposed in a side surface 333 of each of the peripheral portion 341 and the radial portion 342 of the cavity 331. Accordingly, the at least one protrusion 453 extending from the peripheral support 410 may be configured to engage the at least one recess 337 disposed along the peripheral portion 341 of the cavity 331 and the at least one protrusion 453 extending from the radial support 420 may be configured to engage the at least one recess 337 disposed along the radial portion 342 of the cavity 331.

[0051] Accordingly, the bumper assembly 400 may be coupled to the socket 330 via interlocking protrusions 453 and recesses 337 disposed along multiple axes, improving the strength and/or resiliency by which the bumper assembly 400 and socket 330 are coupled to one another. Accordingly, in some examples, in the event that interference between the protrusions 453 and recesses 337 disposed along one of the axes of the bumper assembly 400 is compromised, for example, due to deformation of the socket 330 and/or bumper assembly 400 during use, interference between the protrusions 453 and recesses 337 disposed along the second, different axis may be maintained and thus the bumper assembly 400 and socket 330 may remain coupled to one another.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 9, a flowchart 500 for a method of assembling a toilet seat is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be provided.

[0053] According to some examples, in a first act S101, the body 450 and base 470 of a bumper assembly 400 may be coupled to one another, forming the bumper assembly 400. According to some examples, the body 450 and the base 470 may be coupled to one another by molding (e.g., overmolding) one of the body 450 or the base 470 to the other of the body 450 or the base 470. According to other examples, the body 450 and the base 470 may be formed separately and subsequently coupled to one another. For example, a glue or adhesive may be applied to one or both of the body 450 and the base 470, and the body 450 and base 470 may be pressed together so as to be coupled to one another. According to some examples, the body 450 and the base 470 may be coupled to one another such that one or more columns 452 extending from a frame 451 of the body 450 are disposed within an interior hollow section 473 of the base 470 and engage an insert 474 disposed in the interior hollow section 473. According to some examples, the body 450 and base 470 may be coupled to one other using an interference or press fit connection. For example, the one or more columns 452 extending from the frame 451 may be inserted or pressed into the interior hollow section 473 of the base 470, engaging the sidewalls 472 of the base, coupling the body 450 and the base 470 to one another.

[0054] According to some examples, in a second act S103, the bumper assembly 400 may be inserted into a socket 330 disposed on a bottom surface 320 of a toilet seat 300, such that each of a plurality of protrusions 453 extending from the bumper assembly 400 engages a respective one of a plurality of recesses 337 formed in the socket 330, coupling the bumper assembly 400 and the socket 330. For example, the bumper assembly 400 may be pressed into a (e.g., respective) socket disposed on the bottom surface of the toilet seat 300 or another toilet attachment, for example, seat cover 390. The bumper assembly 400 may be pressed into the socket 330, such that the plurality of protrusions 453 move along the side surface 333 of the socket 330 and into respective recesses 337 of the socket 330. Once the bumper assembly 400 is inserted into the socket 330, each of the plurality of protrusions 453 may engage a respective recess 337, such that interference between the protrusion 453 and recess 337 prevents removal of the bumper assembly 400 from the socket 330.

[0055] Although described above in connection with a toilet seat, the bumper assemblies 400 and sockets 330 described herein may be used in combination with another toilet attachment, for example, a seat cover (e.g., 390). For example, a socket (e.g., 330) may be disposed in a bottom surface of the seat cover and a bumper assembly (e.g., 400) coupled to the seat cover via the socket may engage (e.g., contact) a surface of a toilet seat (e.g., 300) preventing movement or sliding of the seat cover relative to the seat.

[0056] When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being configured to meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.

[0057] As utilized herein, the terms approximately, about, substantially, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0058] It should be noted that the term exemplary and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0059] The term coupled and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If coupled or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of coupled provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., directly coupled means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of coupled provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0060] The term or, as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0061] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., top, bottom, above, below) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0062] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0063] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.