Powered toilet & seat assembly

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-03-15
WATT GLENN MICHAEL +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided control apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is provided a proximity sensor and a sanitary spray device wherein operation of the sanitary spray device is prevented if the proximity sensor detects a presence in its detection area.
[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided control apparatus, substanti

Problems solved by technology

While such disagreements may be based on convenience, in public restrooms it is ofte

Method used

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  • Powered toilet & seat assembly
  • Powered toilet & seat assembly
  • Powered toilet & seat assembly

Examples

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Example

EXAMPLE 1

[0139]FIG. 1 illustrates control apparatus associated with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The heart of the unit is an evaluation controller which receives various inputs, evaluates the information and causes certain actions to occur.

[0140] The remotely locatable control unit (remote control) (2) interfaces with a receiver (3) via infrared wireless communication. Information transmitted from the control unit (2) is input into the evaluation controller (1). This enables a user to effect certain actions with the seat and lid.

[0141] A flush sensor (4) is based on a sound detector and monitors for the characteristic noises associated with flushing of the toilet. An electronic filter is provided with a sensor to evaluate sensitivity to the region most closely associated with the sound of running water during the flushing. Adjustments may be provided to allow adjustment for individual toilets to be made during installation.

[0142] The proximity sensor (5) is a...

Example

[0161] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. This has many features in common with the embodiment of example 1, though differs in its use of proximity sensors to initiate a majority of action associated with the system.

[0162] In FIG. 4 can be seen the toilet pan (100), the toilet seat (101), and lid (102). Powered pivoting of the seat (101) and lid (102) is accomplished by a motor and motor controller assembly housed in the hinge portion (104) of the seat assembly. This arrangement is substantially the same as in example 1.

[0163] The example of FIG. 4 differs in that it includes a first sensor (110) and second sensor (111) which are used to initiate and control a number of actions associated with the toilet system. For instance, first sensor (110) is mounted in a forward looking position in the toilet cistern lid (114). This has an approximate range (indicated by line 116) of approximately 800 mm. This proximity sensor is angled slightly dow...

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PUM

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Abstract

The invention comprises a motorised toilet seat assembly allowing for the raising and lowering of the lid (102) or seat (101) in relation to user requests or automatic sensing (110). A remote control device (200) with touch switches or sensors (201) can be provided, which can communicate with control apparatus by wired or wireless communication. Alternatively, or additionally, sensors mounted on the various components of the toilet can effect certain operations automatically, including raising or lowering the seat lid, flushing of the toilet, and the operation of auxiliary devices such as sanitary sprays, occupancy indicators, or emergency call systems. Described are embodiments which can be retrofitted to existing toilet seat assemblies as well as ready to install embodiments.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed to a toilet seat assembly which provides for the powered raising and / or lowering of either or both the lid and seat. Remote control of these operations may be provided for, though may also rely on provision for operation in response to certain sensed actions or other predetermined criteria. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION [0002] Commonly, toilet seats and lids are manually raised according to user preference—often dictated by gender. Domestic arguments about leaving toilet seat lids up or down appear to occur be an international. While such disagreements may be based on convenience, in public restrooms it is often for sanitary reasons that patrons are reluctant to touch and raise or lower seats. [0003] A solution to this problem would ideally be simple so that retrofitting to existing toilets, and without substantial modification to the toilet, was possible. Ideally such a solution would be able to be applied to an existing or avail...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47K13/10
CPCA47K13/10
Inventor WATT, GLENN MICHAELHEKE, ANDREW JOHN
Owner WATT GLENN MICHAEL
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