Hygenic Toilet Seat Lifter

Abstract

A lifting device for a toilet seat allowing the user to raise and lower the toilet seat without having to physically touch the seat. The device consists of a mounting plate, a shield, and a lifting member, with all surface being curved and without crevices. The shield extends horizontally and vertically beyond the edges of the lifting member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 437,322, filed May 19, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 682,567 filed on May 19, 2005. The present invention was described in Disclosure Document No. 554,063 filed on May 27, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to a lifting device for a toilet seat, and more particularly, to allowing the user to hygienically raise and lower the toilet seat without having to physically touch the seat.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]When a toilet in a restroom is used, often times the toilet seat is in a position which is adverse to the needs of the user. As such, the user must manipulate the seat to accommodate their needs. However, in raising and lowering the toilet seat, one exposes themselves to a myriad of germs and bacteria that jeopardize their health and well-being; especially if the toilet seat is in a p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The object of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat lifter comprising a handle jutting outwardly from the toilet seat for lifting or lowering said toilet seat without touching the toilet seat, thereby offering a hygienic toilet seat.

[0021]whereby when attached to the bottom of the toilet seat, the shield extends beyond the horizontal and vertical limits of the lifting member, and is displaced outside the perimeter of the toilet bowl, effectively shielding the finger groove from deposition of liquids or aerosols emanating from the toilet bowl.

[0032]whereby said toilet seat lifter is semi-permanently attached to the toilet seat, and when attached to the bottom of the toilet seat, the shield extends beyond the horizontal and vertical limits of the lifting member, and is displaced outside the perimeter of the toilet bowl, effectively shielding the finger groove from deposition of liquids or aerosols emanating from the toilet bowl.

Problems solved by technology

When a toilet in a restroom is used, often times the toilet seat is in a position which is adverse to the needs of the user.

However, in raising and lowering the toilet seat, one exposes themselves to a myriad of germs and bacteria that jeopardize their health and well-being; especially if the toilet seat is in a public restroom facility intended for repeated use.

This may frustrate users and inevitably leads to the disuse and negligent upkeep of the facilities.

However the handle, or lifting portion of the handle is not protected from deposition of matter emanating from the bowl, thus only providing a downward facing lifting surface, but no protection for that surface.

The Mantooth device relies on hardware to fasten the device to the toilet bowl and therefore is not easily installed, removed, or replaced if needed, nor does it protect the lifting surface effectively.

The handle of Hermann is ineffective for shielding the lifting surfaces of the toilet seat from splash or aerosolized droplets emanating from the toilet bowl when the bowl is in use or is being flushed.

None of the prior art particularly describes a hygienic lifting device for attaching to existing toilet bowl seats.

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