Toilet seat lifting apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for lifting a seat (12) and lid (14) of a toilet seat and lid assembly. The apparatus includes a first hinge portion (80) integral with the seat and rotatably mounted to the base (16), a second hinge portion (82) integral with the lid (14) and rotatably mounted to the base (16) and a drive means (20) engageable with the first and second hinge portions (80 and 82). The first hinge portion (80) is adjacent a first side of the seat (12) and is the only integral part of the seat (12) secured for rotation about the base (16). The second hinge portion (82) is adjacent a second opposite side of the lid (14) and is the only integral part of the lid (14) secured for rotation about the base (16). The drive means (20) is mounted between the first and second hinge portions (80 and 82) and engages with the first and second hinge portions (80 and 82) to rotate either or both of the seat (12) and lid (14) about the base (16).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to apparatus for lifting the seat and lid of a toilet. It has been recognised previously that, due to the potential unhygienic nature of toilet seats and lids, a method of lifting the seat and lid without requiring physical contact may be beneficial. While attempts have been made to produce such devices, they have not gained particularly wide acceptance in many areas due to a number of reasons. For example, power must generally be provided to drive the seat and lid up and down and overly complex systems result in an increase in cost to an item that would otherwise be relatively inexpensive. For many consumers, the issue of needing to make contact with a potentially unhygienic toilet seat is simply not of sufficient importance to justify the additional cost and effort to install such a device.[0002]The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous devices provided for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Slots may be provided in the first and second cylindrical members, into which are received arcuate securing clips which engage with the drive housing to prevent disengagement of the first and second hollow cylindrical members from the drive housing.

Problems solved by technology

While attempts have been made to produce such devices, they have not gained particularly wide acceptance in many areas due to a number of reasons.

For example, power must generally be provided to drive the seat and lid up and down and overly complex systems result in an increase in cost to an item that would otherwise be relatively inexpensive.

For many consumers, the issue of needing to make contact with a potentially unhygienic toilet seat is simply not of sufficient importance to justify the additional cost and effort to install such a device.

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