Toilet seat cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet seat cover (100) constructed as a single component, comprising a first edge (110) and a second edge (120), which, when enclosing a toilet seat (200), have their perimeters completely or partially overlap and are fastened by adhesion of the material in the area of direct contact with the toilet seat (200) to the toilet seat and adhesion of the material to one another in the overlap area (150).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sanitary equipment and apparatus, and more particularly to sanitary accessories such as covers and protective sleeves.

[0002] introduction

[0003] This invention relates to a toilet seat cover, the installation of which provides a simple, effective, low-cost, easy-to-install and replace physical barrier against microorganisms harmful to the health of toilet seat users in public or private spaces (whether shared and / or used by multiple people). Background Technology

[0004] Sanitary facilities or restrooms exist in most different and various shared and / or multi-person spaces, including but not limited to restrooms in hotels, motels, hospitals, and other places for temporary stays / use or for use for a limited time.

[0005] For public and private health and hygiene reasons, it is necessary to clean and disinfect the shared spaces relatively frequently to prevent them from being harmful to health and to prevent them from causing inconvenience to public health and hygiene laws and regulations, in addition to the costs associated with the operation.

[0006] Existing technology

[0007] In the prior art, various solutions can be found to address the challenges of toilet seat covers through easy-to-install and bathroom-optimized solutions. However, these solutions often face problems such as insufficient coverage of the seating area corresponding to the toilet seat to prevent physical contact between the user and the toilet seat, thus creating health and hygiene issues for the user. Furthermore, issues related to the usage and disposal time of toilet seat covers arise because it is impossible to use and reuse existing technology seat covers before discarding or replacing them during disinfection operations of the toilet (which may be used by, for example, the same person or group of people for a specific period).

[0008] Several known solutions exist for toilet seat covers and covers. An example can be found in document GB2176216, entitled "Toilet Seat Cover," which discloses a toilet seat cover made of a single piece of fabric with elastic joints and fastening devices to hold it in a folded state or to bend around the toilet seat. Preferably, the fabric is a terry cloth, square or rectangular, and has joints at both ends, which may implement fastening devices, such as, but not limited to, Velcro, so that the two edges have corresponding fastening devices on opposite sides of the fabric (according to the abstract of the document).

[0009] In the document GB 2176216, several problems inherent in the existing technology under consideration can be observed. First, while towel fabrics offer some comfort to users on cold days, they do not conform to good hygiene practices and etiquette, and if the item is used as a disposable item, this can lead to unnecessary costs. If reused, this type of product presents additional problems such as storage, final cost, low versatility, and wear and tear over time. Finally, based on the figures in GB 2176216, the cover does not completely surround the toilet seat, again highlighting issues related to good hygiene and health practices and etiquette.

[0010] Another prior art solution can be found in US 4,586,202, also titled "Toilet Seat Cover," which discloses a cover for a toilet seat comprising a cover body and a retainer for fastening the cover body to the toilet seat. The cover body is in the shape of a short, elastic fabric tube and has elastic elements attached to the peripheral edges of each open end of the tube. The retainer is a ring, the size of which corresponds to a range of dimensions of the inner and outer peripheral edges of the toilet seat, and the retainer has a groove formed on its outer surface to engage with the elastic element fastened to one end of the cover body. The cover, which can be fastened to and removed from the toilet seat in a simple and quick manner, can be manufactured without complex sewing processes and can be freely used on toilet seats of different sizes or shapes (as shown in the invention description of the document).

[0011] US 4,586,202 focuses on avoiding complex fastening processes. However, its solutions require manufacturing processes with seams, pleats, and channels for the passage of elastic / tensioning elements, which can potentially act as receptacles for dust, bacteria, and viruses.

[0012] Furthermore, the physical limitations of the product necessitate the storage of some variations (considering different models and sizes of toilets), which again incurs additional costs in purchasing and storing, as well as subsequently replacing worn-out components. Therefore, US 4,586,202 notes many of the disadvantages common to the prior art in this field.

[0013] Other examples of prior art disclosed and described in patent documents such as US 2002 / 0184701, GB 2227503, FR 2618062, and PI 9606435-8 A share similar drawbacks. Notably, aside from requiring different models and proportions for different situations, these solutions offer little universality or applicability across different types of toilet seats. Clearly, such manufacturing processes and elements make these solutions more expensive, less versatile, and more complex to store. According to the prior art, toilet seat covers do not address issues related to public health or the practicality and applicability of hygiene practices, such as those typically associated with cleaning and sanitation facilities. Finally, these solutions generally do not consider the usability and quality of use, installation, and maintenance for end users.

[0014] As can be inferred from the preceding description, there is still room for developing solutions that can overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. This means that toilet seat covers could be easily applied to all types of users without compromising the quality of use or user protection, and could ultimately be disinfected and reused for a period of time by one person or a group of people.

[0015] There is also room for the development and improvement of toilet seat covers that are easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and can be made from hypoallergenic and antibacterial materials. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a seat ring according to the features of claim 1 of the appended claims.

[0017] Other features and feature details are provided in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To better understand and visualize the objectives of the present invention, a description will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which schematically illustrate the technical effects achieved, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a toilet seat ring in the shape of a straight cylinder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 2A perspective view of a toilet seat ring in the shape of a truncated cone according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A top view of a sleeve according to the invention, applicable to a conventional toilet seat;

[0022] Figure 4a A top view of the top portion of a toilet seat ring in which the sleeve according to the invention is installed is shown, illustrating the beginning of fastening and initial anchoring;

[0023] Figure 4b Show Figure 4a A top view of the seat ring, showing the subsequent installation steps of the sleeve;

[0024] Figure 4c Show Figure 4b A bottom perspective view of the seat ring, showing the subsequent installation steps of the sleeve;

[0025] Figure 4d Show Figure 4c A top view of the seat ring, showing the subsequent installation steps of the sleeve;

[0026] Figure 5 A top perspective view of a toilet seat ring provided with a sleeve according to the invention is shown, illustrating the final result and overlapping areas;

[0027] Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of a toilet seat ring provided with a sleeve according to the invention is shown, wherein the final result and overlapping area are represented;

[0028] Figure 7 A top view of a toilet seat with a sleeve according to the invention is shown, wherein the sleeve has an identifier or seal; and

[0029] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 Side view of the seat ring. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The toilet seat cover (100) or simply the cover (100) according to the invention is essentially constructed as a single component having an initial annular or tubular shape to surround and cover a toilet seat (200), the cover comprising at least one first edge (110) and at least one second edge (120), the two edges preferably being circumferential in their initial state, wherein the periphery formed by the first edge (110) and the second edge (120) overlaps wholly or partially in any region of the inner or outer surface of the cover (100) and / or in any region of the outer surface of the toilet seat (200) by surrounding the toilet seat (200), wherein the overlapping region or portion of the edges (110, 120) is secured in the structure of the cover (100) and / or the toilet seat (200) by the adhesion of the material to the toilet seat in the region of direct contact with the toilet seat (200) and the adhesion of the material to each other in the overlapping region (150).

[0031] The sleeve (100) is preferably made of an elastic or resilient material, such as, but not limited to, latex, natural rubber, surface-treated elastic fiber composites, and other suitable materials, which may have antibacterial or anti-allergic properties. While the present invention aims to provide a disposable sleeve (100), the material used must also take into account hygiene and eventual sterilization so that it can be used multiple times, for example, by the same user or group of users. An example of this type of application is in hotel or inn or hospital rooms, with or without companions (one or more) during the stay of guests (one or more) or patients (one or more). Therefore, the sleeve material (100) must be abrasion-resistant, shear-resistant, and resistant to chemical products (preferably, but not limited to, common cleaning and / or antibacterial and / or disinfecting products for this type of use), and must be resistant to and suitable for other routine practices of applying, using, cleaning, and removing products of this nature.

[0032] In the context of this invention, a toilet seat (200) is a conventional device fastened to a toilet, including a top side (201) or an upward-facing side, a bottom side (202) or a downward-facing side, an outer rear portion (210) and an inner rear portion (211), an outer portion (220) and an inner portion (221), and an outer front portion (230) and an inner front portion (231).

[0033] Due to the initial annular or tubular shape and elasticity of the sleeve of the present invention, the sleeve (100) of the present invention can be installed on the toilet seat (200) from either side (201, 202) and either outer portion (210, 220, 230). In this way, in an exemplary application, the sleeve (100) can be designed to surround the top and bottom sides (201, 202) of the toilet seat (200) by stretching (tensioning, moving) from the circumferential edges (110, 120), wherein the sleeve surface can be larger or smaller depending on the shape of the toilet seat (200), only limiting the tensile strength (or tensile resistance) of the sleeve material (100).

[0034] A non-limiting example of mounting the sleeve (100) onto the toilet seat (200) is that a portion of the periphery of the first edge (110) is initially positioned on the top side (201) over the outer rear portion (210), thereby facilitating initial anchoring of the sleeve (100) on the top side (201) via the first edge (110), as... Figure 4a As illustrated in the example. Next, the still free portion of the periphery of the first edge (110) is stretched towards the outer front portion (230) while covering the outer portion (220) and the inner portion (221), and then said portion is arranged over the inner front portion (231) and the outer front portion (230), thereby surrounding the outer portions (220, 230) and reaching the bottom side (202) of the toilet seat (200), as shown in the example. Figure 4b The example shown illustrates this.

[0035] It should be noted that the sleeve (100) will be held fastened to the toilet seat (200) by the tension applied to its material by stretching the first edge (110) and additionally by the adhesion of its material to the material of the toilet seat (200). It is also noteworthy that in this step, a portion of the sleeve (100) will contact the toilet seat (200), and although the first edge (110) is practically in complete contact with the toilet seat (200), the second edge (120) will remain free and substantially aligned with the inner periphery of the toilet seat (200), as... Figure 4b and 4c As illustrated in the example.

[0036] Subsequently, on the bottom side (202), a portion of the periphery of the second edge (120) is stretched and positioned over the inner rear portion (211) and the outer rear portion (210), thereby promoting anchoring of the sleeve (100) on the bottom side (202) via the second edge (120). Then, the still free portion of the periphery of the second edge (120) is stretched and positioned over the bottom side (202) and thereby covers the inner portion (221) and the outer portion (220), as well as the inner front portion (231) and the outer front portion (230), thereby surrounding and reaching the top side (201) and overlapping with the sleeve material (100) that has already contacted the toilet seat (200), as shown. Figure 4c And some of them, such as Figure 4d As illustrated in the example. After these steps are completed, the periphery of the first edge (110) is stretched from the top side (201) and positioned over the outer portions (220, 230), again around and reaching the bottom side (202) of the seat ring, thereby overlapping with the sleeve material (100) that has already contacted the seat ring (200), forming as shown in the example. Figure 4d , 5 The overlapping area (150) illustrated in examples 6.

[0037] Therefore, the first edge (110) switches twice between the sides (201, 202) or around the edge of the toilet seat (200) at least twice, while the second edge (120) switches once between the sides (201, 202) or around the edge of the toilet seat (200) at least once.

[0038] It should be noted that the sleeve (100) will remain securely fastened to the toilet seat (200) by tension applied to the sleeve material by stretching along the edges (110, 120) of the sleeve and by adhesion of the sleeve (100) material to the toilet seat (200) material in the overlapping area (150). Thus, the sleeve (100) material will overlap, thereby forming coplanar edges (110, 120) on the top side (201) and bottom side (202) of the toilet seat (200).

[0039] like Figure 5 As illustrated in the example, the coplanar second edge (120) is now entirely covered by the cover (100) material on the top side (201) of the toilet seat (200). Figure 6 As illustrated in the example, the first edge (110) is visible, but it is on the bottom side (202) or facing downwards. The sleeve (100) of the present invention is universal and easy to install, and can even be assembled, for example, from the bottom side (202) and / or from the second edge (120). However, this would leave the obvious coplanar edge faces upwards, which is not recommended in terms of hygiene, user comfort, aesthetics, and decorative quality.

[0040] When the toilet seat (200) is surrounded, the overlapping edges (110, 120) form an overlapping area (150), which provides a sealing connection due to the resilient or elastic material. This sealing connection allows for uniform adhesion on all surfaces of the toilet seat (200) without forming pits, channels, gaps or creases, thus allowing for complete cleaning and sterilization of the cover (100) and therefore the toilet seat (200) without leaving any residue.

[0041] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (100) may be configured to have a straight cylindrical shape, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated in the example. In another preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (100) may be configured to have a truncated conical shape, such as... Figure 2 The example illustrates that it includes one or more intermediate segments (160) having a diameter smaller than that of the edges (110, 120), which increases the tension during assembly and thus allows for a tighter wrap than that obtained in a form with a straight cylindrical shape.

[0042] In this way, the present invention includes providing a toilet seat cover (100) that is constructed as a single component and completely surrounds the toilet seat (200). The cover (100) allows for easy and simple installation by the user, wherein the application can be carried out without any additional devices, because the surface of the cover (100) itself provides a frictional engagement form that, when overlapped, allows for improved stability and gripping of the toilet seat (200).

[0043] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (100) has a marking (300) or seal, which may be a strip, band, etc., indicating that the sleeve (100) has recently been replaced and has not been used, and must be arranged within the sleeve (100) in a visible, preferably positioned to obstruct use of the toilet seat (200), for example, protruding upwards and / or inwards, thereby forcing the user to remove it, such as Figure 7 and 8 As illustrated in the example. In addition, the mark (300) must be constructed so that it is not allowed to be reused after it has been removed from the surface of the sleeve (100).

[0044] In embodiments where the label (300) is a strip, the label may further include RFID, barcodes, QR codes, etc., to act as an authentication seal and ensure positioning. The RFID, barcodes, QR codes, etc., contain information useful to the user, such as, but not limited to, product data, manufacturer, the organization using it, the date and time of installation and / or cleaning, advertising materials, and other information that may be deemed useful or applicable. The label (300) can also be used, for example, for registration and usage verification during daytime use in hotels and inns. Since no additional fastening devices are used, there are no issues associated with the process of cleaning and sealing the toilet seat (200).

[0045] In another preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sleeve (100) may be made of a biodegradable material that can be discarded or recycled without causing further harm to the environment.

[0046] In another preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the cover (100) can be designed according to the type of toilet seat (200), which varies depending on the purpose and the user. Therefore, variations of the embodiments can be designed without departing from the scope of the invention, variations also intended for use with seats developed for children, the elderly, and people with special needs.

[0047] It is important to emphasize that, unlike toilet seat covers known in the prior art, the object of the present invention also enables a reduction in work time and the need for sanitation teams to block the toilet, because the object of the present invention is made as a single component and does not rely on or require additional installation and assembly devices, thereby reducing the overall sanitation costs.

[0048] Finally, since it is versatile, the kit (100) of the present invention can also be used in companies, schools, universities, factories, theaters, parks, bars and restaurants, buses, seaports and terminals, stadiums, concert halls, shopping malls, detention centers, and chemical toilet units for outdoor activities and festivals.

[0049] Final consideration

[0050] It is evident that the dimensions and relationships described in this invention can vary depending on the dimensions of the toilet seat cover (100), which conforms to the standards and specifications adopted in this industry. However, extensive experimental testing has shown that the aforementioned dimensions and their relationships are efficient and effective in providing the reliability and safety of the toilet seat cover, thus enabling the manufacture of products with high performance and durability.

[0051] in conclusion

[0052] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the concepts set forth in the foregoing description. Such modifications should be considered within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the specific embodiments described in detail above are merely illustrative and exemplary, and do not limit the scope of the invention, which should be defined by the appended claims and the full scope of any and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A toilet seat cover, the toilet seat cover comprising: A single component of an elastic or resilient material, including a first edge (110) and a second edge (120). When installed on a toilet seat (200), individual components of the elastic material or resilient material completely or partially cover all surfaces of the toilet seat (200), and the individual components of the elastic material or resilient material form overlapping areas (150) on the outer and front regions of the top and bottom sides of the toilet seat cover. These overlapping areas include at least two layers of individual components of the elastic material or resilient material. When installed on the toilet seat, individual components of the elastic material or resilient material adhere to the toilet seat in the area that is in direct contact with it. In this process, one layer of a single component of the at least two layers of elastic material or resilient material adheres to the other layer in the overlapping region.

2. The toilet seat cover according to claim 1, wherein the elastic material or resilient material is selected from the group consisting of: latex, natural rubber, surface-treated elastic fiber composite material, or other materials having antibacterial and / or anti-allergic properties.

3. The toilet seat cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first edge (110) and the second edge (120) are circumferential in the initial state.

4. The toilet seat cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toilet seat ring (100) is constructed to have a straight cylindrical shape.

5. The toilet seat cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toilet seat ring (100) can be configured to have a truncated conical shape, including one or more intermediate segments (160) having a diameter smaller than that of the first edge (110) and the second edge (120).

6. The toilet seat cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toilet seat cover (100) includes a marking (300) or a seal, which may be a strip or band, wherein the marking (300) indicates that the toilet seat cover has recently been replaced and has not been used.

7. The toilet seat cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The identifier (300) may further include RFID, barcode, and QR code to serve as an authentication seal and to ensure location, the RFID, barcode, and QR code containing product data, manufacturer, institution using the toilet seat cover, date and time of installation and / or cleaning, and information from advertising materials.

8. The toilet seat cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The identifier (300) can also be used for registration and verification procedures for daytime use in hotels and inns.

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