Toilet seat hinge

Abstract

The hinge assembly is configured to pivotably couple the toilet seat to the toilet bowl about a pivot axis. The hinge assembly includes a base configured to be selectively secured to the toilet bowl and a post coupled to the base. The base includes a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion. The bottom portion has a skirt configured to abut the toilet bowl when the base is secured to the toilet bowl to inhibit liquid from entering between the base and the toilet bowl. The post is configured to support the toilet seat for rotation about the pivot axis.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 297,495, filed January 7, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a toilet seat hinge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the hinge assembly is configured to pivotally connect a toilet seat to a toilet bowl about a pivot axis. The hinge assembly includes a base configured to be selectively secured to the toilet bowl and a post connected to the base. The base includes a top and a bottom opposite the top. The bottom has a skirt configured to abut against the toilet bowl when the base is secured to the toilet bowl to prevent liquid from entering between the base and the toilet bowl. The post is configured to support the toilet seat for rotation about the pivot axis.

[0005] In another aspect, the hinge assembly is configured to pivotally connect a toilet seat to a toilet bowl about a pivot axis. The hinge assembly includes: a base configured to selectively attach to the toilet bowl; a post connected to the base; and a toilet seat plate pivotally connected to the post about the pivot axis. The toilet seat plate is configured to attach to the toilet seat. The toilet seat plate has a skirt configured to engage the toilet seat to prevent liquid from entering between the toilet seat plate and the toilet seat.

[0006] In another aspect, the hinge assembly is configured to pivotally connect a toilet seat to a toilet bowl about a pivot axis. The hinge assembly includes: a base configured to selectively attach to the toilet bowl; a post connected to the base and including a post collar; and a toilet seat plate including a body configured to connect to the toilet seat and a joint connected to the post for rotation about the pivot axis. An axial overlap is formed between the post collar and the joint in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

[0007] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a toilet seat assembly including a toilet seat hinge embodying an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The bottom perspective view of the toilet seat assembly shown.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The top perspective view of the toilet seat hinge shown.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The top perspective view of the base of the toilet seat hinge shown.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The bottom perspective view of the base shown.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The top perspective view of the column of the toilet seat hinge shown.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The bottom perspective view of the column shown.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The top perspective view of the cap of the toilet seat hinge shown.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The bottom perspective view of the hat shown.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the toilet seat plate with the toilet seat hinge shown.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the toilet seat hinge and toilet lid.

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A side view of the toilet seat assembly, showing the toilet seat and the toilet seat cover disconnected from the base.

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A side view of the toilet seat assembly, showing the toilet seat and toilet seat cover connected to the base with the lid in the unlocked position.

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A side view of the toilet seat assembly, showing the toilet seat and toilet seat cover connected to the base with the lid in the locked position.

[0022] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 The toilet seat hinge along Figure 3The sectional view is taken from section line 15-15.

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the toilet seat assembly, showing the toilet seat cover in the upright position and the toilet seat in the lowered position.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the toilet seat hinge of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 18 It connects to the toilet seat and the toilet seat cover. Figure 17 A perspective view of the toilet seat hinge. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Before explaining any embodiment of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. This disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Degree terms such as “approximately,” “about,” “nearly,” etc., are understood by those skilled in the art to refer to a reasonable range beyond a given value, for example, general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A toilet seat assembly 10, which can be mounted to a toilet bowl (not shown), is illustrated. The toilet seat assembly 10 includes a toilet seat cover 14, a toilet seat 18, and a toilet seat hinge 22. The toilet seat hinge 22 ( Figure 3 The cover 14 and seat 18 are pivotally connected to the toilet bowl about a pivot axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, hinge 22 is a platform hinge, which includes a portion secured to the toilet bowl via two fasteners 26 extending through the toilet bowl. In other embodiments, hinge 22 may include two separate portions, each selectively secured to the toilet bowl by a fastener 26 or a mounting post (e.g., such a configuration is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,986,878, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). Continued reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hinge 22 includes: a base 30 abutting and secured to the toilet bowl via fastener 26; a post 34 selectively connected to the base 30; a cap 38 pivotally connected to the post 34 about a pivot axis A; a toilet seat 42 pivotally connected to the post 34 about a pivot axis A; and a toilet lid 46. Figure 3 It is also pivotally connected to column 34 about pivot axis A.

[0028] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The base 30 includes a top 50 (e.g., a top surface) and a bottom 54 opposite to the top 50. The bottom 54 includes a first lateral side 58, a second lateral side 62 opposite to the first lateral side 58, a front side 66 extending between the lateral sides 58 and 62, and a rear side 68 opposite to the front side 66. When the base 30 is secured to the toilet bowl, at least a portion of the bottom 54 abuts against the toilet bowl. Specifically, the bottom 54 includes a skirt 70 defining the sides 58, 62, 66, and 68. In other words, the skirt 70 forms the periphery of the bottom 54 of the base 30. The skirt 70 shown extends around the entire periphery of the bottom 54 of the base 30. The skirt 70 shown is also continuous and does not include any breaks or gaps. The skirt 70 may be an elastic skirt (e.g., elastically deformable). The skirt 70 shown includes a bottom edge 72 that engages with the toilet bowl. Furthermore, the skirt 70 tapers from the bottom edge 72 toward the top 50. In other words, the coverage area of ​​the bottom 54 increases in the direction towards the toilet bowl. For example... Figure 4 As best shown, the skirt 70 forms a concave rounded corner. In other embodiments, the skirt 70 may be of different shapes and / or may be generally rigid. For example, the skirt 70 may include a flat or semi-flat surface extending from the top 50 toward the toilet bowl (e.g., at least one of the sides 58, 62, 66, 68 may be a flat or semi-flat surface). In the illustrated embodiment, the skirt 70 is integrally formed as a single piece with the base 30 from the same material (e.g., via a single injection molding process). In such embodiments, the skirt 70 may be formed with relatively thin walls, such that the skirt 70 is flexible or deformable relative to the rest of the base 30. In other embodiments, the skirt 70 may be formed from a different material than the base 30 and / or separately attached to the base 30. In embodiments where the skirt 70 is formed from a different material, the base 30 and the skirt 70 may be formed by a two-step process (e.g., a two-stage injection molding process).

[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The top 50 includes two recesses 74 adjacent to the first side 58 and the second side 62, respectively. The base 30 also includes two elongated through holes 78, each extending through one of the recesses 74. Each elongated through hole 78 is sized to receive the shaft and resilient bushing of the fastener 26, and each recess 74 is sized to receive the head of the fastener 26. Furthermore, the recess 74 includes a bottom profile surface (e.g., a serrated surface) that engages with a lower profile surface (e.g., a serrated surface) of the head of the fastener 26 to hold the position of the fastener 26 within the elongated through hole 78. The elongated through holes 78 allow adjustment of the base 30 relative to the toilet bowl during mounting (e.g., the fastener 26 can move within the elongated through holes 78 to position the base 30 at a desired location on the toilet bowl before the fastener 26 is secured to the toilet bowl).

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the top 50 of the base 30 also includes a plurality of protrusions 82, wherein two protrusions 82 include recesses 74. Figure 4 As shown in the optimal diagram, channel 86 is located between adjacent protrusions 82. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As best shown, each protrusion 82 includes a groove 84 positioned at least partially around its periphery (e.g., no protrusion 82 is formed within the channel 86). In other embodiments, a recess 74 including a through-hole 78 may be formed directly into the body of the base 30 without using a protrusion. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 30 includes a plurality of recesses 90 corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 82 of the top 50. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the bottom 54 of the base 30 includes a rib 94, and the rib 94, the recess 90, and the protrusion 82 are at least partially used to increase the structural stiffness of the base 30.

[0031] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the column 34 includes a frame 98 and column rings 106. Each column ring 106 includes an opening 110 concentric with the pivot axis A. Furthermore, each column ring 106 includes a recess 114 on its lateral outer side, extending about the opening 110. In other embodiments, the recess 114 may be formed on the lateral inner side of the column ring 106. A slow-closing damper 116 is received within the opening 110 of the column ring 106. Specifically, the central portion of the slow-closing damper 116 is rotatably fixed within the opening 110. In other embodiments, the column ring 106 may receive other components (e.g., retaining pins, etc.) to support the cap 14 and seat 18 relative to the column 34. In yet another embodiment, the column 34 may be formed together with the base 30 as a single integral component (e.g., via at least one injection molding process). In this embodiment, the integral column 34 and base 30 may be referred to as the base of the hinge assembly 22.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The frame 98 of the post 34 includes a plurality of openings 118 corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 82 of the base 30. When the post 34 is mounted on the base 30, the openings 118 corresponding to the protrusions 82 including recesses 74 allow access to the fasteners 26. A plurality of tracks 126 extend from the bottom side 122 of the frame 98, the tracks 126 being received within a channel 86 between the protrusions 82 of the base 30 and oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis A. The frame 98 also includes two side members 130 and a transverse member 134. The side members 130, the transverse member 134, and the tracks 126 together define an opening 138 extending in a front-rear direction of the post 34 perpendicular to the pivot axis A. These openings 138 allow the post 34 to slide over the protrusions 82 and onto the base 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each side member 130 includes a lip 132, the lip 132 being sized to fit the portion of the engagement groove 84 adjacent to the lateral sides 58, 62 of the base 30.

[0033] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cap 38 includes a cover 142 and a pivot portion 146 (e.g., a pivot ring). Each pivot portion 146 includes an opening 150 aligned with an opening 110 of a column ring 106. These pivot portions 146 are pivotally coupled to a slow-closing damper 116, allowing the cap 38 to pivot freely about a pivot axis A. Furthermore, each pivot portion 146 includes an axially extending protrusion 154 on a laterally inner side and an axially extending recess 158 on a laterally outer side. The axially extending protrusion 154 and the axially extending recess 158 extend about the opening 150. The axially extending protrusion 154 is received within an axial recess 114 of the column ring 106 such that the pivot portion 146 and the column ring 106 overlap. In other embodiments, at least one protrusion 154 may be formed on the laterally outer side of at least one pivot portion 146, and / or at least one recess 158 may be formed on the laterally inner side of at least one pivot portion 146.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As best shown, the cover 142 includes a gripping portion 162 extending from the cover 142, which is shown as a tab. In other embodiments, the gripping portion 162 may include other suitable structures that can be engaged by a user, such as one or more vertical or lateral protrusions, one or more recesses, etc. Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9The cover 142 also includes walls 166 extending on three sides of the cover 142. In other embodiments, the walls 166 may extend from one side of the cover 142 (e.g., below the grip portion 162). The illustrated wall 166 includes a plurality of inwardly extending locking tabs 170. In other embodiments, the wall 166 may include a single locking tab 170. The illustrated cover 142 also includes a bottom surface 174 including protrusions 178 spaced apart from the walls 166. Each illustrated bottom surface protrusion 178 engages with a surface defining an orifice 118 of the post 34, and each inwardly extending locking tab 170 may selectively engage with a portion of the rear side portion 68 of the groove 84 adjacent to the base 30. The illustrated cover 142 is available in a locked position about a pivot axis A. Figure 14 ) and unlock location ( Figure 13 The cover 142 rotates between the locked and unlocked positions, with the locking position corresponding to the corresponding groove 84 of the tab 170 engaging the base 30, and the unlocked position being spaced apart from the base 30. The gripping portion 162 can be engaged by the user to allow the cover 142 to pivot about the pivot axis A between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0035] like Figure 10 As shown, the toilet seat plate 42 includes a body 182 fixed to the seat 18 (e.g., via fasteners). The plate 42 also includes a receiving slow-closing damper 116. Figure 15 The outer end of the cap 38 has two laterally opposed joints 186 (e.g., attachment portions). In the illustrated embodiment, each joint 186 includes an axially extending projection 190 received within a corresponding axially extending recess 158 of the cap 38. In other embodiments, at least one joint 186 may include a recess receiving a projection of a pivot portion 146. In still other embodiments, the axially extending projection 190 of each joint 186 may be received within a recess 114 of the ring 106 and form an axial overlap with the ring 106 (e.g., along the pivot axis A). Thus, a portion of each joint 186 is located radially inward of a portion of each ring 106, or vice versa.

[0036] Reference Figure 11 The toilet seat 46 includes a body 194 and a pivot sleeve 198. The pivot sleeve 198 is located between the pin rings 106 of the pin 34 to receive the slow-closing damper 116. Figure 15The toilet seat 46 also includes covers 200 disposed on both sides of the pivot sleeve 198. Each cover 200 extends outward along the pivot axis A to at least cover a portion (e.g., protrusion 154) of the corresponding pivot portion 146 of the cap 38. In other words, each cover 200 extends over the gap formed between the post ring 106 and the adjacent pivot portion 146 in a direction along the pivot axis A. In other embodiments, the covers 200 of the toilet seat 46 may be omitted, and the post ring 106 of the toilet seat 46 and the post 34 may include a protrusion and recess arrangement (similar to the toilet seat 42 and the cap 38).

[0037] Continue to refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The toilet seat 46 and toilet seat 42 also include skirts 202, 204 (similar to skirt 70 of base 30). Each skirt 202, 204 may be an elastic skirt. Skirts 202, 204 form the periphery of bodies 182, 194, respectively. The skirts 202, 204 shown extend continuously around at least three sides of bodies 182, 194. In particular, skirts 202, 204 extend around multiple sides of bodies 182, 194 that are exposed or visible to the user during normal use of the toilet seat assembly 10. Similar to skirt 70 of base 30, the skirts 202, 204 in the shown embodiment are formed with concave rounded corners. In other embodiments, skirts 202, 204 may be of different shapes and / or may be generally rigid. In another embodiment, the body 182 of the toilet seat 42 may be formed as two different bodies (each body including a joint 186), and / or the body 194 of the toilet lid 46 may be formed as two different bodies (each body including a portion of a pivot sleeve 198 and a cover 200).

[0038] During the assembly of the toilet seat 18 and the toilet seat plate 42, fasteners are tightened to compress the resilient skirt 202 against the bottom surface of the toilet seat 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement between the skirt 202 and the bottom surface of the toilet seat 18 forms a seal against liquids or debris, preventing liquids or debris from entering beneath the plate 42. The tapered skirt 202 provides a smooth transition between the body 182 and the bottom surface of the toilet seat 18, facilitating faster and more efficient cleaning of the plate 42 than in conventional designs. In conventional designs, the plate of the toilet seat hinge forms a generally perpendicular wall (e.g., a sharp edge) with the bottom surface of the toilet seat 18, which allows debris to easily collect at the interface between the plate and the bottom surface. Furthermore, once debris is collected at the interface between a conventional plate and the toilet seat, it is difficult to clean and remove the debris (e.g., by using a cleaning cloth wrapped around the perimeter of the plate). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the smooth transition between the skirt 202 and the bottom surface of the toilet seat 18 prevents debris from accumulating between the plate 42 and the toilet seat 18. Furthermore, cleaning around the illustrated plate 42 can be easily performed by using, for example, a cloth wrapped around the interface between the skirt 202 and the toilet seat 18.

[0039] The skirt 204 of the toilet seat 46 functions in a similar manner to the skirt 202 of the toilet seat 42. For example, during the assembly of the toilet seat 14 and the toilet seat 46, fasteners are tightened to compress the resilient skirt 204 against the bottom surface of the toilet seat 14. The tapered skirt 204 provides a smooth transition between the body 194 and the bottom surface of the toilet seat 14 to help clean the seat 46 faster and more effectively than with conventional designs. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement between the skirt 204 and the bottom surface of the toilet seat 14 forms a seal to prevent liquids or debris from entering beneath the seat 46.

[0040] To secure the base 30 to the toilet bowl, the base 30 is placed on the upper surface of the toilet bowl such that the elongated through-hole 78 aligns with the retaining hole of the toilet bowl. A fastener 26 is then inserted through the through-hole 78 and the retaining hole and secured to the toilet bowl (e.g., via a shear nut). As the fastener 26 is tightened, the bottom 54 of the base 30 is pulled closer to the toilet bowl, thereby compressing the skirt 70 against the upper surface of the toilet bowl. In some cases, the upper surface of the toilet bowl is not perfectly flat where the base 30 is mounted; rather, the upper surface of the toilet bowl may be slightly curved (e.g., concave, convex, or both). Therefore, the compression of the resilient skirt 70 against the slightly curved upper surface allows the base 30 to engage the slightly curved upper surface of the toilet bowl around its entire periphery. In other words, due to the slightly curved upper surface of the toilet bowl, the resilient skirt 70 prevents the formation of a gap between the base 30 and the toilet bowl. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement between the skirt 70 and the slightly curved upper surface of the toilet bowl forms a seal to prevent liquid or debris from entering below the base 30.

[0041] Furthermore, the tapered design of the skirt 70 creates a smooth transition from the base 30 to the upper surface of the toilet bowl, facilitating faster and more efficient cleaning of the base 30 compared to conventional designs. In conventional designs, the base of the toilet seat hinge forms a generally perpendicular wall (e.g., a sharp edge) with the upper surface of the toilet bowl, allowing debris to easily collect at the interface between the base and the upper surface. Moreover, once debris is collected at the interface between the conventional base and the toilet bowl, it becomes difficult to clean and remove (e.g., by using a cleaning cloth wrapped around the perimeter of the base). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the smooth transition between the base 30 and the upper surface of the toilet bowl prevents debris from collecting between the base 30 and the toilet bowl. Additionally, cleaning around the illustrated base 30 can be performed simply by using, for example, a cloth wrapped around the interface between the skirt 70 and the toilet bowl.

[0042] refer to Figures 12 to 14 The diagram illustrates the steps for securing the toilet seat 14 and toilet bowl 18 to the fastening base 30. For example, the post 34 slides onto the base 30 in a direction generally parallel to the upper surface of the toilet bowl. Specifically, the lip 132 and track 126 of the post 34 are aligned and engaged with the groove 84 and channel 86 of the base 30, respectively, to guide the sliding movement of the post 34 on the base 30. The post 34 slides onto the base 30 until the transverse member 134 engages the protrusion 82 of the base 30. Then, the cap 38 is released from the unlocked position (…). Figure 13 Rotate to the locked position. Figure 14 This allows the locking tab 170 of the cap 38 to engage with the groove 84 of the base 30. Therefore, the toilet seat cover 14 and the toilet seat 18 are secured to the base 30 and are able to pivot about axis A during use of the toilet seat assembly 10.

[0043] Furthermore, during use of the toilet seat assembly 10, the toilet seat 18 can be in the lowered position, and the toilet seat cover 14 can be in the upright position. Figure 16 In this configuration, the toilet seat hinge 22 is designed to substantially eliminate the user's line of sight to the base 30, post 34, and cap 38. For example, the cover 200 of the toilet seat 46 prevents the user from seeing the gap formed between the pivot portion 146 of the post ring 106 and the cap 38. Additionally, the protrusion 190 of the toilet seat 42, received within the recess 158 of the pivot portion 146, is only visible to the user between the cover 200 and the joint 186. Therefore, the cover 200 and the protrusion 190 obstruct the user's view of the base 30, post 34, and cap 38, providing a more visually appealing hinge 22 than conventional hinges, in which the user can see through gaps, for example, formed between the toilet seat and the locking cap and / or the locking cap and the toilet seat. The overlap of the protrusion 190 and the recess 158 also prevents liquids and debris from entering between the toilet seat 42 and the pivot portion 146.

[0044] In order to remove the toilet seat cover 14 and toilet seat 18 from the base 30 (e.g., to facilitate cleaning of the toilet seat assembly 10), the cap 38 is rotated about axis A to the unlocked position. Figure 13 Then it is possible to remove column 34 from base 30. Figure 12 ).

[0045] Figure 17 and Figure 18 A toilet seat hinge 22a according to another embodiment is shown. Toilet seat hinge 22a is similar to toilet seat hinge 22; therefore, similar components are indicated by similar reference numerals including the letter "a". At least some differences and / or at least some similarities between toilet seat hinges 22 and 22a will be discussed in detail below. Furthermore, the components or features described for toilet seat hinge 22a also apply to toilet seat hinge 22.

[0046] The toilet seat hinge 22a shown includes a base 30a that abuts against and is secured to the toilet bowl via fasteners 26. The base 30a includes a top surface 50a and a bottom 54a. The bottom 54a includes a first lateral side 58a, a second lateral side 62a, a front side 66a, and a rear side 68a. The bottom 54a also includes a skirt 70a defining the sides 58a, 62a, 66a, and 68a. Furthermore, an elongated through-hole 78a extends through a recess 74a formed in the top surface 50a. The base 30a also includes post rings 106a (e.g., upright portions), each post ring including an opening 110a and a recess 114a.

[0047] The base 30a shown also includes a cap 38a connected to the upper portion 50a via at least one movable hinge 208a. Specifically, the movable hinge 208a is connected to the base 30a adjacent to the rear portion 68a, such that the cap 38a can be in an open position about the axis defined by the movable hinge 208a. Figure 17 ) and closing position ( Figure 18The cap 38a shown includes tabs 162a and protrusions 212a extending from the cap 142a of the cap 38a. These protrusions 212a are received within orifices 216a formed in the top surface 50a of the base 30a, and when the cap 38a is in the closed position, the tabs 162a engage a portion of the base 30a to hold the cap 38a in the closed position. In the closed position, the cap 38a at least covers the recess 74a—and ultimately covers the fastener 26. In other embodiments, the at least one movable hinge 208a may be formed at different locations on the base 30a (e.g., adjacent to the front side 66a, the first lateral side 58a, the second lateral side 62a, etc.). In yet another embodiment, the cap 38a may be formed as a plurality of caps, each cap including a movable hinge (e.g., the plurality of caps may be independently movable relative to the base 30a). In another embodiment, base 30a may be formed as two separate bases, each base including a cap 38a with a movable hinge. Additionally, in other embodiments, the movable hinge 208a may be omitted and replaced by a pivot ring (e.g., similar to pivot ring 146) for pivoting cap 38a about a pivot axis A or a different axis of hinge 22a.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 30a and the cap 38a are formed as a single integral part by a single injection molding process. In other embodiments, the base 30a and the cap 38a may be formed by multiple injection molding processes (e.g., the cap 38a, the skirt 70a, and / or the pillar ring 106a may be formed by different injection molding processes).

[0049] refer to Figure 18 The toilet seat hinge 22a includes a toilet seat plate 42a connected to the toilet seat 18. The toilet seat plate 42a is pivotally connected to a post ring 106a about a pivot axis A. The toilet seat plate 42a includes joints 186a, each joint 186a including an axially extending protrusion (e.g., similar to protrusion 190) received within a recess 114a of the post ring 106a. Furthermore, the toilet seat plate 42a may include a skirt-like portion 202. Figure 10 () the skirt.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 18 The toilet seat hinge 22a also includes a toilet seat plate 46a connected to the toilet seat cover 14. The toilet seat plate 46a is pivotally connected to the post ring 106a about a pivot axis A. Additionally, the toilet seat plate 46a may include features such as a skirt 204 and a cover 200. Figure 11 (The skirt and hood)

[0051] To assemble the toilet seat hinge 22a to the toilet bowl, the base 30a is positioned such that the fastener 26 can be inserted into the through hole 78a passing through the base 30a to secure it to the toilet bowl. Then, it is possible to move the movable hinge 208a from the open position ( Figure 17 To the closed position ( Figure 18 The cover 142a of the movable cap 38a is used to cover the fastener 26. To remove the toilet seat hinge 22a from the toilet bowl, the cover 142a is moved from the closed position to the open position to expose the fastener 26. The fastener 26 can then be loosened and removed from the toilet bowl and hinge 22a to remove the hinge 22a from the toilet bowl. In other embodiments, the toilet seat hinge 22a remains attached to the toilet bowl after installation (e.g., as discussed above with respect to the toilet seat hinge 22, the toilet seat hinge 22a cannot be quickly removed relative to the toilet bowl).

[0052] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the present disclosure as described.

[0053] The various features and advantages of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly configured to pivotally connect a toilet seat to a toilet bowl about a pivot axis, the hinge assembly comprising: A base, configured to selectively attach to the toilet bowl, the base comprising... top; The bottom, opposite to the top, has a flexible skirt configured to abut against the toilet bowl when the base is secured to the toilet bowl to prevent liquid from entering between the base and the toilet bowl. as well as A column, which is connected to the base, is configured to support the toilet seat for rotation about the pivot axis.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The skirt tapers from the bottom toward the top, such that the coverage area at the bottom increases in the direction from the top toward the toilet bowl.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The skirt part forms a concave rounded corner.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The skirt is made of a material that can be elastically deformed.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The skirt is formed of the same material as the rest of the base.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein, When the base is fixed to the toilet bowl, the skirt deforms to increase the coverage area of ​​the base.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The skirt extends around the entire periphery of the base.

8. A hinge assembly configured to pivotally connect a toilet seat to a toilet bowl about a pivot axis, the hinge assembly comprising: A base, the base being configured to be selectively fixed to the toilet bowl; A column, which is connected to the base; as well as A toilet seat plate, pivotally connected to the post about the pivot axis, and configured to be attached to the toilet seat, the toilet seat plate having a skirt configured to engage the toilet seat to prevent liquid from entering between the toilet seat plate and the toilet seat, the skirt being compressed against the toilet seat when the toilet seat plate is attached to the toilet seat.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The skirt part forms a concave rounded corner.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The skirt is made of a material that can be elastically deformed.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, When the toilet seat is attached to the toilet seat, the skirt deforms to increase the coverage area of ​​the toilet seat.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The skirt extends around at least three sides of the toilet seat.

13. The hinge assembly of claim 8, further comprising a toilet seat plate, the toilet seat plate being pivotally connected to the post about the pivot axis and configured to be attached to a toilet seat, wherein, The toilet seat has a skirt configured to engage the toilet seat to prevent liquid from entering between the toilet seat and the toilet lid.

14. A hinge assembly configured to pivotally connect a toilet seat to a toilet bowl about a pivot axis, the hinge assembly comprising: A base, the base being configured to be selectively fixed to the toilet bowl; A column, which is connected to the base and includes a column ring; as well as A toilet seat plate, the toilet seat plate including a body configured to be connected to the toilet seat and a joint connected to the post to rotate about the pivot axis. An axial overlap is formed between the column ring and the joint in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

15. The hinge assembly according to claim 14, wherein, A portion of the joint overlaps with a portion of the ring to form the axial overlap directly between the joint and the ring.

16. The hinge assembly of claim 14, further comprising a cap pivotally coupled to the base. The cap includes a pivot ring located between the joint and the column ring, and The pivot ring forms the axial overlap with the column ring, the joint, or both the column ring and the joint.

17. The hinge assembly of claim 14, wherein, The joint includes an axially extending protrusion that is received in an axially extending recess to at least partially form the axial overlap.

18. The hinge assembly of claim 14, further comprising a slow-closing damper, the slow-closing damper being supported by the base and defining the pivot axis. The joint and the column ring are connected to the slow-closing damper.

19. The hinge assembly of claim 14, further comprising a toilet seat plate attached to the base and configured to support a toilet seat for rotation about the pivot axis, the toilet seat plate including a pivot sleeve adjacent to the post ring.

20. The hinge assembly of claim 19, wherein, The pivoting sleeve includes a protective cover extending axially from one end of the pivoting sleeve, and The protective cover is located radially outside the column ring and above the gap between the column ring and the pivot sleeve.

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