Toilet seat assembly with improved annular

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a toilet seat assembly having an elevated annulus, in particular a toilet bowl, including a bowl having an upper surface and a toilet seat coupled to the upper surface. The toilet seat includes a body including a top surface, an inner wall extending downwardly from an inner periphery of the body, and a lip extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the inner wall.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 563,791 (File No. 010222-24010A), filed on March 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to toilets and, more particularly, to a toilet seat assembly including a raised annular portion. Background Art

[0004] Typically, a raised toilet seat can improve toilet accessibility and / or user comfort. However, when using a raised seat, there is an increased risk of waste soiling the underside of the seat or leaking between the seat and the bowl. In particular, the risk of waste soiling the underside of the seat or leaking may be most significant for male users who sit on the seat. Accordingly, there is a need for a raised toilet seat that reduces the risk of waste soiling the underside of the seat and / or leaking between the seat and the bowl. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a toilet seat, comprising:

[0006] a body comprising a top surface;

[0007] an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an inner periphery of the body;

[0008] an inner wall extending downwardly from an inner periphery of the body;

[0009] a lip extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the inner wall; and

[0010] A protrusion is formed by a bottom surface of the inner wall, the protrusion being disposed between the lip and the opening.

[0011] The present application also provides a toilet, comprising:

[0012] a bedpan having an upper surface; and

[0013] A toilet seat is connected to the upper surface, the toilet seat having: a body, the body including a top surface; an opening, the opening extending through the body; an inner wall, the inner wall extending downward from the inner periphery of the body; a protrusion, the protrusion formed by the bottom surface of the inner wall; and a lip, the lip extending downward from the bottom surface of the inner wall.

[0014] The present application also provides a toilet seat, comprising:

[0015] main body;

[0016] an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an inner periphery of the body; and

[0017] an inner wall extending from an inner periphery of the main body, the inner wall comprising a platform and a step extending below the platform, the platform and the step being configured to block adhesion of liquid waste flowing along the inner wall so that the liquid waste flowing along the inner wall falls from the inner wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a toilet according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 1 A toilet including a tank according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective view of a toilet according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 2 A tankless toilet according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 3 A perspective view of a toilet seat according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 4 An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the toilet seat taken along section line AA.

[0023] Figure 5 An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the toilet seat taken along section line BB.

[0024] Figure 6 An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the toilet seat taken along section line CC.

[0025] Figure 7 An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the toilet seat taken along section line DD.

[0026] Figure 8A perspective view of a toilet seat according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 9 A perspective view of a toilet seat according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 10 The diagram shows the Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the toilet seat taken along section line EE.

[0029] Figure 11 A toilet according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 12 A partial perspective view of a toilet according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0031] Figure 13 An exploded view of a hinge assembly according to one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] This paper describes a toilet seat that is configured to prevent waste from soiling the underside of the seat and flowing out between the seat and the rim during use. Additionally, this paper describes a toilet seat assembly and a toilet comprising a seat that is configured to prevent waste from soiling the underside of the seat and flowing out between the seat and the rim during use. Specifically, this paper describes a raised toilet seat that includes a main body having a top surface configured to support a user, an inner wall extending downward from the inner periphery of the main body, and an outer wall extending downward from the outer periphery of the main body. According to the present disclosure, the inner wall can include a stepped geometry that is configured to block the adhesion of liquid waste (e.g., urine) flowing along the seat. Specifically, electrostatic force (e.g., due to the attraction caused by opposite charges) can cause liquid waste to adhere to one or more surfaces of the seat and flow or travel along one or more surfaces of the seat. The stepped geometry included in the inner wall can advantageously block the adherence of liquid waste flow along the bottom surface of the inner wall, causing the liquid waste to fall downward (e.g., into the toilet bowl) and prevent the liquid waste from following (e.g., continuing to adhere to) the contour of the seat and subsequently soiling the bottom surface of the seat and / or flowing out from between the seat and the rim. According to some examples of the present disclosure, the stepped geometry may include a lip extending downward from the bottom surface of the inner wall, such that the bottom surface of the wall forms a protrusion disposed between the inner surface of the inner wall and the lip. According to some examples of the present disclosure, the inner wall may include a platform and a step extending below the platform.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2An exemplary embodiment of a toilet that may include a toilet seat according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The seats 131, 231 described later included in the toilets 100, 200, respectively, may be the toilet seats according to the present disclosure.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , shows a toilet 100 including a base 110 (e.g., a pedestal, a bowl, etc.) and a water tank 120. The base 110 is configured to be attached to another object (e.g., a drainpipe, a floor, or other suitable object). The base 110 includes a bowl 111, a sump (e.g., a container) disposed below the bowl 111, and a drainage channel that fluidly connects the bowl 111 to a drainpipe or sewage line. The water tank 120 can be supported by the base 110 (e.g., the upper surface of the rim 115). The water tank 120 can be integrally formed with the base 110 as a single body. In other embodiments, the water tank 120 can be formed separately from the base 110 and coupled (e.g., attached, fixed, fastened, connected, etc.) to the base 110. The toilet 100 can further include a water tank cover 122 covering the opening and inner cavity in the water tank 120. The toilet 100 may include a seat assembly 130 including a seat 131 and a seat cover 132 rotatably coupled to the base 110. The toilet 100 may further include a hinge assembly 135.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 , shows a tankless toilet 200. Toilet 200 includes a base 210 and a seat assembly 230 coupled to the base. Base 210 includes a bowl 211, a sump disposed below bowl 211, and a trapway fluidly connecting bowl 211 to a drain or sewer line. Toilet 200 includes a water line 240 that supplies water to toilet 200. Toilet 200 may further include a seat assembly 230, which includes a seat 231 and a seat cover 232 rotatably coupled to base 210. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Toilets 100 and 200 are provided herein as non-limiting examples of toilets that may be configured to utilize aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 , according to one example of the present disclosure, illustrates a perspective view of a toilet seat 300. According to some examples of the present disclosure, the toilet seat 300 may include a body 310, an inner wall 320 extending downward from an inner periphery of the body 310, and an outer wall 330 extending downward from an outer periphery of the body 310. The seat 300 may include a front portion 351, a rear portion 352, a first (e.g., left) side 353, and a second (e.g., right) side 354 opposite the first side 353.

[0037] The body 310 may include a top surface 311 configured to support a user sitting on the seat 300 and a bottom surface 312 opposite to the top surface. Figure 3 As shown, the body 310 (e.g., and the top surface 311 and the bottom surface 312) may have an oblong, elliptical, egg-shaped, or oval band shape or a ring shape. Figure 3 As shown, a hole or opening 340 can extend through the body 310 of the seat ring 300. An inner perimeter 341 (eg, inner perimeter, inner circumference) of the body 310 can define the shape and / or size of the opening 340 extending through the body 310.

[0038] In some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, the body 310 (and the top and bottom surfaces 311, 312) can be narrower at the front 351 of the seat ring 300 than the body 310 (and the top and bottom surfaces 311, 312) at the rear 352 of the seat ring 300. Similarly, the body 310 (and the top and bottom surfaces 311, 312) can be wider at the rear 352 of the seat ring 300 than the body 310 (and the top and bottom surfaces 311, 312) at the front 351 of the seat ring 300.

[0039] In some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, the body 310 (and the top surface 311) can be inclined. Specifically, in some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner perimeter of the body 310 (and the top surface 311) can be disposed below the outer perimeter (and the top surface 311) of the body 310. In other examples, the body 310 (and the top surface 311) can be horizontal (e.g., substantially horizontal, flush).

[0040] Still refer to Figure 3 , the toilet seat 300 may include an inner wall 320 extending or protruding downward from the inner periphery 341 of the body 310. According to some examples, the inner wall 320 may extend downward from the bottom surface 312 of the body 310. In some examples, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner wall 320 can extend downward at a certain angle (i.e., relative to the vertical axis). For example, the bottom of the inner wall 320 can be arranged closer (e.g., radially, horizontally) to the center of the opening 340 than the top of the inner wall 320. In other examples, the inner wall 320 can be vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) so that the top and bottom of the inner wall are arranged at the same distance from the center of the opening 340. According to some examples, such as Figure 3As shown, the inner wall 320 can extend downwardly along the entirety of the inner perimeter 341 of the body 310. According to other examples, the inner wall 320 can extend downwardly along a portion (eg, less than the entirety) of the inner perimeter 341 of the body 310.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, the inner wall 320 can further include a stepped geometry configured to prevent liquid waste from soiling the underside (e.g., bottom side, bottom surface) of the toilet seat and flowing out (e.g., leaving, exiting) the toilet by traveling between the seat 300 and the rim or upper surface of the base or pedestal (e.g., base 110, 210). For example, as described below with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In more detail, the inner wall 320 may include a lip 321 extending or protruding downward from a bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320. The stepped geometry may be configured to prevent liquid waste from adhering to and / or soiling one or more of the bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320, the lip 321 of the inner wall 320, the outer surface of the inner wall 320, the bottom surface 312 of the body 310, the inner surface of the outer wall 330, the bottom surface 331 of the outer wall 330, etc.

[0042] The toilet seat 300 can further include an outer wall 330 extending or protruding downward from an outer perimeter 342 (e.g., outer perimeter, outer circumference) of the body 310. According to some examples, the outer wall 330 can extend downward from the bottom surface 312 of the body 310. In some examples, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall 330 can extend downward at a certain angle (i.e., relative to the vertical axis). For example, the bottom of the outer wall 330 can be disposed farther away from the center of the opening 340 than the top of the outer wall 330 (e.g., radially, horizontally). In other examples, the outer wall 330 can be vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) such that the top and bottom of the outer wall are disposed at the same distance from the center of the opening 340. According to some examples, such as Figure 8 As best shown in FIG, the outer wall 330 can extend downwardly along a portion (eg, less than all) of the outer perimeter 342 of the body 310. According to other examples, the outer wall 330 can extend downwardly along the entirety of the outer perimeter 342 of the body 310.

[0043] Overall reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , illustrates a cross-sectional view of a toilet seat 300. Specifically, Figure 4 An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A cross section of the toilet seat 300 taken along section line AA. Figure 5 An example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the toilet seat 300 taken along section line BB.

[0044] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Inner wall 320 may include a stepped geometry configured to block the flow of liquid waste along one or more of the inner surface 323 of inner wall 320, the bottom surface 322 of inner wall 320, or the lip 321 of inner wall 320. Specifically, inner wall 320 may include a step or lip 321 extending or protruding downward from the bottom surface 322 of inner wall 320. According to the present disclosure, lip 321 may extend downward over less than the entire width of the bottom surface 322 of inner wall 320. Specifically, in some examples, lip 321 may extend downward from bottom surface 322 along an outer edge or perimeter of bottom surface 322. The outer edge or perimeter of bottom surface 322 may be the edge or perimeter of bottom surface 322 farthest from opening 340. Accordingly, bottom surface 322 may form a platform or protrusion 324 disposed between step or lip 321 and inner surface 323 of inner wall 320. According to some examples, the platform or protrusion 324 can be a flat surface of the inner wall 320. The step or lip 321 can extend below the platform or protrusion 324. The platform or protrusion 324 can be disposed between the lip 321 and one or both of: the inner surface 323 of the inner wall 320; or the opening 340. In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, the width 327 of the lip portion 321 can be smaller than the width 328 of the protrusion 324. According to other examples, the width 327 of the lip portion and the width of the protrusion 324 can be the same. According to other examples, the width 327 of the lip portion 321 can be larger than the width 328 of the protrusion 324. According to some examples, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom edge 325 of the step or lip 321 can extend below the bottom surface 331 of the outer wall 330. According to some examples of the present disclosure, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320 can be flat. For example, the bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320 can be horizontal (e.g., substantially horizontal, flush).

[0045] Still refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5In some examples, the lip 321 may extend downward from the bottom surface 322 along less than the entire length or circumference of the bottom surface 322. According to some examples, the lip 321 may extend only along a portion (e.g., less than the entire circumference) of the inner wall 320 disposed at or near the front portion 351 of the seat ring 300. For example, the lip 321 may extend from the bottom surface along less than half the length (e.g., circumference) of the bottom surface. In other examples, the lip 321 may extend downward from the bottom surface 322 along the entire length (e.g., circumference) of the inner wall 320.

[0046] According to some examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the height or distance (e.g., in the vertical direction) between the bottom surface 322 and / or the protrusion 324 and the distal end or bottom edge 325 of the lip 321 can vary along the length (e.g., circumference) of the inner wall 320. Specifically, the vertical distance between the bottom edge 325 of the lip 321 and the bottom surface 322 and / or the protrusion 324 of the inner wall 320 and / or the body 310 can vary along the length (e.g., circumference) of the inner wall 320. According to some examples of the present disclosure, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the lip 321 can have a maximum height or extend a maximum distance downward (e.g., from the bottom surface 322, from the body 310) at the front 351 of the inner wall 320. Additionally, as shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, according to some examples of the present disclosure, the height of the lip 321 or the distance that the lip extends downward can gradually decrease along the length of the inner wall 320 from the maximum height or maximum distance at the front 351 of the inner wall 320 toward the rear 352 of the inner wall 320 and / or the rear 352 of the seat ring 300.

[0047] According to some examples of the present disclosure, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the lip 321 can have a maximum height or extend a maximum distance downward (e.g., from the bottom surface 322, from the body 310) at the center of the inner wall 320. Additionally, as shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, according to some examples of the present disclosure, the height of the lip 321 or the distance that the lip extends downward can gradually decrease along the length of the inner wall 320 from the maximum height or maximum distance at the center of the inner wall 320 toward the first side 353 and the second side 354 of the inner wall 320 and / or the first side 353 and the second side 354 of the seat ring 300.

[0048] According to some examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the height of the lip 321 and / or the distance the lip 321 extends downwardly may gradually decrease (eg, toward the rear 352 and / or sides 353 , 354 ) until the lip 321 is coextensive with the bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320 .

[0049] refer to Figure 6 , illustrating an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the front portion 351 of the toilet seat 300 taken along section line CC. Figure 7 , illustrating an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 DD is a cross-sectional view of the rear portion 352 of the toilet seat 300.

[0050] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the toilet seat 300 may further include one or more (e.g., at least one) legs 360. Each leg 360 may extend or protrude downward from the bottom surface 312 of the body 310. According to some examples of the present disclosure, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each of the legs 360 can extend downwardly beyond the bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320, beyond the bottom edge 325 of the lip 321, and below the bottom surface 331 of the outer wall 330. Each leg 360 can be configured to contact the upper surface of the base or pedestal or the rim of the toilet (e.g., rim 315) and support the body 310, the inner wall 320, and the outer wall 330. Specifically, in some examples, as described below with respect to Figure 11 Described in greater detail, the legs 360 can be configured to support the body 310 , the inner wall 320 , and the outer wall 330 so that they are elevated above an upper surface of a base or rim (eg, rim 315 ) of the toilet.

[0051] In some examples, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each of the legs 360 may be disposed between the inner wall 320 and the outer wall 330. Specifically, each leg 360 may extend from the bottom surface 312 of the body 310 between the inner wall 320 and the outer wall 330. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the toilet 300 may include four legs 360. Specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the seat ring 300 may include two legs 360 extending from the bottom surface 312 at the front 351 of the seat ring 300. Additionally, as shown Figure 7 As shown, the seat ring 300 may include two legs 360 extending from the bottom surface 312 at the rear portion 352 of the seat ring 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and any number of legs 360 may be included.

[0052] According to some examples, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each leg 360 can abut and / or be directly disposed near the inner wall 320 and the outer wall 330. According to some examples of the present disclosure, any one, any combination, or all of the following can be integrally formed as a single entity: the body 310, the inner wall 320, the lip 321, the outer wall 330, or the legs 360. According to other examples of the present disclosure, one or more of the body 310, the inner wall 320, the lip 321, the outer wall 330, and the legs 360 can be formed separately, and the body 310, the inner wall 320, the lip 321, the outer wall 330, and / or the legs 360 can be coupled to or attached to each other to form the toilet seat 300.

[0053] refer to Figure 8 , a perspective view of a toilet seat 300 is illustrated according to one example of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the toilet seat 300 can include a pair of hinge tabs 345 extending or protruding from the body 310 (e.g., the bottom surface 312) and / or the outer wall 330. The pair of hinge tabs 345 can be disposed at the rear portion 352 of the seat 300. Figure 8 As shown, one of the pair of hinge tabs 345 may be disposed on each of the first side 353 and the second side 354 of the seat 300 at the rear portion 352 of the seat 300 .

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, the seat ring 300 can further include a pair of hinge openings 346. Specifically, the hinge openings 346 can extend through each of the hinge tabs 345. In some examples, such as Figure 8 As shown, the lines extending through the central axes of each of the pair of hinge openings 346 can coincide. Each of the pair of hinge openings can be configured to receive a portion of a hinge (e.g., a hinge pin) for rotatably coupling the seat 300 to the base or pedestal of the toilet.

[0055] Still refer to Figure 8 , the seat 300 may further include a hinge slot 347, which may be configured to receive a portion of a hinge (e.g., a hinge pin) for rotatably coupling the seat 300 to the base or pedestal of the toilet. According to some examples, as Figure 8 As shown, the hinge slot 347 can be provided at the rear portion 351 of the seat ring 300. Figure 8 As shown, a hinge slot 347 may be provided between the pair of hinge tabs 345. According to some examples of the present disclosure, each of the pair of hinge tabs 345 and the bottom surface 312 of the body 310 may define a boundary of the hinge slot 347. Figure 12 The coupling of the hinge assembly to the toilet seat 300 is described in greater detail.

[0056] refer to Figure 9 , illustrates a perspective view of a toilet seat 400 according to an example of the present disclosure. The toilet seat 400 may be identical or substantially similar to the toilet seat 300 described above. The toilet seat 400 may include a main body 410, an inner wall 420, and an outer wall 430. Each of the main body 410, the inner wall 420, and the outer wall 430 may be identical or substantially similar to the main body 310, the inner wall 320, and the outer wall 330, respectively, except that the main body 410, the inner wall 420, and / or the outer wall 430 may have a profile or outer shape (e.g., shape) different from that described above. According to some examples of the present disclosure, the seat 400 may further include one or more legs 360 extending or protruding downward from the main body 410 of the seat 400. In some examples, the seat 400 may include four legs 360. Each of the legs 360 may be disposed between the inner wall 420 and the outer wall 430.

[0057] refer to Figure 10 , illustrating an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the toilet seat 400 taken along section line EE. Figure 10 As shown, the inner wall 420 may include a lip 421 having a bottom edge 425 extending downward from a bottom surface 422 of the inner wall 420. The lip 421, the bottom edge 425, and the bottom surface 422 may be respectively Figures 3 to 5 The lip 321, bottom edge 325 and bottom surface 422 described are the same. Figure 10 As shown, outer wall 430 may include a bottom surface 431 .

[0058] According to some examples of the present disclosure, Figure 10 As shown, each of the legs 360 can extend above or below the bottom surface 422 of the inner wall 420, the bottom edge 425 of the lip 421, and the bottom surface 431 of the outer wall 430. Additionally, in some examples, such as Figure 10 As shown, the outer wall 430 can extend above or below the bottom edge 425 of the lip 421. According to some examples, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the bottom edge 425 of the lip can be horizontal (eg, substantially horizontal, flush).

[0059] refer to Figure 11 , illustrates a side view of a toilet 500 according to one example of the present disclosure. In some examples, such as Figure 11As shown, toilet 500 may include a toilet seat 501, a base or pedestal 510, a hinge assembly 520, and a toilet seat cover 530. Toilet seat 501 may be any of the toilet seats 300 and 400 described herein. For ease of explanation, toilet 500 is described below as including toilet seat 300; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and toilet seat 501 may also be toilet seat 400 described above.

[0060] refer to Figure 11 , a base or pedestal 510 includes a bowl 511, a container or sump 512 disposed below the bowl 511, and a trapway 515 configured to fluidly connect the bowl 511 to a drain or sewer line. According to the present disclosure, the base 510 may further include a rim 513 extending around the bowl 511. The base 510 may further include an upper surface 514 configured to support a water tank (e.g., water tank 120) and the toilet seat 501. Specifically, the upper surface 514 of the rim 513 may support the toilet seat 501. In accordance with the present disclosure, the stepped geometry of the toilet seat 300 (specifically, the bottom surface 322 of the inner wall 320, the protrusion 324 and / or the lip 321) can advantageously block or stop the adhesion of liquid waste flowing along the inner wall 320, the bottom surface 322 and / or the lip 321, causing the liquid waste to, for example, fall into the bowl 511, preventing the liquid waste from flowing between the inner wall 320 and the rim 513 (e.g., to the outer surface of the inner wall 320, to the bottom surface 312 of the body 310, to the outer wall 330, and out of the toilet 500).

[0061] like Figure 11 As shown, each of the legs 360 can be configured to contact or abut an upper surface 514 of the rim 513. The legs 360 can be configured to contact the upper surface 514 of the rim 513 and support the body 310, inner wall 320, and outer wall 330 of the seat ring 300. Specifically, the legs 360 can be configured to support the seat ring 300 such that the body 310, inner wall 320, and outer wall 330 are elevated or disposed above the upper surface 514 of the rim 513.

[0062] According to some examples of the present disclosure, the legs 360 can be configured to support the body 310 so that the top surface 311 of the seat is disposed a predetermined distance above the upper surface 514 of the rim 513. Specifically, the legs 360 can be configured to support the top surface 311 of the seat at a predetermined distance above the upper surface 514 of the base 510 to comply with government regulations and seat height requirements for individuals with disabilities. According to some examples, the legs 360 can support the body 310 so that the top surface 311 of the seat 300 is disposed more than 1 inch, more than 1.5 inches, more than 2 inches, more than 2.5 inches, or 3 inches or more above the upper surface 514 of the rim.

[0063] According to some examples, a predetermined height of the legs 360 may be required in conjunction with the height of the top surface 311 above the upper surface 514 of the rim 513. According to some examples, each leg 360 may extend downward from the bottom surface 312 of the body 310 by more than 1 inch, more than 1.5 inches, more than 2 inches, more than 2.5 inches, or 3 inches or more. Similarly, according to some examples, the inner wall 320 and the outer wall 330 may extend downward from the bottom surface 312 of the body 310 by a predetermined distance in conjunction with the height of the top surface 311 above the upper surface 514 of the rim 513 and the length of the legs 360.

[0064] According to some examples, such as Figure 11 As shown, the inner wall 320 and the lip 321 can be disposed above the bowl 511 of the toilet 500. Specifically, the inner wall 320 and the lip 321 can be disposed within the rim 513 of the bottom 510 such that when the flow of liquid waste along the inner surface 323 of the wall and / or the adhesion of the bottom surface 322 is disrupted, the liquid waste falls into the bowl 511.

[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, the hinge assembly 520 can be coupled to the base 510, the seat 501, and the seat cover 530, and can rotatably couple the seat 501 and the seat cover 530 to the base 510. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Hinge assembly 520 is described in more detail.

[0066] refer to Figure 12 , illustrates a partial perspective view of a toilet 500 according to an example of the present disclosure. According to some examples of the present disclosure, such as Figure 12 As shown, the hinge assembly 520 may include a pair of hinge towers 540 and a pin assembly 550. The pair of hinge towers 540 may be coupled to the upper surface 514 of the base 510 and coupled to the pin assembly 550. According to some examples, as described below with respect to Figure 13As described above, the hinge towers 540 can be disposed below the pin assembly 550 and coupled to the bottom of the pin assembly 550. According to some examples, the pair of hinge towers 540 can be coupled to the pin assembly 550 and support the pin assembly 550 so that the pin assembly 550 is elevated above the upper surface 514 of the base 510. The pin assembly 550 can be disposed above the pair of hinge towers 540 and extend between the pair of hinge towers 540. Specifically, the pair of hinge towers 540 can support the pin assembly 550 above the upper surface 514 of the base 510 so that an opening or gap 516 is formed or exists between the upper surface 514 of the base 510, the pin assembly 550, and the pair of hinge towers 540. According to some examples, the height of the hinge towers 540 can be determined in consideration of the seat height (e.g., the vertical distance between the top surface 311 of the seat 300 and the upper surface 514 of the base 510). Pin assembly 550 can rotatably couple seat ring 501 and seat cover 530 to hinge tower 540 (and thus rotatably couple seat ring 501 and seat cover 530 to upper surface 514 of base 510 when hinge tower 540 is coupled to base 510). According to some examples, as described below with respect to Figure 13 As described above, the pin assembly 550 may be disposed in the hinge slot 347 at the rear portion 352 of the seat ring 300 .

[0067] refer to Figure 13 , illustrates an exploded view of a pin assembly 520 according to one example of the present disclosure. Figure 13 As shown, the hinge assembly 520 may include a pair of hinge towers 540 and a pin assembly 550. Figure 13 As shown, each of the hinge towers 540 may include a leg 541 and an axis 542 (e.g., a vertical axis), the leg 541 being configured to be coupled to the upper surface 514 of the base 510. According to some examples, the axis 542 may extend in a vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) direction. In some examples, the axis 542 may be inserted into a hole 543 (e.g., provided in the upper surface of the leg 541) and extend or protrude upward from the leg 541. In other examples, the axis 542 may be integrally formed with the leg 541 and extend or protrude upward from the leg 541.

[0068] Still refer to Figure 13According to some examples, the pin assembly 550 may include a hollow channel 551, a locking mechanism 552, and a pair of dampers 553. According to some examples, the hollow channel 551 may include a pair of tower coupling holes 554. The pair of tower coupling holes 554 may be disposed along the bottom of the hollow channel 551. Each of the pair of tower coupling holes 554 may be configured to receive a shaft 542 of one of the hinge towers 540, thereby coupling the hinge tower 540 and the pin assembly 550. Furthermore, the hollow channel 551 may include a cavity configured to receive the locking mechanism 552 and the pair of dampers 553. According to some examples, the pin assembly 550, and specifically the hollow channel 551, may be disposed in a hinge slot 347 disposed at the rear portion 352 of the toilet seat 300.

[0069] According to some examples of the present disclosure, each of the pair of dampers 553 can be disposed within the hollow channel 551 (e.g., within the cavity of the hollow channel 551). One of the pair of dampers 553 can be disposed at each of the opposite ends of the hollow channel 551. According to some examples, a portion of each of the pair of dampers 553 can extend or protrude from an opening at the corresponding end of the hollow channel 551. According to some examples, a portion of each of the dampers 553 extending to the outside of the hollow channel 551 can be inserted into a hinge opening 346 provided on a corresponding side of the toilet seat 300. In addition, the portion of each damper 553 extending from the hollow channel 551 can also extend into an opening formed in the seat cover 530, thereby rotatably coupling the seat cover 530 to the pin assembly 550.

[0070] refer to Figure 13, a locking mechanism 552 can be disposed within the hollow channel 551 and can be configured to selectively lock or maintain the position of the pair of hinge towers 540 and / or the pair of dampers 553 (i.e., and therefore the toilet seat 300 and the seat cover 530) relative to the hollow channel 551. According to some examples, the locking mechanism 552 can include a button 555. The button 555 can be disposed in a button opening 556 included in the hollow channel 551. The locking mechanism 552 can further include one or more biasing members 557 (e.g., springs). In a first state, the biasing members 557 can exert a force on each of the pair of dampers 553 toward the corresponding end of the hollow channel 551 (e.g., axially), thereby maintaining the position of the dampers 553 relative to the hollow channel 551 and maintaining a portion of each of the dampers 553 in position within the corresponding hinge opening 346 included in the seat 300. When the button 555 is depressed (eg, pushed), the biasing member 557 may be compressed and each of the dampers 553 may be withdrawn from the corresponding hinge opening 346 , thereby allowing the seat 300 and seat cover 530 to be removed from the hinge assembly 520 .

[0071] When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a certain purpose or performing a certain operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0072] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for description of some of the features described and claimed without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0073] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof, used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representatives, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or exceptional examples).

[0074] As used herein, the term "couple" and variations thereof refer to the direct or indirect coupling of two components. This coupling can be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or removable (e.g., removable or releasable). This coupling can be achieved by directly coupling the two components to each other, by coupling the two components to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members that couple to each other, or by coupling the two components to each other using an intermediate member that is integrally formed as a single unit with one of the two components. If "couple" or variations thereof are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly coupled), the general definition of "couple" provided above is modified by the ordinary language meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two components without any separate intermediate member), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "couple" provided above. This coupling can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0075] As used herein, the term "or" is inclusive (not exclusive), and thus, when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" refers to one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Connectives such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are understood to mean, unless otherwise specifically stated, that an element can be any one of X, Y, and Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise specified, such connectives do not generally imply that some embodiments require at least one of each of X, Y, and Z to be present.

[0076] References to the positions of elements herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are intended only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may differ, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0077] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, unless otherwise specified above, the order of such steps may differ from that depicted and described. In addition, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously, unless otherwise specified above. For example, such variations may depend on the software and hardware systems selected and the designer's preferences. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, software implementations of the methods may also use standard programming techniques, rule-based logic, and other logic to complete the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0078] It should be noted that the construction and arrangement of the systems shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. In addition, any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element in one embodiment can be incorporated into or used in another embodiment, it should be understood that other elements in the various embodiments can be incorporated into or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A toilet seat, comprising: a body comprising a top surface; an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an inner periphery of the body; an inner wall extending downwardly from an inner periphery of the body; a lip extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the inner wall; and A protrusion is formed by a bottom surface of the inner wall, the protrusion being disposed between the lip and the opening. 2 . The toilet seat according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion and the lip are configured to block adhesion of liquid waste flowing along the toilet seat, thereby causing the liquid waste adhered to the toilet seat to fall off. 3 . The toilet seat of claim 1 , wherein a distance that the lip extends downward varies along a circumference of the bottom surface of the inner wall.

4. The toilet seat of claim 3, wherein the lip extends downwardly a maximum distance at a front portion of the inner wall. 5 . The toilet seat according to claim 4 , wherein the distance that the lip extends downward gradually decreases from the maximum distance at the front of the inner wall toward the rear of the inner wall.

6. The toilet seat of claim 5, wherein the distance the lip extends downwardly gradually decreases until the lip is coextensive with the bottom surface of the inner wall.

7. The toilet seat of claim 1, wherein a distance that the lip portion extends downward gradually decreases from a maximum distance at a middle portion of the inner wall toward the first and second sides of the inner wall.

8. The toilet seat according to claim 1, further comprising: An outer wall extends downward from an outer periphery of the main body.

9. The toilet seat of claim 8, wherein the lip extends downwardly beyond a bottom surface of the outer wall.

10. The toilet seat of claim 8, wherein the outer wall extends downwardly beyond the lip.

11. The toilet seat according to claim 8, further comprising: A leg extends downwardly from the body between the inner wall and the outer wall.

12. The toilet seat of claim 11, wherein the legs extend beyond a bottom surface of the inner wall, a bottom edge of the lip, and a bottom surface of the outer wall.

13. A toilet, comprising: a bedpan having an upper surface; as well as A toilet seat is connected to the upper surface, the toilet seat having: a body, the body including a top surface; an opening, the opening extending through the body; an inner wall, the inner wall extending downward from the inner periphery of the body; a protrusion, the protrusion formed by the bottom surface of the inner wall; and a lip, the lip extending downward from the bottom surface of the inner wall. The toilet of claim 13 , wherein the protrusion is disposed between the lip and the opening.

15. The toilet of claim 13, wherein the lip and the protrusion are configured to block adherence of liquid waste flowing along the toilet seat, thereby causing the liquid waste to fall into the bowl.

16. The toilet according to claim 13, further comprising: an outer wall extending downwardly from an outer periphery of the body; as well as At least one leg extends downwardly from the body between the inner wall and the outer wall.

17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the at least one leg is configured to abut an upper surface of the bowl and support the toilet seat such that the body, the outer wall, the inner wall, and the lip are elevated above the upper surface of the bowl.

18. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the at least one leg comprises four legs.

19. A toilet seat comprising: main body; an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an inner periphery of the body; as well as an inner wall extending from an inner periphery of the main body, the inner wall comprising a platform and a step extending below the platform, the platform and the step being configured to block adhesion of liquid waste flowing along the inner wall so that the liquid waste flowing along the inner wall falls from the inner wall.

20. The toilet seat of claim 19, further comprising: an outer wall extending downwardly from an outer periphery of the body; as well as At least one leg extends downwardly from the body between the inner wall and the outer wall.

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