DEVICE FOR THE MANUAL OPERATION OF TOILET SEATS

Abstract

Device for the manual operation of toilet seats; wherein the device (100) is an accessory of the toilet seat (7) comprising at least one manually operated handle (2), which is configured to be fixed by means of fixing means (3) to the toilet seat (7) so that, with the lid in a vertical position, it allows operation of only the seat, and with the lid closed and the seat in a horizontal position, the operation allows lifting the seat and also the lid without touching it, said device being positioned, at least partially, outside the contour of the seat (7), on its outer part, characterized in that the operating handle (2) comprises: - a rear face attached to the seat, a front and outer face (8), which may be provided with several outer peripheral parts or sections, which is comprised between the upper face (21) and the lower face (22), the section of which has a non-pointing configuration. - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downward-sloping surface extending from the edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7) towards the front outer edge of the grab handle (2) and also towards the lateral outer edges of the grab handle (2), wherein said lateral and front outer edges have a lower dimension with respect to the upper dimension of the edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7). - a lower face (22) comprising at least one cavity (23), space, or substantially hollowed-out recess of greater or lesser size, extending upwards with respect to the lower contour of the grab handle (2) and having an internal configuration geometry without edges, or with rounded edges and corners, and a contact and actuation surface (9), the lower face (22) of which is concave with an upward curvature from its contour, to facilitate the lifting action.

Description

Device for the manual operation of toilet seats Technical sector. The present invention is applicable in the toilet sector and more specifically to devices or accessories for the manual operation of the seats of said toilets. Prior art In utility model ES1300144_U, from the same holder of the present invention, a handle applicable to a toilet seat is described, in particular to toilet seats that comprise on their lower surface holes or recesses for the pressure mounting of interchangeable seat support accessories or stops on the toilet. The grab handle comprises a gripping handle that extends laterally into a connecting handle with a head that attaches to the underside of the toilet seat. Specifically, the head comprises an upper support surface for the toilet seat, at least one appendage that protrudes from the upper surface and is configured to snap into a hole or recess in the seat, and a lower surface that faces the toilet when the seat is lowered. One drawback of these grab bars is that when the toilet is used with the seat down, the handle is exposed to urine splashes that run down to the lower gripping area, thus not maintaining adequate hygiene for subsequent manual operation. Similarly, there are various toilet seat lifters attached to the lid and seat, which generally have an adhesive bond that often fails to function properly and detaches very easily on seats with a curved underside, resulting in poor adhesion and causing them to fall into the toilet bowl. The inventor believes that lid actuator devices, which only actuate the lid, should not be confused with seat and lid actuator devices, as these define a different functionality and utility, different premises, and their own differentiating characteristics. There are also toilet handles on the sides of the seat that are part of the mold and the seat, a situation that should not be confused with one that is manufactured independently of the seat. The applicant is unaware of the existence of devices for the manual operation of toilet seats that anticipate the characteristics of the present invention. Explanation of the invention. The device for the manual operation of toilet seats that is the subject of the present invention is of the type described in the preamble of the main claim, being independent, as an accessory complement to the toilet seat to which it is attached and comprising at least one manual operating handle, which is configured to be fixed by means of fixing to said toilet seat so that said device is positioned, at least partially, outside the contour of the seat, on its outer side. One of the objectives of the invention is to define a lower gripping area on the handle, protected from urine splashes and maintained in hygienic conditions, thus serving as the manual operating zone for the device. Similarly, another objective of the invention is to provide the device, and in particular the handle, with a configuration that facilitates cleaning and prevents gaps where dirt can accumulate. The present device is provided with fixing means that provide a durable and stable joint, having the following operation: when the lid is raised it allows only the seat to be operated, and when the lid is closed and the seat is in a horizontal position, the operation allows the seat and the lid to be lifted without even touching it. It is also worth mentioning that this inventor believes that toilet seat lifting devices should be differentiated from devices that only lift the seat lid, as they must have certain requirements, functionality, lift control, and ease of use that allow for easy and comfortable lifting of not only the lid but also the seat. This situation involves lifting more than twice the weight of the lid, which is a major challenge and problem to solve. Likewise, it is worth noting that quality seats are often made with heavier materials than plastic, being made with compressed woods or phenolic resins, as we will see later. To this end, and advantageously, the invention is based on an actuating handle comprising: - a rear face attached to the seat, provided with one or more outer perimeter side faces (8), comprised between the upper face (21) and the lower face (22), whose section has a non-puncturing configuration. - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downward-sloping surface, from the edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), towards the front outer edge of the handle (2) and also towards the side outer edges of the handle (2), wherein said side and front outer edges have a lower dimension with respect to the upper dimension of the edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7). - a lower face (22) comprising at least one cavity (23), space, or substantially hollowed-out recess, of greater or lesser size, extending upwards from the lower contour of the handle (2) and having an internal configuration geometry without edges, or with rounded edges and corners, and a contact and actuation surface (9), the lower face (22) of which is concave with an upward curvature from its contour, to facilitate the lifting action, This configuration allows the top face of the handle to slope in multiple directions, having a "shell-like" geometry, which facilitates that splashes slide off the top face more efficiently towards different points on the outer side edge of the handle. The shell-shaped configuration, on the one hand, allows for easy cleaning and keeps the upper surface cleaner from splashes and, importantly, has a cavity, space, groove or recess on the underside of the handle that remains free of dirt that may fall from the top and allows for the most effective cleaning possible, keeping the handle in hygienic conditions suitable for the manual operation of the device. It is also intended that the internal configuration should be understood as having no edges, or rounded edges and corners, the indicated geometric configuration that allows the cleaning of the entire interior surface effectively. The contact and actuation surface, which is concave with an upward curve from its contour, or which contains on its surface at least a concave part with an upward curve from its contour, i.e., it is bulged towards the inside of the lower face of the handle, facilitates the actuation of the device, improving the ergonomics of gripping the handle and thus the lifting action. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the grab handle comprises one or more outer perimeter side faces, located between the upper and lower faces, with a non-sharp cross-section. This section of the perimeter side edge is configured with blunt, chamfered, flat, and / or curved surfaces that do not create a sharp edge, thus allowing the grab handle to protrude from the toilet seat with a geometry that minimizes the impact of unintentional bumps by the toilet user against said element. According to a variation of the invention, and maintaining the characteristic inner cavity, the upper face of the handle is in this variation convex or inclined or a combination of both, in a downward direction, on "at least one slope" defined by a vertical plane perpendicular to the base of the seat and towards the interior of the seat from the upper edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), and towards the front outer edge of the handle (2). This variation is understood to mean that the upper face can be simply inclined or convex or inclined, or a combination of both, in a single direction towards the outside, resulting in a tubular profile, or a conical shape. Optionally, the underside of the handle, with the possible exception of its edges, is completely hollowed out, forming a cavity with a contact and operating surface that is closely aligned with and contiguous to the contour formed by the outer face. This allows for a handle with a thickness throughout its cross-section that matches its external shape, reducing manufacturing costs due to the minimal amount of material used. To clarify, the invention stipulates that the hollowed-out part of the lower face produced by the cavity may not completely occupy the lower face, as we will see later. Alternatively to the previous claims where the lower face of the handle contained a cavity, it is also provided that the lower face may be flat, or mostly flat, or: slightly bulging and convex outwards, as reflected herein. - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downward-sloping surface, on at least one slope from the upper edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), and towards the front outer edge of the handle outline (2). - a lower face (22) that is flat, or mostly flat; or: slightly bulging and convex towards the outside. In addition to the previous claim, the underside is mostly flat. Being mostly flat, any cavity or convexity does not coincide with the contour formed by the outer surface. This allows for a more robust underside, with the cavity occupying only a portion of that underside and surface, not necessarily adjacent to its perimeter edges. According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the fixing means comprise coupling elements located directly on one side of the handle configured to couple directly onto the side or profile of the toilet seat, in a fixed or removable manner, and wherein the coupling elements are configured to couple to the seat by pressure, according to a male and female typology, chemical adhesives, mechanical means, or a combination of the above, it being provided that they may optionally have a locking and release mechanism. This configuration allows for direct attachment of the device to the toilet seat, facilitating quick and easy installation on the side of the seat. However, the seat must have specific attachment points or mounting elements for the device, which, whether by pressure, adhesive, and / or mechanical means, allow for this attachment without requiring the device of the invention to have auxiliary coupling elements such as the arms detailed in subsequent embodiments. In this direct attachment to the side or profile of the toilet seat, the mounting means can be configured so that the device is permanently fixed or so that it can be removed to facilitate cleaning or replacement. As previously stated, the device of the invention is independent of the seat; that is, it is configured as a separate unit, an accessory for the toilet seat. It should be emphasized that the configuration of the device, which attaches laterally to the seat in a fixed manner, is very different from the configuration of the device integrated into the seat as a single piece, created from the outset, for example, with an injection mold or other alternative method. Although they have the same purpose and a handle as a main element, they are quite distinct. Consequently, due to their different configurations and manufacturing methods, one configuration may offer inherent advantages that the other cannot.The device that is the subject of the invention can, for example, be made of materials with physical characteristics different from those of the body or seat to which it is attached, thus having its own independent characteristics of resistance, flexibility, shine, and color that are different from those of the body to which it is attached, and which the one-piece configuration cannot provide. Alternatively to the above embodiment, the fastening means comprise a support arm that protrudes from the handle, and wherein this support arm comprises coupling elements configured to engage in a male-female configuration with reliefs and recesses previously existing in the seat, wherein these coupling elements are pressure, adhesive, and / or mechanical. It should be noted that devices that have a flat upper face and a completely flat lower face, or a flat face curved inwards and whose exclusively adhesive fixing means are located on the upper part of the arm that connects with the handle, are outside the scope of this invention. This configuration allows the grab handle to be attached to the recesses left free when the toilet seat's support brackets are detached from the upper rim of the toilet bowl, without requiring a special seat configuration. Alternatively, those who prefer a more durable or fixed bond can supplement the pressure-fit method with adhesives or chemical bonding agents such as hot melt adhesives. This type of adhesive is solid at room temperature and melts when heated, allowing for application in a liquid state. Upon cooling, it returns to its solid state, bonding the joined surfaces. Optionally, with respect to this latter embodiment, the device for manually operating toilet seats comprises a damping element on the lower surface of the support arm, configured to rest on the toilet bowl. This allows the seat's contact point to be maintained on the upper edge of the toilet bowl. Optionally, the support arm, handle, coupling elements, and shock absorber are defined as a single-piece body made of a semi-rigid material with a degree of flexibility. This allows for one-piece manufacturing, with the associated cost benefits and simplicity of components. Preferably, but not exclusively, the part would be made of thermoplastic polymer (TPE), ethylene-based thermoplastic (HDPE), combined with one or more additives, such as fiberglass or other materials, and antimicrobial additives. The final thermoplastic selected must possess the ideal physical characteristics to ensure proper handle function and optimized shock absorption in the support area. Alternatively, the shock absorber body is configured independently of the support arm and attached to it using coupling means. The shock absorber body is made of an elastic, shock-absorbing material. This allows for the customization of each component according to the required hardness, flexibility, shock absorption, color, gloss, and external reflectivity, so that each final combination optimizes the functional performance of each part: handle, arm, shock absorber body, and coupling means. Preferably, but not limited to, the coupling means of the shock absorber body and the support arm is a snap-fit ​​system, by complementarity of shapes and / or an adhesive or chemical or mechanical bonding system. Thus, according to a preferred option, the support arm and handle are formed from a hard plastic material, and the shock-absorbing body and the means of coupling to the toilet seat are formed from an elastic shock-absorbing material fixed to the support arm. Likewise, the Device is characterized in that the support arm (1) provides the means so that: the "lower rear edge of the handle" (2), which is adjacent to the seat (7.- once it is attached to the seat (7.- coincides with the "lower outer edge of the seat ring", both edges being coplanar together at the same level, or that there is a height difference between them of less than 8 mm. This improvement enhances the hygiene of the grab handle, as it can be cleaned much more effectively and easily with a single pass of a chamois cloth. It is also planned that this cleaning will be effective even if there is a difference in height, thanks to the application of a curved section that allows the chamois cloth to pass over both levels. This difference between the seat assembly and the base of the grab handle is set at 8 mm in height, which is achieved by providing this curved section. Similarly, the device presented, which operates the "seat and lid," is characterized—unlike lid handles—by the fact that, viewed from the side, the handle arm (2) is at the same or a similar height to the handle itself, or a portion of the arm curves upward to reach the handle. These two arrangements give the device a predominantly horizontal and flat appearance. However, toilet lid-only grab devices, not claimed in this invention, have, viewed from the side, an extension in their arm that is noticeable in a downward direction. Therefore, a Device is claimed in which, in its side view, the handle is at a similar height to the arm, or with a difference in height of plus or minus 3 mm, which allows the support arm that has the function of connecting with the handle to have in its side view a configuration: 1 - substantially horizontal and flat, or arched; or the characteristic 2 is claimed - Device in which the handle is at a higher height than the arm that supports it, thus having the handle arm in its side view a configuration: "horizontal and flat and also of an ascending connecting part", to join with the handle, which is part of the same beam. Alternatively to the preceding claims where the lower face of the handle contained a cavity, it is also provided that the lower face may be flat, from the outer contour at its lateral edge, or: slightly bulged and convex towards its outwards, as reflected herein - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downward-sloping surface, on at least one slope from the upper edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), and towards the front outer edge of the handle (2). - a flat lower face of the handle (2) which is slightly curved inwards - in the direction perpendicular to the seat to which it is attached, characterized in that the rear face of the handle (2): has a loose width or a contact length with the seat "greater than 5.20 cm", so that the weight "of seat and lid", which accumulates on the edge when lifting, does not cause discomfort to the fingertips, being distributed at least over the tips of three fingers of the hand, allowing the whole to be lifted with sufficient comfort and ergonomics. It has been observed that this type of curved profile, when lifted from above, tends to cause discomfort in the fingertips due to the weight. It is also worth mentioning that this inventor believes that toilet seat lifting devices should differ in some aspect, mainly in ergonomics, functionality and control, from lid-only lifts, and have adequate ergonomics that allow comfortably lifting not only the lid, but also the seat, a situation that anticipates lifting more than twice the weight of the lid. It is also important to consider the type of material, since the most durable and high-quality seats are heavier than the cheaper ones because they are made with materials such as woods and finishes of different weight and quality or compressed phenolic resins, as we will see later. As shown in the following data and weights, which is indicative of the effort made depending on each lid and seat material. A lightweight polypropylene seat typically weighs between 1.2 and 2 kg, depending on its design, size and whether or not it includes mechanisms such as soft-close hinges. • Simple models around 1.2-1.5 kg · Reinforced models or those with soft-close mechanisms can weigh close to 2 kg In a standard polypropylene toilet seat, the total weight is distributed more or less like this: • Lid (cover) usually weighs between 0.6 and 0.9 kg • Seat (ring) usually weighs between 0.7 and 1.1 kg This weight varies depending on the thickness of the material and whether it is a reinforced model or one with a soft-close mechanism (which adds extra weight to the hinges). In a toilet seat made of pressed phenolic resin (also called duroplast in cases where it is mixed with an organic material such as cotton fiber or sawdust), the weight is considerably greater than in polypropylene because it is a denser and more rigid material. In a typical pressed phenolic resin model: • Total weight between 3 and 3.90 kg • Lid (cover) approximately 1.3 to 1.55 kg • Seat (rim around 1.7 to 2.35 kg) The distribution is not always 50 / 50: the hoop usually weighs more because it is thicker and supports the user's load. • The range depends on the thickness of the material, the size of the toilet and whether it has normal or soft-close hinges (the latter add between 0.1 and 0.3 kg). • In both materials, the seat usually weighs a little more than the lid because it is more robust to support weight. The weight distribution by approximate weight percentage for each material is attached: The following table is also attached, indicating the estimated weight of the lid and seat according to the material, using the percentages above: A table visualization clearly shows how, as the total weight increases, the portion corresponding to the seat is always greater than that of the lid, and how phenolic resin distributes the weight slightly more towards the seat than polypropylene. Consequently, the inventor believes that the "lid-only" lifting device can be lifted with some ergonomics using two fingers, since an inexpensive polypropylene lid weighs barely 550-700 grams. However, the lid and seat together weigh between 1.2 and 1.5 kg—more than double the weight of the lid alone—and the combined weight starts at 1.2 kg and goes up to 3.5 kg. This is a significant weight, so it makes sense that a smaller item would have a smaller handle, while a heavier item would have a larger handle and a larger underside that distributes the load over a wider surface area, making it suitable for that weight. It is for these reasons of necessary functionality, and reduction of effort when raising and lowering the lid, that it is convenient to have sufficient lifting capacity, control of the raising and lowering, and to avoid punctures in children and the elderly, which, although blunt, are unnecessary, and to avoid in general the discomfort that a small edge of a small handle can produce, which falsely invites it to be operated with only two fingers and which some will tend to operate with only two fingers, then finding that its weight is greater than expected, making the lifting action difficult, since the inventor considers that the handle of the lid and seat is convenient and necessary to lift with 3 fingers and not with two fingers, this being a new functionality and a completely necessary requirement.To this end, the handle must have a minimum dimension and width on its lower operating surface to ensure proper functioning for any age and audience. The inventor estimates that a universal lid and seat lifting device, due to its weight, must be lifted with three fingers, especially in the case of the handle "with a curved underside," where the handle, during the lifting action from above, accumulates and distributes much of the weight and most of the contact on the front edge. This results in a cumbersome lifting motion when the lid and seat assembly weighs 1.5 kg or more, as the weight accumulates—a problem that is certainly excessive if only two fingers are used. This is particularly true for the type with a curved underside. This discomfort is concentrated in the middle of the fingertips, especially for young children, women, and the elderly, since children, women, and the elderly generally have thinner skin and narrower fingers than men, and some of them have less finger strength. Therefore, for reasons of functionality and ergonomics, especially in the case of a handle with a curved underside, where the weight of the handle is concentrated on the front edges—in other cases where the underside is flat, partially flat, or convex, the weight is distributed evenly across the entire underside—it is advisable to define a minimum clearance dimension and width on the underside and backside to avoid the aforementioned problem. For the reasons stated above, this minimum dimension of 5.20 cm for the length of the backside is defined and claimed for a lid and seat lifting device. This dimension is justified by taking as a reference the measurement of the width of the outline of three fingers of a man of normal size shown in the photograph and which correspond to about 5.20 cm minimum width of the back face of a handle, as can be seen in figures 13 and 14. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: the rear face of the handle has a length ", equal to or greater than 5.20 cm." Optionally to the described embodiments, although preferred for its practical and hygienic utility, the Device shall be characterized in that its handle has a configuration seen from the top of the floor, such that at least one of the two ends or outer edges of the handle that contact the seat and the back face of the handle, or even both, shall be pointed and form an acute angle with the toilet seat. A device with rounded edges makes cleaning difficult when wiping, as soapy water and / or dirt can accumulate due to a hard-to-reach space between the rounded face of the handle closest to the seat and the toilet seat. Therefore, a device with its sharp edges facilitates the passage of the cloth, with a single pass, without leaving hard-to-reach spaces, even with two passes of the cloth. According to an optional embodiment that can be considered common to any of the above embodiments, the upper face of the handle may comprise at least a flat part adjacent to the edge closest to the seat and prior to its inclined or convex part of its outermost part, this option having the advantage of providing greater friction and consequently greater grip and control. Similarly, according to another embodiment complementary to the foregoing, the upper surface comprises at least one concave portion, groove, recess, or similar feature. This concave portion, groove, recess, or similar feature is configured to provide improved ergonomics when handling the handle and to facilitate the placement of one or more fingers on the handle. Likewise, the Device will provide the means for the handle to be foldable or collapsible either by the use of a hinge, or by another alternative method that allows folding, this being a supplementary utility as the Device occupies less space and may be useful in those bathrooms of small or very small size. Also, as an option to the embodiments described above, although preferred, the lower surface of the handle comprises reliefs forming a non-slip gripping zone, giving the handle better functionality and safety in its use. According to one possible embodiment of the device, a device is provided such that its handle comprises in its lower part: - a noticeably vertical lateral rim appreciable from the outside, like a vertical lateral rim or tab appreciable from the outside, increasing the contact surface and thus facilitating the operation of the device or an inner rim such that the base of the concave inner cavity with an upward curve (9) of the handle (2) is, on its lower contour, slightly recessed in height to the lower base of the generating contour of the outer face (11), leaving an inner lateral rim, adjacent to its outer face (11), invisible from the outside. This configuration allows for the same easy cleaning conditions of the cavity (23) on the lower face (22), having a part that is usually relatively vertical prior to the bulging of this cavity (23), either by an addition to its lower edge or by an inward penetration into the cavity of the beginning of the concave geometry of said inner face (22). As additional features to the other embodiments described above, the handle comprises a phosphorescent, fluorescent, reflective or high-visibility material integrated into, or fixed to, at least the upper surface of the handle. The grab handle may also include a lighting element connected to a power supply circuit with a battery or other power source. Optionally, in this case, the power supply circuit providing electricity to the lighting element may include position and / or motion sensors configured to activate or deactivate the power supply to the lighting element. These additional features allow for better identification of the grab handle area in low-light conditions. It is also planned that the electrical circuit and its battery will have the means to serve as a second option and alternatively as a UV-Ultraviolet light source with a Hellenizing, anti-germ and anti-bacterial effect, which would sterilize the handle for repetitive or public use. In addition to the above embodiments, and optionally, the handle comprises a container for an air freshener product and orifices for releasing the aroma of the air freshener product and / or means for attaching and detaching an outer covering body from the upper face, onto which it is attached, thus forming a covering with physical properties different from the body onto which it is attached (brightness, color, phosphorescence, fluorescence, etc.). Optionally, at least the grab handle is removable from its attachment to the seat. This allows the grab handle to be removed without having to detach the entire device from its attachment to the toilet seat, facilitating cleaning or replacement. Finally, and also in addition to any of the previous embodiments, the device comprises a lid-like body or similar component that allows the handle to be used either as a body with a removable lid containing an air freshener, or as a body with a closed lid containing an LED circuit and a battery, configured to create a hollow, enclosed space in its handle and / or support arm. The device includes the necessary means for attaching said lid or similar component to create a closed volume inside or around the handle and / or support arm, allowing it to be fixed in place or easily attached and detached. It is worth mentioning this actuating device applicable to seats provided with both overlapping covers that in the closed position cover only the upper surface of the seat, and wrap-around covers that in the closed position cover the upper and side surfaces of the toilet seat. Thus, a device for the manual operation of toilet seats has been described that improves both the functionality and the hygiene conditions that exist in the state of the art, also providing assistance to its operation, identification in adverse lighting conditions and providing greater comfort through surface finish solutions and emission of air fresheners. Brief description of the content of the drawings. To complement the description being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included with this descriptive report in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: - Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of an example embodiment of the manual toilet seat drive device with coupling arm and shock-absorbing body, and handle, according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the device in Figure 1, where the lower face of the handle is flat. Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the device in the previous figures, where the cavity coincides with the bottom face. - Figure 4 shows a top plan view of a variant embodiment of the manual toilet seat actuation device, which has a phosphorescent, fluorescent, reflective or high visibility material on the upper surface of the handle. Figure 5 shows a bottom plan view of a variant embodiment of the manual toilet seat actuation device, which incorporates in the handle a lighting element connected to an electrical power supply circuit. Figure 6 shows a bottom plan view of a variant embodiment of the manual toilet seat actuating device, where the lower face is flat or convex and convex outwards, provided with a reservoir containing an air freshener product and aroma release holes. Figure 7 shows a schematic bottom plan view of an example of an implementation of an actuating device, according to the invention, coupled in the position of use to the seat of a toilet. Figure 8 shows an elevation view of a variant embodiment of the drive device according to the invention coupled to a toilet seat and both sectioned by a vertical plane. Figure 9 shows a top perspective view of an example of the embodiment of Figure 1, with a groove in the surface of its upper face for better ergonomics and finger support when manipulating the handle. Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of an example of the alternative embodiment that dispenses with an arm for coupling, having a direct coupling to the outer profile / edge of the toilet seat. Figure 11 shows a view of the device provided with a cavity with the inner face substantially attached and contiguous to the contour formed by the outer face. Figure 12 shows a view of the device provided with a cavity in which its face and inner contour do not coincide with the contour formed by the outer face. Figure 13 shows the space occupied by the outline of 3 medium-sized fingers, on a centimeter ruler showing a measurement of 5.20 cm. - Figure 14 shows the measurement of 3 medium-sized fingers, viewed from the top, compared to a "seat and lid" lifting handle with a cavity. - Figure 15 shows us the drawing of a hand, with the fingertips visible, with an outer line indicating the width of the three fingers used to lift. Detailed exposition of modes of implementation of the invention. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the manual toilet seat actuating device, generically referred to as (100), comprises an arm (1) intended to be attached to the toilet seat (7) and provided with a manually operated handle (2). The support arm (1) comprises upper fixing means (3) in the form of a pair of parallel appendages configured for snap coupling into holes defined on the lower surface of the toilet seat (7), and on the lower surface of the support arm (1) a damping body (4) that forms a contact surface of the device with the toilet when the toilet seat is lowered. In this embodiment, the support arm (1) and the handle (2) are made of a hard, stain-resistant, and easy-to-clean plastic material, and the attachment means appendages (3) and the damping body (2) are made of an elastic material, which facilitates the coupling of the device to the existing holes on the lower surface of the toilet seat, as well as the absorption of possible impacts of the device against the toilet, produced by a sudden descent of the seat. In this embodiment, both the attachments of the fastening means (3) and the damping body (4) are formed by overmolding the elastic material of the same onto the support arm (1). Thermoplastic polymers TPE or HDPE with different physical characteristics, hardness, flexibility, shock absorption, color, gloss, and external reflectance will be used, depending on the area and its corresponding functionality. Similarly, the plastic is expected to contain antimicrobial pigments and be electrically nonpolar, meaning they do not generate electrical polarity, on the microdroplets of water produced by nebulizing toilets. As can be seen in Figure 3, the handle (2) comprises an upper surface (21) inclined downwards towards the handle's contour to prevent the accumulation of urine or other liquids, and a lower surface (22) defining a cavity (23) recessed upwards from the handle's contour and configured to facilitate cleaning, for example, with a damp cloth. To this end, this cavity (23) in the lower surface (22) comprises a concave contact and actuation surface (9) curved upwards from its contour, forming an inward bulge on the handle's underside. The handle (2) comprises at the bottom of the aforementioned cavity (23) some reliefs (24), forming a non-slip gripping area. Figure 4 shows a variant embodiment of the device (100) which, in addition to the features dictated above, incorporates on the upper surface of the handle (2) a fluorescent, phosphorescent, reflective or high visibility material (51) to facilitate the visualization and location of the handle (2) of the device in low ambient light. In the embodiment shown in figure 5, the manual toilet seat actuation device incorporates in the handle (2) a lighting element (52), of the LED type, or emitting UV ultraviolet radiation, in its UV-C range, antibacterial, connected to an electrical power circuit (53) comprising a replaceable battery and a switch that can be operated manually, or automatically depending on the position, raised or lowered, of the toilet seat. In the embodiment shown in figure 6, the device (100) further comprises a reservoir (6) containing an air freshener product and provided with holes (61) for releasing the aroma of the air freshener product. Figure 7 schematically represents an embodiment of the device (100) of the invention coupled to the seat (7) of a toilet. As can be seen in the section of Figure 8, in this embodiment the device formed by the support arm (1), the handle (2), the attachment points (3) for the seat (7), and the damping body (4) is made entirely of a semi-rigid material or one with a certain degree of flexibility. The attachment points (3) that protrude from the top of the support arm (1) are configured to fit into a hole (71) defined in the lower surface of the seat (7), in this specific case, one of the holes typically found in the toilet seat (7) and used for the press-fit attachment of support stops (72) for the seat (7) against the toilet, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 also shows the attachment, by clipping or similar means, of a covering body (25) to give the handle (2) different surface characteristics, such as color, phosphorescence, etc., which can even be changed as desired, since it is preferably attached in a removable manner. Permanent attachment of this body (25) is also possible using adhesives or other permanent means. Figure 9 shows a handle configuration (2) with a groove on the upper face configured to support one or more fingers and thus facilitate the ergonomics of the device (100) in its operation. In the alternative embodiment shown in figure 10, the fixing means (3) of the handle (2) of the direct coupling type to the profile or edge of a seat (7) can be seen, dispensing with the corresponding support arm of the previous embodiment of fig. 1. As can be seen in figure 11, the lower face (22) of the handle is completely hollowed out, formed by the cavity (23), with a contact and actuation surface (9) substantially attached and contiguous to the contour formed by the outer face, allowing the thickness to be reduced throughout the section of the handle, adjusted to the outer shape of the same, reducing manufacturing costs of the parts by having a minimum amount of material. Alternatively to the above, as can be seen in figure 12, the lower face (22) is mostly flat and its cavity (23) does not coincide with its contour formed by the outer face, thus configuring the handle in a more robust way, with the cavity in only a part of said lower face, not necessarily contiguous to its perimeter edges. Once the nature of the invention has been sufficiently described, as well as examples of preferred embodiments, it is noted for the appropriate purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements described may be modified, provided that this does not imply an alteration of the essential characteristics of the invention claimed below.

Claims

1. Device for the manual operation of toilet seats; wherein the device (100) is an accessory of the toilet seat (7) comprising at least one manually operated handle (2), which is configured to be fixed by means of fixing means (3) to the toilet seat (7) such that, with the lid in a vertical position, it allows operation of only the seat, and with the lid closed and the seat in a horizontal position, the operation allows lifting the seat and also the lid without touching it, said device being positioned, at least partially, outside the contour of the seat (7), on its outer side, characterized in that the operating handle (2) comprises: - a rear face attached to the seat, a front and outer face (8), which may be provided with several outer peripheral parts or sections, which is comprised between the upper face (21) and the lower face (22),whose section has a non-sharp configuration. - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downward-sloping surface, extending from the edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), towards the front outer edge of the grab handle (2) and also towards the lateral outer edges of the grab handle (2), wherein said lateral and front outer edges have a lower dimension with respect to the upper dimension of the edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7). - a lower face (22) comprising at least one cavity (23), space, or substantially recessed indentation, of greater or lesser size, extending upwards with respect to the lower contour of the grab handle (2) and having an internal configuration geometry without edges, or with rounded edges and corners, and a contact and actuation surface (9), the lower face (22) of which is concave with an upward curvature from its contour,to facilitate the lifting action.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the upper face (21) of the grab handle (2) is convex or inclined downwards on at least one side, defined by a vertical plane perpendicular to the base of the seat and towards the interior of the seat, or a combination of both sides, and extending from the upper edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), and towards the front outer edge of the grab handle (2).

3. Device according to any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the side of the rear face of the grab handle (2) or its lower face has the necessary fastening means (3) to be permanently or removably attached to a side of the toilet seat (7), and wherein the fastening elements are configured to be attached to the seat by pressure, chemical and / or mechanical adhesives, or a combination thereof.

4. Device according to any of claims 1 to 2,wherein the fastening means (3) comprise a support arm (1) protruding from the handle (2), and wherein this support arm (1) comprises fastening and coupling elements configured to engage with the seat (7) on its underside, wherein these coupling elements are of complementary shapes and male-female type, for press-fitting into a hole, relief, or recess in the seat, by pressure, chemical or adhesive bonding, mechanical means, or a combination thereof.

5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the underside (22) is either completely hollowed out and formed by a cavity (23), or partially hollowed out by having a perimeter rim, having a hollowed contact and actuation surface (9) inside the contour of the outer side (11).

6. Device for the manual operation of toilet seats; wherein the device (100),It comprises at least one handle (2) configured to be fixed by means of fastenings (3) to the toilet seat (7) such that, when actuated with the lid in a vertical position, it allows the seat to be operated, and with the lid closed, its actuation allows the seat and the lid to be lifted without touching the lid, remaining positioned, at least partially, outside the contour of the seat (7), on its outer side, characterized in that the actuating handle (2) comprises: - a rear face attached to the seat, provided with one or more outer peripheral side faces (8) whose cross-section has a non-sharp configuration; - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downward-inclined surface, on at least one slope from the upper edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7).and towards the front outer edge of the handle (2). - a lower face (22) that is flat from the outer contour defining its lateral edge; or: slightly bulged and convex towards its exterior.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the lower face (22) is mostly flat or slightly bulged and convex, and being flat, contains at least one inner cavity (23), or a convexity, the inner contour of which at its base has a different shape from the contour defining the outer face (11).

8. Device according to claim 4, wherein the device for the manual operation of toilet seats comprises a damping body (4) on the lower surface of the support arm (1), configured to rest on the toilet.

9. Device according to claims 4 and 8, wherein the support arm (1), the handle (2), the appendage (31), and the damping body (4) are defined in a one-piece body of a semi-rigid material,with a certain degree of flexibility.

10. Device according to claim 8, wherein the shock-absorbing body (4) is independent of the part forming the support arm (1) and is joined to said support arm (1) by coupling means, and wherein the shock-absorbing body (4) is made of an elastic shock-absorbing material.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the coupling means of the shock-absorbing body (4) and the support arm (1) are: a snap-fit ​​system, by complementarity of shapes and / or an adhesive or chemical or mechanical bonding system.

12. Device according to any of claims 10 or 11, wherein the support arm (1) and the handle (2) are formed from a hard plastic material, and the shock-absorbing body (4) and the appendage (3), attachable to the toilet seat (7),They are formed from an elastic, shock-absorbing material and fixed to the support arm (1).

13. A device according to any of the preceding claims, except claim 3, characterized in that the support arm (1) provides means such that: the "rear lower edge of the handle" (2), which is adjacent to the seat (7) - once attached to the seat (7) - coincides with the "lower outer edge of the seat rim", both edges being coplanar and at the same level, or that there is a height difference between them of less than 8 mm.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims, except claim 3, characterized in that the handle (2) and the support arm (1) are configured according to one of the following mounting alternatives in their side view: a) the handle (2) is located at a height coinciding with that of the support arm (1), the latter defining a flat horizontal configuration along its entire connection length; or,b) the handle (2) is located at a higher height than the support arm (1), said arm (1) comprising a horizontal section and an ascending connecting section for its connection with the handle (2), or c) the handle has an arched connecting section.

15. Device according to claims 13 and 14, for the manual operation of toilet seats; wherein the device (100) comprises at least one handle (2) configured such that, with the lid in a vertical position and grasping it, it allows operation of only the seat, and with the lid closed, its operation allows lifting the seat and also the lid without touching it, remaining positioned, at least partially, outside the contour of the seat (7), on its outer part, characterized in that the operating handle (2) comprises: - an upper face (21) comprising a convex or downwardly inclined surface,on at least one slope from the upper edge configured to be adjacent to the toilet seat (7), and towards the front outer edge of the grab bar (2). - a flat lower face of the grab bar (2), which is slightly curved inwards - in the direction perpendicular to the seat to which it is attached.

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that: the rear face of the grab bar has a length equal to or greater than 5.20 cm.

17. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that its grab bar (2) has, in a plan view configuration, such that at least one of the two outer edges of the grab bar (2), which contact the seat (7) and the rear face of the grab bar (2), or both, are pointed and form an acute angle with the toilet seat.

18. Device, according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the upper face (21) of the handle comprises, in its upper part, at least one flat portion adjacent to the edge closest to the seat (7) and extending downwards from its inclined or convex portion of its outermost part and its lateral edge.

19. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the upper face (21) comprises at least one concave portion, (23), indentation, recess, or the like.

20. A device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means for the handle (2) to be foldable or hinged, either by means of a hinge or optionally by another method that enables folding.

21. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower surface (22) of the handle (2) comprises reliefs (24) forming a non-slip gripping area.

22. A device according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the handle (2) comprises on its lower face: - a substantially vertical lateral edge visible from the outside, or - an inner edge such that the base of the concave inner cavity with an upward curve (9) of the handle (2), which is recessed in height into the lower base of the generating contour of the outer face (11), leaving an inner lateral rim, adjacent to its outer face (11), invisible from the outside.

23. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (2) comprises a light-emitting element capable of emitting ultraviolet (UV) light with an anti-germ and anti-bacterial effect (52) coupled to an electrical power supply circuit (53) with a battery or electrical supply device.

24. Device, according to claim 23,wherein the power supply circuit (53) that supplies power to the lighting element (52) comprises position and / or motion sensors configured to activate or deactivate said power supply to the lighting element (52).

25. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (2) comprises a phosphorescent, fluorescent, reflective, or high-visibility material (51) integrated into, or affixed to, at least the upper surface (21) of the handle (2).

26. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (2) comprises a reservoir (6) for containing an air freshener and orifices (61) for releasing the aroma of the air freshener.

27. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least the handle (2) is removable from the means of attachment (3) to the seat (7).

28. Device according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the handle (2) comprises means for coupling and uncoupling a body (25) for outer covering of the upper face (21) and / or the lower face on which it is coupled, thus forming a covering with physical properties different from the body on which it is coupled, configuring a body in the form of a lid or similar to generate a closed area in the handle (2) and / or its support arm (1).