Automatic flushing toilet seat assembly

Abstract

In particular, the present invention provides a toilet seat assembly for cleaning, disinfecting and / or sanitizing a toilet seat, comprising a base configured to be fixed to an upper surface of a toilet bowl, a toilet seat attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a lid attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. The toilet seat assembly may comprise a liquid discharge and dispersion means, which further comprises one or more liquid discharge openings for discharging the liquid, in particular an atomizer for spraying a mist, and one or more gas discharge openings for facilitating the dispersion of the liquid, thereby allowing the liquid to contact the toilet seat and clean, disinfect and / or sanitize it.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet seat cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing and / or sterilizing system, and more particularly to an assembly for automatically cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing and / or sterilizing a toilet seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Many other toilet seat cleaning assemblies are known. Most of these assemblies use numerous components in order to function properly. These numerous components require a lot of time spent on maintenance and installation. Furthermore, many of these assemblies have components that rotate and move during operation, which results in these components being more prone to failure. Not only are these assemblies more susceptible to failure, but they are also expensive, making them difficult to operate to precisely control the assembly during the cleaning process. For example, some known assemblies have rotating arms that clean the toilet seat, but these arms cannot be controlled or optimized to produce various cleaning cycles that are desirable for a particular user. The use of additional components by these known assemblies also generally makes them more expensive for most users and / or other consumers, requiring more time / money to install and maintain.

[0003] Furthermore, many known toilet seat cleaning assemblies are not capable of, or are not properly configured to, effectively and efficiently clean and / or disinfect a completely circular toilet seat. In particular, some known toilet seat cleaning assemblies are designed to continuously release a cleaning solution around the toilet seat, which then flows out into the toilet bowl. However, these systems often leave residue from the cleaning solution and / or require the release of a significant amount of fluid. Thus, the toilet seat is not immediately ready for use by the user and / or is not economical. Furthermore, many known toilet seat cleaning assemblies are designed to work with only one type of (e.g., u-shaped) toilet seat, thereby making them ineffective or impractical for use with other types of (e.g., circular) toilet seats.

[0004] Therefore, to overcome these shortcomings, it would be desirable to have an improved automatic flushing toilet seat assembly that can effectively and efficiently clean, disinfect, sanitize, and / or sterilize a toilet seat. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description of the Invention. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] The present invention relates generally to an improved automatic flushing toilet seat assembly that can effectively and efficiently clean, disinfect, sanitize, and / or sterilize a toilet seat. In particular, an automatic flushing toilet seat assembly according to the present invention can reduce (or even destroy) microbial activity or microorganisms on toilet surfaces, thereby performing an effective disinfecting, sanitizing, or sanitizing function.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a toilet seat assembly for a toilet having a toilet bowl with an upper surface, the toilet seat assembly comprising a base configured to be fixed to the upper surface of the toilet bowl, a toilet seat attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a lid attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid has a front end and a rear end, and when in the closed position, substantially covers the toilet seat. The toilet seat assembly further comprises one or more liquid discharge openings for discharging liquid, and one or more gas discharge openings for facilitating the dispersal of liquid (e.g., disinfecting mist injection) in a desired direction (e.g., from the rear end to the front end, from top to bottom, and / or other directions), thereby allowing the liquid to contact, clean, disinfect, sanitize, and / or sterilize the toilet seat (e.g., all areas of the toilet seat) and / or the toilet bowl.

[0008] In some embodiments, the liquid ejection and distribution means comprises an atomizer, nebulizer, vaporizer, electrostatic sprayer, or any other suitable type of sprayer or injector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid is ejected in the form of a mist.

[0010] In some embodiments, the liquid ejection and distribution means comprises at least one atomizer for spraying a mist (eg, in any desired direction) from one or more liquid ejection openings.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one atomizer is an ultrasonic mist atomizer (also called an ultrasonic mist maker or humidifier). In some embodiments, the ultrasonic mist atomizer can include a piezo atomizer transducer for sending high frequency sound waves into the mechanical energy transferred into the liquid, thereby generating mist. For example, the ultrasonic mist atomizer can include a piezo atomizer transducer, such as a disk / nozzle (ceramic humidifier), which works by converting high frequency sound waves into mechanical energy that is transferred into the liquid, generating standing waves. As the liquid leaves the atomizing surface of the disk, it is broken up into a fine mist of uniform micron-sized droplets.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mist is emitted in one or more directions. The mist can be emitted from any direction. Examples of such directions include, but are not limited to, back to front and / or top to bottom.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid evacuation and distribution means is located in or near the base, lid, or seat.

[0014] In some embodiments, the liquid evacuation and distribution means comprises one or more liquid or gas evacuation openings configured to drain or facilitate distribution of liquid from behind the lid, from the lid, from the toilet seat, and / or from the base.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base may be short or long. For example, the base may be extended (e.g., optionally with an extension direction) to surround or cover at least a portion or the entire toilet bowl. Liquid (e.g., mist) may be injected from the base (or its extension).

[0016] In some embodiments, the liquid evacuation and distribution means may optionally include one or more blowers for distributing and directing the mist.

[0017] In some embodiments, the gas is discharged at a predetermined time after the liquid is discharged.

[0018] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly includes a deodorizing substance (e.g., a deodorizing oil) that may be contained by liquid or may be sprayed into the toilet bowl (e.g., in any suitable direction) by a deodorizing sprayer (e.g., located under the toilet lid or seat).

[0019] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly includes an electrical system operatively configured to control the discharge and dispensing of liquid or deodorizing substances (e.g., deodorizing oil) and / or the movement of the lid between open and closed positions.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one (or both) of the lid and the toilet seat are removably attached to the base.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base is capable of fitting or attaching to various / all types of toilet bowl structures and is capable of removably receiving and attaching different types, sizes, or shapes of lids and / or toilet seats (e.g., both U-shaped and round toilet seats), thereby being a universal design that can accommodate different toilet bowl / seat designs.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base comprises the electrical system, at least part of the liquid evacuation and distribution means, and / or the liquid storage unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly further comprises a flush control mechanism to ensure that the lid is closed when the toilet is flushed, to prevent undesirable toilet spreading. Such a flush control mechanism may be configured to control the movement of the lid by electrical means, mechanical means, or a combination thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly further comprises a wireless or wired communication system configured to collect data and / or signal status.

[0025] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly comprises a digital display configured to indicate the status and / or process of cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilizing of the toilet seat, battery life, amount of disinfectant, and / or errors.

[0026] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly includes a trigger mechanism configured to trigger a cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and / or sanitizing procedure by a user. Such a trigger mechanism may include mechanical means, electrical means, or a combination thereof. For example, the trigger mechanism may include a sensor (e.g., an IR sensor) for triggering the cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and / or sanitizing procedure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lid further comprises a top wall, an outer sidewall extending downwardly from an edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the top wall, the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall at least partially opposing each other and forming a portion of a transport conduit configured to facilitate distribution of liquid along the transport conduit.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the lid comprises a top wall and, optionally, an outer sidewall extending downwardly from an edge of the top wall, the top wall having a substantially flat bottom surface (e.g., there is no inner sidewall or conduit surrounding the inner periphery of the seat).

[0029] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly includes one or more of the following additional components: UVC disinfection light, solar panel for extending battery life, medical testing device, dynamo on water line for generating battery charge, bidet, toilet seat warmer, night light, radio / music device, advertising, mini projector, air dryer for toilet seat and / or user, AI system, voice command unit, user customization or memory settings, adjustable child seat, automatic toilet seat closing and flushing control, massage device, remote control means, kick flushing means and flushing means, dual filtering, touch free flushing means, anti-stick surface, fire resistant surface, flame retardant material, UVC disinfection, Wi-Fi® connectivity means, Bluetooth® connectivity means or other wireless communication means, odor reduction unit, unit for adjusting toilet height, and safety unit.

[0030] In some embodiments, the medical testing device is configured to perform one or more medical tests. Examples of medical applications or tests may include, but are not limited to, urine tests, skin tests, stool tests, weight measurements, blood pressure tests, and diabetes tests.

[0031] In some embodiments, the safety unit is configured to provide one or more of the following functions: water and moisture proof, fire proof, leak proof, overcurrent proof, freeze proof, and short circuit proof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the toilet seat assembly is operated by one or more energy sources selected from the group consisting of battery power, kinetic energy, solar energy, mechanical energy, energy generated by biodegradation, electrical energy, recyclable or green energy, and smart power / energy saving means.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention provides the use of an atomizer (e.g., an ultrasonic mist atomizer or other type of atomizer) in a delivery system for disinfecting a surface, where the surface remains substantially dry after being disinfected by the atomizer. This is significantly different from conventional sprays for disinfecting surfaces (which result in a wet surface after disinfection), and thus provides enhanced features and convenience.

[0034] In some embodiments, the surface comprises a hard surface in a bathroom or kitchen, for example, a sink or toilet.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery system is included by a toilet seat assembly, such as the toilet seat assembly described above.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "cleaning" or "washing" refer to a process that promotes or assists in the removal of stains, bleaching, reduction of microbial populations, and any combination thereof.

[0037] As used herein, the term "disinfect" or "disinfecting" refers to the reduction of microbial activity on a surface. Sterilization can include at least partially reducing the number of microorganisms and substantially reducing the number of microorganisms. In some embodiments, disinfection includes, for example, sterilization in which all microorganisms or all desired microorganisms are destroyed. As used herein, the term "microorganism" refers to any non-cellular or unicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include all prokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria), spores, lichens, fungi, protozoa, viruses, viroids, viruses, bacteriophages, and some algae.

[0038] As used herein, the term "or" is meant to include both "and" and "or," or in other words, the term "or" can be replaced with "and / or."

[0039] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] As used herein, spatially relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "above," and "below" may be used herein for ease of description and to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as shown in the figures. Similarly, terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" are used for descriptive purposes only, unless otherwise indicated. These terms are not intended to require a particular orientation of the described elements or structures, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the invention in themselves. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] The following drawings are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not necessarily labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily refer to identical structures. Rather, identical reference numbers may be used to refer to similar features or features with similar functionality, as well as non-identical reference numbers. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary toilet seat assembly with the lid in a closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in a closed position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in a closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in the closed position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is another side view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in the open position. [Figure 6] 6 is another perspective view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in the closed position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in the open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is another top view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid in the open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a lid according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a base with an attached toilet seat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the base with the toilet seat attached of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the base with the toilet seat attached of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a base with a toilet seat and lid attached in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 13 with the toilet seat and lid installed in the open position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary ultrasonic atomizer included with a toilet seat assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an exemplary toilet seat assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention including three atomizers. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a partially exposed perspective view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 16A. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 16A. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a side view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 16A. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a partially exposed side view of the toilet seat assembly of FIG. 18A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to encompass alternatives, modifications, and equivalents which may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, in the detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and other features have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the automatic flushing toilet seat assembly.

[0043] Generally speaking, various embodiments of the present invention provide an improved automatic cleaning toilet seat assembly that can effectively and efficiently clean, disinfect, sanitize, and / or sterilize a toilet seat. Below are several diagrams or illustrations of the apparatus of the present invention that include an automatic cleaning toilet seat.

[0044] 1-9, and utilizing the above-referenced incorporated disclosures, one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Although Figures 1-9 illustrate several advantageous features of the present invention, as described below, the present invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, as well as various numbers and functions of components.

[0045] 1-8 show a toilet seat assembly 100 including a base 102 that is secured to an upper surface of a toilet bowl (e.g., via a fastening and mounting assembly 103 as shown in FIG. 6). A toilet seat 104 and a lid 106 are (e.g., pivotally) attached to the base 102. The toilet seat 104 and / or the lid 106 may be removably attached to the base. For example, the base 102 may be of universal design / modularity that can be attached to various types of toilet bowl structures and that can removably receive and attach different types, sizes, or shapes of lids and / or toilet seats (e.g., both U-shaped and round toilet seats). Both the toilet seat 104 and the lid 106 are movable / rotatable between their respective open and closed positions (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, which illustrate the toilet seat assembly with its lid open). When the lid 106 is closed, it substantially covers the toilet seat 104 (e.g., the lid's outer sidewall 108 substantially surrounds, contours, and / or abuts the seat's outer periphery 110). A toilet seat assembly according to the present invention may also include a flush control mechanism to ensure that the lid is down or fully closed when the toilet bowl is flushed to prevent the undesirable spread of bacteria, for example, by electrical, mechanical, or other means.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the toilet seat assembly 100 may include one or more liquid discharge openings 112 for discharging liquid (e.g., using a sprayer or atomizer configured to spray a mist) and one or more gas discharge openings 114 for facilitating the dispersal of liquid generally in a direction from the rear end to the front end (e.g., optionally using a blower). Thus, liquid is dispersed throughout the toilet seat 104 (e.g., all areas of the toilet seat 104, including its top surface 116, inner periphery 118, and outer periphery 110), as well as the toilet bowl area, thereby cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilizing the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. In particular, there may be one or more discharge openings (or inlets) configured to discharge or facilitate dispersal of liquid from the same or different locations (e.g., from behind the lid, from the lid, from the toilet seat, and / or from the base). Liquid discharge according to the present invention may be an atomized liquid spray of water, disinfectant, a combination of water and / or disinfectant, or other liquid. It should also be understood that in accordance with the present invention, liquid (e.g., disinfectant mist) may be ejected in any other desired direction(s), including, for example, from top to bottom.

[0047] In some embodiments, the lid 106 is designed to form a transport conduit 120 to facilitate the spreading of liquid along the transport conduit. For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the lid 106 can include a top wall 122, an outer sidewall 108 extending downwardly from an edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall 124 extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the top wall. The outer and inner sidewalls at least partially oppose one another. When the lid is closed, the outer sidewall of the lid is configured to substantially surround, contour, and / or abut the outer periphery of the toilet seat. In some embodiments, the inner sidewall 124 of the lid is shaped to correspond to (but be smaller than) the inner periphery of the toilet seat. For example, when the lid is closed, the inner sidewall 124 of the lid may be positioned proximate to and entirely surrounded by the inner periphery 118 of the toilet seat. Thus, a portion of the top wall 122, the outer side wall 108 and the inner side wall 124 of the lid, and a portion of the toilet seat form transport conduits along which liquid and / or gas may be directed to flow as desired, thereby ensuring that critical portions of the toilet seat are effectively reached and cleaned.

[0048] In some other embodiments, the bottom surface of the top wall of the lid can be generally flat (similar to a conventional toilet seat lid). For example, as shown in Figure 9, a lid 126 can have a generally flat bottom / inner surface 128 for its top wall without any inner sidewall (or conduit) that surrounds the inner periphery of the toilet seat.

[0049] The toilet seat assembly can include an electrical system for controlling the draining and sparging functions, cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sanitizing processes, and lid movement. In some embodiments, the electrical system is disposed within a universal base that removably receives the attached toilet seat and lid. Thus, a user can easily change or replace the toilet seat and lid attached to the base to adapt the base (and its electrical system and liquid draining and sparging system) to different toilet seat / bowl designs as desired.

[0050] A toilet seat assembly according to the present invention may also include a wireless or wired communication system configured to collect data and / or provide status (e.g., toilet seat cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilization status and / or process, battery life, disinfectant amount, and / or errors). Further, the toilet seat assembly according to the present invention may include additional components such as a deodorizing spray for spraying a deodorizing substance (e.g., deodorizing oil) into the toilet bowl, a UVC disinfecting light for extending battery life, a medical testing device, a dynamo on the water line for generating a battery charge, a bidet, a toilet seat warmer, a night light, a radio / music device, advertising, a mini projector, an air dryer for the toilet seat and / or the user, an AI system, a voice command unit, user customization or memory settings, an adjustable child seat, automatic toilet seat closing and flushing control, a massage device, a remote control means, a kick flushing means and a flushing means, dual filtering, a touch-free flushing means, an anti-stick surface, an antibacterial surface, a flame retardant material, UVC disinfection, a Wi-Fi® connection means, a Bluetooth® connection means or other wireless communication means, an odor reduction unit, a unit for adjusting the height of the toilet, and / or a safety unit. For example, the medical testing device may perform one or more medical tests, examples of which include, but are not limited to, urine tests, dermatological tests, stool tests, weight measurements, blood pressure tests, and diabetes tests. The safety unit may provide safety protection such as waterproof and moisture proof, fire protection, leak proof, overcurrent protection, antifreeze protection, and / or short circuit protection. Additionally, examples of energy sources for the toilet seat assembly may include, but are not limited to, battery power, kinetic energy, solar energy, mechanical energy, energy generated by biodegradation, electrical energy, recyclable or green energy, and smart power / energy saving means.

[0051] Further, as shown in, for example, Figures 2 and 3, a toilet seat assembly according to the present invention may include a trigger mechanism 130 configured to trigger an automatic cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilizing procedure by a user and / or to assist a medical unit in performing medical research. Such a trigger mechanism 130 may be electrical and / or mechanical. For example, the trigger mechanism may include a sensor (e.g., an IR sensor). Furthermore, a digital display (via wireless or wired communication) may be included to display status or information such as the status and / or process of the cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilizing of the toilet seat, battery life, amount of disinfectant, and / or errors.

[0052] For example, when the lid is open and the "Ready" light is on in the digital display, the user can start a cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilizing cycle or use the seat directly. To start the cleaning process, the user can trigger a trigger mechanism (e.g., an IR sensor), upon which the lid automatically closes and the "Disinfect" light in the digital display turns on, indicating the ongoing disinfection or cleaning process. When the lid is closed, the atomizer sprays mist (e.g., for 7 seconds). After the atomizer is turned off, there is no action (e.g., for 5 seconds), and then, optionally, the dispersing means (e.g., a blower) can be turned on (e.g., for 5 seconds) to disperse mist along the conveying tube formed by the sealing lid and the toilet seat surface. After the cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and / or sterilizing process, the lid is automatically lifted and the "Ready" light is turned on again in the digital display. In some embodiments, a deodorizing substance (eg, deodorizing oil) may also be sprayed into the toilet bowl some time (eg, 10 seconds) after the user sits down.

[0053] Further, in some embodiments, the base may be short or long. For example, the base may be extended (e.g., optionally with an extension direction) to surround or cover at least a portion or the entire toilet bowl. A liquid (e.g., mist) may be poured from the base (or its extension). Figs. 10-12 show an extended / long base 132 with a toilet seat 134 attached. Figs. 13-14 further show an exemplary toilet seat assembly 200 including an extended / long base 132, a toilet seat 134, and a lid 136. As shown in Figs. 10-14, the base 132 (with a central hole 138) may extend across the entire toilet bowl, for example, below the toilet seat 134. It should be understood that different types and shapes of toilet seats and lids (e.g., with or without a transport conduit) may be attached to the base 132 to construct a toilet seat assembly according to the present invention, as described herein.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one atomizer included by the toilet seat assembly according to the present invention may be an ultrasonic mist atomizer. Figure 15 shows the general principle of an exemplary ultrasonic atomizer. As shown in Figure 15, an ultrasonic mist atomizer may include a piezo atomizer transducer 1504 (e.g., a piezoelectric ceramic plate mounted under the cornal case 1506) that operates by converting high-frequency sound waves into mechanical energy. In this way, the generation of capillary waves is driven by the piezoelectric ceramic plate. Depending on the application, liquid is transferred from the liquid inlet 1502 and then transferred to the ultrasonic vibration surface 1508, which is set to vibration by the vibrating piezoelectric element. When the liquid leaves the misting surface of the plate, it is broken into a fine mist of uniform micron-sized droplets, thus releasing the aerosol (mist) 1510. For such an exemplary ultrasonic mist atomizer, the frequency may range from about 20 kHz to about 500 kHz. A typical mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) with water spray at 100 kHz may be around 30 μm, and a typical spray rate may be up to 0.5 liters / h.

[0055] The present invention also generally relates to the use of atomizers in a delivery system for disinfecting surfaces. According to the present invention, a surface (e.g., a toilet or sink) remains substantially dry after undergoing disinfection by an atomizer. This is significantly different from conventional sprays for disinfecting surfaces, which result in a wet surface after disinfection. Thus, the use of atomizers (e.g., ultrasonic mist atomizers or other types of atomizers) in a delivery system provides advanced features and convenience for cleaning surfaces. Figures 16A-B, 17, and 18A-B further illustrate the use of atomizers in, for example, a toilet seat assembly. Figure 16A illustrates a perspective view of a toilet seat assembly including three atomizers 1602. Figure 16B further illustrates an exposed perspective view of the atomizers 1602. Figure 17 illustrates a front view of a toilet seat assembly with the atomizers 1602. Additionally, Figure 18A provides a side view of the toilet seat assembly, and Figure 18B further illustrates an exposed side view showing the atomizers 1602.

[0056] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that any modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The above examples and illustrations are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any combination of the embodiments of the present invention, together with any obvious extensions or analogues thereof, is within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention is intended to embrace any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose, and all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057] All features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0058] (Other embodiments) While the present invention has been described in conjunction with its detailed description and the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the claims. All publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A toilet seat assembly for a toilet comprising a toilet bowl having an upper surface, the toilet seat assembly comprising: a base configured to be secured to the top surface of the toilet bowl; a toilet seat attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position; a lid attached to the base and movable between an open position and a closed position, the lid having a front end and a rear end, the lid substantially covering the toilet seat when in the closed position; a liquid discharge and dispersion means, further comprising one or more liquid discharge openings for discharging liquid and one or more gas discharge openings for facilitating dispersion of said liquid, thereby enabling said liquid to contact said toilet seat and said toilet bowl and clean, disinfect, sterilize and / or sanitize said toilet seat and said toilet bowl; Equipped with A toilet seat assembly, wherein the one or more liquid discharge openings are disposed above an upper surface of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is in a closed position.

2. 2. The toilet seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection and distribution means comprises an atomizer, sprayer, nebulizer, vaporizer, or electrostatic sprayer.

3. 10. The toilet seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the liquid is dispensed in the form of a mist.

4. 4. The toilet seat assembly according to claim 3, wherein said liquid discharge and distribution means comprises at least one atomizer for spraying said mist from said one or more liquid discharge openings.

5. 5. The toilet seat assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one atomizer comprises a piezoelectric atomizer transducer for transmitting high frequency sound waves into the mechanical energy transferred into the liquid, thereby generating the mist.

6. A toilet seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a part of the liquid evacuation and distribution means is located in or near the base, the lid or the toilet seat.

7. A toilet seat assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid evacuation and dispersion means comprises one or more liquid or gas evacuation openings configured to allow the liquid to be drained or easily dispersed from behind the lid, from the lid, from the toilet seat and / or from the base.

8. A toilet seat assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said liquid evacuation and distribution means comprises one or more blowers for distributing and directing mist.

9. A toilet seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein gas is expelled at a predetermined time after the liquid has been expelled.

10. 6. A toilet seat assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a deodorizing substance that is contained by the liquid or sprayed into the toilet bowl by a separate deodorizing spray.

11. A toilet seat assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an electrical system operatively configured to control the discharge and dispersion of liquid or deodorising substances, and / or the movement of the lid between open and closed positions.

12. The toilet seat assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least one of the lid and the toilet seat are removably attached to the base.

13. A toilet seat assembly as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the lid further comprises a top wall, an outer side wall extending downwardly from an edge of the top wall, and an inner side wall extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the top wall, the outer side wall and the inner side wall at least partially opposing each other and forming part of a transport conduit configured to facilitate distribution of the liquid along the transport conduit.

14. A toilet seat assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lid comprises a top wall and optionally an outer side wall extending downwardly from an edge of the top wall, the top wall having a substantially flat bottom.

15. 1. Use of an atomizer in a delivery system for disinfecting a surface, comprising: the surface remains substantially dry after being disinfected by the atomizer; Use of an atomizer, wherein said surface is a hard surface in a bathroom or kitchen, and said delivery system is comprised by a toilet seat assembly according to any one of claims 1-5.

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