Toilet bowl closing device

Abstract

To provide a toilet bowl closing device or system whose construction is relatively simple and robust.SOLUTION: A device for closing a toilet bowl is provided. The device includes at least one barrier wall which is provided with a barrier wall member configured to engage to mutually release and to magnetically attract each other. The barrier wall member is configured to be connected to a toilet bowl lid, a toilet seat, and / or a toilet bowl. When the barrier wall members engage to close each other, at least one barrier wall blocks or reduces movements of an object from inside the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to toilet bowls, and more particularly to devices for sealing toilet bowls. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known in the toilet art to employ lids to partially prevent or reduce the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl. However, toilet lids typically only minimize the movement of objects out of the toilet bowl because a gap is disposed between the lid and the bowl, which allows harmful objects to pass through to the outside. This is generally the case when the objects are in the form of particles or plumes. Objects that move out of the toilet bowl can create an unsanitary condition and result in the transmission of diseases or microorganisms, including, but not limited to, the COVID-19 virus.

[0003] Numerous toilet-related devices have been developed in an effort to provide an easy and simple means for preventing or reducing the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

[0004] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0206998 to Corbin describes a system and apparatus for preventing or reducing the migration of contaminant particles from a toilet bowl enclosure. The system and apparatus includes at least one barrier coupled to the toilet seat and / or toilet lid configured to prevent or reduce the migration of particles out of the toilet bowl enclosure. The barrier may also allow air movement into the toilet bowl enclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, the systems and devices contemplated by Corbin suffer from several drawbacks. According to certain embodiments described by Corbin, a spring is employed to hold the hinge in place and improve the seal thereon while increasing the closing force on the lid or seat. It is well known in the art that springs wear over time, especially with frequent use, such as when opening and closing a toilet seat. Employing a spring to increase the closing force on the lid or seat can cause it to fail over time, resulting in an ineffective seal that can allow particulates to migrate from the toilet bowl enclosure.

[0006] Corbin also describes an embodiment of the system that includes one or more valves that allow sufficient air to enter the toilet bowl enclosure to prevent the toilet from impeding flushing, even though a barrier is employed to form a sufficiently airtight seal in the gap between the toilet lid, seat, and bowl. However, Corbin fails to consider that the valves employed may prevent the passage of air and objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the exterior of the bowl, creating an unsanitary condition if microorganisms or other harmful substances are released.

[0007] Furthermore, the barrier contemplated by Corbin still displaces objects from the interior of the toilet bowl onto the seat during the flushing action because the barrier is located adjacent the perimeter of the seat, which can create a highly unhygienic situation in which the user must sterilize the entire seat after each use.

[0008] What is needed, therefore, is a toilet sealing device or system that is relatively simple and robust to construct, while providing a means to ensure any sealing promotion with a closing force that is maintained over an extended period of time, and a means to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl to the interior of the toilet bowl and prevent the passage of air and / or objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the exterior of the toilet bowl. Advantageously, the device or system would also provide a sealing means to prevent or reduce the migration of objects from inside the toilet bowl to the top surface of the toilet seat.

[0009] According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device configured to seal a toilet bowl comprising a toilet bowl and a toilet lid, the device comprising at least one first barrier comprising at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to magnetically attract each other, the at least one first barrier member configured to be coupled to the toilet lid and the at least one second barrier member configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl, wherein when the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one first barrier prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

[0010] Preferably, when the toilet bowl further comprises a toilet seat, the device further comprises at least one second barrier comprising at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to magnetically attract each other, the at least one third barrier member configured to be coupled to the toilet lid, the at least one fourth barrier member configured to be coupled to the toilet seat, and at least one fifth barrier member and at least one fifth barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to magnetically attract each other. and a sixth barrier member, wherein the at least one fifth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat and the at least one sixth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl, and when the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other and the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one second barrier and the at least one third barrier prevent or reduce the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

[0011] According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device configured to seal a toilet bowl comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid, the device comprising: at least one first barrier comprising at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage with one another and to magnetically attract one another; and at least one second barrier comprising at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage with one another and to magnetically attract one another; wherein the at least one first barrier member is adapted to be coupled to the toilet lid. wherein the at least one second barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat, the at least one third barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat, and the at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl, and when the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other and the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one first barrier and the at least one second barrier provide a device that prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] In the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. [Figure 4] 1 is a top cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet seat. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet bowl. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a top cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention implemented by a toilet seat.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Specific details are set forth throughout the following description to provide a more thorough understanding to those skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. The following description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form of any exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded and interpreted in an illustrative sense, and not in a restrictive sense.

[0016] The present invention relates to a toilet sealing device. The device includes at least one barrier with barrier members configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and magnetically attract one another. The barrier members are configured to be coupled to a toilet lid, a toilet seat, and / or a toilet bowl, and when the barrier members are sealingly engaged with one another, the at least one barrier prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

[0017] 1 to 4, a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Shown is a toilet bowl sealing device 100 that is mounted on, or configured to be mounted on, a conventional toilet bowl 101 having a toilet bowl 1, a toilet seat 5, and a toilet lid 3.

[0018] The device 100 comprises a first barrier member 9 coupled to or incorporated into the toilet lid 3 and a second barrier member 11a coupled to or incorporated into the toilet seat 5. The first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a may be coupled to the toilet lid 3 and the toilet seat 5, respectively, by a variety of means, such as, but not limited to, glue and adhesive. The first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a are configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to be magnetically attracted to each other. The toilet lid 3 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet seat 5 such that the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a sealingly engage with each other.

[0019] 1 and 2, the first barrier member 9 is coupled to the peripheral extension 31 of the lid 3, and the second barrier member 11a is coupled to the inner peripheral extension 33 of the toilet seat 5, defining an opening 29 in the toilet seat. As a result, when the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a sealingly engage with each other, the movement of objects from the interior of the toilet bowl 1 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 5 is prevented or reduced. Preferably, when the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a sealingly engage with each other, the lid 3 and the first barrier member 9 fit within the toilet seat 5 to block the opening 29 and prevent or reduce the movement of objects from the interior of the toilet bowl 1 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 5. In such an embodiment, the upper surface of the lid 3 and the first barrier member 9 are preferably flush with the upper surface of the toilet seat 5 while blocking the opening 29.

[0020] The device 100 further includes a third barrier member lid 11b coupled to or incorporated into the toilet seat 5, and a fourth barrier member 7 coupled to or incorporated into the toilet bowl 1 on the toilet bowl top surface 1a or the toilet bowl inner surface 1b. The third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 may be coupled to the toilet seat 5 and the toilet bowl 1, respectively, by various means, such as, but not limited to, glue and adhesive. The third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 are configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to magnetically attract each other. The toilet seat 5 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl 1, so that the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 sealingly engage with each other.

[0021] When the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a sealingly engage with each other, and the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 sealingly engage with each other, a barrier is formed that prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl 1 to outside the toilet bowl 1. This can be achieved by the barrier being formed to at least partially fill a first gap disposed between the toilet lid 3 and the toilet seat 5, and a second gap disposed between the toilet seat 5 and the toilet bowl 1.

[0022] Preferably, when first barrier member 9 and second barrier member 11a sealingly engage with one another, and third barrier member 11b and fourth barrier member 7 sealingly engage with one another, an airtight seal is formed that helps prevent or reduce the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl 1 to outside the toilet bowl 1. This can be achieved because the barrier members may comprise flexible materials such as, but not limited to, neoprene, silicone, rubberized and / or plastic materials.

[0023] As mentioned above, the barrier members may be configured to magnetically attract one another. This is achievable because the barrier members may comprise a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the barrier members are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction sufficient to maintain them in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation.

[0024] It is believed that for certain types of toilets, significantly restricting the passage of air into the toilet bowl can adversely affect the proper operation of the toilet during flushing. To assist in proper flushing, device 100 may further include a valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl to inside the toilet bowl and to prevent the passage of air and / or objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. Those skilled in the art are aware of numerous one-way valves that may currently be employed.

[0025] In some embodiments, device 100 comprises an elongated passageway 15 having a first end 17 and a second end 19, such that first end 17 is adjacent to the exterior of toilet bowl 1 and second end 19 is adjacent to the interior of toilet bowl 1. Preferably, in such embodiments, passageway 15 comprises first portion 15a and second portion 15b, such that first portion 15a and second portion 15b are positioned essentially parallel to one another, thereby preventing or reducing the passage of objects from within passageway 15 to the exterior of passageway 15 while allowing the passage of air from the exterior of passageway 15 to the interior of toilet bowl 1. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which passageway 15 is disposed within toilet seat 5. As an object moves from the interior of toilet bowl 1 into the passageway, a portion of the object impacts the turns connecting the first and second portions and is thereby trapped within the passageway. The greater the number of portions and turns in passageway 15, the greater the prevention or reduction of the passage of objects from the interior of passageway 15 to the exterior of passageway 15. A flap 21 may be coupled to the first end 17 to help prevent or reduce the passage of objects from within the passage 15 to the exterior of the passage 15. The flap 21 is configured to open to allow air to enter the passage 15, yet remain closed to prevent or reduce objects from exiting the passage 15.

[0026] In operation, after using the toilet bowl 101, a user closes the toilet lid 3 so that the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a sealingly engage with each other. The toilet seat 5 is usually already in the down position during use; if not, the user lowers the seat before closing the lid 3 so that the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 sealingly engage with each other. When the user flushes the toilet, the barrier members remain sealingly engaged due to the magnetic attractive closing force generated by the magnetic material within the barrier members. To assist in the flushing operation, a valve allows the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl 1 to inside the toilet bowl 1 while preventing the passage of air and / or objects from inside the toilet bowl 1 to outside the toilet bowl 1.

[0027] However, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the toilet sealing device is attached or configured to be attached to a toilet having a toilet bowl and a toilet lid (i.e., no toilet seat) in the same manner as described for the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The device includes a first barrier member coupled to or incorporated into the toilet lid and a second barrier member coupled to or incorporated into the toilet bowl. The first and second barrier members may be coupled to the toilet lid and toilet bowl, respectively, by various means, such as, but not limited to, glue and adhesive. The first and second barrier members are configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to magnetically attract each other. The toilet lid is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl, causing the first and second barrier members to sealingly engage with each other.

[0029] Similar to the first embodiment, in some embodiments, a first barrier member may be coupled to a peripheral extension of the lid, and a second barrier member may be coupled to an inner peripheral extension of the bowl, defining an opening in the bowl. As a result, when the first and second barrier members sealingly engage with each other, the transfer of objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the upper surface of the toilet bowl (see 1a) is prevented or reduced. Preferably, when the first and second barrier members sealingly engage with each other, the lid and first barrier member fit within the bowl interior, blocking the opening in the toilet bowl and preventing or reducing the transfer of objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the upper surface of the bowl. In such embodiments, the upper surface of the lid and the first barrier member are preferably flush with the upper surface of the bowl while blocking the opening.

[0030] When the first and second barrier members sealingly engage with each other, a barrier is formed that prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl, which may be accomplished by the barrier being configured to at least partially fill a gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl.

[0031] Preferably, when the first and second barrier members sealingly engage one another, an airtight seal is formed that helps prevent or reduce the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. This can be achieved because the barrier members may comprise flexible materials such as, but not limited to, neoprene, silicone, rubberized and / or plastic materials.

[0032] As mentioned above, the barrier members may be configured to magnetically attract one another. This may be achieved because the barrier members may comprise a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the barrier members are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction sufficient to maintain them in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation.

[0033] It is believed that for certain types of toilets, significantly restricting the passage of air into the toilet bowl can adversely affect the proper operation of the toilet during flushing. To assist in proper flushing, the device may further include a valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl to inside the toilet bowl and to prevent the passage of air and / or objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. Those skilled in the art are aware of numerous one-way valves that may currently be employed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the device includes an elongated passageway having a first end and a second end, with the first end adjacent the exterior of the toilet bowl and the second end adjacent the interior of the toilet bowl. Preferably, for such embodiments, the passageway includes a first portion and a second portion positioned such that the first portion and the second portion are essentially parallel to one another, thereby preventing or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passageway to outside the passageway while allowing air to pass from outside the passageway to inside the toilet bowl. As an object moves from inside the toilet bowl to inside the passageway, a portion of the object strikes the turns connecting the first and second portions and becomes trapped within the passageway. The greater the number of portions and turns in the passageway, the greater the prevention or reduction of object passage from inside the passageway to outside the passageway. A flap may be coupled to the first end to assist in preventing or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passageway to outside the passageway. The flap is configured to open to allow air to enter the passageway but remain closed to prevent or reduce the passage of objects from the passageway.

[0035] 5-9, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. A toilet sealing device 3100 is shown that is attached to or configured to be attached to a conventional toilet 3101 having a toilet bowl 31, a toilet seat 35, and a toilet lid 33. However, the toilet seat 35 is U-shaped with a space 323. The space 323 extends between a peripheral extension 335 and an inner peripheral extension 333 of the toilet seat 35 that form spaced apart ends of the toilet seat 35. The lid 33 includes a nub member 325 that is configured to fit within the space 323.

[0036] The device 3100 comprises a first barrier member 39 coupled to or incorporated into the toilet lid 33 and a second barrier member 37 coupled to or incorporated into the toilet bowl 31. The first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 may be coupled to the toilet lid 33 by various means, such as, but not limited to, glue and adhesive, at the bottom of the nub member 325 adjacent the space 323 and at the toilet bowl 31, respectively. The first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 are configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to magnetically attract each other. The toilet lid 33 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl 31 such that the first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37a sealingly engage with each other.

[0037] The device 3100 further includes a third barrier member 39a coupled to or incorporated into the toilet lid 33 and a fourth barrier member 311a coupled to or incorporated into the toilet seat 35. The third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a may be coupled to the toilet lid 33, including the nub member 325 and the sides of the toilet seat 35, respectively, by various means, such as, but not limited to, glue and adhesive. The third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a are configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to magnetically attract one another. The toilet lid 33 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet seat 35 such that the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a sealingly engage one another.

[0038] 5 and 6, the third barrier member 39a is connected to a peripheral extension 331 of the lid 33 and a side of the nub 325, and the fourth barrier member 311a is connected to an inner peripheral extension 333 of the toilet seat 35 to define an opening 329 in the toilet seat. As a result, when the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a sealingly engage with each other, they prevent or reduce the movement of objects from within the toilet bowl 31 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 35. Preferably, when the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a sealingly engage with each other, the lid 33 and the third barrier member 39a fit within the toilet seat 35 to block the opening 329 and prevent or reduce the movement of objects from within the toilet bowl 31 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 35. In such an embodiment, the upper surface of the lid 33 and the third barrier member 39a are preferably flush with the upper surface of the toilet seat 35 while blocking the opening 329.

[0039] The device 3100 further includes a fifth barrier member 311b coupled to or incorporated into the toilet seat 35, and a sixth barrier member 37a coupled to or incorporated into the toilet bowl 31 on the toilet bowl top surface 31a. The fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37a may be coupled to the toilet seat 35 and the toilet bowl 31, respectively, by various means, such as, but not limited to, glue and adhesive. The fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37a are configured to releasably sealingly engage with each other and to be magnetically attracted to each other. The toilet seat 35 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl 31, such that the fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37a sealingly engage with each other.

[0040] When the first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 sealingly engage with each other, the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a sealingly engage with each other, and the fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37 sealingly engage with each other, a barrier is formed that prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl 31 to outside the toilet bowl 31. This can be achieved by the barriers being formed to at least partially fill a first gap disposed between the toilet lid 33 and the toilet bowl 31 (at the nub member 325) adjacent the space 323, a second gap disposed between the toilet lid 33 and the toilet seat 35, and a third gap disposed between the toilet seat 35 and the toilet bowl 31.

[0041] Preferably, when first barrier member 39 and second barrier member 37 sealingly engage with one another, third barrier member 39a and fourth barrier member 311a sealingly engage with one another, and fifth barrier member 311b and sixth barrier member 37 sealingly engage with one another, an airtight seal is formed that helps prevent or reduce the migration of materials from within toilet bowl 31 to the exterior of toilet bowl 31. This can be achieved because the barrier members may comprise flexible materials such as, but not limited to, neoprene, silicone, rubberized and / or plastic materials.

[0042] As mentioned above, the barrier members may be configured to magnetically attract one another. This may be achieved because the barrier members may comprise a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the barrier members are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction sufficient to maintain them in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation.

[0043] It is believed that for certain types of toilets, significantly preventing the passage of air into the toilet bowl can adversely affect the proper operation of the toilet during flushing. To assist in proper flushing operation, the device 3100 may further include a valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl to inside the toilet bowl and to prevent the passage of air and / or material from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. Those skilled in the art are currently aware of numerous one-way valves that may be employed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the device 3100 comprises an elongated passageway 315 having a first end 317 and a second end 319, such that the first end 317 is adjacent the exterior of the toilet bowl 31 and the second end 319 is adjacent the interior of the toilet bowl 31. Preferably, for such embodiments, the passageway 315 comprises a first portion 315a and a second portion 315b that are positioned essentially parallel to one another, thereby preventing or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passageway 315 to the exterior of the passageway 315, while allowing the passage of air from the exterior of the passageway to the interior of the toilet bowl 31. Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the passageway 315 is located inside the toilet seat 35. As an object moves from the interior of the toilet bowl 31 into the passageway, a portion of the object will collide with a turn connecting the first and second portions and become trapped within the passageway. The greater the number of sections and turns in the passageway 315, the greater the prevention or reduction of objects passing from within the passageway 315 to the exterior of the passageway 315. A flap 321 may be coupled to the first end 317 to assist in preventing or reducing objects passing from within the passageway 315 to the exterior of the passageway 315. The flap 321 is configured to open to allow air to enter the passageway 315, yet remain closed to prevent or reduce objects from exiting the passageway 315.

[0045] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device may include a sprayer assembly. The sprayer assembly 13, 313 is configured to spray a liquid, such as a disinfectant, into the toilet bowl. The sprayer assembly 13, 313 may include a hole 340 on the back of the toilet seat for an air inlet and a spray dispenser inlet. Those skilled in the art will be aware of numerous sprayer assemblies that may be employed in the present invention. A user may employ the sprayer assembly before lifting the toilet lid to ensure the interior of the toilet bowl is sanitary. In some embodiments, the sprayer assembly nozzle may rotate to thoroughly spray the liquid into the toilet bowl.

[0046] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device may include a toilet lid, at least a portion of which is transparent, allowing a user to inspect the interior of the toilet bowl when the lid is in the closed position and the toilet is sealed.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the barrier member is rubberized to dampen noises caused by bumps and crashes when closing a toilet component such as the lid or seat.

[0048] Throughout the description and claims, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "Comprises", "comprising", etc. shall be understood in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to", "connected", "coupled" or any conjugation thereof means any connection or coupling of two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, and the connection or coupling between those elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. · The words "herein," "above," "below," and similar meanings, when used in this description, shall refer to this specification as a whole and not to any particular portion thereof. When referring to a list of more than one item, the word "or" covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. · The singular indefinite and definite articles also include any appropriate plural form.

[0049] Directional words such as "vertical," "side," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "side," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "downward," "upward," and "under" used in this specification and any accompanying claims (if any) are dependent on the particular orientation of the device being described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not intended to be rigidly defined or narrowly interpreted.

[0050] Although reference is made herein to a component (e.g., a circuit, module, assembly, device, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the component (including references to "means") should be construed to include any functional equivalent (i.e., functionally equivalent) that performs the function of the described component, including components that are not structurally identical to structures of the present disclosure that perform that function in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Specific examples of methods and apparatus have been described herein for illustrative purposes. These are examples only. The inventions provided herein are applicable to contexts other than the illustrative contexts described above. Numerous substitutions, modifications, additions, omissions, and rearrangements are possible within the scope of the present invention. The present invention includes variations of the described embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including replacing features, elements, and / or acts with equivalent features, elements, and / or acts, mixing and matching features, features, elements, and / or acts of different embodiments, combining features, elements, and / or acts of the embodiments described herein with features, elements, and / or acts of other technologies, and / or omitting combinations of features, elements, and / or acts of the described embodiments.

[0052] The foregoing is considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. The claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be accorded the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire specification.

Claims

1. 1. A device configured to seal a toilet bowl comprising a toilet bowl and a toilet lid, comprising: at least one first barrier comprising at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to magnetically attract one another; the at least one first barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet lid; the at least one second barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl; When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one first barrier prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

2. The toilet further comprises a toilet seat, and the device further comprises: at least one second barrier comprising at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to magnetically attract one another; the at least one third barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet lid; The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat.

3. at least one third barrier comprising at least one fifth barrier member and at least one sixth barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to magnetically attract one another; the at least one fifth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat; the at least one sixth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl; 3. The device of claim 2, wherein when the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other and the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one second barrier and the at least one third barrier prevent or reduce the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

4. the third barrier member is coupled to a lid perimeter extension of the lid; The toilet seat is a seat outer peripheral extension and a seat inner peripheral extension defining an opening; a space extending between the seat outer peripheral extension and the seat inner peripheral extension, the space forming spaced apart ends of the seat; the fourth barrier member is connected to the seat inner periphery extension; 4. The device of claim 3, wherein when the third barrier member and the fourth barrier member sealingly engage with each other, the movement of objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the top surface of the toilet seat is prevented or reduced.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one barrier is configured to at least partially fill a gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl.

6. the at least one barrier is configured to at least partially fill a first gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl; the at least one second barrier is configured to at least partially fill a second gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet seat; The device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one third barrier is configured to at least partially fill a third gap disposed between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one hermetic seal is formed when the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member sealingly engage with one another.

8. at least one first hermetic seal is formed when the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member sealingly engage with one another; at least one second hermetic seal is formed when the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member sealingly engage with one another; The device of claim 3 , wherein at least one third hermetic seal is formed when the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member sealingly engage one another.

9. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction force sufficient to maintain the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation.

10. the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction force sufficient to maintain the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation; the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are configured to be magnetically attracted to one another with a magnetic attraction force sufficient to maintain the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation; 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction force sufficient to maintain the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member each comprise a ferromagnetic material.

12. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one first barrier member, the at least one second barrier member, the at least one third barrier member, the at least one fourth barrier member, the at least one fifth barrier member, and the at least one sixth barrier member each comprise a ferromagnetic material.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are each made of a flexible material.

14. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one first barrier member, the at least one second barrier member, the at least one third barrier member, the at least one fourth barrier member, the at least one fifth barrier member, and the at least one sixth barrier member are each made of a flexible material.

15. 15. A device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the flexible material comprises neoprene, rubberized, silicone and / or plastic material.

16. 4. The device of claim 1 or 3, further comprising at least one valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl to the interior of the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the exterior of the toilet bowl.

17. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one-way valve comprises an elongated passageway having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent an exterior of the toilet bowl and the second end adjacent an interior of the toilet bowl.

18. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the passage comprises a flap member coupled to the first end configured to allow passage of air from outside the passage to inside the passage and to prevent or reduce passage of air and / or objects from inside the passage to outside the passage.

19. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the passageway comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being essentially parallel to one another to allow the passage of air from outside the passageway to the interior of the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the passageway to outside the passageway.

20. 1. A device configured to seal a toilet bowl comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid, comprising: at least one first barrier comprising at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to magnetically attract one another; at least one second barrier comprising at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to magnetically attract one another; the at least one first barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet lid; the at least one second barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat; the at least one third barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet seat; the at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl; When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other and the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one first barrier and the at least one second barrier prevent or reduce the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

21. the first barrier member is coupled to a lid perimeter extension of the lid; The toilet seat is a seat outer peripheral extension and a seat inner peripheral extension that define an opening; the second barrier member is connected to the seat inner periphery extension; 21. The device of claim 20, wherein when the first barrier member and the second barrier member sealingly engage with each other, the movement of objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the top surface of the toilet seat is prevented or reduced.

22. when the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one barrier at least partially fills a first gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet seat; When the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are sealingly engaged with each other, the at least one second barrier 21. The device of claim 20, configured to at least partially fill a second gap disposed between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl.

23. at least one first hermetic seal is formed when the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member sealingly engage with one another; 21. The device of claim 20, wherein at least one second hermetic seal is formed when the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member sealingly engage one another.

24. the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction force sufficient to maintain the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation; 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are configured to magnetically attract one another with a magnetic attraction force sufficient to maintain the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member in sealing engagement with one another during a toilet bowl flushing operation.

25. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the at least one first barrier member, the at least one second barrier member, the at least one third barrier member, and the at least one fourth barrier member each comprise a ferromagnetic material.

26. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the at least one first barrier member, the at least one second barrier member, the at least one third barrier member, and the at least one fourth barrier member are each made of a flexible material.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the flexible material comprises neoprene, silicone, rubberized, and / or plastic material.

28. 21. The device of claim 20, further comprising at least one valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl to the interior of the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from the interior of the toilet bowl to the exterior of the toilet bowl.

29. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the at least one-way valve comprises an elongated passageway having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent an exterior of the toilet bowl and the second end adjacent an interior of the toilet bowl.

30. 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the passage comprises a flap member coupled to the first end configured to allow passage of air from outside the passage to inside the passage and to prevent or reduce passage of air and / or objects from inside the passage to outside the passage.

31. 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the passageway comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being essentially parallel to one another to allow the passage of air from outside the passageway to the interior of the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the passageway to outside the passageway.

32. A toilet system comprising a toilet and a device according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

Images