Toilet sealing device

Abstract

To provide a toilet bowl sealing device or system that is relatively simple and robust to construct. A device for sealing a toilet bowl is provided, the device comprising at least one barrier with barrier members configured to releasably sealingly engage one another and to be magnetically attracted to one another, the barrier members configured to be coupled to the toilet lid, toilet seat, and / or 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet, and more particularly to a device for sealing a toilet.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of toilets, it is well known to employ a lid to partially prevent or reduce the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. However, usually, there is a gap between the lid and the bowl of the toilet, which allows harmful substances to pass to the outside, so it only minimally suppresses the objects from coming out of the toilet bowl. This generally applies when the object is in the form of particulate matter or a plume. Objects coming out of the toilet bowl can create unhygienic situations and can result in the transmission of diseases or microorganisms including, but not limited to, the COVID-19 virus.

[0003] In an effort to provide a simple and straightforward means of preventing or reducing the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl, a number of toilet-related devices have been developed.

[0004] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0206998 by Corbin describes a system and apparatus for preventing or reducing the movement of contaminant particles from the enclosure of the toilet bowl. This system and apparatus includes at least one barrier coupled to a toilet seat and / or toilet lid configured to prevent or reduce the movement of particles out of the enclosure of the toilet bowl. The barrier is further capable of moving air within the enclosure of the toilet bowl.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, the systems and devices contemplated by Corbin have several drawbacks. According to the specific embodiments described by Corbin, when increasing the closing force on the lid or seat, a spring is employed to hold the hinge and improve the seal against it. In particular, it is well known in the art that springs wear over time, especially when used frequently, such as when opening and closing the seat. Employing a spring to increase the closing force on the lid or seat becomes prone to failure over time, resulting in the seal becoming ineffective and allowing particles to move from the enclosure of the toilet bowl.

[0006] Corbin also describes embodiments of a system with one or more valves that, while a barrier is employed to form a sufficiently airtight seal in the gap disposed between the toilet lid, seat, and toilet bowl, allow sufficient air to flow into the enclosure of the toilet bowl by allowing air to flow into the enclosure of the toilet bowl so that the cleaning of the toilet is not prevented. However, Corbin does not consider that the valves employed can cause unhygienic situations when microorganisms or other harmful substances are released by preventing the passage of air and objects from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl.

[0007] Furthermore, in the barrier contemplated by Corbin, since the barrier is provided adjacent to the outer periphery of the seat, objects are still moved from the inside of the toilet bowl onto the seat during the cleaning operation. This can create a very unhygienic situation where the user has to sterilize the entire seat after each use.

[0008] Therefore, what is needed is a toilet sealing device or system that provides means to ensure any seal enhancement with a closing force maintained over a long period, allows air to pass from the outside of the toilet bowl to the inside of the toilet bowl, and prevents the passage of air and / or objects from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl, while being relatively simple and robust in construction. Additionally, it is advantageous if this device or system provides sealing means to prevent or reduce the movement of objects from the inside of the toilet bowl to the upper surface of the seat.

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

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

[0011] According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device configured to seal a toilet having a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid, the device comprising at least one first barrier including at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member that engage to releasably seal with each other and are configured to magnetically attract each other, and at least one second barrier including at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member that engage to releasably seal with each other and are configured to magnetically attract each other, wherein at least one first barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet lid, at least one second barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet seat, at least one third barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet seat, at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet bowl, and when at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member engage to seal with each other and at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member engage to seal with each other, at least one first barrier and at least one second barrier provide a device that prevents or reduces movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0013]

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[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Specific details are set forth throughout the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding for those skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may sometimes not be illustrated 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 embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense and must be interpreted accordingly.

[0016] The present invention relates to a toilet sealing device. The device includes at least one barrier having barrier members configured to releasably seal with each other and magnetically attract each other. The barrier members are configured to be connected to a toilet lid, a toilet seat, and / or a toilet bowl, and when the barrier members are engaged to seal with each other, at least one barrier prevents or reduces the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl.

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

[0018] Device 100 includes a first barrier member 9 connected to or incorporated into the toilet lid 3, and a second barrier member 11a connected to or incorporated into the toilet seat 5. The first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a can be respectively connected to the toilet lid 3 and the toilet seat 5 by various means such as glue and adhesives, but are not limited thereto. The first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a are configured to engage with each other so as to be releasably sealed and magnetically attracted to each other. Since the toilet lid 3 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet seat 5, the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a engage with each other so as to be sealed.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first barrier member 9 is connected to the outer peripheral extension of the lid 3 30 and the second barrier member 11a is connected to the inner peripheral extension 33 of the toilet seat 5 to define an opening 29 in the toilet seat. As a result, when the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a engage with each other so as to be sealed, the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 1 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 5 is blocked or reduced. Preferably, when the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a engage with each other so as to be sealed, the lid 3 and the first barrier member 9 fit into the toilet seat 5 to close the opening 29 and block or reduce the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 1 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 5. In such an embodiment, it is preferable that the upper surface of the lid 3 and the first barrier member 9 are flush with the upper surface of the toilet seat 5 while closing the opening 29.

[0020] The device 100 further includes a third barrier member lid 11b connected to or incorporated into the toilet seat 5, and a fourth barrier member 7 connected to or incorporated into the toilet bowl 1 on the upper surface 1a or the inner surface 1b of the toilet bowl. The third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 can be respectively connected to the toilet seat 5 and the toilet bowl 1 by various means such as glue and adhesives, but are not limited thereto. The third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 are configured to engage with each other to be releasably sealed and to magnetically attract each other. Since the toilet seat 5 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl 1, the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 engage with each other to be sealed.

[0021] When the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a engage with each other to be sealed, and the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 engage with each other to be sealed, a barrier is formed to prevent or reduce the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 1 to outside the toilet bowl 1. This can be achieved by a barrier 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 the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a engage with each other to be sealed, and the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 engage with each other to be sealed, an airtight seal is formed to assist in preventing or reducing the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 1 to outside the toilet bowl 1. This can be achieved because the barrier member can include a flexible material such as neoprene, silicon, rubber draw, and / or plastic material, but is not limited thereto.

[0023] As described above, the barrier members can be configured to magnetically attract each other. This can be achieved because the barrier members can include ferromagnetic materials. Preferably, the barrier members are configured to magnetically attract each other by a magnetic attraction force of a magnitude that can maintain the state of engaging with each other to be sealed during the cleaning operation of the toilet bowl.

[0024] In certain types of toilets, it is thought that significantly preventing air from passing into the toilet bowl can have an adverse effect on the proper operation of the toilet during cleaning. To assist with proper cleaning operation, device 100 may further include a valve configured to allow air to pass from outside the toilet bowl into the toilet bowl and prevent air and / or objects from passing from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl. Those skilled in the art are aware of a number of one-way valves that can currently be employed.

[0025] In some embodiments, device 100 includes an elongated passage 15 having a first end 17 adjacent to the outside of toilet bowl 1 and a second end 19 adjacent to the inside of toilet bowl 1. Preferably, in such embodiments, passage 15 includes a first portion 15a and a second portion 15b such that the first portion 15a and the second portion 15b are positioned substantially parallel to each other to allow air to pass from outside the passage into toilet bowl 1 while preventing or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passage to outside the passage. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which passage 15 is provided within toilet seat 5. When an object moves from inside toilet bowl 1 into the passage, a portion of the object is trapped within the passage because it impacts the turn connecting the first portion and the second portion. The greater the number of portions and turns of passage 15, the greater the prevention or reduction of passage of objects from inside passage 15 to outside passage 15. Flap 21 may be coupled to first end 17 to assist in preventing or reducing the passage of objects from inside passage 15 to outside passage 15. Flap 21 is configured to open to allow air to enter passage 15 but remain closed to prevent or reduce the presence of objects from passage 15.

[0026] During operation, after using the toilet 101, the user closes the toilet lid 3 so that the first barrier member 9 and the second barrier member 11a engage with each other to seal. The toilet seat 5 is already in the lower position during use. Otherwise, the user lowers the toilet seat before closing the lid 3 so that the third barrier member 11b and the fourth barrier member 7 engage with each other to seal. When the user cleans the toilet, the barrier members maintain the sealed and engaged state by the magnetic attraction closing force generated from the magnetic material within the barrier members. To assist the cleaning operation, the valve allows air to pass from outside the toilet bowl 1 into 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, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the toilet sealing device is configured to be attached to or attachable to a toilet (i.e., without a toilet seat) having a toilet bowl and a toilet lid, in the same manner as described for the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] This device includes a first barrier member connected to or incorporated in the toilet lid, and a second barrier member connected to or incorporated in the toilet bowl. The first barrier member and the second barrier member can be respectively connected to the toilet lid and the toilet bowl by various means such as glue and adhesives, but are not limited thereto. The first barrier member and the second barrier member are configured to engage with each other to releasably seal and magnetically attract each other. Since the toilet lid is rotatably positioned towards the toilet bowl, the first barrier member and the second barrier member engage with each other to seal.

[0029] Similar to the first embodiment, in some embodiments, the first barrier member may be connected to the outer peripheral extension of the lid, and the second barrier member may be connected to the inner peripheral extension of the bowl to define the opening of the bowl. As a result, when the first barrier member and the second barrier member engage with each other to seal, the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the upper surface (see 1a) of the toilet bowl is blocked or reduced. Preferably, when the lid and the first barrier member engage such that the first barrier member and the second barrier member seal with each other, they fit inside the bowl, close the opening of the toilet bowl, and block or reduce the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the upper surface of the bowl. In such an embodiment, it is preferable that the upper surface of the lid and the first barrier member are flush with the upper surface of the bowl while closing the opening.

[0030] When the first barrier member and the second barrier member engage with each other to seal, a barrier is formed that blocks or reduces the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl. This can be achieved by a barrier formed to at least partially fill the gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl.

[0031] Preferably, when the first barrier member and the second barrier member engage with each other to seal, an airtight seal is formed that aids in blocking or reducing the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl. This can be achieved because the barrier member can include a flexible material such as, but not limited to, neoprene, silicon, rubber draw, and / or plastic material.

[0032] As described above, the barrier members can be configured to magnetically attract each other. This can be achieved because the barrier members can include ferromagnetic materials. Preferably, the barrier members are configured to magnetically attract each other by a magnetic attraction force of a magnitude that can maintain the engaged state of sealing with each other during the flushing operation of the toilet bowl.

[0033] In certain types of toilets, it is thought that significantly blocking the passage of air into the toilet bowl can adversely affect the proper operation of the toilet during cleaning. To assist with proper cleaning operation, this device may further comprise a valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl into 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 can currently be employed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the device comprises an elongated passage having a first end adjacent to the outside of the toilet bowl and a second end adjacent to the inside of the toilet bowl. Preferably, for such embodiments, the passage is positioned such that a first portion and a second portion are substantially parallel to each other, thereby allowing the passage of air from outside the passage into the toilet bowl while blocking or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passage to outside the passage. When an object moves from inside the toilet bowl into the passage, a portion of the object collides with a turn connecting the first portion and the second portion and is thus captured within the passage. The greater the number of portions and turns of the passage, the greater the blocking or reduction of the passage of objects from inside the passage to outside the passage. A flap may be connected to the first end to assist in blocking or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passage to outside the passage. The flap is configured to open to allow air to enter the passage but to remain closed to block or reduce the presence of objects from exiting the passage.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 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 an outer 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 comprises a nub member 325 configured to fit within the space 323.

[0036] The device 3100 includes a first barrier member 39 that is connected to or incorporated into the toilet lid 33, and a second barrier member 37 that is connected to or incorporated into the toilet bowl 31. The first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 may be respectively connected to the toilet lid 33 by various means such as glue and adhesives (but not limited thereto) at the bottom surface of the boss member 325 adjacent to the space 323 and the toilet bowl 31. The first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 are engaged so as to be releasably sealed with each other and are configured to magnetically attract each other. Since the toilet lid 33 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl 31, the first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37a are engaged so as to seal with each other.

[0037] The device 3100 further includes a third barrier member 39a that is connected to or incorporated into the toilet lid 33, and a fourth barrier member 311a that is connected to or incorporated into the toilet seat 35. The third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a may be respectively connected to the toilet lid 33 including the side surfaces of the boss member 325 and the toilet seat 35 by various means such as glue and adhesives (but not limited thereto). The third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a are engaged so as to be releasably sealed with each other and are configured to magnetically attract each other. Since the toilet lid 33 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet seat 35, the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a are engaged so as to seal with each other.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the third barrier member 39a is connected to the outer peripheral extension 331 of the lid 33 and the side surface of the knob 325, and the fourth barrier member 311a is connected to the inner peripheral extension 333 of the toilet seat 35 to define the opening 329 of the toilet seat. As a result, when the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a engage with each other in a sealing manner, the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 31 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 35 is blocked or reduced. Preferably, when the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a engage with each other in a sealing manner, the lid 33 and the third barrier member 39a fit inside the toilet seat 35 to close the opening 329 and block or reduce the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 31 to the upper surface of the toilet seat 35. In such an embodiment, it is preferable that the upper surface of the lid 33 and the third barrier member 39a are flush with the upper surface of the toilet seat 35 while closing the opening 329.

[0039] The device 3100 further includes a fifth barrier member 311b connected to or incorporated in the toilet seat 35, and a sixth barrier member 37a connected to or incorporated in the toilet bowl 31 on the upper surface 31a of the toilet bowl. The fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37a may be connected to the toilet seat 35 and the toilet bowl 31 respectively by various means such as glue and adhesives, but are not limited thereto. The fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37a are configured to engage with each other in a releasable sealing manner and attract each other magnetically. Since the toilet seat 35 is rotatably positioned toward the toilet bowl 31, the fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37 engage with each other in a sealing manner.

[0040] When the first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 engage with each other so as to seal, the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a engage with each other so as to seal, and the fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37 engage with each other so as to seal, a barrier is formed that prevents or reduces the movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl 31 to outside the toilet bowl 31. This can be achieved by a barrier formed so as to at least partially fill a first gap disposed between the toilet lid 33 and the toilet bowl 31 (at the knob member 325) adjacent to 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 the first barrier member 39 and the second barrier member 37 engage with each other so as to seal, the third barrier member 39a and the fourth barrier member 311a engage with each other so as to seal, and the fifth barrier member 311b and the sixth barrier member 37 engage with each other so as to seal, an airtight seal is formed that assists in preventing or reducing the movement of material from inside the toilet bowl 31 to outside the toilet bowl 31. This can be achieved because the barrier member can include a flexible material such as, but not limited to, neoprene, silicon, rubber draw, and / or plastic material.

[0042] As described above, the barrier members can be configured to magnetically attract each other. This can be achieved because the barrier members can include a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the barrier members are configured to magnetically attract each other by a magnetic attraction force of such a magnitude that they can maintain the state of engaging with each other so as to seal during the cleaning operation of the toilet bowl.

[0043] In certain types of toilets, it is thought that significantly blocking the passage of air into the toilet bowl can adversely affect the proper operation of the toilet during cleaning. To assist with proper cleaning operation, device 3100 may further include a valve configured to allow the passage of air from outside the toilet bowl into the toilet bowl and prevent the passage of air and / or materials 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.

[0044] In some embodiments, device 3100 includes an elongated passage 315 having a first end 317 adjacent to the outside of toilet bowl 31 and a second end 319 adjacent to the inside of toilet bowl 31. Preferably, for such embodiments, passage 315 includes a first portion 315a and a second portion 315b positioned generally parallel to each other to allow the passage of air from outside the passage into toilet bowl 31 while blocking or reducing the passage of objects from inside the passage to outside the passage. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where passage 315 is provided inside toilet seat 35. When an object moves from inside toilet bowl 31 into the passage, a portion of the object collides with the turn connecting the first and second portions and is thus captured within the passage. The greater the number of portions and turns in passage 315, the greater the blocking or reduction of the passage of objects from inside passage 315 to outside passage 315. Flap 321 may be connected to first end 317 to assist in blocking or reducing the passage of objects from inside passage 315 to outside passage 315. Flap 321 is configured to remain closed and prevent or reduce the presence of objects from passage 315 while allowing air to enter passage 315 when open.

[0045] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device may comprise a nebulizer assembly. The nebulizer assemblies 13, 313 are configured to spray a liquid, such as a disinfectant, into the toilet bowl. The nebulizer assemblies 13, 313 may comprise a hole 340 in the back of the toilet seat as an air inlet and an inlet for the spray dispenser. Those skilled in the art will be aware of a number of nebulizer assemblies that may be employed in the present invention. The user may employ the nebulizer assembly before lifting the toilet lid so that the interior of the toilet bowl is reliably hygienic. In some embodiments, the nebulizer assembly nozzle may rotate to completely spray the liquid into the toilet bowl.

[0046] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device may comprise a toilet lid with at least a part of the lid being transparent such that when the lid is in the closed position and the toilet is sealed, the user can inspect the interior of the toilet bowl.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the barrier member is rubberized to attenuate the collision and the noise caused by the collision when closing toilet parts such as the lid or the toilet seat.

[0048] Unless otherwise required explicitly in context, throughout the description and the claims: · Terms such as "comprise", "comprising", etc. shall be understood in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense. That is, "including but not limited to", "connected", "coupled", or any of its inflected forms mean any connection or coupling of two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, and the connection or coupling between those elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. · Words with similar meanings such as "herein", "above", "below", etc., when used in the description of this specification, shall refer to the whole of this specification rather than a specific part of this specification. · When stating "or" with reference to a list of two or more items, all of the following interpretations of the word shall be covered. That is, any one 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 the meaning of any suitable plural forms.

[0049] As used in this specification and any appended claims (if any), words indicating directions such as "vertical", "lateral", "horizontal", "above", "below", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "lateral", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under", etc. are determined according to the specific orientation of the device being described and illustrated. The subject matter described in this specification may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these terms representing directions are not strictly defined and should not be construed narrowly.

[0050] Although components (e.g., circuits, modules, assemblies, devices, etc.) have been referred to in this specification, unless otherwise indicated, this component (including references to "means") shall be construed to include any equivalents of the functions of the described components (i.e., those that are functionally equivalent) that include components that are not structurally identical to the structures of the present disclosure that perform the functions in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] In this specification, specific examples of methods and devices have been described for illustrative purposes. These are merely examples. The invention provided in this specification is applicable to contexts other than the exemplary contexts described above. Within the scope of implementation of the present invention, numerous alternatives, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations of arrangements are possible. The present invention includes variations of the described embodiments that are 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, 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 above is considered merely an exemplification of the principles of the present invention. The claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments described above, and the broadest interpretation consistent with the entire specification should be given.

Claims

Claim 1 A device configured to seal a toilet having a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid, a. At least one first barrier including at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member configured to engage with each other releasably and to maintain an engaged state of sealing with each other by magnetic attraction force, b. The at least one first barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet lid to seal it or to form a part of the toilet lid, c. The at least one second barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet bowl to seal it or to form a part of the toilet bowl, the first barrier, d. At least one second barrier including at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member configured to engage with each other releasably and to maintain an engaged state of sealing with each other by magnetic attraction force, e. The at least one third barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet lid to seal it or to form a part of the toilet lid, f. The at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be connected to the toilet seat to seal it or to form a part of the toilet seat, the second barrier, and includes, g. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage with each other to seal and the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage with each other to seal, the at least one first barrier and the at least one second barrier prevent or reduce the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl while the toilet is in a closed configuration, h. The toilet seat has, i. A seat outer peripheral extension and a seat inner peripheral extension defining an opening, ii. An area extending radially outward along the toilet seat between the seat inner peripheral extension and the seat outer peripheral extension, including the seat inner peripheral extension, iii. The at least one fourth barrier member is connected to seal the area or forms a part of the area, iv. A device in which when the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage to seal with each other, movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl to the upper surface of the toilet seat is blocked or reduced. **Claim 2** The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fourth barrier member is connected to seal with the inner circumferential extension of the seat portion or forms a part of the inner circumferential extension of the seat portion. **Claim 3** The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one third barrier member is connected to seal with the lid outer circumferential extension of the toilet lid or forms a part of the toilet lid. **Claim 4** a. Further comprising at least one third barrier comprising at least one fifth barrier member and at least one sixth barrier member configured to engage to releasably seal with each other and to maintain the engaged state of sealing with each other by magnetic attraction force, b. The at least one fifth barrier member is configured to be connected to seal with the toilet seat or to form a part of the toilet seat, c. The at least one sixth barrier member is configured to be connected to seal with the toilet bowl or to form a part of the toilet bowl, d. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member engage to seal with each other, the at least one third barrier blocks or reduces movement of an object from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl while the toilet is in a closed configuration. **Claim 5** a. The at least one first barrier is configured to at least partially fill a gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl, b. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 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. **Claim 6** a. The at least one first barrier is configured to at least partially fill a first gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl, b. 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. c. The device according to claim 4, 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. a. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage with each other in a sealing manner, at least one first airtight seal is formed. b. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage with each other in a sealing manner, at least one second airtight seal is formed.

8. a. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage with each other in a sealing manner, at least one first airtight seal is formed. b. When the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage with each other in a sealing manner, at least one second airtight seal is formed. The device according to claim 4, wherein when the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member engage with each other in a sealing manner, at least one third airtight seal is formed.

9. a. By a magnetic attraction force of a first magnitude, during the toilet bowl cleaning operation, the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are configured to maintain a state of being engaged with each other in a sealing manner. b. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein by a magnetic attraction force of a second magnitude, during the toilet bowl cleaning operation, the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are configured to maintain a state of being engaged with each other in a sealing manner.

10. a. By a magnetic attraction force of a first magnitude, during the toilet bowl cleaning operation, the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are configured to maintain a state of being engaged with each other in a sealing manner. b. By a magnetic attraction force of a second magnitude, during the toilet bowl cleaning operation, the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are configured to maintain a state of being engaged with each other in a sealing manner. c. The device according to claim 4, configured such that, due to a magnetic attractive force of a third magnitude, a state in which the at least one fifth barrier member and the at least one sixth barrier member are engaged to seal each other can be maintained during the toilet bowl cleaning operation.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.

12. The device according to claim 4, 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 according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.

14. The device according to claim 4, 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. The device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the flexible material includes neoprene, rubberized fabric, silicon, and / or a plastic material.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one one-way valve configured to allow air to pass from the outside of the toilet bowl to the inside of the toilet bowl and prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one one-way valve comprises an elongated passage having a first end and a second end, the first end being adjacent to the outside of the toilet bowl and the second end being adjacent to the inside of the toilet bowl.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the passage is provided with a flap member connected to the first end configured to allow air to pass from outside the passage to inside the passage and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the passage to outside the passage.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein the passage comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being parallel to each other to allow air to pass from outside the passage to inside the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the passage to outside the passage.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the toilet lid comprises a knob member configured to fit into a space extending between opposite ends of the seat.

21. a. The at least one first barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the knob member. b. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage to seal each other within the space, the at least one first barrier prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl while the toilet is in a closed configuration. The device according to claim 20.

22. a. The at least one third barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the knob member. b. The at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the seat adjacent to the space or to form part of the seat. c. When the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage to seal each other, the at least one second barrier prevents or reduces the movement of objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl while the toilet is in a closed configuration. The device according to claim 20 or 21.

23. A device configured to seal a toilet comprising a toilet bowl, a seat, and a toilet lid, the device comprising: a. At least one first barrier comprising at least one first barrier member and at least one second barrier member configured to engage with each other releasably and to maintain an engaged state of sealing with each other by magnetic attraction force. b. At least one second barrier comprising at least one third barrier member and at least one fourth barrier member configured to engage with each other releasably and to maintain an engaged state of sealing each other by magnetic attraction force, c. The at least one first barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the toilet lid or to form a part of the toilet lid, d. The at least one second barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the toilet seat or to form a part of the toilet seat, e. The at least one third barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the toilet seat or to form a part of the toilet seat, f. The at least one fourth barrier member is configured to be connected to seal the toilet bowl or to form a part of the toilet bowl, g. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage to seal each other, and the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage to seal each other, the at least one first barrier and the at least one second barrier prevent or reduce the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl while the toilet is in a closed configuration, h. The toilet seat includes i. A seat outer peripheral extension and a seat inner peripheral extension defining an opening, ii. An area extending radially outward along the toilet seat between the seat inner peripheral extension and the seat outer peripheral extension, including the seat inner peripheral extension, iii. The at least one second barrier member is connected to seal the area or forms a part of the area, iv. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage to seal each other, the movement of an object from the inside of the toilet bowl to the upper surface of the toilet seat is prevented or reduced while the toilet is in a closed configuration. A device.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one second barrier member is connected to seal the seat inner peripheral extension or forms a part of the seat inner peripheral extension.

25. The device according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the at least one first barrier member is connected to seal the lid outer peripheral extension of the toilet lid or forms a part of the toilet lid.

26. a. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage with each other to seal, the at least one first barrier is configured to at least partially fill a first gap disposed between the toilet lid and the toilet seat; b. When the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage with each other to seal, the at least one second barrier is configured to at least partially fill a second gap disposed between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. a. When the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member engage with each other to seal, at least one first airtight seal is formed; b. When the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member engage with each other to seal, at least one second airtight seal is formed. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

28. a. By a magnetic attraction force of a first magnitude, during the toilet bowl flushing operation, the at least one first barrier member and the at least one second barrier member are configured to maintain a state of being engaged with each other to seal; b. By a magnetic attraction force of a second magnitude, during the toilet bowl flushing operation, the at least one third barrier member and the at least one fourth barrier member are configured to maintain a state of being engaged with each other to seal. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

29. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, 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.

30. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, 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 consist of a flexible material.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein the flexible material includes neoprene, silicon, rubberized fabric, and / or a plastic material.

32. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising at least one one-way valve configured to allow air to pass from outside the toilet bowl to inside the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the toilet bowl to outside the toilet bowl.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the at least one one-way valve comprises an elongated passage having a first end and a second end, the first end being adjacent to the outside of the toilet bowl and the second end being adjacent to the inside of the toilet bowl.

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein the passage comprises a flap member connected to the first end configured to allow air to pass from outside the passage to inside the passage and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the passage to outside the passage.

35. The device according to claim 33, wherein the passage comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being parallel to each other to allow air to pass from outside the passage to inside the toilet bowl and to prevent or reduce the passage of air and / or objects from inside the passage to outside the passage.

36. A toilet system comprising the toilet and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 35.

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