Toilet splash guard

Abstract

A toilet splash guard and systems provide protection for a toilet and the surrounding environment from contact with errant liquids, such as misdirected urine or liquid that may splash out of the toilet bowl. The splash guard directs liquids into the toilet bowl, preventing messy and unsanitary lavatory conditions. The splash guard includes two side members connected in sliding engagement with two edge members. The system is positionable in a first position which protects against splashes when the toilet seat is raised, and a second position which allows normal use of the toilet when the toilet seat is lowered. A gutter on the side member protects the surrounding area from dripping liquids.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 633,093, filed Apr. 12, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates in general to accessories for lavatories, and more specifically to splash guards and related systems for toilets.BACKGROUND

[0003] It is common for urine or other liquids to be misdirected in the area of a toilet and / or to splash out of the toilet bowl causing unsanitary conditions. Devices exist that shield part of the toilet or surrounding area from such liquid splashing; however, these devices are often difficult to clean, difficult to use in a sanitary manner (e.g., when placing or removing the device), and may redirect the liquid to other undesirable areas (such as the floor).

[0004] There is therefore a need in the art for a toilet splash guard which overcomes these shortcomings.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Since the beginning of mankind, men have been peeing on the floor. For centuries the main thing they had to avoid was their feet. Anyone that has ever visited a men's restroom is aware of this problem. On the floor, under, and behind the toilet is a nasty place to clean. Most men will not hesitate to clean a small mess off of the seat, but if the splash reaches the floor it is usually ignored. It has been estimated that forty percent of the time men use their hips to aim instead of their hands. A large number of people acknowledge that this is an issue without a solution. This invention aspires to be the solution.

[0006] The present disclosure describes a toilet splash guard and toilet splash guard systems which provides protection for a toilet and the surrounding environment from contact with errant liquids, such as misdirected urine or liquid that may splash out of the toilet bowl. Embodiments are configured to direct such liquids into the toilet bowl, thereby preventing messy and unsanitary lavatory conditions.

[0007] According to one or more examples, a toilet splash guard cooperates with a toilet having a toilet seat and a toilet bowl, the toilet splash guard including: two edge members, each of the edge members structurally configured for attachment to the toilet seat; two side members having an internal face and an opposing external face, each side member engageable with one of the two edge members; and wherein the side members are positionable in two positions of use, including: a first position with the two side members extending forwardly from the toilet seat along a rim of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised; and a second position with the two side members extending downwardly with the internal face adjacent a side of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is lowered.

[0008] According to one or more examples, each side member is slidingly engageable with one of the two edge members.

[0009] According to one or more examples, one of either the two side members or the two edge members includes a groove and the other of either the two side members or the two edge members includes a protrusion shaped and dimensioned for sliding engagement with the groove.

[0010] According to one or more examples, each of the two side members includes a gutter extending from the internal face toward the toilet bowl.

[0011] According to one or more examples, the gutter defines a lower edge of the internal face.

[0012] According to one or more examples, each of the two edge members includes an attachment surface shaped substantially complementary to an edge of the toilet seat. According to one or more examples, the attachment surface includes an adhesive.

[0013] According to one or more examples, at least one of the two side members includes a handle extending from the external face away from the toilet seat.

[0014] According to one or more examples, each of the two side members includes a retaining tab having an upper portion configured to at least partially contact the rim of the toilet bowl and a lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion adjacent the side of the toilet bowl with the two side members in the first position.

[0015] According to one or more examples, the internal face of each of the two side members has a concave shape from a top to a bottom. According to one or more examples, the internal face of each of the two side members has a concave shape from a first side to a second side.

[0016] According to one or more examples, the two edge members include a plurality of tabs positionable adjacent an underside of the toilet seat.

[0017] According to one or more examples, the two side members include a hinged portion configured to contact the rim of the toilet bowl in the first position.

[0018] According to one or more examples, a toilet splash guard cooperates with a toilet having a toilet seat and a toilet bowl, the toilet splash guard including: two side members having an internal face and an opposing external face, each side member structurally configured for attachment to one of a first seat side and a second seat side of the toilet seat and extension therefrom with the internal face oriented toward the toilet seat; a gutter defining an edge of the internal face; and wherein the two side members are each positionable in two positions of use, including: a first position with the two side members extending forwardly from the toilet seat along a rim of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised; and a second position with the two side members extending downwardly with the internal face adjacent a side of the toilet bowl and the gutter positioned on a lowermost edge of the two side members when the toilet seat is lowered.

[0019] According to one or more examples, the internal face of each of the two side members has a first concave shape from a top to a bottom and a second concave shape from a first side to a second side.

[0020] These and other aspects of the embodiments will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments and details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the embodiments, and the embodiments may include all such substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of toilet splash guards and systems therefor are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of the toilet splash guard in a first position of use, in accordance with a representative example.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view of the toilet splash guard in a second position of use, in accordance with a representative example.

[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a toilet splash guard system, in accordance with a representative example.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a side member of a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the side member, in accordance with a representative example.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the side member, in accordance with a representative example.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the side member, in accordance with a representative example.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a first side view of the side member, in accordance with a representative example.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a second side view of the side member, in accordance with a representative example.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an edge member of a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example.

[0033] FIG. 12 is an end view of the edge member, in accordance with a representative example.

[0034] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a toilet splash guard system, in accordance with a representative example.

[0035] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the toilet splash guard system, in accordance with a representative example.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of the toilet splash guard system, in accordance with a representative example.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a toilet splash guard in a first position of use, in accordance with a representative example.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the toilet splash guard in a second position of use, in accordance with a representative example.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method of using a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example.

[0040] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The detailed description describes non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Any individual features may be combined with other features as required by different applications for at least the benefits described herein. As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of a given value unless specifically indicated otherwise. As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “substantially the same” mean that two items are at least 90% the same; for example, a feature described as “substantially parallel” may be parallel to within 90%, an element described as “substantially circular” may be circular to within 90%, and so on.

[0042] As used herein, the conjunction “or” is to be construed inclusively (e.g., “A or B” would be interpreted as “A, or B, or both A and B”; e.g., “A, B, or C” would be interpreted as “A; or B; or C; or any two of A, B, and C; or all three of A, B, and C”).

[0043] As used herein, disclosure of a singular element is also a disclosure of a plural element and vice versa unless otherwise noted.

[0044] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-2, there are illustrated front and side views, respectively, of a toilet splash guard 100 shown used in cooperation with a toilet 190. FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the toilet splash guard 100 in an alternate position. The toilet splash guard 100 is configured to shield the toilet 190 and the surrounding environment from errant liquids, such as misdirected urine or liquid that may splash out of the toilet bowl. The toilet splash guard is further configured to direct such liquids into the toilet bowl. The toilet splash guard 100 may include two edge members 102 and two side members 110. The toilet 190 may include a toilet seat 192, a toilet bowl 194 having a rim 195, and a lid 196.

[0045] The toilet splash guard 100 may be positionable in two positions of use: a first position as shown, e.g., in FIGS. 1-2, and a second position as shown in FIG. 3. In the first position, the toilet splash guard 100 extends forwardly from the toilet seat 192, which is in a raised position. For example, in this first position, the two side members 110 may extend forwardly from the toilet seat 192 along the rim 195 of the toilet bowl 194. This configuration may help to contain and redirect any liquid splashes back into the toilet bowl 194. In the second position, when toilet seat 192 is in a lowered position, the two side members 110 may extend downwardly with an internal face adjacent a side of the toilet bowl 194. This configuration may allow for normal use of the toilet 190 while keeping the toilet splash guard system 100 in a convenient storage position. In the second position, portions of the toilet splash guard 100 may be partially positioned between the toilet seat 192 and the toilet bowl 194, e.g., a portion of the toilet splash guard 100 may be positioned underneath the toilet seat 192.

[0046] Toilet splash guard 100 is generally configured for connection to the toilet seat 192 (e.g., along a side or underside of the toilet seat 192). When toilet seat 192 is raised, toilet splash guard 100 may be positionable in the first position. When toilet seat 192 is lowered, toilet splash guard 100 may be positionable in the second position. In some embodiments, when toilet splash guard 100 is connected to toilet seat 192 and toilet seat 192 is raised or lowered, toilet splash guard 100 may assume the first position or second position, respectively, without manual positioning (e.g., without a user needing to handle or arrange parts of the toilet splash guard 100). In some embodiments, the toilet seat 192 may be raised or lowered by repositioning the toilet splash guard 100, for example by using a handle 120 (see FIG. 3) to lift the toilet splash guard 100 and the connected toilet seat 192. In other embodiments, some manual positioning of one or more parts of the toilet splash guard 100 may be preferred when alternating between the first position and second position, or vice versa. For example, each of the two side members 110 may include a retaining tab 118 configured to contact the inside of toilet bowl 194 when toilet splash guard 100 is in the first position. In some embodiments, manual positioning of retaining tabs 118 may be required to attain a preferred position of toilet splash guard 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, when toilet splash guard 100 is in the first position the toilet seat 192 may be positioned with an offset from the lid 196 (e.g., angled in a direction toward toilet bowl 194); this arrangement may allow the side members 110 to contact the rim 195 of toilet bowl 194 or to be positioned over the opening of toilet bowl 194. In this arrangement the two side members 110 support the toilet seat 192 in a position offset from the lid 196, and prevent the toilet seat 192 from inadvertently lowering. In yet another arrangement, the toilet seat 192 may be raised as far as possible (e.g., to contact the lid 196). In this position the two side members 110 extend forwardly from toilet seat 192 and the retaining tabs 118 may or may not be positioned inside of the toilet bowl.

[0048] The two edge members 102 may be structurally configured for attachment to the toilet seat 192, such as along a side or underside of the toilet seat 192. In some cases, the two side members 110 may be engageable with the two edge members 102. This engagement may allow for easy installation and removal of the two side members 110, such as for cleaning.

[0049] Each of the two side members 110 may have an internal face oriented toward the toilet bowl 194 (see, e.g., internal face 414 of FIG. 4) and an opposing external face 112. In some cases, one or more of the two side members 110 may include a handle 120. The handle may extend from the external face 112 (e.g., extending away from the toilet seat 192), and may be used to position the side member 110 (e.g., when grasped by a user the handle may be used to raise or lower the toilet splash guard 100 and the toilet seat 192).

[0050] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a toilet splash guard system 400, in accordance with a representative example. The toilet splash guard system 400 may include two side members 410 and two edge members 402. Side members 410 may be substantially mirror images of one another, and may be shaped and configured for positioning on the left side or the right side of a toilet. Side members 410 may be structurally configured for connection to the seat of a toilet (e.g., by connection to the two edge members 402 connected to a toilet seat 492). In some cases, the toilet splash guard system 400 may include the toilet seat 492. That is, a toilet splash guard may be sold or manufactured as a kit with a toilet seat, thereby forming a toilet splash guard system 400.

[0051] In some cases, the two edge members 402 may be structurally configured for attachment to the toilet seat 492. Each of the two edge members 402 may include an attachment surface shaped substantially complementary to an edge of the toilet seat 492. For example, the two edge members 402 may have a concave surface shaped substantially complementary to the convex side edge of a common toilet seat 492. The width of the edge members 402 may be substantially constant over the entire length (e.g., along the curved surface), or the width may be tapered as shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., may have a greater width at either the top or bottom end than at the other end). The attachment surface may include an adhesive to secure the two edge members 402 to the toilet seat 492, such as a double-sided tape, an epoxy, or the like.

[0052] The two edge members 402 may include multiple tabs 450 positionable adjacent an underside of the toilet seat 492. These tabs may help to secure the two edge members 402 in place and provide additional stability to the toilet splash guard system 400. Tabs 450 may also, or instead, include an adhesive.

[0053] Each of the two side members 410 may be engageable with one of the two edge members 402. In some cases, each side member 410 may be slidingly engageable with one of the two edge members 402. For example, either a side members 410 or an edge member 402 may include a groove (e.g., the groove 1104 shown on the edge member 1102 of FIG. 11) and the other member may include a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion 522 shown on the side member 510 of FIG. 5) shaped and dimensioned for sliding engagement with the groove (e.g., along the directional arrow on the right in FIG. 4). Such a sliding engagement may allow for easy installation and removal of the two side members 410, as well as adjustment of the location of the side members relative to the toilet seat or toilet bowl. For example, when the side member 410 is in the second position and is grasped by the handle 420 to raise the seat, the side member 410 may slide within the edge member 402 toward the front of the toilet seat (e.g., until hitting a stop at the end of edge member 402). Then, when the splash guard has been moved to the first position and the user releases the handle, the side member 410 may slide within the edge member 402 (e.g., by gravity, over a distance of about one to two inches) until coming to rest on the rim of the toilet, thus covering any gap that may otherwise be present between the side member 410 and the rim. When moving the splash guard from the first position to the second position, the user may pull upwardly on the handle to offset the side member 410 from the toilet rim, and then lower the seat and side member 410 to the second position. This sliding of the side member may allow sufficient clearance for the side member to avoid contact with the toilet bowl when transitioning to the second position. Elements of each of the edge members 402 and side members 410 that are configured for sliding engagement may be sized to permit easy repositioning of the members as described (e.g., with sufficient clearance for the side member to adjust downwardly by gravity when in the first position).

[0054] The two side members 410 each have an internal face 414. The two side members 410 may have a gutter 416 that may extend along an edge of the internal face 414. The gutter 416 may be configured to direct liquid into the toilet bowl when the side member 410 is in the first position (upright) and may prevent liquid from dripping down the internal face 414 onto the floor when the side member 410 is in the second position (stored alongside the toilet bowl).

[0055] In some cases, at least one of the two side members 410 may include a handle 420. The handle 420 may extend from an external face of the side member 410 and may be used to adjust the position of the toilet splash guard system 400, e.g., as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

[0056] The toilet splash guard system 400 may be constructed from various materials such as plastic, wood, metal, or composite materials. In some cases, the toilet splash guard system 400 may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, or other suitable plastic by an injection molding process. This material and manufacturing method may provide durability and ease of cleaning for the toilet splash guard system 400.

[0057] FIGS. 5-10 are rear perspective, lower perspective, top plan, bottom plan, first side and second side views, respectively, of a side member 510 of a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example. The side member 510 may have an internal face 514 and an opposing external face 512. In some cases, the side member 510 may be structurally configured for attachment to one of a first seat side and a second seat side of a toilet seat. In other cases, the side member 510 may be structurally configured for the toilet seat via attachment to an edge member, such as described in FIG. 4.

[0058] The internal face 514 of the side member 510 may have a concave shape from a first side 544 to a second side 546. Said another way, the internal face 514 may be curved (e.g., curved around the toilet bowl in the second position) between the first side 544 and the second side 546, and may have a radius of curvature R2 as shown in FIG. 5. In additionally, or instead, the internal face 514 may have a concave shape from a top 540 to a bottom 542. For example, the internal face 514 may be curved between the top 540 and the bottom 542, and may have a radius of curvature R1 as shown in FIG. 5. These concave shapes may help to direct liquid towards the toilet bowl and may provide flexibility to the splash guard which may aide in properly installing or positioning the splash guard relative to the toilet.

[0059] The side member 510 may include a protrusion 522 along the top 540 (e.g., the protrusion 522 may form at least a portion of a top edge 540 of the side member 510). The protrusion 522 may be shaped and dimensioned for sliding engagement with a groove on an edge member. For example, a cross-section of the protrusion 522 may be shaped for a sliding fit with a groove (e.g., the groove 1104 of the edge member 1102 of FIG. 11). This sliding engagement may allow for easy installation, positioning, and removal of the side member 510.

[0060] In some cases, the side member 510 may have a lower edge 524 that may be positioned near or partially inside the rim of the toilet bowl. A gutter 516 may be included on each side member 510. The gutter 516 may extend from the internal face 514 toward the toilet bowl. In some cases, the gutter 516 may define a lowermost edge 524 of the internal face. This configuration may help to prevent liquid from dripping onto the floor.

[0061] The side member 510 may include a retaining tab 518, as may be seen most clearly in FIGS. 6-8. Retaining tab 518 may be similar to the retaining tabs 118 shown in FIGS. 1-3. The retaining tab 518 may have an upper portion 619 configured to at least partially contact the rim of the toilet bowl and a lower portion 621 extending downwardly from the upper portion 619 adjacent the side of the toilet bowl when the side member 510 are in a first position. In an aspect, the upper portion 619 and the lower portion 621 may form a substantially L-shaped retaining tab 518.

[0062] In some cases, the side member 510 may include a handle 520 extending from the external face 512 in a direction away from the toilet bowl or toilet seat. In a toilet splash guard having two of the side member 510, one or both of the side members 510 may include the handle 520. The handle may be used to adjust the position of the toilet splash guard system. In some cases, positioning the two side members may include grasping a handle extending from the external face of one of the two side members. The handle may be located away from the toilet bowl or toilet seat, allowing for easy manipulation of the two side members without contact with potentially unsanitary surfaces.

[0063] The side member 510 may be formed of a flexible or resilient material. This material choice may allow the side member 510 to conform to various toilet shapes and sizes, enhancing their effectiveness in preventing splashes.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 9 & 10, the external face 512 of each of the side member 510 may be visible when the toilet splash guard system is installed. The internal face 514 and gutter 516 may be more clearly visible in these figures. The gutter 516 may run along, or may define, the lowermost edge of the internal face 514. Either or both of the internal face 514 or the external face 512 may have a smooth surface for easy cleaning.

[0065] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are perspective and end views, respectively, of an edge member 1102 of a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example. As described with respect to other examples herein, the edge member 1102 may be configured for attachment to a toilet seat (e.g., the toilet seat 192 of FIG. 1). The edge member 1102 may include a groove 1104, an attachment surface 1106, and a stop 1108.

[0066] The attachment surface 1106 of the edge member 1102 may be shaped substantially complementary to an edge of the toilet seat. This complementary shape may allow for secure attachment of the edge member 1102 to the toilet seat. The attachment surface 1106 may include an adhesive, to facilitate adhering the edge member 1102 to the toilet seat. This method of attachment may provide a secure connection while allowing for potential removal or replacement of the edge member 1102 if needed. The attachment surface 1106 may also or instead include mechanical fastening elements, such as clips, screws, or the like.

[0067] The groove 1104 of the edge member 1102 may be configured to engage with a protrusion on one of the two side members (e.g., the protrusion 522 of FIG. 5). This configuration may allow for sliding engagement between the edge member 1102 and one of the two side members. In some cases, the groove 1104 may extend along a length of the edge member 1102, providing a continuous surface for engagement with the protrusion of one of the two side members. The sliding engagement between the groove 1104 of the edge member 1102 and the protrusion of one of the two side members may facilitate easy installation and removal of the two side members. This feature may allow for convenient cleaning or replacement of components of the toilet splash guard system.

[0068] The stop 1108 may be present on one or both ends of the edge member 1102 and may be useful to limit travel of the side member within the groove 1104 of the edge member 1102. For example, the stop 1108 may be a screw, a cap, or similar (see also FIG. 4) installed on one end to limit the sliding engagement with the side member (e.g., to prevent the side member from sliding forwardly along the toilet seat edge. The stop 1108 may also or instead be a clamp, strap, mechanical tensioner, or the like, and may be readily applied (e.g., opened or closed), adjusted, or similar.

[0069] In some cases, the edge member 1102 may be formed of a durable material resistant to moisture and cleaning agents. This material choice may enhance the longevity and effectiveness of the edge member 1102 in the lavatory environment.

[0070] The edge member 1102 may be designed to accommodate various toilet seat designs and sizes. In some cases, the edge member 1102 may be available in different sizes or may be adjustable to fit a range of toilet seat dimensions.

[0071] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a toilet splash guard system 1300, in accordance with an embodiment. The toilet splash guard system 1300 may include two side members 1310 and a back member 1330. The side members 1310 may be substantially mirror images of one another, and may be shaped and configured for positioning on the left side or the right side of a toilet. The side members 1310 may be structurally configured for connection to the seat of a toilet; for example a seat-facing portion 1352 may be configured for connection to the underside of the toilet seat with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or the like. The toilet splash guard system 1300 may also include features described herein with reference to other splash guards and systems, and vice versa. A back member 1330 may be configured for placement between the two side members 1310, and may form a substantially continuous surface in the plane of the underside of the toilet seat.

[0072] Each of the two side members 1310 may include a seat-facing portion 1352, a sidewall 1314, a gutter 1316, and a retaining tab 1318. The seat-facing portion 1352 may be configured for connection to the underside of a toilet seat, for example using screws, an adhesive (e.g., double-sided tape), another type of fastener, or another connection configured to achieve an equivalent result. In some embodiments, the seat-facing portion 1352 may be readily removable from the toilet seat, such as may be desired for cleaning the toilet splash guard system 1300 and / or the toilet. In other embodiments, seat-facing portion 1352 may be configured for a relatively permanent connection to the toilet seat (e.g., attachment with screws, with an epoxy adhesive, or the like). In still another embodiment, the seat-facing portion 1352 may be unitarily formed with a toilet seat.

[0073] The sidewall 1314 extends from the seat-facing portion 1352, and may be unitarily formed therewith. When the seat-facing portion 1352 is oriented substantially vertically, such as in the first position (see also FIG. 1), the sidewall 1314 extends forwardly (e.g., away from the toilet seat). When the seat-facing portion 1352 is oriented substantially horizontally, such as in the second position (see also FIG. 3), the sidewall 1314 extends downwardly (e.g., along a side of the toilet bowl). In the second position, the toilet splash guard may be partially located underneath the toilet seat, which is in a lowered position (e.g., the toilet splash guard may be partially positioned between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl, such as with the seat-facing portion 1352 between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl), and partially extends downwardly along either side of toilet bowl.

[0074] The sidewall 1314 may be contoured to provide a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of a toilet bowl. Such a configuration may allow a lower edge of the sidewall 1314 to be positioned partially, or entirely, inside of the rim of the toilet bowl (e.g., inside of rim 195 of FIGS. 1 & 2). This arrangement may assist in directing liquids into the toilet bowl. A contour of sidewall 1314 that is substantially complementary to the shape of a toilet bowl may also permit sidewalls 1314 to be positioned out of the way when the toilet splash guard system 1300 is in the second position. In some embodiments, the sidewall 1314 may be shaped substantially like a quadrant of a circle (e.g., as viewed from an exterior side). Any of these shapes and contours may also, or instead, provide an appealing aesthetic appearance.

[0075] The sidewall 1314 may be connected to the seat-facing portion 1352 in a manner that permits the sidewall to flex relative to the seat-facing portion. For example, one or both of the seat-facing portion 1352 and the sidewall 1314 may be formed of a flexible or resilient material. The seat-facing portion 1352 and the sidewall 1314 may be connected to one another by an integral hinge (e.g., a living hinge). Such a configuration may allow the sidewalls 1314 to move inwardly toward the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised and outwardly along the sides of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is lowered. In other embodiments, the sidewalls 1314 may connect directly to a toilet seat (e.g., the seat-facing portion may or may not be present).

[0076] The seat-facing portions may also include one or more bumpers, for example, located opposite the face of the seat-facing portion 1352 visible in FIG. 13. The bumpers may be sized and positioned to keep the seat-facing portion offset from the toilet seat. The bumpers may also provide clearance that may be necessary to allow the side members to pivot inwardly (e.g., over the toilet bowl) when the toilet seat is raised and / or to pivot outwardly (along the sides of the bowl) when the toilet seat is lowered.

[0077] Each sidewall 1314 may have a gutter 1316 that may extend partially, or completely, along an outer edge of the sidewall. The gutter 1316 may be shaped to direct liquid into the toilet bowl when the toilet splash guard system 1300 is in the first position. The gutter 1316 may also, or instead, be shaped or dimensioned to retain liquid when the toilet splash guard system 1300 is in the second position; in this way liquid that may drain off of the interior surface of sidewall 1314 may be prevented from dripping onto the floor.

[0078] The side members 1310 may include a retaining tab 1318 that may be configured to extend into the toilet bowl when the toilet splash guard system 1300 is in the first position. This feature may help to keep the two side members 1310 properly positioned over the toilet bowl. The retaining tab 1318 may extend below the lower edge of the sidewall 1314, and may be configured to resist lifting of the sidewall 1314 away from the toilet bowl (e.g., if the sidewall 1314 is bumped during use the retaining tab 1318 may help to keep the sidewall 1314 positioned over the toilet bowl).

[0079] The back member 1330 may be configured for connection to each of the two side members 1310, to a portion of the toilet (e.g., toilet bowl 194 of FIG. 1), or both. This connection may be configured in a manner similar to that described for side member 410. The back member 1330 may be sized or otherwise configured to provide a continuous surface with each of the two side members 1310, thereby protecting the hinges of the toilet seat and the back of the toilet bowl from liquid splatter. In some embodiments, the back member 1330 may be sized to extend beyond the toilet seat on both sides. In some embodiments, the back member 1330 may be sized to overlap the two side members 1310 (e.g., the back member 1330 may overlap a portion of the seat-facing portion 1352 of the side member 1310). In some embodiments, the back member 1330 may be positioned to direct liquid into the toilet bowl (e.g., the back member may be angled inwardly and may extend beyond the rim of the toilet bowl).

[0080] The back member 1330 may include a top portion 1334 and a bottom portion 1332. The top portion 1334 may be configured for connection to the underside of a toilet seat, for example using screws, an adhesive, or another type of fastener. The bottom portion 1332 extends downwardly from the top portion 1334 and may be configured to contact the toilet bowl (for example, the top portion 1334 may contact an upper face of the toilet bowl and / or an inner rim of the toilet bowl). In embodiments, the back member 1330, or a portion thereof such as the bottom portion 1332, may have a substantially trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the back member 1330 may be shaped, sized, or configured to provide an outward force against the two side members 1310, to resist inward pivoting of the side members 1310 toward the center of the toilet bowl. By providing differently sized or shaped back members 1330, the toilet splash guard system 1300 may be adapted for use with numerous different toilet configurations.

[0081] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a toilet splash guard system 1400, and FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view thereof, in accordance with a representative example. The toilet splash guard system 1400 may include a side member 1410, each including a seat-facing portion 1412 and a sidewall 1414, and a back member 1430 that includes a top portion 1434 and a bottom portion 1432. Any of these components of toilet splash guard system 1400 and features thereof may be similar to those of related components described elsewhere herein (e.g., with respect to toilet splash guard system 400 of FIG. 4), and vice versa. The toilet splash guard system 1400 is configured for connection to a toilet seat 1492, which may or may not be a component of the system.

[0082] Each seat-facing portion 1412 may include multiple components, such as first member 1412a, second member 1412b, and third member 1412c. These components may be connectable—for example, and as shown in FIG. 15, they may have male parts 1513 configured for sliding engagement with complementary shaped female parts 1515. In an embodiment, the first, second, and third members 1412a-1412c may include portions connectable by snap-fitting. At least one member of the seat-facing portion 1412 is configured for connection to the toilet seat 1492 in a manner as described herein. For example, an inner face 1417 may include an adhesive. One or more of the first, second, and third members 1412a-1412c may be sized or shaped to provide continuous coverage to a variety of sizes and shapes of toilet. For example, the third member 1412c may be provided in various sizes, or may instead be excluded from some embodiments.

[0083] The sidewall 1414 may include a gutter 1416 which may be similar to other gutters described herein, such as gutter 416 of FIG. 4. The sidewall 1414 may also, or instead, include a handle 1520 useful for raising or lowering toilet splash guard system 1400 and the connected toilet seat.

[0084] The top portion 1434 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape (e.g., as discussed herein in relation to the top portion 1334 of toilet splash guard system 1300). The bottom portion 1432 may include one or more pieces, and may be adjustably connectable to the top portion 1434 (e.g., to provide an adjustable offset of the top portion 1434 from a toilet bowl to accommodate different sizes and shapes of toilets and toilet seats). Such an adjustable connection may be made, for example, by providing a plurality of connection points between the bottom portion 1432 and the top portion 1434, one or more slidingly adjustable connections therebetween, or similar. The bottom portion 1432 may be shaped and configured to extend at least partially over an opening of a toilet bowl, which may advantageously redirect liquid into the toilet bowl.

[0085] The sidewall 1414 may include a hinged portion 1454 that may be configured to contact the rim of the toilet bowl in the first position. The hinged portion 1454 may be connected to the sidewall 1414 via an integral hinge (e.g., a living hinge). The hinged portion 1454 may flex relative to the sidewall when the toilet splash guard system 1400 is alternated between the first and second positions, for example, the 1454 may be positioned between the sidewall 1414 and the toilet bowl when the system is in the second position.

[0086] FIG. 16&FIG. 17 are perspective views of a toilet splash guard 1600 in first and second positions of use, respectively, in accordance with a representative example. The toilet splash guard 1600 may be configured for cooperation with a toilet seat 1692 having a different shape from the toilet seat 192 of FIG. 1 (for example, toilet seat 1692 may have a D-like shape). Side members 1610 of the toilet splash guard 1600 may have a hinged portion 1654 that may have a similar configuration as the hinged portion 1454 shown in FIG. 14. In the first position, the hinged portion 1654 may fold away from the side member 1610 to contact the toilet bowl. In the second position, the hinged portion 1654 (shown in hidden lines) may fold between the side member 1610 and the toilet bowl 1694. This configuration may provide convenient compact storage for the toilet splash guard 1600 in the second position. An integral hinge between the hinged portion 1654 and the sidewall may allow the hinged portion 1654 to be automatically positioned as shown when the toilet splash guard 1600 is alternated between first and second positions (e.g., when the toilet seat is raised or lowered).

[0087] Embodiments of splash guard systems described herein may be constructed from a variety of materials, such plastic, wood, metal, composite materials, and the like. In one example embodiment, a toilet splash guard system may be formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by an injection molding process.

[0088] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method 1800 of using a toilet splash guard, in accordance with a representative example. The method includes (refer also to FIGS. 1-3):

[0089] (a) attaching, step 1810, an edge member 102 to each of two seat sides of a toilet seat 192;

[0090] (b) engaging, step 1820, a side member 110 with each edge member 102, the side member having an internal face and an opposing external face 112;

[0091] (c) positioning, step 1830, the two side members extending forwardly from the toilet seat along a rim 195 of a toilet bowl 194 with the toilet seat raised; and

[0092] (d) further positioning, step 1840, the two side members extending downwardly with the internal face adjacent a side 193 of the toilet bowl with the toilet seat lowered.

[0093] The method may further include, in step 1820, slidingly engaging a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion 522 of FIG. 5) of one of the side member or the edge member with a groove (e.g., the groove 1104 of FIG. 11) of the other of the side member or the edge member.

[0094] The method may further include, in step 1810, attaching the edge member to each of the two seat sides of the toilet seat by adhering the edge member.

[0095] The method may further include, in step 1830 or 1840, positioning the side members by grasping a handle 120 extending from the external face away from the toilet seat.

[0096] The embodiments of the toilet splash guards, systems therefor, and methods of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the devices, systems, and methods should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toilet splash guard for cooperation with a toilet having a toilet seat and a toilet bowl, the toilet splash guard comprising:two edge members, each of the edge members structurally configured for attachment to the toilet seat;two side members having an internal face and an opposing external face, each side member engageable with one of the two edge members; andwherein the side members are positionable in two positions of use, including:a first position with the two side members extending forwardly from the toilet seat along a rim of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised; anda second position with the two side members extending downwardly with the internal face adjacent a side of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is lowered.

2. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein each side member is slidingly engageable with one of the two edge members.

3. The toilet splash guard of claim 2, wherein one of either the two side members or the two edge members includes a groove and the other of either the two side members or the two edge members includes a protrusion shaped and dimensioned for sliding engagement with the groove.

4. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein each of the two side members includes a gutter extending from the internal face toward the toilet bowl.

5. The toilet splash guard of claim 4, wherein the gutter defines a lower edge of the internal face.

6. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein each of the two edge members includes an attachment surface shaped substantially complementary to an edge of the toilet seat.

7. The toilet splash guard of claim 6, wherein the attachment surface includes an adhesive.

8. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two side members includes a handle extending from the external face away from the toilet seat.

9. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein each of the two side members includes a retaining tab having an upper portion configured to at least partially contact the rim of the toilet bowl and a lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion adjacent the side of the toilet bowl with the two side members in the first position.

10. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein the internal face of each of the two side members has a concave shape from a top to a bottom.

11. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein the internal face of each of the two side members has a concave shape from a first side to a second side.

12. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein the two edge members include a plurality of tabs positionable adjacent an underside of the toilet seat.

13. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein the two side members include a hinged portion configured to contact the rim of the toilet bowl in the first position.

14. A toilet splash guard for cooperation with a toilet having a toilet seat and a toilet bowl, the toilet splash guard comprising:two side members having an internal face and an opposing external face, each side member structurally configured for attachment to one of a first seat side and a second seat side of the toilet seat and extension therefrom with the internal face oriented toward the toilet seat;a gutter defining an edge of the internal face; andwherein the two side members are each positionable in two positions of use, including:a first position with the two side members extending forwardly from the toilet seat along a rim of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised; anda second position with the two side members extending downwardly with the internal face adjacent a side of the toilet bowl and the gutter positioned on a lowermost edge of the two side members when the toilet seat is lowered.

15. The toilet splash guard of claim 14, wherein at least one of the two side members includes a handle extending from the external face away from the toilet seat.

16. The toilet splash guard of claim 14, wherein the internal face of each of the two side members has a first concave shape from a top to a bottom and a second concave shape from a first side to a second side.

17. A method of using a toilet splash guard, the method including:attaching an edge member to each of two seat sides of a toilet seat;engaging a side member with each edge member, the side member having an internal face and an opposing external face;positioning the two side members extending forwardly from the toilet seat along a rim of a toilet bowl with the toilet seat raised; andfurther positioning the two side members extending downwardly with the internal face adjacent a side of the toilet bowl with the toilet seat lowered.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein engaging the side member with each edge member includes slidingly engaging a protrusion of one of the side member or the edge member with a groove of the other of the side member or the edge member.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the edge member to each of the two seat sides of the toilet seat includes adhering the edge member.

20. The method of claim 17, positioning the side members includes grasping a handle extending from the external face away from the toilet seat.

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