Intelligent toilet system with sensor-activated seat cover

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a toilet system (1000) having a seat cover (100) occupying an operative top surface of a toilet bowl (20). The toilet system comprises at least one sensor (105) mounted on a wall (10) located behind the toilet bowl, the sensor configured to communicate with a processor and a memory, with anatomical characteristics and position of the seat cover stored in the memory, the sensor configured to detect a plurality of conditions and generate sensed signals based on the conditions. An actuation mechanism (110) is mounted on the toilet bowl and coupled to the seat cover, and further configured to receive the sensed signals, and hingeably displace the seat cover. The seat cover is raised off the toilet bowl as occupant undresses, and the seat cover is rested on the toilet bowl as occupant dresses.

Description

[0001] A TOILET SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a toilet system.

[0004] DEFINITION

[0005] As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.

[0006] Seat cover - The term “seat cover” refers to a cover that occupies an operative top surface rim of a toilet bowl and one that facilitates seating arrangement for an occupant using the toilet.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0009] A sitting toilet often referred to as ‘a western-style toilet’ comprises a seat cover that prevents a toilet lid from making direct contact with the rest of the body of the toilet seat that is likely to have been soiled. It is desired especially for men while using the toilet in standing position, the seat should be lifted before unleashing the stream and conversely should be put down when finished. The displacement of the cover keeps the user from accidentally spraying the seat, and protects the next user from any possible contamination. However, since the invention of the toilet and the seat cover, many have failed to follow the necessary etiquette either because of forgetfulness or due to fear of contact with germs or soiling.

[0010] There is therefore felt a need for a toilet system that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks. OBJECTS

[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a toilet system. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a toilet system that ensures hands-free displacement of the seat cover.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a toilet system which is simple in configuration.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] SUMMARY

[0016] The present disclosure discloses a toilet system having a seat cover occupying an operative top surface of a toilet bowl. The toilet system comprises at least one sensor and an actuation mechanism. The at least one sensor is mounted on a wall located behind the toilet bowl. The at least one sensor is configured to communicate with a processor and a memory. The memory stores anatomical characteristics and position of the seat cover. The sensor is configured to detect a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions includes a first condition, a second condition, a third condition, and a fourth condition. The first condition corresponds to an event in which an occupant stands facing the toilet bowl. The second condition corresponds to an event in which anatomical characteristics of the occupant are detected. The anatomical characteristics include age and sex of occupants. The third condition corresponds to an event in which the occupant performs any of a dressing action and an undressing action. The fourth condition corresponds to an event in which the position of the seat cover with respect to the toilet bowl is detected. The at least one sensor is configured to generate sensed signals based on the first condition, the second condition, the third condition and the fourth condition. The actuation mechanism is mounted on the toilet bowl and coupled to the seat cover. The mechanism is further configured to be communication with the sensor to receive the sensed signals. The actuation mechanism is further configured to hingeably displace the seat cover upon receipt of the sensed signals from the sensor in relation to the first condition, the second condition, the third condition and the fourth condition.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to be automatically motorized, to angularly displace the seat cover in an operative downward direction to rest the seat cover upon receiving the sensed signal from the sensor . In a preferred embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to be automatically motorized, to angularly displace the seat cover in an operative upward direction to lift the seat cover upon receiving the sensed signal from the sensor .

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes a motor and a biasing means. The motor is a reversible motor.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the seat cover is displaced in a controlled way by braking the descent of the seat cover onto the operative top surface of the toilet bowl.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is configured to erase off any memories immediately after the seat cover attains the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the seat cover is configured to be displaced without any manual contact.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect anatomical characteristics including age and sex of occupants of the toilet system.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0024] A toilet system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a view of the toilet system with the seat cover rested on the toilet bowl, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0027] 10 wall

[0028] 20 toilet bowl

[0029] 100 seat cover

[0030] 105 sensor

[0031] 110 actuation mechanism

[0032] 120 lid 1000 toilet system

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0035] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0036] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and / or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0037] Referring to the figure 1, a toilet system 1000 will now be described. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure. The toilet system 1000 has a seat cover 100 occupying an operative top surface of a toilet bowl 20. The seat cover 100 facilitates provision for seating for the occupants. The toilet system 1000 comprises at least one sensor 105 and an actuation mechanism 110.

[0038] The at least one sensor 105 is mounted on a wall 10 located behind the toilet bowl 20. The at least one sensor 105 is configured to communicate with a processor and a memory. The memory stores anatomical characteristics and position of the seat cover 100 with respect to the operative top surface of the toilet bowl 20. The sensor 105 is configured to detect a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions includes a first condition, a second condition, a third condition, and a fourth condition. The first condition corresponds to an event in which an occupant stands facing the toilet bowl 20. The second condition corresponds to an event in which anatomical characteristics of the occupant are detected. The anatomical characteristics include age and sex of occupants. The third condition corresponds to an event in which the occupant performs any of a dressing action and an undressing action. The fourth condition corresponds to an event in which the position of the seat cover 100 with respect to the toilet bowl 20 is detected. The at least one sensor 105 is configured to generate sensed signals based on the first condition, the second condition, the third condition and the fourth condition.

[0039] The actuation mechanism 110 is mounted on the toilet bowl 20 and coupled to the seat cover 100. The mechanism 110 is further configured to be communication with the sensor 105 to receive the sensed signals. The actuation mechanism 110 is further configured to hingeably displace the seat cover 100 upon receipt of the sensed signals from the sensor 105 in relation to the first condition, the second condition, the third condition and the fourth condition.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of hinges is provided on the operative top surface of the toilet bowl 20. The hinges are coupled with the seat cover 100. The actuation mechanism 110 is configured to be automatically motorized, to angularly displace the seat cover 100 in an operative upward direction to lift the seat cover 100 upon receiving the sensed signal from the sensor 105.

[0041] The actuation mechanism 110 is configured to be automatically motorized, to angularly displace the seat cover 100 in an operative downward direction to rest the seat cover 100 upon receiving the sensed signal from the sensor 105. The seat cover 100 is displaced in a controlled way by braking the descent of the seat cover 100 onto the operative top surface of the toilet bowl 20.

[0042] In a first configuration of the toilet system 1000, the seat cover 100 is raised off the toilet bowl 20 in an event the sensor 105 detects the undressing action by the occupant.

[0043] In a second configuration of the toilet system 1000, the seat cover 100 is rested on the toilet bowl 20 in another event the sensor 105 detects the dressing action by the occupant and the occupant moves away from the toilet bowl 20.

[0044] The actuation mechanism 110 includes a motor and a biasing means. The motor is a reversible motor. The sensor 105 is configured to erase off any memories immediately after the seat cover 100 attains the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0045] The seat cover 100 is configured to be displaced without any manual contact.

[0046] In another embodiment, the at least one sensor 105 is provided on an operative surface of a toilet lid 120.

[0047] In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism 110 is configured to facilitate instantaneous flipping up of the seat cover 100 upon receipt of the sensed signals from the sensor 105.

[0048] The toilet system 1000 of the present disclosure allows contactless lifting and seating of the seat cover 100 on the toilet bowl. This eliminates any need of human contact with seat cover 100. This increases hygienic operating conditions.

[0049] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT

[0051] The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a toilet system which: o ensures contactless displacement of seat cover; o increases hygienic operating conditions; and o has a simple configuration.

[0052] The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

[0053] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0054] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0055] Any discussion of materials, implants, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0056] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A toilet system (1000) having a seat cover (100) occupying an operative top surface of a toilet bowl (20), the toilet system (1000) comprising: o at least one sensor (105) mounted on a wall (10) located behind the toilet bowl (20), the sensor (105) configured to communicate with a processor and a memory, with anatomical characteristics and position of the seat cover (100) stored in the memory, the sensor (105) configured to detect a plurality of conditions including,- a first condition in which an occupant stands facing the toilet bowl,- a second condition in which the anatomical characteristics of the occupant are detected,- a third condition in which the occupant performs any of a dressing action and an undressing action, and- a fourth condition in which the position of the seat cover (100) with respect to the toilet bowl (20) is detected, the sensor (105) configured to generate sensed signals based on the first condition, the second condition, the third condition and the fourth condition; o an actuation mechanism (110) mounted on the toilet bowl (20) and coupled to the seat cover (100), and further configured to be in communication with the sensor (105) to receive the sensed signals, the actuation mechanism (110) further configured to hingeably displace the seat cover (100) upon receipt of the sensed signals from the sensor (105) in relation to the first condition, the second condition, the third condition and the fourth condition; wherein, in a first configuration of the toilet system (1000), the seat cover (100) is raised off the toilet bowl (20) in an event the sensor (105) detects the undressing action by the occupant, and wherein in a second configuration of the toilet system (1000), the seat cover (100) is rested on the toilet bowl (20) in another event the sensor (105) detects the dressing action by the occupant and the occupant moves away from the toilet bowl (20).

2. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (110) is configured to be automatically motorized, to angularly displace the seat cover (100) in an operative upward direction to lift the seat cover (100) upon receiving the sensed signals from the sensor (105).

3. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (110) is configured to be automatically motorized, to angularly displace the seat cover (100) in an operative downward direction to rest the seat cover (100) upon receiving the sensed signals from the sensor (105).

4. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (110) includes a motor and a biasing means.

5. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the motor is a reversible motor.

6. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat cover (100) is displaced in a controlled way by braking the descent of the seat cover (100) onto the operative top surface of the toilet bowl (20).

7. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (105) is configured to erase off any memories immediately after the seat cover (100) attains the first configuration or the second configuration.

8. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat cover (100) is configured to be displaced without any manual contact.

9. The toilet system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (105) is configured to detect anatomical characteristics including age and sex of the occupants.

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