Aircraft lavatory with leaf toilet lid

Abstract

An aircraft (or other vehicle) includes one or more lavatories, of which at least one lavatory includes a toilet with a toilet assembly. The toilet assembly includes a toilet seat and a toilet lid. The toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat and may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In some cases, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is flush with a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

Description

AIRCRAFT LAVATORY WITH LEAF TOILET LIDCROSS-REFERENCE TO REEATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651,521, filed on May 24, 2024, and entitled LEAF TOILET SHROUD LID, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE IN VENTION

[0002] The field of the invention relates to lavatories for passenger vehicles, and, more particularly, to toilet seat assemblies with a toilet seat and a toilet lid for lavatories.BACKGROUND

[0003] Passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, trains, ships, automobiles, and the like, often include one or more lavatories. A conventional lavatory may include a toilet and a sink, and conventional toilets include toilet shroud and a toilet seat assembly, which includes a toilet lid and a toilet seat. The toilet seat assembly is installed on the top of the toilet shroud that is mounted in the lavatory. Such conventional toilets with three separate layers (toilet shroud, toilet seat, and toilet lid) provide many touchpoints, and the three layers must be cleaned separately, including a plurality of seam lines and gaps. In addition to the separate layers, conventional toilet seat assemblies may present various problems or issues for a passenger. For example, conventional toilet seat assemblies require the passenger to touch the toilet lid for lifting and closing, the toilet seat may have issues with lifting or dropping, the toilet seat assembly may provide interaction challenges with flush buttons, the toilet lid may provide discomfort to a passenger when the toilet rid is raised, and / or toilet lids may have an inconsistent availability.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a toilet assembly includes a toilet seat and a toilet lid. In various embodiments, the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, and, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is flush with a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0006] In some embodiments, a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat.

[0007] In various embodiments a maximum length of the toilet lid is greater than a maximum length of the toilet lid. In such embodiments, in the closed position, a front end of the toilet lid optionally extends outwards relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

[0008] Optionally, the top surface of the toilet seat includes a non-planar contour and / or the top surface of the toilet lid includes a non-planar contour.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the toilet seat is monolithic or integrated with a toilet shroud. Optionally, the toilet seat is fixed relative to the toilet shroud.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the toilet seat or the toilet lid optionally includes an antimicrobial material. In other embodiments, they need not.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the toilet lid includes a front end and a back end. The back end may be pivotably connected to the toilet seat, and the front end may include a lipextending outwards from the front end such that, in the closed position, the lip extends forward relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

[0012] In some embodiments, the top seating surface of the toilet seat includes a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0013] In various embodiments, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned in an opening defined by the toilet seat.

[0014] Optionally, in the closed position, the toilet lid is centered along a longitudinal axis of the toilet seat.

[0015] According to various embodiments, a toilet for an aircraft lavatory includes a toilet shroud and the toilet assembly. Optionally, the toilet lid and the toilet seat are each pivotable relative to the toilet shroud.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, an aircraft lavatory includes the toilet assembly.

[0017] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a toilet assembly includes a toilet seat and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is in a same plane as a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0018] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a toilet assembly includes a toilet seat with a top seating surface with a first side portion and a second side portion and an opening defined therebetween. The toilet assembly also includes a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned in the opening of the toilet seat and between the first side portion and the second side portion of the top seating surface.

[0019] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft with a lavatory according to embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2 is another view of the lavatory of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is another view of the lavatory of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a toilet of the lavatory of FIG. 1 with a toilet lid in a closed position.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates the toilet of the lavatory of FIG. 1 with the toilet lid in an open position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The described embodiments of the invention provide toilet lid assemblies for toilets of lavatories for passenger vehicles. While the toilet lid assemblies are discussed for use with aircraft, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the toilet lid assemblies may be used in passenger vehicles of any type or otherwise as desired.

[0027] Described herein are toilet lid assemblies with a toilet seat and a toilet lid. Compared to traditional approaches, the toilet lid, when in a closed position relative to the toilet seat, may create a flush surface with the toilet seat. The flush surfaces of the toilet lid and the toilet seat may create a visibly clean and stress-free lavatory experience that is easily cleaned, optionally with one or a continuous wipe for both surfaces. In certain embodiments, the toilet lid assemblies with the flush surfaces may promote a touchless interface for ease of use. Compared to traditional approaches, the toilet lid assemblies may be easy to clean, may minimize gaps, textures, and / or tight corners, may provide fewer moving parts, may provide fewer gaps and seam lines, and / or may simplify operation, maintenance, and integration. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0028] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an aircraft 10 with a lavatory 12 according to various embodiments. While a single lavatory 12 is illustrated, in other embodiments, the aircraft 10 may include any number of lavatories 12 as desired. Moreover, while the lavatory 12 is illustrated on the aircraft 10, in other embodiments, the lavatory 12 may be provided on other vehicles as desired, such as but not limited to buses, trains, ships, automobiles, and the like.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lavatory 12 generally includes a toilet 14 which includes a toilet shroud (or bowl) 16 and a toilet lid assembly 18. In addition to the toilet 14, the lavatory 12 optionally includes additional components (and combinations thereof) as desired. As nonlimiting examples, the lavatory 12 optionally includes one or more of a mirror 19, a paper dispenser 20, a wash basin 22, a light source 24 (e.g., optionally for highlighting a location of water dispensing and / or soap dispensing), a trash bin 26, combinations thereof, and / or other components as desired. As such, the particular components illustrated with the lavatory 12 should not be considered limiting on the disclosure.

[0030] The components of the toilet 14 may be constructed from various materials as desired. In some non-limiting examples, the components of the toilet 14 may be constructed from antimicrobial materials and / or may include an antimicrobial covering and / or surface treatment to promote sanitary and / or hygienic conditions. Optionally, one or more components of the toilet 14 may include various metals, ceramics, composites, plastics, and / or other materials as desired. Optionally, one or more components of the toilet 14 may include various metals or metallic elements as desired, including but not limited to aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, brass, a brass alloy, steel, a steel alloys, stainless steel or a stainless-steel alloy, such as titanium, zinc, and the like, or metallic alloys such as titanium alloys, zinc alloys, combinations thereof, or any other suitable metal or metallic alloy.

[0031] The toilet shroud 16 may be generally hollow and includes a shroud opening 28 defined by a rim 30.

[0032] The toilet lid assembly 18 generally includes a toilet seat 32 and a toilet lid 34. In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the toilet lid assembly 18 is generally provided above the toilet shroud 16.

[0033] Optionally, the toilet seat 32 is integrated and / or monolithic with the toilet shroud 16. Optionally, the toilet seat 32 is fixed relative to the toilet shroud 16 (e.g., due to being integratedand / or monolithic). However, in other embodiments, the toilet seat 32 may be pivotably attached to the toilet shroud 16 (e.g., via a hinge or other suitable mechanism) such that the toilet seat 32 is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the toilet shroud 16.

[0034] The toilet seat 32 generally includes a front end 46, a back end 48, and a top seating surface 36, which a user may optionally sit on in use. A distance in the direction from the front end 46 to the back end 48 is a length of the toilet seat 32, and a distance in the transverse direction is a width of the toilet seat 32. As discussed in detail below, in certain embodiments, a maximum length of the toilet seat 32 is less than a maximum length of the toilet lid 34, and / or a maximum width of the toilet seat 32 is greater than a maximum width of the toilet lid 34.

[0035] In some embodiments, the top seating surface 36 is generally planar or flat; however, in other embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top seating surface 36 may be contoured and have a non-planar profile. Optionally, the contoured top seating surface 36 may promote comfort and engagement for a user.

[0036] In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the top seating surface 36 may include a first side portion 38 and a second side portion 40. In some embodiments, the toilet seat 32 includes a recessed surface 42 between the first and second side portions 38, 40 as best illustrated in FIG. 5; however, in other embodiments, the recessed surface 42 need not be included. An opening 44 corresponding to the shroud opening 28 is defined between the first and second side portions 38, 40. In some embodiments, the top seating surface 36 forms the opening 44 with a closed perimeter. In other embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, the opening 44 need not have a closed perimeter. In such embodiments, the top seating surface 36 optionally is discontinuous proximate to a front end 46 of the toilet seat 32.

[0037] The toilet lid 34 of the toilet lid assembly 18 generally includes a front end 50, a back end 52, and a top surface 54. In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, a maximum width of the toilet lid 34 may be less than the maximum width of the toilet seat 32. Additionally, or alternatively, a maximum length of the toilet lid 34 optionally may be greater than the maximum length of the toilet seat 32. In these embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the toilet lid 34 optionally includes a lip 56 extending outwards from the front end 50. Embodiments with the lip 56 and / or the greater maximum length of the toilet lid 34 may allow for opening and / or closing of the toilet lid 34 relative toilet seat 32 without requiring a user touse his or her hands (e.g., the user’s foot and / or a device may be utilized to engage the toilet lid 34). In certain embodiments, the toilet lid 34 having the length and width may be referred to as “leaf’ toilet lid 34.

[0038] The top surface 54 may have various profiles as desired. In some embodiments, the top surface 54 may be generally planar or flat. In other embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the top surface 54 may be contoured and have a non-planar profile. In certain embodiments, the contour and / or profile of the top surface 54 may match and / or be compatible with the contour and / or profile of the top seating surface 36, which may promote the positioning and creation of flush surfaces as described in detail below.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the toilet lid 34 is pivotably connected to the toilet seat 32 at and / or proximate to the back end 52 of the toilet lid 34 such that the toilet lid 34 is movable relative to the toilet seat 32 between a closed position (FIG. 4) and an open position (FIG. 5). In the open position, the toilet lid 34 may allow access to the opening 44 and / or the shroud opening 28, while in the closed position, the toilet lid 34 may block and / or restrict access to the opening 44 and / or the shroud opening 28.

[0040] In various embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the toilet lid 34 is in the closed position, the top surface 54 of the toilet lid 34 is flush with the top seating surface 36 of the toilet seat 32 and / or such that the top surface 54 of the toilet lid 34 is in a same plane as the top seating surface 36. In certain embodiments, in the closed position, the toilet lid 34 is positioned in the opening 44 and / or between the first side portion 38 and the second side portion 40. In various embodiments, in the closed position, the toilet lid 34 is centered along a longitudinal axis of the toilet seat 32.

[0041] The top surface 54 flush with and / or in the same plane as the top seating surface 36 (and optionally between the side portions 38, 40) may create a smooth and continuous combined surface of the toilet lid assembly 18. In certain embodiments, compared to the stacked, three layer arrangement of traditional toilets, the toilet lid assembly 18 with the flush surfaces 36, 54 of the toilet seat 32 and the toilet lid 34 may allow for one wipe and / or a continuous movement to clean the surfaces. Additionally, or alternatively, the toilet lid assembly 18 with the flush surfaces may minimize seams and gaps, thereby minimizing locations for contamination and / or making visible the entire contact surface to be cleaned. In certain embodiments, compared to traditional approaches, the toilet lid assembly 18 with theflush surfaces may have improved durability and / or reliability, and may reduce the number of moving parts. The toilet lid assembly 18 additionally or alternatively may provide a simple, evidently cleanable, and touchless interface for users, optionally minimizing lid touching requirements for lifting and / or closing and / or issues with toilet seat lifting and / or dropping. Optionally, the leaf toilet lid 34 may minimize interaction challenges with flush buttons 62 for the toilet. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0042] A collection of exemplary embodiments are provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Examples” providing additional description of a variety of exemplary embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive, and the disclosure is not limited to these examples but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0043] Example 1. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet seat; and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is flush with a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0044] Example 2. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat.

[0045] Example 3. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the top surface of the toilet seat comprises a non-planar contour.

[0046] Example 4. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the top surface of the toilet lid comprises a non-planar contour.

[0047] Example 5. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein a maximum length of the toilet lid is greater than a maximum length of the toilet seat such that, in the closed position, a front end of the toilet lid extends outwards relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

[0048] Example 6. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the toilet seat is monolithic or integrated with a toilet shroud, optionally such that the toilet seat is fixed relative to the toilet shroud.

[0049] Example 7. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein at least one of the toilet seat or the toilet lid comprises an antimicrobial material.

[0050] Example 8. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the toilet lid comprises a front end and a back end, wherein the back end is pivotably connected to the toilet seat, and wherein the front end further comprises a lip extending outwards from the front end such that, in the closed position, the lip extends forward relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

[0051] Example 9. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the top seating surface of the toilet seat comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0052] Example 10. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned in an opening defined by the toilet seat.

[0053] Example 11. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is centered along a longitudinal axis of the toilet seat.

[0054] Example 12. A toilet for an aircraft lavatory comprising a toilet shroud and the toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples.

[0055] Example 13. The toilet of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the toilet lid and the toilet seat are each pivotable relative to the toilet shroud.

[0056] Example 14. An aircraft lavatory comprising the toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples.

[0057] Example 15. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet seat; and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is in a same plane as a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0058] Example 16. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat, and wherein a maximum length of the toilet lid is greater than a maximum length of the toilet lid such that, in the closed position, a front end of the toilet lid extends outwards relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

[0059] Example 17. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the toilet seat is monolithic with a toilet shroud and such that the toilet seat is fixed relative to the toilet shroud.

[0060] Example 18. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet seat comprising a top seating surface with a first side portion and a second side portion and an opening defined therebetween; and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned in the opening of the toilet seat and between the first side portion and the second side portion of the top seating surface.

[0061] Example 19. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat.

[0062] Example 20. The toilet assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is flush with the top seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0063] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order orarrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0064] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

[0065] As used herein, “flush” refers to surfaces that are completely level or even with another surface, thereby forming the same plane or a smooth and continuous surface.

[0066] As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0067] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0068] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0069] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

[0070] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet seat; and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is flush with a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

2. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat.

3. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the toilet seat comprises a non-planar contour.

4. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the toilet lid comprises a non- planar contour.

5. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein a maximum length of the toilet lid is greater than a maximum length of the toilet seat such that, in the closed position, a front end of the toilet lid extends outwards relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

6. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the toilet seat is monolithic or integrated with a toilet shroud.

7. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the toilet seat or the toilet lid comprises an antimicrobial material.

8. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the toilet lid comprises a front end and a back end, wherein the back end is pivotably connected to the toilet seat, and wherein thefront end further comprises a lip extending outwards from the front end such that, in the closed position, the lip extends forward relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

9. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the top seating surface of the toilet seat comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned between the first side portion and the second side portion.

10. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned in an opening defined by the toilet seat.

11. The toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is centered along a longitudinal axis of the toilet seat.

12. A toilet for an aircraft lavatory comprising a toilet shroud and the toilet assembly of claim 1.

13. The toilet of claim 12, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet shroud.

14. An aircraft lavatory comprising the toilet assembly of claim 1.

15. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet seat; and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is in a same plane as a top seating surface of the toilet seat.

16. The toilet assembly of claim 15, wherein a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat, and wherein a maximum length of the toilet lid is greater than a maximum length of the toilet lid such that, in the closed position, a front end of the toilet lid extends outwards relative to a front end of the toilet seat.

17. The toilet assembly of claim 15, wherein the toilet seat is monolithic or integrated with a toilet shroud.

18. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet seat comprising a top seating surface with a first side portion and a second side portion and an opening defined therebetween; and a toilet lid, wherein the toilet lid is pivotable relative to the toilet seat between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the toilet lid is positioned in the opening of the toilet seat and between the first side portion and the second side portion of the top seating surface.

19. The toilet assembly of claim 18, wherein a maximum width of the toilet lid is less than a maximum width of the toilet seat.

20. The toilet assembly of claim 18, wherein, in the closed position, a top surface of the toilet lid is flush with the top seating surface of the toilet seat.

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