Toilet seat handle attachment
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STEWART JASON
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure AU2025051465_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Toilet Seat Handle AttachmentField of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates to toilet seat accessories and, more particularly, to attachable handles for toilet seats that facilitate lifting and lowering of a toilet seat while limiting reliance on adhesive attachment alone.Background of the Invention
[0002] Toilet seats and toilet lids are commonly lifted and lowered by direct hand contact with an exposed surface or edge. In shared or public environments this can present hygiene concerns, and accordingly a range of auxiliary handles and attachments have been proposed to allow a user to manipulate the seat or lid without direct contact. Many such arrangements are intended to be retrofitted to existing toilet seats and therefore rely on attachment to an undersurface or peripheral region of the seat or lid.
[0003] A number of prior proposals disclose attachable toilet seat handles that are fixed to the undersurface of a toilet seat using adhesive pads or similar fastening arrangements. Examples include US 2008 / 0235859 A1 (SPIELES DEBRA) 2 October 2008, US 2007 / 0017014 A1 (DISMUKE BILLY C) 25 January 2007, US 2009 / 0049590 A1 (FOSTER STEVEN C) 26 February 2009, US 5058215 A (SIMS CHARLES C) 22 October 1991 , and CA 2313722 A1 (FOURNIER MAXIME et al.) 10 January 2002. These documents generally disclose handles or levers that project outwardly from the seat or lid and are intended to be grasped to raise or lower the seat.
[0004] While adhesive attachment offers convenience and ease of installation, it can be susceptible to failure modes associated with peeling or progressive detachment of the adhesive interface. In practice, lifting forces applied to a projecting handle can introduce bending moments at the adhesive joint, which may cause the adhesive pad to separate from the undersurface of the seat or lid. Such separation can occur gradually or, in some circumstances, suddenly, potentially resulting in the handle detaching during use and the toilet seat or lid dropping unexpectedly.
[0005] In addition to adhesive detachment, a further difficulty encountered with attachable toilet seat handles is bending or flexural deformation of the handle itself under load. Handles that project outwardly from the seat can be subjected to significant bending moments during lifting, particularly given the weight of a typical toilet seat or lid. To mitigate such deformation, some prior arrangements employ dedicated stiffening features, which can add complexity to the structure and increase material usage. Even with such measures, repeated lifting cycles can impose substantial mechanical loads at the attachment region, and the overall performance of the handle may remain dependent on the ability of the adhesive interface to withstand both bending and peel forces over time.
[0006] Accordingly, there remains a general need for toilet seat handle arrangements that can be attached using adhesive techniques while mitigating the risk of detachment under load, without requiring complex structural reinforcement or overly rigid constructions that increase cost or limit ease of manufacture and replacement.
[0007] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure
[0008] The disclosed system provides an arrangement for assisting a user in lifting and lowering a toilet seat while limiting reliance on adhesive attachment alone to support the applied loads. The system comprises a toilet seat having an undersurface and a planar outer edge surface, and an attachable handle attachment secured to the undersurface adjacent the outer edge surface.
[0009] The handle attachment includes a planar body shaped to define a planar adhesive end, a planar handle end that projects outwardly beyond the outer edge surface of the toilet seat, and an orthogonal transition between the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end. The planar adhesive end is secured to the undersurface of the toilet seat by an adhesive pad, while the planar handle end provides an accessible region for manual lifting.
[0010] The orthogonal transition defines a reaction face that presses against the planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat when a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end. Through this contact, a component of the lifting force is transferred laterally into the toilet seat via the edge surface rather than being borne solely by the adhesive pad. This configuration alters the load path during lifting so that bending of the handle attachment and peeling forces at the adhesive interface are moderated.
[0011] By providing a defined geometric relationship between the adhesive end, the handle end and the edge of the toilet seat, the system enables predictable mechanical interaction during use using a planar body of simple construction. The arrangement supports repeated lifting of the toilet seat while maintaining attachment integrity and allowing the handle attachment to be installed and removed without complex fastening or permanent modification to the toilet seat.
[0012] In some embodiments, the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end may be arranged so as to be substantially parallel to one another, which can simplify formation of the planar body and promote predictable contact between the reaction face and the planar outer edge surface during lifting.
[0013] In certain configurations, the planar handle end may be positioned such that, when the handle attachment is adhered to the undersurface of the toilet seat, the planar handle end is aligned with, or substantially flush with, an upper surface of the toilet seat, enabling convenient access while limiting visual prominence when the seat is lowered.
[0014] The reaction face defined by the orthogonal transition may be planar and may extend across substantially the full height of the orthogonal transition, thereby increasing the available contact area with the planar outer edge surface and distributing load transfer across a broader region of the toilet seat.
[0015] In an embodiment, the geometric relationship between the planar adhesive end, the orthogonal transition and the planar handle end may be selected such that, during lifting, loading of the adhesive pad occurs predominantly in shear rather than peel, moderating stresses applied normal to the undersurface of the toilet seat.
[0016] The adhesive pad may, in a preferable arrangement, comprise a stretch- releasable adhesive element configured to maintain adhesion during use while permitting controlled release when elongated.
[0017] In such arrangements, the adhesive pad may define a pull tab extending beyond an edge of the planar adhesive end, the pull tab being configured to stretch the adhesive pad to release adhesion between the planar adhesive end and the undersurface of the toilet seat.
[0018] In some embodiments, the pull tab may extend across, or adjacent to, the orthogonal transition such that the pull tab remains accessible from above the planar outer edge surface when the toilet seat is in a closed position, facilitating removal without requiring the seat to be raised.
[0019] The adhesive pad may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a plurality of stacked stretch-releasable adhesive layers arranged such that successive adhesive layers may be selectively stretched and removed, permitting repeated attachment, repositioning, or replacement of the handle attachment using a remaining adhesive layer.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the adhesive pad may include a removable backing that is removed prior to attachment, protecting the adhesive surface during storage and handling.
[0021] The planar body may be formed from a polymeric material, allowing economical manufacture while providing sufficient stiffness at the orthogonal transition to support load transfer through the reaction face.
[0022] In some applications, the planar body may be configured as a disposable component intended for removal and replacement after a predetermined period of use, supporting hygiene management in shared environments.
[0023] The orthogonal transition may be arranged such that the reaction face engages the planar outer edge surface before any substantial peeling displacement occurs at the adhesive pad during lifting, establishing an edge-supported load path early in the lifting motion.
[0024] The adhesive pad may be selected or configured such that removal leaves substantially no adhesive residue on the undersurface of the toilet seat, preserving surface condition after detachment.
[0025] In an embodiment, the reaction face may include a high-friction surface treatment or textured surface configured to resist lateral slippage of the handle attachment relative to the planar outer edge surface during lifting, independently of adhesive performance.
[0026] A distance between the planar adhesive end and the reaction face may be selected to define a predetermined moment arm that limits a maximum peel force transmitted to the adhesive pad when a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end.
[0027] The planar body may include a localised thickened region or reinforcing rib adjacent the orthogonal transition, increasing stiffness at the reaction face while allowing the planar adhesive end to remain relatively thin.
[0028] In some embodiments, the planar body may be formed as a multilayer laminate comprising a stiffer layer disposed at or adjacent the reaction face and a more compliant layer disposed at or adjacent the planar adhesive end, enabling force distribution across the handle attachment to be tuned.
[0029] The adhesive pad may be segmented into multiple discrete adhesive zones separated by non-adhesive regions, distributing shear loading while inhibiting initiation of peel at a single edge.
[0030] In certain arrangements, the adhesive pad may exhibit anisotropic adhesive behaviour, providing higher resistance to shear forces aligned with load transfer through the reaction face than to peel forces acting normal to the undersurface.
[0031] Where a pull tab is provided, the pull tab may include a stiffened leader portion configured to follow the orthogonal transition and project upwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface when the toilet seat is closed, assisting accessibility.
[0032] The planar handle end may be shaped such that lifting forces applied at a forward or rearward edge generate a reduced torsional moment about the planar adhesive end, limiting twisting of the handle attachment during asymmetric lifting.
[0033] In some embodiments, the planar body may incorporate a flexure hinge region between the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end, permitting limited angular compliance of the handle end while maintaining load-bearing contact between the reaction face and the planar outer edge surface.
[0034] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings
[0035] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an attachable toilet seat handle mounted to a toilet seat.
[0037] Figure 2 shows a toilet seat system incorporating one or more attachable toilet seat handles.
[0038] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating attachment of the handle to an undersurface of the toilet seat and engagement with an outer edge surface of the toilet seat.Description of Embodiments
[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a system 100 is illustrated comprising a toilet seat 101 and an attachable toilet seat handle attachment 103. The toilet seat 101 defines an opening therethrough and includes an undersurface 108 and a planar outer edge surface 111 . As shown most clearly in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the planar outer edge surface 111 extends substantially perpendicular to the undersurface 108, forming a generally vertical edge region around the periphery of the toilet seat 101.
[0040] The handle attachment 103 comprises a planar body 104 of substantially uniform thickness. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar body 104 is integrally formed as a single piece, such as by moulding, stamping, or cutting from sheet material such as plastic, although other manufacturing techniques may be employed. The planar body 104 is shaped to define a planar adhesive end 105 and a planarhandle end 106, with the planar handle end 106 being offset from the planar adhesive end 105 by an orthogonal transition 110.
[0041] The planar adhesive end 105 carries an adhesive pad 107 configured to adhere to the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 adjacent the planar outer edge surface 111. In use, the adhesive pad 107 secures the planar adhesive end 105 directly against the undersurface 108, positioning the planar body 104 such that the orthogonal transition 110 is located proximate the planar outer edge surface 111.
[0042] The planar handle end 106 is configured to project outwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 , as shown in Figures 1 and 3. This outward projection enables a user to engage the planar handle end 106 manually in order to lift or lower the toilet seat 101 without direct contact with upper surfaces of the seat itself.
[0043] As illustrated particularly in Figure 3, the orthogonal transition 110 defines a reaction face 113 that faces toward the planar adhesive end 105. In the installed configuration, the reaction face 113 is arranged to press flat against the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 when a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end 106. This contact occurs as a result of the relative positioning of the planar adhesive end 105 beneath the toilet seat 101 and the outwardly projecting planar handle end 106.
[0044] When a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end 106, at least a component of that force is transferred laterally from the handle attachment 103 into the toilet seat 101 through the reaction face 113 pressing against the planar outer edge surface 111. This load path diverts a portion of the applied force away from the adhesive pad 107, reducing bending of the planar body 104 and limiting peeling forces at the interface between the planar adhesive end 105 and the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101. The adhesive pad 107 may therefore be predominantly subjected to shear loading during lifting, rather than peel loading, which assists in maintaining secure attachment during repeated use.
[0045] The described geometric relationship between the planar adhesive end 105, the orthogonal transition 110, the reaction face 113, and the planar handle end 106enables the handle attachment 103 to cooperate mechanically with the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 , rather than relying solely on adhesive strength for load bearing. This interaction can be achieved using a simple planar body geometry, allowing the handle attachment 103 to be manufactured with minimal material complexity while still providing stable and predictable behaviour during lifting and lowering of the toilet seat 101.
[0046] The planar adhesive end 105 and the planar handle end 106 may, in some embodiments, be arranged such that they are substantially parallel to one another. Maintaining parallelism between these regions can simplify manufacture of the planar body 104 from sheet or moulded stock and can also assist in ensuring predictable contact between the reaction face 113 and the planar outer edge surface 111 during use. In such arrangements, the orthogonal transition 110 provides a controlled change in direction between the planar adhesive end 105 and the planar handle end 106 without introducing compound curvature or com plex geometry.
[0047] In a preferable configuration, the planar handle end 106 may be positioned such that, when the planar adhesive end 105 is adhered to the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 , the planar handle end 106 is aligned with, or substantially flush with, an upper surface 109 of the toilet seat 101. This alignment can allow the planar handle end 106 to be readily accessed by a user while remaining visually unobtrusive when the toilet seat 101 is in a lowered position. Such positioning may also assist in ensuring that lifting forces applied by a user are directed generally in a plane parallel to the planar handle end 106, thereby cooperating with the lateral load transfer provided by the reaction face 113.
[0048] The reaction face 113 defined by the orthogonal transition 110 may itself be planar and may extend across substantially the full height of the orthogonal transition 110 between the planar adhesive end 105 and the planar handle end 106. Providing a reaction face 113 of this extent can increase the available contact area with the planar outer edge surface 111 , promoting stable engagement and distributing contact forces over a broader region of the toilet seat 101. This can reduce localised stressconcentrations at the planar outer edge surface 111 and contribute to consistent load sharing between the handle attachment 103 and the toilet seat 101 during lifting.
[0049] In some embodiments, the relative positioning of the planar adhesive end 105, the orthogonal transition 110, and the planar handle end 106 may be selected such that, during lifting of the toilet seat 101 , the planar adhesive end 105 is loaded predominantly in shear rather than peel. By encouraging the reaction face 113 to engage the planar outer edge surface 111 early during application of a lifting force, the planar body 104 can act as a load-transferring member that redirects force laterally into the toilet seat 101. This configuration can limit separation forces acti ng normal to the adhesive pad 107, which may assist in maintaining adhesion over repeated lifting cycles and under variable user-applied loading conditions.
[0050] These arrangements may be implemented individually or in combination, and are not intended to limit the handle attachment 103 to any particular geometric proportion or installation orientation beyond what is required to achieve the described mechanical interaction between the planar body 104 and the toilet seat 101.
[0051] n some embodiments, the adhesive pad 107 carried by the planar adhesive end 105 may comprise a stretch-releasable adhesive element. Such an adhesive pad 107 may be configured to maintain secure adhesion to the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 during normal lifting and lowering operations, while also permitting controlled removal by elongation of the adhesive material. This type of adhesive behaviour can enable the handle attachment 103 to be removed without excessive force being applied to the planar body 104 or to the toilet seat 101 itself.
[0052] The adhesive pad 107 may, in a preferable and non-limiting configuration, define a pull tab (not shown) extending outwardly beyond an edge of the planar adhesive end 105. The pull tab may be configured such that, when pulled by a user, the adhesive pad 107 is stretched in a generally longitudinal direction, causing the adhesive bond between the planar adhesive end 105 and the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 to progressively release. This can allow removal of the handle attachment 103 in a controlled manner, reducing the likelihood of damage to the toilet seat 101 or residue remaining on the undersurface 108.
[0053] In some arrangements, the pull tab may extend across, or adjacent to, the orthogonal transition 110 such that the pull tab is accessible from above the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 when the toilet seat 101 is in a closed position. With this configuration, the pull tab may remain visible or reachable even when the toilet seat 101 is lowered, allowing the handle attachment 103 to be removed without first raising the toilet seat 101. This can assist with convenience of replacement and may reduce handling of potentially contaminated surfaces.
[0054] The adhesive pad 107 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise a plurality of stacked stretch-releasable adhesive layers. In such embodiments, successive adhesive layers may be selectively stretched and removed in turn, enabling repeated attachment, repositioning, or replacement of the handle attachment 103 using the same planar body 104. Each adhesive layer may provide a fresh adhesive interface with the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 once an underlying layer has been removed, thereby extending the usable life of the handle attachment 103 without requiring replacement of the planar body 104 itself.
[0055] In some embodiments, the adhesive pad 107 may include a removable backing, such as a peelable film or sheet, configured to be removed prior to adhering the planar adhesive end 105 to the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101. The removable backing can protect the adhesive surface during storage and handling, and may assist in maintaining consistent adhesive performance at the time of installation.
[0056] In some embodiments, the planar body 104 of the handle attachment 103 may be formed from a polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials may include, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or other mouldable or sheet-form plastics. Selection of a polymeric material can allow the planar body 104 to be manufactured economically in high volumes, while providing sufficient stiffness at the orthogonal transition 110 to support load transfer through the reaction face 113. At the same time, polymeric materials may permit limited elastic compliance of the planar body 104, which can assist in conforming to minor variations in the geometry of the planar outer edge surface 111.
[0057] The planar body 104 may, in a preferable and non-limiting sense, be configured as a disposable component intended for removal and replacement after a predetermined period of use. For example, the handle attachment 103 may be replaced periodically to maintain hygiene in shared or public environments. In such arrangements, the planar body 104 may be designed for low material usage and simple geometry, enabling disposal and replacement without significant cost or complexity, while still retaining the load-transfer behaviour provided by the reaction face 113.
[0058] In some configurations, the orthogonal transition 110 may be arranged such that the reaction face 113 engages the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 before any substantial peeling displacement occurs at the adhesive pad 107 during lifting. With this sequencing, initial application of a lifting force to the planar handle end 106 causes the reaction face 113 to bear against the planar outer edge surface 111 , establishing a lateral load path into the toilet seat 101 . This engagement can occur prior to significant separation forces being applied normal to the adhesive pad 107, thereby moderating the stresses experienced at the adhesive interface during the early stages of lifting.
[0059] The adhesive pad 107 may also be configured such that removal of the adhesive pad 107 leaves substantially no adhesive residue on the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 . This may be achieved through selection of adhesive chemistry, pad construction, or stretch-release behaviour, as described above. Residue-free removal can assist in preserving the appearance and cleanliness of the toilet seat 101 , particularly where the handle attachment 103 is intended to be replaced regularly.
[0060] Each of these features may be implemented independently of one another and in conjunction with the previously described configurations of the planar body 104, adhesive pad 107, and reaction face 113. None of these features is intended to be essential, but rather to provide optional refinements that can be adopted to suit different usage environments, manufacturing preferences, or hygiene requirements.
[0061] In some embodiments, the reaction face 113 defined by the orthogonal transition 110 may include a high-friction surface treatment configured to resist lateral slippage of the handle attachment 103 relative to the planar outer edge surface 111 during lifting. Such a surface treatment may be provided by moulded surface texturing, including ridges, micro-projections, stippling, or a knurled or matte finish formed directly in the planar body 104 during moulding or stamping. In other arrangements, a friction-enhancing coating or layer may be applied to the reaction face 113, such as a rubberised polymer, elastomeric over-mould, or high-coefficient friction paint or film. By increasing the coefficient of friction at the interface between the reaction face 113 and the planar outer edge surface 111 , lateral movement of the handle attachment 103 along the edge of the toilet seat 101 can be inhibited independently of adhesion provided by the adhesive pad 107.
[0062] The geometric relationship between the planar adhesive end 105 and the reaction face 113 may, in some embodiments, be selected to define a predetermined moment arm. This distance may be controlled by the length of the planar body 104 between the adhesive pad 107 and the orthogonal transition 110. By selecting this distance during design, the magnitude of peel force that can be transmitted to the adhesive pad 107 when a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end 106 can be limited. For example, increasing the distance between the reaction face 113 and the adhesive pad 107 can increase the proportion of applied force that is resolved into compressive loading at the reaction face 113, while decreasing the lever arm acting to peel the adhesive pad 107 from the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 .
[0063] In some configurations, the planar body 104 may include a localised thickened region or reinforcing rib adjacent the orthogonal transition 110. This thickened region may be formed integrally with the planar body 104 and may extend along the reaction face 113. The increased thickness can locally increase bending stiffness of the planar body 104 in the region of the orthogonal transition 110, enabling the reaction face 113 to resist deformation under load and maintain consistent planar contact with the planar outer edge surface 111. At the same time, the planar adhesive end 105 mayremain relatively thin, allowing the adhesive pad 107 to conform to minor surface irregularities at the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101.
[0064] In other embodiments, the planar body 104 may be formed as a multilayer laminate structure. For example, a first layer having a relatively higher modulus of elasticity may be disposed at or adjacent the reaction face 113, while a second layer having a relatively lower modulus of elasticity may be disposed at or adjacent the planar adhesive end 105. The stiffer layer may be configured to transmit lifting forces efficiently into the planar outer edge surface 111 , while the more compliant layer may accommodate surface variation and reduce stress concentrations at the adhesive interface. Such a laminate may be formed by co-extrusion, over-moulding, lamination of dissimilar sheets, or adhesive bonding of layers.
[0065] The adhesive pad 107 may, in some embodiments, be segmented into a plurality of discrete adhesive zones separated by non-adhesive regions. The nonadhesive regions may be defined by gaps, perforations, or areas of reduced adhesive coverage. Segmentation can distribute shear forces across multiple adhesive zones while interrupting continuous peel fronts, thereby inhibiting initiation and propagation of peel at the edges of the planar adhesive end 105. This arrangement can cooperate with the reaction face 113 to maintain adhesion during lifting while still allowing controlled release when desired.
[0066] In certain embodiments, the adhesive pad 107 may exhibit anisotropic adhesive behaviour. Such anisotropic behaviour may be achieved by selecting or constructing an adhesive pad 107 that has directional dependence in its mechanical or adhesive properties. For example, the adhesive pad 107 may comprise a stretch- releasable adhesive film having oriented polymer chains, fibre reinforcement, or a layered construction that provides higher resistance to shear forces in a direction parallel to the planar outer edge surface 111 than to peel forces acting normal to the undersurface 108. In other arrangements, anisotropy may be achieved by forming the adhesive pad 107 with micro-structured adhesive features, such as elongated adhesive ribs or directional channels, aligned with the load transfer direction through the reaction face 113. These constructions can allow the adhesive pad 107 to stronglyresist shear loading during lifting while still permitting elongation and release when pulled in a peel direction.
[0067] Where the adhesive pad 107 includes a pull tab, the pull tab may include a stiffened leader portion. The leader portion may be formed by local thickening, embedded reinforcement, or attachment of a stiffening element such as a polymer strip or fibre-reinforced segment. The stiffened leader portion may be configured to follow the orthogonal transition 110 and project upwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 when the toilet seat 101 is in a closed position. This geometry can ensure that the pull tab remains accessible and resists folding back under the planar adhesive end 105 or the planar body 104.
[0068] The planar handle end 106 may be shaped to reduce twisting of the handle attachment 103 when lifting forces are applied asymmetrically, such as at a forward or rearward edge of the planar handle end 106. This may be achieved by shaping the planar handle end 106 to bias gripping toward a central region, by tapering the edges, or by providing stiffness gradients across the width of the planar handle end 106. By reducing torsional moments transmitted to the planar adhesive end 105, such shaping can assist in maintaining stable engagement between the reaction face 113 and the planar outer edge surface 111 during off-centre lifting.
[0069] In some embodiments, the planar body 104 may incorporate a flexure hinge region disposed between the planar adhesive end 105 and the planar handle end 106. The flexure hinge region may be defined by a local reduction in thickness, a narrowed section, or a region of more compliant material. This flexure hinge region can permit limited angular compliance of the planar handle end 106 relative to the planar adhesive end 105 while maintaining contact between the reaction face 113 and the planar outer edge surface 111. Such compliance can accommodate variations in user- applied force direction and seat geometry while preserving the lateral load-transfer function of the reaction face 113.
[0070] An exemplary method of use of the system 100 will now be described with reference to the handle attachment 103 and the toilet seat 101 illustrated in Figures1 to 3.
[0071] In preparation for installation, the adhesive pad 107 carried by the planar adhesive end 105 of the handle attachment 103 may initially be protected by a removable backing. The removable backing may be peeled away to expose an adhesive surface of the adhesive pad 107. With the adhesive surface exposed, the planar adhesive end 105 may be positioned beneath the toilet seat 101 adjacent the planar outer edge surface 111 , such that the planar adhesive end 105 is aligned with the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 and the orthogonal transition 110 is located proximate the planar outer edge surface 111.
[0072] The planar adhesive end 105 may then be pressed against the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 to secure the handle attachment 103 in place via the adhesive pad 107. During this installation step, the planar body 104 may be oriented so that the planar handle end 106 projects outwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 . In this installed configuration, the reaction face 113 defined by the orthogonal transition 110 is positioned to lie adjacent the planar outer edge surface 111.
[0073] Once installed, the handle attachment 103 may be used to lift the toilet seat 101 by applying an upward force to the planar handle end 106. As the lifting force is applied, the planar handle end 106 transmits load through the planar body 104 toward the orthogonal transition 110. The reaction face 113 presses flat against the planar outer edge surface 111 of the toilet seat 101 , transferring a component of the lifting force laterally into the toilet seat 101 through edge contact rather than solely through the adhesive pad 107. This interaction limits bending of the planar body 104 and reduces peeling forces acting at the interface between the planar adhesive end 105 and the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 .
[0074] During repeated lifting and lowering of the toilet seat 101 , the handle attachment 103 remains secured to the undersurface 108, with the reaction face 113 repeatedly engaging the planar outer edge surface 111 as lifting forces are applied. The adhesive pad 107 may therefore be subjected predominantly to shear loading rather than peel loading, contributing to stable attachment during normal use.
[0075] When removal of the handle attachment 103 is desired, for example for replacement or disposal, the pull tab of the adhesive pad 107 may be accessed. In embodiments where the pull tab extends across or adjacent the orthogonal transition 110, the pull tab may be reachable from above the planar outer edge surface 111 even when the toilet seat 101 is in a closed position. The pull tab may be pulled to stretch the adhesive pad 107, causing the adhesive bond between the planar adhesive end 105 and the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 to progressively release. This allows the handle attachment 103 to be removed in a controlled manner, typically without leaving adhesive residue on the undersurface 108.
[0076] In embodiments comprising stacked stretch-releasable adhesive layers, successive adhesive layers of the adhesive pad 107 may be stretched and removed in turn, allowing the handle attachment 103 to be repositioned or reattached using a remaining adhesive layer without replacing the planar body 104. After removal, the handle attachment 103 may be discarded or reinstalled as appropriate, and a replacement handle attachment 103 may be installed in the same manner described above.
[0077] This method of use enables hygienic lifting and lowering of the toilet seat 101 while providing predictable mechanical interaction between the handle attachment 103 and the planar outer edge surface 111 , facilitating secure attachment, controlled load transfer, and convenient removal when required.
[0078] The described system provides a handle attachment 103 that cooperates mechanically with the toilet seat 101 through a defined geometric relationship between the planar adhesive end 105, the orthogonal transition 110, and the planar outer edge surface 111. By transferring a portion of lifting forces laterally into the toilet seat 101 via the reaction face 113, stresses applied to the adhesive pad 107 during use are moderated, particularly in relation to peel loading at the adhesive interface with the undersurface 108.
[0079] The planar body 104, formed with a substantially uniform thickness and simple orthogonal geometry, enables predictable force paths during lifting while remaining compatible with low-complexity manufacturing techniques. Engagement of thereaction face 113 with the planar outer edge surface 111 provides a repeatable loadbearing interface that reduces reliance on adhesive strength alone and limits bending of the planar body 104 under user-applied loads.
[0080] The described arrangements permit stable attachment during repeated lifting cycles while allowing controlled removal of the handle attachment 103 when required. Adhesive configurations may support shear-dominant loading during use and progressive release during removal, reducing the likelihood of surface damage or residue on the undersurface 108 of the toilet seat 101 .
[0081] Overall, the system enables hygienic manipulation of the toilet seat 101 with a handle attachment 103 that integrates edge-supported load transfer, predictable mechanical behaviour, and compatibility with periodic replacement or disposal, while accommodating variations in user interaction and seat geometry without reliance on complex structures or mechanisms.
[0082] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.
Claims
Claims1. A system comprising: a toilet seat defining an opening therethrough, an undersurface, and a planar outer edge surface, the planar outer edge surface extending substantially perpendicular to the undersurface; and an attachable toilet seat handle attachment, the handle attachment comprising: a planar body of substantially uniform thickness integrally formed as a single piece and shaped to define a planar adhesive end and a planar handle end offset from the planar adhesive end by an orthogonal transition; the planar adhesive end carrying an adhesive pad configured to adhere to the undersurface of the toilet seat adjacent the planar outer edge surface; the planar handle end being configured to project outwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat for manual lifting; and wherein the orthogonal transition defines a reaction face facing the planar adhesive end and configured, in use, to press flat against the planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat when a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end, such that a component of the lifting force is transferred laterally from the handle attachment into the toilet seat through the reaction face, thereby reducing bending of the handle attachment and peeling forces applied to the adhesive pad at the planar adhesive end.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end are substantially parallel to one another.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar handle end is aligned with, or substantially flush with, an upper surface of the toilet seat when the handle attachment is adhered to the undersurface.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reaction face is planar and extends across substantially the full height of the orthogonal transition between the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reaction face is positioned such that, during lifting, the planar adhesive end is loaded predominantly in shear rather than peel.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adhesive pad comprises a stretch- releasable adhesive element.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adhesive pad defines a pull tab extending outwardly beyond an edge of the planar adhesive end, the pull tab being configured to be pulled to stretch the adhesive pad to release adhesion between the planar adhesive end and the undersurface of the toilet seat.
8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pull tab extends across, or adjacent to, the orthogonal transition such that the pull tab is accessible from above the planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is in a closed position.
9. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the adhesive pad comprises a plurality of stacked stretch-releasable adhesive layers arranged such that successive adhesive layers may be selectively stretched and removed to permit repeated attachment, repositioning, or replacement of the handle attachment.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adhesive pad includes a removable backing configured to be removed prior to adhering the planar adhesive end to the undersurface of the toilet seat.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar body is formed from a polymeric material.
12. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar body is configured as a disposable component intended for removal and replacement after a predetermined period of use.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the orthogonal transition is configured such that the reaction face engages the planar outer edge surface before any substantial peeling displacement occurs at the adhesive pad during lifting.
14. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adhesive pad is configured such that removal of the adhesive pad leaves substantially no adhesive residue on the undersurface of the toilet seat.
15. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the reaction face includes a high- friction surface treatment or textured surface configured to resist lateral slippage of the handle attachment relative to the planar outer edge surface during lifting, independently of adhesion provided by the adhesive pad.
16. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a distance between the planar adhesive end and the reaction face is selected to define a predetermined moment arm that limits a maximum peel force transmitted to the adhesive pad when a lifting force is applied to the planar handle end.
17. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar body includes a localised thickened region or reinforcing rib adjacent the orthogonal transition, the thickened region being configured to stiffen the reaction face relative to the planar adhesive end.
18. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar body is formed as a multilayer laminate comprising a first layer having a higher stiffness disposed at or adjacent the reaction face and a second layer having a lower stiffness disposed at or adjacent the planar adhesive end, thereby tuning force distribution across the handle attachment.
19. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adhesive pad is segmented into a plurality of discrete adhesive zones separated by one or more non-adhesive regions, such that shear loads are distributed across the planar adhesive end while initiation of peel is inhibited.
20. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the adhesive pad exhibits anisotropic adhesive behaviour having a higher resistance to shear forces than to peel forces in a direction aligned with load transfer through the reaction face.
21. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pull tab includes a stiffened leader portion configured to follow the orthogonal transition and to project upwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is in a closed position.
22. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar handle end is shaped such that lifting forces applied at a forward edge or a rearward edge of the planar handle end generate a reduced torsional moment about the planar adhesive end, thereby reducing twisting of the handle attachment during asymmetric lifting.
23. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the planar body incorporates a flexure hinge region disposed between the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end, the flexure hinge region permitting limited angular compliance of the planar handle end while maintaining load-bearing contact between the reaction face and the planar outer edge surface.
24. A method of lifting a toilet seat, the method comprising: adhering a planar adhesive end of a handle attachment to an undersurface of the toilet seat adjacent a planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat using an adhesive pad; positioning a planar handle end of the handle attachment to project outwardly beyond the planar outer edge surface; and applying a lifting force to the planar handle end such that a reaction face defined by an orthogonal transition between the planar adhesive end and the planar handle end presses against the planar outer edge surface and transfers a component of the lifting force laterally into the toilet seat.
25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein pressing of the reaction face against the planar outer edge surface occurs before any substantial peeling displacement of the adhesive pad from the undersurface of the toilet seat.
26. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the adhesive pad is loaded predominantly in shear during lifting of the toilet seat rather than in peel.
27. The method as claimed in claim 24, comprising repeatedly lifting and lowering the toilet seat while maintaining engagement between the reaction face and the planar outer edge surface to limit bending of the handle attachment.
28. The method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising removing the handle attachment by pulling a pull tab associated with the adhesive pad to stretch the adhesive pad and progressively release adhesion between the planar adhesive end and the undersurface of the toilet seat.
29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the pull tab is accessed from above the planar outer edge surface of the toilet seat while the toilet seat is in a closed position.
30. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the adhesive pad comprises a plurality of stacked stretch-releasable adhesive layers, and the method further comprises removing a first adhesive layer and re-adhering the planar adhesive end using a remaining adhesive layer.
31. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the lifting force is applied at a forward edge or a rearward edge of the planar handle end and the shape of the planar handle end limits twisting of the handle attachment relative to the undersurface of the toilet seat.
32. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein lateral slippage of the handle attachment relative to the planar outer edge surface during lifting is resisted by frictional engagement between the reaction face and the planar outer edge surface independently of adhesion provided by the adhesive pad.
33. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the handle attachment is removed and replaced after a predetermined period of use without leaving adhesive residue on the undersurface of the toilet seat.