Laminar toilet lid with display cavity

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a laminate toilet lid with display cavity and a method of manufacturing thereof. The toilet lid includes a core structural layer having an aperture through a middle portion and having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the core structural layer and configured to cover the aperture. The toilet lid further includes a second exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer opposite the first decorative graphic layer, the second exterior layer configured to cover the aperture such that the first and second exterior layers enclose the aperture to form a cavity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is generally directed to toilets and more particularly to a toilet lid that is formed of a laminar composite material and includes a cavity to display one or more objects.

BACKGROUND

Toilets and toilet lids have existed in various forms for many decades. A toilet lid provides a protective cover for the toilet facility and prevents objects from accidentally falling into the toilet. Generally, toilet lids are made of wood or plastic materials and are solid. Most toilet lids have plain, unadorned surfaces that do not include any type of decoration or permit any artistic expression. Some conventional toilet lids have surfaces that are adorned with silk-screen printing, hand painting, water-transfer printing, heat transfer printing, and the like. However, the surfaces of these toilet lids, like plain toilet lids, can wear, chip off, degrade, or otherwise become damaged over time.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a laminar display apparatus includes a core structural layer having an aperture through a middle portion. The apparatus also includes a first exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the core structural layer and configured to cover the aperture. The apparatus further includes a second exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer opposite the first decorative graphic layer, the second exterior layer configured to cover the aperture such that the first and second exterior layers enclose the aperture to form a cavity.

In another embodiment, a toilet lid includes a core structural layer having an aperture through a middle portion and having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The toilet lid also includes a first exterior layer disposed on a first surface of the core structural layer and configured to cover the aperture. The toilet lid further includes a second exterior layer disposed on a second surface of the core structural layer opposite the first decorative graphic layer, the second exterior layer configured to cover the aperture such that the first and second exterior layers enclose the aperture to form a cavity.

In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a toilet lid includes providing a core structural layer of the toilet lid, the core structural layer having an aperture through a middle portion and having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid. The method also includes applying a first exterior layer to a first surface of the core structural layer thereby covering the aperture. The method further includes applying a second exterior layer to a second surface of the core structural layer opposite the first decorative graphic layer, thereby covering the aperture such that the first and second exterior layers enclose the aperture to form a cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a laminar toilet lid that includes a transparent top and a cavity configured to display one or more decorative or aesthetic objects. The toilet lid according to this disclosure offers many advantages. The toilet lid may be customized to display one or more objects to convey a message or impression that may be of interest to a user. In addition, the toilet lid according to this disclosure is constructed to be more durable and retain its original appearance for a longer period than conventional toilet lids.

The laminar toilet lid according to embodiments of this disclosure is constructed with three (3) layers of material: a core structural layer having an opening through a middle portion, a bottom layer disposed on a bottom side of the core structural layer, and a clear top layer disposed on a top side of the core structural layer. One or more objects may be placed in the cavity formed by the opening and the top and bottom layers. All of the layers are integrated together to form a durable, attractive product.

FIG. 1illustrates a toilet that includes a laminar toilet lid having a display cavity, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the toilet shown inFIG. 1is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the toilet could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 1, a toilet100is fitted with a toilet lid102and toilet seat104over a bowl106. The toilet100may be any suitable toilet with a bowl that is configured to be covered by a seat and lid. The bowl106has an opening that is generally round or oval in shape. The toilet lid102and toilet seat104have an overall size and shape configured to generally match the size and shape of the bowl106and to cover the opening of the bowl106. The toilet lid102and toilet seat104attach to a rear portion of the bowl106or toilet100using hinged hardware that allow the toilet lid102and toilet seat104to raise and lower independently with respect to the bowl106and to each other, as is known in the art.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the toilet lid102includes a cavity110disposed in a middle portion of the toilet lid102. The cavity110is generally round or oval in shape and is enclosed by a top layer and a bottom layer of the toilet lid102, as described in greater detail below. The cavity110is configured to accommodate one or more aesthetic or decorative objects.

AlthoughFIG. 1depicts one example of a toilet100with a toilet lid102, various changes may be made toFIG. 1. For example, while the cavity110is depicted as generally round or oval in shape, the cavity110could include other shapes, such as a rectangle or octagon. Likewise, the toilet lid102could include more than one cavity110.

FIG. 2illustrates a top plan view and a cross sectional view of a laminar toilet lid, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the toilet lid202shown inFIG. 2is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the toilet lid202could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For ease of explanation, the toilet lid202may represent the toilet lid102ofFIG. 1. It will be understood, however, that the toilet lid202may represent any other similarly arranged toilet lid.

As shown inFIG. 2(a), the toilet lid202includes a cavity210. One or more aesthetic or decorative objects (represented by decorative object212) are disposed inside the cavity210. The decorative object212may represent any picture, graphic, toy, or any other suitable object, and may be chosen to appeal to a user of a toilet where the toilet lid202is installed.

In certain embodiments, the decorative object212may be chosen to match or coordinate with a particular decorative scheme of a bathroom or restroom where the toilet is installed. For example, the decorative object212may be one or more sea shells in a beach-themed or nautical-themed bathroom. In other embodiments, the decorative object212may be an acrylic block embedded with a logo or trademark of a business. In still other embodiments, the decorative object212may be chosen to reflect an interest or hobby of a homeowner, such as sports memorabilia or a favorite souvenir. The decorative object212is integrated into the laminar composition of the toilet lid202, as explained in greater detail below. Thus, the decorative object212is protected from degradation and wear.

FIG. 2(b) shows a cross sectional view of the toilet lid202taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 2(a). The cavity210is enclosed within top and bottom layers of the toilet lid202and vertical walls of the cavity210. The top layer may be clear to allow the decorative object212to be viewed. Although the vertical walls are depicted inFIG. 2(b) as straight, the vertical walls may also be curved.

As shown inFIG. 2(b), the decorative object212is disposed in the cavity210and rests on the bottom layer of the toilet lid202. In other embodiments, the decorative object212may be secured in an elevated position in the cavity210so as to appear “floating” above the bottom layer of the toilet lid202. The decorative object212may be placed anywhere within the limits of the cavity210, and may be secured to any one or more of the boundaries of the cavity210using any suitable means. In one embodiment, the decorative object212may be secured to the bottom layer of the toilet lid202with an adhesive or one or more fasteners. In another embodiment, the decorative object212may be secured to one or more vertical walls of the cavity210. In yet another embodiment, the decorative object212may be embedded in a fluid, such as a resin, that substantially fills the cavity210and hardens into a solid.

AlthoughFIG. 2depicts one example of a laminar toilet lid202, various changes may be made toFIG. 2. For example, while the decorative object212is shown as one contiguous object, the decorative object212may include multiple separate objects that are spaced apart and individually secured within the cavity210. As another example, the decorative object212may be unsecured such that the decorative object212is able to freely move within the cavity210.

FIG. 3illustrates a larger cross-sectional view of the laminar toilet lid202taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 2(a). The toilet lid202comprises three layers204,206, and208. For clarity of illustration, the thickness of each layer204,206,208may not be drawn to scale. Layer204is a top exterior finish layer. Layer206is a core structural layer having an aperture that defines the cavity210. Layer208is a bottom exterior finish layer. As shown inFIG. 3, the layers204,208are substantially planar and parallel such that the layers204,208do not make contact with each other. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, at least two of the edges of the layers204,206,208(e.g., the edges of the layers204,206) together form a contoured, non-planar edge of the toilet lid202.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the top exterior finish layer204may be formed of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a transparent, thermoplastic material that is very durable and exhibits excellent optical properties. PMMA is also scratch resistant, can be CNC (computer numerical control) machined, and is more impact resistant than ordinary glass. PMMA is also known by its trade names Plexiglas™ and Lucite™. The thickness of the top exterior finish layer204may be selected according to the requirements of the application. In one embodiment, the thickness of the top layer204is approximately one to two millimeters (1 mm-2 mm). While the top layer204is described as PMMA, the top layer204may be formed of another special function glass or any other suitable material that exhibits the advantageous properties of PMMA.

In some embodiments, the top exterior finish layer204is clear and colorless. However, the top layer204is not limited thereto. For example, the top layer204may be colored, tinted and/or mirrored. Additionally, the top layer204may be smooth or textured, and have a glossy or matte finish.

The core layer206may be formed of a medium density fiberboard (MDF). As is known in the art, MDF is formed of wood fibers that are held together with one or more waxes or resins such as epoxies, formaldehyde resins, or phenolic resins. The fiber content and thickness of the MDF core layer206may vary based on application requirements. The core layer206accounts for the majority of the thickness of the toilet lid202and provides most of the rigidity of the toilet lid202. In one embodiment, the thickness of the core layer206is approximately twenty millimeters (20 mm). In an embodiment, one or both sides of the core layer206are painted or coated to hide or protect the finish of the MDF material.

Although the core layer206is described as being formed of MDF, other materials may be used. For example, the core layer206may be formed of another composite wood, such as hardwood plywood (HWPW), particleboard (PB), high density fiber board (HDF), molded wood, or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the core layer206may be formed of two or more sub-layers, each sub-layer comprising one of the materials described above.

In one embodiment, the bottom exterior finish layer208may be formed of the same material as the top exterior finish layer204. For example, the bottom exterior finish layer208may be formed of PMMA. When the top layer204and bottom layer208are both formed of a transparent material, such as PMMA, a line of sight into the toilet bowl106is provided, even when the toilet lid202is in a lowered position. In another embodiment, the bottom layer208may be formed of an opaque material (e.g., MDF or an opaque plastic) that hides the toilet bowl106when the toilet lid202is in a lowered position. The bottom layer208, along with the top layer204and the walls of the aperture in the core layer206, define and enclose the cavity, thus protecting the decorative object212from wear or damage.

FIG. 4depicts a method for manufacturing a laminar composite toilet lid (e.g., toilet lid202), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method shown inFIG. 4is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the method could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

First, a core structural layer (e.g., layer206) is prepared having a size and shape suitable for its application (step410). Preparation of the core structural layer may include painting one or more surfaces of the core structural layer. Next, an aperture is formed in the core structural layer (step420). The edges or walls of the aperture are shaped and finished according to the chosen application. For example, the aperture walls may be beveled, curved, painted, coated, or otherwise finished using methods known in the art.

Next, a bottom exterior finish layer (e.g., layer208) is applied to a bottom surface of the core structural layer (step430). The bottom exterior finish layer is attached to the core structural layer with an adhesive, one or more fasteners, or any other suitable means for attaching adjoining materials.

Next, one or more decorative objects are placed in the cavity formed by the aperture and the bottom exterior finish layer (step440). The objects may be arranged and secured, or left unsecured. In an embodiment, a transparent fluid may be injected or poured into the cavity and around the decorative objects, and allowed to cure and harden, thus securing the objects in place.

Next, a top exterior finish layer (e.g., layer204) is applied to the top surface of the core structural layer (step450). The top exterior finish layer is attached to the core structural layer with an adhesive, one or more fasteners, or any other suitable means for attaching adjoining materials.

The seams between the adjoining layers may be finished according to known techniques in order to create a smooth transition. Once the exterior finish layers are completely applied, the exterior finish layers envelop the cavity and provide protection to the decorative objects while allowing the decorative objects to be seen from one or both sides.

AlthoughFIG. 4illustrates one example of a method for manufacturing a laminar composite toilet lid, various changes may be made toFIG. 4. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps inFIG. 4may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times.