Patent Publication Number: US-8966888-B2

Title: Self-contained modular actuator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/393,203, filed Oct. 14, 2010, which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to actuators, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to pneumatic actuators and methods of use. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A number of pneumatic actuators such as cylinders are known. Many are complex, expensive, and/or require external controllers and/or sources of compressed air. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure includes embodiments of apparatuses (e.g., actuators), kits, and methods. 
     Some embodiments of the present apparatuses comprise: a housing; a cover configured to be coupled to the housing such that the housing and cover cooperate to define an expandable chamber; a pump coupled to the housing such that if the cover is coupled to the housing the pump is disposed in the chamber, and the pump is configured to pump air into the chamber to expand the volume of the chamber; a sensor; and a controller configured to activate the pump if the sensor detects an event. 
     In some embodiments, if the cover is coupled to the housing the controller is disposed in the chamber. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the pump after a delay if the sensor detects an event. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to deactivate the pump if the sensor detects a second event. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of: vibration sensors, sound sensors, motion sensors, infrared sensors, beam-trip sensors, sonar sensors, proximity sensors, and light sensors. 
     Some embodiments of the present apparatuses comprise: a housing; a cover configured to be coupled to the housing such that the housing and cover cooperate to define an expandable chamber; and a pump configured to pump air into the chamber to expand the volume of the chamber; a sensor coupled to the housing; and a controller configured activate the pump if the sensor detects vibrations; where the pump, sensor, and controller are configured to be coupled to a power source. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor is coupled to the housing such that if the cover is coupled to the housing the sensor is disposed in the chamber. In some embodiments, the pump is coupled to the housing such that if the cover is coupled to the housing the pump is disposed in the chamber. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the pump after a delay if the sensor detects an event. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to deactivate the pump if the sensor detects a second event. In some embodiments, the sensor comprises one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of: vibration sensors, sound sensors, motion sensors, infrared sensors, beam-trip sensors, sonar sensors, proximity sensors, and light sensors. 
     In some embodiments, the cover comprises an elastic material. In some embodiments, the cover is removably coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be coupled to a power source outside the chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to receive a power source in the chamber. In some embodiments, the power source comprises a battery. In some embodiments, the sensor is disposed in the chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor is disposed outside the chamber. In some embodiments, the sensor is coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the sensor is remote from the housing. In some embodiments, the pump comprises a compressor. In some embodiments, the pump comprises an inlet and an outlet, the outlet is in communication with the interior of the chamber, and the inlet is in communication with the outside of the chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a tube in communication with the inlet of the pump and the outside of the chamber such that the pump can draw air into the chamber from outside the chamber. In some embodiments, the inlet of the pump is coupled to an inlet valve configured to substantially prevent air and fluid from entering the inlet of the pump if the pump is not activated. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured such that if the cover is coupled to the housing, water is substantially prevented from entering the chamber if the pump is not activated. In some embodiments, the inlet valve is configured to permit at least air to enter the inlet of the pump if the inlet of the pump is activated. 
     In some embodiments, the controller is coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the sensor is coupled to the PCB board. 
     Some embodiments further comprise: a valve configured to be actuated to decrease the amount of air in the chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured such that if the volume of the chamber is expanded relative to a minimum chamber volume, decreasing the amount of air in the chamber will decrease the volume of the chamber. In some embodiments, the valve is coupled to the controller and is configured such that the controller can actuate the valve. In some embodiments, the valve is configured such that once opened, the valve will remain open for at least a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured such that once opened, the valve will remain open for at least a predetermined period of time, unless the sensor detects a second event. In some embodiments, the valve is configured such that if the pressure in the chamber exceeds an upper threshold pressure of the valve, the valve will open to release air from the chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured such that if opened the valve will remain open until the pressure in the chamber falls below a lower threshold pressure of the valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured such that if the cover is coupled to the housing, water is substantially prevented from entering the chamber if (i) the pump is not activated, and (ii) the pressure in the chamber is below the lower threshold pressure of the valve. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured such that if the cover is coupled to the housing, water is substantially prevented from entering the chamber if (i) the pump is not activated, and (ii) the volume of the chamber is at a minimum chamber volume. 
     In some embodiments, the housing includes a first side and a second side, the first side is configured to be coupled to a front surface of a toilet tank, and the chamber is configured to expand in a direction extending from the first side of the housing through the second side. 
     In some embodiments, the housing includes a first side and a second side, the first side is configured to be coupled to a lower surface of a toilet lid, and the chamber is configured to expand in a direction extending from the first side of the housing through the second side. 
     Some embodiments further comprise: a connector coupled to the first side of the housing. In some embodiments, the connector comprises one or more connectors selected from the group consisting of: double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fastener, magnet, suction cups, adhesive, glue, epoxy, and caulk. 
     Some embodiments of the present kits comprise: any of the present apparatuses; and one or more additional covers configured to be coupled to the housing; where the cover and the one or more additional covers can be removably and interchangeably coupled to the housing. Some embodiments further comprise: one or more batteries couplable to the apparatus such that the batteries can power the apparatus. 
     Some embodiments of the present kits comprise: any of the present apparatuses; and one or more resilient cushions configured to be coupled to an upper surface of a toilet bowl or a lower surface of a toilet seat of a toilet having a toilet seat such that if the toilet seat is in a lowered position, the one or more resilient cushions are disposed between the toilet seat and the upper surface of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, each of the one or more resilient cushions includes a first side and a second side, and comprises double-sided tape coupled to the first side. 
     In some embodiments of the present methods of coupling an apparatus to a toilet having a toilet tank and a toilet seat, the method comprises: coupling any of the present apparatuses to a front surface of the toilet tank such that if the toilet seat is in a raised position, the pump can be activated to expand the volume of the chamber sufficiently to cause the cover to move the toilet seat to a lowered position. 
     In some embodiments of the present methods of coupling an apparatus to a toilet having a toilet tank, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid, the method comprises: coupling any of the present apparatuses to a lower surface of the toilet lid such that if the toilet seat and toilet lid are in a raised position, the pump can be activated to expand the volume of the chamber sufficiently to cause the cover to move the toilet seat to a lowered position. 
     Some embodiments of the present methods further comprise; activating the pump to expand the volume of the chamber sufficiently to cause the cover to move the toilet seat to the lowered position. Some embodiments further comprise; coupling one or more resilient cushions to an upper surface of a toilet bowl or a lower surface of a toilet seat. 
     Any embodiment of any of the present devices and kits can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/include/contain/have—any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb. 
     Details associated with the embodiments described above and others are presented below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in the figures. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present apparatuses. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a bottom view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  depict side views of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in different states of inflation. 
         FIG. 6  depicts one way of using some embodiments of the present apparatuses to automatically close a toilet seat after use. 
         FIGS. 7-16  depict alternate configurations for coupling a cover to a housing of the present apparatuses. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present apparatuses having a two-piece housing. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the present apparatuses. 
         FIGS. 19-21  depict perspective views of another alternate embodiment of the present apparatuses, shown coupled to a toilet. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a device or kit that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps. 
     Further, a device, system, or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described. 
     Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1-3 , shown therein and designated by the numeral  10  is one embodiment of the present apparatuses.  FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded perspective view of apparatus  10 ;  FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of apparatus  10 ; and  FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of apparatus  10 . In the embodiment shown, apparatus  10  can be described as an actuator, as will be described in more detail below. 
     In the embodiment shown, apparatus  10  comprises: a housing  14 , a cover  18 , a pump  22 , a sensor  26 , and a controller  30 . In the embodiment shown, housing  14  has a first side  34  and a second side  38 , and includes a bottom wall  42  and a sidewall  46  that defines a cavity  50 . Housing  14  can comprise a substantially rigid material, such as, for example, plastic, polymer, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PC/ABS blend, polypropylene (PP), any combination thereof, and/or other materials that permit the apparatus to function as described in this disclosure. In other embodiments, housing  14  may comprise a partially flexible material. As shown, cover  18  is configured to be coupled to housing  14  such that housing  14  and cover  18  cooperate to define an expandable chamber  54  (between housing  14  and cover  18  such that chamber  54  partially includes cavity  50 ). Cover  18  comprises a flexible (e.g., elastic and/or resilient) material such that when coupled to housing  14  to define chamber  54 , chamber  54  can be filled with air or the like to expand cover  18  and thereby expand chamber  54  (the volume of chamber  54 ). Cover  18  can comprise, for example, rubber (e.g., natural rubber, nitrile rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.), latex (e.g., synthetic latex, natural latex, etc.), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrenic elastomers, polyurethanes, silicones, aromatic polyurethanes, aliphatic polyurethanes, and/or the like. In the embodiment shown, cover  18  is configured to be removably coupled to housing  14 . More particularly, in the embodiment shown, housing  14  includes a peripheral groove  58  such that cover  18  can be placed over housing  14  and an O-ring (or other elastic band)  62  can be disposed around cover  18  in alignment with groove  58 . In this way, O-ring  62  can draw cover  18  into groove  58  to retain the cover  18  relative to housing  14  sufficiently to permit operation of apparatus  10 , as described in this disclosure. In other embodiments, cover  18  can be coupled to housing  14  in any way that permits chamber  54  to be inflated as described in this disclosure. Additional examples of ways of coupling cover  18  and housing  14  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 7-16 . 
     In the embodiment shown, pump (or compressor)  22  is coupled to housing  14  such that if cover  18  is coupled to housing  14 , pump  22  is disposed in chamber  54 , and pump  22  is configured to pump air into chamber  54  to expand the volume of the chamber. In other embodiments, pump  22  can be disposed outside chamber  54  (e.g., can be coupled to an external surface of housing  14 , such as, for example, at first side  34 ). In the embodiment shown, pump  22  includes an inlet  66  in communication with the exterior of chamber  54 , and an outlet  70  in communication with the interior of chamber  54 . In the embodiment shown, inlet  66  is coupled (e.g., via a tube, as shown)) to an intake hole  74  that extends through housing  14  (e.g., through bottom wall  42 , as shown) such that pump  22  can draw air from outside chamber  54  through hole  74  and inlet  66 , through pump  22 , and into chamber  54  through outlet  70 . Examples of pumps that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include: the CMP-11 and CMP-17 series of compressors, manufactured by Alldoo Micropump Co, Ltd. (China); and the Model V200 pump, manufactured by Xavitech AB (Sweden)); and the KPM08A pump, manufactured by Koge Electronics Co., Ltd. (China). 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can be configured such that if cover  18  is coupled to housing  14 , water is substantially prevented from entering chamber  54  if the pump is not activated. In some embodiments, the construction or configuration of pump  22  is sufficient to prevent water from passing through pump  22  and into chamber  54  when the pump is inactive. In some embodiments, inlet  66  of pump  22  is coupled to an inlet valve (not shown, but, for example, between the tube and intake hole  74 ) configured to substantially prevent air and fluid from entering inlet  66  if pump  22  is not activated (e.g., an inlet valve that remains closed when pump  22  is not in use). In some embodiments, the inlet valve can be configured to permit at least air to enter inlet  66  if the pump is activated. For example, the inlet valve can be electronically actuated by controller  30 , or can be biased to a closed position in such a way that the valve is mechanically opened by the application of suction from the pump when the pump is activated. 
     In the embodiment shown, sensor  26  is disposed on an external surface of controller  30 . In other embodiments, sensor  26  can be disposed on a common printed circuit board (PCB) (to which both sensor  26  and controller  30  are coupled), can be coupled or connected elsewhere to housing  14  (e.g., inside or outside chamber  54  such that sensor  26  is not remote from housing  14 ), or can be remote from housing  14  (e.g., coupled to controller by a wire or a wireless connection). Sensor  26  is configured to detect one or more events, such as, for example, a person entering a room or entering or leaving a predetermined proximity of the apparatus, an object entering or leaving a predetermined proximity of the apparatus, a light being switched on, a sound or vibration, or the like. Sensor  26  can, for example, comprise one or more sensors of: vibration sensors, sound sensors, motion sensors, infrared sensors, beam-trip (e.g., laser) sensors, sonar sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and/or light sensors. 
     Examples of sound sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include: the model MD9745APZ-F electric condenser microphone, manufactured by Knowles Acoustics (USA); and the model ADMP401 omnidirectional MEMS microphone, manufactured by Analog Devices, Inc. (USA). Examples of an infrared sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include the MLX90614 series infrared thermometers, manufactured by Melexis Microelectronic Systems (Belgium). Examples of light sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include: the model TSL235R light detector, manufactured by TAOS, Inc. (USA); and the model GL5528 photocell (CdS photoconductive cell), manufactured by Lida Optical and Electronic Co., Ltd. (China). Examples of vibrations sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include the model MiniSense 100 vibration sensor, manufactured by Measurement Specialties (USA). Examples of motion sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include: the model SE-10 motion sensor, manufactured by Hanse Electronic Co., Ltd. (South Korea). Examples of sonar sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include the model LV-MaxSonar-E70 ultrasonic rangefinder, manufactured by MaxBotix, Inc. (USA). Examples of pressure sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include the model A201 Flexiforce Pressure Sensor manufactured by Tekscan, Inc (USA). Examples of optical proximity sensors that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include the model HSDL-9100 surface-mount reflective proximity sensor (with infrared LED emitter and photodiode) available from Avago Technologies, Inc. (USA). 
     In the embodiment shown, controller  30  is also coupled to housing  14  and disposed within chamber  54 . In other embodiments, controller  30  can be disposed outside chamber  54  (e.g., coupled to housing  14 ) and/or can be remote from housing  14 . Controller  30  is configured to communicate with pump  22  and sensor  26 , and controller  30  is further configured to activate pump  22  if sensor  26  detects an event. In some embodiments, controller  30  is configured to activate pump  22  after a delay (after the event), such as, for example, after a delay that is equal to, greater than, or between, any of: 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, or more. For example, if sensor  26  comprises a pressure sensor within chamber  54 , and sensor  26  detects an increase or spike in pressure within chamber  54  (e.g., from something contacting or impacting cover  18 ), controller  30  can signal or otherwise activate pump  22  to begin pumping air into chamber  54  after the predetermined delay (e.g., 1 minute). 
     In some embodiments, controller  30  is configured to activate pump  22  for a predetermined period of time, such as, for example, a period of time that is equal to, greater than, or between, any of: 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, or more. In other embodiments, controller  30  is configured to activate pump until a predetermined condition is achieved. For example, when sensor  26  comprises a pressure sensor, controller  30  can be configured to activate pump  22  until the pressure within chamber  54  reaches a predetermined threshold level (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more pounds per square inch (PSI)). 
     In some embodiments, controller  30  is configured to not activate pump  22  if sensor  26  detects a second event (e.g., a second event that negates the need to respond to the first detected event), such as, for example, a second event within the period of delay that precedes pump activation, or within the period of pump activation. For example, if sensor  26  detects a second event that includes a decrease in pressure (e.g., that negates the increase or spike in pressure detected for the first event), controller  30  can be configured to reset or otherwise return to a state in which controller  30  will not activate pump  22  until detecting another event. Controller  30  can include any suitable programmable logic device, such as, for example, CPUs, field-processing gate arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like. Examples of controllers that are suitable for some embodiments of the present embodiments include: PIC18 and PIC32 Series 8- and 32-bit microcontrollers, manufactured by Microchip Technology Inc. (USA); and AVR Series B- and 32-bit microcontrollers, manufactured by Amtel Corporation (USA). 
     In the embodiment shown, pump  22 , sensor  26 , and controller  30  are configured to be coupled to a power source  78  (e.g., one or more batteries  78 ). In the embodiment shown, apparatus  10  is configured to receive power source  78  within chamber  54 . In other embodiments, power source  78  can be disposed outside chamber  54  (e.g., coupled to housing  14 ) and/or remote from housing  14 . 
     Apparatus  10  can be described as having a minimum chamber volume  54  in which cover  18  is in a relaxed state (e.g., air within chamber  54  is at ambient pressure). In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments in which cover  18  is elastic), apparatus  10  can be configured such that if the volume of the chamber is expanded relative to a minimum chamber volume, decreasing the amount of air in the chamber will decrease the volume of the chamber. In some embodiments, pump  22  is configured such that if the pump  22  is deactivated or shut off, air can slowly escape chamber  54  through the pump an intake hole  74 . 
     In the embodiment shown, apparatus  10  comprises a valve  82  configured to be actuated to isolate or close chamber  54 , and/or to decrease the amount of air in chamber  54  (e.g., to reduce the volume of chamber  54 ), such as, for example, after pump  22  has been activated to increase the volume of chamber  54 . In the embodiment shown, housing  14  includes an exhaust hole  86 , and valve  82  is coupled to hole  86  such that when valve  82  is opened, air is permitted to pass out of chamber  54  through valve  82  and hole  86 . Controller  30  can be coupled or otherwise configured to communicate with valve  82 , such that if pump  22  is de-activated or shut off, controller  30  can cause valve  82  (e.g., via a signal or the like) to open to permit air to escape chamber  54 . In some embodiments, valve  82  is configured to open if the pressure in chamber exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more PSI), and/or valve  82  is configured such that if opened the valve will remain open until the pressure in chamber  54  falls below a lower threshold pressure of the valve (e.g., ambient pressure or slightly above ambient pressure). In such embodiments, controller  30  can be configured to activate pump  22  for a period of time sufficient to exceed the threshold pressure, such that valve  82  will open shortly before, simultaneously with, or slightly after pump  22  shuts off, such that the chamber  54  deflates to a pressure that is equal to or slightly above (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more percent above) ambient pressure. In such embodiments, valve  82  will remain closed when chamber  54  is at the minimum chamber volume, and apparatus  10  can be configured such that if cover  18  is coupled to housing  14 , water is substantially prevented from entering chamber  54  if (i) pump  22  is not activated, and (ii) the volume of chamber  54  is at a minimum chamber volume (and/or below the lower threshold pressure of valve  82 ). Some embodiments of the present apparatuses do not include valve  82 . Examples of electronically-actuated valves that are suitable for some embodiments of the present apparatuses include models KSV2WA-12I and KSV15C valves, manufactured by Koge Electronics Co., Ltd. (China). 
     In some embodiments, controller  30  is configured to deactivate pump  22  and/or open valve  82  if sensor  26  detects a second event, (e.g., within a predetermined period of time from the first event, such as, for example, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5 minutes) such as, for example, a pressure change in chamber  54  (e.g., due to toilet seat contacting or losing contact with cover  18 , such as if the toilet seat falls to a closed or lowered position, or is lifted from a lowered position, respectively), detecting a person reentering the room, detecting a person entering a predetermined proximity of the apparatus, an object extending between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat (e.g., a child&#39;s arm extending over the toilet bowl while the toilet seat is in a raised position), detecting the motion of the seat being raised to an upper position. 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  10  further comprises a connector (not shown) coupled to first side  34  of housing  14 . The connector can comprise, for example, one or more of double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro), magnet, suction cups, and/or adhesive. 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  10  is configured such that when in its resting or deflated state, apparatus  10  can fit within a rectangular volume having maximum dimensions of 3 inches by 3 inches by 1.25 inches. In other embodiments, apparatus  10  is configured such that when in its resting or deflated state, apparatus  10  can fit within a rectangular volume having maximum dimensions of 2-5 inches (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and/or 5 inches) by 2-5 inches (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and/or 5 inches) by 1-3 inches (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and/or 3 inches). In other embodiments, apparatus  10  is configured such that when in its activated or inflated state, apparatus  10  can fit within a rectangular volume having maximum dimensions of 2-5 inches (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and/or 5 inches) by 2-5 inches (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and/or 5 inches) by 1.5-8 inches (e.g., equal to, greater than, or between any of: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, and/or 8 inches). 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the operation of apparatus  10 . In its initial state prior to use, chamber  54  is at the minimum chamber volume in which chamber  54  is at ambient pressure. Once pump  22  is activated, the volume in chamber  54  increases and cover  18  begins expand, as shown in  FIG. 4 , increasing thickness  90  of apparatus  10 . At the time pump  22  is deactivated or shut off, chamber  54  is at a maximum chamber volume and maximum thickness  90 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The difference in thickness  90  as chamber  54  inflates permits apparatus  10  (cover  18 ) to impart a mechanical force in direction  94  that extends from first side  34  through second side  38 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates one example of a use for the present apparatuses with a toilet  100 . In the embodiment shown, toilet  100  includes a toilet tank  104 , a toilet bowl  108 , a toilet seat  112 , and a toilet lid  116 . In some embodiments, housing  14  (e.g., first side  34 ) of apparatus  10  can be configured to be coupled to a front surface of a toilet tank (e.g.,  104 ) such that chamber  54  can expand in a direction (e.g.,  94 ) extending from first side  34  of housing  14  through second side  38 , such that, for example, chamber  54  (and cover  18 ) can expand to tip the toilet lid  116  and toilet seat  112  from an open position to a closed position. In some embodiments, housing  14  (e.g., first side  34 ) of apparatus  10  can be configured to be coupled to a lower surface of a toilet lid (e.g.,  116 ) such that chamber  54  can expand in a direction (e.g.,  94 ) extending from first side  34  of housing  14  through second side  38 , such that, for example, chamber  54  (and cover  18 ) can expand to tip the toilet seat  112  from an open position to a closed position (e.g., while permitting toilet lid  116  to remain in an open position). 
     Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: coupling an embodiment of the present apparatuses (e.g.,  10 ) to a front surface of a toilet tank such that if the toilet seat is in a raised position, the pump can be activated to expand the volume of chamber  54  sufficiently to cause the cover to move the toilet seat to a lowered position (e.g., to tilt the toilet seat to an angle, such as less than 90 degrees from the top of the toilet bowl, at which gravity will pull the toilet seat down to a lowered position). Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: coupling an embodiment of the present apparatuses (e.g.,  10 ) to a lower surface of the toilet lid such that if the toilet seat and toilet lid are in a raised position, the pump can be activated to expand the volume of the chamber sufficiently to cause the cover to move the toilet seat to a lowered position. Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: activating the pump of the apparatus to expand the volume of the chamber sufficiently to cause the cover to move the toilet seat to the lowered position. Some embodiments of the present methods further comprise: coupling one or more resilient cushions (not shown) to an upper surface of the toilet bowl or coupling one or more resilient cushions to the lower surface of seat  112  (such that if the toilet seat is closed, the one or more cushions will be disposed between the top surface of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat). Such cushions can comprise one or more of: foam, memory foam, rubber, foam rubber, or the like. 
     Some embodiments of the present kits comprise an embodiment of the present apparatuses (e.g.,  10 ), and one or more additional covers (e.g.,  18 ) configured to be coupled to housing  14 ; where cover  18  and the one or more additional covers can be removably and interchangeably coupled to the housing. Some embodiments of the present kits further comprise one or more batteries (e.g., couplable to the apparatus such that the batteries can power the apparatus). 
     Some embodiments of the present kits comprise an embodiment of the present apparatuses (e.g.,  10 ), and one or more resilient cushions (not shown) configured to be coupled to an upper surface of a toilet bowl of a toilet having a toilet seat, and/or coupled to the lower surface of a toilet seat, such that if the toilet seat is in a lowered position, the one or more resilient cushions are disposed between the toilet seat and the upper surface of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, each of the one or more resilient cushions includes a first side and a second side, and comprises double-sided tape coupled to the first side. 
       FIGS. 7-16  depict alternative configurations for coupling the cover ( 18 ) to the housing ( 14 ). The various alternatives of  FIGS. 7-16  are similar in some respects to the configuration of apparatus  10 , and to each other. As such, the following description primarily focuses on the differences between the various configurations.  FIG. 7  depicts a configuration in which an alternate embodiment  18   a  of the cover includes an enlarged peripheral bead  200   a . Bead  200   a  can be of unitary construction with the cover (e.g., an enlarged portion of a continuous piece of material) or can be a separate piece of material that is attached to the cover (e.g., by wrapping the cover membrane around bead  200   a ). In other embodiments, bead  200   a  may be omitted. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an alternate configuration in which an enlarged bead  200   b  is received in groove  58  instead of O-ring  62 . As shown, cover  18   b  is slightly smaller such that bead  200   b  aligns with groove  58 . As with bead  200   a , bead  200   b  can be of unitary construction with the cover (e.g., an enlarged portion of a continuous piece of material) or can be a separate piece of material that is attached to the cover (e.g., by wrapping the cover membrane around bead  200   b ). In some embodiments, bead  200   b  and/or cover  18   b  comprise an elastic and/or resilient material; and/or bead  200   b  has an overall circumference or perimeter that is smaller than the outermost circumference or perimeter of housing  14  (e.g., less than the smallest circumference in groove  58 ) such that bead  200   b  must be stretched or expanded to be disposed in groove  58  and will contract into groove  58  to resist removal of cover  18   b  from housing  14 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an alternative configuration in which housing  14   a  includes a lateral protrusion  204  around the upper perimeter of sidewall  46 , and does not include groove  58 . In this configuration, bead  200   b  cooperates with protrusion  204  and/or the remainder of sidewall  46  to couple cover  18   b  to housing  14   a.    
       FIG. 10  depicts an another configuration in which housing  14   b  includes a vertical protrusion  208  extending from first side  34  around the lower perimeter of first side  34 . Cover  18   c  is slightly larger to permit bead  200   b  to extend around protrusion  208 , as shown, such that bead  200   b  cooperates with protrusion  208  and/or the remainder of the bottom of housing  14   b  to coupled cover  18   c  to housing  14   b . In some embodiments, bead  200   b  has an overall perimeter or circumference that is less than the outermost circumference or perimeter of protrusion  208  (e.g., less than the inner circumference of protrusion  208 ) such that bead  200   b  must be stretched or expanded to be placed inside protrusion  208  (such that cover  18   c  extends around protrusion  208 ), as shown, and will contract to resist removal of cover  18   c  from housing  14 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts an alternate configuration in which housing  14   c  does not include a protrusion or a groove. Instead, cover  18   d  includes a bead  200   a , and is sized such that bead  200   a  can extend around the bottom of housing  14   c  to coupled cover  18   d  to housing  14   c.    
       FIG. 12  depicts an alternate configuration in which groove  58   a  includes an angled upper portion, AND cover  18   e  includes a peripheral bead  200   c  that is hooked to correspond to the angled upper portion of groove  58   a . As shown, bead  200   c  hooks around the angled upper portion of groove  58   e  to couple cover  18   e  to housing  14   d . As with bead  200   a , bead  200   c  can be of unitary construction with the cover (e.g., an enlarged portion of a continuous piece of material) or can be a separate piece of material that is attached to the cover (e.g., by wrapping the cover membrane around bead  200   c ). 
       FIG. 13  depicts an alternate configuration in which cover  18   f  includes a peripheral bead  200   d  with an elongated cross-section, as shown, such that bead  200   d  frictionally engages the outer surface of sidewall  46  to couple cover  200   d  to housing  14   c . As with bead  200   a , bead  200   d  can be of unitary construction with the cover (e.g., an enlarged portion of a continuous piece of material) or can be a separate piece of material that is attached to the cover (e.g., by wrapping the cover membrane around bead  200   d ). 
       FIG. 14  depicts an alternate configuration with cover  18   f  coupled to housing  14   a.    
       FIG. 15  depicts an alternate configuration in which groove  58   b  has a recessed upper portion, as shown, and in which cover  18   g  includes a peripheral bead  200   e  that has an upper protrusion that corresponds to the recessed upper portion of groove  58   b , such that the upper protrusion of bead  200   e  can extend into the recessed upper portion or groove  58   e  to couple cover  18   g  to housing  14   e . As with bead  200   a , bead  200   e  can be of unitary construction with the cover (e.g., an enlarged portion of a continuous piece of material) or can be a separate piece of material that is attached to the cover (e.g., by wrapping the cover membrane around bead  200   e ). 
       FIG. 16  depicts an alternative configuration that is substantially similar to that of  FIG. 15 , with the exception that groove  58   c  is disposed at a lower portion of sidewall  46 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment  10   a  of the present apparatuses. Apparatus  10   a  is substantially similar to apparatus  10 , with the primary exceptions that housing  14   g  includes two pieces, lower housing  14   g - 1  and upper housing  14   g - 2 , and that cover  18   i  includes bead  200   b . In the embodiment shown, cover  18   i  is configured to fit around upper housing  14   g - 2  such that when upper housing  14   g - 2  is coupled (e.g., via a press-fit and/or fasteners such as screws or the like) to lower housing  14   g - 1 , bead  200   b  is inside upper housing  14   g - 2  and cover  18   i  extends between lower and upper housings  14   g - 1  and  14   g - 2 , respectively. In other embodiments, bead  200   b  may be omitted. 
       FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of another alternate embodiment  10   b  of the present apparatuses. Apparatus  10   b  is substantially similar to apparatuses  10  and  10   a , with the primary exceptions that housing  14   h  is wedge shaped, and that cover  18   j  is coupled to an interior portion of the housing such that the outer perimeter of the flexible portion of the expandable chamber is defined in at least some configurations (such as the one shown in  FIG. 18 ) is defined by a perimeter  300  of an opening through the housing (and such that cover  18   j  covers opening defined by perimeter  300 ). Cover  18   j  can be coupled to housing  14   h  by any suitable means (e.g., adhesive, glue, staples, rivets, retaining ring, and/or the like). The wedge shape of housing  14   h  is at least partially defined by an upper side  304 , a lower side  308  that is deeper than upper side  304 , and second or front side  38   a  is angled between the relatively shallower upper side and the relatively deeper or thicker lower side. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the opening through which cover  18   j  extends can be defined in front side  38   a  of the housing. 
       FIGS. 19-21  depict perspective views of another alternate embodiment  10   c  of the present apparatuses, shown coupled to a toilet. Apparatus  10   c  is substantially similar to apparatus  10   b , with the primary exception that opening  300   a  of apparatus  10   c  is slightly different in shape and size than opening  300  of apparatus  10   b . As shown, apparatus  10   c  (or  10   b ) can be coupled to a lower portion of toilet tank  104 , such that lower side  308  is closer to the toilet bowl  108  than upper side  304 . As shown in from  FIG. 20  to  FIG. 21 , in use the embodiment shown, as the expandable chamber inflates, cover  18   j  projects outwardly to contact and eventually tip toilet lid  116  and/or toilet seat  112  away from toilet tank  104  to close toilet lid  116  relative to toilet bowl  108 . 
     The various illustrative embodiments of the present devices and kits are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. 
     The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.