Patent Publication Number: US-2012023652-A1

Title: Toilet seat liner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/370,077 filed on Aug. 2, 2010, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known that venereal diseases, viruses, and germs exist on toilet seats and are transmitted to individuals when in direct contact with the toilet seat. Therefore, many users prefer to use a toilet seat liner or cover which prevents direct contact between the user and the toilet seat. I.e., users, especially in public restrooms, often use a toilet seat liner to prevent coming into direct contact with a toilet seat. 
     However, these toilet seat liners suffer from a number of drawbacks. In particular, these toilet seat liners are often made of paper or a similar material. In some instances, this is insufficient for protecting the user. For example, the toilet seat liner can rip with even small applications of force. I.e., the placement of the toilet seat liner may be sufficient to tear the toilet seat liner, leading to holes or tears where the user makes direct contact with the toilet seat. When tears occur, contaminants are able to pass through the toilet seat liner and make contact with the user. 
     In addition, the toilet seat liners are often quite thin. This can lead to problems if the toilet seat includes a high amount of moisture. In particular, high amounts of moisture can pass through the toilet seat liner, making contact with the user. This can prevent the toilet seat liner from protecting the user from contaminants, as the user desires. 
     Further, the material used to create the toilet seat liner can itself host the contaminants that the user desires to avoid. I.e., microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants can live and breed in the toilet seat liner. Thus the toilet seat liner itself can become a source of contamination to the user. 
     Moreover, the user does not know whether the toilet seat liner is sanitary prior to use. I.e., if contaminants enter the package or someone attempts to reuse a toilet seat liner, the toilet seat liner may not be sanitary even before being placed on the toilet seat. This can eliminate the benefits of using the toilet seat liner for the user. 
     Finally, the user is unable to reuse many toilet seat liners. I.e., the toilet seat liners are intended to be used a single time, and then disposed of. This can help prevent contamination from user to user, but leads to increased waste production. These toilet seat liners are either disposed of in the toilet and flushed into sewer or septic systems or thrown into the trash, where they contributed to filling landfills. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that prevents contaminants from passing through the toilet seat liner. Additionally, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that can kill microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants. Further, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that can be reused as necessary. Moreover, there is a need in the art for access to the toilet seat liner to be controlled by the user. In addition, there is a need in the art for a toilet seat liner that the user can transport, as desired. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate. 
     Another example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The substrate includes an outer portion, where the outer portion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat. The substrate also includes a hole. The hole is located in an interior portion of the substrate and is configured to be placed over an opening in a toilet seat. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate. 
     Another example embodiment includes a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user. The system includes a substrate. The substrate includes an outer portion, where the outer portion is configured to be placed over a toilet seat. The substrate also includes a hole. The hole is located in an interior portion of the substrate and is configured to be placed over an opening in a toilet seat. The substrate further includes a flat edge, where the flat edge is configured to correspond to a flat edge on the toilet seat, where one or more toilet seat hinges are attached to the toilet seat along the flat edge of the toilet seat. The substrate additionally includes one or more creases, where the one or more creases are configured to allow a user to fold the substrate. The system also includes a sanitizing substance, where the sanitizing substance is embedded in at least a portion of the substrate. The system further includes one or more fasteners, where the one or more fasteners are configured to attach the substrate to the toilet seat. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a top perspective view of a system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the system for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a top perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded along a first set of creases; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded along a second set of creases; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner being folded along a third set of creases; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner in a carrying case. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an example of a system  100  for preventing contaminants on a toilet seat coming in contact with a user.  FIG. 1A  illustrates a top perspective view of the system  100 ; and  FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of the system  100 . In at least one implementation, the system  100  can provide a layer between the user and the toilet seat or other surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the system  100  can prevent the spread of microbes, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other contaminants from the toilet seat to the user and vice versa, as described below. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  show that the system  100  can be used with a toilet seat  102 . A toilet seat  102  is a hinged unit consisting of a seat which is bolted onto a toilet bowl  104 . In at least one implementation, the toilet seat  102  can be contoured for the user to sit on, and can include a lid  106 , which covers the toilet when it is not in use. The toilet seat  102  may be built to fit the shape of the toilet bowl  104 ; two examples of this being the elongated bowl and the regular bowl. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat  102  can include a closed shape or can include a gap near the front. 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat  102  can be made of various materials. For example, the toilet seat  102  can be made of metal, plastic, wood or any other desired materials. Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat  102  can include a covering for sanitation or comfort purposes. For example, the toilet seat  102  can include a padded covering. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  also show that the system  100  can include a toilet seat liner  108 . In at least one implementation, the toilet seat liner  108  is configured to be placed on the toilet seat  102 . For example, the toilet seat liner  108  can be attached to the toilet seat  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the toilet seat liner  108  can be placed on top of the toilet seat  102  for temporary use. In particular, the toilet seat liner  108  can be thicker and more durable than disposable toilet seat liners which tear easily during use. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  further show that the toilet seat liner  108  can include an opening  110 . In at least one implementation, the opening  110  can be placed over the opening in the toilet seat  102 . I.e., the toilet seat liner  108  can cover the toilet seat  102  without obstructing or otherwise covering the opening in the toilet seat  102 . The opening  110  can be an oval to fit over a toilet seat. Additionally or alternatively, the opening  110  can be any other desired shape. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an example of a toilet seat liner  108 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates a top perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner  108 ; and  FIG. 2B  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example of a toilet seat liner  108 . In at least one implementation, the toilet seat liner  108  is configured to be placed on a toilet seat. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show that the toilet seat liner  108  can include a substrate  202 . In at least one implementation, the substrate  202  can provide a barrier between the user and the toilet seat. In particular, the substrate  202  provides a sanitary surface for a user. I.e., the substrate  202  can allow the user to avoid direct contact with the toilet seat on which the user is currently witting. The substrate  202  can be reusable and/or can be biodegradable, giving the user the option of reusing the toilet seat liner  108  or disposing of the toilet seat liner  108 , as desired. 
     In at least one implementation, the substrate  202  can be of sufficient width to prevent liquids and other materials on the toilet seat from moving through the substrate  202 . E.g., the substrate  202  can be between 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters thick. For example, the substrate  202  can be approximately 2 millimeters thick. As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified. 
     In at least one implementation, the substrate  202  can include materials that are antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or antifungal substances. In particular, the substances can prevent any contaminants on the toilet seat from coming into contact with the user. I.e., the substances can kill any bacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi before the bacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi are able to infect the user. For example, the substances can include bamboo charcoal or some other substance. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the substances can serve multiple purposes. For example, bamboo charcoal is a desiccant in addition to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. 
     In at least one implementation, the substrate  202  can be made of any desired material. In particular, the substrate  202  can include any material which will contain the antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal substances. For example, the substrate  202  can include a paper or a fabric, either woven or non-woven. Nonwoven fabric is a fabric-like material made from long fibers, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. I.e., nonwoven fabrics are fabrics, such as felt, which are neither woven nor knitted. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  also show that the toilet seat liner  108  can include an attachment mechanism  204 . In at least one implementation, the attachment mechanism  204  can releasably attach the toilet seat liner  108  to a toilet seat. For example, the attachment mechanism  204  can include one or more suction cups. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism  204  can prevent lateral movement of the toilet seat liner relative to the toilet seat. In particular, the attachment mechanism can stop the toilet seat liner from shifting while the user is using the toilet seat liner  108 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  further show that the toilet seat liner  108  can include one or more creases  206 . In at least one implementation, the one or more creases  206  can be used to fold the toilet seat liner  108 . Folding the toilet seat liner  108  can allow the user to more easily transport the toilet seat liner  108 , as desired. The number of creases  206  can determine the extent to which the toilet seat liner can be folded. For example, two creases  206  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in half, three creases  206  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in thirds, four creases  206  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in fourths, and eight creases  206  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in eighths. 
     In at least one implementation, the width of the creases  206  can be sufficient to allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded. For example, the creases  206  can be between 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters wide. E.g., the creases  206  can be approximately 3 millimeters wide. Additionally or alternatively, the creases  206  can extend through the substrate  202  from the opening to the outside edge of the substrate  202 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  additionally show that the toilet seat liner  108  can include a flat edge  208 . In at least one implementation, the flat edge  208  can correspond to the rear of the toilet seat. In particular, the flat edge  208  can ensure that the toilet seat liner  108  fits properly on the toilet seat even when a seat hinge or toilet seat lid is present. I.e., the flat edge  208  can match the flat edge of the toilet seat. 
       FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C illustrate an example of the toilet seat liner  108  being folded along one or more creases  208 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner  108  being folded along a first set of creases;  FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner  108  being folded along a second set of creases; and  FIG. 3C  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner  108  being folded along a third set of creases. In at least one implementation, folding the toilet seat liner  108  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be transported by the user as desired. For example, the user can place the toilet seat liner  108  within a carrying case for transporting the toilet seat liner  108 , as described below. Transporting the toilet seat liner  108  can allow the user to have a toilet seat liner  108  available that the user is comfortable using at all times. I.e., the user can have a toilet seat liner  108  which provides greater protection than disposable toilet seat liners when at home, travelling or in public restrooms. 
       FIG. 3A  shows that the toilet seat liner  108  can be folded a first time along two creases  208  opposite one another. I.e., the creases  208  opposite one another can both be oriented the same direction, allowing the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in approximately half. Additionally or alternatively, the creases  208  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded either direction. I.e., the crease  208  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to have a complete range of motion, so that the toilet seat liner  108  can be folded in either direction. 
       FIG. 3B  shows that the toilet seat liner  108  can be folded a second time along two additional creases  208  opposite one another. In at least one implementation, the additional creases  208  can allow the toilet seat liner to be folded in approximately one quarter of its original size. I.e., the toilet seat liner  108  can be folded along two creases  208  that are located approximately half way between the creases  208  which allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in half. The additional creases  208  can be oriented opposite one another, such that they are oriented the same direction as one another once the toilet seat liner  108  has been folded in half. Additionally or alternatively, the additional creases  208  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded either direction. 
       FIG. 3C  shows that the toilet seat liner  108  can be folded a third time along four additional creases opposite one another. In at least one implementation, the four additional creases  208  can allow the toilet seat liner to be folded into approximately one eighth of its original size. I.e., the toilet seat liner  108  which has been folded in fourth can be folded along four creases  208  that are located approximately half way between the two additional creases  208  which allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in fourths and the first two creases  208  which allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded in half. The four additional creases  208  can be oriented such that they are oriented the same direction as one another once the toilet seat liner  108  has been folded in half. Additionally or alternatively, the additional creases  208  can allow the toilet seat liner  108  to be folded either direction. One of skill in the art can appreciate that the toilet seat liner  108  can be folded into eighths by folding the toilet seat liner  108  which has been folded into fourths a single time, such as the example shown in  FIG. 3C  or can be folded accordion style. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a toilet seat liner  108  in a carrying case  400 . In at least one implementation, the carrying case  400  can allow the user to transport the toilet seat liner  108  to any desired location. In particular, the carrying case  400  can allow the user to carry the toilet seat liner  108  without requiring the user to touch or otherwise interact with the toilet seat liner  108  unless intended by the user. 
       FIG. 4  shows that the carrying case  400  can include a cover  402 . In at least one implementation, the cover  402  can be configured to encase the toilet seat liner  108 . In particular, the cover  402  can partially or completely surround the toilet seat liner  108 , allowing the user to touch the cover  402  rather than the toilet seat liner. The cover  402  can include any desired material. For example, the cover  402  can include waterproof material that prevents any contaminants acquired during use on the toilet seat liner  108  from exiting the cover  402 . 
       FIG. 4  also shows that the carrying case  400  can include a fastener  404 . In at least one implementation, the fastener  404  can be configured to open or close the cover  402 , as desired by the user. In particular, the fastener  404  can allow the cover  402  to be closed, preventing the transmission of any contaminants from the interior of the carrying case  400  to the exterior of the carrying case, and vice versa. For example, the fastener  404  can include a zipper, a button, a hook and loop fastener or any other desired fastener. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the fastener  404  can be attached to a flap or other mechanism which allows the user access to the interior of the carrying case  400 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.