Abstract:
A toilet seat lift aids the elderly and/or the physically disabled in utilizing a toilet. The toilet seat lift includes a conventionally shaped toilet seat affixed with arms, similar to arms on a chair, which are located approximately 8 inches above the seat surface. A control panel with raising and lowering control buttons is provided on one of the arms. An electrical or battery operated hydraulic power pack provides power to a hydraulic cylinder, which raises and lowers the seat. The toilet seat lift attaches to a conventional toilet by use of the two mounting flanges provided for a conventional toilet. The toilet seat lift utilizes a pair of hydraulic cylinders that telescopically expand and contract so as to raise and lower the toilet seat as desired.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Registration 512,399 filed on May 30, 2002 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to stabilization systems for lifting devices for the elderly and/or disabled and, more particularly, to a mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Individuals with physical disabilities, or with limited endurance such as the elderly, know all too well of some of the difficulties that they encounter in daily life. Ordinary tasks that most of us take for granted, causes them severe hardship on a daily basis. One of these tasks is the simple act of using the toilet. While lifting aids for recliners and similar chairs are available to help lift and lower the user, these are of no use when the user is trying to use the toilet. Often, assistance from a care provider or family member is necessary, especially when standing back up. This of course severely compromises the privacy and dignity of the person who usually feels extreme embarrassment and loss of independence. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which those with physical disabilities or the elderly can easily use a toilet without assistance when sitting down or standing up. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,709, issued in the name of McGuire, describes a hydraulically operated commode seat assembly; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,382, issued in the name of Karash, describes a powered operated commode seat assembly; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,617, issued in the name of Ward et al., describes a hydraulically operated commode seat assembly; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,778, issued in the name of Pontoppidan, describes a powered operated commode seat assembly; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,736, issued in the name of Sadler et al., describes a powered operated commode seat assembly; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,085, issued in the name of Gibbons, describes a hydraulically operated commode seat assembly; and 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,896, issued in the name of Houston et al., describes a powered operated commode seat assembly. 
     Consequently, there is a need for a hydraulically operated toilet seat assembly adapted to be attached to a conventional toilet which includes depressible switches disposed on an arm rest for raising and lowering seat, a back support, and a bidet device for cleansing posterior portions of the body. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved hydraulic toilet seat lift assembly. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide a base unit that fits completely around a toilet. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide a seat that pivots upward at a 45 degree angle. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a toilet seat lift aids the elderly and/or the physically disabled in utilizing a toilet. The toilet seat lift includes a conventionally shaped toilet seat with arms, similar to arms on a chair, located approximately 8 inches above the seat surface. A control panel with raising and lowering control buttons is provided on one of the arms. A battery operated hydraulic power pack provides power to a hydraulic cylinder, which raises and lowers the seat. The toilet seat lift attaches to a conventional toilet by use of the two holes provided for a conventional seat. This allows for installation without modification of the toilet, thus allowing it to be restored to normal use when the toilet seat lift is no longer needed. The toilet seat lift utilizes a pair of hydraulic cylinders that telescopically expand and contract so as to raise and lower a toilet seat. It is also envisioned that an enhanced model of the invention would include a bidet attachment allowing cleansing of the user as well. 
     Use of the present invention allows the physically disabled or elderly to use the toilet in private with greater ease and safety, while maintaining their dignity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled shown in a lowered state according the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled shown in an elevated state; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled; 
     FIG. 4 is a hydraulic flow diagram associated with the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled; and 
     FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic diagram associated with the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 mechanized toilet seat lift for 
                 80 
                 control panel 
               
               
                   
                 the elderly and/or disabled 
                 85 
                 arm support rest 
               
               
                 15 
                 conventional toilet 
                 90 
                 arm support braces 
               
               
                 20 
                 mounting flange 
                 95 
                 UP control push button switch 
               
               
                 25 
                 bowl flange nut 
                 100 
                 DOWN control push button 
               
               
                 30 
                 power unit enclosure 
                   
                 switch 
               
               
                 35 
                 power cord 
                 105 
                 hydraulic pump 
               
               
                 40 
                 ground fault interrupter 
                 110 
                 electric DC motor 
               
               
                   
                 protected receptacle 
                 115 
                 hydraulic pressure reservoir 
               
               
                 45 
                 lower frame section 
                 120 
                 three-way control valve 
               
               
                 50 
                 reinforcing arm 
                 125 
                 hydraulic hoses 
               
               
                 55 
                 toilet seat 
                 130 
                 direct current power supply 
               
               
                 60 
                 hinge 
                 135 
                 battery 
               
               
                 65 
                 direction arrow 
                 140 
                 over current protective device 
               
               
                 70 
                 first hydraulic cylinder 
               
               
                 75 
                 second hydraulic cylinder 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10 , shown in a lowered state according the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is shown attached to a conventional toilet  15 , commonly found in residential, commercial, and institutional environments. The mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is attached to the conventional toilet  15  by use of a mounting flange  20 , secured under a bowl flange nut  25 . This mounting and securing arrangement is typical for both sides of the conventional toilet  15 , of which only one is shown here for sake of clarity. A power unit enclosure  30 , containing internal electric and hydraulic power elements which will be described in greater detail herein below is located to the lower rear area of the conventional toilet  15 . Electric power is routed to the power unit enclosure  30  via a power cord  35  connected to a ground fault interrupter protected receptacle  40 . A lower frame section  45 , containing internal structural strength elements such as steel angles, hydraulic tubing and electrical wiring is provided in a general “U”-shape around the conventional toilet  15  at floor level. The lower frame section  45  is physically joined to the mounting flange  20  and the power unit enclosure  30  to prevent movement and ensure a stable foundation. At the front center of the lower frame section  45  a reinforcing arm  50  is connected to a toilet seat  55  via a hinge  60 . This feature allows the toilet seat  55  to tilt forward at an approximate angle of 45° as defined by a direction arrow  65 . The force to accomplish this movement is provided by a first hydraulic cylinder  70  and second hydraulic cylinder  75 . The first hydraulic cylinder  70  is anchored at a midpoint of the toilet seat  55  and the forward portion of the lower frame section  45  as shown, with the second hydraulic cylinder  75  performing an identical operation on the mirror side. The extension or retraction of the first hydraulic cylinder  70  and the second hydraulic cylinder  75  is controlled by a control panel  80  on a arm support rest  85 . The arm support rest  85  extends in a “U”-shape around the rear of the toilet seat  55  and serves as a guide and comfortable rest for the user when utilizing the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  in much the same purpose and function that arms on a chair serve. The arm support rest  85  is supported by a multitude of arm support braces  90  (some of which are partially visible in FIG. 1) located around the side and rear perimeter of the toilet seat  55 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, an isometric view of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is shown in an elevated state. FIG. 2 more clearly depicts the inclined nature of the toilet seat  55  when it is in raised or elevated state. Such a state allows the user to sit or lean against the toilet seat  55  then lower it down to its utilization state as shown in FIG.  1 . When toilet duties are completed, the user simply raises the toilet seat  55  back up using the controls as provided on the control panel  80 . In this raised position, the elderly or disabled user is more able to stand up in a comfortable manner without stressing or straining, back, leg or arm muscles. Additionally, the arm support rest  85  serves as a stabilizing member upon which the user may rest their forearm or grasp for additional leverage when getting up or sitting down. 
     Referring next to FIG. 3, a top view of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is depicted. FIG. 3 more clearly shows the relationship between the toilet seat  55  and the arm support rest  85  and how adequate space for the user to sit upon the toilet seat  55  is provided. Due to the recessed nature of the toilet seat  55  to the arm support rest  85 , it ensures that the user will not fall from the toilet seat  55 , no matter how unstable or unsteady they are. Also visible in FIG. 3 is the control panel  80 , located on either the right or left hand of the arm support rest  85  (shown here on the right hand side for sake of clarity). The control panel  80  consists of an UP control push button switch  95  and a DOWN control push button switch  100  to raise and lower the toilet seat  55 . The UP control push button switch  95  and DOWN control push button switch  100  are envisioned to be normally open switches and of a waterproof nature. Internal wiring from the UP control push button switch  95  and DOWN control push button switch  100  will be routed in the arm support rest  85 , down an arm support brace  90  (as shown in FIG.  1 ), through the toilet seat  55  (as shown in FIG. 1) to and across the hinge  60  (as shown in FIG. 1) and through the support arm  50  (as shown in FIG. 1) and lower frame section  45  (as shown in FIG. 1) until it reaches the power unit enclosure  30  (as shown in FIG.  1 ). This path provides ease of control yet offers physical protection for the wiring. The wiring details will be shown in greater detail herein below. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, a hydraulic flow diagram associated with the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10 , and more specifically the power unit enclosure  30 , is disclosed. Hydraulic power is generated by a hydraulic pump  105 , through the use of mechanical energy from an electric DC motor  110 . This hydraulic power is stored in a hydraulic pressure reservoir  115 . Hydraulic pressure is then routed to a pair of three-way control valves  120 . Upon receipt of the appropriate electrical command, the three-way control valve  120  routes hydraulic pressure to the first hydraulic cylinder  70  and the second hydraulic cylinder  75  through a series of hydraulic hoses  125 . The hydraulic hoses  125  are routed in the lower frame section  45  (as shown in FIG. 1) and terminate within the power unit enclosure  30  (as shown in FIG.  1 ). The other components such as the hydraulic pump  105 , the electric DC motor  110 , the hydraulic pressure reservoir  115 , and the three-way control valve  120  are located within the power unit enclosure  30  (as shown in FIG. 1) as well. The hydraulic nature of the invention provides for smooth operation with built in and integral limit switches on the first hydraulic cylinder  70  and the second hydraulic cylinder  75 , without the sporadic and/or “jerky” operation of a pure mechanical unit. 
     Referring finally to FIG. 5, an electrical schematic diagram associated with the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is depicted. Electrical power is delivered via the power cord  35  to a direct current power supply  130 . The direct current power supply  130  serves two purposes. First it provides a DC voltage to the electric DC motor  110  and to the pair of three-way control valve  120  for operating purposes. Second, the direct current power supply  130  provides a charging current to a battery  135 , through an over current protective device  140 , such as a fuse. The battery  135  is envisioned to be a deep-cycle lead acid battery, similar to those used for powering electric marine motors. Should commercial electric power be lost at the ground fault interrupter protected receptacle  40  (as shown in FIG.  1 ), the battery  135  will provide power to the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  for a period of time envisioned to be twenty four hours, although shorter or longer times are possible dependent on the size of the battery  135  and usage frequency of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10 . In such a manner, the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  can be used by the elderly or the disabled without reliance on commercial power. Electrical power also is routed through the UP control push button switch  95  and the DOWN control push button switch  100  which supply a corresponding signal to the pair of three-way control valve  120  to allow for the lowering and raising of the toilet seat  55  (as seen in FIG.  1 ). 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     The present invention is designed with ease of operation features in mind that allow it to be utilized by a common user with little or no training or experience. After acquisition of the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10 , it must be installed on a conventional toilet  15 . Installation is simple and can be accomplished by a do-it-yourselfer or a professional contractor. First, the mounting flange  20  on the lower frame section  45  is secured via the bowl flange nut  25  on the conventional toilet  15 . Should a conventional toilet seat be previously installed, it should be removed. Next, the power cord  35  is plugged into a ground fault interrupter protected receptacle  40 , and the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is ready for utilization. 
     To use the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10 , a user approaches it when it is in the up position as shown in FIG.  2 . The user, with their buttocks exposed, turns away from the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  and sits or leans up against the toilet seat  55 . Next, using the DOWN control push button switch  100  on the control panel  80 , the user lowers the toilet seat  55  into its utilization configuration. 
     When bathroom duties are finished, the user uses the UP control push button switch  95  on the control panel  80  to instruct the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  to raise the toilet seat  55  to its extended or deployed position as shown in FIG.  1 . Then, using the arm support rest  85  for support, the user regains an erect and upright position. Additionally, with this cycle, the mechanized toilet seat lift for the elderly and/or disabled  10  is reset in position for its next use. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable 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 scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.