Abstract:
A foot-operated apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat has base support adapted to attach to an existing flooring surface using a loop and hook fastener with an adhesive material allowing the base to be easily installed and easily removed for ease of cleaning the unit and the area around the toilet. A lever foot pedal mounted in the base may be a single unit made of extruded and molded poly carbonate material for durability and corrosion resistance. A push rod pivotally connected to the foot pedal and pivotally connected to the toilet seat lifts and lowers the seat upon foot actuation and release, respectively. A leaf spring disposed in the base under the foot pedal returns the toilet seat to the down position after use. Kits may provide the disassembled parts of the apparatus and written instructions for assembly. Other parts may include a cushion disposed in the base to prevent the toilet seat from slamming down; a decorative cabinet to house the apparatus, appliques on the foot pedal to enhance grip and reduce slippage; and even a sleeve for the foot pedal to provide comfort for bare foot users.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a toilet seat Lifter and more particularly to a hands-free toilet seat lifter and kits therefore and toilets providing same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Over the years, a fair amount of human ingenuity has been devoted to solving the problem of the toilet seat that was left up. While one would think that such a simple problem should easily yield to the persistence of human efforts, the surprising reality is that virtually no home, office or public facility is equipped with an apparatus that provides a satisfactory solution. 
         [0003]    One reason that we do have a toilet seat lowerer is that the solutions that have been, devised so far are all too complicated or too expensive. For instance, some devices have expensive pneumatic mechanisms, others have two many levers, gears, rods and wires. 
         [0004]    It would be useful, therefore, to have an apparatus that would allow one to easily lift a toilet seat by foot (without using one&#39;s hands) and have the seat always return without slamming to the rim of commode when the lifting mechanism was released. It would also be useful if such an apparatus, was inexpensive, easy to assemble so that any toilet could be retro-fitted with the apparatus, durable so that it could tolerate many uses over the years, and easy to clean and repair. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure describes a foot-operated apparatus for lifting and lowering a toilet seat that, is simple to use, easily and inexpensive to manufacture and easily installed on an existing commode. The apparatus is affordable and may be retro-fitted to most existing toilets in private homes and public facilities where toilets exist. A base support is adapted to attach to an existing tile, wood, cement or concrete flooring surface using a loop and hook fastener with an adhesive material on the opposite sides of loop and hook piece allowing the base to be easily installed and easily removed for ease of cleaning the unit and the area around the toilet. The design the base is of the correct mass and size to allow the pressure exerted upon the lever and foot pedal to maintain long term repetitive actuation of said lever with out concern of failure. 
         [0006]    A lever foot pedal mounted in the base may be a single unit made of extruded and molded poly carbonate material for durability and corrosion resistance. A push rod pivotally connected to the foot pedal and pivotally connected to the toilet seat lifts and lowers the seat upon foot actuation and release, respectively. 
         [0007]    The disclosure contemplates lots with the disassembled parts of the apparatus and written instructions for assembly. Optional parts may include but not be limited to a cushion disposed in the base to prevent the toilet seat from slamming down; a decorative cabinet to house the apparatus, appliques on the foot pedal to enhance grip and reduce slippage; and even a sleeve for the foot pedal to provide comfort for bare foot users. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    For a more complete, understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a front view schematic drawing of a commode connected to a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure in the actuated position with the commode seat up. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a side view schematic drawing of the commode and apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a front view schematic drawing of a commode connected to a specific exemplary embodiment an apparatus of the present disclosure in the stand-by position with the commode seat down. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a side view schematic drawing of the commode and apparatus of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side view cut away schematic drawing of a detail of  FIG. 2B . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view schematic drawing of a base of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view schematic drawing of a leaf spring of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  is side view schematic drawing of a lever axle of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  is side view schematic drawing of a lever axle of a specific exemplary alternative embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6   c  is side view schematic drawing of a lever axle of another specific exemplary alternative embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view schematic drawing of a foot lever pedal of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an exploded side view of a specific exemplary embodiment of a push rod assembly of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  is a top view schematic drawing of toilet lid fastening attachment of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9B  is a side view schematic drawing of the fastening attachment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9C  is a side view schematic drawing of an alternative specific embodiment of the fastening attachment of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    For convenient reference a list of elements and corresponding reference numbers is provided. 
       REFERENCE NUMBER LIST  
       [0026]    Commode  110   
         [0027]    Commode Bowl  112   
         [0028]    Commode Rim  114   
         [0029]    Commode Tank  116   
         [0030]    Commode Seat  120   
         [0031]    Base  130   
         [0032]    Rails  210 ,  212   
         [0033]    Rails bores  138   
         [0034]    Pedal  134   
         [0035]    Pedal Splayed Portion  512   
         [0036]    Pedal Axle Bore  215   
         [0037]    Pedal Push Rod Bore  518   
         [0038]    Pedal Proximate End  510   
         [0039]    Pedal Distal End  142   
         [0040]    Pedal Push Rod Bore  518   
         [0041]    Leaf Spring  140   
         [0042]    Screws  310 ,  320   
         [0043]    Axle  136   
         [0044]    Push Rod Assembly  150   
         [0045]    Lower Rod  152   
         [0046]    Lower Rod Threads  155   
         [0047]    Lower Rod Flattened Area  820   
         [0048]    Lower Rod Bore  810   
         [0049]    Lower Rod Lower End  154   
         [0050]    Pedal/Push Rod Connector— 805   
         [0051]    Pedal/Push Rod Connector Bolt— 830   
         [0052]    Pedal/Push Rod Connector Threads— 840   
         [0053]    Pedal/Push Rod Connector Nut— 850   
         [0054]    Turn Buckle— 159   
         [0055]    Push Rod Upper Rod— 156   
         [0056]    Push Rod Upper Rod Bore  640   
         [0057]    Push Rod Upper Rod Threads— 158   
         [0058]    Push Rod/Seat Attachment Connector  650   
         [0059]    Seat Attachment— 710   
         [0060]    Seat Attachment Bore  720   
         [0061]    Seat Attachment Flanges  732 ,  734   
         [0062]    Pedal/Push Rod Angle Actuated—a 
         [0063]    Pedal/Push Rod Angle Standby—a′ 
         [0064]    Seat/Push Rod Angle Actuated—b 
         [0065]    Seat Push Rod Angle Standby—b′ 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A  of the drawings,  FIG. 1A  is a front view schematic drawing of a commode connected to a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure in the actuated position with the commode seat up. Commode  110  has bowl  112  with rim  114  and tank  116  in fluid communication with bowl  112 . Seat  120  is typically hingedly attached to bowl  112  so that seat  120  rests on rim  114  when seat  120  is no tin a lifted position. 
         [0067]    An apparatus of the present disclosure may be positioned along side commode  110 . Base  130  is slotted  132  to accommodate foot pedal lever actuator  134 . A lever fulcrum may be formed by axle  136  disposed across slot  132  through rail bore  138 . Axle  136  extends through bore  215  of foot pedal  134  at approximately the mid point of pedal  134  so that pedal  134  rotationally pivots around axle  136 . Push rod  150  attached to pedal  134  pushed seat up  120  with attachment  710  connected to push rod  150  by connector  650 . 
         [0068]    In a preferred embodiment, base  130  is secured to the floor next to commode  110 , or on a base or flange (not shown) extending from the bottom of commode  110 , to prevent base  130  from slipping when force is applied to foot pedal  134 . For example, base  130  may be secured to the floor with a mount such as a hook an loop attachment such as Velcro having an adhesive surface on each of the hook and loop pieces so that the attachment pieces can be adhered to the bottom of the base and to the floor or other suitable surface without the use of a tool. 
         [0069]      FIG. 1B  is a side Anew schematic drawing of the commode and apparatus of  FIG. 1A . Pivoting connections, between push rod assembly  150  and pedal  134  and commode seat  120  may been seen by comparing oblique angles a and b formed at the junction of push rod  150  and pedal  134  and the junction of push rod  150  and seat  120 , respectively, to the angles of these respective junctions shown in  FIG. 2B , below, of a non-actuated apparatus of the present disclosure. The junctions angles a and b dynamically change during operation of the apparatus to both lift seat  120  and to lower seat  120 . The application of actuating force on foot pedal  134 , i.e. stepping on it, impels downward the front or proximate portion  510  of pedal  134 , compressing leaf spring  140 , as the rear or distal portion  142  is impelled upward, engaging push rod  150  which lifts seat  120 . 
         [0070]    Leaf spring  140  may be secured between the rails  210  and  212  of slot  132  toward the front or proximate side of base  130  in relation to axel  136  so that leaf spring  140  becomes compressed when foot pedal  134  is actuated in the down position (to lift seat  120 ). Upon release of the actuating force from pedal  134 , leaf spring  140  returns to its equilibrium, transmitting upward force to pedal  134 . 
         [0071]    The rear or distal end  142  of foot pedal  134  may be pivotally connected to push rod  150 , which in turn may be pivotally connected to seat  120 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 2A  is a front view schematic drawing of a commode connected to a specific exemplary embodiment an apparatus of the present disclosure in the stand-by position with the commode seat down. Release of the actuating force described above returns the apparatus to its resting position. Upon release of the actuating force seat  120  descends to a resting position on commode rim  114  and leaf spring  140  rebounds to its equilibrium state. 
         [0073]      FIG. 2B  is a side view schematic drawing of the commode and apparatus of  FIG. 2A . Angles a′ at the junction of push rod  150  and pedal  134  is approximately acute, and angle b′ between push rod  150  and seat  120  is now approximately a right angle, when the apparatus is in a stand-by position. The nature of these angles and their precise measurements may be a matter of design choice and are describe here merely to illustrate the pivoting nature of the connections and dynamic changes that may occur in the connection during operation of the apparatus. An alternative embodiment may provide a cushion (not shown) located toward the distal end of base  130  or pedal  134  to further ensure against slamming of seat  120  when the actuating force is released from pedal  134 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 3  is a side view cut away schematic drawing of a detail of  FIG. 2B . Leaf spring  140  maybe proximately mounted to base  130 . Bore  215  in lever pedal  134  may house axle  136  to provide a pivoting mounting of pedal  134  in base  130 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 4  is a side view schematic drawing of a base of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. Base  130  may include side, rails  210 ,  212  forming a slot slightly wider than the lever foot pedal  134  by approximately 0.125 inch. A 0.25 inch bore  215  through both rails  210 ,  212  may be positioned at a height off the floor sufficient to provide a suitable lever fulcrum. Hole or bore  215  supports focal axle  136  which forms a lever focus for foot pedal  134 . Base  130  may be fabricated from corrosive-resistant material such as extruded and molded polycarbonate for strength, durability and ease of maintenance. 
         [0076]    Base  130  may be secured from slipping by fastening it to a suitable surface nearby to the commode, such as the floor or the base of the commode. Velcro or other loop and hook type fastener may be a suitable fastener, for example, but other modes of securing base  130  such as screws, nails, glue or other adhesive such as a cured adhesive like epoxy, snaps and so forth are contemplated by the present disclosure. Another way to keep base  130  from slipping may be to supply additional weight to base  130  with, for example, sand, ball bearings, or water supplied into a reservoir (not shown) in base  130 , or by attaching some other weight such as a heavy metal to base  130 . 
         [0077]    The means of securing base  130  may be selected depending on the nature of the surface to which it will be secured. Many toilets have tile or stone floors that may be problematic for the use of nails or screws but which may be well suited for adhesive or Velcro-type fastening. 
         [0078]      FIG. 5  is a side view schematic drawing of a leaf spring of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. Although the leaf spring may be preferred, a standard coil spring, memory foam or other shape-memory material or structure, or pneumatic or hydraulic force may be employed. The functions to be achieved by this element are three-fold: (1) resist the actuating force of stepping on the foot pedal; (2) provide a force to return the foot pedal to the starting (up) position; and (3) to at least partially cushion seat  120  so that it does not slam down on the rim of the commode. Accordingly, a spring, memory foam, pneumatic force and so forth may be employed in the present apparatus. 
         [0079]    Leaf spring  140  may be attached to base  130  ( FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ) with self tapping screws  310 ,  320 , for example, and positioned within rails  210 ,  212  of base  130  and acts as a resistance to lever foot pedal  134 . Alternatively, spring  140  may be attached to base  130  with an adhesive, Velcro or other suitable means. Spring  140  returns toilet seat  120  to the down position when the pressure is released off of the lever foot pedal ( FIG. 5 ) to assure seat  120  is in a down and set in position for the next user of the toilet. 
         [0080]      FIG. 6A  is side view schematic drawing of a lever axle of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure, in a specific embodiment of an axle  136  assembly of the present disclosure, a  0 . 18  inch diameter threaded hex bolt  410  and nut  420  at 16 UNC with bore  430  to insert back cotter pin  440 . The arrangement of such a specific embodiment allows removal of axle  136  while nut  420  is retained from backing off the bolt  410  threads. 
         [0081]      FIG. 6B  is side view schematic drawing of a lever axle of a specific exemplary alternative embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. The specific embodiment of  FIG. 6B  provides axle  620  consisting of a 0.325 inch diameter dual split end axle pin split into dual end  610 ,  612  at one end and dual end  614 ,  616  at the other end, which retains axle  136  in base  130 . Specific embodiments may provide an axle assembly of the present apparatus fabricated from corrosion-resistant material such as plastic or polycarbonate. 
         [0082]      FIG. 6   c  is side view schematic drawing of a lever axle of another specific exemplary alternative embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. Nut  640  retains bolt  622  in base  130  through engagement with threads  630 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 7  is a side view schematic drawing of a foot lever pedal of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. Pedal  134  fits in base  130  between rails  210 ,  212  so that pedal  134  can vertically pivot therein. Proximate end  510  of pedal  134  has a splayed portion  512  to facilitate operation by foot. Splayed portion  512  may optionally provide a slip-resistant surface by virtue of textures, appliques and the like. Bore  215  located at or near the longitudinal center of pedal  134  may accommodate therethrough lever axle  136 . Distal end  142  of pedal  134  may be adapted to at least partially pivotally connect to push rod or push rod assembly  150 . 
         [0084]    A specific exemplary embodiment of such an adaptation may provide for example a slotted hole  518  sized to received both a push rod member and a connector such as a cylindrical axle/washer or screw/nut arrangement, or other suitable connection means, to connect push rod  150  to distal end  142  of pedal  134 . Push rod  150  may also provide a slotted hole  518  to receive the connector. A slotted hole allows the entire pedal/push rod assembly to adjust to the dynamic angle changes that occur at the connection point between pedal  134  and push rod  150  during actuation and release of the seat-lifting apparatus. 
         [0085]    An alternative embodiment provides a distal end  142  of pedal  134  with a connection bore sized to accommodate a flared dual split axle pin connecting pedal  134  to push rod  150 . 
         [0086]    Adhesive appliques such as sandpaper or decorative forms may provide a slip-resistant surface on pedal end  512 . A decorative or soft sleeve, such as sheep skin, carpet upholstery and so forth that can be slipped over the foot pedal splayed portion  512  may also be provided to provide tactile comfort to barefoot users. 
         [0087]      FIG. 8  is an exploded side view of a specific exemplary embodiment of a push rod assembly of the present disclosure. Push rod  150  may consist of an assembly of parts. A specific exemplary embodiment of such a assembly may be formed from a first or bottom rod  152  connected to foot pedal  134  at a bottom end  154  and having a threaded top end  155 ; a second or top rod  156  connected to seat  120  at a top end  157  and having a threaded bottom end  158 ; and a turn buckle  159  threadedly connecting threaded second end  155  of first rod  152  and threaded second end  158  of second rod  156 . Thus the length of push rod  150  may be adjusted by turning turn buckle  159  so that push rod  150  may be adapted to commodes of different heights. The term “push rod” and its reference number  150  may refer interchangeably herein to a push rod assembly or to a unitary rod of an alternative embodiment. 
         [0088]    Bottom push rod  152  may be 0.25 inches in diameter and preferably fabricated from corrosion resistant material. Lower end  154  of bottom rod  152  may have a relatively flattened area  820  to fit vertically within slot  518  of foot pedal  134  with, bore  810  to receive a cylindrical connector  805  transversely perpendicular to the vertical installation of push rod  150 , as discussed above. Connector  805  inserts through the slotted hole  518  in the end of the foot lever pedal  134  and extends through bore  810  of bottom rod  152 . Cylindrical connector  830  may have head  830  and threads  840  to retain nut  850 , which keeps bottom push rod  152  and connector  805  from inadvertently disconnecting from foot lever pedal  134  but allowing removal for cleaning. 
         [0089]    An alternative embodiment of bottom rod  152  provides a 0.5 inch bore to receive a connector, which in this embodiment may consist of a flared dual split axle pin cylindrical transverse connector  650  connected to pedal  134 . 
         [0090]    Top end  155  of bottom push rod  152  may be 16 UNC male threaded for connecting to turn buckle  159  having sufficient thread length to allow for appropriate adjustments for the differing heights of the toilets now manufactured and installed through out public and private facilities. 
         [0091]    Top push rod  156  may be approximately 0.25 inches in diameter fabricated from corrosion resistant material and provides bore  640  to receive cylindrical transverse connector  650 . The connector  650  may be rotatably disposed with receptacle  720  of toilet seat fastening attachment  710  (See  FIG. 9 ). Cylindrical connector  650  may thereby rotate within receptacle  720  to accommodate the changing connection angle as seat  120  is pivotally raised and lowered by a user. 
         [0092]    The lower end of top push rod  156  may be 16 UNC male threaded for connecting to turn buckle  159  and with adequate thread length to allow for appropriate adjustments for the differing heights of the toilets now manufactured and installed through out public and private facilities worldwide. 
         [0093]    Turn buckle  159  may be a 0.25 inch female 16 UNC threaded connector with opposite threads on each end for adjusting push rods  152 ,  156  for the differing heights of the toilets now manufactured and installed through out the public and private facilities. The turn buckle is fabricated from corrosion resistant material and is sized for durability and strength. 
         [0094]      FIG. 9A  is a top view schematic drawing of toilet lid fastening attachment of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure.  FIG. 9B  is a side view schematic drawing of the fastening attachment of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9C  is a side view schematic drawing of an alternative specific embodiment of the fastening attachment of  FIG. 9A . 
         [0095]    Fastener or connector  710  may provide tubular receptacle  720  to receive a cylindrical connector  650  to connect upper rod  156  of push rod  150  to seat  120 . Connector  650  may be, for example, a dual split end axle pin extending from push rod  150 . Flanges  732 ,  734  extend from two sides of receptacle  720  to facilitate adherence of fastener  710  to seat  120 . Lid fastener  710  may be fabricated as a unitary piece from corrosion resistant and flexible material. Flexibility is preferred so that receptacle  720  may twist in response to forces from push rod  150  and seat  120  as the angle of connection dynamically changes when seat  120  is raised and lowered by operation of the present apparatus. Flanges  732 ,  734  may extend for a length sufficient to tolerate such twisting angular forces. Adhesive material on flanges  732 ,  734  may secure the flanges to the underside of the toilet seat  120 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view diagrammatic illustration of a specific exemplary embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. Base  130  houses pedal  134  between rails  210 ,  212 . Axle  136  disposed through bores  138  of rails  210 ,  212  and bore  215  provides a rotational pivot point for pedal  134 . Leaf spring  140  may be secured between rails  210 ,  212  with screws  310 ,  320  to provide upward force to pedal  134  so that pedal  134  automatically returns to its standby position after use. 
         [0097]    Distal bore  518  of pedal  134  retains the lower push rod assembly  805 . Lower push rod assembly  805  may include bolt  830 , nut  850  and threads  840  to retain nut  850  in relatively loose engagement with pedal  134  (via bore  518 ) so that a certain amount of play is allowed in the connection to accommodate the dynamically changing angles a, b, a′ and b′ during operation of the apparatus. Turn buckle  159  threadedly and adjustably attaches to threads  840  of assembly  805  and to upper rod  156 . Connector  650  attaches to rod  156  through bore  640  and to seat attachment  710  through bore  720 . 
         [0098]    Continuing with  FIG. 10 , base  130  may be attached to the floor (not shown) or other suitable location near the commode with hook and loop type connectors having hook strips  940  adhered to the floor, for example, and loop strips  950  adhered to the bottom of base  130 . 
         [0099]    An apparatus of the present disclosure may optionally include a decorative cabinet or housing to house the workings of the apparatus such as the base and axle  136  mounting, and to provide a means by which the apparatus may be installed so as a to go with a given wash room decor. 
         [0100]    In addition to the foregoing assembled or disassembled apparatus, the present disclosure contemplates that the apparatus may be provided disassembled in a kit for assembly in the home or shop. Accordingly, the apparatus may be assembled from its constituent parts with out the use of tools, or with commonly available tools such as a screw driver (slot or phillips), alien wrench and the like. 
         [0101]    A kit of the present disclosure may include, for example, base  130 , foot pedal lever  134 , a lever fulcrum axle  136  including a washer, foot pedal  134 , push rod assembly  150 , connector  650  and fastener  710 . Additionally, a kit of the present disclosure may include various pieces of hook and loop fabric having adhesive on one side to attach the fastener to the underside of the toilet seat and to attach the base to the floor or to the base of the commode. A kit of the present disclosure may also include a set of instructions that explains how to assemble the apparatus either printed on paper that accompanies the kit or a url to instructions on a web site. 
         [0102]    A kit may also include a cabinet to decoratively house the apparatus, and may also include adhesive appliques such as sandpaper or decorative forms to provide a slip-resistant surface on the pedal. A decorative or soft sleeve, such as sheep skin, carpet, upholstery and so forth, for the foot, pedal may also be included that can be slipped over the foot pedal to provide tactile comfort to barefoot users. 
         [0103]    Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.