Abstract:
A toilet seat incorporating a laser pointing device for creating a target to increase accuracy during standing urination. Several embodiments of decorative and/or functional lighting may also be combined in various embodiments of the toilet seat. Power may be supplied from an internal battery pack or, optionally, from an external power supply connected to the power grid. Numerous versions of sensors and/or controls may be implemented to switch one or more features on or off depending upon such factors as ambient light levels, the proximity of a person to the toilet seat, etc. In some embodiments, timers may be used to control one or more features. Ancillary devices such as audio annunciatiors, audio message generators, and fragrance generators may also be included.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention pertains to toilet seats and, more particularly, to toilet seats having one or more ancillary features included therein or attached thereto. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Toilet seats are well know and are provided in numerous sizes, shapes, colors, textures, etc. to provide both functionality and to properly blend into a particular décor. Virtually all non-institutional toilet seats incorporate a seat portion and a cover or lid portion and are removably secured to the toilet bowl making the toilet seats readily replaceable. 
         [0003]    Typically both the seat portion and the lid portion are hingedly affixed to the toilet bowl and the lid or both the seat and lid may be readily moved between a flat orientation (i.e., closed position) wherein a major plane of each is substantially parallel to the floor and an open, upright orientation wherein the seat portion and the lid are substantially perpendicular to the floor. 
         [0004]    In typical use, both the lid and seat portions of the toilet seat are kept in a closed orientation. For seated use, the lid is raised but the seat is left in the horizontal orientation. 
         [0005]    For standing use, for example male urination, both the lid and the seat are preferably moved (i.e., raised) from the closed, horizontal orientation to the open, upright orientation. 
         [0006]    Complaints abound regarding the use of a toilet for male urination without raising the seat portion. Numerous additional complaints are made regarding failure to lower the seat after male urination. 
         [0007]    Further complaints are directed toward males regarding their inability to confine a urine stream to a central region of the toilet bowl. Failure to do so typically results in urine being splashed on or outside of the toilet bowl. 
         [0008]    It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide a toilet seat that facilitates accurate placement of a urine stream during male urination. 
       DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0009]    Numerous toilet seat illumination arrangements may be found in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,288 for NIGHT LIGHT TOILET SEAT, issued Sep. 28, 1976 to Mel Borne provides an improved toilet seat that serves as a night light to assist a person in finding a toilet seat in a darkened room. 
         [0010]    U.S. Design Pat. No. DES 349,760 for COMBINED HEATED AND ILLUMINATED TOILET SEAT, issued Aug. 16, 1994 to Zachery Schlumpf provides a toilet seat with an interior warming element as well as an illumination device. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,471 for TOILET LIGHT. Issued Apr. 12, 1988 to Patrick G. Johnson provides a light mounted on the underside of a toilet lid. Lifting the toilet lid activates the light. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,089 for APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING LIGHT TO A TOILET SEAT AND COVER, issued Mar. 18, 1997 to Kent J. Cretors teaches an illuminating unit within a toilet seat to illuminate an interior region of a toilet bowl. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,096 for TOILET BOWL ILLUMINATION DEVICE INCLUDING AUDIBLE ANNUNCIATOR FOR REMINDING USER TO MOVE TOILET SEAT FROM UPPER RETRACTED POSITION TO LOWER SEATING POSITION AFTER USE, issued May 5, 1998 to Laurel G. Kaufer teaches an illuminating and annunciating device for a toilet having a bowl, and a seat which is movable between a lower seating position and an upper retracted position, includes an illumination unit for illuminating the bowl for nighttime standing urination. An annunciator unit generates an audible indication which reminds a user to move the seat from the retracted position to the seating position after use. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,180 for ADHESIVE BACKED PHOTOLUMINESCENT PANELS FOR COMMODE AND METHOD OF USE, issued Aug. 28, 2001 to Jonathan Marc Bell et al. teaches photoluminescent panels secured by adhesive to the inside surface of the rim of a toilet bowl. The photoluminescent panels emit light when ambient illumination falls below a threshold level. Additional photoluminescent material may be adhered to the lid of the toilet seat. 
         [0015]    Published United States Patent Application No. 2001/0037520 for NOVELTY TOILET SEAT AND RELATED ACCESSORIES, published Nov. 8, 2001 upon application by Saghl Farzanehfar provides a toilet seat incorporating a flashing light, a heater, and music functions. 
         [0016]    Published United States Patent Application No. 2004/0226082, published Nov. 18, 2004 upon application by John B. Squicciarini shows a toilet seat having a light emitting outer edge using a side emitting optical fiber positioned within the channel disposed in the seat edge. Some embodiments also include one or more illuminators positioned within the seat elsewhere on a toilet. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,130 for ILLUMINATED COMMODE TRAINING KIT, issued Jun. 23, 1992 to James M. Sanders provides a kit of components including a ring member for securement to and about a commode member including an illumination source to provide directional training to a child in the proper use of a commode during limited light conditions. Electroluminescent layers or fiber optic cable provides illumination selectively to the various components of the system. 
         [0018]    None of the patents and published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel seat for a toilet including a target illuminating feature of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a toilet seat incorporating a laser pointing device for creating a target to increase accuracy during standing urination. Several embodiments of decorative and/or functional lighting may also be combined in various embodiments of the toilet seat. Power may be supplied from an internal battery pack or, optionally, from an external power supply connected to the power grid. Numerous versions of sensors and/or controls may be implemented to switch one or more features on or off depending upon such factors as ambient light levels, the proximity of a person to the toilet seat, etc. In some embodiments, timers and/or manual switches may be used to control one or more features. Ancillary devices such as audio annunciatiors, audio message generators, and fragrance generators may also be included. 
         [0020]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a toilet seat having illuminating devices included within to provide general and/or decorative illumination. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the invention to provide a toilet seat having a downward-directed illuminating source disposed on a lower surface of a toilet seat. 
         [0022]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a toilet seat optionally including illuminating devices disposed on a portion of an outside edge of a toilet seat. 
         [0023]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a toilet seat in combination with a toilet seat lid and having one or more illuminating devices disposed on at least one surface or an edge of the lid. 
         [0024]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a toilet seat incorporating a laser target device, at least one type of general or decorative illumination and a least one other ancillary function. 
         [0025]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a toilet seat that is hygienic and easily cleaned. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0027]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are top perspective, pictorial, schematic views of a typical toilet seat of the prior art in closed and open orientations, respectively; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2   a  is a top, perspective, pictorial, schematic view of a first embodiment of a toilet seat in accordance with the invention in an open orientation; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2   b  is a detailed, side, elevational, schematic view of one embodiment of targeting device of the toilet seat of  FIG. 2   a;    
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a simplified electrical block diagram of a first embodiment of an electrical power supply and control system for use with a toilet seat of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective schematic view of a toilet having a toilet seat having a built-in battery back attached thereto in accordance with the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective schematic view of a toilet having a toilet seat with built-in night lights in accordance with the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5   b  is a detailed view of a portion of the toilet seat of  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0034]      FIG. 6   a  is a side perspective, schematic view of a toilet having a toilet seat having a downward directed lighting device attached thereto; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6   b  is a detailed, bottom perspective, schematic view of toilet seat of  FIG. 6   a ; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a bottom, perspective, schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the toilet seat of  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  with downward directed lighting devices disposed thereupon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0037]    The present invention provides a number of embodiments of toilet seats having features including a means for providing a target for standing urination, general and decorative illumination, self-sanitization, audio annunciation, and fragrance generation. The features may be combined in a number of different combinations and may be powered by batteries housed in a compartment within the toilet seat or by power supplied from the AC mains. 
         [0038]    A toilet seat is typically a hinged assembly consisting of seat portion and lid portion, the assembly being bolted onto a toilet bowl for a flush toilet. A toilet seat consists of the seat itself, which is typically contoured for the user to sit on, and the lid, which covers the toilet when it is not in use. When the lid is down it can serve as a place to sit while one is cutting toenails, drying ones feet after a bath or shower, etc. 
         [0039]    The seat is usually lifted during male urination, or when cleaning the toilet. 
         [0040]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , there are shown top, perspective, pictorial, schematic views of a typical toilet seat of the prior art in closed and open orientations, respectively, generally at reference number  100 . 
         [0041]    Toilet seat  100  has a seat portion  102  and a lid portion  104  hingedly joined thereto by hinges  106 . Lid portion  104  is therefore rotatable through at least a 90° arc as shown by arrow  108 . 
         [0042]    Seat portion  102  has an upper surface  110  adapted to receive the buttocks, not shown, of a user of a toilet, not shown to which toilet seat  100  is attached. A central opening  112  of seat portion  102  allows for seated urination and defecation. 
         [0043]    Lid  104  has an outer surface  114  and an inner surface  116 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 2   a , there is shown a top, perspective, pictorial, schematic view of a first embodiment of a toilet seat in accordance with the invention in an open orientation, at reference number  200 . Toilet seat  200  incorporates a target illuminating device  202  disposed within lid portion  104 . A transparent window  204  allows an aimed targeting beam  206  to project from targeting device  202 , through window  204 , and into a central portion of a toilet bowl, not shown, onto which toilet seat  200  is attached. 
         [0045]    It will be recognized that at least two major sizes of toilet seat are manufactured for the United States market. These are generally referred to as “round” and “elongated” styles. In each style toilet seat, targeting device  202  is aimed slightly differently to accommodate the corresponding size difference of the toilet bowl with which each size toilet seat is used. 
         [0046]    In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, targeting device  202  is a laser pointer disposed in an inner region of lid portion  104 . Referring now also to  FIG. 2   b , there is shown a detailed, side, elevational, schematic view of one embodiment of targeting device  202 . A laser pointer device  208  is affixed to a mounting block  210 . Laser pointer device  208  has a major axis that is disposed substantially parallel to the major planes of outer surface  114  and inner surface  116  of lip portion  104 . 
         [0047]    Window  204  is affixed to a hollow portion  212  of lid portion  104  by screws  214 . Gaskets  216 , preferably compressed between window  204  and hollow portion  212  of lid portion  104  seal hollow portion  212  when screws  214  are tightened. 
         [0048]    A mirror  218  on a mirror support  220  is hingedly affixed to mounting block  210 , no hinge mechanism being shown for clarity. A spring  222  disposed between mounting block  210  and mirror support  220  exerts an upward force on mirror  218  on mirror support  220 . 
         [0049]    A setscrew  224  accessible through a hole  226  in window  202  is disposed to exert an adjustable, opposing downward force on mirror support  220  such that the angle of reflection, not specifically identified, of mirror  218  may be varied to aim targeting beam  206  to a particular location in a toilet bowl, not shown, to which toilet seat  200  is attached. 
         [0050]    An elastomeric friction plug  228  seals hole  226  after setscrew  224  has been adjusted. 
         [0051]    It will be recognized that targeting device  202  may be implemented in many other manners. For example, a laser diode and an attached lens, neither shown, could be press fit into a hole in inner surface  116  of lid portion  104  such that a beam therefrom would be directed to a desired spot, not shown, in a toilet bowl, not shown, to which the toilet seat is attached. Assuming that the beam from the laser diode and lens is axial, the angle could be readily controlled by the angle of a hole, not shown, in lid portion  104 . 
         [0052]    It will be recognized that electrical power must be provided to laser pointer  208  and two other light emitting and miscellaneous apparatus discussed in detail herein below. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a simplified electrical block diagram of a first embodiment of an electrical power supply and control system for use with toilet seat  200 , generally at reference number  300 . 
         [0053]    A so-called “brick” power supply  302  is equipped with electrical connector blades  304  to facilitate connecting power supply  302  directly into a standard  110  volt AC electrical outlet, assuming a United States implementation. It will be recognized that blades  304  may be modified for connection to the electrical power grid in other parts of the world. For example, in Europe, the connector prongs are round and the supply voltage is typically  220  volts. Such modification is believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and is not further discussed herein. However, the invention is not considered limited to the particular plug configuration (e.g., blades  304 ) or supply voltage. Rather, the invention is intended to include and plug configuration and/or supply voltage. 
         [0054]    Power supply  302  may include an optional ground fault interrupter (GFI)  306  because of the proximity of use of electrical power supply  300  to water in the toilet itself or elsewhere in a bathroom in which the toilet is located. 
         [0055]    A low voltage cable  308  provides low voltage (i.e., less than  24  volts DC) for use in powering the numerous configurations of toilet seats of the present invention. The exact DC output voltage may be selected to be compatible with the various electrical accessories and sub-systems used with different configurations of toilet seat. 
         [0056]    A first sensor/control  310  is provided to sense a first environmental condition. Sensor  310  may be a simple gravity or other switch mechanism, not specifically identified, that activates targeting device  202  whenever toilet lid portion  104  and toilet seat portion  106  are raised. Such gravity switches are believed to be well known and, consequently, are not further discussed herein. 
         [0057]    In more sophisticated implementations, a second, optional sensor  312  may be added in series with first sensor/control  310 . Such a second sensor could be chosen from many possible environmental sensors. For example, a room ambient light sensor may be used to only activate targeting device  202  during low ambient light conditions. 
         [0058]    In other embodiments, optional sensor/control  312  may be an occupancy sensor so that targeting device  202  is activated only when a person is in the vicinity of toilet seat  200 . Occupancy sensors are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and are not further discussed herein. Of course any known type of occupancy sensor may be utilized as optional second sensor/control  312 . Also, occupancy sensors may contain timers to keep a light or other accessory activated for a predetermined time after occupancy is no longer detected and the invention is seen to include occupancy sensors with or without such timing components. 
         [0059]    It will be further recognized that the order of first/sensor control  310  and second, optional sensor control  312  may be reversed as long as a series relationship of control is maintained. Also, the particular type of sensor (e.g., gravity switch, occupancy sensor, pressure switch, etc.) may be assigned to either first sensor/control  310  or optional second sensor control  312 . 
         [0060]    In alternate embodiments, an external AC power source may be replaced by a battery pack housed either within lid portion  104  or externally thereto. 
         [0061]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a side, perspective, schematic view of a toilet  402  having a toilet seat  400  attached thereto. Toilet  402  forms no part of the present invention and is included merely to illustrate the environment in which toilet seat  400  is generally utilized. 
         [0062]    Toilet seat  400  has a self-contained battery pack  404  disposed within a lid portion  104  thereof. Battery pack  404  may be accessed through access hatch  406  on an inner surface  116  of lid portion  104  of toilet seat  400 . The constructions of such battery packs  404  and access hatches  406  is believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently no further details are provided herein. It will also be recognized that the exact size and position of battery pack  404 /access hatch  406  may be varied. In addition, access hatch  406  may be provided on upper surface  114  of lid portion  104 , this arrangement not being illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0063]    As mentioned hereinabove, additional features may be added to a toilet seat.  FIG. 4  illustrates two additional features. A plurality of downward-pointing light sources  408  is disposed on a lower surface of seat portion  102  of toilet seat  400 . Downward-pointing light sources  408  direct illumination into the bowl  412  of toilet  402  when seat portion  102  of toilet seat  400  is in a downward, horizontal orientation. 
         [0064]    Also shown on toilet seat  400  is a pair of edge light sources  414  attached to an outer edge of lid portion  104 . 
         [0065]    Both plurality of light sources  408  and/or lid edge lights  414  may be controlled by any of the sensor/controller arrangements, some of which are shown in  FIG. 3  and others of which are discussed in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0066]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , there is shown yet another embodiment of a toilet seat in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  500 . Toilet seat  500  is typically transparent or translucent with a plurality of light sources  502  embedded therein. Toilet seat  500  is shown attached to a toilet  402  that forms no part of the invention. 
         [0067]    Interior lights sources  502  are typically LEDs but may, of course be implemented using alternate technologies. Interior light sources  502  may be powered by a power system such as power supply/control  300  ( FIG. 3 ) or battery pack  404  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0068]    Interior light sources  502  may be turned on or off using a wide variety of sensors and/or controls, some of which have previously been described. A proximity (i.e., an occupancy) sensor, not shown, may be combined with an ambient light sensors, manual switches, etc. to activate interior light sources  502  as a person approaches toilet  402 /toilet seat  500 . It will be recognized that alternate sensor/control solutions may be known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the sensor/control options chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention includes any and all sensor/control systems. 
         [0069]    Edge light sources  414  discussed hereinabove, are also provided on toilet seat  500 . 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , there are shown a side perspective, schematic view of a toilet having an alternate embodiment of a toilet seat  600  in accordance with the invention and a detailed, bottom perspective, schematic view of toilet seat  600 . Toilet  402  forms no part of the invention and is included merely to show the intended operating environment of toilet seat  600 . 
         [0071]    Toilet seat  600  has a ring shape light source  602  disposed on lower surface  410  of seat portion  102  substantially completely encircling central opening  112 . 
         [0072]    A battery pack  502  is shown in lid portion  104  of toilet seat  600  for powering ring light  602 . It will be recognized, however, that ring light  602  may readily be powered by an external power supply/control system  300  as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0073]    Ring light  602  shines downward into bowl  412  of toilet  402 . 
         [0074]    Ring light  602  typically consists of a series of LED devices arranged in a circular configuration. It will be recognized, however, that light sources other than LEDs believed to be known to those of skill in the art may be substituted therefor. 
         [0075]    If ring light  602  is implemented using LED devices, not specifically identified, emitting energy in what is considered to be ultraviolet wavelengths, ring light  602  then forms a germicidal device considered potentially useful to controlling bacteria and other microbes within bowel  410  of toilet  402 . For germicidal purposes, it may be desired to externally and continuously power ring light  602  to maximize potential germicidal effects. 
         [0076]    Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a bottom, perspective, schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a toilet seat with downward directed lighting devices, generally at reference number  700 . Toilet seat  700  is similar to toilet seat  600  ( FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b ) except that ring light  602  is replaced with a plurality of individual down shining lighting devices  702 . Down shining lighting devices  702  are disposed at intervals around the perimeter of a lower surface  410  of seat portion  102 . 
         [0077]    Individual down shining lighting devices typically consist of LED devices arranged in a circular configuration. It will be recognized, however, that light sources other than LEDs believed to be known to those of skill in the art may be substituted therefor. 
         [0078]    If individual down shining lighting devices  702  are implemented using LED devices, not specifically identified, emitting energy in what is considered to be ultraviolet wavelengths, individual down shining lighting devices  702  then form a germicidal device considered potentially useful to controlling bacteria and other microbes within bowel  410  of toilet  402 . For germicidal purposes, it may be desired to externally and continuously power individual down shining lighting devices  702  to maximize potential germicidal effects. 
         [0079]    While several features have been individually disclosed in one or more embodiments of the toilet seats  200 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 , and  700 , it will be recognized that any logical combination of features may be combined into various configurations. Consequently, while specific configurations have been disclosed, numerous combinations and permutations of the disclosed features may be implemented without departing from the invention. 
         [0080]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0081]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.