Abstract:
The toilet system described herein provides a solution for men who fail to close the toilet seat or lid after use. By automatically closing the lid or seat, the toilet system also reduces toilet access to young children and pets. Its dimensions and installation are the same as an industry standard toilet seat but with selectable automatic closure of the seat or lid after use. The power source, electronics and mechanical actuator are all located within the lid. Tilt and position sensors determine the positions of the seat and lid, distance or proximity sensors detect when the toilet is not in use and after a delay the actuator selectively moves the seat or lid to a closed position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a method and system for closing the seat and/or lid of a toilet. Specifically, when a seat and/or lid is detected in a vertical position and a toilet is determined to not be in use, the seat and/or lid may be pivoted to a horizontal position using an arm extending from the lid. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of toilets with a pivotable seat and/or lid is ubiquitous. Further, it is well-known that the failure of men to place the toilet seat in a horizontal, closed position after use can become problematic for women sharing the same facilities. Additionally, after any use of a toilet, it is often desirable to have both the seat and the lid in a horizontal position to ensure that pets or small children are limited access to the toilet. While some high-end toilets have automated seat and lid closing functions, a more cost affordable seat and lid capable of automatic closing has not been provided. Further, an automated seat and lid capable of being easily retrofitted to toilets has not been provided. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for a system and methods for automatic closure of toilet seat and lids that addresses the various disadvantages associated with previous toilets. 
     SUMMARY 
     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 features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a method for closing a toilet is provided. The method includes a position detector housed within a lid detecting a seat in a vertical position, wherein the seat and the lid are pivotable between the vertical position and the horizontal position about a hinge housed within a base of the toilet; a use detector housed within the lid determining the toilet is not in use; when the seat is detected in the vertical position and the toilet is determined not in use, an actuator positioned within the lid translating an engaging portion of an arm into engagement with a rear edge of the seat for pivoting the seat about the hinge towards the horizontal position. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the method further comprises wherein the translation of the arm further involves translating the engaging portion above a ridge defined by the base; the actuator translating the engaging portion of the arm into engagement with a ridge defined by the base of the toilet for pivoting the lid from the vertical position towards the horizontal position. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a system for closing a toilet is provided. The system includes the toilet including a base housing a hinge, a lid, a seat defining a rear edge proximal to the base, wherein the seat and the lid are pivotable about the hinge between a vertical position and a horizontal position; a position detector housed within the lid for detecting when the seat is in the vertical position; a use detector housed within the lid for determining when the toilet is not in use; an actuator positioned within the lid for translating an engaging portion of an arm into engagement with the rear edge of the seat for pivoting the seat about the hinge towards the horizontal position. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system further includes the base defining a ridge; wherein the translation of the arm further involves translating the engaging portion above the ridge; and wherein a reverse translation of the arm by the actuator involves the engaging portion engaging a ridge defined by the base of the toilet and pivoting the lid from the vertical position towards the horizontal position. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes a power source housed within the lid providing power to the actuator, the position detector and the use detector. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes a power switch positioned on the toilet being placed in an automatic position for enabling the power source to provide power. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes a component switch positioned on the toilet being placed in a seat position for controlling the translation of the arm such that the engaging portion does not translate above a ridge defined by the base. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes a component switch positioned on the toilet being placed in a lid position for controlling the translation of the arm such that the engaging portion translates above the ridge defined by the base. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes wherein the position detector includes a lid tilt sensor determining the lid position and a seat sensor determining when the seat is in the vertical position. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes wherein the use detector includes a presence sensor detecting the presence of a toilet user or a timer or both. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes wherein activation of the timer is initiated by the presence sensor or the position detector. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the system and/or method further includes wherein: the arm extends from the lid and the engaging portion is positioned proximal the base; the pivoting the seat about the hinge only partially pivots the seat towards the horizontal position; and gravity completes the pivoting of the seat to the horizontal position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing, as well as the following Detailed Description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the toilet with a cutout of the lid exposing internal components of the lid according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lid in a vertical position and the seat in a horizontal position according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 3A-3E  are side views of the toilet depicting the movements of the arm when pivoting the seat and lid about the hinge according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  are side views of an opposing side of the toilet depicting the movements of the arm engaged with a crank, pivot feature and stabilizing feature according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term “step” may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated. 
     Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a toilet  1  having a bowl  2  mounted to a surface  4 . The toilet  1  may also include a base  16  coupled to a rear and upper portion of the bowl  2 , wherein the base  16  can include and/or house a hinge  26  pivotably coupled with a lid  12  and/or a seat  14 . The lid  12  and/or the seat  14  may be pivotable about the hinge  26  between a vertical position P 1  and a horizontal position P 2  for opening and closing the toilet  1  and exposing the bowl  2  for use. In some embodiments of the toilet  1 , a lid  12  may not be included. When the toilet  1  is closed, the seat  14  and/or lid  12  rests in a horizontal position P 2  relative to the surface  4  on which the toilet  1  is mounted or resting. When the toilet is open, the seat  14  and/or lid may rest in a vertical position P 1  (or substantially vertical position P 1 —in some embodiments the vertical position P 1  may be obtuse in relation to the surface  4 ) relative to the surface  4  on which the toilet  1  is mounted or resting. In some embodiments, the toilet  1  may include a tank  3  onto which the lid  12  and/or seat  14  rests in the vertical position P 1 . 
       FIG. 1  further illustrates internal components of the lid  12  by depicting a cutout of the lid  12 , thereby exposing components of the system  10  for closing the toilet  1 . The system  10  may include the lid  12 , the seat  14 , and the base  16  housing the hinge  26 . The base  16  maybe configured to couple or fit to a standard toilet  1 ; the base  16  may include industry standards and specifications for easy installation or retrofitting to the toilet  1  by a user. The seat  14  may define a rear edge  22  positioned proximal to the base  16  and to a back edge  24  defined by the lid  16 . The seat  14  and/or the lid  12  may be pivotable about the hinge  26  between the vertical position P 1  and the horizontal position P 2 . Notably, as the rear edge  22  and/or back edge  24  pivots from the vertical position P 1  to the horizontal position P 2 , the edges  22 ,  24  move up and away from the bowl  2  of the toilet  1 . 
     Further, the system  10  may include an actuator  34  positioned within the lid  12  for translating an engaging portion  40  of an arm  36  into engagement with the rear edge  22  of the seat  14 , thereby pivoting the seat  14  about the hinge  26  towards the horizontal position P 2 . The actuator  34  may be mounted into position within the lid  12 . The actuator may be engaged with the arm  36  for translating the arm  36  substantially linearly and substantially parallel to the lid  12 . The actuator  34  may include any combination of gears, struts, springs, or any other mechanical components capable of translating the arm  36 . The arm  36  may extend from the lid  12  and define an engaging portion  40  positioned at an angle relative to the linear portion  41  of the arm  36 . The angle may be perpendicular. The engaging portion  40  may be positioned proximal the base  16  and may rest perpendicularly thereto when the lid  12  is in the vertical position P 1 . The pivoting of the seat  14  is described in more detail infra. 
     The system  10  may also include detectors and sensors for making determinations about the positions of various components of the system  10 , as well as for determining whether the system  10  is in use. An electronics housing  80  may be located within the lid for carrying many of the electronic components of the system  10 , including electronic components that may support and include the sensors and/or detectors described herein, as well as supplemental processors, memory, receivers and transceivers. For example, a position detector  30  may be housed within the lid  12  for detecting when the seat  14 , when the lid  12 , or when both are in the vertical position P 1 , horizontal position P 2 , and/or a position between the vertical position P 1  and the horizontal position P 2 . The position detector  30  may include one or several sensors for detecting positions. Using the detected information, the position detector  30  may inform the system  10  as to whether the actuator  34  should be activated to pivot the seat  14  and/or lid  12  from a vertical position P 1  towards a horizontal, closed position P 2 . In one embodiment, the position detector  30  may include a lid tilt sensor for determining the position of the lid  12 . For example, the lid tilt sensor may determine when the lid  12  is in the vertical position P 1  or the horizontal position P 2 . In another embodiment, the position detector  30  may include both a lid tilt sensor and a seat sensor for determining when the seat  14  is substantially parallel with the lid  12 . Alternatively, the position detector  30  may include a seat sensor for determining when the seat  14  is in the vertical position P 1  or the horizontal position P 2 . 
     The position detectors  30  may include any combination of an optical sensor, electromechanical sensor, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, magnetic sensor or any other sensor for detecting a property. For example, the position detector  30  may include an optical distance seat sensor for sensing when the lid  12  and the seat  14  are substantially parallel by measuring the distance between the lid  12  and the seat  14 . The seat sensor may be configured to detect when the seat  14  is in a vertical position by sensing when the rear edge of the seat  22  is positioned proximal to the engaging portion  40  of the arm. Alternatively the position detector  30  may include a magnetic seat sensor for detecting when a seat lever  60  (or second arm  36 ) is translated by the pivoting of the seat  14  to the vertical position P 1 , thereby triggering a sensation in the seat sensor ( FIG. 2  depicts a seat lever  60  being detected by seat sensor position detector  30 ). The seat lever  60  may be spring-loaded. The position detector  30  may include the seat sensor, distance sensor, lid tilt sensor, and/or other sensors for determining the position of the lid  12  and/or seat  14 . 
     Further, the system  10  may include a use detector  32  housed within the lid  12  for determining when the toilet  1  is not in use ( FIG. 2 ). Similar to the position detector  30 , the use detector  32  may include any combination of an optical sensor, electromechanical sensor, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, magnetic sensor or any other sensor for detecting a property. For example, the use detector  32  may include the seat sensor for detecting when the seat  14  is placed into a vertical position P 1 , a presence sensor for detecting the presence of a toilet user ( FIG. 2 ), a timer  56  for counting down a specified amount of time from detection of a vertical position P 1  of the seat or a presence of a user, or any combination of these sensors or timers  56 . Activation of the timing countdown by the timer  56  may be initiated by the use detector  32 , the position detector  30 , and/or any component of the position detector  30  and/or use detector. For example, the presence detector  30  may include a distance sensor for detecting when there is a presence located within a certain distance of the toilet  1  (e.g., a toilet user within three feet of the underside of the lid  12  when in the vertical position P 1 ). In another embodiment, the use detector  32  may include a sensor for detecting when a user is sitting on the seat  14  of the toilet  1 . 
     The base  16  of the system  10  may define a ridge  20  for engaging the arm  36  during translation ( FIG. 4A ). In alternative embodiments, the arm  36  and/or engaging portion  40  may engage the base  16 , bowl  2  or tank  3  in lieu of the ridge  20 , as described herein (see  FIG. 3D ). The translation of the arm  36  may involve translating the engaging portion  40  upwards and above the ridge  20 . Further, the translation of the arm  36  may further include the engaging portion  40  being translated downward, back toward the ridge  20 , thereby engaging the ridge  20  and the engaging portion  40 , causing the lid  12  to pivot from the vertical position P 1  towards the horizontal position P 2 . The ridge  20  may be a lip or a groove defined by the base  16  and may extend horizontally across only a small portion of the base  16  or substantially across the entire base  16  or across a portion between the edges of the base  16 . The ridge  20 , or a portion thereof, may be reinforced by a coating or plating or be comprised of a material differing from the material of the base  16  for minimizing the wear and tear to the ridge  20  over time. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the ridge  20  may not be defined by the base  16  but instead be a component engaged with the base  16 . For example, the ridge  20  may operate as a spring-loaded depressible feature so that the ridge  20  slides at least partially within the base  16  as the engaging portion  40  translates upward and past the ridge  20 , extends back outward when the engaging portion  40  is positioned above the ridge  20 , then remains affixed into position as the engaging portion  40  engages the ridge  20  to pivot the seat  14  and/or lid  12 . In some embodiments, two actuators  34  and arms  36  having an engaging portion  40  are provided such that the pivoting of the seat  14  and the lid  12  are operated in mechanical independence; any mention of actuator  34  or arm  36  herein may include one or more actuators  34  or arms  36 . The pivoting of the lid  12  and translation of the arm is described in more detail infra. 
     The system  10  may further include a power source  42  housed within the lid  12  for providing power to the actuator  34 , the position detector  30 , the use detector  32 , and/or any other component of the system  10  requiring power. The power source  42  may include, for example, any combination of the following: batteries, rechargeable batteries, a toilet power source, or wind up power source. A power switch  44  may be included with the system  10  and positioned on the toilet  1 , a component thereof, or may be remotely located and in wireless communication with the components of the system  10  housed within the lid  12 . The power switch  44  may enable the power source  42  to provide power when the power switch  44  is in an automatic position. For example, the power switch  44  may be positioned remotely near a bathroom light switch or flush handle on the tank  3  or may be positioned on the lid  12  itself, whether on an exposed side of the lid  12  when in a horizontal, closed position or on an outside edge of the lid  12 . Similarly, the power source  42  may be disabled to provide power when the power switch  44  is in a manual position, thereby permitting the toilet  1 , lid  12  and/or seat  14  to be used in its normal manner as opposed to the automatic manner involving the system  10  described herein. 
     For toilets including both a lid  12  and a seat  14 , a component switch  46  may be included in the system  10 . Similar to the power switch  44 , the component switch  46  may be positioned on the toilet  1 , a component thereof, or may be remotely located and in wireless communication with the components of the system  10  housed within the lid  12  for controlling the translation of the arm(s)  36 . In one embodiment, when the component switch  46  is in a seat position, the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36  is prevented from translating above the ridge  20 , or prevented from engaging the ridge  20 , so that the lid  12  is not closed during translation. Alternatively, when the component switch  46  is in a seat position, an actuator  34  associated with the lid  12  is disabled and only the actuator  34  associated with the seat  14  is enabled. In another embodiment, when the component switch  46  is in a lid position, the engaging portion  40  of the arm is enabled to be translated above the ridge  20  for permitting the lid  12  to be closed during translation of the arm  36 . Alternatively, when the component switch  46  is in the lid position, the actuator  34  associated with the lid  12  is enabled along with the actuator  34  associated with the seat  14 . 
     The system  10  may further include a sensor switch  70  positioned on the toilet  1 , a component thereof, or may be remotely located and in wireless communication with the components of the system  10  housed within the lid  12 . The sensor switch  70  may enable the operation of a use detector  32  without a timer  56  when in the use position or a use detector  32  with a timer  56  when in the other position. For example, when in the other position, the timer  56  alone may be used to determine when the seat  14  and/or lid  12  may be pivoted or, alternatively, the use detector  32  may first detect when the toilet  1  is not in use and then may activate the timer  56  of the use detector  32  to determine when the seat  14  and/or lid  12  may be pivoted. 
     Wireless communications may include any wireless signals disclosed in the prior art, including but not limited to near field communication, Bluetooth, radio signals, Wi-Fi and cellular signals. Further, the switches  44 ,  46 ,  70  may be remotely located within a software or application for use on a phone, tablet, computer or other computing device. A user may use the software or application to alter the positions of the switches  44 ,  46 ,  70 . Further, the software or application may receive information concerning the power source  42  for alerting a user as to when the power source  42  needs to be replaced or recharged. Other issues, malfunctions or aberrations in the operation of the system  10  may also be detected using at least one of the detectors  30 ,  32  and/or sensors and reported wirelessly to the software or application for analysis and additional reporting to the user. Additionally, the software or application may be used to remotely pivot the seat  14  and/or lid  12  using the actuator  34  and arm  36 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3E  depict the translation of the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36  by the actuator  34  when pivoting the seat  14  about the hinge  26  according to one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The method for closing a toilet  1  by closing the seat  14  and/or lid  12  may include providing any embodiment of the system  10  and/or toilet  1  described herein. The method of automatically closing the seat  14  of the toilet  1  may include any combination of the following: the power switch  44  rests or is confirmed to be in an automatic position, the component switch  46  rests or is confirmed to be in the seat position or the lid position, the position detector  30  detects the seat  14  in a vertical position P 1 , or a use detector  32  determines the toilet  1  is not in use. 
     Once one, some, or all of these conditions are met, the actuator  34  may translate the engaging portion  40  from a vertical home position P 7  proximal a lower portion of the base  16  upward along the base  16  into engagement with a rear edge  22  of the seat  14  for lifting the edge  22  and pivoting the seat  14  about the hinge  26  towards the horizontal position P 2 . Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E , in some embodiments, the translation of the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36  may continue to a seat top position P 8 . In other embodiments, the translation of the engaging portion  40  may continue to a lid top position P 9  for allowing pivoting of the lid  12 , as described infra. In either embodiment, the arm  36  may pivot the seat  14  at least partially towards the horizontal position P 2 , permitting gravity to pivot the seat  14  the remaining distance to the horizontal position P 2 . Alternatively, in either embodiment, the arm  36  may fully pivot the seat  14  into the horizontal position P 2 . Following the pivot of the seat  14  towards the horizontal position P 2 , the translation of the engaging portion  40  may continue, returning the engaging portion  40  to the vertical home position P 7 . 
       FIGS. 3A-4E  illustrate the translation of the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36  by the actuator  34  when pivoting the lid  12  and/or seat  14  about the hinge  26  according to several embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The method for closing a toilet  1  by closing the seat  14  and/or lid  12  may include providing any embodiment of the system  10  and/or toilet  1  described herein. The method of automatically closing the lid  12  of the toilet  1  may include any combination of the following: the power switch  44  rests or is confirmed to be in an automatic position, the component switch  46  rests or is confirmed to be in the lid position, the position detector  30  detects the seat  14  and/or lid in a vertical position P 1 , or a use detector  32  determines the toilet  1  is not in use. 
     Once one, some or all of these conditions are met, the actuator  34  may translate the engaging portion  40  from a vertical home position P 7  proximal a lower portion of the base  16  upward along the base towards a lid top position P 9 . The lid top position P 9  may be located above the seat top position P 8  and above the ridge  20 . The translation of the engaging portion  40  may continue and further include translating the engaging portion  40  from the lid top position P 9  to a ridge position P 10 , thereby translating the engaging portion  40  into engagement with the ridge  20  for pivoting the lid from the vertical position P 1  towards the horizontal position P 2 . Notably, the seat  14  may be pivoted towards the horizontal position P 2  by pivoting the lid  12  or by translating the engaging portion  40  towards the lid top position P 9  or both. The arm  36  may pivot the lid  12  at least partially towards the horizontal position P 2 , permitting gravity to pivot the lid  12  the remaining distance to the horizontal position P 2 . 
     The translation of the engaging portion  40  may further include translating the engaging portion  40  from the ridge position P 10  to a horizontal home position P 11 . As the lid  12  moves towards and into the horizontal position P 2 , the translation may include translating the engaging portion  40  away from the lid  12  to the horizontal home position P 11 . If the lid  12  is pivoted from the horizontal position P 2  to the vertical position P 1 , the engaging portion  40  is thereby pivoted from the horizontal home position P 11  to the vertical home position P 7 , and therefore is positioned for translation for pivoting the seat  14  and/or lid  12 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4E  illustrate the translation of the engaging portion  40  of an arm  36  engaged with a crank  62  according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The actuator  34  within the lid  12  of the toilet  1  may be engaged with one or more cranks  62  for rotatingly translating the arm  36 . Rotating translation of the arm  36  may be preferable due to the ‘figure eight’ like motion the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36  makes, which permits the seat  14  to be pivoted from the vertical P 1  to the horizontal position P 2  without engaging the base  16  or ridge  20  and therefore contributing to wear and tear. A crank (or cranks)  62  may be positioned between, and engaged with, the actuator  34  and the arm  36  and rotatable in a complete or partial circle, in one or both directions. In some embodiments of the methods of use, the crank(s)  62  may be rotated in one direction in less than a complete circle, then rotated in the opposite direction back to the starting position of the crank(s)  62  for pivoting the seat  14  without engaging the lid  12 . In other embodiments, the crank(s)  62  may be rotated in one direction in a complete circle back to the starting position for pivoting both the seat  14  and the lid  12  independently, as described more fully infra. 
     The embodiments of the arm  36  depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E  are rotatably translated using a crank  62  between a pivot feature  64  and a stabilizing feature  66  which are secured into position using a catch  68  on each end of the features  64 ,  66 . The features  64 ,  66  may be cylindrical in shape and freely rotatable for minimizing any friction placed on the arm  36 . The features  64 ,  66  may stabilize the arm  36  during translation and serve to take load off the arm  36  during translation. The catch(es)  68  may define apertures for accepting the features  64 ,  66  therethrough. The catch(es)  68  may be affixed to the lid  12  for stabilization. In some embodiments, a pivot feature  64  may be used without the stabilizing feature  66 . The pivot feature may be a ridge, multiple features positioned proximally to each other, or any other element for altering the translating motion of the arm  36 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, as depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E , the crank  62  may rotate in a circular pattern for rotating the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36 . The crank  62  and arm  36  may rest in the home position P 14  ( FIG. 4A ). In the home position P 14 , the crank  62  may be fully extended towards the features  64 ,  66  and the arm  36  may be resting substantially parallel to the lid  12 . As the crank  62  is rotated away from the features  64 ,  66  and away from the top  13  of the lid  12 , the arm  36  pivots about the pivot feature  64 , thereby pivoting the engaging portion  40  towards the top  13  of the lid  12  as the linear portion  41  translates towards the actuator  34  along with the movement of the crank  62 , into the second position P 15  ( FIG. 4B ). In the second position P 15 , the arm  36  is now positioned to engage the seat  14  while minimizing or avoiding contact with the ridge  20  and/or base  16 . 
     As the crank  62  continues its semi-circle rotation away from the features  64 ,  66  into the third position P 16  ( FIG. 4C ), the arm  36  approaches a substantially parallel position relative to the top  13  of the lid  12  again, although the arm  36  has now been fully translated away from the home position P 14  and towards the actuator  34 . The movement from the home position P 14  through the second position P 15  and towards the third position P 16  permits the engaging portion  40  of the arm  36  to pivot the seat  14  from the vertical position P 1  towards the horizontal position P 2 . If the pivoting of the lid  12  is not desired, then the crank&#39;s movement can be reversed by the motor from the third position P 16 , back through the second position P 15  and back into the home position P 14 , so that contact with the ridge  20  and/or base  16  is avoided. The crank  62  may be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise manner and may perform a full rotation, half rotation, quarter rotation or any other degree of rotation; the crank  62  may reverse the manner of rotation at any point in its circular motion. 
     When pivoting of the lid  12  is also desired, the full circular rotation of the crank  62  may be performed by the actuator  34 . Once in the third position P 16 , the crank  62  may continue to rotate, rotating back towards the features  64 ,  66  and towards the top  13  of the lid  12  into a fourth position P 17  ( FIG. 4D ) opposite the second position P 15 . In the fourth position P 17 , the linear portion  41  of the arm  36  may extend from a position proximal to the top  13  of the lid  12 , through the features  64 ,  66  and towards the engaging portion  40  now positioned distally from the top  13  of the lid  12 . Because the engaging portion  40  is positioned distally from the top  13 , in comparison to the proximal location when in the second position P 15 , the engaging portion  40  may engage the ridge  20  and/or base  16  for pivoting the lid  12 . From the further position P 17 , the crank  62  may continue its rotation towards the home position P 14  to rest ( FIG. 4E ). 
     Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.