TOILET SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH MOTORIZED DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toilet seats and, in particular, it concerns a toilet seat assembly with a motorized deployment mechanism for raising and/or lowering the seat.

Various automatic or semi-automatic systems for raising and lowering toilet seats have been proposed in order to reduce the need for toilet users to touch the seat.

Examples of such systems believed to be of relevance as background to the present invention are US Patents Nos. 6,643,852 to Lin, 6,321,393 to Jones and 6,618,864 to

Veal.

Practical implementation of such systems poses a number of problems which have not been fully addressed by the proposed systems. Both for reasons of safety and for ease of installation, it is preferable that the system be battery operated. This however imposes severe restrictions on the available power for raising the toilet seat. In order to reduce the required power, it has been proposed to use springs to reduce the effective weight of the seat to be lifted. Since the motor must sometimes lift only the seat and sometimes both the seat and the Hd, significant excess motor power is required, resulting in reduced battery life and requiring an undesirably large motor. A further implication of the use of batteries is the bulky form factor of the assembly, as exemplified by the back-heavy design of the aforementioned Lin reference. This may render the assembly unsuited, or at least awkward, to install on a standard toilet base.

Finally, a problem common to motorized toilet seat systems is the difficulty in raising and lowering the seat manually in the case of a malfunction or power failure

(flat batteries). In such cases, motion of the seat typically requires forced rotation of the motor, making the seat difficult to move and potentially causing damage to the motor or other parts of the mechanism.

There is therefore a need for a toilet seat assembly which would provide battery powered motorized lifting and/or lowering of a toilet seat with long battery life in a sufficiently compact form factor to allow installation on a standard toilet

bowl, and which would facilitate manual raising and lowering of the seat in case of malfunction or power failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a toilet seat assembly.

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a toilet seat assembly comprising: (a) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; (b) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; (c) a deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal when the seat is in the lowered position to lift the seat to the raised position; (d) a lid hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered; (e) a first spring arrangement associated with the base and the seat and deployed to at least partially cancel a turning moment acting on the seat due to gravity when the seat is in the lowered position; and (f) a second spring arrangement associated with the base and the lid and deployed to at least partially cancel a turning moment acting on the lid due to gravity when the lid is in the closed position. According to a further teaching of the present invention, the first spring arrangement is implemented as a pair of spring assemblies deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on the seat.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the second spring arrangement is implemented as a pair of spring assemblies deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on the lid.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the first spring arrangement includes at least one spring assembly having: a housing formed by a first element attached to or integrally formed with the base and a second element attached to or integrally formed with the seat, the housing defining an annular channel; and at least one helical spring confined within the annular channel.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the first spring assembly includes two of the helical springs confined within the annular channel.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism includes a clutch arrangement assuming a first state in which the motor is engaged for lifting the seat and a second state in which the seat can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of the motor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the clutch is manually deployable between the first and second states.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism includes a clutch arrangement assuming a first state in which the motor is normally disengaged such that the seat can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of the motor and a second state in which the motor is engaged for lifting the seat.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the clutch arrangement includes an electronic solenoid configured to automatically vary the clutch arrangement between the first and second states.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism includes a friction-disk clutch arrangement having a first plurality of friction disks associated with the motor and a second plurality of disks associated with the seat and friction force between the first plurality of disks and the second plurality of disks is such that rotational force is transferred from the motor to the seat, and the friction force between the first plurality of disks and the second plurality of disks is overpowered by manual lifting and lowering of the seat such that the seat is lifted and lowered manually without rotation of the motor According to a further teaching of the present invention, the lid includes a housing containing at least one component of a power supply, the at least one component being connected so as to provide electrical power to the motor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism is connected to the at least one component via a plurality of flexible wires.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism is connected to the at least one component via a rotatable contact arrangement.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at least one component is at least one battery.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the housing includes a slidingly removable battery tray configured to allow removal and insertion of the battery tray into the housing while the Hd is in the closed position.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the base includes at least one component of a power supply, the at least one component being connected so as to provide electrical power to the motor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at least one component is at least one battery.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the base includes a slidingly removable battery tray configured to allow removal and insertion of the battery tray into the base.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, there is also provided an overload circuit associated with the deployment mechanism the overload circuit configured to terminate operation of the deployment mechanism in case of malfunction.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, there is also provided an illumination system.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the illumination system includes at least one LED light source and at least one prism element configured to spread and direct the light emitted by the LED.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the base includes an odor filtering system.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the odor filtering system includes: a) an inlet configured in a front region of the base so as to draw air from within the toilet bowl; b) an outlet configured in a back region of the base; c) a

tunnel connecting the inlet to the outlet; d) an air movement device deployed within the tunnel; and e) an odor filter deployed in the tunnel.

There is also provided, according to the teachings of the present invention, a toilet seat assembly comprising: (a) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; (b) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; (c) a deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal when the seat is in the lowered position to lift the seat to the raised position; and (d) a lid hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered, wherein the deployment mechanism includes a clutch arrangement assuming a first state in which the motor is engaged for lifting the seat and a second state in which the seat can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of the motor. According to a further teaching of the present invention, the clutch is manually deployable between the first and second states.

There is also provided, according to the teachings of the present invention, a toilet seat assembly comprising: (a) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; (b) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; (c) a deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal when the seat is in the lowered position to lift the seat to the raised position; and (d) a Hd hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered, wherein the lid includes a housing containing at least one component of a power supply, the at least one component being connected so as to provide electrical power to the motor.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism is connected to the at least one component via a plurality of flexible wires.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the deployment mechanism is connected to the at least one component via a rotatable contact arrangement.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at least one component is at least one battery.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the housing includes a slidingly removable battery tray configured to allow removal and insertion of the battery tray into the housing while the lid is in the closed position.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a toilet seat assembly comprising: a) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; b) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; c) a deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal when the seat is in the lowered position to lift the seat to the raised position; and d) a lid hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered; wherein the deployment mechanism includes a clutch arrangement assuming a first state in which the motor is normally disengaged in which the seat can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of the motor and a second state in which the motor is engaged for lifting the seat.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, there is also provided a solenoid responsive to the command signal so as to actuate engagement of the clutch arrangement. There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a toilet system comprising: a) a user control; b) a toilet seat assembly having: i) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; ii) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; iii) a deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal from the user control so as to active the deployment mechanism for deployment of the seat

between the lowered position and a raised position; iv) a lid hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered; v) an automatic air freshener system responsive to a command signal from the user control so as to activate the air freshener system.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the activation of the air freshener system coincides with the activation of the deployment mechanism.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, a user control configured to activate both said toilet seat assembly and said automatic air freshener system is mounted in a housing that contains said automatic air freshener system.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a toilet seat assembly comprising: a) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; b) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; c) a deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal when the seat is in the lowered position to lift the seat to the raised position; and d) a lid hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered, wherein the deployment mechanism includes a friction-disk clutch arrangement having a first plurality of friction disks associated with the motor and a second plurality of disks associated with the seat and friction force between the first plurality of disks and the second plurality of disks is such that rotational force is transferred from the motor to the seat, and the friction force between the first plurality of disks and the second plurality of disks is overpowered by manual lifting and lowering of the seat such that the seat is lifted and lowered manually without rotation of the motor.

There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a toilet seat assembly for use on a toilet bowl, the toilet seat assembly comprising: a) a base for attachment to a toilet bowl; b) a seat hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable between a lowered position for sitting on and a raised position; c) a

deployment mechanism including a motor and mechanically associated with the base and the seat, the deployment mechanism being responsive to a command signal when the seat is in the lowered position to lift the seat to the raised position; and d) a lid hingedly associated with the base so as to be deployable when the seat is in the lowered position between a closed position in which the lid lies upon the seat and an open position in which the seat is uncovered; wherein the base includes an odor filtering system.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, the odor filtering system includes: a) an inlet configured in a front region of the base so as to draw air from within the toilet bowl; b) an outlet configured in a back region of the base; c) a tunnel passing through said base connecting the inlet to the outlet; d) an air movement device deployed within the tunnel; and e) an odor filter deployed in the tunnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. IA and IB are isometric views of a toilet bowl fitted with a first preferred embodiment of a toilet seat assembly, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, shown with the seat in its lowered and raised positions, respectively, the lid being raised in both;

FIG. 2 A is a view of the toilet seat assembly of Figure IA with a front cover removed, and with a partial disassembly of components along an axis of the assembly; FIG. 2B is an enlargement of the encircled region of Figure 2A;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a spring assembly from the toilet seat assembly of Figure IA;

FIG. 3B is a cut-away isometric view of the spring assembly of Figure 3 A; FIG. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view taken through a region of the toilet seat assembly showing hinged attachment of the seat and lid to the base via independent spring assemblies;

FIG. 5A is a front view of a deployment mechanism of the toilet seat assembly of Figure IA with a first clutch arrangement in its engaged state;

FIG. 5B is an axial cross-sectional view of the encircled region of Figure 5 A; FIG. 5C is a view similar to Figure 5A showing the first clutch arrangement in its disengaged state;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a center-line of the toilet seat assembly of Figure IA, showing a battery housing located in the lid;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are isometric views of the toilet seat assembly of Figure IA, showing a battery housing in its inserted and removed states, respectively; FIG. 8 is a cut-away isometric view taken through the toilet seat assembly of

Figure IA and showing an electrical connection between the battery housing and the deployment mechanism;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of a second preferred embodiment of a toilet seat assembly, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, shown with the seat in its lowered and raised positions, respectively, the lid being raised in both;

FIG. 1 IA is an exploded isometric view of the toilet seat of FIG. 9 showing the deployment of the spring assemblies on the right side of the assembly;

FIG. 1 IB is a detail of FIG. 1 IA; FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the toilet seat of FIG. 9 illustrating the battery compartment in an open state;

FIG. 13 A is a cross-sectional view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9 taken along line 13 A of FIG. 13 C, illustrating a second clutch mechanism in the normally disengaged state; FIG 13B is a detail of FIG. 13 A;

FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9 taken along line 13C of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9 taken along line 14A of FIG. 14C, illustrating the second clutch mechanism in the engaged state;

FIG 14B is a detail of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9 taken along line 14C of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional front view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9; FIG. 16B is a detail of FIG 16A illustrating the seals that isolate at least a portion of the interior volume of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional side view of the toilet seat of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17B is a detail of FIG 17A illustrating the toilet seat lid position sensor;

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional side view of the base of the toilet seat of FIG. 9; FIG. 18B is a detail of FIG 18A illustrating the optional toilet lighting arrangement that may be associated with either of the embodiments of FIG. IA and FIG. 9;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the toilet seat of the present invention illustrating the deployment of a remote battery pack associated with the toilet seat; FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the toilet seat of the present invention illustrating the deployment of a remote power transformer associated with the toilet seat;

FIG. 21 is a cut-away isometric view of an automatic air freshener assembly that can be deployed as part of a system in association with a toilet seat of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional front view of a base of the toilet seat of the present invention illustrating a third clutch arrangement constructed and operational according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 23-26 are details of individual elements of the embodiment of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base of the toilet seat of the present invention illustrating an odor filtering system constructed and operational according to the teachings of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a toilet, seat assembly including a motorized deployment mechanism.

The principles and operation of a toilet seat assembly according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1A-8 relate to a first preferred embodiment of a toilet seat assembly, generally designated 10, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for attachment to a toilet bowl 100. Figures 9-16B relate to a second preferred embodiment of a toilet seat assembly, generally designated 200, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. Figures 17A-21 relate to optional features that may be used to benefit substantially any embodiment of the toilet seat of the present invention. By way of introduction, it should be noted that the present invention provides a highly advantageous toilet seat assembly which combines a number of features each of which is believed to be of patentable significance in its own right, and which together offer particular synergy, as will become clear. Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the toilet seat assembly includes a plurality of spring arrangements deployed so as to independently counterbalance the seat and lid, thereby minimizing the load on the motor even when lifting both the seat and the lid together. The springs also reduce the effect of gravity on the seat and lid as they are lowered, thereby reducing the force in case of accidental free falling of the seat or lid. This acts to slow closing of the mechanism that prevents harsh slamming of the seat and lid. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the toilet seat assembly includes a first clutch mechanism configured for selectively allowing manual lifting and lowering of the seat without rotation of the motor. Finally, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the first preferred embodiment toilet seat assembly 10 is powered by at least one battery located in a housing in the lid of the assembly, thereby reducing the dimensions of the deployment mechanism

associated with the seat. These and other aspects of the invention will be further understood with reference to the detailed description of the drawings as follows.

Turning now to a first preferred embodiment of the toilet seat of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 1A-8, in general terms, toilet seat assembly 10 includes a base 12 for attachment to toilet bowl 100, and a seat 14 hingedly associated with base 12 so as to be deployable between a lowered position (Figure IA) for sitting on and a raised position (Figure IB). A deployment mechanism, the components of which are best seen in Figures 2A, 2B, 5A and 5B, includes a motor 16. The deployment mechanism is mechanically associated with base 12 and seat 14, and is responsive to a command signal, such as from a user control 18, when seat 14 is in the lowered position to lift seat 14 to the raised position. Preferably, the deployment mechanism is also configured to lower seat 14 from its raised position to its lowered position. The lowering action may be initiated by repetition of the same command signal used to initiate raising of the seat, or by a different command signal. Various options for implementing user control 18 will be discussed below. It will be appreciated that in this and all embodiments of the toilet seat of the present invention, an electronic overload circuit may be associated with motor 16 so as to terminate operational movement of the seat should an obstacle block the path of the seat or lid or substantially any other malfunction should occur. In a most preferred implementation, once operational movement of the seat mechanism has stopped, operational movement will be activated in the opposite direction so as to release any object that may have been trapped.

A Hd 20 is hingedly associated with base 12 so as to be deployable, when seat 14 is in its lowered position, between a closed position (Figure 7A) in which lid 20 lies upon seat 14 and an open position (Figure IA) in which seat 14 is uncovered.

As mentioned above, according to a particularly preferred feature of certain implementations of the present invention, toilet seat assembly 10 includes a plurality of spring arrangements deployed to as to independently counterbalance seat 14 and lid 20, thereby minimizing the load on motor 16 even when lifting both the seat and the lid together. Thus, in the example illustrated here, toilet seat assembly 10 includes a first spring arrangement 22α, 22b associated with base 12 and seat 14 and

deployed to at least partially cancel a turning moment acting on seat 14 due to gravity when the seat is in the lowered position, and a second spring arrangement 24α, 24b associated with base 12 and lid 20 and deployed to at least partially cancel a turning moment acting on the lid due to gravity when the lid is in the closed position. Most preferably, the first spring arrangement is implemented as a pair of spring assemblies 22α, 22b deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on seat 14. Similarly, the second spring arrangement is most preferably implemented as a pair of spring assemblies 24α, 24b deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on lid 20. This symmetry minimizes stress in the seat and the lid, thereby improving the reliability of the assembly and avoiding deformation of the mechanical structure. Typically, all of spring assemblies 22α, 22b, 24a, 24b are implemented as similar assemblies, and most preferably, as modular closed units which are inserted when the toilet seat assembly is assembled. A preferred implementation for the spring assemblies will now be described by way of example with reference to spring assembly 24b as detailed in Figures 2B, 3B and 4. As shown here, spring assembly 24b has a housing formed by a first element 26, attached to or integrally formed with base 12, and a second element 28, attached to or integrally formed with lid 20. Clearly, in the case of spring assemblies 22α and 22b, second element 28 is attached to or integrally formed with seat 14. The housing formed by elements 26 and 28 defines an annular channel within which is confined at least one, and preferably two, helical springs 30 (Figures 3B and 4). Each element 26 and 28 has at least one end stop 32 projecting into the annular channel so as to provide an end stop of one of springs 30. As a result, relative rotation of elements 26 and 28 compresses springs 30 between stops 32, thereby generating a rotational moment which tries to return the elements to their original relative positions. Where two (or more) springs are used, they preferably deployed symmetrically about the axis of rotation, thereby avoiding uneven friction and wear.

For ease of assembly, each spring assembly is preferably a modular unit formed separately from the base, seat and lid, and mechanically linked to the respective element during assembly. The non-limiting preferred implementation

shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 4 employs an externally-toothed cylindrical plug 34 to engage internally-toothed surfaces of both first element 26 and base 12. An outward- facing surface of second element 28 is also externally toothed for engagement with a corresponding inwardly-toothed socket formed in lid 20 or seat 14. Turning now to a second particularly preferred feature of certain implementations of the present invention, the deployment mechanism preferably includes a clutch arrangement assuming a first state in which motor 16 is engaged for lifting seat 14 and a second state in which seat 14 can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of motor 16. The components of a preferred implementation of this clutch mechanism may be seen most clearly in Figures 2A and 5A-5C.

Specifically, the clutch assembly shown includes a displaceable key-block 36, in this case implemented as an elongated square block, deployed so as to engage, but slide axially within, a complementarily-shaped (in this case square) opening in a drive bracket 38 integrally formed with, or rigidly attached to, seat 14. Key-block 36 is displaceable axially by connection to a rod 40 manually manipulated by pulling or pushing an externally accessible knob 42. When knob 42 is pushed inwards, rod 40 displaces key-block 36 so as to engage a toothed socket 44 formed as part of key- block 36 with an output toothed drive wheel 46 of motor 16, as best seen in Figure 5B. This is the normal operating state of toilet seat assembly 10. In the event that the batteries are flat, knob 42 is pulled axially outwards to the position shown in Figure 5C, thereby drawing key-block 36 to the right as shown in the figure and disengaging toothed socket 44 from drive wheel 46. In this state, seat 14 can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of motor 16. According to the preferred option shown here, it will be noted that the aforementioned spring assemblies 22α, 22b, 24a, 24b are still operative when the clutch assembly is in its disconnected state, rendering the seat and cover very light to displace manually.

Turning now to a third particularly preferred feature of certain implementations of the present invention, this relates to the deployment of a battery housing. In order to maximize time between battery changes, it is preferable to employ a set of large batteries, such as, for example, a set of 4 "D" cells. These batteries occupy a considerable volume, and would render the rear part of the seat

undesirably bulky if incorporated directly into the main housing. Instead, the current aspect of the present invention provides a particularly advantageous solution by incorporating a housing 50 (Figure 7B) containing at least one component of a power supply, in this case, a set of batteries 52, into lid 20. Most preferably, housing 50 is configured to be externally accessible while lid 20 is closed, and is most preferably implemented as a removable drawer or tray, allowing the entire drawer to be removed with the batteries and taken to a location remote from the toilet for battery removal and replacement. The drawer with new, or newly recharged, batteries 52 is then replaced into lid 20. Although described here in the context of a particularly preferred battery- powered implementation, it should be noted that this feature of the invention is also of value in an externally (mains) powered implementation, where housing 50 is used to house at least one component of the power supply. Typically in such a case, housing 50 is used to house a transformer and/or rectifying circuitry configured to render the AC mains supply suitable for powering motor 16.

Electrical connection between housing 50 and the deployment mechanism can be achieved easily by use of a plurality of flexible wires 54, as best seen in Figure 8. Alternatively, a rotatable contact arrangement (not shown) may be used, as will be clear to one ordinarily skilled in the art. Turning now to the remaining features of the first preferred implementation illustrated here, user control 18 may be implemented in various ways. In a basic implementation, user control 18 may be implemented as a button mounted on the housing of toilet seat assembly 10. Preferably, user control 18 is mounted remotely from the toilet, typically on a wall adjacent to the toilet. This is generally considered more sanitary. In a most preferred option, user control 18 is implemented as a non- contact sensor, such as an optical (infrared) proximity or motion sensor configured to be operated by motion of the user (e.g., passing his or her hand) near the sensor.

In order to facilitate unskilled installation of toilet seat assembly 10, user control 18 is preferably battery operated, and is preferably linked to the main part of toilet seat assembly 10 by a wireless communications or signaling link. This link may be implemented using any technology known for short range wireless signaling,

including but not limited to, RF, microwave, infrared or ultrasound signaling. It will be noted that the communication is typically only one-directional, and typically only an actuation signal, so that the signaling system used does not need to carry any data and can be implemented using particularly simple and low-cost hardware. The hardware required for such implementations is readily available in numerous commercially available products, for example, in a wireless doorbell.

The entirety of toilet seat assembly 10 preferably operates under the control of an electronics subsystem, typically implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) 56 mounted on base 12 (see Figures 2 A and 2B). PCB 56 performs all of the functions necessary for toilet seat assembly 10 to provide the functionality described herein, as will be clear to one ordinarily skilled in the art. In one typical implementation, these functions include: receiving and identifying signals from user control 18, actuating motor 16 to raise or lower seat 14, sensing of reaching a fully raised or fully lowered position, deactivating motor 16, and reversing drive direction between operations. Sensing of reaching a fully raised or lowered position can be achieved in various ways. By way of non-limiting examples, a first approach is by sensing the load on motor 16, for example, by monitoring current through the motor. An alternative implementation employs microswitches (not shown) deployed to sense mechanically when the seat has reached its extreme positions. Clearly, other sensors such as optical sensors, angular encoders or the like could also be used. For basic functionality as described, PCB 56 may readily be implemented using relatively simple electronic components without requiring a microprocessor. In alternative implementations, a microprocessor-based electronics subsystem may be used to provide additional functionality, such as for example self-testing and malfunction detection. A simple microprocessor may also be useful in determining coding of a wireless actuation signal (i.e., to prevent unintended actuation by other domestic remote systems with a similar frequency), to provide power-saving "sleep" modes, and for signaling batteries status.

In wireless implementations, PCB 56 preferably also includes the receiver- side of the remote control communications subsystem.

Finally, it will be noted that the components of the actuation mechanism of toilet seat assembly 10 should be protected as much as possible from moisture and other environmental hazards of the intended operating environment. To this end, seat 14 is preferably formed with a rear shield 14« which extends over the electronic components of the assembly as seen in Figures IA, 6 and 8. In the preferred implementation shown here, rear shield 14α also includes downward-projecting ribs 14ft (Figures 6 and 8) which engage corresponding slots in drive bracket 38 to provide the mechanical engagement required for lifting the seat, as described above. The use of multiple ribs allows the use of plastic materials, thus providing suitable distribution of the weight and force so as to avoid deformation of the structure.

Similarly, in order to protect the assembly when seat 14 is in its raised position, base 12 preferably features a front cover 12a which substantially encloses and protects the actuation mechanism (Figure IB). In the implementation shown here, front cover 12α has a cut-out slot to accommodate the moving point of attachment of drive bracket 38 to seat 14 as the seat is raised and lowered. The implementation of drive bracket 38 with a cylindrical outer surface as shown allows drive bracket 38 and front cover 12α to mate with minimal clearance, or even with some degree of overlap, to maximize protection for the actuation mechanism.

Turning now to a second preferred embodiment of the toilet seat of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 9-16B, in general terms, toilet seat assembly 200 includes a base 212 for attachment to toilet bowl, and a seat 214 hingedly associated with base 212 so as to be deployable between a lowered position (Figure 9) for sitting on and a raised position (Figure 10). A deployment mechanism, the components of which are best seen in Figures 13 A, 14A and 16 A, includes a motor 216. As described above with regard to the first preferred embodiment, the deployment mechanism is mechanically associated with base 212 and seat 214, and is responsive to a command signal, such as from a user control 218, when seat 214 is in the lowered position to lift seat 214 to the raised position. Preferably, the deployment mechanism is also configured to lower seat 214 from its raised position to its lowered position. The lowering action may be initiated by repetition of the same command signal used to initiate raising of the seat, or by a different command

signal. Various options for implementing user control 218 are the same as those discussed above with regard to user control 18.

A lid 220 is hingedly associated with base 212 so as to be deployable, when seat 214 is in its lowered position, between a closed position (Figure 17A) in which lid 220 lies upon seat 214 and an open position (Figure 9) in which seat 214 is uncovered.

As mentioned above, according to a particularly preferred feature of certain implementations of the present invention, toilet seat assembly 200 includes a plurality of spring arrangements deployed to as to independently counterbalance seat 214 and lid 220, thereby minimizing the load on motor 216 even when lifting both the seat and the lid together. Thus, in the example illustrated here, toilet seat assembly 200 includes a first spring arrangement 222α, 222b associated with base 212 and seat 214 and deployed to at least partially cancel a turning moment acting on seat 214 due to gravity when the seat is in the lowered position, and a second spring arrangement 224α, 224b associated with base 212 and lid 220 and deployed to at least partially cancel a turning moment acting on the lid due to gravity when the lid is in the closed position.

As illustrated here, the first spring arrangement is implemented as a pair of spring assemblies 224α and 224b each deployed at opposite sides of base 212. Each of the spring assemblies 224α and 224b is configured as a complementary pair of flat-coiled springs 324 and 424 seen best in Figure l ib. Spring 324 is configured with connection tabs at each end. Connection tab 324α is configured for interconnection to retainer element 364 via slot 364α, while connection tab 324Z> is configured for interconnection to lid 220 via connection arrangement 370α. Complementary spring 424 is also configured with connection tabs at each end. Connection tab 424« is configured for interconnection to retainer element 364 via slot 364b, while connection tab 424b is configured for interconnection to lid 220 via connection arrangement 3706 (not shown). Toothed shaft 360 passes through the toothed passage of retainer element 364 and ultimately engages base 212 via toothed bore 366 so as to provide static linkage of the spring assembly 224α to base 212 and rotational connection to lid 220. It will be understood that spring assembly 224b is

deployed at the opposite side of base 212 in a similar arrangement. Spring assemblies 224α, 224b are deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on lid 220.

Similarly, the second spring arrangement illustrated in relation to this second preferred embodiment is implemented as a pair of spring assemblies 222α, 222b deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on lid 220. This symmetry minimizes stress in the seat and the lid, thereby improving the reliability of the assembly and avoiding deformation of the mechanical structure. As illustrated here, the second spring arrangement is implemented as a pair of spring assemblies 222α and 222b each deployed at opposite sides of base 212. Each of the spring assemblies 222α and 222b is also configured as a complementary pair of fiat- coiled springs 322 and 422 seen best in Figure l ib. Spring 322 is configured with connection tabs at each end. Connection tab 322α is configured for interconnection to retainer element 362 via slot 362«, while connection tab 322b is configured for interconnection to seat 214 via a connection arrangement not shown that is similar to connection arrangement 370α. Complementary spring 422 is also configured with connection tabs at each end. Connection tab 422α is configured for interconnection to retainer element 362 via slot 362b, while connection tab 422Z> is configured for interconnection to seat 214 via a connection arrangement not shown. Toothed shaft 360 also passes through the toothed passage of retainer element 362 and ultimately engages base 212 via toothed bore 366 so as to provide static linkage of the spring assembly 222α to base 212 and rotational connection to seat 214. It will be understood that spring assembly 222b is deployed at the opposite side of base 212 in a similar arrangement. Spring assemblies 222«, 222b are deployed to provide turning moments acting substantially symmetrically on seat 214.

Turning now to a second particularly preferred feature of certain implementations of the present invention, the deployment mechanism includes a second clutch mechanism configured as a normally disengaged clutch arrangement assuming a first state in which motor 16 is disengaged in which seat 14 can be lifted and lowered manually without rotation of motor 16 and a second state in which the motor is engaged for lifting seat 14. The components of a preferred implementation

of this normally disengaged clutch mechanism may be seen most clearly in Figures 13A-14C.

Specifically, the clutch assembly illustrated includes a clutch shaft 500, which is mechanically linked to motor 216, and a clutch engagement tube 502 that encases clutch shaft 500 and is mechanically linked to the seat 214 (see Figure 12). The clutch mechanism includes clutch arms 504, and engagement ball 506 that are biased to the normally disengaged position illustrated in Figures 13A- 13 C. Engagement of the clutch mechanism so as to lift seat 214 is achieved when engagement ball 506 is laterally displaced thereby displacing the clutch arms 504 radially outward so as to engage clutch engagement tube 502. It will be appreciated that ball bearings 508 are deployed so as to reduce friction between engagement ball 506 and the clutch arms 504. Stop cushion 510 provides a cushioned end-point stop element for engagement ball 506. Preferably, displacement of engagement ball 506 is provided by electronic solenoid 520 that is electronically linked to user control 218 in such a way that the clutch mechanism is automatically displaced to the engaged position when it is necessary to raise or lower the seat 214. Thusly configured, in case of failure of the powered system for substantially any reason, such as flat batteries for example, the seat may be raised or lowered by the user without having to operate any bypass mechanism, as is the case in the first preferred embodiment discussed above. Due to the proximity of liquids to base 212 both during use and cleaning, sealing rings 530, 532 and 534 are provided to isolate those regions of the interior volume of base 212 in which the motor 216, solenoid 520 and other electronic components are deployed. Specifically, as illustrated here, ring seal 530 is deployed between the base 212 and the clutch engagement tube 502, ring seal 532 is deployed between the clutch engagement tube 502 and the clutch shaft 500, and ring seal 534 is deployed between the clutch shaft 500 and the base 212.

According to the preferred option shown here, it will be noted that the aforementioned spring assemblies 222α, 222b, 224a, 224b are still operative when the clutch assembly is in its disengaged state, rendering the seat and cover very light to displace manually.

Turning now to power supply to the electrical components of this second preferred embodiment, preferably, power is supplied by batteries deployed in battery compartment 550 illustrated in an open position in Figures 10 and 12, and in a closed position in Figure 15. Alternatively, power may be supplied by either a remote battery pack 560 as illustrated in Figure 19, or by power form the mains power network via a transformer 570 as illustrated in Figure 20.

Turning now to optional features that may used to benefit substantially any embodiment of the toilet seat of the present invention, Figures 17A and 17B illustrated a lid position sensor system. Preferably, the lid position sensor system is configured as a magnetic sensor element 580, preferably deployed in base 212, and an associated magnet 582 preferably deployed in the lid 220. As illustrated here, presents of magnet 582 indicates that lid 220 is in a closed position, and absence on magnet 582 indicates that lid 220 is in an open position.

With regard to the determination of the end points at which to terminate rotation of either the lid 220 or the seat 214 during either a raising operation or a lowering operation, end positions may be determined by micro-switches. Alternatively, monitoring the current load wherein, for example, an increase in electrically current to the motor is interpreted as indicating attainment of an end point and therefore power is turned off, may be implemented. Figures 18A and 18B illustrate a toilet bowl lighting arrangement wherein at least one LED 600 projects light into prism 602 which in turn projects light into the toilet bowl. In a preferred embodiment, the light is turned on and off in conjunction with activation of the toilet seat such that the light is on during toilet use, especially when the seat is in the raised position, and off when the toilet is not in use. Figure 21 illustrates an automatic air freshener system 700 that is well suited for association with the toilet seat assembly of the present invention especially when associated with a wireless user sensor 718 (as described above) such that activation of the toilet seat either to raise or lower the seat will also activate the air freshener system 700. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated here, the user sensor is mounted in the housing 702 of the air freshener system 700. However, this is not intended as a limitation and having the user sensor mounted at a location spaced apart from the air

freshener system housing while maintaining activation communication between them is within the scope of the present invention. Although automatic air fresheners are known in the art, we will describe the embodiment illustrated here. Enclosed in the housing 702 are batteries 704 which may supply power to operate both the air freshener system and the user control sensor 718 associated with the toilet seat (not shown). In operation, fan 706 moves air across wick 708, which draws aromatic liquid from dispenser 710. The aromatic air is then exits the housing 702 through vent 712.

Figures 22-26 illustrate a third clutch mechanism, this one configured as a friction-disk clutch arrangement, generally referred to as 800, having a first group of friction disks 802 (see Figure 26) associated with the motor by way of the seat driveshaft 806 (see Figure 24) and a second group of disks 804 (see Figure 25) associated with the seat by way of drive bracket 808.

The friction disks 802 and 804 are deployed on driveshaft 806 in an alternating arrangement. Friction disks 802 in the first group of disks, which are associated with the drive motor, are preferably constructed form metal and are configured with a center hole 820 configured to engage the disk engagement region 822 of the driveshaft 806. Friction disks 804 in the second group, which are associated with the seat, are preferably constructed form plastic and are configured with a center hole 824 that deploys over the disk engagement region 822 of the driveshaft 806 but does not engage the driveshaft 806. The engagement tabs 830 configured on the peripheral edge of friction disks 804 engage the seat drive bracket 808 by way of engagement grooves 832. It will be understood that the friction disks may be constructed from substantially any suitable material such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, metal alloys, ceramic, reinforced polymers and carbon/graphite composites.

Thusly configured, rotation of driveshaft 806 directly rotates the first group of disks 802. Friction between disks 802 in the first group and disks 804 in the second group transfers the rotation force of the motor from the disks 802 of the first group to the disks 804 of the second group. Rotation of disks 804 in the second group directly

rotates the seat drive bracket 808, which lifts or lowers the seat depending on the direction of rotation.

It should be noted that the frictional force between disks 802 in the first group and disks 804 in the second group may be adjusted by turning the pressure adjustment knob 810, which is theadingly deployed on driveshaft 806. Therefore, adjusting the position of the pressure adjustment nut 810 on driveshaft 806 adjusts the pressure that spring 812 applies to pressure sleeve 814 (see Figure 27), which applies pressure to the friction disks.

It will be appreciated that the friction force between the first group of disks 802 and the second group of disks 804 may be overpowered by manual lifting and lowering of the seat. Therefore, the seat is lifted and lowered manually without damage to the motor or the seat lifting mechanism. Additional, this feature acts as a safety features as well, in that, should the seat become obstructed during a raising or lowering operation, such as by engaging a body part of a user, the motor may continue to rotate while the seat remains obstructed without damage to the mechanism or the body part.

Figure 27 illustrates an odor filtering system 900 that may optionally be configured in the main body 950 of the toilet seat of the present invention. As seen here, the system consists of an air tunnel 902 passing through said base and having an air inlet 904 located at the front of the toilet seat main body 950, and an outlet 906 configured at the rear end of the toilet seat main body 950.

Preferably, operation of the odor filtering system 900 is automatic, and powered by the batteries already located at the main body 950. Optimally, the odor filtering system 900 is activated when pressure is applied to the toilet seat. Deployed within tunnel 902, is an air movement device 908 such as, but not limited to, a fan, which draws air from the inside toilet and creates an air flow through the tunnel 902 so as to pass through a high quality activated carbon filter 910, which eliminates the odors, before the air exits the tunnel through outlet 906 that is located at the rear of the main body 950.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.