Hygienic Thin Profile Toilet Seat Cover, Including Storage Pouch And Kit

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable and washable sanitary toilet seat protector for providing assurance of hygienic protection during use of commode toilet seats. In particular, the seat protector is formed with a primarily elliptical opening framed by a top surface and a non-slip textured undersurface. The undersurface thereby facilitates a friction-enhanced contact with the top surface of the toilet seat. The seat protector provides a collapsible feature enabling the seat protector to be compressed into a smaller size for storage in a compatible pouch, said pouch also featuring a cord with connectors compatible with fasteners within the pouch interior and with fasteners on the side tabs on the seat protector. The seat protector is preferably made of biodegradable material such as plastic, recycled paper, or the like, and further, may be pre-sanitized.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

[0003] The present inventive concept is related to the field of sanitary toilet seat covers of the kind that, when placed atop a toilet seat prior to use, effectively provides a barrier separating a user's skin from any contact with the toilet seat.

(2) Description of the Related Art, including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 8,677.518 Spievey, et al;. Mar. 25, 2014--The reusable, portable toilet seat has a planform congruent with a conventional toilet seat and includes a base of corrugated sheet material with a sheet of air-filled plastic wrap thereover and a layer of non-woven batting overlying the air-filled material. The core materials are covered on their upper and lower surfaces with thin plies of flexible, liquid impervious plastic. The cover sheets are heat sealed to one another along their inner and outer edges to prevent contamination and deterioration of the internal structure. At least one ply of cover material extends outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the core materials to drape over the toilet seat and rim of the bowl when the portable seat is secured to an existing toilet seat by suction cups extending from the base material. The portable toilet seat is washable for convenience, and may be folded for compact storage within a provided storage bag.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,656; Kakutani, M.; Nov. 23, 1999: Disclosed is a toilet seat cover for a toilet seat including a sheet made of unwoven fabric having a shape corresponding to a shape of an upper surface of the toilet seat, and a mount layer including synthetic resin emulsion and applied to one surface of the sheet. Upon placing and pressing slightly the toilet seat cover against the toilet seat, air in pores formed in the mount layer is discharged, thereby reducing pressure in the pores. Accordingly, the toilet seat cover can be easily attached to the toilet seat due to the vacuum suction force. Further, the toilet seat cover can be easily detached from the toilet seat by peeling the mount layer therefrom, leaving nothing on the toilet seat. The sheet has a laminated structure including a fabric layer, a porous buffer layer which provides comfortable seating and good heat insulation effect, and a permeation inhibitor layer for inhibiting material of the mount layer from permeating the porous buffer layer.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,8691 Massey. Jr.; Aug. 17, 2010 A protective toilet seat cover, particularly, but not by way of limitation, provides sanitary protection having a portion to overhang a side of a toilet and a forward bowl flap to hang down along the forward inside portion of a toilet bowl. A toilet seat cover made of a paper material is oversized to cover a toilet seat. Adhesive material may also be placed on the bottom of the toilet seat cover to prevent slipping on a toilet seat. A rear flap folds to contact a portion of the upper surface of the seat cover thereby forming a pocket. An edge of the rear flap may be provided an adhesive. The pocket may contain toiletries, such as personal wipes. The toilet seat cover may be folded and packaged with a disinfectant wipe, providing a convenient kit package for carrying and use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is a general object of the present inventive concept to provide an improved portable and washable sanitary toilet seat cover which will provide substantial assurance of hygienic protection during use of commode 47 toilet seats 40. In particular, the inventive concept, a toilet seat cover referred to as a "seat protector 1," is fabricated with a primarily elliptical opening 16 framed within a relatively comfortable-feeling top surface 15 and a non-slip, textured undersurface 14. The undersurface 14 thereby facilitates a gripping, or friction-enhanced contact with the top surface of the toilet seat 40.

[0008] An additional feature of the inventive concept is that the seat protector 1 provides a collapsible feature enabling the seat protector 1 to be compressed, with two successive folds, into a relatively small size following use. In some embodiments, the seat protector 1 may be placed into a sealable pouch 5, thereby comprising a convenient kit 4 for users. The seat protector 1 is preferably made of biodegradable material such as plastic, recycled paper, or the like, and further, may be pre-sanitized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates the seat protector 1 along with the top surface 15, a centrally-located opening 16, and front edge 10 in view.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a frontal profile view of the seat protector 1, showing its front edge 10, including the undersurface 14.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of the bottom of the seat protector 1, illustrating the undersurface 14, opening 16, and the undersides of the two tabs 19, 20.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a see-through view of a pouch 5, further showing the top surface 15 of the folded and compressed seat protector 1 within the pouch 5, thereby forming a kit 4.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a view of a cord 22 which may be utilized to attach the seat protector 1 to either the left or right tab 19, 20, or further, to the interior of the left wall 8 and or the right wall 9 of the pouch 5.

[0014] FIG. 6 presents a partial view of a commode 47 having the toilet seat 40 in the normal horizontal position used for seating by a person.

TABLE-US-00001 Table of Nomenclature & Part Numbers of Invention 1. Seat protector 2. Cross-fold 3. Long-fold 4. Kit 5. Pouch 6. Left closure length 7. Right closure length 8. Left wall 9. Right wall 10. Front edge 11. Left edge 12. Right edge 13. Rear edge 14. undersurface 14(a) Undersurface, left side 14(b) Undersurface, right side 15. Top surface 16. Opening 17. Round 18. Flat 19. Right side tab 20. Left side tab 21. Seat connector 22. Cord 23. First connector 24. Second connector 25.-39. n/a 40. Toilet seat 41. Seat top 42. Seat rear 43. Seat front 44. Left wing 45. Right wing 46. Aperture 47. Commode 48. Arc

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling six figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

[0016] The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG 1, which illustrates an isometric view of the seat protector 1 with the top surface 15, an essentially elliptical, centrally-located opening 16, front edge 10, left edge 11, right edge 12, and rear edge 13 in view. A round 17 profile of the opening 16 is constructed so as to fit proximate the front arc 48 of a typical toilet seat 40, while the flat 18 segment of the opening 16 is designed so as to be placed toward the seat rear 42 of the toilet seat 40.

[0017] The top surface 15 and the undersurface 14 of the seat protector 1 may be fabricated from any one of several materials, thereby creating a variety of possible embodiments of the seat protector 1. The undersurface 14 of the seat protector 1, along with the top surface 15, is fabricated of a material that is preferably water-proof and essentially elastomeric and may, during or after fabrication, be sanitized by means of coating or impregnation with a hygienic or anti-bacterial substance.

[0018] The top surface 15 and undersurface 14 may be of dissimilar materials. It is imperative that the undersurface 14 comprise "non-slip" type material that exhibits friction-enhanced qualities when in contact with a typical toilet seat 40. Both the top surface 15 and undersurface 14 may be joined in an inseparable, or separable, manner. The combination of materials is extremely lightweight, easily foldable for storage, and readily resumes the original shape and, contour of the seat protector 1 when unfolded. When the top surface 15 and undersurface 14 are joined in the fabrication process, assuming each is of a different material or fabric, the combined thickness of the combination is maintained at less than one-quarter (1/4) inch. The same thin profile applies if the top surface 15 and undersurface 14 are formed from one uniform material.

[0019] FIG 1 further displays a right side tab 19 and a left side tab 20. Each side tab 19, 20 may be constructed, on its upper surface, with a seat connector 21. The seat connector 21 may be selected from the group consisting of snaps, compatible crimps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, clamps, dowels, and hook-and-felt mechanisms. However, these aforementioned types of seat connectors are in no way meant as a limitation, but purely for exemplary purposes. The seat connector 21 utilized in any particular embodiment will function in compatibly with a mated first connector 23 and a mated second connector 24, both connectors 23, 24 attached to the respective ends of the cord 22, as previously described, and as shown in FIG. 5, following.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a profile view of the seat protector 1, further showing the front edge 10, left edge 11, right edge 12, and top surface 15 of the seat protector 1. The gripping surface left side 14(a) and its right side 14(b) are also in view. The top surface 15 of the seat protector 1 of the inventive concept may be of any type of flexible or compressible material and, as stated, may also be treated with a hygienic or anti-bacterial compound. If fabricated in an inseparable manner, the abutting planes of the top surface 15 material and the undersurface 14 material are appropriately bonded together by means of adhesive, stitching, heat fusion, or other methods. The material from which the top surface 15 is composed may be of medical hygienic standard and may be transparent or opaque.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the seat protector 1, illustrating the undersurface 14 left-side 14(a) and right-side 14(b). The opening 16, along with its frontal round 17, and rear flat 18 segment, is also shown. The seat protector 1, after use, may be folded onto its undersurfaces 14(a), 14(b) along a cross-fold 3-3 line and also along a long-fold 2-2 line. In this manner, the seat protector 1 is reduced to a quarter of its unfolded size, enabling its storage within a closeable pouch 5, shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] The closeable pouch 5, as shown in FIG. 4, is a rendering, strictly for illustrative purposes and not as an indication of limit to the size or contour of the pouch 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the pouch 5 exhibits a rectangular shape, having a left wall 8, right wall 9, left closure length 6, and right closure length 7. The left closure length 6, and right closure length 7, respectively may be compatibly constructed of any of a variety of closure mechanisms, including zipper-type, parallel fitted interlocks, snaps, compatible crimps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, clamps, dowels, and hook-and-felt mechanisms, and the like. These closure mechanisms cited are by way of examples and not as limitations.

[0023] An embodiment of the seat protector 1 as, hygienic kit 4 may be arrived at by the seat protector 1 being conveniently stored within, or even attached to, the interior of either of the walls 8, 9, of the pouch 5. This may be accomplished by means of a cord 22 having at one end a first connector 23 and at its other end, a second connector 24. As required, the seat protector 1 may have a right side tab 19 and a left side tab 20, both side tabs 19, 20 permanently attached to the left and right sides, respectively, of the seat protector 1. In certain embodiments, either connector 23, 24 may then be permanently attached to either of the inner walls 8, 9 of the pouch 5, which will provide ease and convenience of use.

[0024] FIG. 5 presents a view of a cord 22 which may be utilized to attach the seat protector 1 to the interior of the pouch 5, as previously described. The first connector 23 and second connector 24, as stated earlier, may be used to join with compatible seat connectors 21 integral to the seat protector 1, and/or joined with fasteners on the interior walls 8, 9 of the pouch 5. FIG. 6 presents a partial view of a typical commode 47 having the toilet seat 40 in the normal horizontal seating position. FIG. 6 further illustrates the toilet seat top 41, seat rear 42, seat front 43, left wing 44, right wing 45, seat aperture 46, and seat frontal arc 48.

[0025] The kit 4 disclosed herein serves the purpose of providing a user with substantial assurance of hygienic protection during use of the toilet seat 40 of a commode 47. The kit 4 may be conveniently and discretely carried among, the personal belongings of a user. To initiate use of a kit 4, the user removes the seat protector 1 from its folded enclosure within the pouch 5. Next the seat protector 1 must be unfolded, probably along the lines of a cross-fold 2-2 and a long-fold 3-3.

[0026] With the toilet seat 40 in a horizontal position relative to the commode 47, a user then places the undersurface 14 of the seat cover 1 upon the toilet seat top 41. This is accomplished by approximately aligning the opening 16 of the seat protector 1 with the toilet seat 40 aperture 46. Further, the round 17 of the seat protector 1 will be located proximate the arc 48 of the toilet seat 40. The undersurface left side 14(a) will then be placed so as to lie atop the left wing 44 of the toilet seat top 41 and the undersurface right side 14(b) will be placed so as to lie atop the right wing 45 of the toilet seat top 41.

[0027] Essentially, the seat protector 1 is of a contour and size to cover at least 100.0% of the surface area of the toilet seat top 41. The undersurface 14, in some embodiments, may be textured in the manner of parallel ribbing, rough fabric, miniature suction cups, or irregular protrusions, so as to enhance its non-slip qualities.

[0028] While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A flexible, foldable seat protector composed of material for the purpose of covering substantially all the upper surface of a toilet seat top attached to a commode, the seat protector comprising a top surface, an undersurface, and an opening.

2. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 1, further comprising a right side tab, a left side tab, each tab integral to the left side and right side, respectively, of the seat protector, wherein each side tab is constructed, on its upper surface, with a seat connector, said seat connector selected from the group consisting of snaps, compatible crimps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, clamps, dowels, and hook-and-felt mechanisms.

3. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 1, further comprising a material that is water-proof, and sanitized by means of coating or impregnation with a hygienic substance.

4. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 1, further comprising a material that is waterproof, and sanitized by means of coating or impregnation with an anti-bacterial substance.

5. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 1, further comprising at least one material that is characterized by non-slip, friction-enhanced qualities when in contact with a typical toilet seat.

6. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 1, wherein the total thickness of the materials comprising both the top surface and the undersurface is one-quarter (1/4) inch or less.

7. A flexible, foldable seat protector for the purpose of covering substantially all the upper surface of a toilet seat top attached to a commode, the seat protector comprising (a) a top surface, (b) an undersurface, (c) a centrally-located opening, (d) a right side tab and (e) a left side tab, wherein each side tab is constructed with (f) a seat fastener, and (g) a cord having at least one connector compatible with the fasteners of the side tabs.

8. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 7, wherein the side tab fasteners further comprise on their upper surfaces, a seat connector, said seat connectors selected from the group consisting of snaps, compatible crimps, magnets, non-permanent adhesives, clamps, dowels, and hook-and-felt mechanisms.

9. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 7, further comprising a material that is waterproof, and sanitized by means of coating or impregnation with a hygienic substance.

10. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 7, further comprising a material that is waterproof, and sanitized by means of coating or impregnation with an anti-bacterial substance.

11. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 7, further comprising at least one material that is characterized by non-slip, friction-enhanced qualities when in contact with a typical toilet seat.

12. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in claim 7, wherein the total thickness of the materials comprising both the top surface and the undersurface is one-quarter (1/4) inch or less.

13. A flexible, foldable seat protector as in either of claim 1 or 7, further comprising an attachable, closeable storage pouch of size dimensions corresponding to the length and width dimensions of the seat protector when the seat protector is twice-folded symmetrically, said pouch further comprising a material that is water-proof and sanitized by means of coating or impregnation with an anti-bacterial substance.