Toilet
US5974595A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47K13/10
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A device for automatically closing an open toilet seat after an adjustable low-speed phase to permit the user to finish using the toilet. The seat then closes at a speed which is adjustable by the user separately from the initial low speed. A biasing member is used to urge the open seat toward the closed position. A pneumatic or hydraulic dampener is mechanically linked to the seat and slows the seat's descent. As the seat rotates toward the closed position it causes a reciprocating member to move inside the dampener. As the reciprocating member moves it forces a dampening fluid to flow from the main chamber of the dampener, through one or both of two openings, to a low pressure area within the dampener. During the low-speed phase, the reciprocating member blocks and prevents the flow of the dampening fluid through one of the openings. This heavily restricted flow allows the seat to move very slowly at first. After the reciprocating member passes and uncovers the second opening, the dampening fluid flows more easily. This permits the seat to travel at a faster speed until it comes to rest on the bowl. The dampener includes valves to vary the size of the two openings to the low pres…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.