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  Toilet seat lifting apparatusUSPTO Application #: 20060021122Title: Toilet seat lifting apparatus Abstract: A toilet seat lifter comprising brackets which are bolted to the base of the toilet and connected to a foot pedal lever system. The foot pedal is connected to one end of a lever, while the other end of the lever is connected to a lift bar member. When pressure is applied to the foot pedal, the lever pivots on a fulcrum to move the lift bar member upward. This movement elevates the lift bar member which is connected to a bar that is placed under the toilet seat to raise the seat as the lift bar member is elevated. (end of abstract)
Agent: Kevin Redmond - Palm City, FL, US Inventor: David Bruner USPTO Applicaton #: 20060021122 - Class: 004246100 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Opener Or Closer For A Closet Seat Or Lid The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060021122. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field [0002] The present invention relates to apparatus for raising toilet seats and more particularly to such apparatus that is actuated by means of a foot pedal. [0003] 2. Prior Art [0004] The following are patent summaries of prior art patents relating to apparatus for raising toilet seats. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,506 illustrates a foot-actuated lifting mechanism for a toilet seat that requires no modification of the toilet or surrounding structure. This invention uses a free standing pedal which pivots on a fulcrum. When pressure is applied to the pedal, it forces the lifting mechanism up, lifting the toilet seat. The segment which does the actual lifting of the seat is connected to only one side of the toilet seat. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. D389,231 illustrates a design patent for a foot operated toilet seat lifter. This invention uses a foot pedal which is connected to, and pulls a first link downward. The first link is connected to an arm which rotates clockwise when the first link goes down to lift the toilet seat. It does not lift the toilet seat on both sides. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,068 illustrates a toilet seat raising and lowering device. This invention uses rollers and a cable contained in an L-shaped member. When the pressure is administered to the foot pedal, the cable moves, lifting the toilet seat. The member that lifts the seat is attached on only one side of the toilet. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,723 illustrates a toilet seat elevating system comprising a base, a horizontal pedal member hinged to the base and a vertical arm hinged between the end of the pedal member and the seat. The vertical arm can be adjusted to a number of lengths. As the pedal is pressed down, the arm is pressed upward to elevate the seat. This invention uses a single lift bar. [0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,193 illustrates an apparatus for the raising and self-lowering of a toilet seat. The invention comprises a foot lever that is connected midway along its length to a pivoting member, and at its opposite end to a lift member. As the foot lever is lowered, the lift member rises to lift the toilet seat. This invention is connected to only one side of the seat. [0010] The above prior art inventions have short comings that include lifts which are on only one side of the toilet seat, pedal mechanisms which rest of the floor, and pedals which are easily removed from the mechanism. These designs place stress in the seat and hinges, make it difficult to clean about the toilet and make it possible to misplace the foot pedal. These short comings are overcome by the present invention which is described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the present invention showing the right side of a toilet and a system for raising the toilet seat that includes a pedal, a pedal bar, lift rods and seat bars which are arranged to raise the toilet seat by depressing the pedal. [0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention showing its left side. [0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial side view of the left lift bar at its junction with the left seat bar. [0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the lift bar and a seat bar shown in FIG. 3. [0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the left lift bar in an embodiment where its junction with the left seat bar is continuous. [0016] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the components shown in FIG. 5, showing the toilet seat bar to carry a roller used to protect the finish on the seat. [0017] FIG. 7 is a top view of the invention showing an embodiment in which the left and right toilet seat bars are connected to add strength to the seat bar structure. [0018] FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the invention showing the seat bars in their elevated position in an embodiment where the seat bars are captured by seat brackets which are attached to the underside of the seat to permit these bars to close as well as open the toilet seat. [0019] FIG. 9 is a side view of the seat bars when captured by the seat brackets. [0020] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the right pedal bar in an embodiment which includes a spring to close the seat when no pressure is applied to the pedal. SUMMARY [0021] An object of the present invention is to provide a means to lift a toilet seat and provide a structure that delivers the lifting force to both sides of the seat simultaneously, thereby reducing stress on the seat during the lifting operation. Continue reading... Full patent description for Toilet seat lifting apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Toilet seat lifting apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Toilet seat lifting apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Self-cleaning toilet with an optional self flushing system Next Patent Application: Compact drain-cleaning device with hair-snagging pad Industry Class: Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Toilet seat lifting apparatus patent info. 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