Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Ergonomic Toilet Seat
The disclosure relates to a toilet seat, in particular a comfortable,
ergonomic toilet seat.
Background
Seating comfort has always been and continues to be very important. This
includes, and
for many people especially includes, seating comfort on a toilet. Desired is a
toilet seat which
provides comfort to a variety of body types.
Summary
It has been found that a toilet seat having certain x, y, z spatial
coordinates provides
comfort to most people when seated thereon.
Accordingly, disclosed is an ergonomic toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises
a top
circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front,
and a back,
wherein the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line
from front to back, the
inner edge comprises a downward curve from the seat front towards the seat
back, the outer
edge comprises a downward curve followed by a lesser upward curve from the
back to the front,
and a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to
back.
In some embodiments, the inner edge comprises a curved thigh support surface
positioned towards the seat front, the curved thigh support surface extending
inward towards
the bisecting center line.
Also disclosed is an ergonomic toilet seat, wherein the seat comprises a top
circumferential seating surface having an inner edge, an outer edge, a front,
and a back,
wherein, the seat is substantially symmetrical about a bisecting center line
from front to back,
a back top seating surface comprises a steep upward curve from front to back,
and wherein a
slope along the bisecting line from a back inner edge center point to a
highest back point is from
about 25 degrees to about 55 degrees.
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Also disclosed is an ergonomic toilet seat, wherein a sample size of people
seated
thereon provides an average contact area of 115 in2 and an average pressure of
2.0 psi,
measured at a pressure threshold of 0 psi, an average contact area of 4.5 in2
and an average
pressure of 7.4 psi, measured at a pressure threshold of 5 psi, and an average
contact area of
2.5 in2 and an average pressure of 8.6 psi, measured at a pressure threshold
of 7 psi.
Also disclosed is a modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a
toilet seat as
disclosed herein, and a toilet seat cover having an outer edge configured to
compliment,
correspond to, and rest on the outer edge of the toilet seat.
Also disclosed is a modular toilet seat assembly, the assembly comprising a
toilet seat as
disclosed herein, and a set of lateral stabilization pads.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by
way of
limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of
illustration, features
illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions of
some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity.
Further, where
considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures
to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements.
Fig. 1 provides a top view of a left side of a toilet seat, according to an
embodiment.
Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show different toilet seats of the disclosure, according
to some
embodiments.
Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B show a cross-section views of a toilet seat installed on a
toilet,
according to an embodiment
Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B provide views of a toilet seat coupled to a seat cover,
according to
some embodiments.
Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B, and Fig. 5C show a toilet seat and cover from an underneath
view, and
lateral stabilization pads, according to some embodiments.
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Detailed Disclosure
Fig. 1 provides a top view of toilet seat 100, according to an embodiment. The
top view
shows substantially one symmetrical half (left) of toilet seat 100 bisected by
a center line. The
bisecting center line from front to back, although not shown, comprises
surface points 128),
123), 117), 111), 21), 1), 42), 41), 40), and 22). Inner edge point 13) has
corresponding outer
edge point 34) (have a same Y value). The top view shows top circumferential
seating surface
101 comprising surface points 40) ¨ 128). Also shown are inner edge 102
comprising surface
points 1) ¨21) and outer edge 103 comprising surface points 22) ¨39). Back top
seating
surface 104 comprises surface points 85) ¨ 128). Thigh support surface 105 is
positioned in a
front half of seat 100, extending inward toward a bisecting center line, and
comprising inner
edge points 4) ¨ 10). Inner edge 102 curves downward from front inner edge
center point 1) to
back inner edge center point 21), to below a top surface of a toilet once
installed, allowing one's
rear end to drop down into seat 100. Outer edge 103 comprises a downward curve
followed by
a lesser upward curve, from back point 39) to front point 22). Back top
seating surface 104
comprises a steep upward curve from front to back. Inner edge center point 1)
is assigned x, y,
z spatial coordinates 0, 0, 0. Inner edge 102 is at least partially defined by
surface points 1) -
21). Outer edge 103 is at least partially defined by surface points 22 ¨39).
Back seating
surface 104 is at least partially defined by surface points 85) ¨ 128). Back
seating surface 104
may also be at least partially defined by points 35) ¨39) and/or points 15)
¨21). Thigh support
surface 105 may be at least partially defined by points 4) ¨ 10) and/or points
28) ¨ 32) and/or
points 54) ¨ 74). Following are spatial coordinates of top seat surface points
1) ¨ 128) of seat
100 in millimeters.
1) 0 mm, 0 mm, 0 mm
2) about -18 mm, about 3 mm, about 0 mm
3) about -34 mm, about 11 mm, about -0 mm
4) about -49 mm, about 27 mm, about -1 mm
5) about -57 mm, about 47 mm, about -2 mm
6) about -63 mm, about 68 mm, about -3 mm
7) about -72 mm, about 88 mm, about -5 mm
8) about -82 mm, about 107 mm, about -7 mm
9) about -93 mm, about 126 mm, about -9 mm
10) about -102 mm, about 146 mm, about -11 mm
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11) about -108 mm, about 167 mm, about -13 mm
12) about -112 mm, about 188 mm, about -14 mm
13) about -112 mm, about 210 mm, about -16 mm
14) about -109 mm, about 231 mm, about -18 mm
15) about -102 mm, about 250 mm, about -19 mm
16) about -92 mm, about 269 mm, about -20 mm
17) about -78 mm, about 284 mm, about -21 mm
18) about -61 mm, about 296 mm, about -21 mm
19) about -41 mm, about 305 mm, about -22 mm
20) about -21 mm, about 310 mm, about -22 mm
21) about 0 mm, about 311 mm, about -22 mm
22) about 0 mm, about -66 mm, about 14 mm
23) about -39 mm, about -59 mm, about 14 mm
24) about -74 mm, about -40 mm, about 13 mm
25) about -95 mm, about -22 mm, about 12 mm
26) about -114 mm, about -0 mm, about 11 mm
27) about -130 mm, about 23 mm, about 11 mm
28) about -144 mm, about 47 mm, about 11 mm
29) about -156 mm, about 73 mm, about 11 mm
30) about -165 mm, about 99 mm, about 12 mm
31) about -173 mm, about 126 mm, about 13 mm
32) about -179 mm, about 154 mm, about 15 mm
33) about -182 mm, about 182 mm, about 17 mm
34) about -183 mm, about 210 mm, about 20 mm
35) about -181 mm, about 239 mm, about 24 mm
36) about -176 mm, about 267 mm, about 29 mm
37) about -170 mm, about 295 mm, about 35 mm
38) about -161 mm, about 322 mm, about 42 mm
39) about -143 mm, about 347 mm, about 42 mm
40) about 0 mm, about -50 mm, about 13 mm
41) about 0 mm, about -30 mm, about 8 mm
42) about 0 mm, about -10 mm, about 3 mm
43) about -20 mm, about -50 mm, about 13 mm
44) about -20 mm, about -30 mm, about 9 mm
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45) about -20 mm, about -10 mm, about 4 mm
46) about -40 mm, about -50 mm, about 13 mm
47) about -40 mm, about -30 mm, about 10 mm
48) about -40 mm, about -10 mm, about 5 mm
49) about -60 mm, about -30 mm, about 11 mm
50) about -60 mm, about -10 mm, about 8 mm
51) about -60 mm, about 10 mm, about 4 mm
52) about -80 mm, about -10 mm, about 10 mm
53) about -80 mm, about 10 mm, about 7 mm
54) about -80 mm, about 30 mm, about 4 mm,
55) about -80 mm, about 50 mm, about 2 mm
56) about -80 mm, about 70 mm, about -1 mm
57) about -100 mm, about 10 mm, about 10 mm
58) about -100 mm, about 30 mm, about 7 mm
59) about -100 mm, about 50 mm, about 5 mm
60) about -100 mm, about 70 mm, about 3 mm
61) about -100 mm, about 90 mm, about -0 mm
62) about -100 mm, about 110 mm, about -4 mm
63) about -120 mm, about 30 mm, about 10 mm
64) about -120 mm, about 50 mm, about 8 mm
65) about -120 mm, about 70 mm, about 6 mm
66) about -120 mm, about 90 mm, about 4 mm
67) about -120 mm, about 110 mm, about 1 mm
68) about -130 mm, about 70 mm, about 9 mm
69) about -130 mm, about 90 mm, about 8 mm
70) about -160 mm, about 110 mm, about 10 mm
71) about -150 mm, about 110 mm, about 6 mm
72) about -160 mm, about 130 mm, about 10 mm
73) about -140 mm, about 130 mm, about 4 mm
74) about -120 mm, about 130 mm, about -2 mm
75) about -160 mm, about 150 mm, about 2 mm
76) about -140 mm, about 150 mm, about 2 mm
77) about -120 mm, about 150 mm, about -5 mm
78) about -160 mm, about 170 mm, about 8 mm
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79) about -140 mm, about 170 mm, about 0 mm
80) about -160 mm, about 190 mm, about 8 mm
81) about -140 mm, about 190 mm, about -1 mm
82) about -120 mm, about 190 mm, about -10 mm
83) about -160 mm, about 210 mm, about 9 mm
84) about -140 mm, about 210 mm, about -1 mm
85) about -160 mm, about 230 mm, about 13 mm
86) about -140 mm, about 230 mm, about 2 mm
87) about -120 mm, about 230 mm, about -11 mm
88) about -160 mm, about 250 mm, about 18 mm
89) about -140 mm, about 250 mm, about 6 mm
90) about -120 mm, about 250 mm, about -7 mm
91) about -160 mm, about 270 mm, about 24 mm
92) about -140 mm, about 270 mm, about 12 mm
93) about -120 mm, about 270 mm, about -1 mm
94) about -100 mm, about 270 mm, about 32 mm
95) about -160 mm, about 270 mm, about 32 mm
96) about -140 mm, about 290 mm, about 21 mm
97) about -120 mm, about 290 mm, about 8 mm
98) about -100 mm, about 290 mm, about -5 mm
99) about -140 mm, about 310 mm, about 31 mm
100) about -120 mm, about 310 mm, about 34 mm
101) about -100 mm, about 310 mm, about 8 mm
102) about -80 mm, about 310 mm, about -3 mm
103) about -60 mm, about 310 mm, about -11 mm
104) about -140 mm, about 330 mm, about 42 mm
105) about -120 mm, about 330 mm, about 34 mm
106) about -100 mm, about 330 mm, about 23 mm
107) about -80 mm, about 330 mm, about 14 mm
108) about -60 mm, about 330 mm, about 7 mm
109) about -40 mm, about 330 mm, about 2 mm
110) about -20 mm, about 330 mm, about -2 mm
111) about 0 mm, about 330 mm, about -3 mm
112) about -100 mm, about 350 mm, about 41 mm
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113) about -80 mm, about 350 mm, about 34 mm
114) about -60 mm, about 350 mm, about 28 mm
115) about -40 mm, about 350 mm, about 24 mm
116) about -20 mm, about 350 mm, about 24 mm
117) about 0 mm, about 350 mm, about 20 mm
118) about -100 mm, about 370 mm, about 55 mm
119) about -80 mm, about 370 mm, about 54 mm
120) about -60 mm, about 370 mm, about 52 mm
121) about -40 mm, about 370 mm, about 49 mm
122) about -20 mm, about 370 mm, about 47 mm
123) about 0 mm, about 370 mm, about 46 mm
124) about -88 mm, about 381 mm, about 60 mm
125) about -66 mm, about 381 mm, about 61 mm
126) about -44 mm, about 381 mm, about 62 mm
127) about -22 mm, about 381 mm, about 63 mm
128) about 0 mm, about 381 mm, about 63 mm
In some embodiments, the term "about" may mean the numeric value may be
modified
by 1%, 2%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or more. In some embodiments, the
term
"about" in relation to seat surface points may mean 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm,
4 mm, 5 mm,
6 mm, or more.
In some embodiments, a back top seating surface may be defined as about the
back
one third of a seat surface. In some embodiments, a back seating surface may
rise from any of
about 65 mm, about 66 mm, about 67 mm, about 68 mm, about 69 mm, about 70 mm,
about 71
mm, about 72 mm, about 73 mm, about 74 mm, about 75 mm, about 76 mm, or about
77 mm,
to about any of about 78 mm, about 79 mm, about 80 mm, about 81 mm, about 82
mm, about
83 mm, about 84 mm, about 85 mm, about 86 mm, about 87 mm, about 88 mm, about
89 mm,
about 90 mm, about 91 mm, about 92 mm, about 93 mm, about 94 mm, about 95 mm,
about 96
mm, about 97 mm, about 98 mm, about 99 mm, about 100 mm, about 101 mm, 102 mm,
about
103 mm, about 104 mm, or more, from an inner edge low point to a highest back
point. For
example from point 21) to point 128) of Fig. 1.
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In some embodiments a slope along a bisecting line from a back inner edge
center point
to a highest back point may be from any of about 25 , about 26 , about 27 ,
about 28 , about
29 , about 300, about 31 , about 32 , about 33 , or about 34 , to any of about
35 , about 36 ,
about 37 , about 38 , about 39 , about 40 , about 41 , about 42 , about 43 ,
about 44 , about
45 , about 46 , about 47 , about 48 , about 49 , about 500, about 51 , about
52 , about 53 ,
about 54 , about 55 , or more. Seat 100 of Fig. 1 has a slope from point 21)
to point 128) of
about 50 degrees. A term "steep" may in some embodiments refer to a slope of
from about 25
to about 55 .
In some embodiments, a slope along a bisecting line from a front inner edge
center point
to a front outer edge center point may be from any of about 40, about 5 ,
about 6 , about 7 ,
about 8 , or about 9 , to any of about 10 , about 11 , about 12 , about 13 ,
about 14 , about
15 , about 16 , about 17 , about 18 , about 19 , about 20 , about 21 , or
more. Seat 100 of
Fig. 1 has a slope from point 1) to point 22) of about 12 degrees.
In some embodiments, a highest slope may be in a rear seating surface along a
bisecting
line, and wherein the slope gradually decreases from back to front. In some
embodiments, a
slope from an inner edge point to a corresponding outer edge point decreases
from the toilet
seat back to the front. A corresponding inner edge point and outer edge point
may mean at a
same Y value, for example from inner edge points 1 through 21 of Fig. 1.
In some embodiments, an inner edge downward curve from front to back may be
represented by a drop in height from a front inner edge center point to a back
inner edge center
point of from any of about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9
mm, about 10
mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16
mm,
about 17 mm, about 18 or about 19 mm to any of about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about
22 mm,
about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm,
about 29
mm, about 30 mm, or more. Seat 100 of Fig. 1 has a drop of about 22 mm from
point 1) to
point 21).
In some embodiments, an outer edge downward curve from back to front may be
represented by a drop from a back outer edge high point to an outer edge low
point of from any
of about about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm,
about 17 mm,
about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm,
about 24
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mm, about 26 mm, or about 27 mm, to any of about 28 mm, or about 29 mm, to any
of about 30
mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 36
mm,
about 37 mm, about 38 mm, about 39 mm, about 40 mm or more. Seat 100 of Fig. 1
has a
drop of about 31 mm from point 39) to point 28).
In some embodiments, an outer edge lesser upward curve from back to front may
be
represented from a rise from an outer edge low point to a front outer edge
center point of from
any of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 2 mm, about 2 mm, or about 2 mm, to any
of about 2
mm, about 3 mm, about 3 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm,
about 4
mm, about 4 mm, about 4 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.6 mm, about 5 mm, about 5 mm,
about 5
mm, about 5 mm, about 5 mm, or more. Seat 100 of Fig. 1 has a rise of about 3
mm from point
28) to point 22).
In some embodiments, a toilet seat may comprise a rise from a back inner edge
center
point to a highest back point of from any of about 30 mm, about 33 mm, about
36 mm, about 39
mm, or about 42 mm, to any of about 47 mm, about 51 mm, about 56 mm, about 60
mm, about
64 mm, about 69 mm, about 73 mm, about 79 mm, about 81 mm, about 84 mm, about
85 mm,
about 88 mm, about 95 mm, about 99 mm, about 101 mm, about 105 mm, or more.
Seat 100 of
Fig. 1 has a rise of about 85 mm from point 21) to point 128).
In some embodiments, an outer edge low point may be positioned in a front one
third of
a toilet seat. In some embodiments, an outer edge low point may be positioned
in a same area
as a thigh support surface.
Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B provide views of toilet seat 200 without thigh support
surfaces and
toilet seat 100 with thigh support surfaces 105, installed on a toilet,
according to some
embodiments. Seat 200 comprises seating surface 201, inner edge 202, outer
edge 203, and
back top seating surface 204. Seat 100 comprises inner edge 102, outer edge
103, back
seating surface 104, and thigh support surface 105. Seat 100 comprises a front
thickness TF of
about 24 mm, a smallest thickness Ts of about 20 mm and a largest thickness TL
of about 57
mm. Seats 100 and 200 comprise a partial bowl-like shape.
Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B provide a cross-section views of toilet seat 100,
according to an
embodiment. It is seen that inner edge 102 comprises a downward curve from
front to back,
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such that inner edge 102 curves down towards the toilet bowl top edge upon
installation. In
some embodiments, an inner edge may curve downwards to below a toilet bowl top
edge. Fig.
3B provides a view of steep back seating surface 104.
Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B depict toilet seat 100 coupled to seat cover 420,
according to some
embodiments. Seat 100 comprises an irregular shape as outer edge comprises a
downward
curve followed by an upward curve from back to front. Accordingly, cover 420
comprises a
complimentary shape to compensate for this, allowing cover 420 to correspond
to and fit (rest)
on seat 100 in a closed position.
Fig. 5A provides an underneath perspective view of toilet seat 100 with cover
420,
according to an embodiment. Visible are rear lateral stabilization pads 550
and front lateral
stabilization pads 555. Fig. 5B shows a close-up view of front lateral
stabilization pad 555, and
Fig. 5C shows a close-up view of lateral stabilization pad 556, according to
some embodiments.
Stabilization pads may be provided in varying sizes, like 555 (large) and 556
(medium).
Stabilization pads 555 and 556 comprise an "L" shape. Stabilization pads
prevent lateral
movement of a toilet seat and aid in providing comfort and ergonomics. In some
embodiments,
lateral stabilization pads may be provided as part of a modular toilet seat
assembly, wherein a
proper size is chosen and inserted into a seat depending on a toilet bowl
size. A "down leg" of a
lateral stabilization pad, 555a or 556a, may be configured to rest on an
interior of a toilet bowl
upper rim.
Although the figures show ergonomic toilet seats having a closed front, an
ergonomic
toilet seat having a top circumferential seating surface and an open front is
also included and
subject of the invention.
In some embodiments, a toilet seat may be prepared via injection molding. A
toilet seat
may comprise one or thermoplastics, for instance one or more of polypropylene,
polyethylene,
other polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyesters, blends thereof,
copolymers thereof, or
composites thereof. In some embodiments, a toilet seat surface may be smooth
and
continuous. In other embodiments, a toilet seat surface may comprise a
texture.
A set of lateral stabilization pads may mean one or more, for instance 2, 3,
4, or more
pads. Lateral stabilization pads may comprise a same material as a toilet
seat, or may
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comprise a different material. In some embodiments, lateral stabilization pads
may comprise a
softer or more flexible thermoplastic, for instance an elastomer.
In some embodiments, a toilet seat may comprise one or more areas configured
to
receive and couple to a lateral stabilization pad. In some embodiments, a
lateral stabilization
pad may "snap fit" to a toilet seat. In some embodiments, a lateral
stabilization pad may be
coupled to a toilet seat via an adhesive.
In some embodiments, a toilet seat of the disclosure may have a pressure mat
or pad
placed thereon and a pressure of a person sitting on the seat may be measured.
Such
measurements may relate directly to ergonomic performance. In some embodiments
pressure
measurements may be taken at different minimum thresholds, for example 0 psi,
5 psi, or 7 psi.
At 0 psi threshold, a high contact area and low pressure are desired. At 5 psi
and 7 psi, a low
contact area and low pressure are desired.
In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 0 psi threshold,
an
average contact area of 115 in2, 120 in2, 125 in2, 130 in2, 135 in2, 140 in2,
145 in2,
150 in2, 155 in2, 160 in2, 165 in2, 170 in2, 175 in2, or greater over a sample
size of
different people. In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a
0 psi
measurement threshold, an average pressure of 2.0 psi, 1.8 psi, 1.6 psi, 1.4
psi, 1.2
psi, or lesser over a sample size of different people.
In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 5 psi threshold,
an
average contact area of 4.5 in2, 4.3 in2, 4.1 in2, 3.9 in2, 3.7 in, 3.5 in2,
3.3 in2, 3.1
in2, 2.9 in2, 2.7 in2, 2.5 in2, 2.3 in2, or lower over a sample size of
different people. In
some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 5 psi measurement
threshold, an
average pressure of 7.4 psi, 7.3 psi, 7.2 psi, 7.1 psi, 7.0 psi, 6.9 psi, 6.8
psi, or
lesser over a sample size of different people.
In some embodiments, a present toilet seat may provide, at a 7 psi threshold,
an
average contact area of 2.5 in2, 2.3 in2, 2.1 in2, 1.9 in2, 1.7
in2, 1.5 in2, 1.3 in2, 1.1
in2, 1.0 in2, or lower over a sample size of different people. In some
embodiments, a present
toilet seat may provide, at a 7 psi measurement threshold, an average pressure
of 8.6 psi,
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8.5 psi, 8.4 psi, 8.3 psi, 8.2 psi, 8.1 psi, 8.0 psi, 7.9
psi, 7.8 psi, 7.7 psi, 7.6 psi, or
lesser over a sample size of different people.
The term average people may mean average adults. In some embodiments a sample
size of average adults may have an average height of 59 inches to about 73
inches and an
average weight of about 164 pounds to about 204 pounds. In some embodiments, a
sample
size may comprise from 5 to 10 adults, or more, within these ranges. It has
been found that
present toilet seats perform well over a wide variety of body types.
The term "adjacent" may mean "near" or "close-by" or "next to"_
The term "coupled" means that an element is "attached to" or "associated with"
another
element. Coupled may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more
other elements.
An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in
a sequential
manner or a non-sequential manner. The term "via" in reference to "via an
element" may mean
"through" or "by" an element. Coupled or "associated with" may also mean
elements not directly
or indirectly attached, but that they "go together" in that one may function
together with the
other.
The term "flow communication" means for example configured for liquid or gas
flow there
through and may be synonymous with "fluidly coupled". The terms "upstream" and
"downstream" indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid
will flow from upstream
to downstream.
The term "towards" in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at
exactly that
location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to
another distinct point, for
example "towards a center" means closer to a center than to an edge.
The term "like" means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance
"ring-like"
means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.
The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at
least one) of the
grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about"
used throughout is
used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may
mean the
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numeric value may be modified by 05%, 0.1%, 0%, 0%, 0%, 0%, 1%, 2%,
3%, 4%,
5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or more. All numeric values are
modified by
the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified
by the term
"about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5" includes
5.
The term "substantially" is similar to "about" in that the defined term may
vary from for
example by 05%, 0.1%, 0%, 0%, 0%, 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,
8%,
9%, 10% or more of the definition; for example the term "substantially
perpendicular" may
mean the 90 perpendicular angle may mean "about 90 ". The term "generally"
may be
equivalent to "substantially".
Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be
used
in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.
Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the
embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure
also include any
and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.
Example 1
A flexible pressure pad is placed on a toilet seat; the pad is configured to
detect and
report pressure resulting from a person sitting on a seat. A random sample of
10 people sit on
a present seat 100 with thigh supports, as well as a commercial seat (Kohler
FRENCH
CURVE). Results are taken at pressure thresholds of 0 psi (pounds per square
inch), 5 psi,
and 7 psi. Results of average contact area in square inches and average
pressure in psi
(average of 10 people) are shown below. The sample of 10 adults have an
average height of
from about 59 inches to about 73 inches and an average weight of about 164
pounds to about
204 pounds.
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0 psi threshold
contact area (in2) pressure (psi)
seat 100 179 1.1
commercial seat 108 1.6
At low pressure threshold of 0 psi, a large contact area is desired, which
represents a
distribution of pressure. Lower pressure is desired. Present seat 100 shows a
66% increase in
contact area and 31% decrease average pressure compared to the commercial
seat.
psi threshold
contact area (in2) pressure (psi)
seat 100 2.3 6.8
commercial seat 4.6 7.5
At low pressure threshold of 5 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure
are
desired. Present seat 100 shows a 50% decrease in contact area and a 9%
decrease in
pressure compared to the commercial seat.
7 psi threshold
contact area (in2) pressure (psi)
seat 100 1.0 7.6
commercial seat 2.6 8.7
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At low pressure threshold of 7 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure
are
desired. Pressure seat 100 shows a 62% decrease in contact area and a 13%
decrease in
pressure compared to the commercial seat.
The results display a toilet seat of the disclosure is highly ergonomic.
Example 2
A flexible pressure pad is placed on a toilet seat; the pad is configured to
detect and
report pressure resulting from a person sitting on a seat. A random sample of
7 people sit on
another present seat with thigh supports, as well as a commercial seat (Kohler
FRENCH
CURVE). The present seat of Example 2 comprises a slope along a bisecting
center line from
a back inner edge center point to a highest back point of 30 , a rise in
height from the back
inner edge center point to the highest back point of 38 mm, a slope along the
bisecting center
line from a front inner edge point to a front outer edge point of 70, a drop
in height from the front
inner edge center point to the back inner edge center point of 7 mm, a drop in
height from the
back outer edge high point to an outer edge low point of 18 mm, and a rise in
height from an
outer edge low point to the front outer edge center point of 2 mm. Results are
taken at
pressure thresholds of 0 psi (pounds per square inch), 5 psi, and 7 psi.
Results of average
contact area in square inches and average pressure in psi (average of 10
people) are shown
below. The sample of 7 adults have an average height of from about 59 inches
to about 73
inches and an average weight of about 164 pounds to about 204 pounds.
0 psi threshold
contact area (in2) pressure (psi)
seat Ex 2 147 1.8
commercial seat 127 2.3
At low pressure threshold of 0 psi, a large contact area is desired, which
represents a
distribution of pressure. Lower pressure is desired. Present Example 2 seat
shows a 16%
increase in contact area and 22% decrease average pressure compared to the
commercial
seat.
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psi threshold
contact area (in2) pressure (psi)
seat Ex 2 2.3 6.8
commercial seat 13.4 7.2
At low pressure threshold of 5 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure
are
desired. Present Example 2 seat shows a 83% decrease in contact area and a 6%
decrease in
pressure compared to the commercial seat.
7 psi threshold
contact area (in2) pressure (psi)
seat Ex 2 1.0 7.6
commercial seat 6.5 8.8
At low pressure threshold of 7 psi, a smaller contact area and lower pressure
are
desired. Pressure Example 2 seat shows a 85% decrease in contact area and a
14% decrease
in pressure compared to the commercial seat.
The results display a toilet seat of the disclosure is highly ergonomic.
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