Self-actuating toilet seat assembly

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to the field of toilet seats, and in particular, self actuating toilet seat and toilet seat lid assemblies which silently close after use. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a piston and cylinder designs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A toilet seat assembly, comprising:
 a. a lid for moving between an open and a closed position;   b. a lid biasing device operatively connected to the lid; and   c. a lid damper operatively connected to the lid for exerting a force opposite to that of the biasing device for a portion of the movement of the lid.   
     
     
         2 . The toilet seat assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. a seat for moving between an open and a closed position;   b. a seat biasing device operatively connected to the seat; and   c. a seat damper operatively connected to the seat for exerting a force opposite to that of the biasing device for a portion of the movement of the seat.   
     
     
         3 . The toilet seat assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the dampers are pneumatically operated that create a vacuum. 
     
     
         4 . A pneumatic cylinder, comprising:
 a. an extruded aluminum cylinder;   b. a plastic piston slidingly housed in the cylinder;   c. a plastic cap closing one end of the cylinder, wherein the cap has a check valve therein for allowing air to pass out of the cylinder and preventing air from passing into the cylinder; and   d. an air inlet valve positioned in the piston for allowing air to pass therethrough.   
     
     
         5 . The pneumatic cylinder of  claim 4 , wherein the cap is bonded to the cylinder. 
     
     
         6 . The pneumatic cylinder of  claim 5 , wherein the check valve is an umbrella check valve. 
     
     
         7 . The pneumatic cylinder of  claim 6 , wherein the air inlet valve is a needle valve. 
     
     
         8 . A toilet seat assembly, comprising:
 a. a lid for moving between an open and a closed position;   b. a lid biasing device operatively connected to the lid;   c. a lid damper operatively connected to the lid for exerting a force opposite to that of the biasing device for a portion of the movement of the lid;   d. a seat for moving between an open and a closed position;   e. a seat biasing device operatively connected to the seat;   f. a seat damper operatively connected to the seat for exerting a force opposite to that of the biasing device for a portion of the movement of the seat; and   g. a lid locking mechanism operatively connected to the lid for locking the lid in an open position.   
     
     
         9 . A toilet seat assembly, comprising:
 a. a lid for moving between an open and a closed position;   b. a lid biasing device operatively connected to the lid;   c. a lid damper operatively connected to the lid for exerting a force opposite to that of the biasing device for a portion of the movement of the lid;   d. a seat for moving between an open and a closed position;   e. a seat biasing device operatively connected to the seat;   f. a seat damper operatively connected to the seat for exerting a force opposite to that of the biasing device for a portion of the movement of the seat; and   g. a lid stopping device operatively connected to the lid for preventing the lid from closing when a user is seated upon the seat.   
     
     
         10 . A toilet seat assembly, comprising:
 a. a lid;   b. a seat; and   c. a load transferring mechanism for preventing the lid from closing when a user is seated upon the seat.   
     
     
         11 . The toilet seat assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising;
 a. a locking lip attached to the lid; and   b. a lid stop attached to the assembly.