Toilet bowl aerosol-spread-limiting system

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide methods and devices for suppressing the propagation of aerosols from a toilet bowl during a flush cycle by providing a cover that can be secured across the opening of a toilet bowl. A disposable toilet cover device has adhesive on its bottom surface to allow it to be secured to the top surface of a toilet bowl rim. The device contains an antimicrobial agent, and can be folded and packaged for portable use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for suppressing propagation of aerosols from a toilet system during a flush cycle, the toilet system having a flush mechanism and a toilet bowl with a flat upper surface having a bowl opening surrounded by a circumferential rim and a seat unit, comprising a seat and, optionally, a lid, the seat unit mounted for hinged movement between a raised and a lowered position on the flat upper surface, the method comprising the steps of:
 obstructing air flow at the bowl opening with a cover;   flushing the contents of the toilet bowl, with the cover in place, by activating the flush mechanism; and   keeping the cover in place for a predetermined amount of time after the flushing step ends.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the step of obstructing air flow comprises the step of placing the cover on the flat upper surface, the cover sized and adapted to extend across at least the bowl opening and the circumferential rim.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the step of placing the cover comprises the step of securing the cover to the toilet bowl.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the cover is secured to the toilet bowl by a pressure-sensitive adhesive.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the cover is secured to the toilet bowl by an elastic member.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 : wherein:
 the cover is secured to the toilet bowl by being interposed between the flat upper surface and the seat unit in the lowered position.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the step of obstructing air flow comprises the step of placing the cover on the seat unit, the cover sized and adapted to extend below the flat upper surface around the circumferential rim.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the step of placing the cover comprises the step of securing the cover to the toilet bowl.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the cover is secured to the toilet bowl by a pressure-sensitive adhesive.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the cover is secured to the toilet bowl by an elastic member.   
     
     
         11 . A disposable toilet cover for suppressing propagation of aerosols from a toilet bowl during a flush cycle, said cover comprising a flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, said sheet sized to extend across the opening of a toilet bowl and at least a portion of the circumferential rim of the toilet bowl. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11  further comprising:
 an adhesive located on said bottom surface of said sheet. 
 
     
     
         13 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 12 , wherein said adhesive is located in a zone on said bottom surface corresponding to the top surface of the circumferential rim. 
     
     
         14 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a protective overlay which covers and protects said adhesive coating on said flexible sheet from undesired contact prior to use; said protective overlay capable of being separated from said adhesive coating without disrupting said adhesive. 
 
     
     
         15 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11  wherein said cover has been treated with an antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         16 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11 , wherein said cover includes a tear-off test tab. 
     
     
         17 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11 , wherein said cover is adapted to be folded upon itself. 
     
     
         18 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11 , wherein said cover includes a handle. 
     
     
         19 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11 , wherein said cover is comprised of paper and further comprises a layer of plastic film adapted to resist water. 
     
     
         20 . The disposable toilet cover of  claim 11 , wherein said cover is printed with an identity number in a machine-readable form.