Foot-operated toilet seat lifting apparatus

Abstract

A foot-operated toilet seat lifting apparatus comprising a pivot bracket with a base and support column, a pivot arm pivotally connected to the support column, a foot pedal coupled to one end of the pivot arm, and a lift arm pivotally connected to the other end of the pivot arm. A toilet seat attachment rod extends perpendicularly from the lift arm and connects to a seat mount attached to a toilet seat. When the foot pedal is actuated, the pivot arm rotates about a fulcrum point, causing the lift arm to raise or lower the toilet seat. The apparatus includes adjustable features to accommodate different toilet seat heights, and can be secured to the floor. The foot pedal can be pressed downward to raise the toilet seat to an open position or pressed upward to return the seat to a closed position, providing hands-free operation of the toilet seat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A foot-operated toilet seat lifting apparatus comprising:
 a pivot bracket comprising a base and a support column;   a pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the pivot arm pivotally connected to the support column at a column fulcrum point;   a foot pedal coupled to the first end of the pivot arm;   a lift arm pivotally connected to the second end of the pivot arm at a lift arm hinge point, the lift arm maintaining a position substantially parallel to the support column throughout operation;   a toilet seat attachment rod having a first end and a second end, the first end of the toilet seat attachment rod being affixed to and extending outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from a distal end of the lift arm;   a seat mount secured to a toilet seat, wherein the second end of the toilet seat attachment rod is attached to the seat mount; and   wherein actuation of the foot pedal causes the pivot arm to rotate about the column fulcrum point, thereby pivoting the lift arm while preserving parallel alignment with the support column and displacing the toilet seat attachment rod in a motion that raises or lowers the toilet seat while maintaining the perpendicular orientation relative to the lift arm.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot arm comprises a plurality of fulcrum points for selectively securing the support column at multiple positions. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein lift arm comprises a plurality of lift arm hinge points for selectively securing the pivot arm at multiple positions. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the foot pedal includes a textured surface or contoured shape to improve foot grip and control during operation. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the foot pedal is integrally coupled to the first end of the pivot arm. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more adjustable stops or limiters disposed on the pivot arm or lift arm, the adjustable stops or limiters being operable to control the range of motion of the pivot arm or lift arm, thereby allowing customization of the maximum height to which the toilet seat is raised or ensuring proper closure when lowered. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a damping mechanism operatively associated with the pivot arm or lift arm configured to control the speed of toilet seat movement during raising or lowering of the toilet seat. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises at least one floor hole to accept at least one fastener to mechanically attach the base to a floor. 
     
     
         9 . A method of operating a foot-operated toilet seat lifting apparatus, the method comprising:
 pressing a foot pedal in a downward direction to raise a lift arm and elevate the toilet seat to an open position; and   applying upward pressure to the foot pedal to lower the lift arm and return the toilet seat to a closed position.