, and a lid 101 having protrusion 221. The portions of the toilet seat assembly 200 other than the toilet seat 100 and lid 101 may be referred to as the hinge structure. Electrical components such as the fan 207, the atomizer 206, and, optionally, the scent module 204 may be electrically connected to a power supply and/or a controller. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The toilet seat 100, which is not visible in FIG. 17, is rotatably connected to the toilet bowl via a hinge of the toilet seat assembly 200. The posts 133 connect the toilet seat assembly 200 to the toilet.

The air flow begins below the toilet seat assembly 200. One or more vents 227 may be on the bottom of the hinge structure or on the sides of the toilet seat assembly 200. The fan 207 is configured to direct the flow of air into the hinge structure through the vents 227. The first chamber in the toilet seat assembly 200 is a filter chamber 202. The filter chamber 202 may include a filter to remove particles from the are flow. The filter chamber 202 may include a filter tray that slides out with respect to the hinge structure. The filter tray may be removed for the installation of a filter (filter fabric) in the filter tray. In addition or in the alternative, the filter tray may be formed of an electrostatically charged material. An example material is polypropylene. The charge may electrostatically collect particles from the air flow.

In some examples, the air flow subsequently flows through the fan 207. In other examples the air flows adjacent to the fan 207. The space around the fan is the fan compartment 223.

After the fan compartment 223, the air flow proceeds to a divergent chamber 224. In the divergent chamber 224 a split device 203 divides the air flow into two flows. One flow (to the left in FIG. 17) proceeds to a scent module 204 and the other flow (to the right in FIG. 17) proceeds through an opened cover 220.

The scent module 204 may include a tray that is removable from the toilet seat assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 28). The scent module 204 may include a latch or lip that flexes to couple to a tab in the toilet seat assembly 200. The scent module 204 may include a replacement cartridge with a predetermined scent. The scent emitted from the scent module 204 may cover foul odors from the toilet. The scent may smell clean to the user. The material of the scent module 204 may evaporate into the air. The material of the scent module 204 may include an oil or other liquid.

The split device 203 is used to split the first flow (to the left in FIG. 17) and the second flow (to the right in FIG. 17) to separate the scent from the hydrogen peroxide. This is because if the hydrogen peroxide and the scent shared the same space, the hydrogen peroxide could breakdown the scent.

The second flow proceeds to the sanitizing chamber 225 where the hydrogen peroxide is added to the flow. A wick compartment 205 in the hinge structure includes a wick material. The wick material 285 may be formed of cotton or a fabric. The wick absorbs the sanitizing fluid and through capillary action brings the sanitizing fluid up to the atomizer 206.

The wick compartment 205 and the atomizer 206 may be coupled together by a misting cap 265. The misting cap 265 may be formed of rubber. The atomizer 206 may be include a stainless steel frame and a piezoelectric element. The wick compartment 205 houses the sanitizing fluid. In some instances the wick includes all of the sanitizing fluid. In some instances, there is some pooling of fluid in the wick compartment 205 adjacent to the wick compartment 205. The misting cap 265 may apply a pressure to the wick that holds the wick tight in the misting compartment 205. The misting cap 265 may be twisted to lock the misting cap 265 to the wick compartment 205.

The atomizer 206 turns the sanitizing fluid to a mist or fine spray of particles. The mist is sprayed into the sanitizing chamber 225 into the flow of air. The flow of air carries the sanitizing particles to the toilet seat 100 where it disinfects the surfaces of the toilet seat 102. The atomizer 206 configured to spray fine particles of the sanitizing fluid into the flow of air from the fan 207.

It should be noted that the atomizer 206 could also operate to fill the sanitizing chamber 225 with the sanitizing particles even if the fan 207 was not included. However, the movement of the air by the fan 207 plays a significant role in the distribution of the sanitizing particles. In addition the fan 207 may be turned on and off in a cycle with the atomizer 206. The fan 207 may be operated after the atomizer 206 is turned off to cause dry air (i.e., air without the sanitizing particles) to aid in the evaporation in the sanitizing chamber 225. Increased evaporation in the sanitizing chamber 225 causes the toilet seat 100 to try faster. Further, as water evaporates, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide increases, and the efficacy of the sanitizing fluid may be increased.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an embodiment for the toilet seat assembly 200 without the scent module 204 and the split device 203. In this example, substantially all of the flow of forced air through the toilet seat assembly 200. That is, the flow of air passes through the inlet vents past the filter 202 and directly to the top of the atomizer 206 where the sanitizing particle mist is added to the flow and then out to the toilet seat 100 through the opening of the cover 222. The fan 2007 may be arranged vertically or in another position in this embodiment.

FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C illustrate an example removable sanitizer cover 222. The cover is configured to pivot about an axis with the protrusion 221 applies a downward force on the cover 222. The cover or hinge plate is configured to open under a force from the protrusion 221 to deliver the sanitizing material to the toilet bowl when the protrusion 221 is pressed against the cover 222 at a predetermined position to release the sanitizing material into the toilet bowl.

The pivoting with respect to the toilet seat assembly 200 may be made possible using a boss 266 that pivots in a recess or dimple in the toilet seat assembly 200. The boss 266 may be tiered to encourage a uniform gap between both side of the cover 222 with respect to the toilet seat assembly 200. The boss 266 or the mating recess or dimple may include two layers the hinge plate to both fasten and remove the hinge plate or cover 222 to the toilet seat assembly 200 through rotation. The cover 222 or hinge plate is removable due to a force exerted by the boss 266 and/or dimple to the toilet seat assembly when the cover 222 is rotated away from the toilet seat assembly 200.

For example, the cover 222 may be removable through an overrotation of the cover 222. The term overrotation may be an amount of rotation of the cover 222 with respect to the toilet seat assembly 200 that exceeds that which can be applied by the protrusion 221. The overrotation may be greater than 90 degrees. When the cover 222 is overrotated the boss 266 applies a force against the toilet seat assembly 200 to push the cover 222 away from the hinge section and pop the cover 222 out of engagement. In this way, the user may remove the cover 222 to perform maintenance on the toilet seat assembly 200. Examples of maintenance include filing the sanitizing fluid, replacing the wick, removing clocks from the wick or the wick compartment 205, or other cleaning of the wick or the wick compartment 205.

Under the cover 220, the atomizer 206 and vents 227 from the fan compartment are visible. A fill cap 209 may be adjacent to the atomizer. The fill cap 209 may be rotated or removed so that the user can add sanitizing fluid to the wick compartment 205 or the tank 210.

As shown in FIG. 20C, the cover 222 may also include at least one fin 226 configured to direct the flow of air including the fine particles of the sanitizing fluid toward a surface of the toilet seat 202.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example sanitizer tank 210. The tank 210 may be oriented a different angle than the wick compartment 205. The tank 210 stores sanitizing fluid and is fluidly coupled to the wick compartment 205. The tank 210 may be a cylindrical prism. The tank 210 may be flexible (e.g., a bag). The wick and/or the wick compartment 205 may mate with the tank 210.

A dial 290 may be adjacent to the wick compartment 205. The dial 290 may be coupled to a rotatable valve 291 with a through hole or recess 269. When the dial 290 is rotated the rotatable valve 291 opens and closes. In one example, the rotatable valve 291 connects the tank 210 and the wick compartment 205 in a first position and disconnects the tank 210 and the wick compartment 205 in a second position. Various configurations are possible for the connection between the tank 210 and the wick compartment 205. In one example, a metering device may be between the tank 210 and the wick compartment 205 to allow only predetermined amount of sanitizing fluid into the wick compartment. Because the tank 210 is generally more closed or water tight than the wick compartment, a majority of the hydrogen peroxide may be kept in the tank 210.

In one example, the connection between the tank 210 and the wick compartment 205 includes a one way valve. The one way valve prevents backflow of sanitizing fluid from the wick compartment 205 to the tank 210. If water splashes into the wick compartment 205 or if urine enters the wick compartment 205, it cannot flow back to contaminate the tank 210.

In one example, the connection between the tank 210 and the wick compartment 205 varies according to a rotation of the wick. The wick compartment 205 may include an opening 269 that aligns with an opening of the tank 210 when the wick is rotated in an open position. Otherwise, in a close position, the wick compartment 205 is rotate so that the openings are not aligned. The wick may also be released by rotation, which allows an empty wick compartment 205 to be cleaned.

The wick compartment 205 may also be drained through rotation. For example the bottom of the wick compartment 205 may be fitted with a valve 229 including a through hole 228 that is opened as the wick is rotated.

In addition to draining the wick compartment 205, sometimes there are liquids in the toilet seat assembly 200 because of spillage. When the user adds sanitizing fluid to the toilet seat assembly 200, the fluid may spill into a chamber. The user (e.g., when urinating) may spill urine into the toilet seat assembly 200. For these instances, the toilet seat assembly 200 is designed to drain away the spilled liquid into the toilet.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example drain plate 275. The drain plate 275 may include a solid portion 211 and opening 212. FIG. 23 illustrates an example spill path or overflow path through the toilet seat assembly. The overflow path includes multiple surfaces sloped down toward the toilet bowl.

The spill path may cross multiple surfaces. The spill path may include a floor 271 of the sanitizing compartment, a ledge 272 for the support of the wick compartment 205, a top surface 273 of a side compartment, and a vertical passage 274.

The drain plate 275 may be sloped down toward the toilet bowl (e.g., in the direction of gravity) so that any spills move away from the hinge structure, which includes water sensitive components such as the controller, power supply, and various wiring, and toward the toilet bowl.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrates an example lock for the wick. The misting cap 265 may attach to the wick compartment 205 at a ridge 262 via a connector and attached to the atomizer 206 via the connector. As the misting cap 265 is rotated along the ridge 262, various locking tabs 261 may engage or disengage the misting cap 265.

When one of the tabs, or combination of tabs, engages the misting cap 265 and is locked with the wick compartment 205 and the housing of the atomizer 206 in a first position. The first position may be a relative rotational position between the misting cap 265 and the wick compartment 209. When one of the tabs, or combination of tabs, engages the misting cap 265 at a second position, the wick compartment 205 may be removed. The second position may be a relative rotational position between the misting cap 265 and the wick compartment 205.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrates example fins 231 for the flow of the sanitizing air flow. As the flow of air in the hinge structure leaves the sanitizing compartment, it is released into the seat compartment, which overlaps the toilet seat 100. The air is most effective as it travels around the toilet seat 100. The fins 231 provide a guided air path around the toilet seat. A path of the air flow is illustrated by pattern 282.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example placement of the fin 231 on the toilet seat 100. The fins 231 may be curved away from the vents 227 and then horizontal along the rear of the toilet seat 100.

FIG. 27 illustrates another view of the fin 231 integrated with one or more seals 104 and 106. That is, an integrated component of a single construction may include the fin 231, the seal 104, and the seal 106.

FIG. 28 illustrates a rear view of the toilet seat assembly include a sliding switch 230. The sliding switch 230 may be in electrical connection with the controller. The sliding switch 230 may operate various functions of the toilet seat assembly. FIG. 29 illustrates example positions 232 of the sliding switch 230. A detent in a flexible housing (e.g., rubberized gasket) may allow the switch 230 move between the positions 232 by flexing the flexible housing but rest easily in the grooves of the flexible housing. The sliding switch 230 may turn the toilet seat assembly 200 on and off. The sliding switch 230 may be spring loaded in order to aid motion across the detents in the flexible housing. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

The sliding switch 230 may be an example slider configured to select a mode for the toilet seat assembly. The mode may control how the toilet seat assembly 200 opens the ring or seat 100 and the lid 101 using a motor 283. There may be a presence only opening mode for the toilet seat assembly 200, in which the controller sends instructions to operate the motor 283 to open the lid 101 only when presence of a user is detected. There may be an automatic opening mode for the toilet seat assembly 200, in which the controller sends instructions to operate the motor 283 after the cleaning cycle has ended. The controller may determine that the cleaning cycle has ended based on a timer reaching a set elapsed time. The controller may determine that the cleaning cycle has ended based on data from a moisture sensor in the seat compartment.

There may be a maintenance mode where the controller checks the operation of the atomizer 206, fan 207, or another component. In the maintenance mode, the controller may check the level of the sanitizing fluid.

In one example, the motor 283 is omitted and slow close dampers are used. In this case, the sliding switch 230 may only turn on and off the sanitizing system. It is also possible to omit the atomizer 206 such that the sanitizing fluid evaporates direction into the air. It is also possible to omit the fan 207. Air flow may be achieved through the suction resulting from flushing the toilet with the lid 101 closed.

Various power supplies are possible. The toilet seat assembly 200 may include a cord for AC power from an outlet. The toilet seat assembly 200 may include an alternating current to direct current (ADC) converter. Power is provided from the power supply to the atomizer 206, fan 207, motor 283, display, and other components. In some examples, a battery may be used. The battery may be removable and chargeable.

The display may include indicators for the operation of the toilet seat assembly 200, which is discussed in more detail below.

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate an example quick release hinge 234 for the toilet seat assembly 200. The releasable hinge 234 is mounted using a frame 235 and biased outward by spring 236 (biasing member). The releasable hinge 234 is operable in a locked position, for example, pushed out by the spring 236. In the locked position, the toilet seat assembly 200 cannot be removed from the toilet. When the user presses in on the releasable hinge 234, which may require one or both hinges, the hinge 234 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position against the force of the spring 235. In the unlocked position, the toilet seat assembly 200 can be removed from the toilet.

In some examples, the releasable hinge 234 is operable in a further lock position or override position. This position may lock the releasable hinge 234, regardless of whether the releasable hinge 234 is pushed in against the biasing member 236. The override lock may be reverse only using a special tool or key.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example air path P2 that illustrates as air passes through example air vents 227, the air is directed across the bottom of cover 222, which causes the air movement to arc to a horizontal direction. After the bottom of cover 222, the air passes to arc feature 284 on the housing of the toilet seat assembly 200, which further turns the flow of air downward toward the seat 102.

FIG. 32 illustrates another example seal 240 for the toilet seat. The seal may have two parts. A first part extends between the seat 102 and the bowl. A second part extends between the seat 102 and the lid 101. Each part includes respective curved components 241 and 242. The curved components 241 and 242 aid in sealing as the seat 102 is moved with respect to the bowl and lid 101.

FIG. 33 illustrates a vent space between the toilet seat 102 and toilet lid 101. The seal 240 prevents the plume from the toilet bowl from escaping into the environment. The vent space includes three seals. Seal 244 and 245 define the sanitizing space for the seat 102 where the mist air flow is directed. Seal 240 may extend to the lid 101 and create a seal with the lid 101. Seal 240 may not span the entire gap between the lid 101 and the seat 102.

FIG. 34 illustrates a display 401 for the toilet seat assembly 200. The display 401 may be on the cover 220. The display 401 may be adjacent to the cover 220 on the lid of the toilet seat assembly 200. The display 401 may be on the hinge section.

A variety of information may be relayed to the user by the display 401. In a simple example, the display 401 includes a single light that illuminated to indicate that the toilet seat assembly 200 is ready for use. In another example, the display 401 may include a countdown timer until the toilet seat assembly 200 is ready for use (e.g., the surface of the seat 100 is dry or expected to be dry). Example timers may include 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 5 minutes.

In another example, the display 401 may include an array or matrix of lights (e.g., LEDs). Various images may be formed with the matrix of lights as illustrated in FIG. 34. A first image may indicate ready for use. A second image may indicate cleaning in progress. Another image may indicate drying in progress. Another image may indicate time since last cleaning. The images may be part of an animation or video. In another example, a circular indicator gives a status or progress bar for the cleaning process. The circular indicator may be illuminated by several LEDs arranged in a ring.

The display 401 may include an indicator for the level of sanitizing fluid in the tank 210. The display 401 may instruct the user to refill the tank 210. The display 401 may include an indicator of energy usage, battery life, or other electrical parameters. The display 401 may indicate the mode. The display 401 may indicate what devices or in operation (e.g., fan 207, atomizer 209, etc.).

FIG. 35 illustrates a controller