KR20160135697A - A toilet seat cover - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a method of making a toilet seat cover and a toilet seat cover, the toilet seat cover comprising an upper sheet material and a lower sheet material, wherein the lower sheet is joined to the upper sheet at two joining edges of the lower sheet, Wherein the cover is capable of receiving a toilet seat between an upper sheet and a lower sheet and between opposing outer edges, wherein the upper and lower sheets comprise respective apertures, And when the seat is received between the upper seat and the lower seat, the central opening can be substantially aligned with the hollow of the toilet seat.

Description

{A TOILET SEAT COVER}

The present invention relates to a toilet seat cover and a method of manufacturing a toilet seat cover.

Generally, a flush toilet includes, for example, a barrel portion (or a toilet bowl) for receiving excreta. The barrel portion has an opening defined by the rim of the barrel portion. A sanitary seat can be placed on the rim so that the user can sit comfortably in the toilet bowl. In general, the toilet seat is folded at the end of the frame so that the toilet seat can be placed on the frame when it is about to sit. In addition, when a toilet seat is not required, the toilet seat can be lifted or rotated from its rim to an upright position substantially perpendicular to the opening of the barrel portion, and can be leaned against the water tank or wall surface of the flush toilet.

However, the toilet seat may be dirty or soiled that the user is reluctant to sit on the toilet seat or contact the toilet seat. For example, a seat on a rim may be stained by a male user standing and urinating. Also, the toilet seat is generally connected to one end of the rim through a hinge, and the area around the hinge is often stained by urine, which is left by excretions, e.g., male users, and is generally difficult to remove.

In addition to visible speckles and dirt that may be caused by, for example, excretion from a previous user, the user may be aware of any infectious or contagious disease that may occur, for example, from contact with invisible contaminants such as bacteria and / You can also worry about the risks.

Some companies hired cleaners to clean each seat soon after use. However, this is costly and it is impractical to keep a clean room at the peak of the toilet use. Furthermore, a sanitizer may not apply disinfectants or sanitizers to clean the surface of the seat.

When confronted with a dirty toilet seat, some users may choose to clean the toilet seat using, for example, disinfectants and toilet paper provided, or to spray the tub with a water supply hose. However, this requires the time used to clean. In addition, extra effort and cost are incurred on the user side. Therefore, only very few users attempt to clean the seat. Even if the user tries to clean the toilet seat, the user is generally not an expert in cleaning the toilet seat and may result in the toilet seat not being properly cleaned and / or excessive toilet paper, cleaning material, etc. being used for cleaning. Bacteria and germs that are not visible to the naked eye may also remain in the cleaning by the user, and thus the user may still be exposed to these contaminants.

Some users may use a disposable cover that can be placed directly on the seat. Such a toilet seat cover generally includes a paper sheet of a shape similar to a toilet seat. These sheets are generally inadequate in thickness for the sake of manufacturing cost effectiveness and can easily break if the disposable cover is wet due to, for example, urine or wet seatings of the previous user, for example, if not properly handled. Also, since the disposable paper cover is generally smaller in size than the toilet seat, it is not properly installed on the toilet seat. Therefore, the user must cover several sheets of such disposable paper covers in order to completely cover the toilet seat and also to provide sufficient thickness. This inefficient way results in additional costs. Also, such a seat is not adequately placed on the toilet seat and the seat tends to slide when the user sits thereon.

Therefore, there remains a need for a method of making a toilet seat cover and a toilet seat cover that can solve or at least ameliorate one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet seat cover comprising an upper sheet material and a lower sheet material, wherein the lower sheet is joined to the upper sheet at two joining edges of the lower sheet, wherein the cover is capable of receiving a toilet seat between an upper sheet and a lower sheet and between opposite outer edges, wherein the upper and lower sheets include respective perforations, And when the seat is received between the upper seat and the lower seat, the central opening can be substantially aligned with the hollow of the toilet seat.

The toilet seat cover can also include a hinged flap that folds over the side of the central opening and the flap can extend through the hollow of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is received between the upper and lower seats.

At least one of the upper and lower sheets may include one or more perforations to form individual perforations when the perforations are torn.

The perforations may allow the flap to form when the perforations are torn.

At least one of the top and bottom sheets may include one or more additional perforations to reduce the size of the flap when one or more additional perforations are torn.

The flap may be folded adjacent the front edge of the cover.

The upper and lower sheets may each comprise a fluid-permeable material.

At least one of the top and bottom sheets may comprise a fluid impermeable material.

At least one of the upper and lower sheets may comprise a material of the inner layer and a material of the outer layer, the outer layer being the exterior of the cover.

The inner layer may comprise a fluid impermeable material.

The outer layer may comprise an absorbent material.

The upper and lower sheets may be rectangular in shape.

The lower sheet may also be joined to the upper sheet at one or more other edges of the lower sheet, each said other edge corresponding to a joining edge, and each fork each said other edge being disposed at a corresponding mating edge to form a sleeve for receiving said fork.

The other edge may be substantially joined together along the respective circumference to form a ring.

The lower seat can also be coupled to the upper seat at the front edge of the lower seat, and the cover also includes an inlet for allowing the seat seat to be inserted therethrough.

The lower sheet may also include additional openings located between the central opening and the inlet edges, the additional openings extending substantially across the opposing outer edge.

The upper and lower seats may also each include a peripheral area that extends beyond the surface area of the accommodated seat and may be folded and disposed under the seat.

The lower seat may also include one or more apertures for interacting with the one or more engagement members provided on the toilet seat when the toilet seat is received between the upper and lower seats.

When the perimeter zone is folded, the perimeter zone may include one or more receiving apertures for engaging one or more mating members on the accommodated seat.

The topsheet may also include extensions such that the topsheet is substantially longer than the bottomsheet.

The upper sheet may be 450 mm longer than the lower sheet.

The extension may include one or more apertures for interacting with one or more engagement members on the water tank or support wall to hold the extension against the water tank or support wall.

The extension may include one or more perforations to form one or more apertures when torn.

The extension may include a pocket for receiving the unfolded end of the toilet seat lid.

The top sheet or bottom sheet may also include one or more securing strips.

The one or more fastening strips have an engaging end coupled to the upper or lower seat and a free end extending over the hollow and upper seat or under the lower seat so that the loops are substantially formed around a portion of the seat, .

The mating end may be joined at a location along the circumference of the central opening adjacent one of the outer edges.

The free end can be cut at another location along the circumference of the central opening, adjacent to the opposite outer edge.

The top sheet or bottom sheet may also include a fixed strip perforation to form one or more securing strips when torn.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a toilet seat cover, the method comprising: providing an upper sheet material and a lower sheet material; Combining the lower sheet with the upper sheet at the two joining edges of the lower sheet; Forming individual apertures in the upper and lower sheets; And aligning the individual apertures to form a central opening of the cover, wherein the two coupling edges comprise opposed outer edges, the central opening being defined by a hollow portion of the seat seat when the seat is received by the cover Can be substantially aligned.

The manufacturing method may also include forming a flap folded at the side of the central opening and the flap may extend through the hollow of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is received between the upper and lower seats.

The method of manufacture may also include forming at least one perforation in at least one of the upper and lower sheets, wherein the at least one perforation is for forming an individual perforation when the perforation is torn.

The perforations may allow the flap to form when the perforations are torn.

The method of manufacture may also include forming at least one additional perforation in at least one of the upper and lower sheets, wherein the at least one additional perforation may cause the length of the flap to decrease when the additional perforation is torn.

The step of forming the flap may comprise forming a folded flap adjacent the front edge of the cover.

The manufacturing method may also include providing a fluid permeable material for each top sheet and bottom sheet.

The method of manufacture may also include providing a fluid impermeable material for at least one of the upper and lower sheets.

The method of manufacture may also include providing an inner layer material and an outer layer material for at least one of the top sheet or the bottom sheet, wherein the outer layer is external to the cover.

The method of manufacture may also include providing a fluid impermeable material for the inner layer.

The manufacturing method may also include providing an absorbent material for the outer layer.

The manufacturing method may also include providing the upper and lower sheets in a rectangular shape.

The manufacturing method may also include joining one or more other edges of the lower sheet to the top sheet, each of said other edges corresponding to a joining edge, and each of the other edges and each joining edge having a hinged- Each of said other edges is disposed at a corresponding mating edge to form a sleeve for receiving a fork.

The manufacturing method may also include substantially joining together the other edges along the respective circumference to form a ring.

The manufacturing method may also include the step of joining the front edge of the bottom sheet to the top sheet and forming an inlet at the unjoined edge to allow the seat to be inserted therethrough.

The method of manufacture may also include forming additional openings located between the central opening and the inlet edge of the lower sheet, wherein the additional openings extend substantially transverse to the opposing outer edges.

The method of manufacture may also include providing a perimeter zone to the upper and lower seats extending beyond the surface area of the accommodated seat and allowing the perimeter zone to be folded and disposed below the seat.

The manufacturing method may also include providing a hole in the lower seat, wherein the hole is aligned with a mating member on the seat when the seat is received between the upper and lower seats.

The manufacturing method may further include providing a receiving hole for engaging with the engaging member provided on the accommodated toilet seat at least on the lower sheet.

Providing the top sheet material may include providing an upper sheet having an extension such that the top sheet is substantially longer than the bottom sheet.

Providing the top sheet material may include providing an upper sheet that is 450 mm longer than the bottom sheet.

The manufacturing method may also include providing at least one or more holes in the extension to interact with the at least one engagement member provided in the water tank or support wall to hold the extension against the water tank or support wall.

The method of manufacture may also include providing one or more perforations to the extensions to form one or more apertures when the perforations are torn.

The manufacturing method may also include the step of providing the extension with a pocket for receiving or engaging the unfolded end of the toilet seat lid.

The method of manufacture may also include providing at least one fixing strip to the top sheet or bottom sheet.

The step of providing at least one fastening strip to the top sheet or bottom sheet comprises the steps of connecting the mating end of the fastening strip to the top sheet or bottom sheet, Or providing a free end of the securing strip that can extend through the bottom of the lower sheet.

Connecting the mating end may include engaging the mating end of the securing strip at a location along the circumference of the central opening adjacent one of the outer edges.

Providing the free end can include providing a free end that is cut at another location along the circumference of the central opening, adjacent to the opposite outer edge.

The method of manufacture may also include providing at least one fixed strip perforation to form one or more securing strips when torn.

1 is a schematic side view of a flush toilet of an embodiment.
2A is an exploded view of the toilet seat cover of the embodiment.
2B is a plan view of the assembled toilet-seat cover of the embodiment.
2C is a bottom view of the assembled toilet seat cover of the embodiment.
3 is a schematic side view of a flush toilet of an embodiment.
4A is an exploded view of the toilet seat cover of the embodiment.
4B is a plan view of the assembled toilet-seat cover of the embodiment.
4C is a bottom view of the assembled toilet-seat cover of the embodiment.
5 is an exploded view of the toilet seat cover of the embodiment.
6 is an exploded view of the toilet seat cover according to the embodiment.
7A is an exploded view of the toilet seat cover of the embodiment.
7B is an exploded view of an embodiment using a toilet seat cover.
8 is a top plan view of an upper and a lower seat of a non-assembled toilet seat cover showing the approximate dimensions of the top and bottom sheets of the embodiment.
9A is an exploded view of the toilet seat cover according to the embodiment.
9B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembled toilet seat cover.
9C is an alternative perspective view of an embodiment using an assembled toilet seat cover.
10 is a bottom view of an upper seat and a lower seat of a non-assembled toilet seat cover showing approximate dimensions of an upper seat and a lower seat of the embodiment;
11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the toilet seat cover of the embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention are merely exemplary and, together with the figures, will be better understood and appreciated by a person skilled in the art through the following detailed description.

The terms "coupled" or "connected ", as used in the specification, are intended to include direct connection or connection through one or more intermediate means unless otherwise specified.

In the specification, the term sheet refers to a sheet of material suitable for the applications described herein.

Also, the term "substantially" in the specification is to be understood as including, but not limited to, "entirely" or "fully" Also, terms such as " comprising ", "comprising ", and the like are intended to be non-limiting expressions that broadly encompass the elements / configurations and other configurations not expressly listed below these terms. In addition, terms such as " about "and" roughly "generally refer to a reasonable difference, for example, a difference of +/- 20% of the presented value, a difference of +/- 10% / - a difference of 5%, or a difference of +/- 4% of the suggested value, or a difference of +/- 3% of the suggested value, or a difference of +/- 2% of the suggested value, / RTI > < / RTI >

Also, in the detailed description, certain values may be presented in a range. Values representing the end of the range are intended to represent the preferred range. When a range is described, the range is intended to include all possible sub-ranges as well as all of the individual values within that range. That is, the end numbers of the range should not be interpreted as an inflexible limit. For example, the range of 1% to 5% may be 1%, 2%, 3%, 1% to 2%, 1% to 3%, 1% to 4%, 2% 4%, 5%, and so on. What is intended to be particularly described above may be applied to any range of depth / width.

1 shows a schematic side view of a flush toilet 100 of an embodiment. The flush toilet 100 includes, for example, a barrel portion (toilet bowl) 102 for receiving excreta. The barrel portion 102 includes an opening 104 defined by a perimeter or rim 106 of the barrel portion 102.

The toilet seat 110 is folded over the rim 106 at the rear end or at the hinge end 108. When attempting to sit, the toilet seat 110 is deployed to rest on the rim 106. This can be referred to as a deployment location. The toilet seat 110 is annular or ring shaped with a hollow portion 112 and substantially completely covers the rim 106 when deployed to rest on the rim 106. When the toilet seat 110 does not want to sit, the toilet seat 110, which is substantially diametrically opposed to the hinge end 108 (as shown in Figure 1) so as to be substantially perpendicular to the opening of the barrel portion 102, The opposite end or front end 114 of the seat can be lifted from the rim 106 to move the seat into the standing / vertical position. This can be referred to as a non-deployed location. In some embodiments, the toilet seat 110 may rest against the wall or water tank of the flush toilet 100 when in the standing position.

The user sits on the toilet seat 110 located away from the wall or water tank of the flush toilet 100 so that the user's back faces the wall or water tank. In this regard, the rear end or hinged end 108 of the toilet seat 110 is proximate a wall or water tank, while the front end 114 is the distal end of the toilet seat 110 remote from the wall or water tank .

In an embodiment, the toilet seat 110 is folded over the barrel portion 102. In an alternate embodiment, the toilet seat may be coupled to the barrel portion via alternative means. For example, the seat can be pivoted or rotated in the direction of a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rim surface of the toilet bowl between an unfolded position where the toilet seat substantially covers the rim of the toilet bowl and an unexpanded position where the toilet seat does not cover the toilet bowl .

2A shows an exploded view of the toilet seat cover of the embodiment. The toilet seat cover (200) includes a first seat or an upper seat (202) and a second seat or a lower seat (204). The upper and lower sheets 202,204 are joined together at two side edges that are, for example, outer side edges 206a, 206b such that the two side edges 206a, 206b are diametrically opposed to each other Bonded or sealed.

2B shows a plan view of the assembled toilet seat cover 200 of the embodiment. In Fig. 2B, the bottom sheet 204 is shown partially opaque. The opening 210 of the cover 200 is formed at the edge 208 where the upper and lower sheets 202 and 204 are not joined together and are not sealed. The toilet seat 110 is positioned between the upper seat 202 and the lower seat 204 and between the opposite side edge 206a and the side edge 206b so as to be accommodated in the toilet seat cover 200, (The toilet seat 110 in Fig. 1) may be inserted through the inlet 210. Fig. Therefore, the toilet seat cover 200 functions as an envelope for receiving the toilet seat 110 as an insert.

In an embodiment, the toilet seat 110 is folded at the hinge end 108 to the toilet bowl (not shown in Figs. 2A and 2B). Thus, the toilet seat 110 is first inserted into the cover 200 at the front end portion 114.

2B shows the toilet seat 110 so as to more clearly show the position of the toilet seat 110 in the toilet seat cover 200 when the toilet seat 110 is held in the toilet seat cover 200. As shown in Fig. It will be appreciated that when the toilet seat cover 200 is being used and covering the toilet seat 110, the toilet seat 110 can not be seen visually in a plan view.

2B, the front edge of the cover 200 facing the inlet 210, so that the toilet seat 110 is removed from the cover 200 through the inlet edge 208 that is inserted or not sealed, The upper and lower sheets 202 and 204 are preferably sealed (i.e., the top sheet 202 and the bottom sheet 204 are joined together). This is because the sealed edge 212 prevents the front end 114 of the toilet seat 110 from extending beyond the edge 212 when the toilet seat 110 is inserted into the cover 200, To the toilet seat 110 with ease.

The upper and lower seats 202 and 204 are configured to receive the holes 214a and 214b (also shown in Figure 2B) so that the cover 200 includes a central opening 216 (Figure 2B) formed by the holes 214a and 214b 2a, respectively. When the cover 200 is in use (i.e., when the toilet seat 110 is inserted into the cover 200), the central opening 216 is substantially aligned with or on the hollow portion 112 of the toilet seat 110 Respectively. The center opening 216 is smaller than the hollow portion 112 of the toilet seat 110.

Since the toilet seat 110 is inserted into the cover 200, the embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides a more secure installation to the toilet seat as compared to the prior art single seat cover. The prior art single seat cover will only be placed on the surface of the seat and will not be securely secured to the surface of the seat. The prior art single seat covers are often moved or moved by air movement when the user tries to sit on a single seat cover placed on the upper surface of the seat. In contrast, the embodiment of the present invention allows the toilet seat to be inserted into the cover and be sandwiched by the cover, so that the cover can be installed more securely with respect to the toilet seat.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the central opening 216 is not formed before use. Instead, the upper and lower sheets 202, 204 include perforations 218a, 218b that define or outline the cuts. When the perforations 218a and 218b are broken by the user, the cutouts can be moved to form individual apertures 214a and 214b that form the central opening 216 of the cover 200. [ In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the central opening 216 is not formed before use. It will be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, the central opening 216 may be formed at the point of manufacture and prior to use. This can provide convenience to the user, for example, in that the user can sit on the toilet seat cover 200 immediately after the user inserts the toilet seat without breaking the perforations 218a, 218b.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, the perforations 218a and 218b are not completely surrounded by the circumference of the holes 214a and 214b. Instead, the individual sections 220a, 220b of the circumference of the holes 214a, 214b are not perforated. Thus, when the perforations 218a, 218b are torn or broken by the user, the cutouts may include flaps 222a, 222b folded over the circumferential sections 220a, 220b of the perforated apertures 214a, 214b .

In an embodiment, the flaps 222a, 222b are folded near the edge 212. That is, the non-perforated sections 220a, 220b are adjacent to the edge 212. The edge 212 is referred to as the front edge of the cover 200 because it is near the front end of the toilet seat 110. When the cover 200 is used in conjunction with the toilet seat 110 and the toilet seat 110 is deployed on the toilet baskets (e.g., 102 in FIG. 1), the flaps 222a, (E.g., reference numeral 102 in FIG. 1) of the flush toilet (e.g., reference numeral 100 in FIG. 1) through the central opening 216 of the flush toilet. Thus, the flaps 222a and 222b cover or cover the section of the inner wall of the toilet bowl (for example, 102 in FIG. 1). In particular, since the flaps 222a and 222b are located near the front edge 212, the front inner wall of the toilet bowl 102 (Fig. 1) is covered by the flaps 222a and 222b. Advantageously, the flaps 222a, 222b provide a barrier to prevent the body part of the male user from contacting the front inner wall of the toilet bowl 102 (Fig. 1) when the user sits, / / Protect the user from contamination caused by pollutants.

Although the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A and 2B shows two flaps 222a and 222b formed on both the upper and lower sheets 202 and 204, it is understood that the flap can be formed only on the lower sheet 204 Will be. The perforations of the top sheet 202 may be formed by completely surrounding the circumference of the hole 214a such that the perforations of the top sheet 202 are completely separated from the top sheet 202. [ Alternatively, the flap may be formed only on the top sheet 202 while the cut portion of the bottom sheet 204 may be completely separate.

2C is a bottom view of the assembled toilet cover 200 of the embodiment. In the embodiment, the toilet seat 110 is provided with a hook 116 (not shown in Fig. 1) on the bottom surface of the toilet seat 110. The upper and lower seats 202 and 204, the unsealed edge 208, the inlet 210, the opposing side edges 206a and 206b, the front edge 212, and the cover 210 as described in the description of FIG. 0.0 > 216 < / RTI > It will be appreciated that the flaps 222a, 222b as shown in FIG. 2B are omitted in FIG. 2C for ease of illustration, but there is a flap.

Fig. 2C also shows the bottom surface of the toilet seat 110. Fig. The toilet seat 110 is received in the cover 200 between the upper and lower seats 202, 204 and between the opposing side edges 206a, 206b. Hinge end 108, front end 114 and hollow portion 112 of toilet seat 110 as described in the description of Figure 2B are also shown. Similar to FIG. 2B, the toilet seat 110 is shown in FIG. 2C to more clearly illustrate the position of the toilet seat 110 in the toilet seat cover 200 when used. It will be appreciated that when the toilet seat cover 200 is being used and covering the toilet seat 110, the toilet seat 110 is not visually viewable in the bottom view.

The bottom surface of the toilet seat 110 includes a hook 116 protruding from the bottom surface of the toilet seat 110. It will be understood that the bottom surface of the toilet seat is the surface of the toilet seat that faces or contacts the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is deployed. The cover 200 is aligned with the hook 116 when the cover 200 is installed relative to the toilet seat 110 (i.e., when the toilet seat 110 is inserted into the cover 200) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 224 < / RTI >

The cover 200 also includes a receiving hole 226 in the peripheral region of the cover 200. The peripheral region of the cover 200 is a region extending beyond the surface area of the toilet seat in which the upper and lower seats 202, 204 are received so as not to sandwich the seat occupied by the seat. When the toilet seat is received in the cover, the peripheral region of the cover 200 can be folded along the folding line 230 toward the hook 116. The hooks 116 can also engage with the receiving holes 226 to further secure the cover 200 to the toilet seat 110 when the peripheral region of the cover 200 is folded.

Having the hook 116 on the bottom surface of the toilet seat 110 allows the cover 200 to be further secured to the toilet seat 110 through the hole 224 when the toilet seat 110 is inserted into the cover 200 . Advantageously, because the hook 116 on the underside of the toilet seat 110 interacts with the aperture 224 to prevent the cover 200 from moving relative to the toilet seat 110, 200 can easily be prevented from being easily moved relative to the toilet seat 110. Therefore, the hook 116 functions as a coupling member.

It is also contemplated that the portion of the cover 200 relative to the toilet seat 110 when the surrounding area of the cover 200 is folded and placed under the toilet seat 110 such that the receiving hole 226 also engages with the hook 116, Fixation is further improved.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, when the cover 200 is assembled, that is, when the upper and lower seats 204, 204 are aligned, the receiving holes 226 are substantially aligned, Receiving holes are formed in both of the sheets 202 and 204. [ In an alternate embodiment, the receiving hole 226 may be provided only in the lower sheet 204. [

In an alternate embodiment, the holes 224 and / or the receiving holes 226 formed in one or both of the top sheet and / or the bottom sheet may be cut from cuts similar to those described for holes 214a and 214b, Lt; / RTI > The holes 224 and / or receiving apertures 226 may also be formed with a hole flap so that it is folded over and / or from the lower sheet and not completely separated from the upper and / or lower sheets 202, 204.

The use of the flaps in some embodiments may advantageously reduce the manufacturing cost and material cost of the cover, since it is not necessary to process the cuts unless the cuts are completely separated from the top and bottom sheets. In addition, the need for flushing the toilet can be reduced since the use of flaps can reduce the disturbance of the cuts.

It will be appreciated that the holes and / or receiving apertures may be preformed in the manufacturing process prior to use so that the user does not need to rupture any perforations to form holes and / or receiving apertures.

It will be appreciated that the size of the toilet seat cover is based on the size of the intended toilet seat. For a seat with a size of approximately 365 mm x 420 mm, the seat cover size may be approximately 395 mm x 450 mm.

It will also be appreciated that the size of the center opening of the toilet seat cover is based on the hollow space size of the toilet seat. An oversized central opening may not provide the function of preventing dirty water in the toilet bowl from being spilled on the user during use. An overly small central opening may require the user to sit at the correct location to use so that the toilet seat cover is not soiled. Generally, for a toilet seat having a hollow of about 220 mm x 260 mm across its diameter, the central opening of the toilet seat cover is about 180 mm x 220 mm in size crossing its diameter.

3 shows a schematic side view of a flush toilet 300 of an embodiment. The flush toilet 300 includes, for example, a barrel portion (or toilet bowl) 302 for receiving excreta. The barrel portion 302 includes an opening 304 defined by a perimeter or rim 106 of the barrel portion 102.

The toilet seat 310 is folded over the rim 306 at its rearward end or hinge end 308. When attempting to sit, the toilet seat 310 may be deployed to rest on the rim 306. This can be referred to as a deployment location. The toilet seat 310 is a horseshoe shape including two forks or arms 316 extending from the hinge end 308 to form a U-shape around the hollow portion 312. The toilet seat 310 covers the rim 306 substantially completely except for the space between the arms 316 when deployed to rest on the rim 306. The opposite end or front end 314 of the toilet seat 310 substantially diametrically opposite the hinge end 308 such that the toilet seat 310 is substantially perpendicular to the opening of the barrel 302 when not seated, Can be lifted from the rim 306 to move the toilet seat 210 to a standing / vertical position. This can be referred to as a non-deployed location. In some embodiments, the toilet seat 310 may rest against the wall or water tank of the flush toilet 300 when in the standing position. Figure 3 shows the toilet seat 310 between the deployed position and the standing position.

The user sits on the toilet seat 310 located away from the wall or water tank of the flush toilet 300 so that the user's back generally faces the wall or water tank. In this regard, the rear end or hinged end 308 of the toilet seat 310 is proximate the wall or water tank, while the forward end 314 is the distal end of the toilet seat 310 remote from the wall or water tank .

In an embodiment, the toilet seat 310 is folded into the toilet bowl 202. In an alternate embodiment, the toilet seat may be coupled to the toilet bowl via alternative means. For example, the seat can be pivoted or rotated in the direction of a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the rim surface of the toilet bowl between an unfolded position where the toilet seat substantially covers the rim of the toilet bowl and an unexpanded position where the toilet seat does not cover the toilet bowl .

4A shows an exploded view of the toilet seat cover of the embodiment. The toilet seat cover 400 includes a first seat or an upper seat 402 and a second seat or a lower seat 404. The upper and lower sheets 402 and 404 are joined together at two side edges that are outer side edges 406a and 406b so that the shape is substantially rectangular and the two side edges 406a and 406b are diametrically opposed to each other, do. The edges of the top and bottom sheets 402,404 joined together are referred to as joining edges.

4B shows a plan view of the assembled toilet-seat cover 400 of the embodiment. In Fig. 4B, the bottom sheet 404 is shown partially opaque. The entrance 410 of the toilet seat cover 400 is formed at the unsealed edge 408 where the upper and lower sheets 402, 404 are not joined together. The toilet seat 310 is positioned between the upper seat 402 and the lower seat 404 and between the opposite side edge 406a and the side edge 406b so as to be received in the toilet seat cover 400, (The toilet seat 310 in Fig. 3) may be inserted through the inlet 410. Fig. Therefore, the toilet seat cover 400 functions as an envelope for receiving the toilet seat 310 as an insert.

In an embodiment, the toilet seat 310 is folded at the hinge end 308 to a toilet bowl (not shown in Figs. 4A and 4B). Thus, the toilet seat 310 is first inserted into the cover 400 at the front end portion 314. The front end 314 is substantially diametrically opposite to the hinge end 30.

4B shows the toilet seat 310 so as to more clearly show the position of the toilet seat 310 in the toilet seat cover 400 when the toilet seat 310 is held in the toilet seat cover 400. As shown in Fig. It will be appreciated that when the toilet seat cover 400 is being used and covering the toilet seat 310, the toilet seat 310 is not visually viewable in a plan view.

4B, the front edge of the cover 400 facing the inlet 410, so that the toilet seat 310 is removed from the cover 400 through the inlet edge 408, (I.e., the top sheet 402 and the bottom sheet 404 are joined together). This is because the sealed edge 412 prevents the front end 314 of the toilet seat 310 from extending beyond the edge 412 when the toilet seat 310 is inserted into the cover 400, To the toilet seat 310 with ease.

The upper and lower seats 402 and 404 are configured to receive the holes 414a and 414b (Figure 4B) so that the cover 400 includes a central opening 416 (Figure 4B) formed by the holes 414a and 414b 4a, respectively. When the cover 400 is in use (i.e., when the toilet seat 310 is inserted into the cover 400), the central opening 416 is substantially aligned with or on the hollow portion 312 of the toilet seat 310 Respectively.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, a central opening 416 is not formed before use. Instead, the upper and lower sheets 402, 404 include perforations 418a, 418b that define or outline the cuts. The cutouts can be moved to form individual apertures 414a and 414b that form the central opening 416 of the cover 400 when the apertures 418a and 418b are torn or broken by the user.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the perforations 418a and 418b are not completely surrounded by the circumference of the holes 414a and 414b. Instead, the circumferential individual sections 420a, 420b of the apertures 414a, 414b are not perforated and can not be readily torn or broken, for example, by the user. Thus, when the perforations 418a, 418b are torn or broken by the user, the cutouts may include flaps 422a, 422b folded over the circumferential sections 420a, 420b of the perforated apertures 414a, 414b .

In an embodiment, the flaps 422a, 422b are folded near the edge 412. That is, the unperforated sections 420a and 420b are adjacent to the edge 412. The edge 412 is referred to as the front edge of the cover 400 because it is close to the front end of the toilet seat 310. When the cover 400 is used with the toilet seat 310 and the toilet seat 310 is deployed on a toilet basin (for example, 302 in FIG. 3), the flaps 422a and 422b are in contact with the hollow portion 312 (For example, reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3) of the flush toilet (e.g., reference numeral 300 in FIG. 3) through the central opening 416 and the central opening 416. Thus, the flaps 422a and 422b cover or cover the section of the inner wall of the toilet bowl (for example, 302 in FIG. 3). In particular, since the flaps 422a and 422b are located near the front edge 412, the front inner wall of the toilet basin 302 (Fig. 3) is covered by the flaps 422a and 422b. Advantageously, the flaps 422a, 422b provide a barrier to prevent the body part of the male user from contacting the front inner wall of the toilet bowl 302 (Fig. 3) when the user sits, / / Protect the user from contamination caused by pollutants.

It will be appreciated that although the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B shows two flaps 222a and 222b, the flap may only be formed on the lower sheet 404. The perforations of the top sheet 402 may be formed by completely surrounding the circumference of the perforations so that the perforations of the top sheet 402 are completely separated from the top sheet 402. Alternatively, the flap may be formed only on the top sheet 402 while the cut portion of the bottom sheet 404 may be completely separate.

In the embodiment, in addition to being joined together at the outer or side edges 406a, 406b, the upper and lower sheets 402, 404 are also joined or sealed together at the inner edges 424a, 424b. Each inner edge 424a and 424b is disposed between the respective outer edges 406a and 406b and the central opening 416 and preferably is substantially parallel to the respective outer edges 406a and 406b. When the upper and lower seats 402 and 404 of the cover 400 are joined together at the inner edges 424a and 424b and at the outer edges 406a and 406b the respective arm or fork 316 (A portion between the inner edge and the outer edge) is formed to accommodate the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. That is, each sleeve may receive a respective arm or fork 316 of the toilet seat 310 in the shape of a hanger. Each sleeve may be substantially tubular in shape. The inner edges 424a and 424b are spaced apart from the respective outer edges 406a and 406b so as to form individual sleeves of sufficient width to accommodate the arms or forks 316 of the hinged- do.

It will be appreciated that the size of the toilet seat cover is based on the size of the intended toilet seat. For a seat with a size of approximately 365 mm x 420 mm, the seat cover size may be approximately 395 mm x 450 mm.

It will also be appreciated that the size of the center opening of the toilet seat cover is based on the hollow space size of the toilet seat. An oversized central opening may not provide the function of preventing dirty water in the toilet bowl from being spilled on the user during use. An overly small central opening may require the user to sit at the correct location to use so that the toilet seat cover is not soiled. Generally, for a toilet seat having a hollow of about 220 mm x 260 mm across its diameter, the central opening of the toilet seat cover is about 180 mm x 220 mm in size crossing its diameter.

Further, the width of the sleeve of the toilet seat cover for the horseshoe-shaped toilet seat is based on the size of the arm or fork of the toilet seat which is in the shape of a horseshoe. Generally, for a horseshoe shaped seat with arms or forks each having a width of about 70 mm, the width of the sleeve of the toilet seat cover may be about 100 mm each.

The combined inner edges 424a and 424b are configured so that the inner edges 424a and 424b are substantially parallel to the outer edges of the toilet seat 310 so that when the toilet seat 310 is received in the cover 400, 406a, and 406b.

In an alternate embodiment, the inner edge can be joined to form a complete round ring or elliptical ring around the central opening. That is, the inner edges can be substantially joined to the upper and lower sheets around the perimeter and central opening 416 of the edge.

Providing the sleeves for receiving the individual arms or forks 316 of the toilet seat 310 advantageously enables the cover 400 to be more securely installed in the toilet seat 310. The sleeve may also reduce the likelihood of the cover 400 sliding on the side so that when the seat is installed in the toilet seat 310, a portion of the toilet seat 300 is exposed through the central opening 416.

That is, the combined inner edges 424a and 424b may be configured to prevent the dirt or smear on the arm or fork 316 from leaking past the inner edges 424a and 424b to contact the user using the seat, The fork 316 is also advantageously sealed.

Also, in embodiments where the inner edge is coupled to form a complete round ring or elliptical ring around the central opening 416, seals at the inner edge when the toilet seat cover 400 is used, It is also advantageous to prevent trapping between the sheets 402 and 404. In particular, there is no gap between the toilet seat and the lower seat 404 when the toilet seat cover 400 is used. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user ' s excrement from being unintentionally piled up on the lower portion of the lower sheet 404.

4C shows a bottom view of the assembled toilet seat cover 400 of the embodiment. In an embodiment, the toilet seat 310 has a hook 318 on the underside of the toilet seat. The upper and lower sheets 402,404, the unsealed edge 408, the inlet 410, the opposing side or outer edges 406a and 406b, the forward edge 412 as described in the description of Figure 4B, And the central opening 416 of the cover 400 are also shown. Flaps 414a and 414b as shown in Figure 4b have been omitted in Figure 4c for ease of illustration.

4C also shows the underside of the toilet seat 310. As shown in Fig. The toilet seat 310 is received within the cover 400 between the upper and lower seats 402, 404 and between the opposing side edges 406a, 406b. The arm or fork 316 of the hinged seat 310 is retained in the sleeve defined by the inner edges 424a and 424b and the outer edges 406a and 406b. Hinge end 308, front end 314 and hollow portion 312 of toilet seat 310 as described in the description of Figure 4b are also shown. 4B, the toilet seat 310 is shown in FIG. 4C to more clearly illustrate the position of the toilet seat 310 in the toilet seat cover 400 when used. It will be appreciated that when the toilet seat cover 400 is being used and covering the toilet seat 310, the toilet seat 310 is not visually viewable in the bottom view.

The bottom surface of the toilet seat 310 includes a hook 318 projecting from the bottom surface of the toilet seat 310. It will be understood that the bottom surface of the toilet seat is the surface of the toilet seat that faces or contacts the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is deployed. The cover 400 is aligned with the hook 318 when the cover 400 is installed against the toilet seat 310 (i.e., the toilet seat 310 is inserted into the cover 400) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 428 < / RTI >

The cover 400 also includes a receiving hole 426 in the peripheral region of the cover 400. [ The peripheral region of the cover 400 is a region extending beyond the surface area of the toilet seat in which the upper and lower seats 402, 404 are received so as not to sandwich the seat occupied by the seat. When the toilet seat is received in the cover, the peripheral region of the cover 400 can be folded along the folding line 430 toward the hook 318 on the bottom surface of the toilet seat 310. The hook 318 also engages the receiving hole 426 to further secure the cover 400 to the toilet seat 310 when the peripheral region of the cover 400 is folded.

Having the hook 318 on the underside of the toilet seat 310 allows the cover 400 to be further secured to the toilet seat 310 through the hole 428 when the toilet seat 310 is inserted into the cover 400 . Advantageously, because the hooks 318 on the underside of the toilet seat 310 interact with the holes 428 to prevent the cover 400 from moving relative to the toilet seat 310, 400 can easily be prevented from being easily moved relative to the toilet seat 310. The hook 318 functions as a coupling member.

The fixation of the cover 400 to the toilet seat 310 is further improved when the peripheral region of the cover 400 is folded so that the receiving hole 426 also engages with the hook 318. [

4A, 4B, and 4C, when the cover 400 is assembled, that is, when the upper and lower seats 404, 404 are aligned, the receiving holes 426 are substantially aligned, Receiving holes are formed in both of the receiving portions 402 and 404. In an alternate embodiment, the receiving hole 426 may be provided only in the lower sheet 404.

In an alternate embodiment, the holes 428 and / or the receiving holes 426 formed in one or both of the top sheet and / or the bottom sheet may be cut from cuts similar to those described for holes 414a and 414b, Lt; / RTI > The holes 428 and / or the receiving holes 426 may also be formed with a hole flap so that it is folded over and / or from the lower sheet and not completely separated from the upper and / or lower sheets 402 and 404.

The use of the flaps in some embodiments may advantageously reduce the manufacturing cost and material cost of the cover, since it is not necessary to process the cuts unless the cuts are completely separated from the top and bottom sheets. In addition, the need for flushing the toilet can be reduced since the use of flaps can reduce the disturbance of the cuts.

5 shows an exploded view of the toilet seat cover 500 of the embodiment. The toilet seat cover 500 is similar to the toilet seat cover 200 described in Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C, but has a hole with a design difference. The holes 502a and 502b have different shapes and include substantially two portions. The holes 502a and 502b include additional perforations 504a and 504b that allow the size of the flaps (if formed) to be changed. Other components such as upper and lower seats, holes, edges, etc. of the toilet seat cover 500 are not shown or shown for convenience.

For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2B and 4B, the flaps (e.g., 222a, 222b and 422a, 422b in Figures 2B and 4B) are perforated (e.g., 218a, 218b And 418a, 418b are torn. Thus, the size of the flaps (e.g., 222a, 222b and 422a, 422b in Figures 2b and 4b) is substantially equal to the size of the perforations formed around the perimeter of the perforations (see, e.g., Figures 218a, 218b and 418a, 418b ).

5, the additional perforations 504a and 504b allow the individual portions 506b and 506b opposite the respective hinge ends 508a and 508b to be completely separated and removed from the toilet seat cover 500. [ This allows the size of the flaps (e.g., portions 510a, 510b) to be changed effectively when formed. In particular, the flaps (e.g., portions 510a and 510b) formed in the toilet seat cover 500 are relatively smaller than the flaps formed in the toilet seat cover 200 shown in Fig. 2A. This can advantageously reduce the size of the flaps since the flaps in the size of the entire aperture (shown in Fig. 2A) can result in flaps entering into contact with the water in the toilet bowl when the cover is placed in the deployed toilet seat have.

It will be appreciated that the water in the toilet can be contaminated with bacteria and bacteria, for example, and flaps can become contaminated when water comes into contact with the flap. The contaminated water can permeate through the flaps towards the user sitting on the toilet seat. Also, when removing the toilet seat cover after use, contaminated flaps of relatively large size may be more difficult to handle.

6 shows an exploded view of the toilet seat cover 600 of the embodiment. The toilet seat cover 600 is similar to the toilet seat cover 200 described in Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C and also includes an additional opening 606 in the lower sheet 604. Fig. There is no additional opening in the top sheet 602. [ Additional openings 606 are located in the lower sheet 604 between the unsealed / inlet edges 608 and extend across substantially opposite outer side edges. Other components, such as holes, edges, etc., of toilet seat cover 600 are not shown or shown for convenience.

The additional opening 606 of the lower seat 604 of the toilet seat cover 600 when the toilet seat cover 600 is used can advantageously prevent the user's excrement from being trapped between the seats 602 and 604 of the cover 600 have. Particularly, when the toilet seat cover 600 is used, the downward sagging of the lower seat 604 can be minimized, or the gap between the toilet seat and the lower seat 604 can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user ' s excrement from being unintentionally piled up on the lower portion of the lower sheet 604.

7A shows an exploded view of the toilet seat cover 700 of the embodiment. The toilet seat cover 700 is similar to the toilet seat covers 200 and 500 described in Figs. 2A to 2C and Fig. 5, respectively. The toilet seat cover 700 includes an upper sheet 702a and a lower sheet 702b each of which includes perforations 706a and b that can form a central opening and a flap. Although the opposite outer side edges and front ends of the upper and lower seats 702a, 702b in the embodiment are shown as separate in Figure 7a for ease of illustration, they may be sealed or coupled together to form an assembled toilet seat cover 700, do.

In addition to the toilet seat cover 500 described in FIG. 5, the top sheet 702a extends from the rear edge or entrance edge 710 of the top sheet 702a such that the top sheet 702a is longer than the bottom sheet 702b But also an extension 708. Other components of the toilet seat cover 700 as described in other embodiments of the toilet seat cover (e.g., 200, 400 in Figures 2B, 2C, 4B, and 4C) It is not displayed for ease of the city.

In an embodiment, the top sheet 702a is about 450mm longer than the bottom sheet 702b. The extension 708 of the top sheet 702a can span, for example, over the water tank or support wall of the toilet.

7B is a perspective view of the toilet seat cover 700 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7B, the extension 708 of the top sheet 702a spans the water tank or support wall surface 716 of the toilet. The extension 708 may include one or more apertures 712 that may be formed by tearing the perforations 404 (see FIG. 7A), similar to the apertures 426/428 described in FIG. 4C, for example. The water tank or support wall surface 716 in the embodiment includes a coupling means 714 that interacts with the hole 712 to fix or hold the extension 708 of the top sheet 702a to, for example, (E.g., hooks).

The extension 708 may advantageously allow a large area of the toilet to be covered. It will be appreciated that the area around the hinge end 718 of the toilet seat 720 can be scuffed and difficult to remove by urine from a standing male user. Advantageously, the extension 708 can more suitably cover the rear portion of the toilet seat, particularly the hinged end of the toilet seat 720 (e.g., 718 in FIG. 7B) where the toilet seat 720 is connected to the rim of the toilet bowl .

7A and 7B, the lower sheet 702b also includes fixing strips 722a and 722b. Fixing strips 722a and 722b are formed from additional perforations (or fixed strip perforations) 732 in lower sheet 702b and fixed strips 722a and 722b are formed in lower sheet 702b when additional perforations are torn. And separate engagement ends 724a, 724b coupled to free ends 726a, 726b.

7A and 7B the mating ends 724a and 724b of the fixing strips 722a and 722b are offset from the side edges of the lower sheet 702b to form the side mating edge of the cover 700. In this embodiment, While the free ends 726a and 726b are cut away from the lower sheet 702b and extend toward the side joining edges of the cover 700. [

7B, when the toilet seat cover 700 is used with the toilet seat 720 between the upper sheet 702a and the lower sheet 702b, the free ends 726a, 726b of the fixing strips 722a, Extends through the central opening 728 formed in the toilet seat cover 700 (particularly the upper seat 702a) and the hollow portion 730 of the toilet seat 720 and, when deployed, the securing strips 722a, 720 in the direction of the substantially separate mating end portions 724a, 724b so as not to interfere with or block the hollow portion 728 and the central opening 730, (See the arrows labeled 734a and 734b) radially away from the center of the base plate 728. As shown in Fig. Thus, the securing strips 722a, 722b advantageously allow the toilet seat cover 700 to be secured or fastened to the toilet seat 720. [

Moreover, the securing strips 722a, 722b also advantageously allow the upper and lower seats 702a, 702b to be seated between the seats 742a, 702b between them so that urine or other unwanted material does not seep from seat to seat to the user, ). ≪ / RTI >

In addition, the fixing strips 722a and 722b can also be used in a hinged seat bed cover for a horseshoe shape. In this embodiment, an additional step of sealing the inner edge (e.g., 424a, 424b of Figure 4b) is provided, since the securing strips 722a, 722b provide sealing of the inner edge when the loop is formed around the bed- Is not required. This can advantageously lower the cost and complexity of the toilet seat cover manufacturing process.

Fig. 8 exemplarily shows the approximate dimensions of the upper and lower seats 702a, 702b of the toilet seat cover 700 of Figs. 7a and 7b. As shown in Fig. 8, the size of the lower sheet 702b is about 450 mm x 395 mm. The top sheet also includes extensions that are longer than the bottom sheet, and the size of the top sheet is 900 mm x 365 mm. The central openings 728 (when formed) of the top and bottom sheets are ellipses of size 260 mm x 215 mm. The fixing strips 722a and 722b (when formed) are about 340 mm x 60 mm in size, respectively, so as to extend substantially across the width of the toilet seat cover 700. It will be appreciated that the dimensions shown in Fig. 8 are merely exemplary.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7a and 7b, the fixing strips 722a and 722b are formed in the lower sheet 702b. It will be appreciated that, in an alternate embodiment, a fixed strip may be formed on one or both of the upper and lower sheets 702a, 702b without departing from the scope of the invention as outlined and exemplarily described. The scope of the present invention is not limited or limited by the specific dimensions described.

One or more holes 712 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are optional and that the extension 708 may be provided in the water tank or the support wall < RTI ID = 0.0 > Or elements for frictional engagement. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 >

It will also be appreciated that the extensions 708 may extend over the lid of the toilet seat, for example, besides spanning a water tank or support wall or element.

9A shows an exploded view of the toilet seat cover 900 of the embodiment. The toilet seat cover 900 includes an upper seat 902a and a lower seat 902b. In the assembled toilet seat cover 900, the upper and lower seats 902a and 902b are sealed or joined together at the respective outer lateral edges 904 and 906 of the upper and lower seats 902a and 902b and at the front end 908 . Opposite outer lateral edges 904 and 906 of the upper and lower seats 902a and 902b and a front end 908 are shown separately in Figure 9a for ease of illustration.

Fig. 9B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembled toilet seat cover 900. Fig. As shown in Fig. 9B, when the toilet seat cover 900 is assembled, the outer side edges 904, 906 and the front end 908 of the upper and lower seats 902a, 902b are sealed together.

9A and 9B, a toilet seat can be inserted through the mouth of the toilet seat cover 900 and between the top sheet 902a and the bottom sheet 902b and between the opposing side edges 904 and side edges 904 The unsealed edge or end 910 allows the inlet (not shown in Figs. 9A and 9B) to be formed to be received in the toilet seat cover 900 between the seat cover 900 and the toilet seat cover 900. Fig. Therefore, the toilet seat cover 900 functions as an envelope for receiving the toilet seat, which is an insert. The seat is not shown in Figs. 9A and 9B for ease of illustration.

9C shows a modified perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet seat cover 900 when used with the toilet seat 940. Fig. 9C, the toilet seat 940 is inserted through the inlet 918 of the toilet seat cover 900 such that the toilet seat 940 is received in the toilet seat cover 900. [ The toilet seat 940 is partially shown to indicate the position of the toilet seat 940 in the toilet seat cover 900 and the seat can be visually invisible when the toilet seat 940 is housed in the toilet seat cover It will be understood.

The upper and lower seats 902a and 902b of the cover 900 define a perforation 912 (also shown in FIG. 2B) that defines or outlines the cuts, similar to the cover 200 described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 9a). The upper and lower seats 902a and 902b are formed to form a central opening 916 (see Figs. 9B and 9C) in the cover 900 when the perforations 912 (see Fig. 9A) The hole is made. In an embodiment, the central opening 916 is not formed during manufacture and the user tears the perforations to form a central opening 916 before use. In an alternate embodiment, it will be appreciated that the central opening 916 may be formed at the point of manufacture and prior to use.

In an embodiment, the perforations 912 are not completely surrounded by the circumference of the central opening 916 (see Figs. 9A and 9B). Instead, the circumferential section 922 (FIG. 9A) of the central opening 916 is not perforated so that the folded flap 924 is formed adjacent the front end 908 when the perforation is torn. The flap 924 extends through the central opening 616 and the hollow portion of the toilet seat 940 into the flush portion of the flush toilet (e.g., 100 in FIG. 1). Thus, the flap may cover or cover a section of the inner wall of the toilet bowl.

In an embodiment, the size of the toilet seat cover 900 may be changed so that the size of the flap 924 can be changed (or reduced) so that the flap 924 (Fig. 9C) Additional perforations 926 (similar to the additional perforations 504a, 504b as described in Figure 5) are provided on the upper and lower sheets 902a, This advantageously prevents the flaps, which can be too large, from contacting the water in the toilet bowl when the toilet seat cover is used.

9B and 9C, the cover 900 also includes fixing strips 928a and 928b. Fixing strips 928a and 928b are formed from other additional perforations (or fixed strip perforations) 930 of the upper and lower sheets (see FIG. 9A). The fixed strips 928a and 928b include separate engagement ends 932a and 932b coupled to the cover and free ends 934a and 934b when the fixed stripping tool 930 is torn .

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C, the fixing strips 928a, 928b extend substantially across the diameter of the central opening. The fixing strips 928a and 928b are formed as a portion of the cut upper and lower sheets 902a and 902b to form a substantially central opening 916. [ The anchoring strips 928a and 928b are configured to engage the upper and lower seats 902a and 902b at their respective mating ends 932a and 932b at a location along the circumference of the center opening 916 of an adjacent one of the outer lateral edges 904 and 906. [ Lt; / RTI > The fixation strips 928a and 928b are configured such that the free ends 934a and 934b are cut at other locations along the circumference of the central opening 916 that is substantially opposite the engagement end adjacent the opposing outer side edges 906 and 904. In other words, To extend across the central opening.

The locking strip 928a is coupled to the cover 900 at an engagement end 932a at a position adjacent the outer lateral edge 906 of the cover 900 and along the circumference of the central opening 916. [ The anchoring strip 928a is formed as a cut portion of the strip to form a central opening 916, and thus the length is substantially the diameter of the central opening 916. [ The locking strip 928a has a free end 934a cut from another position along the circumference of the central opening which is a substantially opposite mating end 932a adjacent the opposing side edge 904. [

9B and 9C, when the toilet seat cover 900 is used with the toilet seat 940 (Fig. 9C) between the upper sheet 902a and the lower sheet 902b, the length of the fixing strips 928a, 928b The free ends 934a and 934b extend through the center opening 916 formed in the toilet seat cover 900 (particularly the upper seat 902a) and the hollow portion of the toilet seat, and when deployed, the securing strip 928, (904, 906) adjacent to substantially separate engaging ends (932a, 934b) so as not to interfere with or block the hollow portion and the central opening (916) And is pulled or extended radially away from the center of the central opening 916 (see arrows labeled 936a and 936b). The fixing strips 928a and 928b advantageously allow the toilet seat cover 900 to be fixed or fastened to the toilet seat 940 such that the toilet seat 940 does not substantially move within the toilet seat cover 900. [

Similar to the fixing strips 722a and 722b (as described in Figures 7a and 7b), the fixing strips 928a and 928b are formed to prevent urination or other unwanted substances from seeping from the toilet seat 940 to the user, May advantageously also cause the upper and lower seats 902a, 902b to engage with the seat 940 therebetween.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C, each of the fixing strips 928a, 928b includes an upper fixing strip and a lower fixing strip formed separately from the upper and lower sheets 902a, 902b. It will be appreciated that only the lower fixing strip is visible in Figures 9b and 9c because the fixing strips 928a and 928b are wound or folded on the toilet seat 940 and the cover 900. [ In this arrangement, the user can sit on the cover 900 with the fixing strips 928a, 928b therebetween. Alternatively, the fixing strips 928a, 928b may be folded beneath the cover 900 such that the fixing strips 928a, 928b are between the rim of the toilet (e.g., 106 in FIG. 1) and the cover 900 The fastening strips 928a, 928b can be rolled or folded under the toilet seat 940 and the cover so that the user can sit on the cover 900 in a rolled state.

It will be appreciated that the user will still apply pressure to the strip as it sits on the cover 900, regardless of whether the fixing strips 928a, 928b are rolled over or under the cover 900. [

In the embodiment shown in Figures 9a, 9b and 9c, the top sheet 902a extends from the front edge or the inlet edge 938 of the top sheet 902a such that the top sheet 902a is longer than the bottom sheet 902b. But also an extension 918 extending therefrom. In an embodiment, the top sheet 902a is about 450mm longer than the bottom sheet 902b. Similar to the extension 708 (FIG. 7B) described above, the extension 914 advantageously allows a large area of the toilet to be covered. It will be appreciated that the area around the hinged end of the seat can be dirty with urine by standing male urine users and is difficult to remove. Advantageously, the extension 914 can more properly cover the rear portion of the toilet seat and protect the user, particularly at the hinged end of the toilet seat where the toilet seat is connected to the rim of the toilet bowl.

9A, 9B, 9C, the extension 914 includes a pocket 942 disposed at an end or distal end that extends from the end of the cover 900. As shown in FIG. 9C, the pocket 942 may receive or engage the free end or unfolded end of the lid 944 of the toilet seat 940 so that the extension 914 may be secured to the lid 944 . The position of the pocket 942 is generally based on the height of the toilet seat cover. In an embodiment, the pocket 942 has a depth of approximately 100 mm to 120 mm (see reference numeral 948 in FIG. 9C).

In an embodiment, the extension 914 may include one or more apertures 946 similar to the apertures 712 described in FIG. 7B. The hole 946 may interact with a coupling means (e.g., a hook) included in the water tank or support wall surface, for example, to secure the extension 914 to the water tank of the toilet or correspondingly to the support wall surface.

In an embodiment, the holes 946 may be formed by tearing the manufacturing perforations, or the holes 946 may be pre-cut during the manufacturing process. Also, in the embodiment, the hole 946 is located on the pocket 942. It will be appreciated that the location of the hole 946 is not limited to the specific location shown.

Fig. 10 shows a bottom view of the upper and lower seats 902a and 902b. The approximate and exemplary dimensions of the upper and lower seats 902a, 902b of the toilet seat cover 900 of FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c are also shown. As shown in Fig. 10, the size of the lower sheet 902b is about 450 mm x 395 mm. The upper sheet also includes an extension that is longer than the lower sheet, and the size of the upper sheet is 900 mm x 395 mm. The central opening 916 (when formed) of the upper and lower sheets is an ellipse having a size of 260 mm x 215 mm. The fixing strips 928a and 928b (when formed) are about 215 mm x 60 mm in size, respectively, to extend substantially across the width of the central opening 916. The extension 914 includes a pocket 942 at an extended end or an extended end of the top sheet 902a. The pocket 942 has a depth of approximately 100 mm. The perforations for forming the holes 946 are located on the pockets 942 and the diameter is about 10 mm.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions shown in Fig. 10 are merely exemplary.

The pockets 942 and one or more of the holes 946 as shown in Figure 9c are optional and that the extension 914 may be provided in the water tank or in the water tank without the coupling means interacting with the hole 946 to provide additional fastening means. It will be understood that it may span the support wall or elements for friction engagement.

It will also be appreciated that the extension 914 may extend over the lid of the toilet seat, for example, besides spanning a water tank or supporting wall or element.

In an embodiment, the cover (e.g., 200, 400, 700, 900 in Figures 2B, 2C, 4B, 4C, 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B, A shape with a straight edge is shown as being substantially rectangular. In particular, the outer side edges (e.g., 206a, 206b; 406a, 406b; 904, 906) extend across the longitudinal perimeter of the cover (e.g., 200, 400, 700, 900) 210, 410, 918 and front edges 212, 214, 908 extend across the perimeter or latitudinal periphery of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the cover may be of an alternative shape including, but not limited to, a circular or elliptical shape. Therefore, the edge as described above can be curved without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is broadly and exemplarily illustrated.

 It will also be appreciated that while the side edges and front edges in the embodiment are shown as being at the end of the cover or sheet, the edges may be the interior of the cover or the main body of the individual sheet. That is, the edges joined to each other are described as outer edges (for example, 406a and 406b in Fig. 4B). However, it will be appreciated that alternatively, the engagement may be formed at another edge, such as at least a portion of the edge of the opening (e.g., 216, 416 of FIGS. 2B, 4B).

In some embodiments, the cover (e. G., 200, 400 in Figs. 2C, 4C) also includes a perimeter zone that is folded down below the seat (e.g., 110, 310 in Figs. 2C, do. When the peripheral zone is folded, hooks (e.g., 116 and 318 in FIGS. 2C and 4C) provided on the toilet seat are engaged with receiving holes (for example, 226 and 426 in FIGS. 2C and 4C) do. In an alternate embodiment, the toilet seat may not include hooks and the receptacle may be omitted. In this embodiment, the perimeter zone of the cover may still be folded down (or folded down) to further secure the cover to the toilet seat when the toilet seat is deployed and add stability to the cover.

Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention can provide a cover for covering a toilet seat. Since the cover can be securely installed (or pulled) while wrapping the toilet seat, the cover can more effectively protect the user from the toilet seat. Further, holes (for example, reference numerals 224 and 428 in Figs. 2C and 4C) are provided so that the fixing can be strengthened. Further, it is preferable to further provide a receiving hole (for example, reference numerals 226 and 426 in Figs. 2C and 4C) so that fixing can be further strengthened.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be disposable so that a new toilet seat cover can be installed on the toilet seat if necessary. This advantageously provides a clean new surface for the user to sit on whenever the toilet is used. When the toilet is finished, the toilet seat cover can be easily removed for disposal.

In some embodiments, the cover (e.g., Figures 2b, 2c, 4b, 4c, 7a, 7b, 9a, 10b) may be configured to prevent fluid from penetrating or penetrating through the toilet seat cover (E.g., Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 4b, 4c, 7a, 7b, 202, 204, 402, 404, 702a, 702b, 902a, 902b in Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are made of impermeable material. For example, the impermeable material may be a polymer based film, oil coated paper, and the like.

In some embodiments, a portion of the cover (e.g., 200, 400, 700, 900 in Figures 2B, 2C, 4B, 4C, 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B, The upper and lower sheets (e.g., 202, 204, 402 in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 4b, 4c, 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, , 404, 702a, 702b, 902a, 902b) are made of a transmissive material. This can be advantageous in the case of disposal in wet tubs, flush toilets, and the like.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower seats (e.g., as shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 4b, 4c, 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, 202, 204, 402, 404, 702a, 702b, 902a, 902b may be multilayer sheets. That is, each seat includes an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is placed on the toilet seat or the toilet seat when the toilet seat is wrapped, while the outer layer is positioned on the outside of the cover. For example, the outer layer of the top sheet contacts the user when in use. In such embodiments, the inner or outer layer includes an impermeable material or a waterproof material that prevents fluid from seeping through or penetrating through the toilet seat cover, and the outer layer is generally smooth < RTI ID = 0.0 > And is made of a transmissive or absorbing layer of material. Further, the absorbent layer can absorb the sweat discharged from the user, thereby giving the user a more comfortable sitting feeling. For example, the absorbent material may be a nonwoven material and a polyethylene based material, polypropylene, nonwoven, paper, cotton, etc., and the impermeable material may be a polymer based film, oil coated paper,

In some embodiments, the collapsed edge may be formed by a combination of edges (e.g., 206a, 206b, 406a, 406b in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 4b, 2B, 2C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B, 9C to form one of the upper and lower sheets 202, 204, 402, 404, 702a, 702b, 902a, 902b may be formed of a single sheet of material folded.

In an embodiment, a hook (e.g., 116, 318, 714 in Figures 2C, 4C, 7B) may be used to hold a clip, column or stub, for example, May be replaced by any other suitable coupling member or means. In addition, although two coupling members, two holes and two receiving holes have been described, it will be understood that any number of such components may be provided for securing the cover. The hooks or suitable coupling members may be detachable so that they can be easily attached to the toilet seat (conventional toilet seat) or the water tank or the corresponding wall surface and can be easily removed.

Exemplary methods for forming a toilet seat cover are as described below. As a first step, the layers of permeable and impermeable material are bonded together using an adhesive or any adhesive material to form a single sheet. The combined single sheet material is then folded into an envelope shape and sealed at the side edges (and front edge if necessary) using a heat sealing machine, an ultrasonic machine, a sewing means, or the like. The inlet (e.g., 210, 410, or 918 in Figs. 2B, 4B, and 9C) remains unsealed and remains open. Optionally, for example, a pocket 942 (Figure 9c) may be formed using a heat sealing machine, an ultrasonic machine, a sewing means, or the like. Next, the toilet seat cover is not only pierced (for example, 218a, 418a, and 912 in Figs. 2A, 4A, and 9A) for the center hole portion (for example, 214a and 414a in Figs. 2A and 4A) (For example, 224 and 428 in Figs. 2C and 4C) and a receiving hole (e.g., 226 and 426 in Figs. 2C and 4C). Other perforations are also formed, such as to change or reduce the size of the flaps (e.g., 926 in FIG. 9A) or to provide a fixed strip (e.g., 930).

(For example, 400 in Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C) may be formed by an inner edge (for example, 424a and 424b in Fig. 4B) by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, An additional step of sealing is performed.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiments described in the specification, the opening or opening formed by tearing the perforations can be formed during manufacture of the toilet seat cover. That is, instead of the user tearing to form the perforations, cutting can be made in advance in the manufacturing process. For example, the holes 214a and 214b of Figs. 2A and 2B are cut in the process of manufacturing the toilet seat cover so that the flaps 222a and 222b are formed without requiring the user to form a perforation to be torn at a later time .

However, it will be appreciated that cutting other holes or the like may result in a structurally thin cover that may make it difficult for the user to pull against the toilet seat for use. Thus, providing a tear-able perforation later allows the user to more easily deploy the toilet seat cover relative to the toilet seat before subsequent penetration of the necessary perforations after the toilet seat is inserted into the cover.

11 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 1100 of making a toilet seat cover in an embodiment. In step 1102, an upper sheet material and a lower sheet material are provided. In step 1104, the bottom sheet is joined to the top sheet at two joining edges of the bottom sheet, and the two joining edges include opposed outer edges. In step 1106, individual apertures are formed in the top sheet and the bottom sheet. In step 1108, individual perforations are aligned to form a central opening of the cover, which can be substantially aligned with the hollow of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is received by the cover.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other changes and / or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims (58)

The toilet seat cover,
The top sheet material,
Wherein the lower sheet is joined to the upper sheet at two joining edges of the lower sheet, the two joining edges being opposed outer edges,
The cover is capable of receiving a toilet seat between an upper seat and a lower seat and between opposite outer edges,
The upper and lower sheets include respective perforations, the individual perforations being arranged to define a central opening of the cover, the central opening being substantially aligned with the hollow of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is received between the upper and lower seats Wherein the cover member is formed of a metal plate. The method according to claim 1,
The toilet seat cover also includes a flap that is folded over the side of the central opening, and when the toilet seat is received between the upper and lower seats, the flap can extend through the hollow portion of the toilet seat. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein at least one of the upper and lower sheets comprises at least one perforation and wherein the at least one perforation defines an individual perforation when the perforation is torn. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the perforations define a flap when the perforations are torn. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein at least one of the upper and lower sheets comprises at least one additional perforation, wherein the at least one additional perforation reduces the size of the flap when the perforation is torn. 6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
And the flap is folded adjacent to the front edge of the cover. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the upper and lower sheets each comprise a fluid-permeable material. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Wherein at least one of the upper and lower sheets comprises a fluid impermeable material. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein at least one of the upper and lower sheets comprises an inner layer material and an outer layer material, wherein the outer layer is external to the cover. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the inner layer comprises a fluid impermeable material. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
Wherein the outer layer comprises an absorbent material. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the upper and lower sheets are rectangular in shape. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The lower sheet is also coupled to the upper sheet at one or more other edges of the lower sheet, each of the other edges corresponding to a joining edge,
Each of the other edges being disposed at a corresponding mating edge so that each of the other edges and the respective mating edge form a sleeve for receiving a fork of a hinged seat. 14. The method of claim 13,
The other edge being substantially joined together along a respective circumference to form a ring. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the lower seat is also coupled to the upper seat at the front edge of the lower seat, and the cover further includes an inlet for allowing the seat seat to be inserted therethrough. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the lower seat further includes an additional opening located between the central opening and the inlet edge, the additional opening extending substantially transverse to the opposing outer edge. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the upper and lower seats further extend beyond the surface area of the accommodated seat and also each include a perimeter zone that can be folded and disposed under the seat. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the lower seat further comprises at least one hole for interacting with one or more engagement members provided on the seat when the seat is received between the upper seat and the lower seat. The method according to claim 17 or 18,
Wherein when the peripheral region is folded, the peripheral region includes at least one receiving hole for engaging with at least one engaging member provided on the accommodated seat. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the upper sheet further includes an extension portion such that the upper sheet is substantially longer than the lower sheet. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the upper sheet is 450 mm longer than the lower sheet. 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21,
Wherein the extending portion includes at least one hole for interacting with at least one coupling member provided in the water tank or the support wall to hold the extension with respect to the water tank or the support wall. 23. The method of claim 22,
Wherein the extension comprises at least one perforation for forming one or more apertures when torn. 24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23,
Wherein the extending portion includes a pocket for receiving an unfolded end of the toilet seat lid. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the top sheet or the bottom sheet further comprises at least one fixing strip. 26. The method of claim 25,
The one or more stationary strips,
An engagement end coupled to the top sheet or the bottom sheet,
Each of which includes a hollow portion and a free end portion that can extend above or below the upper seat so as to substantially form a loop around a portion of the toilet seat. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein the engaging end is engaged at a location along a circumference of the central opening adjacent one of the outer edges. 28. The method of claim 26 or 27,
Wherein the free end is cut at another position along the circumference of the central opening adjacent to the opposite outer edge. 29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28,
Wherein the top sheet or bottom sheet further comprises a fixed strip perforation for forming one or more securing strips when torn. A method of manufacturing a toilet seat cover,
Providing an upper sheet material and a lower sheet material;
Combining the lower sheet with the upper sheet at the two joining edges of the lower sheet;
Forming individual apertures in the upper and lower sheets; And
And aligning the individual apertures to form a central opening of the cover, wherein the two coupling edges comprise opposed outer edges, the central opening being substantially coextensive with the hollow of the seat-seat when the seat is received by the cover, Wherein the first and second cover portions are arranged in a predetermined direction. 31. The method of claim 30,
Further comprising the step of forming a flap folded at the side of the central opening, wherein the flap is extendable through the hollow portion of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is received between the upper and lower seats. . 32. The method according to claim 30 or 31,
Further comprising forming at least one perforation in at least one of the upper and lower sheets, wherein the at least one perforation is for forming a respective perforation when the perforation is torn. 33. The method of claim 32,
Wherein the perforated portion is formed so that a flap is formed when the perforated portion is torn. 34. The method of claim 33,
Further comprising forming at least one additional perforation in at least one of the top and bottom sheets,
Wherein the one or more additional perforations reduce the length of the flaps when one or more additional perforations are torn. 35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34,
Wherein forming the flap includes forming a folded flap adjacent the front edge of the cover. 36. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35,
Further comprising the step of providing a fluid-permeable material for each of the top sheet and the bottom sheet. 36. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35,
Further comprising the step of providing a fluid impervious material for at least one of the upper and lower sheets. 37. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 37,
Further comprising providing an inner layer material and an outer layer material for at least one of the top sheet or the bottom sheet, wherein the outer layer is external to the cover. 39. The method of claim 38,
≪ / RTI > further comprising the step of providing a fluid impermeable material for the inner layer. 40. The method of claim 38 or 39,
And providing an absorbent material for the outer layer. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > 41. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 40,
And providing upper and lower sheets in a rectangular shape. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI > 42. The method according to any one of claims 30-41,
Further comprising coupling at least one other edge of the lower sheet to the top sheet, each said other edge corresponding to a joining edge,
Wherein each said other edge is disposed on a corresponding mating edge so that each of the other edges and the respective mating edges form a sleeve for receiving a fork of a hinged seat. 43. The method of claim 42,
≪ / RTI > further comprising the step of substantially joining together the other edges along respective circumferences to form a ring. 44. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 43,
Joining the front edge of the bottom sheet to the top sheet, and
Further comprising the step of forming an inlet on the unjoined edge so that the toilet seat is inserted therethrough. 45. The method according to any one of claims 30-44,
Further comprising the step of forming additional openings between the central opening and the inlet edge of the lower sheet, said additional openings extending substantially transverse to the opposing outer edges. 46. The method according to any one of claims 30-45,
Providing to the upper and lower seats a perimeter zone extending beyond the surface area of the accommodated seat, and
So that the perimeter area is folded and disposed under the toilet seat. 47. The method of claim 46,
Further comprising the step of providing a hole in the lower seat, wherein the hole is aligned with a mating member provided on the seat when the seat is received between the upper seat and the lower seat. 46. The method according to claim 46 or 47,
Further comprising the step of providing at least a receiving hole for engaging with the engaging member provided on the accommodated toilet seat at least on the lower sheet. 49. The method according to any one of claims 30-48,
Providing the top sheet material comprises providing an upper sheet having an extension such that the top sheet is substantially longer than the bottom sheet. 50. The method of claim 49,
Wherein providing the top sheet material comprises providing an upper sheet that is 450 mm longer than the bottom sheet. 52. The method according to claim 49 or 50,
Further comprising the step of providing at least one hole in the extension for interacting with at least one engagement member provided on the water tank or support wall to hold the extension against the water tank or support wall. Way. 52. The method of claim 51,
Further comprising the step of providing at least one perforation in the extension for forming one or more apertures when the apertured portion is torn. 53. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52,
Further comprising the step of providing a pocket for receiving or engaging the unfolded end of the toilet seat lid to the extension. 54. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 53,
Further comprising the step of providing at least one fixing strip on the top sheet or the bottom sheet. 51. The method of claim 50,
The step of providing at least one fixing strip to the top sheet or the bottom sheet comprises:
Connecting the mating end of the securing strip to the top sheet or bottom sheet, and
Providing a free end of the fastening strip which can extend over the hollow portion and the top sheet or under the bottom seat of the toilet seat so that the loop is substantially formed around a portion of the toilet seat. . 56. The method of claim 55,
Wherein coupling the mating end comprises engaging the mating end of the securing strip at a location along a circumference of the central opening adjacent one of the outer edges. 56. The method of claim 55 or 56,
Wherein providing the free end includes providing a free end cut at another location along a circumference of the central opening adjacent the opposite outer edge. 58. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 57,
Further comprising the step of providing at least one fixed strip perforation to form one or more securing strips when torn.

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