US20090320198A1

US20090320198A1 - Combined Toilet and Urinal Device

Info

Publication number: US20090320198A1
Application number: US12/164,093
Authority: US
Inventors: Alexander Yefremov
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-29
Filing date: 2008-06-29
Publication date: 2009-12-31

Abstract

A toilet accessory has splash guards that may be selectively opened or closed. When opened the splash guards provide lateral and frontal protection. A flush system can be employed to clean the splash guard after use. The assembly can be included as part of a conventional toilet or can be provided in portable, disposable versions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toilets and, more particularly, to devices that selectively combine the features of a urinal and a conventional toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional toilets accommodate those who choose to use them in both the sitting and standing positions. In contrast, a conventional urinal is intended for standing use only. Some of the advantages of a conventional urinal reside in the fact that the urinal is shaped to protect along a much more extensive vertical surface than is a conventional toilet.
This protection becomes important in a variety of situations. For example, splashes outside the toilet bowl can be expected when a young child is being toilet trained. Persons who are impaired or disabled may also find it difficult to use a conventional toilet in the standing position without causing undesired splashing. With a conventional toilet, the areas where the splashing can occur are often difficult to clean and sanitize such as the space between the toilet lid and the toilet tank.
The efforts of others to combine the functions of both the urinal and the standard toilet are well represented in the prior art. Some have incorporated splash guards to be used with conventional toilets to provide some of the lateral and frontal protection for which urinals are designed. Others have combined separate toilet and urinal facilities in a single device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,589 (Rego et al) teaches and describes a commode bowl splash guard having a pair of accordion-pleated triangular walls positioned opposite one another with one side of each pleated wall attached to the bowl rim and the remaining side attached to the underside of the toilet seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,135 (Jones et al) teaches and describes a toilet bowl splash guard with a base member, a pair of linkages attached at one end to the base member and at the other end to the underside of the seat and a pleated shield attached to the linkage with the shield being pulled up as the toilet seat is lifted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,062 (Fullbright) teaches and describes a lifting apparatus for toilet seats. A pleated shield is attached at one end to the toilet bowl and at the other end to the seat and the seat is lifted vertically to extend the shield to approximate the construction of a urinal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,776 (Sargeant) teaches and describes a collapsible splash shield for toilet having a sectioned shield attached at one end to the toilet bowl and at the other end to the underside of seat, with the shield being extended when the toilet seat is raised.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,784 (Jacobson et al) teaches and describes a toilet bowl splash guard extending from the rear of the toilet bowl rim to the underside of the toilet seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,803 (Gregovski) teaches and describes a toilet bowl splash shield having rigid wings which flank the toilet bowl when the seat lid is raised.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,185 (Kohler) teaches and describes a toilet bowl protector sized and shaped to cover the entire exterior surface of the toilet bowl.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,132 (Walka) teaches and describes a hygienic protective shield for flush toilets. The shield sits on and is supported by the floor and extends around the toilet bowl and above the rear of the bowl in front of the flush tank.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,512 (Bressler) teaches and describes a urine shield for toilets having a curved wall insertable within and supported on the toilet rim and extending around and above a portion of the toilet rim periphery.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,760 (Brown et al) teaches and describes a splash and overspray guard designed to fit around the circumference of an extend slightly above the toilet bowl.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,905 (Woods) teaches and describes a urine deflector which covers the toilet bowl when the seat is raised and which has a splash back covering the lowermost portion of the raised toilet seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,302 (Eckert) teaches and describes a toilet guard system having an upstanding wall and attachable to the toilet bowl.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,840 (West et al) teaches and describes a toilet training accessory having a shaped seat and insertable reservoir intended to fit over the conventional toilet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,282 (Serbin) teaches and describes a toilet drip and splash guard insertable between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl rim.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,055 (Gambla et al) teaches and describes a toilet overspray shield for males consisting of a generally arcuate shield supported by the underside of the toilet seat and extending into the toilet bowl.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,785 (Linden) teaches and describes a urine shield removably attached to toilet seat comprising a generally semicircular wall supported by the toilet seat in its raised position and extending above and into the toilet bowl.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,075 (Brannon III) teaches and describes a toilet bowl splash guard sized and shaped to cover the rear of the toilet bowl and the lowermost portion of the toilet seat when the seat is in its raised position.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,171 (Erves et al) teaches and describes an overspray shield for toilet having mounting hardware attached to the bowl and the underside of the toilet seat and a flexible sheet that extends when the seat is moved to its raised position.
French Patent 2,620,326 (Lehmann) teaches and describes a toilet seat shield attachable to the top of the toilet seat.
French Patent 2,658,064 (Chapuisat-Gervaise) teaches and describes a toilet seat cover removably attachable to a toilet seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,947 (Markles) teaches and describes a urinal for attachment to a toilet having a separate urinal physically attached to the toilet but draining into a separate drain that communicates with the floor drain to which the toilet is connected.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,925 (Blaha) teaches and describes a retractable urinal for toilet seat having a large telescoping tube attachable to an intermediate seat on a toilet which, when extended, functions as a urinal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,431 (Wertz) teaches and describes a boy's urinal trainer for a toilet comprising an upstanding solid ring removably placed in the bowl of a conventional toilet with a front cutout to allow its use as a urinal. Wertz also features a flush tube which connects to the internal plumbing of the toilet to provide for flushing liquid into the device when the toilet is flushed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,491 (Miller) teaches and describes an inflatable urinal for attachment to a toilet. A collapsible tube attachable to the toilet is inflated by a foot pump to extend upward, forming a structure that serves as a urinal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,331 (Miuccio) teaches and describes a urinal attachment for a toilet with the urinal attachment extending downward from the underside of the toilet lid when the toilet is partially opened. A connection to the toilet tank and a separate flush button allows the urinal device to be flushed or rinsed separately from the flushing or rinsing mechanism of the toilet.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,043,774 (Picchi) teaches and describes a flush-toilet bowl integrated with a urinal. The urinal structure, when not in use, pivots to a position above the conventional toilet portion of the device. The urinal portion has its own flush system.
While certain of the above-discussed references illustrate attempts at incorporating urinal or urinal-like functionality into conventional toilet structures or providing additional structures to be used with conventional toilets, it is plain that these references illustrate a number of shortcomings.
Urinal-like functionality is provided by including a splash guard arrangement rather than a permanent structure separate from the conventional toilet bowl. In this manner the invention can be used with conventionally-manufactured toilets without requiring extensive modification.
The splash guard should provide adequate splash protection while minimizing the amount of surface area to be cleaned after each use. One way this is accomplished is to make sure that the splash guard opening communicating with the toilet bowl is relatively large.
Such splash guards should also be provided in forms which can be used with toilets temporarily and then removed and discarded. For example, single-use splash guards can be taken on trips and used in public bathrooms, then discarded. Such guards can also be used temporarily when users are ill or when ill for impaired visitors. Removable guards can also be taken off for cleaning and returned to service.
Such splash guards should also incorporate flushing systems that will cleanse the urinal-like structure without requiring costly or complex flushing systems separate from the system already present in the toilet.
Such splash guard flushing systems should be adaptable for use with both the permanent and temporary versions.
I have determined that these objectives can be met by providing a splash guard that can be either incorporated as part of a conventional toilet or can be provided in a form which can be added to an existing toilet as a permanent or temporary expedient.
The present invention includes a splash guard assembly placed on or attached to a conventional toilet between the toilet seat and lid and includes a pair of fan-folded side splash panels joined to a cover which, when raised, extends the panels and forms a back splash panel and which, when lowered, neatly collapses the panels. A splash guard base is also provided to which the lowermost edges of the splash guard panels are attached so that the entire splash guard assembly can be pivoted up and away from the toilet seat allowing the toilet seat to be used in a conventional manner. A down panel extends from the bottom of the back panel to add further splash protection for the toilet.
A flushing mechanism may also be incorporated into the splash guard, preferably receiving its supply of flushing liquid from the toilet flush valve mechanism wherein a portion of the flow from the flush valve mechanism to the toilet bowl is diverted to a series of flush nozzles positioned and angled to clean the surfaces of the splash guard panels and the back panel when the toilet is flushed.
As described herein, certain aspects of the present invention make it adaptable for use with structures that lack some of the elements of conventional flush toilets. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention can be used with chemical toilets, such as those used on airplanes, trains or in stand-alone booths where a seat cover is desirable but where there is no flush system with which to connect. Another example would be a pit-type toilet which may or may not have a seat but which has no associated plumbing. Another example is a stand-alone seat for which a user must provide a receptacle or collector.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a urinal-type splash guard to be incorporated into an existing conventional toilet or which may be used as an added feature to an existing toilet.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such splash guards in forms which are portable for one-time or temporary use.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide the portable forms of the splash guard as manufactured from materials which are inexpensive and which may be disposed of after use.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such splash guard assemblies with a flush system in order to clean the surface of the urinal-type components each time the toilet is flushed.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such flush systems in forms which are easily added to or removed from the flush mechanism already installed in a conventional toilet without extensive modification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further objects of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the accompanying drawings which illustrate various aspects of the present invention in a manner which may or may not reflect actual proportions or dimensions.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a toilet splash guard assembly embodying principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 shown positioned for use;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 opened to deploy the side splash panels;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view along 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a down panel used in connection with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side schematic sectional view showing one embodiment of a flush system;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional schematic view showing another embodiment of a flush system;

FIG. 10 is a partial side sectional view showing another embodiment of a flush system;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the flush supply system;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a flush system;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side view showing an embodiment of the present invention fully opened;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of the bottom seat of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of a portable splash guard;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the device of FIG. 16 positioned for use;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the device of FIG. 16 opened to deploy its splash guard panels;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the device of FIG. 18 with the splash guard panels folded away; and

FIG. 21 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the following describes a preferred embodiment or embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is expected that alterations and further modifications, as well as other and further applications of the principles of the present invention will occur to others skilled in the art to which the invention relates and, while differing from the foregoing, remain within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described and claimed. Where means-plus-function clauses are used in the claims such language is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited functions and not only structural equivalents but equivalent structures as well. For the purposes of the present disclosure, two structures that perform the same function within an environment described above may be equivalent structures.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 identifies a toilet seat with a splash guard. Toilet seat 10 has a bottom seat 12, a splash guard base 14, a folding splash guard 16 and a lid 18. As seen in FIG. 1, bottom seat 12, splash guard base 14, splash guard 16 and lid 18 are all in the lowered or closed position.
Throughout, unless context clearly indicates otherwise, “raising” a component of the present invention, such as a seat, will mean moving the component from a horizontal toward a vertical position. “Lowering” a component will mean moving a component toward a horizontal position. A component moves to its “open” position when it is raised toward a vertical position, and moves to its “closed” position when it is lowered toward a horizontal position.
As seen in FIG. 2, lid 18 is now shown in the raised position with the remaining elements bottom seat 12, splash guard base 14 and splash guard 16 remaining in the lowered position.
Referring now to FIG. 3, splash guard 16 is shown in its raised or open position. In the embodiment shown, splash guard 16 comprises a back panel 20 to which a left side panel 22 and a right side panel 24 are attached. Preferably, left side panel 22 is formed with a series of triangular or fanfold pleats 26 terminating at an upper edge 28 while right side panel 24 is formed with a series of pleats 30 terminating in an upper edge 32. In the embodiment shown, lowermost left pleat 34 is attached to splash guard base 14 as is lowermost right pleat 36.
Also seen in FIG. 3, back panel 20 terminates at an upper edge 38 extending from uppermost pleat 40 of side panel 22 to uppermost pleat 42 of right side panel 24.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a lateral view of seat 10 is shown with right side panel 24 shown in greater detail. Individual pleats 30 are shown as well as upper pleat edge 32. Also shown is lowermost pleat 36 attached to splash guard base 14.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a partial sectional view of splash guard 16 and lid 18 is shown, embodying a latching arrangement intended to be used to hold splash guard 16 to lid 18 when both are in the upright position. A first mating block 44 is attached to back panel 20 of splash guard 16 facing lid 18. A second mating block 46 is attached to lid 18 positioned to substantially register with first block 44 when splash guard 16 is raised to its upright position. Mating blocks can be commonly-known attachment expedients such as adhesives, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners and the like.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6, back panel 20 is shown having a lowermost fold or edge 48 to which a drop panel 50 is attached. Drop panel 50 is preferably formed as part of the same blank from which back panel 20 is made, making it an integral part of back panel 20. Drop panel 50 is intended to extend into the toilet bowl to provide additional protection for the toilet and to provide an enhanced flow path into the bowl.
Thus, in its raised upmost position, splash guard 16 forms a urinal-like configuration with left side panel 22, rear panel 20, right side panel 24 and drop panel 50 acting as shields to any splashing of urine and with the large central opening in splash guard base 14 providing a large open area for liquid flow.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an additional preferred feature of toilet seat 10 is shown. Attached proximate peripheral edge 52 of splash guard base 14 are a plurality of flush nozzles. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a left flush nozzle 54 and a right flush nozzle 56 are attached to or embedded in splash guard base 14 proximate peripheral edge 52. Left flush nozzle 54 is supplied with flushing water by left flush line 58 while right flush nozzle 56 is supplied by flushing water by right flush line 60.
As seen in FIG. 8, a preferred arrangement of left and right flush nozzles 54, 56 and left and right flush lines 58, 60 is shown. Splash guard base 14 is shown in a partial sectional view with the remaining components of seat 10 removed for purposes of simplicity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, left flush nozzle 54 and left flush line 58 are embedded in splash guard base 14.
Left flush line 58 may be a flexible thermoplastic tube or may even be formed as a channel within splash guard base 14. Left flush line 58 is attached to a water supply segment 62 which extends into flush tank 64 of the toilet to which seat 10 is attached. Tank 64 has a flush regulator 66 which, typically, allows tank 64 to refill after a flush and also allows a flow of flush water to stand pipe 68 to refill the bowl of the toilet while flush regulator 66 is simultaneously allowing tank 64 to be refilled. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a Y connector 70 has been attached to flush regulator 66 with one branch of Y connector 70 being attached to left flush line supply segment 62 and the remaining branch being attached to stand pipe supply line 72.
Thus, flush water will travel from Y connector 70 through left flush line segment 62 and left flush line 58 to left flush nozzle 54 during the time that flush regulator 66 is allowing water to refill tank 64. When the supply of flush water has reached a pre-selected level, flush regulator 66 will interrupt the flow of incoming water and thereby cease the flow of water through left flush nozzle 54.
In an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, splash guard base 14 has a groove 74 formed therein beginning at a lowermost surface 76 of splash guard base 14 and extending along a desired path to accommodate left and right flush lines 58, 60 as seen in FIG. 7.
Referring now to FIG. 10, yet another embodiment of the placement of the flush system is shown. In this embodiment, left flush nozzle 54 and left flush line 58 are attached directly to the lower surface 76 of splash guard base 14.
It should be understood from the foregoing descriptions and explanations that right flush nozzle 56 and right flush line 60 are similarly secured to flush base 14 in accordance with the embodiments described above. Preferably, right flush line 60 also attaches to flush line supply segment 62 such that the flow of water through left and right flush nozzles 54, 56 is substantially equal.
Preferably, left and right flush nozzles 54, 56 are angled and positioned such that a flow of flushing water will contact left and right side panels 22, 24, back panel 20 as well as drop panel 50. While two flush nozzles have been shown and described in the foregoing illustrations, it should be understood that additional flush nozzles can be added and positioned to achieve a desired flush flow pattern. Because of the large central opening in flush guard base 14 only the side and back panels must be flushed.
Referring again to FIG. 8, a shut off valve 78 is shown, preferably positioned along flush line supply segment 62. When splash guard base 14 is raised to its upright position, valve 78 is moved to the closed or off position thereby interrupting the flow of flush liquid to flush nozzles such as 54, 56 when splash guard 16 is not in use.
Referring to FIG. 11, left and right flush lines 58, 60 are shown attached to tee connector 80 which, in turn, is attached to flush line supply segment 62.
Referring now to FIG. 12, seat 10 is shown with bottom seat 12 lowered and with splash guard base 14 and splash guard 16 together with lid 18 in the upmost or raised position. In this position, seat 10 may be used as a conventional toilet seat.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing bottom seat 12 lowered and splash guard base 14 and splash guard 16 in the raised position.
While flush lines 58, 60 and flush nozzles 54, 56 are shown exposed in FIGS. 12 and 13 it is to be understood that they may also be formed or attached as described hereinabove in and as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10.
FIG. 14 shows a lateral view of seat 10 with bottom seat 12 lowered and with splash guard base 14, splash guard 16 and lid 18 in the upright position.
Referring now to FIG. 15, bottom seat 12 is shown having a seat opening 82 formed with a generally squared-off rear edge 84. This embodiment of bottom seat 12 provides a locating surface for drop panel 50 as well as providing a larger than usual access when splash guard 16 is raised and in place.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides the conveniences and features of the embodiments described above in a temporary, portable or disposable form.
Referring now to FIG. 16, the numeral 86 identifies generally a portable splash guard intended for use with a conventional toilet. In use, splash guard 86 is placed on a conventional toilet seat 88 and has a seat cover 90, a splash guard base 92, a pleated splash guard 94 secured to splash guard base 92 and a splash guard cover 96 to which splash guard 94 is also secured.
Seat cover 90, splash guard base 92, splash guard 94 and splash guard 94 and splash guard cover 96 are secured together by fastener strip 98 which, in one embodiment, comprises a strip of adhesive tape which acts as a hinge around which the various components are movable with respect to each other.
Referring now to FIG. 17, portable splash guard 86 is seen placed on toilet seat 88 of toilet 100 with fastener strip 98 proximate toilet lid 102 near toilet hinges 104. In this view, portable splash guard 86 is in its closed position with splash guard cover 96 in its lowermost position and with seat cover 90 positioned on toilet seat 88.
Referring now to FIG. 18, portable splash guard 86 is seen with splash guard cover 96 raised against toilet lid 102, thereby deploying pleated splash guard 94. As seen herein, splash guard 94 is a left splash panel 106 and a right splash panel 108, identically formed in a fan-folded configuration to allow left and right panels 106, 108 to fully extend when splash guard cover 96 is raised and to quickly and easily collapse and fold when not in use.
Cover 96 can be secured to lid 102 in a number of convenient manners. As seen in FIG. 17, cover 96 can have a fastener such as an adhesive strip 110 positioned thereon such that when cover 96 is raised, strip 110 will stick to toilet lid 102. Adhesive strip 110 can incorporated a relatable adhesive covered by a release strip so that it will not stick until used. Alternatively, fastener 110 may be a hook-and-loop type fastener which will mate with a corresponding fastener 112 positioned on lid 102.
Referring now to FIG. 19, it can be seen that left splash panel 106 is attached at its lowermost pleat 114 to splash guard base 92, and at its uppermost pleat 116 to the lower surface 118 of cover 96. In like fashion, splash panel 108 is attached at its lowermost pleat 120 to splash guard base 92 and at its uppermost pleat 122 to the underside 118 of cover 96.
A down panel 124 is attached to and extends from cover 96. It can thus be seen that base 92, left splash guard 106, cover underside 118, down panel 124 and right splash panel 108 provide a urinal-like structure to protect toilet 100 and its vicinity from accidental splashes.
Referring now to FIG. 20, portable splash guard 86 is shown with splash guard base 92 in its raised position, leaving seat cover 90 resting on toilet seat 88. In this position, seat cover 90 offers a sanitary barrier for one who chooses to be seated in order to use toilet 100 without sitting on toilet seat 88. In order to hold base 92 in an upright position, a pair of mating fasteners 126, 128 can be used as seen in FIG. 19. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, mating fastener 126 is attached to the upper surface of splash guard base 92 while its corresponding fastener block 128 is attached to the underside 118 of cover 96.
It is also contemplated that a variation of the flush system described hereinabove may also be used with portable splash guard 88. As seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, a left flush line 130 with left flush nozzles 132, 134 and a right flush line 136 with right flush nozzles 138, 140 are attached to the underside of seat cover 90. Left and right flush lines 130, 136 are attached to tee 142 which, in turn, is attached to a shutoff valve and water supply line and connected to the toilet as shown in FIG. 8 and as described above. Attachment of flush lines 130, 136, together with flush nozzles 132, 134, 138 and 140 may be permanent or may be applied by the user as needed by taping or otherwise securing flush lines such as 58 and 60 to the underside of seat cover 90.
Referring to FIG. 21, seat cover 90 is shown positioned on toilet seat 88, thus providing a clean surface upon which to sit. If desired, seat cover 90 may be pivoted upward and toilet seat 88 may be used normally.
Mating fasteners such as those described at numerals 126, 128 or 110, 112 can be of any convenient type such as the adhesive strips described hereinabove. They may also comprise hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro®, magnetic strips or the like.
Portable splash guard 88 is intended for temporary use in its construction and will reflect this fact. Components such as seat cover 90, splash guard base 92 and splash guard 94 can be formed of any convenient water-resistant material such as cardboard with a suitable waterproof covering. Preferably, left and right splash guard panels 106, 108 are formed of a thin thermoplastic material that will accept permanent creasing and will flex numerous times without having the individual pleats separate from one another.
It is also preferable to manufacture splash guard 88 from materials which are disposable, ideally meaning the materials are biodegradable and break down after being discarded, or are recyclable into reusable material.
It should be understood that the selection of the number and positions of flush nozzles such as 54, 56, 132, 134, 138 and 140 can be changed to fit the needs of the user and the configuration of the toilet with which the present invention is used.

Claims

1. A toilet seat assembly for use with a toilet, said toilet of the type having a toilet bowl with an upper rim defining a toilet bowl opening and a flush mechanism to control the introduction of water to said bowl, said toilet seat assembly comprising:

a toilet seat positioned above said rim and pivotally movable from a lowered position to a raised position with respect to said rim,

said toilet seat having a relatively large central opening providing access to said toilet bowl;

a splash guard base having an upper surface and a lower surface,

said splash guard base positioned above said toilet seat,

said base pivotally movable from a lowered position to a raised position with respect to said rim and having a relatively large central opening substantially registering with said toilet seat central opening when said base is pivoted toward said rim;

a splash guard lid positioned above said base and pivotally movable from a lowered position to a raised position with respect to said rim,

said lid having an upper surface and a lower surface;

first and second lateral splash guard panels,

said first panel and said second panel positioned opposite one another and on either side of said base opening,

each said panel having an upper edge and a lower edge,

each said upper edge attached to said splash guard lid lower surface,

each said lower edge attached to said base upper surface,

each said panel folding to a closed position when said lid is pivoted toward said base,

each said panel unfolding to an open position when said lid is pivoted away from said base,

said panels and said lower lid surface defining a liquid-impervious shield when said panels are in said open position.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein each said panel comprises an upper triangular pleat, a lower triangular pleat and a plurality of intermediate fan-folded triangular pleats extending from said upper pleat to said lower pleat,

said upper pleats attached to said lid lower surface,

said lower pleats attached to said base upper surface, whereby said pleats unfold when said lid is pivoted away from said base and said pleats fold when said lid is pivoted toward said base.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said lid further comprises a drop panel,

said drop panel coextensive with said lid lower surface and extending through said base central opening and toward said bowl when said base is in said lowered position.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said assembly further comprises:

means for flushing said shield,

said flushing means comprising at least one supply line for flushing liquid;

at least one flush nozzle liquid-tightly attached to said at least one supply line,

said at least one flush nozzle positioned to direct said flushing liquid into contact with at least a portion of said shield.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one supply line is attached to said lower surface of said base.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said lower surface of said base further comprises a groove,

said at least one supply line secured within said groove.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one supply line comprises a liquid-tight bore formed in said base.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one supply line is attached to said flush mechanism whereby flushing liquid is directed to said supply line when said toilet is flushed.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said flushing means further comprises means for preventing flow of said flushing liquid through said supply line when said base is in said raised position.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said flow preventing means comprises a valve positioned on said supply line intermediate said flush mechanism and said at least one flush nozzle.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said flushing means comprises two said supply lines,

each said supply line attached to said base,

each said supply line having at least one flush nozzle liquid-tightly attached thereto,

said flush nozzles positioned to direct said flushing liquid into contact with said shield.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said flushing means further comprises a flushing liquid feeder line having first and second ends,

said first feeder line end attached to said flush mechanism;

a tee connector,

said second feeder line end liquid-tightly attached to said tee connector,

said first and second supply lines attached to said tee connector whereby flushing liquid is directed to said supply lines via said feeder line by said flush mechanism when said toilet is flushed.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein said flushing means further comprises means for preventing flow of said flushing liquid through said feeder line when said base is in said raised position.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said flow preventing means comprises a valve positioned on said feeder line intermediate said flush mechanism and said tee connector.

15. A toilet accessory for use with a toilet of the type having an upper rim defining a toilet opening, said accessory comprising:

a splash guard base having an upper surface and a lower surface,

said base having a relatively large central opening substantially registering with said toilet bowl opening when said accessory is placed on said toilet;

a splash guard lid positioned above and pivotally associated with said base and pivotally movable from a lowered position to a raised position with respect to said base,

said lid having an upper surface and a lower surface;

first and second lateral splash guard panels,

each said panel having an upper edge and a lower edge,

each said upper edge attached to said lid lower surface,

each said lower edge attached to said base upper surface,

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein each said panel comprises an upper triangular pleat, a lower triangular pleat and a plurality of intermediate fan-folded triangular pleats extending from said upper pleat to said lower pleat,

said upper pleats attached to said lid lower surface,

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said lid further comprises a drop panel,

said drop panel coextensive with said lid lower surface and extending through said base central opening and toward said toilet bowl when said accessory is placed on said toilet.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein said assembly further comprises:

means for flushing said shield,

said flushing means comprising at least one supply line for flushing liquid;

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein said at least one supply line is attached to said lower surface of said base.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein said at least one supply line is attached to a flush mechanism whereby flushing liquid is directed to said supply line when said toilet is flushed.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein said flush mechanism is part of said toilet.

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 20 wherein said flushing means further comprises means for preventing flow of said flushing liquid through said supply line when said base is in said raised position.

23. The apparatus as recited in claim 22 wherein said flow preventing means comprises a valve positioned on said supply line intermediate said flush mechanism and said at least one flush nozzle.

24. The apparatus as recited in claim 18 wherein said flushing means comprises two said supply lines,

each said line attached to said base,

said flush nozzles positioned to direct said flushing liquid into contact with a substantial portion of said shield.

25. The apparatus as recited in claim 24 wherein said flushing means further comprises a flushing liquid feeder line having first and second ends,

said first feeder line end attached to said flush mechanism;

a tee connector,

said second feeder line end liquid-tightly attached to said supply lines at said tee connector,

whereby flushing liquid is directed to said supply lines via said feeder line by said flush mechanism when said toilet is flushed.

26. The apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein said flushing means further comprises means for preventing flow of said flushing liquid through said feeder line when said base is in said raised position.

27. The apparatus as recited in claim 26 wherein said flow preventing means comprises a valve positioned on said feeder line intermediate said flush mechanism and said tee connector.

28. The apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said accessory is manufactured from biodegradable or recyclable materials.

29. The apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said accessory further comprises a toilet seat cover,

said cover having a relatively large central opening substantially registering with said toilet bowl opening when said accessory is placed on said toilet,

said cover positioned beneath and pivotally attached to said base.