WO2003045213A2

WO2003045213A2 - Disposable toilet-seat cover and disposable toilet-seat covers dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2003045213A2
Application number: PCT/IT2002/000748
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincenzo Peren
Original assignee: Vincenzo Peren
Priority date: 2001-11-28
Filing date: 2002-11-28
Publication date: 2003-06-05
Also published as: AU2002349837A1; WO2003045213A3

Abstract

A seat cover (10) for toilets (12) comprises a ring (20) that is counter-shaped compared to the seat (14), a first wall (22) inside the ring (20) and a second wall (24) outside the ring (20), said first and second wall extending from the ring (20) for a length that allows it to be placed below an upper portion of the toilet when the seat cover (10) is placed on the toilet (12).

Description

"Disposable toilet-seat cover and disposable toilet-seat covers dispenser" [0001] . The object of the present invention is a disposable toilet-seat cover and a dispenser for disposable toilet-seat covers.

[0002] . In particular, the present invention relates to a seat cover that is suitable for being used as an accessory to toilet seats, upon which it is destined to be placed.

[0003] . The found subject of the present invention can be used in public toilets, such as, for example, in public and private organisation offices, hotels, restaurants, bars, private companies, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, cinemas, etc.

[0004] . In the case of public toilets, the need to ensure hygiene,, especially of the parts with which the user will come into contact, is particularly felt, and the most important of these is the toilet seat . The need stated above is also considerably heightened when the person using the public hygiene service is a child or a disabled person.

[0005] . The problem of the poor state of hygiene of toilets in public places becomes even more important when the toilets are intended for use by a rather large public group or in the case of the bathrooms in public or private structures that are of considerable proportions. In extreme conditions, the possibility of contracting infection that is transmitted by contact is also theoretically feasible.

[0006] . At the current time, the need to avoid contact with the toilet-seat is partly satisfied by placing considerable amounts of toilet roll paper on the toilet-seat. In addition to creating pointless waste, this method does not provide an effective solution to the problem indicated above mainly because the paper may slip from the seat and is not suitable for following the shape of the seat itself.

[0007] . A know embodiment is that of a toilet- seat cover consisting of a rectangular sheet of soft paper with an elliptical hole in the centre. Such a solution is not very effective and presents some important drawbacks that limit its dissemination on the market. In particular, the sheet of paper is not adequately hygienic. This is due first of all to the fact that the paper is not waterproof. Furthermore, the shape described above does not allow the seat to be covered completely and therefore does not preserve the contact of the skin with the internal and external vertical wall of the toilet itself. Finally, the sheet of paper cannot be blocked in any way to the seat with the risk that it may move, slipping on the surface thereof.

[0008] . It is an object of the present invention to devise and provide a disposable toilet-seat cover and a corresponding dispenser presenting such structural and functional characteristics in order to meet the above- stated needs and, at the same time, to overcome the above-stated drawbacks quoted in relation to the prior art.

[0009] . This object is achieved by means of a disposable toilet-seat cover according to claim 1.

[0010] . Further characteristics and the advantages of the seat cover and the dispenser according to the invention will become apparent from the description below of preferred embodiment examples, given as non-limitative indications, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0011] . Figure 1 shows a top view of a toilet on which a disposable seat cover is placed according to the present invention;

[0012] . Figure 2 shows a section view of the toilet and the seat cover from figure 1, taken in the plane of the line II-II; [0013] . Figure 3 shows a section view of the toilet and the seat cover from figure 1, taken in the plane of the line III-III;

[0014] . Figure 4 shows a top view of a toilet on which a further embodiment of the disposable toilet-seat cover according to the present invention is placed;

[0015] . Figure 5 shows a front view of the toilet with the disposable toilet-seat cover from figure 4;

[0016] . Figure 6 shows a side view of the toilet with the disposable toilet-seat cover from figure 4; [0017] . Figure 7 shows a top view of a toilet on which a further embodiment of the seat cover according to the present invention is placed;

[0018] . Figure 8 shows a front view of the toilet and the seat cover from figure 7; [0019] . Figure 9 shows a top view of a toilet on which further embodiment of the seat cover according to the present invention is placed;

[0020] . Figure 10 shows a section view of the toilet and the seat cover from figure 9 taken in the plane of the line X-X;

[0021] . Figure 11 shows a section view of the toilet and the seat cover from figure 9 taken in the plane of the line XI-XI;

[0022] . Figure 12 shows the enlarged detail XII from figure 11; [0023] . Figure 13 shows a front view of a disposable toilet-seat cover dispenser according to the present invention;

[0024] . Figure 14 shows a side view of the dispenser from figure 13;

[0025] . Figure 15 shows the dispenser from figure 13 in which some details have been omitted to highlight others;

[0026] . Figure 16 shows the dispenser from figure 15 in which further details have been omitted to highlight others;

[0027] . Figure 17 shows a section view of the dispenser from figure 13 taken in the plane of the line XVII-XVII; [0028] . Figure 18 shows the view of figure 17 in a different operating condition;

[0029] . Figure 19 shows a section view of the dispenser from figure 13 taken in the plane of the line XIX-XIX; [0030] . Figure 20 shows the detail XX enlarged from figure 19;

[0031] . Figure 21 shows a section view of the dispenser from figure 13 taken in the plane of the line XXI-XXI; [0032] . Figure 22 shows the seat cover from figure 17 according to a different operating condition;

[0033] . Figure 23 shows an enlarged detail of the dispenser according to the present invention, in two different operating conditions; [0034] . Figure 24 shows the wiring diagram of the dispenser according to the present invention;

[0035] . Figure 25 shows a front view of a further embodiment of a disposable toilet-seat cover dispenser according to the present invention; [0036] . Figure 26 shows a side view of the dispenser from figure 25;

[0037] . Figure 27 shows a different operating condition of the dispenser from figure 25 in which some details have been omitted to highlight others; [0038] . Figure 28 shows a section view of the dispenser from figure 25 taken in the plane of the line XXVIII-XXVIII;

[0039] . Figure 29 shows a section view of the dispenser from figure 27 taken in the plane of the line XXIX-XXIX;

[0040] . Figure 30 shows the enlarged detail, indicated as XXX in figure XXIX;

[0041] . Figure 31 shows an enlarged detail from figure 28; [0042] . Figures 32 - 35 show the section view of figure 28 in four functioning sequences of the dispenser according to the present invention;

[0043] . Figure 36 shows a front view of a variation of the embodiment of the dispenser from figure 25;

[0044] . Figure 37 shows a side view of the dispenser from figure 36;

[0045] . Figure 38 shows a possible embodiment of a wiring diagram of the dispenser according to the present invention.

[0046] . With reference to the above-mentioned figures, 10 is overall used to indicate a disposable seat cover for toilets 12.

[0047] . Horizontal surface means hereunder a surface that is parallel to a support surface P of the toilet and vertical surface means a surface that is perpendicular to said support surface P. Furthermore, the terms upper and lower are used in reference to the vertical direction. [0048] . Figure 1 shows a top view of the seat cover 10 placed on a seat 14 of a toilet 12, both illustrated with dotted lines.

[0049] . According to a possible embodiment, the seat cover 10 comprises a flap 16 that when in the position of use is placed substantially horizontally. In the event that the above-stated flap 16 is provided, the latter may advantageously be provided with a hole 18.

[0050] . Figure 2 shows a section taken in the plane of the line II-II from figure 1, i.e. a longitudinal section of the toilet from figure 1, to highlight the disposable toilet-seat cover 10 being engaged onto the seat 14.

[0051] . The seat cover 10 has a substantially elliptical shape that follows the shape of the seat 14. In particular, the seat cover 10 advantageously comprises a ring 20, which is substantially elliptical, a first wall 22, inside the elliptical ring of the seat cover, and a second wall 24, outside the elliptical ring of the seat cover. In the configuration of the seat cover on the toilet, the two walls 22 and 24 can substantially be arranged vertically.

[0052] . According to a possible embodiment, the first wall 22, i.e. the inner wall of the ring 20, is placed in a substantially vertical direction while the second wall 24, i.e. the outer wall of the ring 20, is placed with an angular opening preferably of 15-20 degrees compared to the vertical axis.

[0053] . The number 26 is used to indicate an outer wall of the toilet 12. [0054] . Figure 3 shows a section view taken in the plane of the line III-III of the toilet and seat cover from figure 1. Both in figure 2 and in figure 3 the sectioned seat cover 10 is shown and its adherence to the seat is highlighted. In particular, the ring 20 has a curved section whose internal profile, i.e. the one destined to come into contact with the seat 14 , substantially coincides with the external profile of the seat. In other words, the section of the ring 20 on a vertical place covers and wraps around the upper portion of the seat 14 shown as for example in figures 2 and 3.

[0055] . Figures 2 and 3 also highlight the fact that, according to a possible embodiment, both the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 24 extend below an upper portion of the toilet bowl. It may however be envisaged that these walls extend for a length that corresponds to the height of the seat or for a shorter length.

[0056] . The seat cover object of the present invention has the main purpose of eliminating the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art. In particular, the above-stated disposable toilet- seat cover has all the characteristics needed to solve said drawbacks and is easy to use as it is sufficient to lay it on the toilet seat to obtain a disposable seat with a perfectly hygienic surface. Furthermore, the seat cover according to the present invention is attached to the support on which it is laid, i.e. the seat, thanks to its anatomically similar shape, and to the presence of the vertical walls.

[0057] . According to a possible embodiment, the above-mentioned walls of the disposable toilet-seat cover, i.e. those that outline the internal and external perimeter of the elliptical ring 20, can be lowered by about seven cm depending on the vertical projection, compared to the horizontal surface of sitting. Such a measurement is variable depending on the characteristics of the type of toilet and its specific seating surface. Furthermore, said walls to be lowered can be perfectly parallel to the vertical axis (generally the inner wall 22 of the toilet bowl) , or can have an angular opening of 15 - 20° compared to it (the outer wall 24 of the toilet bowl) , this is to facilitate placing the cover. This angular opening can vary depending on the characteristics of the type of toilet bowl and its specific seating surface. [0058] . The hole 18 made in correspondence of the flap 16, preferably at an angle to it, allows a handle to be made. The above-mentioned hole 18 has been made to facilitate grip when removing the disposable toilet-seat cover after use . [0059] . The disposable toilet-seat cover as previously described can be made through industrial production with specific machines for the thermoforming of plastics, which already exist on the market, using plastics that can be thermoformed and recycled as raw material, such as foam polystyrene, polystyrene, PVC, PET or other plastics that are suitable for making the found object of the present invention. The technique and the industrial process can be the same as that used for the production of disposable plastic plates and cups. [0060] . The thickness of the product may vary according to the technical specification of the support for which it is destined. According to a possible embodiment the thickness is between the values of 1/10 (one tenth of a millimetre) and two millimetres. [0061] . Figures 4-6 show a different embodiment of the seat cover 10 according to the present invention. The elements that are repeated from the embodiment in figure 1 have been indicated with the same reference.

[0062] . Figure 4 shows a top view of the toilet 12 and the seat cover 10 with the flap 16, placed horizontally, and the hole 18 are present. Figure 5 shows a front view of the toilet with the disposable toilet-seat cover from figure 4 in which the outer wall 24 is shown that is inclined compared to the vertical direction. [0063] . Figure 6 shows the side view of the toilet with the seat cover from figure 4 in which the second wall 24, i.e. the outer wall of the ring 20, extends in a vertical direction below the flap 16 and is connected to the flap itself with a sloping length 28. This connecting length between the external edge and the horizontal flap is preferably sloping at 45 degrees.

[0064] . Figures 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of the seat cover according to the present invention, especially suitable for being applied to toilets for disabled people. The meshed part represents the surface occupied by the disposable toilet-seat cover also extending along the edge of the toilet where the seat is interrupted. [0065] . Figure 8 shows a front view of the toilet for disabled people with the disposable toilet-seat cover from figure 7. In correspondence with the front centre line of the toilet, the seat cover 10 comprises two vertical walls 30 that follow the vertical edges of the seat and the toilet. In particular, in figures 7 and 8 the continuity of the seat cover 10 is shown, even on the toilet where the seat is interrupted. A embodiment can be provided in which the ring is interrupted at the height where the toilet seat is also interrupted. In this case, edges can be provided that are placed in correspondence with the interruption of the seat and/or an inner continuous wall .

[0066] . According to a possible embodiment, for seat covers for disabled people too, both the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 24 are sloping compared to a vertical direction.

[0067] . Figure 9 shows a possible further embodiment of the seat cover according to the present invention. [0068] . Compared with the seat cover that has already been described, the seat cover in figures 9 and following comprises a undercut 32 shown in an enlarged form in figure 12 which has the function of maintaining the piled up seat covers at an equal distance and of preventing blockage, for example to facilitate dispensing with a dispenser as will be described later.

[0069] . The number 34 is used to indicate a lamellar edge that can aid the dispensing of the seat covers using a dispenser, as will be described later. [0070] . According to a possible embodiment, for example as shown in figures 9 and following, both the side walls 22 and 24 of the seat cover are sloping compared to a vertical direction.

[0071] . The various embodiments of the seat cover according to the present invention can be made in very thin thermoformed plastic (the size of a disposable plastic plate) or in waterproofed and die-moulded card. The two substantially vertical walls, one inside the elliptical ring and the other outside, which have the dual function of preventing the skin from coming into contact with the vertical walls of the toilet and of keeping the seat cover still, anchoring it to the toilet seat, start from the elliptical ring shape, which is anatomically similar to the seat on which it is placed and to which it is perfectly adherent.

[0072] . According to a possible embodiment the inner and outer walls may have angular openings compared to the vertical axis which are different to each other. [0073] . In the case that the edge of the toilet is wider than the seat, the disposable toilet-seat cover may have an anatomic shape that also comprises a part of the edge of the toilet .

[0074] . According to a possible embodiment, the seat cover according to the present invention comprises ribbing that are suitable for improving the rigidity of the seat cover itself.

[0075] . Dif erently from what has been described above, the seat cover according to the present invention can comprise a handle of various shapes, for example made from ribbing. Furthermore, the above-stated handle, in both the form of a hole, ribbing or otherwise, may also be provided in other position of the seat cover, for example directly on the ring 20 or on the walls 22 and 24 with the need to create the flap 16. [0076] . In addition to plastic and waterproofed cards, the seat cover according to the present invention can be made in any material that is suited to its making .

[0077] . Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the second wall 24, or the outer wall, may be present only in part and not along the entire perimeter of the ring 20. An example of this embodiment is given in figure 6 but can also be planned differently. [0078] . Differently from what has been described above, the shape of the seat can also be not perfectly anatomic and adherent to the toilet seat on which it will be placed. Although a part of the advantage of a perfect anchorage between seat and seat cover is lost, it is possible to make a standard use of it that can be adapted to several types of seats and relative toilet bowls.

[0079] . According to further possible embodiments, the first wall 22, i.e. the inner wall of the ring 20, and the second wall 24, i.e. the outer wall of the ring 20, may have different heights, allowing a better adaptability for practical use of the invention.

[0080] . From the above, it can be appreciated how the planning of a seat cover in agreement with the present invention allows the need for greater hygiene to be met, especially in the use of public toilets.

[0081] . Furthermore, the seat cover according to the present invention allows easy, rapid and safe use as its shape allows effective anchorage to the seat on which it is placed.

[0082] . The presence of a handle, which may, for example be made up of a circular hole made at the corner of a horizontal flap, aids grip when removing the seat cover after use. [0083] . A further advantage of the seat cover according to the invention is the uncommon structural simplicity thereof that allows for it to be produced at low cost.

[0084] . It is understood that further variations and/or additions may be provided compared to the embodiments described and illustrated.

[0085] . The present description refers to a disposable toilet-seat cover made in plastic and obtained from the industrial thermoforming process . However, any other material can be used to make the invention, as long as the functionality, the field of application and the main technical characteristics are the ones pertaining to the present invention.

[0086] . The details of making, the sizes, the materials, the shape and similar of the disposable toilet-seat cover according to the present invention may however vary without departing from the scope of the invention and therefore the content of the following claims. The above also refers to the various designs of toilets bowls and toilet seats that are present on current and future markets.

[0087] . With reference to the above-stated drawings 13-38, the number 36 is used to indicate overall a dispenser for disposable seat covers 10 for toilets.

[0088] . The dispenser 36 comprises a box 38, for example in the shape of a rectangular prism, although different shapes are possible. According to a possible embodiment the dispenser and in particular the box is made in plastic obtained by injection moulding.

[0089] . The number 40 is used to indicate a back plate that is suitable for being fixed, for example to a wall, which is not illustrated, for example using specific screws and anchoring plugs. The number 42 is used to indicate side walls or sides of the box 38, and 44 is used to indicate an upper wall, and 46 is used to indicate a lower wall .

[0090] . According to a possible embodiment the back plate, the side walls and the upper and lower walls are made as a single piece. The box also comprises a front cover 48 which is hinged along the edge of one of the two side walls 42 for loading and inspecting the dispenser. In figure 21 the number 50 indicates a connecting hinge. [0091] . According to a further embodiment, the number 52 is used to indicate a front wall made as a single piece with the side, lower and upper walls. In this case, the back plate 40 is hinged to one of the side walls 42. In figure 29 the number 50a is used to indicate a connecting hinge between the side wall 42 and the back plate 40, for example placed along a vertical side of the dispenser. According to the embodiment in figure 1, the hinge 50 allows the dispenser to be opened by rotating in a clockwise direction (figure 21) , for loading the seat covers and for inspecting the dispenser .

[0092] . The box 38 comprises an opening 54 that, according to a possible embodiment, is made in the lower wall 46 of the box and through which the seat covers are dispensed. According to a possible embodiment, the opening 54 is rectangular in shape.

[0093] . The number 56 is used to indicate a lock for opening and closing the dispenser 36, for example mounted near to the side wall of the drawer. [0094] . The number 58 is used to indicate a dispensing switch or button placed for example on the front part of the box of the dispenser.

[0095] . According to a possible embodiment signal lights 60 are provided, placed for example in the front wall of the box. By way of example, a white light indicating that the dispenser is in use and a red light indicating that the dispenser is empty can be provided.

[0096] . According to a possible embodiment, the number 62 is used to indicate a key switch for starting up the dispenser, for example placed on a side wall of the box.

[0097] . The dispenser 36 advantageously comprises means for housing the seat covers 10 inside said box 38 and means for withdrawing the seat covers, housed inside the box and suitable for completing a return run for withdrawing the seat cover and placing it next to the opening 54. Possible embodiments of the means of withdrawal will be described later.

[0098] . Means for holding the seat cover are also provided. Said means for holding are suitable for making the seat cover 10 partly stick out from the opening 54. Possible embodiments of the means for holding will be described later.

[0099] . The number 64 is used to indicate an electrical motor, for example a low voltage one, which housed inside the box and operationally connected to the dispensing button 66. According to a possible embodiment, the electrical motor is fixed to the walls of a box 68, which is for example elliptical in shape that contains it.

[00100] . The number 70 is used to indicate a threaded bar with a circular section, that is operationally connected to the electrical motor 64 for creating means of withdrawal for the seat covers. According to a possible embodiment, the threaded bar 70 is mounted inside the box in an orthogonal direction to the back plate 40 of the dispenser. One end of the threaded bar is mounted on the back plate so that the threaded bar rotates freely around its longitudinal axis for transporting the seat covers placed on it.

[00101] . In particular, the threaded bar 70 is suitable for transporting the pack of seat covers next to one of its free ends until it makes one of them drop as will be described later. [00102] . According to a possible embodiment the threaded bar is made from plastic. According to a possible embodiment the threaded bar 70 comprises a thread with a constant pitch up to almost its free end, where the pitch increases, and becomes longer. In other words, the threaded bar 70 comprises two portions with threads of different pitches, a first portion with a thread that has a constant pitch up to almost its free end, and a second portion placed next to said free end which has a larger thread than said first portion. The second portion can have a thread with a constant or variable pitch and in particular that increases towards the free end.

[00103] . The number 72 is used to indicate an anchorage rod mounted inside the drawer. The anchorage rod is hinged next to its central line so that it can turn around an axis that is substantially parallel to the back plate 40. The anchorage rod contributes to define the means for holding the seat covers.

[00104] . The number 74 is used to indicate a torsion spring interacting with the anchorage rod next to the point where it is hinged. According to a possible embodiment, the torsion spring is calibrated so that it supports the weight of a seat cover.

[00105] . The anchorage rod is placed slightly below the threaded bar 70. One end of the anchorage rod is suitable for stopping and holding the seat cover that drops from the threaded bar.

[00106] . The number 76 is used to indicate a pressure switch or a motor-stopping switch, mounted inside the drawer, for example so that it interacts with one end of the anchorage rod 72 when a seat cover is hooked up by the latter. According to a possible embodiment the stop switch is placed so that it interacts with the opposite end of the anchorage rod to the one that hooks up the seat cover. This switch is suitable for being started up by the anchorage rod for stopping the motor when a seat cover is hooked up.

[00107] . The number 78 is used to indicate a first crown gear that is operationally connected to the threaded bar while the number 80 indicates a second crown gear that is operationally connected to the motor. [00108] . The first and the second crown gears are for example placed next to the back plate of the dispenser and engage each other. The different sizes of the two crowns have the function of reducing the number of turns completed by the threaded bar compared to the motor ones .

[00109] . The number 82 is used to indicate a circular section shaft, orthogonally fixed to the back plate of the dispenser, that is filled with the seat covers through, for example a purpose made hole. In the case of the seat cover as previously described, the shaft 82 is inserted inside the hole 18.

[00110] . The number 84 is used to indicate a base inside the box, made in the form of a wedged ramp in order to prevent the seat cover from blocking against the edge of the opening 54, helping it to come out.

[00111] . The dispenser is started up via the button 66 or the dispensing button that starts up the low voltage electrical motor 64. The motion is transmitted to the threaded bar 70 via the first and second gear wheel . The function of the threaded bar is to transport the pack of seat covers placed on it next to its free end, until one of them drops. In fact, when the dispensing button is switched on, the motor starts up, making the threaded bar turn. Consequently, the seat covers placed on the threaded bar are pushed towards the free end of the bar.

[00112] . According to an advantageous embodiment, the seat covers are placed on the threaded bar with a small lamellar edge present along the elliptical ring inside the seat cover in the area where it lies on the seat. This lamellar edge can be made like the lamellar edge 34 described previously. [00113] . The seat covers that are stacked up remain at an equal distance from each other due to ribbing or undercuts, indicated for example with 32, so that, depending on the thread of the threaded bar, only one lamellar edge 34 of a seat cover is introduced into the groove of the thread of the threaded bar.

[00114] . The difference in the pitch of the thread of the threaded bar allows the seat covers being near to the free end of the threaded bar to be detached from the pack of seat covers or unstuck in order to be dispensed. [00115] . The electrical motor is programmed so that it will make the threaded bar complete a set maximum number of continuous rotations without stopping.

[00116] . The seat cover dropped by the threaded bar is hooked by the anchorage rod placed a little lower than the threaded bar. The anchorage rod turns around the axis to which it is hinged and supports the seat cover that sticks out slightly from the dispenser opening thanks to the torsion spring. The anchorage rod has a dual function. Firstly, the anchorage rod stops the seat cover dropped by the threaded bar, preventing it from falling to the ground and leaves it sticking out through the dispenser opening. Secondly, the anchorage rod starts up the motor-stopping switch, placed next to the run path of the opposite end of the anchorage rod to the one used to hook up the seat cover, thus preventing the threaded bar from continuing to turn and to expel other seat covers .

[00117] . When the seat cover hooked up by the anchorage rod has partly come out of the dispenser opening at the base of the dispenser, the user can comfortably take hold of it, slightly pulling downwards to unhook it from the anchorage rod which unblocks it by turning around the axis to which it is hinged.

[00118] . The electrical motor stops turning under two conditions. A first case occurs when the stop switch is activated by the anchorage rod that has hooked up a seat cover. The second case occurs when the disposable seat covers have run out. In the second case, the motor will continue to work for a time that has been set on a timer, after which the machine will enter alarm mode, the motor will stop and the red light on the front panel will turn on, signalling that the seat covers in the dispenser have run out.

[00119] . Loading the dispenser is possible via unlocking the front cover. The pack of seat covers stacked to the capacity of the dispenser is placed on the shaft 82 through the circular hole in the seat covers and making them rest on the threaded bar 70.

[00120] . According to a further embodiment, the dispenser comprises a lever 86 mounted on the outside of the box and which is operationally connected to the threaded bar 70. The lever 86 is connected to a return torsion spring and to the threaded bar via a drive system with gear wheels that replaces the dispensing button and the electrical motor described above and which allow a manual, non motorised function. Acting on the external lever by turning it by about 90 degrees causes the threaded bar to rotate until it expels one seat cover only. [00121] . According to a possible embodiment, the dispenser comprises a motor that is powered by a manually loaded tape spring that replaces the electrical motor.

[00122] . According to a possible embodiment, the dispenser comprises an anchorage rod that is cross- hinged to a horizontal axis along its centre line and which is balanced by a counterweight at the opposite end to the one where the seat covers are hooked up. The calibrated balancing system for specific use replaces the torsion spring.

[00123] . In figure 24 an electrical diagram is shown with auxiliary circuits, dispenser control and power circuits.

[00124] . A further possible embodiment of the dispenser according to the present invention is shown in figures 25 and following.

[00125] . According to a further possible embodiment, the defining edge of the opening 54 comprises flaring 88, for example made next to the short side of the opening itself in the case of a rectangular opening, for blocking the seat cover. Preferably, the flarings 88 are at 45 degrees compared to the wall of the box in which the opening 54 is made. The flarings 88 help to define the means holding the seat covers which partly stick out of the opening 54.

[00126] . The number 90 is used to indicate a vertical cover inside the box 38, for example connected to or made as one piece with the upper wall of the box. The cover 90 extends in the direction of the width of the box but it ends before the side walls or sides of the box so that it remains isolated and leaves two side slots 92.

[00127] . The number 94 indicates two vertical plates that are parallel to each other and placed next to the centre line of the cover 90, in a position that is perpendicular to it.

[00128] . The number 96 is used to indicate a fork that has two clamps or arms 98 and a spacer bar 100, for withdrawing the seat covers. The fork 96 is mounted inside the box 38 so that it rotates around an axis 102, for example that is substantially parallel to the upper wall of the drawer. The two arms 98 are suitable for being at least partly inserted inside the fissures 92, that are left free by the cover 90. The fork 96 contributes to define the means of withdrawal of the seat covers.

[00129] . The axis 102 around which the fork rotates is for example defined by a shaft 104 that crosses the whole box, from the right side orthogonally to the opposite side, i.e. to the left side. According to a possible embodiment a housing hole 106 for housing said shaft 104, and for allowing the fork to rotate around its axis, is made in both sides of the box.

[00130] . The fork is connected to the above-stated axis in order to carry out the dual function of hooking up the seat cover and dragging it until it is released next to the opening 54 for example that is located at the base of the box. According to a possible embodiment the fork is entirely made in plastic or can comprise metal arms. The spacer bar 100 can be in plastic and with a circular section. The arms 98 of the fork 96 end with an anchorage hook 108 that is fixed to a flexible support 110 that, according to a possible embodiment, is less thick than the respective arm. The flexible support 110 is suitable for opening towards the outside so that it touches the inner surface of the side of the box 38, when it is in a resting position.

[00131] . The distance between the spacer bar and the anchorage hook is equal to the height of a seat cover plus a tolerance space that is needed for anchorage .

[00132] . The number 76 indicates a pressure switch or a stopping switch that is placed on the spacer bar 100 for stopping or inverting the run of the fork 96. According to a possible embodiment the pressure switch 76 is placed next to the surface that comes into contact with the seat cover.

[00133] . The number 112 is used to indicate the ribbing with wedged ramp, made on the inside of the sides or the side walls of the box 38 next to the semicircle of the run of the anchorage hooks 108 of the fork. Each ribbing begins with a wedged ramp and extends next to the area where the seat cover must be hooked up and dragged, and is instead missing near to the area where the seat cover must be released into the specific opening 54 at the base of the dispenser.

[00134] . The number 114 indicates a piston, preferably an electrical one, that is operationally connected to the fork 96. According to a possible embodiment, the piston is contained and hinged inside the two vertical plates so that it can rotate around a transversal axis. The piston has one end hinged to the fork shaft . The piston is mounted in such a way as to allow it to rotate while the fork is moving. [00135] . The number 116 is used to indicate ribbing made in the inner wall of the back plate to distance the seat covers from the back plate itself and to allow the anchorage hooks to withdraw even the last seat cover. [00136] . Figure 38 contains a wiring diagram with auxiliary circuits, dispenser control and power circuits .

[00137] . Figures 32-35 show some operating sequences of the dispenser according to the present invention, starting from a resting position shown in figure 32 up to a dispensing position shown in figure 35. The mechanism is in a resting position when the fork is at a standstill next to the front wall of the dispenser (Figure 32) . In its resting position, the flexible support 110 to which the respective anchorage hook 108 is fixed tends to open outwards, so that the hook touches the internal surface of the respective side of the box.

[00138] . The dispenser is activated via the button 66 or the dispensing button that starts up the piston that is operationally connected to the fork. The fork carries out the dual action of hooking up the first seat cover and of dragging it as far as the opening located at the base of the drawer. By pressing the dispensing button, the piston is started up to complete a forward and a return run corresponding to a forward and a return rotation of the fork. The piston is programmed so that it makes the fork complete a forward rotation from the resting position to the dispenser back plate and a return rotation from the dispenser back plate to the resting position next to the front wall of the dispenser (Figure 35) .

[00139] . By pressing the dispensing button, the piston is started up, making the fork rotate. During the piston's and consequently the fork's forward run, the flexible supports and the hooks thereof run along the respective internal surface of the side wall or side of the box, until they meet the respective ribbing 112 placed near to the hook's run. The ribbing that begins with a wedged ramp, is present in the area where the seat cover must be hooked up and dragged, and instead disappears where the seat cover must be released into the specific opening at the base of the dispenser.

[00140] . During the forward run of the piston and the fork, the right and left flexible supports run along the ribbing on the side walls, that closes them towards the inside, thus allowing the first seat cover from the dispenser to be hooked up.

[00141] . The pressure switch 76 or the stopping switch placed on the spacer bar of the fork, next to the surface that comes into contact with the seat cover, is connected to the piston. The stopping switch has the function of interrupting and inverting the run of the piston and therefore of the fork at the moment when pressure is applied on it due to the thrust of the spacer bar against the first seat cover of the dispenser (figure 29) .

[00142] . The piston stops its run in order to invert the sliding direction in one of the following cases. In the first case, the stopping switch has been activated by the spacer bar pushing it against the first seat cover of the dispenser. In the second case, the disposable seat covers in the dispenser have run out. In the second case the piston completes its entire forward run for which it is programmed, taking the fork hooks up to a few millimetres from the back plate and then it returns the fork to the resting position. In the first case, the forward rotation of the fork continues up to when the spacer bar pushes the stopping switch against the first seat cover in the dispenser. Starting up the stop button stops the piston and inverts the run, making the fork complete a return rotation by which the seat cover that has been hooked up is dragged by the hooks.

[00143] . Figures 29 and 30 show the anchorage hook fixed to the relative flexible support and the stop switch on the spacer bar in the position in which it is activated after being pushed against the first seat cover housed in the dispenser.

[00144] . The hooks hold the seat cover until they run over the ribbing of the walls and the flexible supports are kept bent towards the inside of the box. When the ribbing stops, the flexible supports open against the side wall of the box, i.e. towards the outside of the box, allowing the hooks to open and the seat cover to be released next to the opening at the base of the dispenser.

[00145] . During dragging, the vertical cover placed on the upper side of the box stops the top part of the seat cover, to avoid it falling forwards. [00146] . The seat cover that has been released into the opening is stopped by the two flaring 88 placed at 45 degrees along the two short sides of the dispensing opening. The seat cover is stopped along its centre line, thus stopping it from coming out completely and dropping to the ground (figure 35) . In this latter position, and making use of the flexibility of the edges of the seat covers, the seat cover can be taken by the user, slightly pulling downwards to release it from the flaring that are holding it. [00147] . The disposable toilet seat cover dispenser is loaded by opening the box by means of the lock that is placed for example on one side. By turning the box about 90 degrees compared to the back plate fixed to the wall, it is possible to insert the pile of seat covers into the dispenser.

[00148] . From the above it can be appreciated that the provision of a dispenser in agreement with the present invention allows for the seat covers to be kept in a tidy manner, dispensing them one at a time, and conserving the others from being touched, thus guaranteeing hygiene.

[00149] . A further advantage of the dispenser according to the invention lies in the unusual simplicity of the dispenser structure, which allows it to be produced at a very low cost.

[00150] . Obviously further variations and/or additions to what has been described and illustrated above can be provided.

[00151] . Figures 36 and 37 show a front view and a side view respectively of a possible further embodiment of the disposable toilet seat cover dispenser according to the present invention. Such an embodiment foresees a manual version, i.e. a non-motorised version of the dispenser. The number 118 is used to indicate a torsion spring and 120 is used to indicate a dispensing lever that is shown in its resting position in figure 36. In this alternate embodiment, the function principle is similar to the motor-driven version. The dispensing button and the electrical piston are replaced by the dispensing lever placed, for example next to top part of one side of the box. The dispensing lever 120 connects inside the box to the fork shaft, with the torsion spring 118 in between. The torsion spring holds the fork in its resting position. The dispensing lever is made to rotate for example, in an anti-clockwise direction according to what is shown in figure 36 or in other words by pushing it towards the back plate of the dispenser. The rotation angle of the dispensing lever varies with inversely proportional function to the load of seat covers contained in the dispenser. When the seat cover is hooked up, the torsion spring drags the fork, and therefore the seat cover hooked up by the fork, until it is released into the specific dispensing opening. [00152] . The manual version of dispenser substantially corresponds to the motorised one with the difference that the manual version does not provide the switches, the piston, and the vertical plates that contain it . [00153] . According to further possible embodiments, the dispenser is motorised and comprises means for activating other than the piston shown in the drawings. According to a possible embodiment, not shown, the dispenser comprises an electrical motor that is operationally linked to pulleys, gear wheels and belts, that replaces the electrical piston. According to a different embodiment, the dispenser comprises a hydraulic piston that replaces the electrical piston.

[00154] . According to a further embodiment the dispenser comprises a switch, which works by inserting tokens or coins for public use by payment.

[00155] . The dispenser according to the present invention can be industrially produced with specific injection presses for plastic material moulding, using plastic materials such as polypropylene, PVC, PET and others that are suited for the embodiment of the found subject of the present invention. The thickness of the product can vary according to the specific techniques to which it is destined. The dispenser can also be made in any other material in addition to the ones provided as examples, such as metal or alloys.

[00156] . Generally, an expert from the field may make several modifications, adaptations and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent ones to the preferred solutions for embodiment of the seat cover and the dispenser described above, with the aim of satisfying incidental and specific needs, but without departing from the scope of the following claims.

*** * ***

Claims

1. A seat cover (10) for toilet (12) comprising a ring (20) that is counter-shaped compared to the seat (14) , a first wall (22) inside the ring (20) and a second wall (24) outside the ring (20) , said first and second wall extending from the ring (20) for a length that at least in part wraps around said seat (14) when the seat cover is placed (10) on the toilet (12) .

2. The seat cover (10) according to claim 1, wherein said first and second wall extend from the ring

(20) for such a length that it is placed below an upper part of the toilet, when the seat cover is placed (10) on the toilet (12) .

3. The seat cover (10) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein said ring (20) , said first wall (22) and said second wall (24) are suitable for defining an engagement support for the seat cover (10) on the seat (14) .

4. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first and second wall (22, 24) are substantially placed vertically when the seat cover is being used.

5. The seat cover (10) according to any of the claims from 1 to 3 wherein said second wall (24) has an angular opening compared to a vertical axis when the seat cover is being used.

6. The seat cover (10) according to claim 5, wherein said second wall (24) has an angular opening of about 15-20 degrees compared to a vertical axis when the seat cover is being used.

7. The seat cover (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said first wall (22) has an angular opening compared to a vertical axis when the seat cover is being used.

8. The seat cover (10) according to claim 7, wherein said first wall (22) has an angular opening of about 15-20 degrees compared to a vertical axis when the seat cover is being used.

9. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a flap is provided (16) which extends from the ring (20) towards the outside of the ring itself.

10. The seat cover (10) according to claim 9, wherein said flap (16) is suitable for being placed on a substantially horizontal plane when the seat cover is being used (10) .

11. The seat cover (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said flap (16) has a hole (18) .

12. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a handle (18) is provided to facilitate the grip when removing the seat cover after use .

13. The seat cover (10) according to any of the claims from 9 to 11, wherein said second wall (24) extends below the flap (16) and connects to the flap itself with a sloping length (28) .

14. The seat cover (10) according to claim 13, wherein said connection length (28) between the external edge and the horizontal flap is sloping at 45 degrees.

15. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein two vertical walls (30) suitable for following vertical edges of the seat and toilet are foreseen next to the front centre line of the toilet.

16. The seat cover (10) according to any of the claims from 1 to 14, wherein said ring (20) has a line of continuity in correspondence to the continuity of the toilet seat (14) .

17. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a undercut (32) is foreseen to maintain the stacked seat covers at an equal distance from each other .

18. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a lamellar edge (34) which is made in an internal portion of said ring (20) is provided.

19. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein ribbing which is suitable for improving the rigidity of the seat cover itself is provided.

20. The seat cover (10) according to any of the previous claims, made in waterproofed cardboard.

21. A dispenser (36) of disposable toilet seat covers (10) according to any of the claims from 1 to 20, comprising: a box (38) provided with an opening (54) for dispensing seat covers; means for housing the seat covers (10) inside said box (38) ; means for withdrawal of the seat covers, housed inside the box and suitable for completing a forward and return run to withdraw a seat cover and place it next to said opening; means for holding the seat cover withdrawn by the means for withdrawal, said means for holding being suitable for making said seat cover stick out partly from the opening (54) .

22. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein said means of withdrawal comprise a threaded bar

(70) on which the seat covers are placed, said threaded bar (70) being mounted in the box (38) so that it can turn around a longitudinal axis thereof.

23. The dispenser according to claim 22, wherein said threaded bar (70) comprises two portions that have threads with different pitches, a first portion having a thread with a constant pitch until almost the free end and a second portion placed next to said free end and with a thread that has a larger pitch than the first portion.

24. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein said means for withdrawal comprise a fork (96) mounted inside the box (38) so that it can rotate around an axis (102) , said fork comprising mobile anchorage hooks (108) from a resting position to a position wherein it grips the seat covers .

25. The dispenser (36) according to claim 24, wherein said anchorage hooks (108) are fixed to the fork

(96) via flexible supports (110) suitable for interacting with ribbing (112) , made in the internal part of the sides or side walls of the box (38) , said ribbing extending to the area where the seat cover must be hooked and dragged.

26. The dispenser (36) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein a piston (114) that is operationally linked to the fork (96) is provided.

27. The dispenser (36) according to any of the claims from 24 to 26, wherein ribbing (116) to distance the seat covers from a back plate of the box is provided.

28. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein said means for holding comprise an anchorage rod

(72) hinged to the inside the box (38) .

29. The dispenser (36) according to claim 28, wherein said anchorage rod (72) is operatively associated with a torsion spring (74) interacting with the anchorage rod next to the point in which it is hinged.

30. The dispenser according to claim 29, wherein said torsion spring (74) is calibrated to support the weight of a seat cover.

31. The dispenser (36) according to claim 28, wherein said anchorage rod (72) is operationally associated with a counterweight at the opposite end to the one in which the seat covers are hooked up.

32. The dispenser according to claims 22 e 28, wherein said anchorage rod (72) is placed slightly below said threaded bar (70) to stop the seat cover coming from the threaded bar.

33. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein said means for holding include flaring (88) made next to the edge defining the opening (54) .

34. The dispenser (36) according to claim 33, wherein said flaring (88) are sloping at 45 degrees compared to the wall of the box in which the opening has been made (54) .

35. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein a cover is provided (90) inside the box (38) which extends in the direction of the width of the box.

36. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein a pressure switch or stop switch (76) is provided.

37. The dispenser (36) according to claims 28 e 36, wherein said pressure switch (76) is mounted inside the box so that it interacts with one end of the anchorage rod (72) when a seat cover is hooked up by the latter.

38. The dispenser (36) according to claims 24 e 36, wherein said pressure switch (76) is placed on the fork (96) for stopping and inverting the run of the fork itself .

39. The dispenser (36) according to any of the claims from 21 to 38, wherein a shaft (82) on which the seat covers are introduced is provided.

40. The dispenser (36) according to any of the claims from 21 to 39, wherein a base (84) is foreseen inside the box, made in the form of a wedged ramp.

41. The dispenser (36) according to claim 21, wherein a lever is foreseen (86, 120) for the manual working of the means for withdrawal of the seat covers.

42. The dispenser (36) according to claims 22 and 41, wherein said lever (86) is operationally connected to the threaded bar (70) .

43. The dispenser (36) according to claims 24 and 41, wherein said lever (120) is operationally connected to the fork (96) with the torsion spring in between (118) .

44. The dispenser (36) according to any of the claims from 21 to 43, wherein a switch operating through the use of tokens or coins, to allow public use by payment is provided.