Aesthetically-enhanced toilet tank and seat lid cover

Abstract

An aesthetically-enhanced toilet tank cover and toilet seat lid cover assembly (10). The assembly (10) is disclosed in three designs: the first design has the toilet tank cover (12) integrally attached to a tank lid cover (60); in the second design (104) the toilet tank cover (12) is separate from the tank lid cover (60); and the third design (110) is a one-piece enclosure, that includes a toilet tank and tank lid cover combination. The assembly (10) features indicia (100) on the toilet tank cover (12) and/or the toilet seat lid cover (76). Preferably, the indicia (100) on the toilet tank cover (12) compliments the indicia (100) on the toilet seat lid cover (76).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention generally pertains to toilet tank and seat lid covers and, more particularly, to a toilet tank and seat lid cover set having indicia thereon, which, while either the tank or the seat lid cover can be used individually, when used together presents a single "theme" that continues from the seat lid to the tank, or vice versa.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] One of the most significant advantages of providing water to residential structures, commercial buildings and other places where people congregate is that an effective means of human waste disposal is allowed. In many parts of the world, legislation is designed to ensure that adequate bathroom facilities are present in most buildings and locations that are frequented by people. In upper class circles, affluence is even measured by the number of bathrooms a person has in his/her house.

[0003] Whether a bathroom is opulent or utilitarian, a toilet (or commode) is the main defining femur. While there have been many different types of toilets utilized, there is one design which is prominent, as a result of its effectiveness, ease of manufacturer and maintenance, and ability to be made and sold at acceptable costs. This type of toilet typically consists of a bowl having a circular shape with a liftable seat and lid, and a rear-mounted tank with a removable lid for holding water.

[0004] Since the toilet is such a predominant part of the bathroom, attempts have been made to decorate it or embellish its appearance, The most common means of accomplishing this is to have the toilet painted to match the color scheme and decor of the bathroom. Another method is to cover a part of the toilet, such as the bowl lid or tank lid, with a fabric cover, and to lay corresponding color floor mats down. Although, some of these decoration methods do improve the appearance of a toilet, they still do not manage to change the look as much as many people would like.

[0005] Obviously, if there were some means of decorating a toilet which would not infringe upon the toilet's utility, yet still change the appearance in a way that is interesting and unique, it would be a welcome change for many people. Additionally, if a decorating means were available that could protect a toilet's finish, as well as improve appearance, it would serve dual purposes.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An aesthetically-enhanced toilet tank cover and toilet seat lid cover assembly adapted to be attached respectively to a toilet tank having a tank lid, and a toilet seat having a toilet seat lid. The assembly comprises a toilet tank cover having an enclosure dimensioned to be inserted over the toilet tank, a tank lid cover dimensioned to fit over the tank lid, and a toilet seat lid cover dimensioned to fit over the toilet seat lid.

[0007] Means are provided for allowing the toilet tank cover, the tank lid cover and the toilet seat lid cover to be releasably attached respectively to the toilet tank, toilet tank lid and the toilet seat lid.

[0008] The means comprise an elastic band inserted into a loop that is formed along the edges of the covers and attached therein, by an attachment means, such as stitching. A plurality of fasteners are located adjacent an upper edge of the toilet tank cover and the tank lid cover, wherein the fasteners are aligned to allow the toilet tank cover to be attached to the tank lid cover.

[0009] Both the toilet tank cover and the toilet seat lid cover preferably include indicia, wherein the indicia on the toilet tank cover compliments or continues from the indicia on the toilet seat lid cover.

[0010] In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide an aesthetically-enhanced toilet tank and seat lid cover assembly that allows a person to decorate his/her toilet with a continuing "theme", such as a holiday or visual image, running from the toilet seat lid to the toilet tank, or vice versa.

[0011] In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a toilet tank and seat lid cover that:

[0012] can be made to display any indicia desired,

[0013] is easily attached and removed,

[0014] is easily cleaned and maintained,

[0015] is adaptable for use with different toilet designs,

[0016] can be coordinated to match other bathroom furnishings, and

[0017] is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.

[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet tank cover shown integrally attached to a toilet tank lid cover.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toilet seat assembly having a toilet seat lid with a toilet seat lid cover.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view showing the edge of the toilet seat lid cover Placed over the edge of the toilet seat lid.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a toilet tank cover which includes an outer section having one of its edges open to allow magazines or the like to be inserted therein.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toilet tank cover which includes indicia.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a toilet tank lid cover having complimentary indicia and that is separated from the toilet tank cover shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 7 if a perspective view of a one-piece toilet tank cover.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment which is disclosed in three designs for an aesthetically-enhanced toilet tank cover and toilet seat lid cover assembly, (hereinafter, "assembly 10") The assembly 10 is designed to provide a novel and unique means for covering and protecting a toilet tank and toilet seat lid. By utilizing indicia on both the tank cover and the seat lid cover, and by having the indicia compliment each other, it is possible to have a single "theme" or image for the entire toilet.

[0027] The assembly 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-7 is comprised of the following major elements: a toilet tank cover 12, a toilet seat lid cover 76 and indicia 100. Additionally, for descriptive and illustrative purposes, a toilet tank 150 having a tank lid 152, and a toilets eat 160 having a seat lid 162 are referred to in the specification and the figures.

[0028] In all three designs, the toilet tank cover 12 comprises: a front section 14 having an upper edge 16 and a lower edge 18, a rear section 20 having an upper edge 22 and a lower edge 24, a left section 26 having an upper edge 28 and a lower edge 30, and a right section 32 having an upper edge 34 and a lower edge 36. As shown in FIG. 1, all of the sections 14, 20, 26 and 32 are integrally attached to form an enclosure that is open at the upper and lower edges. As also shown in FIG. 1, the upper and lower edges of the front, left and right sections form a loop 38.

[0029] An elastic band 42 is inserted into each loop 38 and attached therein by an attachment means, such as stitching 44. By stretching open the elastic band 42, the toilet tank cover 12 can be placed over the toilet tank 150. When the elastic bands 42 are released, the tank cover 12 is held securely to the tank 150.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, located adjacent the upper edges of the front, left and right sections of the toilet tank cover are a plurality of fasteners 50. While various types of fasteners 50 can be utilized, the two most effective and easy-to-use are: a hook and loop fastener 52, which is typically known by the trade name VELCRO.RTM. and/or a snap-type button 54.

[0031] A tank lid cover 60, comprising an upper surface 62, a lower surface 64, a front edge 66 having a front flap 67, a rear edge 68, a right edge 70 having a right flap 71 and a left edge 72 having a left flap 74, is shown in FIG. 1. The rear edge 68 is either integral or attached to the upper edge 22 of the rear section 20 of the toilet tank cover 12. When the rear edge 68 is attached, the attachment means are typically comprised of stitching.

[0032] As also shown in FIG. 1, along the front flap 67, the right flap 71 and the left flap 74 are attached a plurality of the fasteners 50, which are in alignment with the plurality of fasteners 50 on the toilet tank cover 12. When the toilet tank cover 12 is attached to the toilet tank 150, and the tank lid cover 60 is folded over with the fasteners 50 on the lid cover 60 interfacing with the fasteners on the tank cover 12, both the toilet tank 150 and the tank lid 152 are completely enclosed within the tank cover 12. Depending on where the toilet tank 150 has its flush lever, an opening 156 dimensioned to accommodate the lever's size, is provided, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0033] The toilet seat lid cover 76, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is comprised of an upper surface 78 and a lower surface 80. The seat lid cover 76 has a substantially circular shape with a perimeter edge 8 that extends beyond the toilet seat's 160 perimeter edge as shown in FIG. 3. Around the perimeter edge 82 of the seat lid cover 76 is formed a loop 84, which is similar to the loop(s) that are formed on the toilet tank cover 12, An elastic band 86 is inserted into the loop and attached thereon by an attachment means, such as stitching 44. With the elastic band 86 in place, the toilet seat lid cover 76 can be stretched open and placed over the toilet seat lid 162. Once the elastic band 86 contracts, the seat lid cover 76 is held securely in place on the toilet seat 160 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0034] In order to add further utility to the assembly 10, the toilet tank cover 12 can further comprise an outer section 92 that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section 14 of the toilet tank cover 12. As shown in FIG. 4, one of the sides of the outer section 92 remains open to allow magazines or the like to be inserted into the opening for storage and later retrieval. Additionally, an outer section 96 that is dimensioned to be attached across the upper surface 62 of the tank lid cover 60 may be utilized as also shown in FIG. 4. one of the sides of the outer section 96 remains open to allow the previously mentioned items to be inserted and stored therein.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet tank cover 12 further comprises indicia 100 on its front section 14, left section 26, right section 32 and/or tank lid cover 60. The toilet seat lid cover 76 further comprises indicia 100 on its upper surface 78. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the indicia 100 on the toilet tank cover 12 compliments the indicia 100 on the toilet seat cover 76. The theme or image on the front section 14 of the tank cover 12 can continue onto the left section 26, the right section 32 and further to the upper surface 78 of the toilet seat cover 76. Or, a theme or image can begin on the seat cover 76 and continue up the toilet tank's front section 14 and end on the tank lid cover 60. Essentially, the theme or image can begin and/or end anywhere on the toilet tank cover 12, tank lid cover 60 or toilet seat cover 76. A theme can comprise holiday decorations, such as Halloween or Christmas, as shown in FIG. 7, or any subject a person desires, such as nature or music. An image can include any visual design, such as a road that disappears into the distance of a mountain range, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0036] The second design of the assembly 10 is basically the same as the first design except that a tank lid cover 104 is separate from the toilet tank cover 12, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0037] The third design of the assembly 10 has the toilet tank cover 110 as a one-piece unit, with no separate tank lid cover or attached tank lid cover. The toilet tank cover 110 of the third design, as shown in FIG. 7, is simply placed over the toilet tank 150 while the tank lid 152 is in place. In this manner, one integral toilet tank cover 110 is utilized instead of separate or separated tank and tank/lid covers.

[0038] Both the toilet tank cover 12, including the tank lid cover 60 if utilized, and the toilet seat cover 76 are preferably manufactured from a fabric. The fabric can be an organic material, such as cotton; an in-organic material, such as nylon or polyester; or the fabric can be a combination of organic and in-organic materials.

[0039] To further increase the utility of invention the following deign concepts may be utilized: the indicia 100 can be comprised of a photo image; a "masterpiece", such as a Rembrandt or Picasso; a three-dimensional image; an animal or reptile print, such as leopard, zebra or snake, geometric figures; images applied with glow-in-the-dark paint; a combination of complimentary or non-complimentary colors; images created with glitter, or using glitter to augment another image; or a "thematic" image, especially those related to holidays, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. Also, the covers can be manufactured from pre-printed fabric, which can literally comprise thousands of images designs and/or colors. Additionally, when the outer section 92 is used, it can be made with various cutout designs. Into the opening of the outer section is inserted a colored panel which shows through the cutouts 94.

[0040] Another unique element of the invention, is that a clear plastic sleeve(s) can be attached to the covers. The sleeve(s) will allow a person to insert and remove indicia, thus providing a means by which the indicia can be altered for various occasions. For example, a Mother with three children can have personalized indicia indicating each child's birthday. Depending on which child's birthday is being celebrated, the toilet tank and seat lid covers can be altered by removing indicia and inserting into the plastic sleeve(s) the indicia pertaining to the child's birthday. Also, the toilet seat lid cover can be manufactured in a composite cover having an upper layer consisting of plastic or cloth material, a lower layer consisting of a cloth material and a sandwiched centered layer consisting of a resilient material such as foam or sponge. This composite cover allows the indicia 100 to be presented on a soft, resilient lid cover, which adds comfort when sat upon.

[0041] While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. For example, any of the elements, such as the toilet tank cover, the toilet lid cover (when separate) or the toilet seat cover can be used individually to decorate a toilet. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aesthetically- enhanced set of toilet covers adapted to be fitted to a toilet tank, a tank lid, and a toilet seat lid, said covers comprising: a) a toilet tank cover dimensioned to be attached around the toilet tank, b) a tank lid cover dimensioned to fit over the tank lid, c) a toilet seat lid cover dimensioned to fit over the toilet seat lid, and d) indicia selectively applied to said toilet tank cover, said tank lid cover, or said toilet seat lid cover either individually or in combination.

2. The toilet covers as specified in claim 1 wherein an upper edge of said toilet tank cover is attached, by an attachment means, to a corresponding edge on said tank lid cover.

3. The toilet covers as specified in claim 2 further comprising an outer transparent section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow indicia panels to be removably inserted therein.

4. The toilet covers as specified in claim 2 further comprising an outer section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow magazines or the like to be inserted into the opening for storage and later retrieval.

5. The toilet covers as specified in claim 1 wherein said toilet tank cover and said tank lid cover are comprised of individual covers.

6. The toilet covers as specified in claim 5 further comprising an outer transparent section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow indicia panel to be removably inserted therein.

7. The toilet covers as specified in claim 5 further comprising an outer section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow magazines or the like to be inserted into the opening for storage and later retrieval.

8. The toilet covers as specified in claim 1 wherein said toilet tank cover is integrated with said tank lid cover to form a single cover which includes both said toilet tank cover and said tank lid cover.

9. The toilet covers as specified in claim 8 further comprising an outer transparent section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow indicia panels to be removably inserted therein.

10. The toilet covers as specified in claim 8 further comprising an outer section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow magazines or the like to be inserted into the opening for storage and later retrieval.

11. The toilet covers as specified in claim 1 wherein the indicia on said toilet tank cover, said tank lid cover and said toilet seat lid cover is comprised of a complimentary theme.

12. An asthetically-enhanced set of toilet covers adapted to be fitted to a toilet tank, a tank lid and a toilet seat lid, said covers comprising: a) a toilet tank cover having: (1) a front section having an upper edge and a lower edge, (2) a rear section having an upper edge and a lower edge, (3) a left section having an upper edge and a lower edge, (4) a right section having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein all said sections are integrally attached, to form an enclosure that is open at the upper and lower edges, wherein the upper and lower edges of said front, left and right sections form a loop into which is inserted a toilet tank cover securing means, (5) a plurality of fasteners located adjacent the upper edges of said front, left and right sections of said toilet tank cover, b) a tank lid Cover having: (1) an upper surface, (2) a lower surface, (3) a front edge having a front flap, (4) a rear edge, (5) a right edge having a right flap and (6) a left edge having a left flap, wherein the rear edge is integral or is attached, by an attachment means, to the upper edge of the rear section of said toilet tank cover, wherein adjacent to the edges of the lower surface of said tank lid cover are attached a plurality of fasteners which are in alignment with the plurality of fasteners on said toilet tank cover, wherein when said toilet tank cover is attached to the toilet tank, and the tank lid cover is folded over with the flaps interfacing with the respective sections of said toilet tank cover and the fasteners are attached, said toilet tank cover and said tank lid cover are releasably attached to the toilet tank, and c) a toilet seat lid cover having an upper surface and a lower surface and a substantially circular shape with a perimeter edge that extends beyond the perimeter edge of the toilet seat lid, wherein around the perimeter edge of said toilet seat lid cover is formed a loop into which is inserted a toilet seat lid cover securing means, and d) indicia selectively applied to said toilet tank cover, said tank lid cover, or said toilet seat lid cover either individually or in combination.

13. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 further comprising an outer transparent section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow indicia panels to be removably inserted therein.

14. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 further comprising an outer section that is dimensioned to be attached across the front section of said toilet tank cover and/or the upper surface of said tank lid cover, wherein one of the sides of said outer section remains open to allow magazines or the like to be inserted into the opening for storage and later retrieval.

15. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein the indicia on said toilet tank cover, said toilet lid cover, and said toilet seat lid cover consists of a complimentary theme, wherein the theme of said indicia on the front section of said toilet tank cover continues onto the left section and the right section of said toilet tank cover.

16. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein said plurality of fasteners are comprised of hook and loop fasteners, which are commonly known as VELCRO.RTM. and which are attached onto the cover at locations around the cover's flaps.

17. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein said plurality of fasteners are comprised of snap-type buttons, which are typically sewn onto the cover at locations around the cover's flaps.

18. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein said securing means inserted into said loop on said toilet tank cover and said toilet seat lid cover comprises an elastic band which is stitched in place.

19. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein said securing means inserted into said loop on said toilet tank cover and said toilet seat lid cover comprises a pull strap.

20. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein said toilet tank cover, said toilet lid cover, and said toilet seat lid cover are made of an organic or an inorganic material.

21. The toilet covers as specified in claim 12 wherein the toilet seat lid cover is comprised of a composite cover having an upper layer comprised of a plastic or a cloth material, a lower layer comprised of a cloth material and a sandwiched centered layer comprised of a resilient material.