US4133061A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Easily disassembled hinge assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-05-31
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Granted: 1979-01-09
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Expires: 1997-05-31
Abstract
Abstract A hinge assembly for pivotally coupling two members, each of which can be removed from the total assembly without removal of any component part(s) of the hinge assembly. A pair of swivel upright ball pins are locked in place on the stationary base to provide mounting stanchions for the pivotal members having opposing concave, spherical sockets wherein the ball is held. When used, for example, in conjunction with a toilet seat assembly, the toilet seat can be quickly removed from the toilet bowl for cleaning, replacement, or substitution with a child's version of toilet seat.
Inventors
- 👤 Everett C. Hurd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:28
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47K; A47K13/00; A47K13/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A mechanically simplified hinge assembly for a toilet seat and cover comprising: stationary hinge stanchion means having spherical ball extremities for pivotally supporting the toilet seat and cover; depending spaced ears protruding from said cover and having juxtaposed concave, spherical indentations to accommodate and accurately position with a slight clearance a portion of said spherical ball extremities; and means on said toilet seat for both pivotally mounting said seat to said spherical ball extremities and providing quick and simple disengagement of said toilet seat comprising (i) oppositely facing concave, spherical indentations for accommodating other portions of said spherical ball extremities, and (ii) a relief groove having an access orthogonal to the plane of said seat and joining one of said concave, spherical indentations so that said seat is removed by merely tilting it about an axis in the plane of said seat and generally orthogonal to the pivot axis of said seat.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A mechanically simplified hinge assembly for a toilet seat and cover comprising: stationary hinge stanchion means having spherical ball extremities for pivotally supporting the toilet seat and cover; depending spaced ears protruding from said cover and having juxtaposed concave, spherical indentations to accommodate and accurately position with a slight clearance a portion of said spherical ball extremities; and means on said toilet seat for both pivotally mounting said seat to said spherical ball extremities and providing quick and simple disengagement of said toilet seat comprising (i) oppositely facing concave, spherical indentations for accommodating other portions of said spherical ball extremities, and (ii) a relief groove having an access orthogonal to the plane of said seat and joining one of said concave, spherical indentations so that said seat is removed by merely tilting it about an axis in the plane of said seat and generally orthogonal to the pivot axis of said seat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The hinge assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein toilet seat may not be disengaged from said hinge stanchions unless said cover is in its upright, generally vertical position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
The hinge assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein a childs training seat is also provided with substantially the same means as said toilet seat for pivotally mounting said training seat to said spherical ball extremities and providing quick and simple disengagement thereof so that said toilet seat may be quickly and simply replaced by said childs training seat.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-01-08 | 1982-07-10 | 1983-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-01-08 | 1986-07-10 | 1987-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-01-08 | 1990-07-10 | 1991-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |