Existing Products
An extensive literature search was conducted to see what comparable products or patents already exist. Manufacturer and distributor websites, stores, and catalogs were searched. The United States Patent and Trademark Office online database was also searched, and several patents were found that are related to the device. The product and patent search revealed that there are many devices out there that attempt to solve the problem at hand, but no product or patented device combines the automated lifting and rotation of the toilet seat, or satisfies Mr. Finnegan’s specific demands. There is likely to be a large market of individuals in the world who have the same needs as Mr. Finnegan, and for whom the existing devices are not satisfactory.
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Existing Patents
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Patent # 5,031,251
This toilet for amputees is a height-adjustable toilet. The device described in this patent varies height of the rim portion of the toilet bowl with respect to the floor. Installation of this design would be extremely difficult. The weight of a toilet bowl needlessly increases the load that must be lifted. This can be avoided, as in the group’s design, by raising a toilet seat only and not the whole toilet.
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Patent # 5,819,325
In this design, the height of a toilet seat is adjusted by three hydraulic actuators connected to a motor. The structure can be operated by a single actuator. Therefore using three components for actuations is redundant and can be eliminated in this design. The frame of the device offers great stability for the user. It also limits the potential applications for the design, since not every bathroom has enough space to accommodate such a bulky frame.
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Patent # 5,027,446
In this design there are two actuation towers. Each tower is operated by a water cylinder, which is connected to the household water supply. Two aligned cylinders contribute an equal force for upward motion. The frame is adjustable to fit any size toilet.
This design does not meet Mr. Finnegan’s requirements and has several potential flaws. Because of its large size this device may not be used in a constrained space. Installation needs to be done by trained professionals, which is an additional inconvenience for a user. Using two cylinders for actuating could pose a serious threat to the user in the case of malfunction of one of cylinders during operation. Water cylinders also could possibly leak and may not be reliable.
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