The Bottoms Up intros Hygienic Automatic Toilet Seat

Storming into the oh-so-competitive world of highly advanced toilet seats is The Bottoms Up company, which has just unveiled its first (and only) product -- the Hygienic Automatic Toilet Seat. Unlike some snazzy editions which sport automatic jets, this version's claim to fame is its fully automatic, battery-powered lifting functionality that enables mysophobic individuals to use the restroom without laying a finger on the seat. Apparently, a sensor detects your "intentions" when approaching, and instinctively lifts the appropriate seat(s) to keep your hands away from the potentially germ-ridden area. The company is primarily marketing the product to women "suffering with dirty and open toilet seats" around the house, as well as public businesses who'd like to maintain a clean (ahem) reputation. Unfortunately, there's no promised release date or estimated price, so you're stuck using the tried and true "manual method" for the time being.

[Chocolate Starfish @ Oct 27th 2006 4:22PM]

Does this work in the dark? I'd hate to wake up for some middle of the night relief and not have the lid "recognize my intentions."

[Richard Lai @ Oct 27th 2006 4:25PM]

Maybe they'll release a glow-in-the-dark edition in the near future. ;)

[Jonathan Keim @ Oct 27th 2006 4:28PM]

This is actually pretty cool. If they can find a cheap way to manafacture these and have them in the major retailers I could see this become semi-popular

[Lee @ Oct 27th 2006 4:41PM]

This is kind of cool, but I think I've seen it before. About three or four years ago they had a prototype on display at WDW's Epcot in the 'House of the Future' - that model came with a built-in bidet and heated seats. It was right next to the sunken shower with built-in TV.

[Wonderboy @ Oct 27th 2006 4:46PM]

I know a couple that has a similar, automated toilet... took a tour of their uber-nice house and that was the only thing I didn't like. You'd walk past and the thing would open up automatically. I'm all about automation, but no thanks, that's one area of my life that will remain un-automated, I can manage well enough on my own, thank you very much.

[Albino Moose @ Oct 27th 2006 4:51PM]

Meh, it probably will become semi-popular, but only because there is a general lack of understanding of the real risks. Most people will run into just as many of the wee-beasties when handling their own nether parts as they would in handling the seat. "Ahh!" you say, "but those seat-born coliform bacteria are not my own, and are thus a threat to my mortal self." Which is true, except for maybe the part about there being an extant threat against you, particularly at home. Anyway, since all civilized humans wash their hands after using the toilet, it should be a moot point for all but the most heinous of gas station johns. Right?

[Andir3.0 @ Oct 27th 2006 5:26PM]

What about when you have to change the batteries? Where do they keep them? If anyone knows kids, the one spot that get's "hit" the most if the back and it looks like that's where the batteries are...

[Pinkerton @ Oct 27th 2006 6:10PM]

And all these years, I've been accomplishing the same task (plus flushing) with the toe of my shoe.

[badbob001 @ Oct 27th 2006 6:49PM]

From just looking at the photo, I thought the article was about a talking/singing toilet.

[abelIAN @ Oct 27th 2006 9:37PM]

"FEED ME"

[lifesux @ Oct 28th 2006 12:37AM]

this isn't new, i saw such a thing about... 8 years ago.

[AML @ Oct 28th 2006 2:13AM]

LOL ive been using one of those automatic toilets for about 6 years now....

It also has a remote which cleans your ass and it even cleans your toilet bowl for you.

[J Dixon @ Oct 28th 2006 3:21AM]

Thought you may get a kick out of this wonder of sanitation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JL_Q7eIzng

[Mark @ Oct 29th 2006 3:59AM]

Thank you Chocolate Starfish and Pinkerton LOL :).
I thought we were doing well when we bought one of those slow-close lids.

[Steve W @ Oct 29th 2006 9:36AM]

As a PALS (Patient with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease), the big brother to this product (see at washlet.com) has been a life saver for me since almost total loss of the use of both hands! Have to agree, the blow dryer is inadequate, unless you have lots of spare time. However, the heated seat, deodorizer and pulsating spray more than make up for it!

[Ron @ Jan 1st 2008 9:27PM]

Where can I purchase one. Is there any distribution available