Cleana Inc., a Boston-based hardware technology startup, aims to blow the lid off touchless toilet seat technology with two new products that automatically raise and lower without batteries or electricity.
The polypropylene toilet seats have a novel hinge mechanism comprising plastic pieces that automatically lifts in public places (Cleana Seat) or automatically goes down in personal spaces (Cleana Home).
The patent-pending hinge mechanism improves hygiene and ease of use, according to Cleana founders, who point to product testing done at universities, the YMCA and hundreds of households.
In unisex and men's rooms in commercial facilities, Cleana Seat goes up by itself between uses. The guest enters the stall and uses it in that position or presses an antimicrobial handle to lower the seat, which is held down by the patented mechanism before and after use.
When finished, the seat automatically resets to the upright position, which protects it from future messes.
Cleana founders say the commercial product is 88 percent cleaner than standard seats, which saves on labor, seat covers and chemical usage while improving sanitation and customer perception.