AU2010100132A4

AU2010100132A4 - Backrest

Info

Publication number: AU2010100132A4
Application number: AU2010100132A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ian Carmody
Original assignee: CON SERV CORP AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: CON-SERV Corp AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-02-09
Filing date: 2010-02-09
Publication date: 2010-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2018-02-09
Also published as: AU2010100132B4

Description

1 Backrest Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to a support device. In particular, the present invention 5 relates to a support device for use with toilets, bidets and the like. Background Art. In general, conventional toilets, bidets and the like (hereinafter referred to as "toilets" for simplicity) comprise a seat on which a user may sit and, perhaps, a lid. Many 10 toilets also comprise a cistern which is typically positioned between a user and a wall when the user is seated on the toilet. As a result, conventional toilets do not provide adequate support or comfort should a user need, or want, back support while using the toilet. For people with disabilities, 15 the elderly, people with injuries or those recovering from surgery or illness, this can make using a toilet an uncomfortable, unpleasant or even painful experience. Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a support device that improves the comfort of using a toilet while simultaneously providing an acceptable 20 level of safety for a user. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. 25 Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise. 30 Summary of the Invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a support device which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice.

2 In one aspect, the invention resides broadly in a support device associated with a toilet comprising a backrest portion in an upper region thereof, a toilet-engaging portion adapted to be attached to a toilet and one or more mounting portions located in a 5 lower portion thereof, the one or more mounting portions adapted to be mounted to a support. The support to which the mounting portions are mounted may be of any suitable type. For instance, the support may be a wall, a floor, a portion of the toilet, or the like, or 10 any combination thereof. Preferably, however, the mounting portions are adapted for mounting to a floor. One advantage of mounting the mounting portions to a floor is that it provides the support device with improved stability, and reduces the likelihood that the support 15 device will fail when in use, which could lead to the injury or even death of a user. The mounting portions may be adapted for mounting to the support using any suitable technique. For instance, the mounting portions may be adapted for mounting to the support using fastening means, such as one or more screws, bolts, rivets or the like. 20 To enable the mounting portions to be mounted to the support, the mounting portions may include mounting means, such as one or more flanges or the like through with the fastening means pass in order to secure the support device to the support. The fastening means may pass through the mounting means and into the support, or may pass through the support and into the mounting means, or a combination thereof. 25 In some embodiments of the invention, the height of the mounting portions may be adjustable. In this way, the height of the support device may be adjusted to make the device suitable for use with a wide variety of different toilets. The mounting portions may include any suitable height-adjustment means, including one or more telescoping 30 sections, gas struts or the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the height adjustment means may comprise one or more screw-threaded portions wherein adjustment of the screw-threaded portions results in the raising or lowering of the support device as desired.

3 In other embodiments, the height of the support device may be adjusted using a ratchet arrangement. Alternatively, the pair of frame portions may be provided with a plurality of apertures into which a key, pin, screw or similar object may be positioned in order to lock the support device at a particular height. 5 The support device may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. In some embodiments of the invention, the support device may include a frame. Preferably, the frame includes at least a pair of frame portions. In this embodiment of the invention, the at least a pair of frame portions may be provided with one or more 10 mounting portions at a lower end thereof. Preferably, the frame comprises a pair of frame portions. In some embodiments, each of the pair of frame portions extend substantially parallel to one another such that one of the pair of frame portions is positioned on each side of the toilet. In particular, it is 15 preferred that the pair of frame portions is positioned on either side of the toilet towards the rear of the toilet. Specifically, it is envisaged that the pair of frame portions will be located on either side of the toilet at a point between the bowl of the toilet and the cistern (if present). 20 The frame may comprise any suitable number of frame members. For instance, the frame may comprise a single frame member bent to, or formed in, a particular shape. Alternatively, the frame may comprise a plurality of separate formed frame members adapted for connection to one another to form the frame. While the frame may be of any suitable shape or configuration, it is preferred that the frame is substantially the 25 shape of an inverted U or an inverted V. In this embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the legs of the inverted U or inverted V shaped frame are positioned such that the toilet is located between the legs of the frame. The legs of the frame may be of any suitable configuration. For instance, the legs of the frame may be straight, bent, curved or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first 30 portion of the legs are located at a different angle to a second portion of the legs. In this way, the backrest portion may be inclined to the vertical to increase a user's comfort when leaning on the backrest portion.

4 In a preferred embodiment, a lower portion of the legs of the frame are oriented substantially vertically, while an upper portion of the legs is inclined at an angle to the vertical. Preferably, the point from which the upper portion of the legs begins to be inclined at an angle to the lower portion of the legs is at a point above the toilet 5 engaging portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper portion is inclined at an angle of less than 900 to the vertical. More preferably, the upper portion is inclined at an angle of less than 450 to the vertical. Most preferably, the upper portion is inclined at 10 an angle of less than about 100 to the vertical. Preferably, the upper portion is inclined towards the rear of the toilet, such that a user may lean backwards against the backrest portion. The frame may be fabricated from any suitable material. However, it is preferred that 15 the frame is fabricated from a substantially rigid material, so as to ensure that the support device is unlikely to move or fail when a user places their weight against it. The frame may be fabricated from any suitable substantially rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metals such as steel or aluminium, plastic, fiberglass or the like, or a combination thereof. 20 The backrest portion may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. As previously stated, the backrest portion is located in an upper region of the support device. Preferably, the backrest portion is adapted for connection to the frame so that the backrest portion may be retained in position during use. The backrest portion may 25 connect to the frame using any suitable technique, and it will be understood that the exact manner in which the backrest portion is connected to the frame is not critical. Any suitable backrest may be used in the backrest portion. For instance, in some embodiments of the invention, the backrest may be fabricated from plastic or metal 30 and may be adapted to support at least a portion of the user's back. It is envisaged, however, that backrests of increased comfort (such as those provided with padding or similar soft furnishing material) may be used if desired or required.

5 In some embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the backrest portion may extend across the entire height of the support device between the uppermost point of the support device and the toilet pan. Alternatively, the backrest portion may only extend across a portion of the height of the support device between the uppermost 5 point of the support device and the toilet pan. The actual height of the backrest portion is not critical, and it will be understood that the height of the backrest portion may vary depending on who the user of the support device is likely to be. For instance, some users may require back support across more of their back than other users, meaning that a larger backrest portion will be required for these users. 10 In addition, the size of the backrest portion may need to vary depending on the size and shape of the toilet and cistern, and the location of toilet fittings (such as flush handles and the like). 15 The toilet-engaging portion may be adapted for connection to a toilet at any suitable location and using any suitable technique. Preferably, the toilet-engaging portion may be adapted for connection to the toilet pan. In some embodiments of the invention, the toilet-engaging portion may be adapted for connection to the toilet pan at a point towards the rear of the toilet pan, such as between the bowl and the cistern (if 20 present). The toilet-engaging portion may be any suitable shape. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the toilet-engaging portion may be shaped so as to abut, for instance, the lip of the toilet bowl or the like. 25 The toilet-engaging portion may be connected to the toilet using any suitable technique, such as the use of one or more clips, hooks, adhesive patches or the like, or a combination thereof. However, it is preferred that the engagement between the toilet and the toilet-engaging portion is of sufficient robustness that the likelihood of 30 the support device coming loose from the toilet is minimized. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toilet-engaging portion may be adapted for connection to the toilet using fastening means, such as one or more screws, bolts, rivets or the like, or a combination thereof. To simplify the connection of the toilet- 6 engaging portion to the toilet, the toilet-engaging portion may be provided with one or more apertures through which the fastening means may be passed when connecting the toilet-engaging portion to the toilet. 5 Preferably, the toilet-engaging portion is associated with the frame. In some embodiments of the invention, the toilet-engaging portion may be associated with one or both legs of the frame. Preferably, the toilet-engaging portion may be associated with both legs of the frame and may extend therebetween. 10 The toilet-engaging portion may be associated with the frame using any suitable technique. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toilet-engaging portion is provided with a pair of apertures therein through which the pair of legs of the frame pass. In this way, the toilet-engaging portion may be retained on the frame. is In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the height of the toilet-engaging portion may be adjusted depending on the height of the toilet to which the support device is to be connected. In embodiments of the invention in which the toilet-engaging portion is retained on the frame, the height of the toilet-engaging portion may be adjusted by moving the toilet-engaging portion up and down relative to the frame. 20 Preferably, the support device may be provided with retention means for preventing movement of the toilet-engaging portion relative to the frame once the desired position of the toilet-engaging portion has been set. Any suitable retention means may be used. For instance, the toilet-engaging portion may be retained on the frame using 25 fastening means, such as screws, bolts, rivets or the like. Alternatively, the toilet engaging portion may be retained using one or more hooks, loops, ties, or the like, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means may include one or more collars 30 adapted to retain the toilet-engaging portion on the frame. Any suitable collar may be used. In some embodiments of the invention, the collars may be formed separately to the toilet-engaging portion, and may or may not be adapted ro connection thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the collars may be formed integrally with the 7 toilet-engaging portion. Preferably, the toilet-engaging portion is provided with a pair of collars fixedly attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more collars may be adapted for engagement with one or more retention portions. In this embodiment, the one or more retention portions may be associated 5 with the frame. For instance, the one or more retention portions may be positioned on the frame such and the one or more collars may be adapted to engage with, and be retained on the retention portions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more retention portions may be provided with means for preventing movement of the toilet-engaging portion beyond a predetermined limit. For instance, the one or 10 more retention portions may be provided with an enlarged portion (such as a lip, flange, or the like) that acts as a barrier to the movement of the toilet-engaging portion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support device may be provided with 15 a pair of retaining portions located on the frame. One or both of the retaining portions may be provided with a screw-thread on an external surface thereof, the screw-thread adapted to engage with a corresponding screw-thread on an internal surface of the one or more collar portions. 20 More preferably, the one or more retaining portions are adapted to engage with the one or more collars in a frictional engagement so as to substantially preclude movement of the toilet-engaging portion. In a most preferred embodiment, each leg of the frame is provided with a pair of 25 retention portions, while the toilet-engaging portion is provided with a pair of collars, one collar being associated with each leg. In this embodiment, a first of a pair of retention portions on one leg is adapted to engage with an upper part of the collar, while a second of a pair of retention portions on one leg is adapted to engage with a lower part of the collar, thereby ensuring that the toilet-engaging portion is held in 30 place on the frame. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the height of the toilet-engaging portion may first be selected. Once the desired position of the toilet-engaging portion is 8 chosen, the retaining portions on each leg of the frame may be positioned such that they engage with the collars in a frictional engagement. In this way, the toilet engaging portion is substantially precluded from unwanted movement. In some embodiments, one or more fastening means (such as screws, bolts or the like) may be 5 used to secure or lock the collar in position once the collar is engaged with the retaining portion(s). In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a support device associated with a toilet, the support device comprising a frame including at least a pair of frame 10 portions, a backrest portion located in an upper region of the support device, a toilet engaging portion extending between the at least a pair of frame portions and adapted for engagement with a toilet pan, and a pair of mounting portions, wherein one of the pair of mounting portions is located at a lower end of each of the at least a pair of frame portions, and wherein the pair of mounting portions are adapted to be mounted 15 to a support. In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a support device associated with a toilet comprising a backrest portion in an upper region thereof, a toilet-engaging portion adapted to be attached to a toilet and one or more ground-engaging portions 20 located in a lower portion thereof, the one or more ground-engaging portions adapted to be positioned in contact with the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more ground-engaging portions may be adapted to abut the ground. The ground-engaging portions may be connected to the ground, or 25 may abut the ground in, for instance, a frictional engagement. In some embodiments of the invention, the ground-engaging portions may be provided with one or abutment means adapted to enhance a frictional engagement with the ground. Any suitable abutment means may be used, such as one or more stoppers (such as rubber or plastic stoppers), or the like. 30 In a further aspect, the invention resides broadly in a support device associated with a toilet, the support device comprising a frame including at least a pair of frame portions, a backrest portion located in an upper region of the support device, a toilet- 9 engaging portion extending between the at least a pair of frame portions and adapted for engagement with a toilet pan, and a pair of ground-engaging portions, wherein one of the pair of ground-engaging portions is located at a lower end of each of the at least a pair of frame portions, and wherein the pair of ground-engaging portions are adapted 5 to be positioned in contact with the ground. Brief Description of the Drawings. An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: 10 Figs lA-1B illustrate front and rear perspective views of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig 2 illustrates a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig 3 illustrates an exploded view of a mounting portion of a support device 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig 5 illustrates a detailed view of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 20 Detailed Description of the Drawings. It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings. 25 In Figures 1 A and 1 B there is illustrated front and rear perspective views of a support device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support device 10 comprises a frame 11 having a pair of legs 12 interconnected by a cross member 13 located in an upper region of the support device 10. The support device 10 comprises 30 a backrest 14 located in an upper region of the support device 10 and adapted for a user to lean against the backrest 14 when using the toilet (not shown) to which the support device 10 is attached.

10 The support device further comprises a toilet-engaging portion 15 extending between the pair of legs 12 and adapted for connection to the pan of a toilet (not shown). The toilet-engaging portion 15 is provided with a plurality of apertures 16 through which fasteners (not shown) may be passed in order to attach the toilet-engaging portion 15 5 to the toilet (not shown). The support device 10 includes a collar assembly 17 on each leg 12. The collar assembly 17 includes a collar 18 and a pair of plugs (obscured) adapted for engagement with one another so as to retain the toilet-engaging portion 15 in place on 10 the frame 11. The collar assembly 17 is secured in position using a locking screw 19. The lower end of each leg 12 is provided with ground-engaging portions in the form of stoppers 20 which engage the ground in a frictional engagement to improve the stability of the support device 10 when in use. 15 In use, the legs 12 are placed on either side of a toilet (not shown) such that the a person using the toilet can lean directly back onto the backrest 14. In Figure 2 there is illustrated a support device 10 according to an embodiment of the 20 present invention. The support device 10 shown in Figure 2 is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 1 with the exception that the support device 10 of Figure 2 is provided with mounting portions 21 at the lower end of the legs 12. The mounting portions 21 include a flange 22 adapted to be placed in contact with a 25 support (such as a floor) and fastened thereto using fasteners such as screws (not shown). The flange 22 is covered by a flange cover 23 in order to both protect the fasteners and also to provide the mounting portions 21 with an aesthetically-pleasing finish. 30 In Figure 3 there is illustrated an exploded view of the mounting portion 21. The mounting portion 21 includes a flange 22 and a mounting insert 24 adapted to be positioned within a recess 25 in the flange 22. The mounting insert 24 is fixed in position with the flange 22 using a screw 26 inserted into the mounting insert 24 from 11 below. The leg 12 of the frame is positioned over the mounting insert 24 and is retained in place on the mounting portion 21 through a frictional engagement with the mounting 5 portion 21. Specifically, an O-ring 27 is positioned between an inner surface of the leg 12 and the mounting insert 24, in order to retain the leg 12 in positioned an create a seal to prevent the ingress of moisture and the like. Once assembled, a flange cover 23 may be positioned over the flange 22 to protect the components of the mounting portion 21 and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. 10 In Figure 4 there is shown a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It may be seen in this Figure that the screw 26 is inserted through the flange 22 and the mounting insert 26 from below, thereby securing the flange 22 and mounting insert 24 to the floor. A pair of screws 15 28 is used to attach the flange 22 to the floor from above. An O-ring 27 is positioned between an inner surface of the leg 12 and the mounting insert 24 in order to assist in retaining the leg 12 on the mounting portion 21. Once assembled, a flange cover 23 may be positioned over the flange 22. 20 In Figure 5 there is shown a detailed view of a support device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. This Figure shows a collar 18, fixedly connected to a toilet-engaging portion 15, and a pair of retention portions in the form of plugs 29. For simplicity (and ease of understanding), the collar 18 and toilet-engaging portion 25 15 are not shown in fixed connection with one another in this Figure. In use, the desired height of the toilet-engaging portion 15 is selected. The pair of plugs 29 are then brought into engagement with an upper and lower portion of the collar 18 in a frictional engagement which assists in substantially precluding the 30 toilet-engaging portion 15 from unwanted movement. The pair of plugs 29 is each provided with a lip 30 which is of a sufficient size to define a limit of engagement with the collar 18.

12 Once the collar 18 has been engaged with the pair of plugs 29, a grub screw 19 may be used to secure the collar 18 in place, thereby preventing accidental or unwanted movement of the collar 18. 5 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A support device associated with a toilet comprising a backrest portion in an upper region thereof, a toilet-engaging portion adapted to be 5 attached to a toilet and one or more mounting portions located in a lower portion thereof, the one or more mounting portions adapted to be mounted to a support.

2. A support device associated with a toilet, the support device comprising a frame including at least a pair of frame portions, a 10 backrest portion located in an upper region of the support device, a toilet-engaging portion extending between the at least a pair of frame portions and adapted for engagement with a toilet pan, and a pair of mounting portions, wherein one of the pair of mounting portions is located at a lower end of each of the at least a pair of 15 frame portions, and wherein the pair of mounting portions are adapted to be mounted to a support.

3. A support device associated with a toilet comprising a backrest portion in an upper region thereof, a toilet-engaging portion adapted to be attached to a toilet and one or more ground-engaging portions 20 located in a lower portion thereof, the one or more ground-engaging portions adapted to be positioned in contact with the ground.

4. A support device associated with a toilet, the support device comprising a frame including at least a pair of frame portions, a backrest portion located in an upper region of the support device, a 25 toilet-engaging portion extending between the at least a pair of frame portions and adapted for engagement with a toilet pan, and a pair of ground-engaging portions, wherein one of the pair of ground-engaging portions is located at a lower end of each of the at least a pair of frame portions, and wherein the pair of ground 30 engaging portions are adapted to be positioned in contact with the ground.

5. A support device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.