EP0750875A1 - Water closet with footrest - Google Patents

Abstract

The centre of the two foot-rests (4) runs in front of the front edge of the seat (2). The foot rests are at most 20 centimetres below the front edge of the seat. The longitudinal axes (27) of the foot rests include an angle of between 10 and 35 degrees with the longitudinal axis (26) of the toilet (1). The seat is tilted forwards in relation to the horizontal. The two foot rests may be placed on a platform. The platform and or foot rests can be manually, electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically moved between a position for use or not.

Description

The invention relates to a toilet with footrests according to claim 1 and a toilet provided with a platform with footrest areas according to claim 2. Furthermore, footrests for a toilet and claim 15 claim a platform with footrest areas for a toilet.

In recent years, reports in international scientific journals have piled up, indicating that bowel disorders have reached almost epidemological proportions in so-called industrialized society. Recent studies show e.g. that in Central Europe about 15% of the population complain of bowel complaints. These range from mild complaints to practical prevention and from light stinging to painful bowel movements with the need for manual help. In addition, there are some diseases such as "rectocele, anism, descendens perinaeum syndrome", which are currently manifested in a disturbed bowel movement.

As a rule, the cause in these cases is almost always the lack of coordination of the striated pelvic muscles, which is included in the bowel movement. Indeed, bowel movements are a complex event that, controlled by the vegetative system, occurs in coordinated activity between different muscles, "striated skeletal muscles, smooth intestinal muscles" manifested.

Studies have shown that the disorders and pain caused by defecation caused by the above-mentioned causes can be reduced or even remedied if a crouched posture is adopted during bowel movements, as is sometimes the case. is still practiced in some developing countries.

During these examinations it was also found that with an optimal crouching posture the thighs form an angle between 20 and 50 ° with the upper body. However, it is not possible to assume such a position, which corresponds to the natural crouching posture, on conventional lavatories with a seat cover.

From US-4 254 514 an attachment for lavatories is known which is fixed to the lavatory bowl by means of screw clamps. The attachment essentially consists of a seat pad, which is provided with a footrest set down at the front end. The footrest is relatively narrow and is pivotally connected to the seat cover via a joint. A height-adjustable support is arranged on the underside of the footrest, by means of which the footrest can be adjusted in height. The seat cover is concave and rises sharply towards the front. A disadvantage of such an attachment is that the toilet user has an uncomfortable, unnatural Takes posture, since he has to align the legs and feet in parallel and properly clamp together. With such a posture, the pelvic muscles tense and the anus canal is undesirably angled in relation to the rectum. In addition, it should be difficult to keep the balance on such an essay. Finally, the footrest is pivoted upwards by adjusting the height of the support, so that the feet placed on the footrest are forced into an unnatural position. All in all, such an attachment does not allow the toilet user to adopt a natural posture that is conducive to symptom-free defecation.

AT-393 076 discloses a toilet system with foldable glasses, which is additionally provided with a metal frame which has treads and footrests arranged on a cross strut. Overall, three fundamentally different positions or postures can be assumed on such a toilet system. While the first posture corresponds to that on a conventional toilet, the user takes a crouching position in the second posture, in which he stands on the footrests. In the third position, a crouch is taken by the user sitting on the glasses and supporting the feet on the footrests. In the seat squat at issue here in the context of the present invention, the user again assumes an unnatural, uncomfortable posture, in which he aligns the feet in parallel and must keep close together. In this position, however, the pelvic muscles become tense again and the anus canal is angled towards the rectum. In addition, the upper body must be tilted forward in an undesirable manner so that the balance can be maintained. Therefore, even with such a toilet system, no natural posture conducive to defecation can be adopted.

Finally, a toilet is known from CH-180 344, which is provided with two footstools arranged on the side of the toilet bowl. Such a toilet is only suitable for taking a crouching posture. Sitting on the toilet seat is not possible with the feet on the footstools, as this would inevitably result in loss of balance. Such a lavatory is therefore also unsuitable for enabling the user to sit comfortably and relaxed during defecation.

It is therefore the object of the invention to propose a toilet in which the disadvantages mentioned above are avoided, which favors a posture that is as natural as possible for the defecation, while maintaining the comfortable, relaxed sitting position and the use being as simple as possible.

This object is achieved by a lavatory which has the features listed in combination in claim 1 or 2.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in dependent claims 3 to 13.

The features listed in combination in claims 1 and 2 ensure that the user can assume a crouching sitting position which is optimal for the defecation and in which the thighs form an angle between 20 and 50 ° with the upper body. In this position, the anus canal is straightened in relation to the rectum. In addition, the angling of the footrests largely prevents cramping of the pelvic muscles or helps loosen them. Due to the definition of the footrests or the footrest areas together with a forward-sloping seat, a comfortable sitting position on the toilet can be assumed. In addition, it is not difficult to keep your balance in a relaxed position even over a longer period of time. A toilet designed in this way is therefore particularly suitable for the group of people mentioned at the beginning with discomfort during bowel movements. This group of people will be helped noticeably by defecation.

The use of such a toilet is hardly different from that of known toilets.

In a preferred development of the toilet, it is provided that the footrests or the platform are arranged in such a way that they can be moved between a rest position and an active position. This has the advantage that such a lavatory, for example by symptom-free people, can be used like the previous lavatories, but the footrests or the platform can be moved into the position of use if necessary.

In order to facilitate the use of the toilet especially for elderly and handicapped people, an electric motor, pneumatic or hydraulic drive can be provided, by means of which the footrests or the platform can be moved or raised, for example from a lower rest position to an upper position of use can be. Moving the footrests or the platform from the rest position to the use position is preferably carried out after the user has sat on the seat pad of the toilet.

Fig. 1

die klassische Haltung auf einem Klosett, welches nach dem Stand der Technik ausgebildet ist;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung des Analbereichs einer Person, die gemäss Fig. 1 auf einem Klosett sitzt.

Fig. 3

eine kauernde Stellung, welche der natürlichen Haltung entspricht;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung des Analbereichs einer Person, welche eine kauernde Stellung gemäss Fig. 3 eingenommen hat.

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Klosetts mit Fussstützen;

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht von oben auf das Klosett gemäss Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

schematisch eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Klosetts mit Fussstützen in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht von oben auf das Klosett gemäss Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

schematisch eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Klosetts mit Fussstützen in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 10

schematisch eine vierte Ausführungsform eines Klosetts mit Fussstützen in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht eines Klosetts mit einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer Fussauflage, und

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht von oben auf das Klosett gemäss Fig. 11.

Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are to be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. In these drawings:

Fig. 1

the classic posture on a toilet, which is designed according to the state of the art;

Fig. 2

is a schematic representation of the anal region of a person sitting on a toilet according to FIG. 1.

Fig. 3

a crouching position that corresponds to the natural posture;

Fig. 4

is a schematic representation of the anal region of a person who has assumed a crouched position according to FIG. 3.

Fig. 5

a side view of a first embodiment of a toilet with footrests;

Fig. 6

a view from above of the toilet according to FIG. 5;

Fig. 7

schematically shows a second embodiment of a toilet with footrests in a side view,

Fig. 8

a view from above of the toilet according to FIG. 7;

Fig. 9

schematically shows a third embodiment of a toilet with footrests in a side view;

Fig. 10

schematically shows a fourth embodiment of a toilet with footrests in a side view;

Fig. 11

a side view of a toilet with an alternative embodiment of a footrest, and

Fig. 12

a view from above of the toilet according to FIG. 11.

Fig. 1 shows the classic attitude that a user takes on a toilet trained according to the prior art. This attitude, which is predominantly adopted today in industrialized countries, has emerged over the centuries and is generally perceived as comfortable.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the anal area of a person sitting on a toilet according to FIG. 1. This illustration shows the ossacrum os, the oscoccygis oc, the musculus puborectalis Mp, as well as the rectum re and the anus an.

Radiological examinations have shown that the angle known in technical terms under the term A no r ectal- a ngle, hereinafter referred to as ARA angle α, is of crucial importance. On the basis of this ARA angle α, it can be seen whether the chair's exit is facilitated by straightening the anus canal Ak relative to the rectum Re or made more difficult by a curvature. The size of this ARA angle α is measured between the tangential extension Tn between the beginning of the anus An and the rear wall of the rectal ampoule Ra and the central axis Za of the anus An. In the position shown here, which 1 corresponds to that on a conventional lavatory, this ARA angle α is approximately 90 °, while in the defecation phase it opens thanks to the release of the anus muscle - Puborectalis MP- and reaches an angle of approximately 110 ° .

However, an ARA angle α of 90 ° in the sitting position and 110 ° during the defecation phase means that the anus canal Ak is strongly angled relative to the rectum Re and is a mechanical obstacle to the movement of the chair during defecation. From this it can be seen that the conventional toilets do not adopt an optimal posture for defecation.

A straightening of the anus canal Ak can be achieved if a crouched posture, as shown in Fig. 3, is adopted during bowel movements. This natural attitude is partly found. still in developing countries. In the industrialized world, however, people have mainly moved to the sitting position for the comfortable execution of this act, which is perceived as unpleasant.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the anal area of a person who has taken a crouched posture according to FIG. 3. It can be seen from this illustration that the anus canal Ak is largely straightened compared to the rectum Re, which is at an enlarged ARA angle compared to FIG. 2 α shows. In the crouched posture shown here, this ARA angle α is approximately 118 °, which increases to approximately 135 ° during defecation. From this it can be concluded that at an ARA angle α of approx. 120 ° - due to the extensive alignment of the anus canal Ak on the rectum Re - an optimal basic posture is adopted for the defecation. An ARA angle α of 120 ° is usually achieved approximately when the thighs form an angle of approximately 30 ° with the upper body, this angle being measured between the thigh bone and a straight line which leads from the sacral segment S1 to the neck.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a toilet with footrests, while FIG. 6 shows a view from above of the toilet according to FIG. 5. Starting from a toilet 1, as is widespread today, this toilet 1 has a toilet bowl 3 and a seat cover 2. The seat cover 2 is arranged inclined forward relative to the horizontal. In addition, two footrests 4 are provided, which are spaced apart both from one another and from the floor 24. In the present case, the footrests 4 are arranged approximately 10 cm below the front edge of the seat cover 2. The center of the footrests 4 or the area on which the user's feet are placed runs approximately 10-15 cm in front of the front edge of the seat cover 2. It goes without saying that all of the stated dimensions are within a certain range, for example ± 10 cm, vary can. The two footrests 4 are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis 26 of the toilet 1. The angle γ between the longitudinal axis 26 of the toilet 1 and the longitudinal axes 27 of the footrests 4 is approximately 23 ° in the present example, this angle γ also within certain limits, for example. can vary between 10 ° and 35 °.

To fasten the footrests 4, a frame 10 is provided which surrounds the lavatory 1 and which is attached to the side of the lavatory 1 on the wall 23. The position that a user occupies on a toilet 1 designed in this way is indicated. If the user takes a seat on the toilet and places his feet on the footrests 4, this position corresponds approximately to the crouching posture shown in FIG. 3, the user being able to take the comfortable sitting position in which the pelvic muscles relax. In this context, the angle between the upper body and the thighs, which is denoted by β, is important. In the present example, this angle β is approximately 30 °, which leads to the ARA angle α of approximately 120 ° mentioned at the outset and thus to a large degree of straightening of the anus canal Ak with respect to the rectum Re (FIG. 4). The seat pad 2, which is inclined forward relative to the horizontal, also allows the user to assume a safe and comfortable posture on the toilet 1 in the position shown. A natural posture on the toilet 1 is also favored by the angled arrangement of the footrests 4. This angling of the footrests 4 is very important because it additionally supports the relaxation of the pelvic muscles in the position shown. Of course, the two footrests 4 can also be arranged in a position which is preferably inclined slightly to the rear.

To support a certain position on the toilet, a back support, not shown, can also be provided.

Fig. 7 shows schematically a second embodiment of a toilet with footrests 4a in a side view and Fig. 8 in a view from above. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the footrests 4a are slidably arranged. For this purpose, a telescopic mechanism 11 is provided, by means of which the footrests 4a arranged thereon can be displaced between the position of use shown here and a rest position 14 indicated by broken lines. The two footrests 4a are also rotatably arranged on the pull-out mechanism 11 via a joint 13, so that after being pulled out they can be rotated into the position of use shown here, in which they are pivoted with respect to the longitudinal axis 26a of the toilet.

9 schematically shows a third embodiment of a toilet with footrests 4b in a side view. In the present example, too, two footrests 4b are provided, which are each arranged on a lever 16, which levers 16 are in turn rotatably attached to a bearing 17 supported on the ground. With such an arrangement, the footrests 4b can be pivoted between a lower rest and an upper position of use. This arrangement is suitable for combining with an electric drive, by means of which the footrests 4b can be moved between the rest position and the position of use in an externally actuated manner. In order to raise both footrests 4b synchronously with one another, both levers 16 can be connected to one another via a shaft. This also has the advantage that only one electric motor is required to raise and lower the two footrests 4b. The electric motor can be operated, for example, via a switch to be operated by the user. Furthermore, sensors can be provided for this as well as for the other toilets, which detect use, seat cover, of the toilet and transmit an assigned signal via electronics to the electric motor, so that the footrests 4b are raised fully automatically into the active position after a user sits on the seat pad. Such a toilet is therefore also suitable for older and handicapped people.

So that the footrests 4b can remain in the horizontal position during the lifting movement, both footrests 4b are rotatably arranged on the levers 16. The position that a user assumes in the end position of the footrests 4b shown here is indicated. To support the In the rest position, footrests 4b can also be provided with a stop 15 attached to the floor.

10 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of a toilet with footrests 4c in a side view. In this embodiment, the two footrests 4c are rotatably supported on a mechanism 20 attached to the wall via an L-shaped support frame 19. Whereas in the previous exemplary embodiment the footrests 4b are moved backwards against the wall in the horizontal direction when moving from the rest position into the use position, in addition to lifting, in this example the footrests 4c are moved forwards in the horizontal direction when lifting. From this representation it can be seen that for an optimal posture during defecation it is not the angle between the lower leg and the upper leg that is decisive, but that the angle between the upper leg and the upper body is relevant. Even in the position of the user shown here, an angle of approximately 30 ° is maintained between the upper body and the thighs, which leads to the desired straightening of the anus canal with respect to the rectum. To support the footrests 4b in the rest position, a stop 21 attached to the floor is again provided here.

11 shows a toilet with an alternative embodiment of a footrest in a side view and FIG. 12 in a view from above. This toilet la has a platform 5 instead of the footrests previously shown, which is provided with two footrest areas, which are indicated by broken lines 6. The platform 5 is supported by a telescopic mechanism 8 and can be raised or lowered between a lower rest and an upper active position. In the lower rest position, the platform 5 is flush with the floor 24a. The height adjustment is preferably carried out by an electric motor or hydraulically, and of course manual adjustment or displacement of the platform 5 can also be provided. The preferred foot position to be maintained is represented by footprints 7 attached to the platform 5. Instead of or in addition to such footprints 7, mechanical structures or aids can of course also be provided, which force the feet into a defined position. In this exemplary embodiment, too, the longitudinal axes 27a of the two footrest regions 6 run at an angle γ1 to the longitudinal axis 26a of the toilet 1a. In this context, the foot support area is to be understood as the area on which the user's feet are actually supported during the defecation. This area does not necessarily have to have the shape shown here. It is also conceivable, for example, that the footrest areas have a shape that deviates from a rectangle, for example trapezoidal or triangular, and that the user is at best offered the option of moving his feet within a certain framework or aligning them according to well-being or specifications. The center of the footrest areas 6 again runs in front of the front edge of the seat cover 2a. In order to ensure that the user's feet stand securely on the platform 5, the latter can also be provided with a structure in the form of a non-slip base.

In summary, it can be stated that in the case of a lavatory which is provided with footrests which are spaced apart and at a maximum 20 cm below the front edge of the seat cover, the center of which runs in front of the front edge of the seat cover and the longitudinal axes of which unite with the longitudinal axis of the lavatory Include angles between 10 ° and 35 ° and the seat cushion is inclined forward relative to the horizontal, the user can take a comfortable, crouched sitting position that comes very close to the natural position, the pelvic muscles relax and are ideal for defecation. Such a toilet can easily be used by healthy people as well as by patients with bowel movements. Defecation in the natural position is made possible for the former, relief for bowel movements and rehabilitation options are offered to the second. The same naturally also applies to a toilet, which is provided with a platform with footrest areas.

Of course, the previous exemplary embodiments are not to be regarded as conclusive. For example, it could be provided that the footrests can be pivoted laterally. It is also conceivable that the footrests remain in a position in which they are completely out of the range of motion a person using the toilet is moved so that the toilet can be used like a conventional toilet designed according to the prior art.

It should also be mentioned that such footrests or such a platform can also be retrofitted to existing toilets.

Claims (15)

Toilet (1) with a seat cover (2) which, in order to achieve a natural crouching sitting posture for the defecation of the toilet user, in which the thighs form an angle (β) between 20 and 50 ° with the upper body, with the following features is provided: - There are two spaced apart footrests (4, 4a); - The center of the footrests (4, 4a) runs in front of the front edge of the seat cover (2); - The footrests (4, 4a) are arranged a maximum of 20 cm below the front edge of the seat cover (2); - The longitudinal axes (27, 27a) of the footrests (4, 4a) form an angle (γ) between 10 ° and 35 ° with the longitudinal axis (26, 26a) of the toilet (1), and - The seat cover (2) is inclined forward relative to the horizontal. Toilet (1a) with seat cover (2a), which is used to achieve a natural crouching sitting posture for the defecation of the toilet user, in which the thighs with the upper body form an angle (β) between 20 and 50 ° with the following features: - A platform (5) is provided, which has two spaced apart footrest areas (6); - The center of the footrest areas (6) runs in front of the front edge of the seat cover (2a); - The platform (5), viewed in the vertical direction, is arranged a maximum of 20 cm below the front edge of the seat cover (2a); - The longitudinal axes (27a) of the foot support areas (6) or the feet supported on the platform form an angle (γ1) between 10 ° and 35 ° with the longitudinal axis (26a) of the toilet (la), and - The seat cover (2a) is inclined towards the horizontal. Toilet (1, 1a) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the footrests (4a, 4b, 4c) or the platform (5) is / are movable between a position of rest and use. Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4a) or the platform (5) is / are manually adjustable between the rest and the use position. Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the footrests (4b, 4c) or the platform (5) can / are moved by electric motor, pneumatically or hydraulically between the rest position and the use position. Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or the footrest areas (6) of the platform (5) are spaced at least 20 cm apart. Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or the platform (5) or the footrest areas (6) thereof are / are arranged inclined. Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) or at least the footrest areas (6) of the platform (5) are roughened and / or provided with a structure. Toilet (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4b, 4c) or the platform are each arranged on a lever (16) or on a support frame (19) is / are which are pivotably attached to the floor (24) or to the wall (23). Lavatory (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4a) or the platform (5) are arranged on a telescopically extendable or retractable mechanism (11, 8). Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footrests (4b, 4c) or the platform (5) in the rest position, seen in the vertical direction, is / are arranged below the position of use. Toilet (1) according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 11, characterized in that the footrests (4a) are arranged in the rest position, seen in the horizontal direction, behind the position of use towards the wall. Toilet (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sensors are provided by means of which the use of the toilet (1, 1a) can be detected, so that the footrests (4b, 4c) or the platform (5) when using the toilet (1, 1a) it can be moved fully automatically from the rest position to the position of use. Footrests (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) for a toilet (1), the footrests (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) being designed according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 13. Platform (5) with foot support areas (6) for a toilet (1a), the platform (5) being designed according to one of claims 2 to 13.

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