GB2575646A - Toilet footrest - Google Patents

Abstract

A toilet footrest 12 comprises a footrest portion 14 which is at least in part arcuate and receivable around a lower portion of a toilet bowl. A support portion 22 maintains the footrest portion in an elevated position relative to the base of the toilet. A fixing mechanism 28 attaches the support portion at a fixed position relative to the toilet. The footrest portion may comprise an arcuate tube or bar. The fixing mechanism may comprise a floor bolt coupling engageable with an existing floor bolt of the toilet. The support portion may comprise a ground-contacting member positioned between the floor bolt coupling and the footrest portion. Alternatively the fixing mechanism may comprise a floor or wall mounting bracket, or may connect directly with the toilet bowl or be integrally formed with the toilet bowl. Also claimed are a toilet footrest comprising a base portion standable at or adjacent to a toilet, and a potty having a perimeter wall that includes at least one footrest extending from the perimeter wall.

Description

The present invention relates to a toilet footrest for enabling a user to use a floor- or wall-mounted toilet in a natural squatting position. The invention further relates to a potty for training infants to defecate in a squatting position, and therefore the invention is able to fulfil the requirements for a person throughout their lifetime.

Humans are biologically designed to squat when defecating, in a position with the knees elevated relative to the rectum. This position fully relaxes the puborectalis muscle, whilst the seated position only partially relaxes the puborectalis muscle. This can result in a wide range of medical complaints, such as constipation, haemorrhoids, colon disease, urinary infections, and potentially even heart attack.

Modem toilets are ill-suited to use in a squatting position, since the toilet seat is positioned at a comfortable seating height. The toilet was developed with this in mind, during an era in which no consideration was paid to the health impact of changing from natural squatting to sitting. Some step-stool arrangements have been designed which are positionable around the base of the toilet bowl to permit elevation of the feet; however, there are many problems with such arrangements.

Firstly, the appearance of step-stools is undesirable, having the aspect of a child’s toilet training equipment. Many people are therefore dissuaded from using such products for fear of appearing to have a medical complaint, or because it is unsuited to the decoration of the bathroom in which the toilet is located, or due to a lack of space in the bathroom.

Furthermore, step-stools are unwieldy and cumbersome. Whilst they can be shaped to adapt to a curvature of a toilet bowl, there is still a significant proportion of the stepstool which blocks the front of the toilet. This can lead to problems, particularly if the toilet is also used from a standing position.

The present invention seeks to provide a toilet footrest which is more appealing for use, to thereby encourage users to utilise the more natural squatting position as part of their daily routine.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a toilet footrest comprising: a footrest portion which is at least in part arcuate to be receivable about a lower portion of a toilet bowl of a toilet; a support portion connected to the footrest portion, the support portion being shaped to maintain the footrest portion in an elevated position relative to a base of the toilet bowl; and toilet-fixing means for attachment of the support portion at a fixed position relative to the toilet.

The provision of a toilet footrest which is positionally fixable relative to the toilet allows for a simple, elegant and robust area for a user’s feet to be positioned during a squatting action. This allows for the use of existing western-style seated toilets to be provided without diverging from the natural position to encourage defecation, which has been shown to be medically beneficial. This can not only benefit the user, but can also reduce pressures on healthcare providers.

Preferably, the footrest portion may comprise an arcuate tube or bar.

Such a tube or bar arrangement is very easy to clean compared with arrangements which have a lot of surface texture. This is particularly important in the toilet environment, where there is a significant risk of exposure to faecal bacteria.

Optionally, the toilet-fixing means may comprise a bolt coupling engagable with an existing toilet fixing bolt of the toilet.

One of the most convenient methods of fixing a toilet footrest into position is by utilising the existing bolts of the toilet, thereby ensuring that there is no relative motion between the toilet and the footrest during use.

In one preferably embodiment, the bolt coupling may be a floor-bolt coupling engagable with an existing floor bolt of the toilet.

By connecting to floor bolts of the toilet, the toilet footrest is well-anchored, and capable of safely supporting the weight of the user using the toilet footrest, which might otherwise topple if not properly secured, risking injury to the user and damage to the toilet.

Two said floor-bolt couplings may be provided, a said support portion extending from each floor-bolt coupling, the footrest portion extending between the two support portions.

A floor-mounted toilet footrest which arcs around the lower portion of the toilet provides an extremely stable base for what is otherwise a floating footrest, thereby being both aesthetically pleasing and convenient to use and sanitise.

Preferably, the support portions may be parallel to one another.

Parallelising the support portions, that is, not following the arc of the footrest portion, advantageously reduces the risk of the support portions splaying relative to one another, which might then result in buckling of the toilet footrest.

Furthermore, each support portion may comprise a ground-contacting member which is positioned between the floor-bolt coupling and footrest portion.

The use of a ground-contacting member positioned between the floor-bolt coupling and the footrest portion allows the toilet footrest to effectively and safely act as a cantilever.

Optionally, the ground-contacting member may be or substantially be U-shaped.

The U-shaped design of the ground-contacting member can beneficially be positioned on the floor without significant risk of damage to the floor under the weight of the user on the footrest portion by more even distribution of the load.

Additionally, or alternatively, the bolt coupling may be a wall-bolt coupling engagable with an existing wall bolt of the toilet.

Whilst a floor-mounting may be preferable from a stability perspective, a wall coupling will evidently be more appropriate for wall-mounted toilets, and the toilet footrest can be provided to engage appropriately with existing fixtures.

Optionally, the toilet fixing means may comprise a retraction mechanism for actuation of the toilet footrest relative to the toilet.

The provision of a retraction mechanism, such as a biased hinge, preferably permits the toilet footrest to be moved out of position to permit ready sanitization of the area below the toilet bowl.

In an alternative embodiment, the toilet fixing means may comprise a floor- or wallmounting bracket.

Where it is not appropriate to use existing fixtures, it may be useful to provide a suitable bracket for engagement of the toilet footrest in a fixed position relative to the toilet.

In another alternative embodiment the toilet fixing means may comprise a toilet bowl connector for directly connecting to the toilet bowl.

Direct connection to the toilet bowl is one method of ensuring a correct relative positioning, and may allow for the possibility of the toilet being formed integrally having a suitable footrest.

Preferably, the footrest portion and support portion may be contiguously formed as an arcuate shaped bar.

The assembly of a single contiguous unit is simple, since it can be installed as a wraparound unit about the toilet bowl.

The support portion may be adjustable to alter an elevation of the footrest portion. In one preferable arrangement, the support portion may be telescopically extendible and retractable.

An adjustable support portion allows for the footrest portion to be positioned according to a user’s requirements.

Optionally, in an in-use condition of the toilet footrest, a void space may be created below the footrest portion.

A void space beneath the footrest portion advantageously permits a user facing the toilet to get their feet close to the lower portion of the toilet. This limits the risk of splashing from a urinating user who is standing too far from the toilet, as is often the case for stepstool arrangements.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a toilet in combination with a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a toilet footrest comprising: a base portion standable at or adjacent to a toilet; an elongate support portion upstanding from the base portion; and a footrest portion connected to the support portion in an elevated position relative to the base portion.

A freestanding toilet footrest has the advantage of being moveable relative to the toilet, which can improve the obfuscation of the purpose of the apparatus for sensitive users.

Preferably, the elongate support portion may be formed as a tube or bar, the footrest portion being formed as at least one lateral projection extending from the elongate support portion. The or each lateral projection may be formed as an elongate tube or bar.

The provision of lateral bars stemming from the support portion may give the toilet footrest the appearance of more traditional bathroom furniture, such as toilet roll holders, allowing the toilet footrest to more readily blend into its surroundings in an aesthetically appealing way.

The toilet footrest may further comprise an upper handle portion of the support portion to permit user engagement therewith.

Since this is a freestanding unit, it may be preferable to provide a suitable raised portion of the toilet footrest to permit sanitary moving of the unit into and out of position near the toilet.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a potty comprising: a bowl having a perimeter wall and a seating portion for an infant to sit upon; and at least one footrest projection extending from the perimeter wall.

The provision of a potty having integrated footrests may advantageously improve the learning for infants as to the best most of positioning their legs for natural defecation.

This may overcome the difficulties and discomfort faced by children on their first use of a fixed toilet or potty, as children are also biologically designed to squat.

Optionally, two said footrest projections may be provided.

Two separate projections may reduce the overall footprint of the potty compared with step-stool equivalents, creating a more compact arrangement.

A void space may be created below the or each footrest projection.

The provision of a void space may advantageously allow for easy pick-up of the potty for emptying by an adult user.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la shows a perspective representation of a floor-mounted toilet in combination with a first embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure lb shows a perspective representation of the floor-mounted toilet of Figure 1, having a second embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of a wall-mounted toilet in combination with a third embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a wall-mounted toilet in combination with a fourth embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 4a shows a perspective representation of a floor-mounted toilet in combination with a fifth embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 4b shows a perspective representation of a floor-mounted toiler in combination with the fifth embodiment of toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a side view of a toilet in combination with a sixth embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective representation of a toilet in combination with one embodiment of a toilet footrest in accordance with the third aspect of the invention; and

Figure 7 shows a perspective representation of a potty in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure la, there is shown a floor-mounted toilet, indicated globally at 10 having a toilet footrest 12 affixed thereto for a user to rest their feet whilst using the toilet 10, thereby elevating their feet for an improved squatting position.

The toilet footrest 12 includes a footrest portion 14 which is at least in part arcuate to be receivable about a lower portion 16 of the toilet bowl 18 of the toilet 10, and this is preferably formed as an arcuate and elongate tube or bar. For an improved aesthetic appearance, it may preferably be formed from metal having a chrome finish. An upper surface 20 of the footrest portion 14 is positioned so as to be elevated relative to the base of the toilet 10, and the user can therefore rest their feet on the upper surface 20.

Preferably, the height of the footrest portion 14 is set at a height which is approximately half the height of the toilet bowl 18 from the ground, typically in the region of 15 to 25cm elevation, which will raise the user’s legs into the preferred 35° angle which is suitable for squatted defecation.

The footrest portion 14 is supported by a support portion 22, which is shaped to maintain the footrest portion 14 in its elevated position relative to the base of the toilet bowl 18. In the present arrangement, the support portion 22 includes at least a groundcontacting member 24 to prevent the weight of the user on the footrest portion 14 from bending or buckling the toilet footrest 12. The support portion 22 could, as illustrated, be formed as a U-shaped element having an upright bar member which rises to engage with the footrest portion 14. For aesthetic purposes, it may be preferred that the footrest portion 14 and support portion 22 are formed as a contiguous tube or bar.

For a footrest portion 14 which is supported at either distal end thereof by a pair of support portions 22, preferably via an upright strut 23, effectively forming a floating footrest portion 14, it may be preferred that the two support portions 22 are parallel to one another, each extending in vertical planes, before the footrest portion 14 arcs around the lower portion 16 of the toilet 10. Preferably, the footrest portion 14 is approximately 30 to 35cm wide, thereby spanning the majority of standard toilet bases available. It will of course be appreciated that the footrest portion 14 be dimensioned appropriately for a toilet 10 with which it is designed to be used.

The ground-contacting member 24 of the support portion 22 may be shaped so as to rest against the ground, or may further include fixing means, such as a plug, bolt or similar screw-threaded fastener, or adhesive, to prevent dislodging thereof.

The toilet footrest 12 further includes a toilet-fixing means for attachment of the support portion 22 at a fixed position relative to the toilet 10. Here, a floor-bolt coupling 26 is provided which is engagable with an existing floor bolt 28 of the toilet 10. This may take the form of a slot, aperture or flange which is engagable with the floor bolt 28. The toilet-fixing means is preferably shaped so as to extend from the support portion 22 so that the floor-bolt coupling can be directly coupled to the existing fixture of the toilet 10. As such, a rear extension 30 of the support portion may be angled or curve back towards the floor-bolt fixing of the toilet 10, and the footrest portion 14 may also be elevated with respect to the rear extension 30.

The arcuate footrest portion 14 of this toilet footrest 12 fits snugly and securely under the toilet bowl 18, providing support to the feet of a user on the toilet 10. This can be achieved by the protrusion of the footrest portion 14 around the front of the relevant shape of the toilet 10, allowing approximately 10 to 12cm, for example, upon which the heels and/or feet are able to rest. The toilet footrest 12 can therefore be provided as a neat unit which can be retrofitted to existing toilets 10 by direct engagement to the existing floor bolts 28 thereof.

Furthermore, the floating nature of the footrest portion 14 advantageously creates a void thereunder, therefore creating no reduction in the available space in front of the toilet 10. This allows a standing user to approach the toilet bowl 18 more closely, reducing the likelihood of splashing during urination, resulting in a cleaner bathroom environment.

A modified version of the above-described toilet footrest 12’ is illustrated in Figure lb. Identical or similar components to those described in respect of the first embodiment of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

The footrest portion 14’ is provided which is at least in part arcuate to be receivable about a lower portion 16’ of the toilet bowl 18 of the toilet 10. An upper surface 20’ is positioned so as to be elevated relative to the base of the toilet 10, and the user can therefore rest their feet on the upper surface 20’.

The support portion 22’ has a ground-contacting portion 24’ and an upstanding strut 23’ which may be extendible and retractable to alter the vertical elevation of the footrest portion 14’ with respect to the toilet bowl 18. Here, this is provided as a telescopic portion of the upstanding strut 23’, having a latch 31’ or similar locking engagement member, such as a detent, depressible button, or catch, to permit the telescoping effect.

An equivalent toilet footrest is shown in Figure 2, indicated at 112, for a wall-mounted toilet 110. Identical or similar components to those described in respect of the first embodiment of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

For a wall-mounted toilet 110, there will be no floor bolts, and therefore the toilet-fixing means instead comprises a wall-bolt coupling 126 via which a rearmost tip of the rear extension 130 of the toilet footrest 110 can be mounted to the wall. It is therefore preferred that existing wall bolts 132 of the toilet 110 be used for connecting to the wall 134. It will, however, be apparent that a separate and dedicated wall bracket could also be used to fix the relative position of the toilet footrest 112 with respect to the toilet 110.

Again, the footrest portion 114 is provided in a floating configuration having a void thereunder. It may, however, be more important in the wall mounted arrangement that the support portion 122 have a secondary coupling means, such as supplementary floor bolts 136, via which the ground-contacting members 124 can be secured to the floor. This may mitigate any effect of lateral forces being applied to the toilet footrest 112, since the user’s weight will now be positioned much further from the toilet-fixing means.

An alternative arrangement for a wall-mounted toilet is indicated in Figure 3, shown globally at 210, with an associated toilet footrest 212. Identical or similar components to those described in respect of the previous embodiments of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

In this arrangement, the toilet footrest 212 is mounted to the wall via a hinged coupling 226 at or adjacent to a wall-proximate end of the rear extension 230 of the support portion 222. The support portion 222 is then formed as an angled member, with the rear extension 230 connecting to a substantially upright strut 223 thereof at or adjacent to a lower joint 224, which in certain conditions, may act as a ground-contacting member.

When the user 200 rests their feet 202 on the footrest portion 214, the toilet footrest 212 is depressed, and pivots about the hinged coupling 226, preferably until the lower joint 224 contacts the floor. When the user 200 departs, a biasing member may return the support member 222 to an elevated position, maintaining a floor area underneath the toilet 210 in an unobstructed state. This improves the ability to clean underneath the wall-mounted toilet, which is one of the main advantages of wall-mounting.

It is noted that the hinged coupling 226 need not necessarily be mounted to the wall, but could instead be mounted directly to the toilet bowl 218, in which case, the wallmounted toilet 210 could be provided with an integral hinged toilet footrest 212.

Alternative retraction mechanisms could be provided, other than a hinged arrangement. For example, a linearly actuatable support element could be considered, perhaps having a hydraulic biasing member.

A further toilet footrest is shown in Figures 4a and 4b at 312 which is formed as part of a floor-mounted toilet 310 or wall-mounted toilet 310’. Identical or similar components to those described in respect of the previous embodiments of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

The toilet footrest 312 has a support portion 322 which is directly or indirectly attached to the lower portion 316; 316’ of the toilet 310; 310’, for example, via a clip, a screwthreaded fastener which is matable with a complementary receiver formed into the lower portion 316; 316’ of the toilet 310; 310’, or may even be integrally formed with the toilet bowl 318; 318’, for instance, as a porcelain projection. The toilet-fixing means need not necessary be a discrete item, but could comprise any method by which the support portion 322 is mounted to or fixed to the toilet 310.

The support portion 322 is therefore positioned on the lower portion 316 of the toilet 310 such that an arcuate footrest portion 314 is positioned at the correct height for positioning the user’s feet thereon for squatting.

A further toilet footrest is shown in Figure 5 at 412 relative to a floor-mounted toilet 410. Identical or similar components to those described in respect of the first three embodiments of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

The toilet-fixing means need not necessarily be coupled to existing fixings of the toilet, though this may be preferred for ease of installation. It may instead be possible to fix the toilet footrest 412 directly to the floor in the bathroom or lavatory containing the toilet 410. This could therefore be provided as a dedicated floor coupling associated with the or each support portion 422, or a separate floor bracket could also be considered via which one or more floor bolts could be engaged.

In this particular embodiment, the support portion 422 has a ground contacting member 424 which is formed as a flange or bracket, and which can be directly connected to the floor at a fixed position relative to the toilet 410 via a toilet-fixing means, without necessarily needing to alter the position of the fixing bolts of the toilet 410. This also has the advantage of allowing the toilet footrest 412 to be positioned at a desired distance from the toilet 410 which may be user-specific. The support portion 422 may also then comprise an upstanding strut 438 to which the footrest portion 414 can then be mounted on the strut 438 to maintain the elevated position of the footrest portion 414. Again, the toilet footrest 412 is preferably formed as a metal, chrome-plated structure.

A conceptually similar but freestanding toilet footrest, indicated at 512, is illustrated in Figure 5. Identical or similar components to those described in respect of the first four embodiments of the invention will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

The toilet footrest 512 comprises a base portion 524 which is standable at or adjacent to a toilet 510, here shown as a floor-mounted toilet, and this may preferably be formed as a wide foot for stability, preferably included a weighted portion to prevent toppling. An elongate support portion 522 is then provided which is upstanding from the base portion 524, and a footrest portion 514 is also connected to the support portion 522 in an elevated position relative to the base portion 524.

The support portion 522 may preferably be formed as a tube or bar, and the footrest portion 514 being formed as at least one lateral projection 540, here illustrated as a pair of symmetric projections extending either side of the support portion 522. Each lateral projection 540 is preferably also formed as an elongate tube or bar.

An upper handle portion 542 of the support portion 522 may also be provided to permit user engagement therewith, for example, when moving the toilet footrest 512 relative to the toilet 510. This may also provide an advantageous disguising option, since the handle portion 542 can be utilised as a toilet roll holder. Indeed, a dedicated toilet roll holder 544 may also be provided, which thereby obscures the function of the toilet footrest 512 for those users who may find the concept taboo.

The toilet footrests described above all have fixed-height or angle footrest portions. However, it may be beneficial to provide an adjustable toilet footrest which is capable of height adjustment. This may be provided, for example, by permitting adjustment of the support portion, which could be telescopically extendible or retractable as per the arrangement of Figure lb. A notched, button activated telescoping system could readily be considered. Alternatively, additional components could be clipped on to the toilet footrest to provide a height increase.

Whilst the aesthetic appearance of the toilet footrests is largely achieved by a minimalist design, by providing a simple bar arrangement, it may be appreciated that in some instances, further load-bearing support may be required, in which case, one or more reinforcement elements could be provided, for example, spanning between the support elements in the first embodiment of the invention.

The toilet footrests hereto described have been designed with the intention of being used by adults who are familiar with the standard usage of a seated toilet. However, it is preferred that infants are exposed to the squatting method from a young age to encourage the medical benefits thereof.

To this end, there is illustrated in Figure 6 an indicative embodiment of a potty 610 having an integrated footrest 612 upon which the infant can rest their feet so as to enter the squatting position.

Here, the potty 610 comprises a bowl 646 having a perimeter wall 648 and a seating portion 650 for an infant to sit upon, with the footrest 612 comprising at least one footrest projection 614 extending from the perimeter wall 648. The footrest projection 614 may be provided as a contiguous ledge around the front of the perimeter wall 648, but may preferably have two said footrest projections 614 provided, as illustrated.

The footrest projections 614 may be formed as substantially planar projections, having a preferably textured upper 652 surface suitable for the infant to place their feet on without slipping. Preferably, the footrest projections 614 are formed from a durable plastics material. Preferably, each footrest projection 614 is dimensioned so as to be wider than an infant’s foot, to provide more secure footing for the infant.

As with the previously-described toilet footrests, a void space may be created below the or each footrest projection 614, which may additionally assist with an adult gaining purchase on the potty 610 for emptying. This may improve the ability of the adult to grasp the base of the perimeter wall 648.

It is therefore possible to provide a number of solutions to the need to improve most users’ use of modem toilets, by providing a means of raising a user’s feet into a squatting position without producing a solution which is unpalatable to a majority of users. The toilet footrests described can be seamlessly integrated into existing 5 bathrooms or lavatories without complex engineering, and this may have significant medical benefits for the users.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of 10 one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in 15 any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims (25)

1. A toilet footrest comprising:

a footrest portion which is at least in part arcuate to be receivable about a lower portion of a toilet bowl of a toilet;

a support portion connected to the footrest portion, the support portion being shaped to maintain the footrest portion in an elevated position relative to a base of the toilet bowl; and toilet-fixing means for attachment of the support portion at a fixed position relative to the toilet.

2. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footrest portion comprises an arcuate tube or bar.

3. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the toilet-fixing means comprises a bolt coupling engagable with an existing toilet fixing bolt of the toilet.

4. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bolt coupling is a floor-bolt coupling engagable with an existing floor bolt of the toilet.

5. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 4, wherein two said floor-bolt couplings are provided, a said support portion extending from each floor-bolt coupling, the footrest portion extending between the two support portions.

6. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support portions are parallel to one another.

7. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein each support portion comprises a ground-contacting member which is positioned between the floor-bolt coupling and footrest portion.

8. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ground-contacting member is or is substantially U-shaped.

9. A toilet footrest as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the bolt coupling is a wall-bolt coupling engagable with an existing wall bolt of the toilet.

10. A toilet footrest as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the toilet fixing means comprises a retraction mechanism for actuation of the toilet footrest relative to the toilet.

11. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toilet fixing means comprises a floor- or wall-mounting bracket.

12. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toilet fixing means comprises a toilet bowl connector for directly connecting to the toilet bowl.

13. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toilet fixing means comprises an integrally formed component of the toilet bowl.

14. A toilet footrest as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the footrest portion and support portion are contiguously formed as an arcuate shaped bar.

15. A toilet footrest as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support portion is adjustable to alter an elevation of the footrest portion.

16. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 15, wherein the support portion is telescopically extendible and retractable.

17. A toilet footrest as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in an inuse condition of the toilet footrest, a void space is created below the footrest portion.

18. A toilet in combination with a toilet footrest as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

19. A toilet footrest comprising:

a base portion standable at or adjacent to a toilet;

an elongate support portion upstanding from the base portion; and a footrest portion connected to the support portion in an elevated position relative to the base portion.

20. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 19, wherein the elongate support portion is formed as a tube or bar, the footrest portion being formed as at least one lateral

5 projection extending from the elongate support portion.

21. A toilet footrest as claimed in claim 20, wherein the or each lateral projection is formed as an elongate tube or bar.

22. A toilet footrest as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, further comprising an upper handle portion of the support portion to permit user engagement therewith.

10

23. A potty comprising: a bowl having a perimeter wall and a seating portion for an infant to sit upon; and at least one footrest projection extending from the perimeter wall.

24. A potty as claimed in claim 23, wherein two said footrest projections are provided.

25. A potty as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein a void space is created 15 below the or each footrest proj ection.