GB2585355A

GB2585355A - Seat

Info

Publication number: GB2585355A
Application number: GB1906603.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rice Lee
Original assignee: Gordon Ellis and Co
Current assignee: Gordon Ellis and Co
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2021-01-13
Also published as: GB201906603D0; GB2585355A8

Abstract

A seat 10 mountable to a frame 100 for supporting a person over a toilet. The seat 10 comprises a first mounting arrangement 12 and a second mounting arrangement 14. The first mounting arrangement 12 is configured to mount to a bar 110, 114 of the frame 100, which bar 110, 114 extends in a first direction. The second mounting arrangement 14 is configured to mount to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars 112, 118 of the frame 110, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars 112, 118 extends in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Also defined is a frame for supporting a person over a toilet, the frame comprising the aforementioned seat.

Description

TITLE Seat

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to a seat, and in particular to a seat mountable on a frame for supporting a person over a toilet

BACKGROUND

Frames for supporting a person over a toilet are known. In some instances, a toilet seat is mounted on the frame on which a person may sit above the underlying toilet.

It is sometimes desirable to provide a pan underlying the seat so that the frame may be used as a toilet commode. Known frames comprise a pair of side members connected by a support arrangement, the support arrangement also providing mounting points for the toilet seat and pan if present.

There is a requirement to provide seats which more securely mount to the support arrangement of the frame.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a seat mountable to a frame for supporting a person over a toilet, the seat comprising: a first mounting arrangement configured to mount to a bar of the frame, which bar extends in a first direction; a second mounting arrangement configured to mount to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

The first mounting arrangement may comprise a pair of aligned formations shaped to receive the bar, wherein in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, the bar extends between the formations. The pair of aligned formations may be located at corresponding positions on either side portion of the seat, and may be located at corresponding positions on either side portion of the seat and toward an in use rear end of the seat. The pair of aligned formations may face one another. The pair of aligned formations may comprise profiled slots in respective side walls of the seat, wherein the profiled slots are shaped to receive the bar.

The first mounting arrangement may comprise a pair of aligned profiled support ribs at spaced locations between the pair of aligned formations, wherein the pair of aligned profiled support ribs are shaped to receive the bar, and wherein in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, the bar extends between the pair of aligned formations, and extends across the pair of aligned profiled support ribs.

Each respective profiled support rib comprises an arcuate base corresponding to the profile of the bar.

The second mounting arrangement may comprise a pair of aligned profiled support ribs, one on each side portion of the seat, wherein each of the pair of support ribs is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars.

The pair of aligned profiled support ribs may be shaped to receive a respective bar. Each respective profiled support rib comprises an arcuate base corresponding to the profile of the bar.

The second mounting arrangement may comprise a second pair of aligned profiled support ribs in line with the first pair of aligned profiled support ribs.

The seat may comprise a third mounting arrangement configured to mount to a bar of the frame. The third mounting arrangement may comprise a pair of aligned formations shaped to receive the bar. In one example, in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, the bar extends between the formations. In another example, in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, each respective formation mounts to a separate bar.

The pair of aligned formations may be located at corresponding positions on either side of the seat and toward an in use front end of the seat. The pair of aligned formations may face one another. The pair of aligned formations may comprise profiled slots in respective side portions of the seat, wherein the profiled slots are shaped to receive the bar.

The seat may comprise a fourth mounting arrangement configured to mount to a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame. The fourth mounting arrangement may comprise a pair of aligned profiled support ribs, one on each side portion of the seat, wherein each of the pair of support ribs is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a method of providing a seat according to any of the preceding paragraphs.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a method of mounting a seat according to any of the preceding paragraphs to a frame for supporting a person over a toilet, wherein the method comprises: mounting a first mounting arrangement to a bar of the frame, which bar extends in a first direction; mounting a second mounting arrangement to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

The method may comprise any of the features described in any of the

preceding statements or following description.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a frame for supporting a person over a toilet, the frame comprising a seat, wherein the seat comprises: a first mounting arrangement mounted to a bar of the frame, which bar extends in a first direction; a second mounting arrangement mounted to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there may be provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective views of a frame; Fig. 2 illustrates a view of the frame of Fig. 1 from above; Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective views of another frame; Fig. 4 illustrates a view of the frame of Fig. 3 from above; Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective views of a seat from above; Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective views of the seat of Fig. 5 from below; Fig. 7 illustrates a plan view of the seat of Fig. 5 from below; Fig. 8 illustrates an underside view of the frame of Fig. 1 with the seat of Fig. 5 attached thereto; Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective views of another seat from above; Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective views of the seat of Fig. 9 from below; Fig. 11 illustrates a plan view of the seat of Fig. 9 from below; and Fig. 12 illustrates an underside view of the frame of Fig. 3 with the seat of Fig. 9attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures illustrate a seat 10 mountable to a frame 100 for supporting a person over a toilet. The figures also illustrate a frame 100 for supporting a person over a toilet, the frame 100 comprising a seat 10.

A person may sit on the seat 10 above an underlying toilet. It is sometimes desirable to provide a pan (not illustrated) underlying the seat 10 so that the frame 100 may be used as a toilet commode.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a first type of frame 100 to which a seat 10 may be mounted, and Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a second type of frame to which a seat 10 may be mounted. Each respective frame type comprises a pair of side members 102 connected by a support arrangement 104. The side members 102 comprise a handle part 106 and adjustable legs 108.

The seat 10 mounts to the support arrangement 104. The seat 10 is mounted on top of the support arrangement 104. The pan, if present, may be located in a bracket (not illustrated), which bracket also mounts to the support arrangement 104. The bracket locates the pan below the support arrangement 104.

Regarding the frame type illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the support arrangement 104 comprises a first pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 110 extending between the side members 102. A second pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 112 extend between the first pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 110. The first pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 110 are perpendicular to the second pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 112.

Regarding the frame type illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the support arrangement 104 comprises a single straight bar 114 extending between the side members 102 at a first position 116 on each side member 102, and a pair of spaced apart curved bars 118 extending from the single straight bar 114 to respectively connect to a second position 120 on each side member 102.

Figs 5 to 8 illustrate an example of a seat 10 mountable to the frame type illustrated in Figs 1 and 2. Figs 9 to 12 illustrate an example of a seat 10 mountable to the frame type illustrated in Figs 3 and 4.

Figs. 5 and 9 illustrate the top face 16 of each respective seat 10. The top face 16 defines the surface 18 on which a user may sit. The top face 16 is contoured. With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Fig. 5, the surface 18 is continuous around an oval shaped opening 20. With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Fig. 9, the surface 18 is discontinuous, and only partly surrounds an oval shaped opening 20. The discontinuous surface 18 defines a gap 22 in an in use front end 30 of the seat 10 into the oval shaped opening 20.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the bottom face 24 of the seat 10 of Fig. 5, and Figs 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the bottom face 24 of the seat of Fig. 9.

The bottom face 24 of each respective seat 10 comprises a first mounting arrangement 12 configured to mount to a bar 110, 114 of the frame 100, which bar 110, 114 extends in a first direction. The bar 110 of the first frame type to which the first mounting arrangement 12 is mountable is a one of the first pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 110 extending between the side members 102. The bar 114 of the second frame type to which the first mounting arrangement 12 is mountable is the single straight bar 114 extending between the side members 102 at a first position 116 on each side member 102.

The bottom face 24 of each respective seat 10 seat also comprises a second mounting arrangement 14 configured to mount to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars 112, 118 of the frame 100, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars 112, 118 extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

The pair of spaced apart bars 112 of the first frame type to which the second mounting arrangement 14 is mountable is the second pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 112 which extend between the first pair of spaced apart parallel straight bars 110. The straight bars 112 extend in a direction perpendicular to the bar 110.

The pair of spaced apart bars 118 of the second frame type to which the second mounting arrangement 14 is mountable is the pair of spaced apart curved bars 118 extending from the single straight bar 114 to respectively connect to a second position 120 on each side member 102. In this case, the second mounting arrangement 14 is mountable to the portion of each of the pair of spaced apart bars 118 of the frame 100 which extends in a direction perpendicular to the single straight bar 114, that is, the portion of bar 118 which extends at a right angle from the bar 114.

Fig. 8 illustrates the seat 10 of Figs. 5 to 7 attached to the support arrangement 104 of the frame type illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and illustrates the alignment of the respective first and second mounting arrangements 12, 14 with the bar 110, and the pair of bars 112 of the support arrangement 104.

Fig. 12 illustrates the seat 10 of Figs. 9 to 11 attached to the support arrangement 104 of the frame type illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, and illustrates the alignment of the respective first and second mounting arrangements 12, 14 with the bar 114, and the pair of bars 118 of the support arrangement 104.

In some examples, the first mounting arrangement 12 comprises a pair of aligned formations 24 shaped to receive the bar 110, 114. In a mounted condition of the seat 10 on the frame 100, the bar 110, 114 extends between the formations 24.

In the illustrated examples, the pair of aligned formations 24 are located at corresponding positions on either side portion 26 of the seat 10. In some examples, the pair of aligned formations 24 are located at corresponding positions on either side portion 26 of the seat 10 and toward an in use rear end 28 of the seat. Each respective side portion 26 of the seat is the area either side of a notional centre line extending through the oval shaped opening 20.

The pair of aligned formations 24 face one another. The pair of aligned formations 24 comprise profiled slots 32 in respective side walls 34 of the seat 10. In some examples, the profiled slots 32 are circular cutaways. The profiled slots 32 are shaped to receive the bar 110, 114. Each side wall 34 of the seat 10 comprises an in use downwardly extending wall 35.

In the illustrated examples, the first mounting arrangement 12 comprises a pair of aligned profiled support ribs 36 at spaced locations between the pair of aligned formations 24. The pair of aligned profiled support ribs 36 are shaped to receive the bar 110, 114. In a mounted condition of the seat 10 on the frame 100, the bar 110, 114 extends between the pair of aligned formations 24, and extends across the pair of aligned profiled support ribs 36. In use, the bar 110, 114 abuts against the pair of aligned profiled support ribs 36. Each respective profiled support rib 36 comprises an arcuate base 38 corresponding to the profile of the bar 110, 114.

In the illustrated examples, the second mounting arrangement 14 comprises a pair of aligned profiled support ribs 40, one on each side portion 26 of the seat 10.

Each of the pair of aligned profiled support ribs 40 is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars 112, 118. With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8 each of the pair of aligned profiled support ribs 40 is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars 112. With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12 each of the pair of aligned profiled support ribs 40 is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars 118.

The pair of aligned profiled support ribs 40 are shaped to receive a respective bar 112, 118. Each respective profiled support rib 40 comprises an arcuate base 42 corresponding to the profile of the bar 112, 118.

The second mounting arrangement 14 may comprise a second pair of aligned profiled support ribs 44, one on each side portion 26 of the seat 10, in line with the first pair of aligned profiled support ribs 40. The second pair of aligned profiled support ribs 44 are shaped to receive a respective bar 112, 118. Each respective profiled support rib 44 comprises an arcuate base 46 corresponding to the profile of the bar 112, 118. Accordingly, in use a respective bar 112, 118 extends across the in line profiled support ribs 40, 44. In use, the bar 112, 118 abuts against the in line profiled support ribs 40, 44.

In the illustrated examples, the seat 10 comprises a third mounting arrangement 48 configured to mount to a bar 110, 118 of the frame 100. The third mounting arrangement 48 comprises a pair of aligned formations 50 shaped to receive the bar 110, 118.

With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, in a mounted condition of the seat 10 on the frame 100, the bar 110 extends between the formations 50. With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, each respective formation 50 mounts to a separate bar 118.

The pair of aligned formations 50 are located at corresponding positions on either side portion of the seat 10, and toward an in use front end 30 of the seat 10. The pair of aligned formations 50 face one another. The pair of aligned formations 50 comprise profiled slots 52 in respective side walls of the seat 10. In some examples, the profiled slots 52 are circular cutaways. The profiled slots are shaped to receive the bar 110, 118.

With regard to the seat 10 illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, the seat 10 comprises a fourth mounting arrangement 54 configured to mount to a pair of spaced apart bars 118 of the frame. The fourth mounting arrangement 54 comprises a pair of aligned profiled support ribs 56, one on each side portion 26 of the seat 10. Each of the pair of support ribs 56 is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars 118. Each of the pair of aligned profiled support ribs 56 comprises an arcuate base 58 corresponding to the profile of the bar 118.

In the illustrated examples, each of the respective formations 24, 50 is located in a corner portion of the seat 10. The respective formations 24, 50 snap onto the bars of the frame.

In some examples, the seat 10 comprises a pair of locating bosses 60, one on each side portion 26 of the seat 10. The locating bosses 60 align with a secondary locating feature on the bracket (if present) which holds the pan, thereby providing a more secure fit when both the seat 10 and pan (not illustrated) are on the frame 100.

The figures also illustrate a frame 100 for supporting a person over a toilet, the frame comprising the seat 10.

The figures also illustrate a method of providing the seat 10, that is, a method of manufacturing the seat.

The figures also illustrate a method of mounting the seat 10 to a frame 100. The method comprises mounting the first mounting arrangement 12 to a bar 110, 112 of the frame 100, which bar extends in a first direction. The method also comprises mounting the second mounting arrangement 14 to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars 112, 118 of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars 112, 118 extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

There is thus described a seat 10, frame 100 and a method with a number of advantages as described above, and as follows. For example, the first mounting arrangement 12 (when mounted to the bar 110, 114) prevents forward and backwards movement of the seat 10 relative to the frame 100, whereas the second mounting arrangement 14 (when mounted to the pair of spaced apart bars 112, 118) prevents side to side (lateral) movement of the seat 10 relative to the frame 100.

Accordingly, the seat 10 feels more secure in a mounted condition on the frame 100.

Furthermore, each respective pair of support ribs 36, 40, 44 and 54 provide additional points of contact between the seat 10 and the frame 100, providing a more secure fit.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the seat and frame 10 could comprise any suitable material, for instance, metal or rigid plastics.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

The term "comprise" is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use "comprise" with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term "example" or "for example" or "may" in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus "example", "for example" or "may" refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that comprise some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seat mountable to a frame for supporting a person over a toilet, the seat comprising: a first mounting arrangement configured to mount to a bar of the frame, which bar extends in a first direction; a second mounting arrangement configured to mount to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
2. A seat according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting arrangement comprises a pair of aligned formations shaped to receive the bar, wherein in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, the bar extends between the formations.C\I 3. A seat according to claim 2, wherein the pair of aligned formations is located at corresponding positions on either side portion of the seat.
O
CO 20 at corresponding positions on either side portion of the seat and toward an in use 4. A seat according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the pair of aligned formations is located rear end of the seat.
5. A seat according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pair of aligned formations face one another.
6. A seat according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the pair of aligned formations comprise profiled slots in respective side walls of the seat, wherein the profiled slots are shaped to receive the bar.
7. A seat according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first mounting arrangement comprises a pair of aligned profiled support ribs at spaced locations between the pair of aligned formations, wherein the pair of aligned profiled support ribs are shaped to receive the bar, and wherein in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, the bar extends between the pair of aligned formations, and extends across the pair of aligned profiled support ribs.
8. A seat according to claim 7, wherein each respective profiled support rib comprises an arcuate base corresponding to the profile of the bar.
9. A seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second mounting arrangement comprises a pair of aligned profiled support ribs, one on each side portion of the seat, wherein each of the pair of support ribs is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars.
10. A seat according to claim 9, wherein each of the pair of aligned profiled support ribs is shaped to receive a respective bar.
11. A seat according to claims 9 or 10, wherein each respective profiled support rib comprises an arcuate base corresponding to the profile of the bar.
C\I 12. A seat according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second mounting arrangement comprises a second pair of aligned profiled support ribs in line with the O first pair of aligned profiled support ribs.
CO 20 13. A seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seat comprises a third mounting arrangement configured to mount to a bar of the frame.
14. A seat according to claim 13, wherein the third mounting arrangement comprises a pair of aligned formations shaped to receive the bar.
15. A seat according to claim 14, wherein in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, the bar extends between the formations.
16. A seat according to claim 14, wherein in a mounted condition of the seat on the frame, each respective formation mounts to a separate bar.
17. A seat according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the pair of aligned formations is located at corresponding positions on either side of the seat and toward an in use front end of the seat.
18. A seat according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the pair of aligned formations face one another.
19. A seat according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the pair of aligned formations comprise profiled slots in respective side portions of the seat, wherein the profiled slots are shaped to receive the bar.
20. A seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seat comprises a fourth mounting arrangement configured to mount to a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame. C\I22. A method of mounting a seat according to any of claims 1 to 21 to a frame for O supporting a person over a toilet, wherein the method comprises: mounting a first mounting arrangement to a bar of the frame, which bar CO 20 extends in a first direction; mounting a second mounting arrangement to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.23. A frame for supporting a person over a toilet, the frame comprising a seat, wherein the seat comprises: a first mounting arrangement mounted to a bar of the frame, which bar extends in a first direction; a second mounting arrangement mounted to a portion of each of a pair of spaced apart bars of the frame, wherein the portion of each of the spaced apart bars extends in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
21. A seat according to claim 20, wherein the fourth mounting arrangement comprises a pair of aligned profiled support ribs, one on each side portion of the seat, wherein each of the pair of support ribs is mountable to a one of the spaced apart bars.