WO2015049197A1

WO2015049197A1 - Toilet seat

Info

Publication number: WO2015049197A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/070772
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Moens; Jeroen Slabbinck
Original assignee: Alex Moens
Priority date: 2013-10-04
Filing date: 2014-09-29
Publication date: 2015-04-09
Also published as: EP3052068A1; EP2856995A1; BE1022435A1; BE1022435B1

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a toilet seat comprising: a support, a seat mounted on the support, a lifting means enabling vertically adjusting the seat in view of the support from a first position to a second position, wherein the surface of the seat when positioned in the first position is substantially parallel to the surface of the seat when positioned in the second position and that said lifting means are are adapted for exerting an upwardly directed force on the seat of at least 500 N for lifting the seat from the first position to the second position higher than the first position position and wherein the seat comprises arm rests separating the seat from the lifting means.

Description

TOILET SEAT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toilet seat for assisting a person with locomotion difficulties to go to the toilet. The present invention is usable as an addition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People with locomotion difficulties are dependent on a caretaker for their hygiene. Especially for going to the toilet, a caretaker's assistance is needed for helping the people out of bed, transporting them to the toilet and putting them on the toilet. In most cases this elaborate process requires two caregivers for raising the person from his/her bed, placing the person in a transporting device, like for example a wheelchair, transport the person to the bathroom, and for lifting the person from the wheelchair and placing him/her on the toilet. These multiple transfers of a person require a lot of effort for the caretaker, are cumbersome for the patient and are often perceived as humiliating for and by the patients. On the other hand these multiple transfers put a heavy duty on the caretakers.

Toilet seats that are to be placed on conventional toilets are known. US2005018522 and US3654643 describe such a toilet seat that allows a more comfortable placing and raising of patients from a toilet by providing a tilting movement of the toilet seat. These known toilet seats however have the drawback that they do not allow a transfer of a patient from his/her bed to the toilet seat and back to bed without intensive assistance from the caretaker. Especially because of height difference between wheelchairs and toilet seats, carrying and supporting the patient remains necessary and is still perceived as humiliating for the patient. An example of an attempt to solve the above problem is WO2012059806 describing a chair for handicapped persons comprising a seat unit and means for lifting the seat unit by means of upwardly extending or vertical synchronized lifting columns at opposite sides of the seat unit. However, a drawback of this chair is that there is a risk for the patient to hurt his arms or legs or to clamp his clothes while the seat is vertically adjusted.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a toilet seat overcoming the above problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As a first embodiment of the present invention a toilet seat is provided comprising: a support, a seat mounted on the support, a lifting means enabling vertically adjusting the seat in view of the support from a first position to a second position, wherein the surface of the seat when positioned in the first position is substantially parallel to the surface of the seat when positioned in the second position and that said lifting means are are adapted for exerting an upwardly directed force on the seat of at least 500 N for lifting the seat from the first position to the second position higher than the first position, and wherein the seat comprises arm rests separating the seating surface of the seat from the lifting means. By the arm rests separating the seating surface of the seat from the lifting means, there is no risk for the patient to hurt his arms or legs or to clamp his clothes while the seat is vertically adjusted.

The arm rests confer stability for the patient by offering additional support through fixed points. Another advantage of the arm rests is that they confer lateral obstruction for the patient, eliminating the risk of the patient to loose equilibrium and fall from said toilet seat.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, said armrests can have an adjustable height in view of the seat to meet the height requirements of every patient. Indeed, by exerting an upwardly directed force of at least 500 N, the toilet seat according to the present invention is capable of vertically adjusting its seat in view of the support from a first position to a second position while the patient is on said seat, making the overall experience much less humiliating for the patient and much easier for the caretaker. Moreover, the lifting means of the toilet seat offers optimal stability for the patient by allowing movement on only one axis and in one direction at a time. Therefore the position or orientation of the patient's body is not altered by vertically adjusting the seat, with no risk of the patient to fall from the toilet seat.

In a preferred embodiment, said lifting means can be manually or electrically driven. In case of a manually driven lifting means, the operating mode can be mechanical, pneumatical and/or hydraulical, and in case of an electrically driven lifting means, the operating mode can be mechanical, pneumatical and/or hydraulical or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting means of the toilet seat is not located under the seat. Therefore the seat as per the present invention can be positioned directly over the conventional toilet bowl, and the seat is then lowered onto the bowl, avoiding space between the seat and the conventional toilet bowl.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the support of the toilet seat comprises at least two profiles in between which profiles the seat is mounted.

The lifting means can cooperate with one of the profiles, preferably the lifting means is cooperating with both profiles.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the arm rests are mounted on said profiles.

Additionally, for an easier and more effective transfer of the patient from and to the bed, said support can comprises transport means, in particular wheels. The patient will only need to be lifted out of bed, placed on the toilet seat according to the present invention, transported to the bathroom, the seat will need to be placed above the conventional toilet bowl, and could then be lowered onto the bowl.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the seat can comprise tilting means for an easier placement on and off said seat. In another embodiment according to the present invention, the seat can comprise a flexible foil extending downwardly relative to the seat for a more hygienic experience.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention the seat further comprises a hose adapted for being connected to a water source for cleaning said foil after each use of the toilet. In addition, the present invention is also directed to a kit of parts comprising: a support, a seat mountable on the support, a lifting means enabling vertically adjusting the seat in view of the support from a first position to a second position whereby the surface of the seat when positioned in the first position is substantially parallel to the surface of the seat when positioned in the second position. The kit of parts for a toilet seat as per the present invention can further comprise a toilet bowl and/or a number of replaceable flexible foils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 schematically represents an exploded view of a toilet seat according to the present invention

Figure 2 schematically represents a toilet seat according to the present invention

Figure 3 schematically represents a top view of a toilet seat according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 4 schematically represents a lifting means as used in an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 5 schematically represents a lifting means as used in an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 6 schematically represents a lifting means as used in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 schematically represents a lifting means as used in an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 8 schematically represents a lifting means as used in an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 9 schematically represents a breaking mechanism as used in an embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an preferred embodiment, the toilet seat comprises a support 1 whereby a toilet seat 3 is mounted on, a lifting means 4 enabling vertically adjusting the seat 3 in view of the support 1 from a first position to a second position, wherein the surface of the seat 3 when positioned in the first position is substantially parallel to the surface of the seat 3 when positioned in the second position and that said lifting means are are adapted for exerting an upwardly directed force on the seat of at least 500 N, at least 700 N, at least 1000 N, or at least 2000 N for lifting the seat 3 from the first position to the second position higher than the first position. Said lifting means 4 can comprise a motorized or mechanical linear actuator, a worm wheel, a piston, a torsion spring, a cantilever, an air pump and/or electrical pump or a combination thereof. In the context of the present invention a linear actuator is to be understood as an actuator able to create movement in a straight line.

In case said linear actuator is a motorized linear actuator then it can further comprise at least a motor and at least a piston, or a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder, or a telescopic cylinder, or a ridged chain, a moving coil, or a segmented spindle or a combination thereof.

In case said linear actuator is a mechanical linear actuator then it can further comprise a screw based system, wheel and axle or a cam based system.

Further, said linear actuator can be an electro-mechanical actuator comprising at least an electrical motor and at least a screw based system, wheel and axle or a cam based system. Preferably, said support 1 comprises at least two profiles for a better stability. Said profiles can comprise feet 8.

Said feet 8 are extending in front and/or back of the support 1 for conferring a better stability of the toilet seat.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, said feet 8 have a length between 20 - 60 cm, or between 28 - 60 com, preferably between 40-60 cm, more preferably between 45 - 55 cm.

Preferably, said length of said feet 8 is disposed in a parallel direction of said support 1 .

In a further embodiment according to the present invention said feet 8 have a width between 3 - 6 cm, preferably between 4 - 6 cm, more preferably between 5 - 6 cm. In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the toilet seat can comprise at least a bar 6 connected in between said at least two profiles 1 . Said bar 6 confers a better stability of the toilet seat and for the patient. Moreover, the height where said bar 6 is mounted can be adjusted according to the height of the patient and may function as support for the patient's feet.

The toilet seat according to the present invention further comprises arm rests 2 mounted on said profiles 1 . Said armrests 2 can be in direct contact with the profiles 1 when the seat is on the lowest level, more preferably said armrests 2 are slidably connected on said support 1 by using a trail system between at least one profile 1 and adjacent armrest 2.

Said arm rests 2 comprise a rectangular structure with an open side facing the profiles 1 and a slat 7 on the opposite side to confer gripping support. Optionally the slat 7 can further comprise an end 9 rising under an angle and extending off the surface of the armrests. Furthermore, said slat 7 can further comprise hand cushions 1 1 .

Preferably, the armrests 2 comprise a mesh, bar or slat structure on the side facing the seat 3 and covering the lifting means 4. More preferably, the armrests 2 further comprise a full plate 10 on the side facing the seat 3 and covering completely the lifting means 4. Said lifting means 4 can engage the seat 3 directly, more preferably said lifting means 4 directly engages at least one of the armrests 2 by having at least one connection point on the seat 3 and at least another connection point on the adjacent profile 1 . Therefore the construction of said toilet seat is compact and the patient protected and supported at all times. In a further embodiment according to the present invention said lifting means 4 comprises a trail system between at least one profile 1 and adjacent armrest 2.

Figures 4 to 7 reveal examples of lifting means according to the present invention: figure 4 reveals a lifting means comprising at least a piston 12 mounted on the profile 1 engaging on the adjacent armrest 2 and/or on the seat 3. Figure 5 reveals a lifting means comprising a piston 12 on each profile 1 and connected together through a rod 1 3 to engage on both armrests 2 and/or seat 3. Figure 6 reveals a lifting means comprising a wheel and a toothed bar 14 engaging on the adjacent armrest 2 and/or on the seat 3. Figure 7 reveals a lifting means comprising a wheel and a toothed bar 14 on each profile 1 and connected together though a rod 13 to engage on both armrests 2 and/or seat 3. In an embodiment according to the present invention said lifting means 4 can be positioned inside said bar 6 connected in between said at least two profiles 1 . Furthermore, said lifting means 4 can comprise at least a motor positioned in the middle of said bar 6 or at any of the lateral sides of said bar 6 and can further comprise a shaft and/or gears actuating both profiles 1 and adjusting the height of said seat 3.

In another embodiment according to the present invention said lifting means 4 can comprise at least two motors positioned inside said bar 6 connecting said at least two profiles 1 . Each of said motors is actuating at least one of the profiles 1 and is adjusting the height of said seat 3. In case said lifting means 4 comprises two motors a synchronization system can be provided.

In an embodiment according to the present invention said linear actuator can be mounted in one of the profiles 1 and actuating both armrests 2, preferably said toilet seat comprises two linear actuators each mounted in each of the profiles 1 and each actuating said armrests 2.

In another embodiment according to the present invention and illustrated in Figure 8, said profiles 1 can have a notch like for example a U form and within that notch said lifting means 4 can be mounted. Furthermore, said lifting means 4 can comprise at least a motor and a piston mounted thereon and actuating on said armrests 2 to adjust the height of said seat 3.

In another embodiment according to the present invention each of said U form profiles 1 can comprise at least a motor mounted thereon and actuating each of said armrests 2.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, the seat 3 can comprise rigid, or semi-rigid, preferably a flexible foil extending downwards in view of the seat 3 and directing the waste into the conventional toilet. Said flexible foil can be permanent or removably attached to the seat 1 by means of gluing, hook-and-loop fasteners, strips, clamps, mechanical fixing or a combination thereof.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the seat 3 can comprise a hose (not shown) adapted for being connected to a water source and cleaning the foil after each use. The water source can be the water source of the conventional toilet, or the toilet seat as per the present invention can comprise a water tank mounted on it.

Furthermore, the profiles 1 , arm rests 2 and seat 3 of the toilet seat according to the present invention can be made from wood, metal, plastic, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, the toilet seat can further comprise a back rest (not shown) to better support the patient.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, the support 1 can comprise transport means like for example wheels or rails and a break system. Furthermore, the transport system can comprise a motor and a traction system engaging the wheels.

In case said transport means comprise a break system, said break sysem can comprise rubber bands 16 like in Figure 9. Further, the break system can comprise at least 4 actuators 15 each engaging on at least one wheel, preferably 2 actuators 15 engaging the wheels relative to the profiles 1 , more preferably one actuator 15 engaging on all wheels at the same time.

Preferably, the toilet seat comprises two linear actuators each mounted in each of the profiles 1 and each actuating said armrests, one actuator 15 engaging the break system of all wheels, and one motor for tiling the seat. In another embodiment according to the present invention, said wheels can be retractable in view of the support 1 .

In a further embodiment, said toilet seat can further comprise sensors for determining the distance between said toilet seat and back wall or water reservoir and/or the height difference between the seat 3 and conventional toilet bowl .

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A toilet seat comprising:

- a support;

- a seat mounted on the support;

- a lifting means enabling vertically adjusting the seat in view of the support from a first position to a second position;

characterized in that the surface of the seat when positioned in the first position is substantially parallel to the surface of the seat when positioned in the second position and that said lifting means are are adapted for exerting an upwardly directed force on the seat of at least 500 N for lifting the seat from the first position to the second position higher than the first position and wherein the seat comprises arm rests separating the seat from the lifting means.

2. The toilet seat according to claim 1 , wherein the lifting means are manually or electrically driven.

3. The toilet seat according to claim 1 , wherein the lifting means is not located under the seat.

4. The toilet seat according to claim 1 , wherein the support comprises at least two profiles in between which profiles the seat is mounted.

5. The toilet seat according to claim 4, wherein the lifting means is cooperating with both profiles.

6. The toilet seat according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the arm rests are mounted on said profiles.

7. The toilet seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises transport means.

8. The toilet seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seat comprises tilting means.

9. The toilet seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting means is adapted for engaging on at least one of the armrests

10. The toilet seat according to any of the preceding clams wherein the seat comprises a flexible foil extending downwardly relative to the seat.

1 1 . The toilet seat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the seat comprises a hose adapted for being connected to a water source.

12. A kit of parts comprising:

- a support;

- a seat mountable on the support;

- a lifting means enabling vertically adjusting the seat in view of the support from a first position to a second position whereby the surface of the seat when positioned in the first position is substantially parallel to the surface of the seat when positioned in the second position;

13. A kit of parts comprising the toilet seat according to claim 12 and a toilet bowl.

14. A kit of parts comprising the toilet seat according to claim 12 and a number of replaceable flexible foils.