U.S. patent application number 15/866861 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for adjustable toilet footrest and method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Squatty Potty, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Squatty Potty, LLC. Invention is credited to Judy M. Edwards, Robert W. Edwards.
Application Number | 20180125310 15/866861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54537520 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180125310 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edwards; Robert W. ; et
al. |
May 10, 2018 |
ADJUSTABLE TOILET FOOTREST AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to adjustable toilet
footrests while using a toilet. In one example, an adjustable
toilet footrest has a foot platform having at least two telescopic
legs extending therefrom, wherein the telescopic legs have a
locking mechanism that allows for the height of the platform to be
selectively adjusted to a user's desire.
Inventors: |
Edwards; Robert W.; (St.
George, UT) ; Edwards; Judy M.; (St. George,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Squatty Potty, LLC |
St. George |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Squatty Potty, LLC
St. George
UT
|
Family ID: |
54537520 |
Appl. No.: |
15/866861 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14712911 |
May 15, 2015 |
9895036 |
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|
15866861 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 17/02 20130101;
A47K 2017/006 20130101; A47C 9/105 20130101; A47C 16/025 20130101;
A47K 17/028 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 17/02 20060101
A47K017/02; A47C 16/02 20060101 A47C016/02 |
Claims
1. An adjustable toilet footrest, comprising: a foot platform
having a first side and a second side sized so as to accommodate
the feet of a user with a concave middle section; and at least two
height-adjustable legs extending downward from the foot
platform.
2. The adjustable toilet footrest of claim 1, wherein the concave
middle section is shaped so as to conform to the shape of a
toilet.
3. The adjustable toilet footrest of claim 1, wherein the
height-adjustable legs are telescopic legs.
4. The adjustable toilet footrest of claim 1, wherein the
height-adjustable legs comprise a threaded inner rod received
within a threaded receiving shaft.
5. The adjustable toilet footrest of claim 1, wherein the
height-adjustable legs are hingedly-collapsible to thereby couple
with the underside of the platform.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/712,911 filed on May 15, 2015.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to footrests. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to adjustable toilet
footrests for use while on a toilet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Humans can perform defecation in different postures; the two
most common are squatting or sitting positions. The squatting
posture is usually used when using a squat toilet (mainly a feature
of the developing world), or when toilets are unavailable. The
sitting posture during defecation is a standard posture seen in the
western world because western-style toilets usually require a
sitting position with the back erect and the knees away from the
chest in about a ninety-degree angle.
[0004] The anorectal angle, which is the angle formed in the colon
where the puborectalis muscle wraps around the rectum, is a very
important factor in maintaining continence. The sitting posture
common to western-style toilets causes a narrowing of the anorectal
angle and prevents the puborectalis muscle from relaxing, which may
cause difficulty in emptying the bowels.
[0005] Additionally, the sitting position may cause the person to
repeat the Valsalva maneuver, i.e., exhalation against a closed
airway to increase internal pressure, holding his breath to
increase internal pressure, which can lead to syncope. A sitting
posture may increase issues related to weakness in the colon wall
because of the increased straining needed to defecate.
[0006] In contrast, the squatting defecation posture involves
squatting by standing with the knees and hips sharply bent and the
buttocks suspended near the ground. By using the squatting
defecation posture, the anorectal angle is increased which allows
the puborectalis muscle to fully relax which aids defecation by
reducing the amount of effort needed to empty the bowels.
[0007] The advantages of the squatting position may be obtained
when using western-style toilets (i.e., where the bowl is raised
from the ground is intended for sitting as opposed to squatting) in
conjunction with a footrest. Footrests help raise the knees toward
the chest and help to lessen the normal sitting angle of about
ninety-degrees to much less. As the feet are raised, the
puborectalis muscle relaxes, the colon aligns allowing gravity to
aid evacuation, and the required expulsive effort lessens. As such,
several footrests exist in the art that are aimed at allowing a
human to achieve a better anorectal angle while sitting on a
toilet.
[0008] However, users come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Taller
people need a different height than shorter people to achieve the
desired anorectal angle. Further, many people need to adjust the
height or angle of the toilet stool due to certain medical
restrictions or conditions that may inhibit their ability to fully
squat. As such, there remains a need for a toilet footrest that is
easily adjustable to different heights and angles so as to
accommodate users of all sizes and medical needs. The present
invention seeks to solve these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to adjustable toilet
footrests while using a toilet. In one embodiment, an adjustable
toilet footrest comprises a foot platform having at least two
telescopic legs extending therefrom, wherein the telescopic legs
have a locking mechanism that allows for the height of the platform
to be selectively adjusted to a user's desire. One example of a
locking mechanism may be a protrusion from the inner leg coupled to
a coiled spring, such that the protrusion may be depressed,
allowing for the outer leg to be slidable thereon so as to engage
one or more extension apertures therein. The ends of the foot
platform are of sufficient size to allow a foot to be comfortably
rested thereon, while the inner portion is preferably concave and
semi-circular so as to conform to the shape of a toilet.
[0010] In another embodiment, an adjustable toilet footrest may
comprise a platform with at least two threadably adjustable legs
extending therefrom. Each leg comprises a threaded inner rod and a
threaded receiving shaft attached to the platform. This allows a
user to adjust the height of the platform by twisting the inner
threaded rod in relation to the threaded receiving shaft to achieve
the desired height.
[0011] In another embodiment, an adjustable toilet footrest
comprises a foot platform and sidewalls that have a plurality of
apertures to adjust the height and angle of the foot platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of an adjustable toilet
footrest;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of an adjustable toilet footrest;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a back elevation view of an adjustable toilet
footrest;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of an adjustable toilet
footrest with the legs fully extended;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of an adjustable toilet
footrest with the legs fully retracted;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom (underside) view of an adjustable toilet
footrest.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an adjustable toilet
footrest wherein the sidewalls are stationary;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an adjustable toilet
footrest with the footrest platform in a lowered position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom, exploded view of an adjustable toilet
footrest and accompanying sidewalls.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments
and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. Any reference
herein to "the invention" is not intended to restrict or limit the
invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the
exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification.
References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various
embodiments," and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so
described may include a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the
particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated
use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment," do
not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they
may.
[0022] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure
using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of
the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence
should not be considered limiting and does not imply that
additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering
patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each
embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
[0023] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant
to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the
invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended
claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise
expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their
broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that
applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any
specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the
article "a" is intended to include one or more items. When used
herein to join a list of items, the term "or" denotes at least one
of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the
list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or
arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not
restrictive.
[0024] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes
or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular
sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or
interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods
generally may be carried out in various different sequences and
arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present
invention.
[0025] As disclosed herein, an adjustable toilet footrest allows
for adjustments of the height and angle of the foot platform in
order to conform to a user's individual needs. An adjustable toilet
footrest allows the user to obtain the correct anorectal angle to
approximate a squatting position that cannot otherwise be obtained
using a static or non-adjustable footrest. Users who are the same
height may not require the same setting to obtain the correct
anorectal angle through the footrest because one user's legs may be
longer or shorter than the average user's legs. An adjustable
toilet footrest allows the average user, as well as the non-average
user, to obtain a better approximation of the squatting position
and thus a better anorectal angle in order to defecate.
[0026] Further, the adjustable toilet footrest allows for users
with uneven leg lengths due to genetic or environmental factors to
make adjustments to the adjustable footrest to accommodate uneven
height settings on either side of the footrest. Furthermore, the
adjustable footrest allows for both a forward-tilting position as
well as backward-tilting position. These settings may allow users
to adjust for comfort as well as for either genetic or
environmental factors, including, but not limited to, degenerative
diseases, arthritis, surgeries, birth defects, and other such
factors.
[0027] Referring now to what is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-5,
an adjustable toilet footrest 100 comprises a foot platform 102 and
four legs 104A-104D extending downward from the foot platform 102.
The legs 104A-104D are telescopic and have a locking mechanism that
allows for the height of the foot platform 102 to be selectively
adjusted to a user's desire. For example, telescopic legs 104A-104D
may comprise a locking protrusion 106 for selectively engaging
extension apertures 108. The locking protrusion 106 may be coupled
to a coiled spring, such that the locking protrusion 106 may be
depressed by a user, which then allows the user to slide the inner
portion of the leg in relation to the outer portion of the leg
until another extension aperture 108 is engaged, locking the
moveable leg into position when the coiled spring forces the
locking protrusion 106 through an extension aperture 108.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the adjustable toilet footrest
100. Foot platform 102 has sides 110A and 1108 and a middle section
110C that forms a curvature 112, so as to allow the adjustable
toilet footrest 100 to at least partially wrap-around a toilet.
This allows the adjustable toilet footrest 100 to take up minimal
space when not in use, while also allowing the user a variety of
foot placements. However, it is important to note that other
configurations may be suitable, such as rectangular, square,
semi-circular, etc. As further shown, the foot platform 102 may
further comprise a non-slip surface 114, which may cover the entire
surface thereof or only a portion, such as on the sides 110A and
1108 as shown. The right side 110A and left side 1108 of the foot
platform 102 are of sufficient size to allow accommodate a foot
thereon, while the middle section 110C is preferably concave.
[0029] Further, unlike typical adjustable-height furniture, the
present disclosure allows for the telescopic legs 104A-D to be
adjusted independently, which allows for the foot platform 102 to
rest at different angles. In other words, when using the adjustable
toilet footrest 100, a user may find that an un-angled foot
platform 102 creates undue tension or stress on the shins or other
leg area. If desired, a user may lower the front two legs while
leaving the back two legs un-adjusted. This creates a
forward-tilting angle (angling downward, away from the toilet) on
the foot platform 102 that may help relieve this stress. Likewise,
a different user may desire an angle in the opposite direction, and
may so adjust the back legs to a shorter position while the
maintaining the front legs in an extended position, causing the
foot platform 102 to angle backwards (downward toward the toilet).
In an alternative embodiment, two of the legs may remain stationary
(non-adjustable), while the opposite two are adjustable.
[0030] As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each leg 104A-104D has
multiple extension apertures 108, allowing users of different
heights to likewise adjust the adjustable toilet footrest 100 to
their desired height, as well as angle.
[0031] As best seen in FIGS. 3-4B, legs 104A-D may also have a
non-slip surface on the leg feet 116. Further, FIGS. 4A and 4B
illustrate the legs 104A-D (only two legs are visible in these
views) being fully extended and fully retracted, respectively. In
other words, each leg 104A-D may be comprised of an inner, moveable
leg 105 and an outer receiving shaft 107. The outer receiving shaft
107 is coupled with or otherwise connected to the foot platform 102
so as to be immovable when in use; for example, screws may be used
to secure the outer receiving shaft 107 to the foot platform 102.
The outer receiving shaft 107 comprises one or more extension
apertures 108 for engaging with locking protrusion 106. Locking
protrusion 106 is operably connected to inner, moveable leg 105
such that it may be depressed by a user, allowing the inner,
moveable leg 105 to slide within outer receiving shaft 107 until
either fully collapsed, removed, or engaged with an extension
aperture 108.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom (underside) view of the
adjustable toilet footrest 100. The legs 104A-D may be attached to
the foot platform 102 in a variety of ways, such as screws, nails,
or an equivalent through apertures 109, but may also be attached
using glue, plastic weld, tongues and grooves, or may be integrated
with the foot platform 102 itself. The foot platform 102 and legs
104A-D may also be made from a variety of rigid materials,
including woods, plastics, high-density polyethylene, carbon
fibers, and metals. The adjustable toilet footrest 100 is only
meant to hold a person's resting legs, and therefore may be made
from lightweight, yet rigid materials. The adjustable toilet
footrest 100 is not meant to hold a person while standing, although
it may with sufficiently strong and rigid materials.
[0033] In another embodiment (not shown), the legs of an adjustable
toilet footrest may also be collapsible and/or removable for easy
storage, transportation, and cleaning. For example, the legs may be
hingedly attached, so as to allow them to pivot or collapse under
the foot platform. When erect, the legs may be locked into position
using locking poles that extend from the legs and that engage with
accompanying apertures in the adjustable toilet footrest, may be
spring loaded with locking pins, may use cotter pins, or any other
equivalent leg locking means as those commonly associated with
collapsible table legs.
[0034] In one embodiment (not shown), an adjustable footrest may
comprise a platform with at least two threadably adjustable legs
extending therefrom. Each leg comprises a threaded inner rod and a
threaded receiving shaft attached to the platform. This allows a
user to adjust the height of the platform by twisting the inner
threaded rod in relation to the threaded receiving shaft to achieve
the desired height. As with other embodiments discussed herein,
each leg may be adjusted independently so as to allow a user to
customize both height and angle of the platform.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, as generally illustrated in FIGS.
6-8, an adjustable toilet footrest 200 has a foot platform 202
coupled or otherwise connected to a left sidewall 204 and a right
sidewall 206. Foot platform 202 preferably has a semi-circular
curvature 205 for fitting around the base of a toilet and may also
comprise a non-slip surface or surface portions 209. Semi-circular
curvature 205 allows the adjustable toilet footrest 200 to take up
minimal space while also allowing the user a variety of foot
placements. However, other configurations may be suitable, such as
rectangular, square, semi-ovular etc. Foot platform 202 connects to
sidewalls 204, 206 on its ends via a connecting means, such as nuts
and bolts, screws, or spring-loaded pins that pass through the
sidewalls 204, 206 via a plurality of securing apertures 208A-208H
(best seen in FIG. 8). Because quick and easy adjustment is
intended, the connecting means preferably does not require tools.
For example, elongated bolts with larger nuts for easy hand
manipulation, or an equivalent, may be used. However, screws, hex
keys, or equivalent connecting means may be used. The foot platform
202 may be placed in various positions, depending on which securing
apertures 208A-208H are used. As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting
means engage the foot platform 202 using securing apertures 208A,
208B on the left sidewall 204, and 208E and 208F on the right
sidewall 206 (not visible in FIG. 6), which is referred to as the
"high" position. Depending upon the construction of the sidewalls
204, 206, the high position may be angled or flat. The high
position is ideal for children, shorter people, or those that are
accustomed to squatting.
[0036] Although not illustrated, if a user desires to have a
greater angle for the foot platform 202, the user may adjust the
front portion 210 of the foot platform 202 to a "forward-tilting"
position by engaging the lower securing apertures 208C and 208G.
Likewise, a user desiring to have a "backward-tilting" foot
platform 202 may leave the front portion 208A and 208C engaged and
lower the rear portion 212 to engage securing apertures 208D and
208H. It will be understood that while eight securing apertures
208A-208H are shown, as few as six apertures may be used and many
more than eight may be used.
[0037] Further, sidewalls 204, 206 may also have handles 214, which
may be apertures meant for receiving a hand, or protrusions meant
for lifting.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the adjustable toilet footrest 200 has a
foot platform 202 in the "low" position. For example, the foot
platform 202 engages sidewalls 204, 206 through the lower set of
securing apertures 208C, 208D, 208G, and 208H. Lowering the foot
platform 202 allows a user with longer legs to maintain an ideal
anorectal angle, and may also make it more comfortable for those
not yet accustomed to the squatting position.
[0039] FIG. 8 shows an exploded bottom-view of the adjustable
toilet footrest 200. As shown, foot platform 202 is attachable to
the sidewalls 204, 206 by aligning platform apertures 207A-207D to
the desired sidewall apertures 208A-208H. Once aligned, a securing
means, such as bolts 216 pass through the aligned apertures and are
secured in position using corresponding nuts 218. The adjustable
toilet footrest 200 is therefore height-adjustable,
angle-adjustable, and may also be completely disassembled for easy
storage.
[0040] Although bolts and nuts are shown, other equivalent means
known to those in the art may be used, such as screws, twist and
lock mechanisms, cotter pins, spring-loaded pins, etc.
[0041] In another embodiment (not shown), the sidewalls may remain
permanently attached to the foot platform, while still allowing the
height adjustment. For example, tongues, grooves (channels), and
apertures may be used that allow the foot platform to be easily
adjusted. For example, a user could push in spring-loaded pins
(i.e., the tongues) on the front sides of the foot platform,
disengaging the spring-loaded pins from a first set of apertures,
and slide the foot platform down the channels in the sidewalls to
the lower position until the spring-loaded pins engage a lower set
of apertures within the channels.
[0042] The adjustable toilet footrest may be made from a variety of
materials, such as bamboo or other woods, rubbers, silicones,
plastics, high-density polyethylene, carbon fibers, metals or other
materials that allow for shape, durability, and strength.
[0043] As an example of use of the embodiments described herein, a
user would first adjust the height and angle setting for the foot
platform. The user would then place the adjustable toilet footrest
at the front base of the toilet, so that, ideally, it wraps around
the front of the toilet. While sitting on a toilet, a user will
then raise their legs and place their feet on the foot platform,
which creates the desired anorectal angle.
[0044] If the user is using a footrest with collapsible legs, the
legs would first be locked into position before adjusting the
height and before use. After use, the legs may be collapsed for
easy storage.
[0045] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the
principles of the present invention in one or more particular
applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of
implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive
faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of
the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention
be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *