TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEFECATION POSTURES
An apparatus for a user sitting on a toilet seat. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped opposing side frames having a pair of opposing front legs. The apparatus also includes a front bridge spanning between the front legs. The apparatus further includes a footrest extending from the bridge. The footrest moves in an arcuate range of motion. The footrest is lockable at a plurality of preset defecation posture positions within the range. The apparatus additionally includes a lever controlling movement of the footrest within the range. The footrest moves toward one of the positions as the user is operating the lever from the seat when the frames are standing on a ground surface with the seat between the frames such that the bridge is in front of the seat and closer to the surface than the seat.
Generally, the present disclosure relates to human health. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to defecation postures.
BACKGROUNDIn the present disclosure, where a document, an act and/or an item of knowledge is referred to and/or discussed, then such reference and/or discussion is not an admission that the document, the act and/or the item of knowledge and/or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge and/or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; and/or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure may be concerned with.
People defecate to remove fecal matter. One way to defecate is via a squatting posture. Another way to defecate is via a sitting posture. The squatting posture is commonly believed to be healthier, and more natural than the sitting posture.
A typical toilet seat is structured to promote defecation in the sitting posture. Therefore, using the toilet seat to defecate in the squatting posture is bothersome. For example, one approach for achieving the squatting posture involves standing on the toilet seat in the squatting posture. However, such approach can make the toilet seat dirty and/or break the toilet seat. Further, sick, disabled, and/or frail people can have difficulty acting in accordance with such approach. Another approach for achieving the squatting posture involves placing a book stack, a stepping stool, and/or a platform below the toilet seat for feet raising, while conventionally sitting on the toilet seat. However, such approach can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and dangerous, especially for sick, disabled, and/or frail people. Further, such approach can complicate quick leg angle/lift customization, especially for users of varying body types.
While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed. The claims may encompass at least one of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.
BRIEF SUMMARYThe present disclosure may at least partially address at least one of the above. However, the present disclosure may prove useful to other technical areas. Therefore, the claims should not be construed as necessarily limited to addressing any of the above.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure an apparatus is provided. The apparatus is for a user sitting on a toilet seat. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped opposing side frames having a pair of opposing front legs. The apparatus also includes a front bridge spanning between the front legs. The apparatus further includes a footrest extending from the bridge. The footrest moves in an arcuate range of motion. The footrest is lockable at a plurality of preset defecation posture positions within the range. The apparatus additionally includes a lever controlling movement of the footrest within the range. The footrest moves toward one of the positions as the user is operating the lever from the seat when the frames are standing on a ground surface with the seat between the frames such that the bridge is in front of the seat and closer to the surface than the seat.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure an apparatus is provided. The apparatus is for a user sitting on a toilet seat. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped opposing side frames having a pair of opposing front legs and a pair of opposing back legs. The apparatus further includes a back bridge spanning between the back legs. The bridge and the frames are foldable for transport. The apparatus also includes a pair of cantilevered members extending from the front legs toward each other. Each of the members having a footrest extending therefrom. The footrest is moving in an arcuate range of motion. The footrest is lockable at a plurality of preset defecation posture positions within the range. The footrest is operably associated with a lever controlling movement of the footrest within the range. Each of the members is independently movable to avoid walk interference between the frames from the front legs to the bridge. The footrest is moving toward one of the positions, the members are closer to a ground surface than the seat, and the bridge is further from the surface than the seat when the front legs and the back legs are standing on the surface such that the seat is between the frames as the members are in front of the seat extending toward each other, while the user operating the lever from the seat between the members and the bridge.
The present disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure, limited only by the scope of the claims.
The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure. Such drawings are not to be construed as necessarily limiting the disclosure. Like numbers and/or similar numbering scheme can refer to like and/or similar elements throughout.
The present disclosure is now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to the example embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art. In addition, features described with respect to certain example embodiments may be combined in and/or with various other example embodiments. Different aspects and/or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner.
The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element and/or intervening elements may be present, including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the example embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or be separately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assembly and/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be manufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and/or other any other types of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, lithography, and so forth.
Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, an amorphous material, a ceramic, a glass ceramic, an organic solid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, a semiconductor, a nanomaterial, a biomaterial and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including an informational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesive coating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, such as tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such as for tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency, translucency, non-transparency, luminescence, reflection, anti-reflection and/or holography, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be rigid, flexible, and/or any other combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be identical and/or different from each other in material, shape, size, color and/or any measurable dimension, such as length, width, height, depth, area, orientation, perimeter, volume, breadth, density, temperature, resistance, and so forth.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of illustrated technologies in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if a device in the accompanying drawings were turned over, then the elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures were turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. Therefore, the example terms “below” and “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and/or broader disclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, the present disclosure controls. If such disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosure controls.
An apparatus 100 is for a user, such as a person, sitting on a toilet seat 102, which can be any type of toilet seat. Apparatus 100 is sufficiently light for user portability. Apparatus 100 is for placing onto a ground surface. As used herein, the ground surface includes indoors, outdoors, bathroom floors, toilet floors, carpeted floors, and/or any surface on which people can walk and/or stand on, whether stationary and/or moving. Note that any pairing elements of apparatus 100 can be identical to each other or different from each other in any way. Apparatus 100 includes a pair of U-shaped opposing side frames 104 coupled to each other via a front bridge 108 and a back bridge 118 opposing front bridge 108. Frames 104 are spaced apart such that at least seat 102 fits therebetween with the user sitting on seat 102.
Frames 104 are defined via a pair of opposing bases 124, a pair of opposing front legs 106 extending from bases 124, and a pair of opposing back legs 118 extending from bases 124. Note that legs 106 and legs 118 are front and back with respect to each other. Note that one of frames 104 can be identical to or different from the other of frames 104 in any manner, such as at least length, height, width, size, shape, weight, perimeter, area, volume, material, density, rigidity, and so forth. Frames 104 are sufficiently rigid to provide lift support to the user, such as a sick, disabled, and/or frail person. Frames 104 are sufficiently stable such that the user can place the user's hands thereon during defecation.
Bases 124 are similarly sized, parallel, straight, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Bases 124 are sufficiently rigid/stable to provide lift support to the user. Note that whether partially or fully, bases 124 can be identical to or different from each other in length, height, width, size, shape, weight, perimeter, area, volume, material, density, rigidity, inclination angle, and so forth. Bases 124 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Bases 124 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Bases 124 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Bases 124 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from a ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Bases 124 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Bases 124 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Bases 124 can also be oriented in a converging manner or a diverging manner with respect to each other. Bases 124 can also be plates, strips, sheets, and so forth. Bases 124 can be fixed or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Bases 124 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as molded or 3D printed. Bases 124 can have cross-sections of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Bases 124 can have a tube/strip/handle extending from bases 124 above, below, and/or lateral to bases 124
Legs 106 are similarly sized, parallel, straight, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Legs 106 are sufficiently rigid/stable to support to bases 124. Note that whether partially or fully, legs 106 can be identical to or different from each other in length, height, width, size, shape, weight, perimeter, area, volume, material, density, rigidity, inclination angle, and so forth. Legs 106 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Legs 106 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Legs 106 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Legs 106 can be in fluid communication with bases 124. Legs 106 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from each other, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Legs 106 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Legs 106 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Legs 106 can also be oriented in a converging manner or a diverging manner with respect to each other. Legs 106 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Legs 106 can also be plates, strips, sheets, and so forth. Legs 106 can be fixed or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Legs 106 can be an assembly with bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Legs 106 can have cross-sections of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Legs 106 are extending from bases 124 in a curved manner at an angle of about 95 degrees with respect bases 104. However, note that such extension can also be in an acute manner and/or such inclination can be less than about 95 degrees, such as about 90 degrees or about 85 degrees, or greater than about 95 degrees, such as about 100 degrees or about 105 degrees. Note that although legs 106 are foremost, in other example embodiments, legs 106 are not foremost. At least one of legs 106 can have a cap 126 thereon. Cap 126 is configured to prevent ground surface scratching. Cap 126 can include rubber, plastic, and so forth. Note that at least one of legs 106 can also function without cap 126.
Legs 118 are similarly sized, parallel, straight, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Legs 118 are sufficiently rigid/stable to support to bases 124. Note that whether partially or fully, legs 118 can be identical to or different from each other in length, height, width, size, shape, weight, perimeter, area, volume, material, density, rigidity, inclination angle, and so forth. Legs 118 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Legs 118 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Legs 118 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Legs 118 can be in fluid communication with bases 124 and/or legs 106. Legs 118 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from each other, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Legs 118 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Legs 118 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Legs 118 can also be oriented in a converging manner or a diverging manner with respect to each other. Legs 118 can also be plates, strips, sheets, and so forth. Legs 118 can be fixed or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Legs 118 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Legs 118 can be an assembly with bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Legs 118 can be an assembly with legs 106 and bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with legs 106 and bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Legs 118 can have cross-sections of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Legs 118 are extending from bases 124 in a curved manner at an angle of about 95 degrees with respect to bases 124. However, note that such extension can also be in an acute manner and/or such inclination can be less than about 95 degrees, such as about 90 degrees or about 85 degrees, or greater than about 95 degrees, such as about 100 degrees or about 105 degrees. Note that although legs 118 are rearmost, in other example embodiments, legs 106 are not rearmost. At least one of legs 118 can have cap 126 thereon. Note that at least one of legs 118 can also function without cap 126.
Bridge 116 is spanning between legs 118. Bridge 116 is opposing bridge 108. Bridge 116 is parallel to bridge 108. Bridge 116 is straight, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shaft. Note that whether partially or fully, bridge 116 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Bridge 116 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Bridge 116 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Bridge 116 can be in fluid communication with legs 106, bases 124, and/or legs 118. Bridge 116 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from the ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Bridge 118 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Bridge 116 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Bridge 116 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Bridge 116 can be an assembly with at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Bridge 116 can also be a plate, a strip, a sheet, and so forth. Bridge 116 can be an assembly with at least one of legs 118 and at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of legs 118 and at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Bridge 116 can have a cross-section of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Bridge 116 can be fixed or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Bridge 116 is sufficiently rigid/stable to provide support to the user, such as a sick, disabled, and/or frail person. At least at one point, bridge 116 spans above seat 102. At least at one point, bridge 116 is further from the ground surface than seat 102. Therefore, bridge 116 is further from the ground surface than seat 102 when frames 104 are standing on the ground surface with seat 102 between frames 104.
In some example embodiments, bridge 116 is lacking.
Bridge 108 is spanning between legs 106. Bridge 108 is opposing bridge 116. Bridge 108 is straight, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shaft. Bridge 108 is parallel to bridge 116. Note that whether partially or fully, bridge 108 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Bridge 108 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Bridge 108 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Bridge 108 can be in fluid communication with legs 106, bases 124, and/or legs 118. Bridge 108 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from the ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Bridge 108 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Bridge 108 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Bridge 108 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Bridge 108 can be an assembly with at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Bridge 108 can also be a plate, a strip, a sheet, and so forth. Bridge 108 can be an assembly with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Bridge 108 can have a cross-section of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Bridge 108 can be fixed or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Bridge 108 is sufficiently rigid/stable to provide leg support to the user, such as a sick, disabled, and/or frail person. At least at one point, bridge 108 spans below seat 102, in front of seat 102. At least at one point, bridge 108 is closer to the ground surface than seat 102. Therefore, bridge 108 is closer to the ground surface than seat 102 when frames 104 are standing on the ground surface with seat 102 between frames 104. The user can seat on seat 102 between bridge 108 and bridge 116, while being between frames 104.
A pair of footrests 110 extends from bridge 108. Footrests 110 are U-shaped, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Footrests 110 are parallel to each other. Note that whether partially or fully, footrests 110 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Footrests 110 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Footrests 110 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Footrests 110 can be in fluid communication with legs 106, bases 124, and/or legs 118. Footrests 110 can be wavy, arcuate, acute, projecting toward or away from the ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Footrests 110 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Footrests 110 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Footrests 110 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Footrests 110 can be an assembly with at least one of legs 106, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of legs 106, such as via molding or 3D printing. Footrests 110 can also be a plate, a strip, a sheet, and so forth. Footrests 110 can be an assembly with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Footrests 110 can have a cross-section of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Footrests 110 can be fixed to bridge 108 with respect to at least one of legs 106 or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable/pivoting with respect to at least one of legs 106. Footrests 110 are sufficiently rigid/stable to provide leg support to the user, such as a sick, disabled, and/or frail person.
Each of footrests 110 includes a pair of metallic, elliptically tubular, footrest sleeves 110.1. Note, that each of footrests 110 can include only one sleeve 110.1 or at least three sleeves 110.1. Sleeves 110.1 are hollow therein for mounting onto bridge 108. Sleeves 110.1 are mounted on bridge 108. Although bridge 108 includes an area 108.1 intermediate to footrests 110, in other example embodiments, area 108.1 is lacking. Footrests 110 extend from sleeves 108.1. Note that whether partially or fully, sleeves 110.1 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Sleeves 110.1 can be wavy, arcuate, acute, projecting toward or away from the ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Sleeves 110.1 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Sleeves 110.1 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Sleeves 110.1 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Footrests 110 can be an assembly with bridge 108, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with bridge 108, such as via molding or 3D printing. Sleeves 110.1 can have a cross-section of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Sleeves 110.1 can be fixed with respect to bridge 108 or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable/pivoting with respect to bridge 108. Sleeves 110.1 are sufficiently rigid/stable such that footrests 110 securely extend from sleeves 110.
In another example embodiment, at least one sleeve 110.1 is lacking for at least one leg element of footrest 110. Therefore, footrest 110.1 directly extends from bridge 108.
In yet another example embodiment, a single footrest 110 is present. Such footrest 110 is sufficiently elongated between legs 106 such that the user can place both fees next to each other on footrest 110. Further, such footrest can extend from sleeve 110.1 or lack sleeve 110.1 and extend from bridge 108 from at least one point. Moreover, such sleeve can be L-shaped, U-shaped, J-shaped, A-shaped, and so forth.
Footrests 110 are configured to move in an arcuate range of motion. The range of motion is sufficiently extensive to allow for placing the user sitting on seat 102 from a relatively sitting defecation posture into at least one squatting defecation posture. For example, such range can be between about 0 degrees, as coplanar with legs 106, to about 180 degrees clockwise toward seat 102 and bridge 116. Another example of such range can be between about 10 degrees, with respect to legs 106, to about 90 degrees with respect to legs 106. Note that footrests 110 and sleeves 110.1 can move via pivoting about bridge 108. Also, note that footrests 110, sleeves 110.1, and bridge 108 can pivot about legs 106. Further, note that, when sleeves 110.1 are lacking, then footrests 110 can move via pivoting about bridge 108 or move via pivoting with bridge 108 about legs 106. Footrests 110 are lockable at least in a plurality of preset defecation posture positions within the range of motion. The presetting can be user set or manufacturer set.
A pair of locking plates 112 extends from legs 106. Plates 112 are proximal to bridge 108. Plates 112 extend toward legs 118 and face each other. Plates 112 are metallic and flat. Plates 112 are parallel to each other. Note that whether partially or fully, plates 112 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Plates 112 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Plates 112 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Plates 112 can be in fluid communication with legs 106, bases 124, and/or legs 118. Plates 112 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from the ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Plates 112 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Plates 112 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Plates 112 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Plates 112 can be an assembly with legs 106, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with legs 116, such as via molding or 3D printing. Plates 112 can also be a strip, a sheet, a tube, and so forth. plates 112 can be an assembly with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Plates 112 can have a cross-section of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Plates 112 can be shaped in any manner, whether arcuate and/or acute, such as a triangle, a parallelogram, an ellipse, a polygon, and so forth. Plates 112 can be fixed or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable, with respect to legs 106, such as selectively pivoting about legs 106. Plates 112 are sufficiently rigid/stable to enable locking of footrests 110. Plates 112 extend below seat 102, in front of seat 102.
Plates 112 contain a plurality of holes 120 corresponding to a plurality of defecation postures, with at least one of holes 120 corresponding to a squatting posture. Holes 120 can be of any size, shape, depth, and so forth. Holes 120 extend fully through plates 112 in any manner. However, in other example embodiments, holes 120 do not fully extend through plates 112.
A pair of metallic pins 122 is sized for insertion into any of holes 120. Pins 122 can be of any type, size, shape, manner, material, and so forth, whether unitary or non-unitary. When pins 122 are inserted into respective holes 120, then footrests 110 are locked and therefore, relatively stationary/fixed within the range of movement, as described herein, for defecation. Note that such pin insertion can be manual or automatic. Also, note that the ranges of motion for footrests 110 can be identical to or different from each other in any manner. Additionally, note that holes 120 for each plate 112 can be based on identical defecation postures for each of the user's feet or different defecation postures for each of the user's feet. For example, the user's feet can be in relatively identical defecation positions or different defecation positions.
A pair of levers 114 extends from footrests 110 via sleeves 110.1. Levers 114 include a pair of handles 114.1. Levers 114 independently control movement of footrests 110 within the range of motion. Levers 114 can be operated via pushing or pulling handles 114.1 by the user sitting on seat 102. Note that in example embodiments where sleeves 110.1 are lacking, then levers 114 can extend from footrests 110 and/or bridge 108. Levers 114 are between the ground surface and bases 124. Handles 114.1 are extending away from seat 102 and from each other.
Levers 114 are similarly sized, non-linear, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Levers 114 are sufficiently rigid/stable to move footrests 110 with the user's feet thereon. Note that whether partially or fully, levers 114 can be identical to or different from each other in length, height, width, size, shape, weight, perimeter, area, volume, material, density, rigidity, inclination angle, and so forth. Levers 114 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Levers 114 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Levers 114 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Levers 114 can be in fluid communication with footrests 110. Levers 114 can be wavy, curved, acute, arcuate, projecting toward or away from each other, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Levers 114 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Levers 114 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Levers 114 can also be oriented in a converging manner or a diverging manner with respect to each other. Levers 114 can also be plates, strips, sheets, and so forth. Levers 114 can be fixedly extending or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Levers 114 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Levers 114 can be an assembly with footrests 110 and/or sleeves 110.1, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with footrests 110 and/or sleeves 110.1, such as via molding or 3D printing. Levers 114 can be an assembly with footrests 110, sleeves 110.1, and bridge 108, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with footrests 110, sleeves 110.1, and bridge 108, such as via molding or 3D printing. Levers 114 can have cross-sections of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth.
Pins 122 extend through levers 114 into one of holes 120 to lock footrests 110 and therefore, relatively stationary/fixed within the range of movement, as described herein. Although levers 114 are configured for user pulling toward seat 102, in other example embodiments, levers 114 can be configured for user pulling/pushing/operating in any direction(s) from seat 102 in any manner.
Handles 114.1 are similarly sized, linear, rubberized, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Handles 114.1 are mounted on levers 114. Handles 114.1 are configured for user grasping, such as via a plurality of finger grooves or a first groove. Note that whether partially or fully, handles 114.1 can be identical to or different from each other in length, height, width, size, shape, weight, perimeter, area, volume, material, density, rigidity, inclination angle, and so forth. Handles 114.1 can include metal, plastic, wood, and so forth. Handles 114.1 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from each other, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Handles 114.1 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Handles 114.1 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Handles 114.1 can also be oriented in a converging manner or a diverging manner with respect to each other. Handles 114.1 can also be plates, strips, sheets, and so forth. Handles 114.1 can be fixedly extending or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. Handles 114.1 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Handles 114.1 can be an assembly with levers 114, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with levers 114, such as via molding or 3D printing. Handles 114.1 can have cross-sections of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth.
In some example embodiments, frames 104 are foldable with respect to bridge 108. For example, frames 104 can be configured for moving/hinging/pivoting/swinging with respect to bridge 108 toward each other. One of frames 104 folds onto bridge 108. Then, the other of frames 104 folds onto bridge 108 over the already folded frame 104. Therefore, when folded, one of frames 104 is intermediate with respect to bridge 108 and the other frame 104. Another example of folding includes frames 104 folding with respect to bridge 108 in a N-manner with frames 104 being vertical N-elements and bridge 108 being a diagonal N-element. Such N-folding is via frames 104 moving/hinging/pivoting/swinging with respect to bridge 108 in different directions. Note that after unfolding for use, bridge 108 and frames 104 are sufficiently stable for use, such as via locking, mating, fastening, and so forth, by the user, as described herein. Note that for any folding, as described herein, back bridge 118 can be configured for accommodating such folding, such as via moving/hinging/pivoting/swinging with respect to one of legs 118 or be lacking.
In some example embodiments, at least one of frames 114 includes an element, such as a bridge, a shaft, a strip, a chain, and so forth. The element positioned within the at least one of frames 114 such that the at least one of the frames is shaped as a shape selected from a group consisting of an E-shape, a D-shape, an A-shape, a seven-segment O-shape, and a seven-segment 8 shape. For example, when the element extends vertically toward the ground surface from one of bases 124, then one of frames 104 can become E-shaped. Also for example, when the element spans between one of legs 106 and one of legs 118, then one of frames 104 can be A-shaped when the element spans sufficiently above the ground or D-shaped when the element spans proximal to caps 126. Further for example, when a first element spans between one of legs 106 and one of legs 118 intermediate between one of bases 124 and the ground surface, and a second element spans between the one of legs 106 and the one of legs 118 proximal to caps 126, then the one of frames 104 takes on a seven-segment 8 shape, like on a conventional calculator display. Note that caps 126 can also be lacking for such use with the element.
The element can be a straight, metallic, and an elliptically tubular hollow shaft. The element is sufficiently rigid/stable to provide support to one of bases 124 or one of legs 106 or legs 118. Note that whether partially or fully, the element is can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. The element can be a solid internally. The element can be segmented internally and/or externally. The element can be in fluid communication with bases 124 and/or legs 106, legs 118. The element can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from each other, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. The element can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. The element can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. The element can also be oriented in a converging manner or a diverging manner with respect to each other. The element can also be a plate, a strip, a chain, a sheet, and so forth. The element can be fixed in position or rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable. The element can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. The element can be an assembly with legs 106, legs 118, and/or bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with legs 106, legs 118, and/or bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. The element can have cross-sections of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. The element can have cap 126 thereon. The element can also function without cap 126.
In some example embodiments, at least one of frames 104 includes a privacy shield for the user to defecate in privacy. The shield can at least partially span toward the ground surface from at least one of bases 124. The shield can also at least partially span from at least one of legs 106 toward at least one of legs 118. The shield can be selectively detachable and/or selectively attachable. The shield can fully cover an area between at least one of legs 106 and at least one of legs 118 underneath at least one of bases 124. The shield is waterproof. The shield can include cloth, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, glass, and so forth. The glass can be a one-way glass for the user to see through the glass, while remaining private. The shield can include at least one panel. The shield can include a screen. The shield can include a blind, which can be selectively raised and/or lowered.
In one example mode of operation, the user sits on seat 102. Apparatus 100 is placed over the user onto the ground surface with the user being between frames 104, while being between bridge 108 and bridge 116. The user places the user's legs onto footrests 110, while sitting on seat 102. Footrests 110 are locked via pins 122 extending through levers 114 into respective holes 120. Therefore, footrests 110 are relatively stationary/fixed within the range of movement in one of the defecation postures. The user removes pins 122. The user grasps handles 114.1, whether simultaneously or non-simultaneously. The user selectively pulls levers 114 toward the user and seat 102. Such pulling can be simultaneous or non-simultaneous. Resultantly, footrests 110 independently pivot about bridge 108 via sleeves 110.1. Footrests 110 move within the ranges of motion toward the defecation positions. When a desired defecation posture is reached, then the user inserts pins 122 into holes 120 on plates 112 according to the desired position. Consequently, the user can defecate in the desired position with the user's feet resting on footrests 110 positioned accordingly. Such positioning can improve the user's bowel movement, while providing support via frames 104.
A first defecation posture position entails the user sitting on seat 102 with the user's feet resting on footrests 110. Note that openings 120 on plates 112 are not locked via pins 122. Therefore, footrests 110 are movable within the ranges of motion. The user grasps handles 114.1 for pulling toward seat 102. Note that handles 114.1 are proximal to bases 124.
A second defecation posture position is different from the first posture position. The second posture position entails more squatting by the user than the first posture position. In the second posture position, the user pulled handles 114.1 toward seat 102 such that handles 114.1 are adjacent to seat 102 and footrests 110 moved about 75-80 degrees in the ranges of motion from the first posture position to be substantially coplanar with seat 102.
An apparatus 300 includes bridge 108 spanning between legs 106. A pair of footrests 310, which are similar to footrests 110, extends from a common sleeve 310.1, which is similar to sleeves 110.1. When lever 114 is operated, such as when handle 114.1 is pulled toward seat 102, then common sleeve 310.1 allows both footrests 310 to move concurrently. Also, note that common sleeve 310.1 also allows footrests 310 to be locked concurrently. Additionally, note that the ranges of motion of footrests 310 can be relatively identical to or relatively different from each other. Furthermore, note that lever 114 can be coupled to or extend from common sleeve 310.1. Moreover, note that common sleeve 310.1 can pivot about bridge 108 or pivot with bridge 108 about legs 106. In addition, note that lever 114 controls movement of both footrests 310 within their respective ranges. Also, note that another lever 114 different from lever 114 can be coupled to one of footrests 310, one of sleeves 110.1, and/or common sleeve 310.1. Therefore, a movement of one lever 114 can influence movement of the other lever 114 and/or both footrests 310 and/or common sleeve 310.1. Resultantly, one lever 114 moves the other lever 114. Further, note that footrests 310 can be dependently controlled without sleeve 310.1, such as via directly extending from bridge 108.
An apparatus 400 includes a pair of L-shaped footrests 410, which are similar to footrests 110 and/or footrests 310. Note that any footrests, as described herein, can be shaped identically or differently from each other. Therefore, any footrests described herein can be of an L-shape, a U-shape, a J-shape, a T-shape, a P-shape, an A-shape, and an F-shape. However, note that such listing is an example. Other shapes can also be used. Also, note that a single footrest for both feet can also be used in any manner, as described herein.
An apparatus 500 includes a case 530. Case 530 has a pair of loops 528 spaced apart from each other. Case 530 has an inner space accessible via an opening 532. Loops 528 can be of any type. Only one loop 528 can also be used. Loops 528 can be unitary or an assembly with case 530. Loops 528 can include metal, plastic, wood, cloth, rubber, and so forth. Loops 528 are mounted on one of bases 124. Loops 528 can fastened/coupled/joined in any manner, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a male-female fastener, an interlocker, and so forth. Loops 528 can be configured to allow for sliding or prevent sliding along one of bases 124. Alternatively, loops 528 can be unitary with one of bases 124. The inner space is sufficiently large to contain at least a mobile phone and loops 528 are sufficiently durable such that when the phone is within the inner space, case 530 depends from one of bases 124. Opening 532 can be closable, such as via a zipper, a button, a hook-and-loop fastener, and so forth. Case 530 can be waterproof. More than one case 530 can be used.
An apparatus 600 includes a hook 634 depending from one of bases 124 via loop 628, which can be of any type. Loop 628 can be similar to loop 528. Hook 634 can be any type of hook, such as J-hook, and so forth. Hook 634 can include metal, plastic, wood, and so forth. Hook 634 is sufficiently durable to allow a bag or an article of clothing to hang thereon. Hook 634 can be unitary with or an assembly with loop 628.
An apparatus 700 includes a gripping strip 736, a light source 738, and a cushion sleeve 740.
Strip 736 is rubberized and configured to enhance gripping by the user, while the user is sitting on seat 102. At least one of bases 124 can have strip 736 extending thereon. Strip 736 can include a plurality of finger grooves and/or a first groove. Strip 736 can be fixed in place or detachable/removable from use position.
Source 738 can output light of any type/color in any direction, such as toward the user and/or seat 102 for reading and/or safety illumination. Source 738 can include a bulb, such as an incandescent bulb, a light emitting diode (LED) bulb, a fluorescent bulb, and so forth. Source 738 can be powered via an internal battery or mains electricity based source. Alternatively, the battery is internal to one of bases 124. The mains electricity based source can be internal to at least one of frames 104. Source 738 outputs light sufficiently bright for the user to be able to operate apparatus 700 at least partially. Source 738 is waterproof. Source 738 is fixed in place or removable from use position.
Sleeve 740 is mounted on bridge 108. Sleeve 740 extends along area 108.1 between footrests 110. Sleeve 740 is sufficiently cushioning such that when bridge 108 is proximal to seat 102, then sleeve 740 prevents bridge 108 from banging into seat 102 and damaging seat 102, such as via scratching. Sleeve 740 can include foam, polyurethane, and so forth.
An apparatus 800 includes a first cantilevered member 842, a second cantilevered member 844, a pair of wheels 846, and a ratchet plate 848.
Members 842, 844 extend toward each other between legs 106. Members 842, 844 are operable independent of each other. Members 842, 844 are opposing bridge 116 when extending toward each other. Members 842, 844 are straight, metallic, and elliptically tubular hollow shafts. Members 842, 844 are parallel to bridge 116. Note that whether partially or fully, members 842, 844 can include plastic, wood, rubber, and so forth. Members 842, 844 can be hollow, such as via containing a fluid, like a liquid or air, or full, such as via being a solid. Members 842, 844 can be segmented internally and/or externally. Members 842, 844 can be in fluid communication with legs 106, bases 124, and/or legs 118. Members 842, 844 can be wavy, arcuate, projecting toward or away from the ground surface, projecting toward seat 102 or away from seat 102, any diagonals thereof, and/or any combination thereof. Members 842, 844 can be surfaced smoothly, roughly, ruggedly, and so forth. Members 842, 844 can be fully continuous, partially continuous, perforated in any manner/size/shape, and/or any combination thereof. Members 842, 844 can be an assembly, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary, such as via molding or 3D printing. Members 842, 844 can be an assembly with at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Members 842, 844 can also be a plate, a strip, a sheet, and so forth. Members 842, 844 can be an assembly with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via a plurality of telescoping elements, a plurality of fastened pieces, a plurality of mating elements, and so forth, or be unitary with at least one of legs 106 and at least one of bases 124, such as via molding or 3D printing. Members 842, 844 can have a cross-section of any type, such as a parallelogram, a polygon, an ellipse, a triangle, and so forth. Members 842, 844 are sufficiently rigid/stable to provide leg support to the user, such as a sick, disabled, and/or frail person. At least at one point, members 842, 844 span below seat 102, in front of seat 102 when extending toward each other. At least at one point, members 842, 844 are closer to the ground surface than seat 102 when extending toward each other. Therefore, members 842, 844 are closer to the ground surface than seat 102 when frames 104 are standing on the ground surface with seat 102 between frames 104. The user can seat on seat 102 between members 842, 844 and bridge 116, while being between frames 104.
Members 842, 844 can be rotatable/movable/collapsible/foldable, in an identical or different manner, to avoid walk interference between frames 104 from legs 106 to bridge 116. Such action can take place according to a pair of paths 850. Resultantly, via paths 850, members 842, 844 rotate/move/collapse/fold away from seat 102, such as to be parallel with bases 124. Note that lever 114 and/or handle 114.1 can have a different shape to facilitate such avoidance of walk interference. In another example embodiment, members 842, 844 rotate/move/collapse/fold toward seat 102, such as to be parallel with bases 124, underneath bases 124. Similarly, lever 114 and/or handle 114.1 can have a different shape to facilitate such avoidance of walk interference. In yet another example embodiment, members 842, 844 rotate/move/collapse/fold upward, away from the ground surface, toward legs 106, such as to be parallel with legs 106. Similarly, lever 114 and/or handle 114.1 can have a different shape to facilitate such avoidance of walk interference. Note that in all of such embodiments, footrests 110 are also positioned to avoid walk interference, whether manually or via such action. Note that, in some example embodiments, sleeves 110.1 are configured not to detach from members 842, 844, such as via sliding off from members 842, 844, however, in other example embodiments, members 842, 844 can be selectively detachable and securely re-attachable. Further, note that members 842, 844 can operate as bridge 108, as described herein. For example, footrests 110 can pivot about members 842, 844 via sleeves 110.1 as pulled via levers 114. Also for example, footrests 110 can pivot with members 842, 844 about legs 106. Further, for example, levers 114 can extend from members 842, 844, whether inclusive or exclusive of extending from sleeves 110.1.
Wheels 846 are present on legs 118. Wheels 846 can be inflatable, plastic, metallic, wooden, rubberized, and so forth. Wheels 846 allow apparatus 800 to function as a walker, at least for a sick, frail, disabled, injured, and/or elderly person. Therefore, when walking via apparatus 800, then members 842, 844 are rotated/moved/collapsed/folded to avoid walk interference for the user walking into apparatus 800 toward bridge 116 to be between frames 104 and grasping bases 104. If during walking with apparatus 800, the user desires to sit on seat 102 for defecation, then the user sits on seat 102 and then operates members 842, 844 from their rotated/moved/collapsed/folded positions to place members 842, 844 into positions as shown in
Plates 848 include a plurality of toothed positions arranged according the defecation postures, as described herein. The toothed positions can be of any type. Levers 114 includes a pair of pawls configured for operation with plate 848. The pawls can include plastic, metal, wood, and so forth. The pawls can be of any type. Footrests 110 are lockable at the toothed positions via the pawls allowing unidirectional movement toward seat 102. The pawls are releasable from the toothed positions in any manner, such as via manual pulling toward seat 102, operation of levers 114, and so forth. Such release functionality can be identical for both of the pawls or different for both of the pawls. The pawl operates based on operation of levers 114, as pulled via handles 114.1. In another example embodiment, one of legs 106 has a single ratchet plate 848 and the other of legs 106 has a single holed plate 112. In yet another example embodiment, members 842, 844 are associated with plates 112, as described herein. In yet still another example embodiment, at least one of plates 848 is holed, like plate 112. In yet further example embodiment, at least one of plates 112 is ratcheted, like plate 848.
The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustive and/or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in techniques and structures will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as set forth in the claims that follow. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and unforeseeable equivalents at the time of filing of the present disclosure.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An apparatus for a user sitting on a toilet seat, said apparatus comprising:
- a U-shaped portion defined via a pair of side sections and a bridge spanning therebetween such that said seat fits between said sections when said bridge is frontal to said seat and below said seat;
- a footrest extending from said bridge, said footrest moving in an arcuate range of motion with respect to said sections, said footrest accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections;
- a lever extending from at least one of said bridge and said footrest, said lever controlling said footrest moving within said range, said lever accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections; and
- a locking mechanism including a plurality of lock settings corresponding to a plurality defecation posture positions of said footrest within said range, said mechanism locking said footrest in one of said positions.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said mechanism including a plate and a pin, said plate including a plurality of holes corresponding to said settings, said plate extending from one of said sections, said pin sized for insertion into said holes, said mechanism locking said footrest based at least in part on said pin extending through said lever and one of said holes.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said mechanism including a plate and a pawl, said plate including a plurality of teeth corresponding to said settings, said plate extending from one of said sections, said lever including said pawl, said mechanism locking said footrest based at least in part on said pawl engaging one of said teeth.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said lever extending from said footrest, said footrest moving within said range with respect to said bridge.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said lever extending from said bridge, said footrest moving within said range when said bridge pivots about said sections.
26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said sections pivoting with respect to said bridge toward said bridge.
27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said footrest has a shape selected from a group consisting of a L-shape, a U-shape, a J-shape, a T-shape, a P-shape, an A-shape, and a F-shape.
28. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
- a second footrest extending from said bridge, said second footrest moving in a second arcuate range of motion with respect to said sections, said second footrest accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections, said footrest and said second footrest moving independently of each other.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising:
- a second lever extending from at least one of said bridge and said second footrest, said second lever controlling said second footrest moving within said second range, said second lever accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections.
30. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
- a second footrest extending from said bridge, said second footrest moving in a second arcuate range of motion with respect to said sections, said second footrest accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections, said footrest and said second footrest moving dependently of each other, said lever controlling said second footrest moving within said second range.
31. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
- a second footrest extending from said bridge, said second footrest moving in a second arcuate range of motion with respect to said sections, said second footrest accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections;
- a cushion sleeve mounted on said bridge, said sleeve extending along said bridge between said footrest and said second footrest.
32. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
- a second footrest extending from said bridge, said second footrest moving in a second arcuate range of motion with respect to said sections, said second footrest accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections, said range and said second range are different from each other.
33. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:
- a second footrest extending from said bridge, said second footrest moving in a second arcuate range of motion with respect to said sections, said second footrest accessible to said user when said bridge is frontal to said seat with said seat between said sections, said range and said second range are identical to each other.
34. An apparatus for a user sitting on a toilet seat, said apparatus comprising:
- a U-shaped walker defined via a pair of side sections and a front bridge spanning therebetween, said sections including a pair of back legs, said legs including a pair of systems operative independent of each other, each of said systems including a cantilevered member, a footrest, a lever, and a locking mechanism,
- wherein said member extending from one of said legs and configured for pivoting about said one of said legs between a first position and a second position, said member extending toward respective opposing back leg in said first position, said footrest extending from said member and moving in an arcuate range of motion with respect to said one of said legs when said member is in said first position, said footrest accessible to said user when said member is frontal to said seat in said first position with said seat between said sections, said lever extending from at least one of said member and said footrest, said lever controlling said footrest moving within said range when said member is in said first position, said lever accessible to said user when said member is frontal to said seat in said first position with said seat between said sections, said locking mechanism including a plurality of lock settings corresponding to a plurality defecation posture positions of said footrest within said range, said mechanism locking said footrest in one of said positions when said member is in said first position, said member avoiding walk interference from said one of said legs between said sections to said bridge in said second position when said seat is between said sections.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said mechanism including a plate and a pin, said plate including a plurality of holes corresponding to said settings, said plate extending from said one of said legs, said pin sized for insertion into said holes, said mechanism locking said footrest based at least in part on said pin extending through said lever and one of said holes.
36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said mechanism including a plate and a pawl, said plate including a plurality of teeth corresponding to said settings, said plate extending from said one of said legs, said lever including said pawl, said mechanism locking said footrest based at least in part on said pawl engaging one of said teeth.
37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said lever extending from said footrest, said footrest moving within said range with respect to said member.
38. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said lever extending from said member, said footrest moving within said range when said member pivots about said one of said legs.
39. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said footrest has a shape selected from a group consisting of a L-shape, a U-shape, a J-shape, a T-shape, a P-shape, an A-shape, and a F-shape.
40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said ranges are at least one of different from each other and identical to each other.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 28, 2013
Publication Date: Apr 30, 2015
Inventor: William Good (Newark, DE)
Application Number: 14/064,446
International Classification: A47K 17/02 (20060101);
