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Title:
FOOT LEDGE STRUCTURE FOR TOILET
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/217728
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A toilet positionable above a floor comprises a toilet base and a foot ledge structure. The toilet base at least partially surrounds a lower portion of a toilet bowl. The toilet base defines an inner area that at least partially contains the lower portion of the toilet bowl. The foot ledge structure comprises a foot ledge elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. At least a portion of the foot ledge is positioned directly underneath at least a portion of the inner area in the retracted position, and the portion of the foot ledge is extended out from underneath the inner area in the extended position.

Inventors:
SLOTHOWER ERICH D (US)
MUELLENBACH KEITH E (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2019/031589
Publication Date:
November 14, 2019
Filing Date:
May 09, 2019
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
KOHLER CO (US)
International Classes:
A47C7/62; A47K17/02; E03D11/00; E03D11/13
Foreign References:
US20180020889A12018-01-25
EP0864288A11998-09-16
US20060226747A12006-10-12
CN106993975A2017-08-01
JP2007222279A2007-09-06
CN203716257U2014-07-16
US20160360937A12016-12-15
US2243264A1941-05-27
US4584725A1986-04-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LAZARUS, John M. et al. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toilet positionable above a floor, the toilet comprising:

a toilet base at least partially surrounding a lower portion of a toilet bowl,

wherein the toilet base defines an inner area that at least partially contains the lower portion of the toilet bowl; and

a foot ledge structure comprising a foot ledge elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base,

wherein at least a portion of the foot ledge is positioned directly underneath at least a portion of the inner area in the retracted position,

wherein the portion of the foot ledge is extended out from underneath the inner area in the extended position.

2. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the toilet base comprises an aperture that extends completely through at least one wall of the toilet base, wherein the foot ledge moves at least partially through the aperture as the foot ledge moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

3. The toilet of claim 2, wherein a front portion of the foot ledge extends out from underneath the inner area of the toilet base in the retracted position.

4. The toilet of claim 3, wherein the foot ledge comprises a recessed area that is thinner than at least the front portion of the foot ledge and extends along a top surface of the foot ledge, wherein the recessed area is complementary to a bottom surface of an upper edge of the aperture.

5. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the foot ledge comprises a wide portion and a narrow portion, wherein the wide portion is wider than the width of the toilet base and the narrow portion is more narrow than the width of the toilet base such that the narrow portion can fit completely underneath the inner area in the retracted position.

6. The toilet of claim 5, wherein the entire wide portion and at least a portion of the narrow portion are extended out from underneath the inner area of the toilet base in the extended position.

7. The toilet of claim 5, wherein the entire width and length of the wide portion overhang the floor in front of the toilet base in the extended position without any supports between the wide portion and the floor.

8. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the foot ledge structure comprises a base bracket positioned within the inner area of the toilet base and configured to elevate the foot ledge above the floor, wherein the foot ledge is movably attached to the base bracket.

9. The toilet of claim 8, wherein the base bracket is configured to statically attach to a portion of a trapway and/or the toilet base.

10. The toilet of claim 8, wherein the foot ledge structure comprises a front magnetic component, a back magnetic component, and a corresponding magnetic component, wherein the front magnetic component and the back magnetic component are statically attached to one of the base bracket and the foot ledge and the corresponding magnetic component is statically attached to the other of the base bracket and the foot ledge, wherein the corresponding magnetic component magnetically attaches to the back magnetic component when the foot ledge is in the retracted position and to the front magnetic component when the foot ledge is in the extended position.

11. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the foot ledge structure comprises a rail mechanism configured to allow the foot ledge to move between the retracted position and the extended position relative to the toilet base.

12. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the entire toilet base is positioned on top of the foot ledge structure.

13. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the foot ledge comprises a vertical wall that extends vertically between a front end of the foot ledge.

14. A foot ledge structure for a toilet base of a toilet positionable above a floor, the foot ledge structure comprising:

a foot ledge elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base,

wherein at least a portion of the foot ledge is positioned directly underneath at least a portion of an inner area of the toilet base in the retracted position, wherein the inner area of the toilet base at least partially contains a lower portion of the toilet bowl,

wherein the portion of the foot ledge is extended out from underneath the inner area of the toilet base in the extended position.

15. The foot ledge structure of claim 14, wherein the entire toilet base is positioned on top of the foot ledge structure.

16. A toilet comprising:

a base disposed at least partially beneath a lower portion of a toilet bowl;

a foot ledge elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base; and

wherein the foot ledge is disposed at least partially within the base in the retracted position, and the foot ledge is extended at least partially from the base in the extended position.

Description:
FOOT LEDGE STRUCTURE FOR TOILET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 62/670,403, filed May 11, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of foot ledges for toilets.

BACKGROUND

[0003] With conventional seated toilets, the user can sit on the seat of the toilet in a seated position with their feet on the floor in order to use the toilet (e.g., have a bowel movement). However, the seated position (in which the user’s feet are on the floor) does not anatomically help the user to have a bowel movement due to the angle between the user’s femurs and pelvis bone. In particular, in this position, the user’s knees are approximately level to or lower than the user’s pelvis. This seated position not only anatomically makes having a bowel movement more difficult for the user by putting a strain on the user’s colon, but also prevents the user from fully eliminating fecal matter, which may cause health complications.

[0004] Comparatively, in the squatting position, the user’s femurs are angled upward relative to their pelvis such that the user’s knees are above the user’s pelvis. The squatting position anatomically helps the user to have a bowel movement and reduces the risk of a variety of different health complications that are associated with having bowel movements in the traditional seated position.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to allow the user to be in a position closer to the squatting position while still sitting on a toilet. Present attempts at obtaining such a position take up room within the bathroom and are not easily stowed while not being used. Furthermore, previous attempts may be in the way of users who would like to use the toilet while standing.

SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment relates to a toilet positionable above a floor comprises a toilet base and a foot ledge structure. The toilet base at least partially surrounds a lower portion of a toilet bowl. The toilet base defines an inner area that at least partially contains the lower portion of the toilet bowl. The foot ledge structure comprises a foot ledge elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. At least a portion of the foot ledge is positioned directly underneath at least a portion of the inner area in the retracted position, and the portion of the foot ledge is extended out from underneath the inner area in the extended position.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a foot ledge structure for a toilet base of a toilet positionable above a floor that comprises a foot ledge. The foot ledge is elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. At least a portion of the foot ledge is positioned directly underneath at least a portion of an inner area of the toilet base in the retracted position. The inner area of the toilet base at least partially contains a lower portion of the toilet bowl. The portion of the foot ledge is extended out from underneath the inner area of the toilet base in the extended position.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a toilet comprising a base and a foot ledge. The base is disposed at least partially beneath a lower portion of a toilet bowl. The foot ledge is elevated above the floor and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. The foot ledge is disposed at least partially within the base in the retracted position, and the foot ledge is extended at least partially from the base in the extended position.

[0009] The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity contains simplifications,

generalizations, and omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further features, characteristics, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, made with reference to the drawings annexed, in which like reference characters refer to like elements.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure in a retracted position according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 1 with the foot ledge structure in the extended position.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a partially cross-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the toilet of FIG. 1 with the foot ledge structure in the extended position.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective, side view of the foot ledge structure of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective, top view of a foot ledge of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 8 is perspective, top view of the foot ledge of FIG. 7 partially disassembled.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective, bottom view of the foot ledge of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front of a toilet base of the toilet of FIG. 1. [0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a trim piece for the toilet base of FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the foot ledge of FIG. 7 with the trim piece of FIG. 11.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a side view of the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a close-up view of a portion of the toilet of FIG. 1 with the foot ledge structure in the extended position.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a base bracket and a rail mechanism of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 6.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the base bracket of FIG. 15.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a front view of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a side view of the base bracket and the rail mechanism of FIG. 15 next to the toilet of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of the rail mechanism of FIG. 15.

[0030] FIG. 20 is a top view of a portion of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 6.

[0031] FIG. 21 is a close-up view of a portion of the base bracket and the rail mechanism of

FIG. 15.

[0032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 6.

[0033] FIG. 23 is a top view of a base bracket and a rail mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the base bracket and the rail mechanism of FIG. 23.

[0035] FIG. 25 are perspective view of various configurations of the foot ledge of FIG. 7. [0036] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure in an extended position according to another embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 27 is partially cross-sectional view of the toilet of FIG. 27 with the foot ledge structure in the retracted position.

[0038] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the foot ledge structure of the toilet of FIG. 26.

[0039] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a foot ledge and a base structure of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 28.

[0040] FIG. 30 is a top view of the foot ledge and the base structure of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 28.

[0041] FIG. 31 is a bottom, perspective view of the foot ledge and the base structure of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 28.

[0042] FIG. 32 is a rear, perspective view of a toilet base of the toilet of FIG. 26.

[0043] FIGS. 33-40 are perspective views of the toilet of FIG. 26 being assembled.

[0044] FIGS. 41-42 are perspective and partially transparent views of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0045] FIGS. 43-44 are perspective views of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0046] FIGS. 45-46 are side views of a toilet with a knee rest structure according to another embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 47 and FIGS. 48-49 are side and perspective views, respectively, of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment. [0048] FIG. 50 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0049] FIGS. 51-52 are perspective views of a foot ledge of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 50.

[0050] FIG. 53 and FIGS. 54-56 are perspective and front views, respectively, of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 57 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 58 and FIG. 59 are side and front, partially transparent views, respectively, of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 60 and FIG. 61 are front, top perspective and top views, respectively, of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 62 and FIG. 63 are front, top perspective and top views, respectively, of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 64 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 65 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0057] FIGS. 66-68 are side views of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 69 is a view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another

embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 70 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment. [0060] FIGS. 71-74 are side views of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0061] FIGS. 75-76 are side views of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0062] FIGS. 77-78 are side views of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 79 is a top view of a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a foot ledge structure according to another

embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 81 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure according to another embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 82 is a side view of a toilet with a foot ledge structure in a retracted position according to another embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 83 is a side view of the toilet of FIG. 81 with the foot ledge structure in an extended position.

[0068] FIG. 84 is a perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 81 with the foot ledge structure in the retracted position.

[0069] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 81 with the foot ledge structure in the extended position.

[0070] FIG. 86 is a front view of a toilet according to another embodiment of the foot ledge structure of FIG. 81.

[0071] FIG. 87 is a side view of the toilet of FIG. 86 with the foot ledge structure in the extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with regard to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the disclosure. Nothing in this disclosure is intended to imply that any particular feature or characteristic of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The scope of protection is not defined by any particular embodiment described herein. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of the descriptions only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0073] Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a foot ledge structure for a toilet that provides an area for the user to rest their feet on while sitting on the toilet in order to allow the user to be in a position that is more similar to the squatting position (compared to a normal seated position in which the user’s feet are resting on the floor) while still sitting on the toilet. In particular, the foot ledge structure elevates the user’s feet (and therefore also the user’s knees and the distal end of the user’s femurs), thereby decreasing the angle between the user’s femurs and pelvis. This anatomical position helps facilitate bowel movements and to prevent health complications.

Toilet

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a toilet 20 is shown that includes a toilet tank 22 (that provides an area to hold water prior to being flushed into and through the toilet bowl), a toilet base 24, and a foot ledge structure 30. The toilet 20 is positionable above (and optionally on) a floor. As described further herein, the foot ledge structure 30 provides an area for the user to rest their feet on in an elevated position (relative to the floor) while seated on the toilet 20. The foot ledge structure 30 elevates the user’s feet above the floor and thus elevates the user’s knees, thereby decreasing the angle between the user’s femurs and pelvis when the user is seated on the toilet 20. [0075] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the foot ledge structure 30 includes a foot ledge 40 (as described further herein) that is movable between a retracted position 32 and an extended position 34 relative to the toilet base 24. In the retracted position 32 (as shown in FIG. 1), at least a portion of the foot ledge 40 is concealed within, hidden within, disposed at least partially within, or retracted into the toilet base 24 (and therefore positioned directly underneath at least a portion of the inner area 23 defined by the toilet base 24) in order to maximize the available space within the bathroom and provide a more streamlined and elegant look when not in use (i.e., when the user is not sitting on the toilet or when the user is not using the foot ledge 40). Since the foot ledge structure 30 is not positioned along the floor in front of the toilet base 24 in the retracted position 32 and is substantially retracted into the toilet base 24, the foot ledge structure 30 is not in the way while a user is using the toilet 20 while standing. In the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 2), at least the portion of the foot ledge 40 is extended out of or at least partially from the toilet base 24 (and extended out from underneath the inner area 32 of the toilet base 24) in order to provide ample area for the user to rest their feet on the foot ledge 40 and elevate their feet above the floor when in use (i.e., when the user is sitting on the toilet with their feet on the foot ledge 40).

[0076] The toilet 20 and its components may have a variety of different relative dimensions according to the desired configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, the distance 101 from the top surface of the rim of the toilet bowl 25 (i.e., the top of the toilet base 24) to the top surface of the foot ledge 40 is approximately 11.4 inches. The distance 102 from the floor to the top surface of the foot ledge 40 is approximately 4.75 inches. This configuration generally provides a“comfort height” for the toilet 20.

[0077] As described further herein, any front walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet 20 and its components refers to wall, portion, side, or end of the toilet 20 that is furthest away from and opposite the toilet tank 22. Any back walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet 20 and its components refers to the wall, portion, side, or end of the toilet 20 that the toilet tank 22 is positioned along (or closest to). The side walls or portions of the toilet 20 and its components refer to the walls or portions that extend between the front and back of the toilet 20. The bottom walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet 20 refers to the wall, portion, side, or end that is closest to the floor, and the top walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet 20 refers to the wall, portion, side, or end that is furthest from the floor.

Toilet Base

[0078] The toilet base 24 is a lower portion of the toilet 20 that supports the tank 22 and is configured to attach the rest of the toilet 20 to the floor and any plumbing. The toilet base 24 supports, is disposed at least partially beneath, at least partially contains the toilet bowl 25 (as shown in FIG. 3) and provides an area for the seat and lid to attach to and rest along in the closed position above the toilet bowl 25. The toilet base 24 at least partially surrounds the toilet bowl 25, in particular a lower portion of the toilet bowl 25. The toilet base 24 may be constructed out of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to vitreous china.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the toilet base 24 includes and defines an open, hollow, interior, internal, or inner space or area 23 that at least partially contains at least the lower portion of the toilet bowl 25. The toilet base 24 may include at least one wall that defines and encloses the inner area 23 and extends vertically below the toilet bowl 25. The inner area 23 extends below the toilet bowl 25 and is configured to contain or house the trapway 28 (which may optionally be plastic). At least a portion of the inner area 23 is positioned above at least a portion of the entire foot ledge structure 30. Optionally, the inner area 23 may also extend below and contain or house the entire foot ledge structure 30 (aside from an end portion of the foot ledge 40 according to one embodiment). Due to the manufacturing process of the toilet 20 and the configuration of the toilet 20, the toilet 20 does not require internal support structures within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 to reinforce the toilet 20 (during, for example, the molding and firing process of the toilet base 24). Accordingly, the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 has a substantially open space, in particular toward the front of the toilet base 24. This open space within the inner area 23 provides sufficient room to house or accommodate the toilet bowl 25 and optionally also the foot ledge structure 30 along at least a portion of the length of the toilet base 24 and along the front of the toilet base 24. Accordingly, the foot ledge structure 30 (aside from an end portion of the foot ledge 40 according to one embodiment) is positioned beneath the toilet bowl 25 and beneath at least a portion of the inner area 23, and optionally within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 according to one embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet base 24 includes an aperture, hole, or opening, (referred to herein as a slot 26) that extends completely through at least one wall of the toilet base 24 and allows the foot ledge 40 to move at least partially into and out from the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 (while the rest of the foot ledge structure 30 remains within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24). Accordingly, the foot ledge 40 moves at least partially through the slot 26 as the foot ledge 40 moves between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. Depending on the shape and size of the foot ledge 40, the slot 26 may extend horizontally along the entire width of the front wall of the toilet base 24 and is positioned in front of the open space of the inner area 23 at the front of the toilet base 24. The slot 26 includes a horizontally-extending upper edge, a horizontally-extending lower edge (that is opposite the upper edge), and vertically-extending side edges that extend vertically between the upper edge and the lower edge. The upper edge and the lower edge may extend along both the front wall and the side walls of the toilet base 24. The side edges may be positioned along opposite side walls of the toilet base 24.

[0081] According to one embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the slot 26 extends completely through and along both the front wall and at least a front portion of the side walls of the toilet base 24. This configuration allows a wide portion 42 of the foot ledge 40 (as described further herein) that is wider than the toilet base 24 to fit at least partially within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 in the retracted position 32. In particular, in the retracted position 32, the slot 26 allows the outer edges of the wide portion 42 of the foot ledge 40 to extend outside of the inner area 23 (i.e., beyond the side walls of the toilet base 24) while the middle portion of the wide portion 42 is positioned within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 (i.e., between the side walls of the toilet base 24).

[0082] The slot 26 can be formed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to cutting a hole in the wall of the toilet base 24 using a variety of different tools (including laser cutting), using a water jet, milling the slot 26, or molding the slot 26 directly into the vitreous china of the toilet base 24.

Foot Ledge Structure

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the foot ledge structure 30 includes the foot ledge 40, a base bracket 50, and a rail mechanism 70, as described further herein. The foot ledge structure 30 is configured to support a variety of different weights such as 450 pounds.

Foot Ledge

[0084] The pop-out slide or foot ledge 40 provides an area for the user to directly rest their feet on while seated on the toilet 20 and is movable and extendable out from the front of the toilet base 24 (i.e., the side opposite the toilet tank 22) between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and described further herein) relative to the base bracket 50 and the toilet base 24. Accordingly, the foot ledge 40 is elevated vertically above the floor that the toilet 20 is positioned directly above (and optionally directly on). However, the foot ledge 40 is vertically below the top of the toilet base 24 where the seat and the lid are attached to.

[0085] In order to both provide sufficient area to support the user’s feet and in order to be substantially retractable into the toilet base 24, the foot ledge 40 includes both a wide portion 42 and a narrow portion 44 along the length of the foot ledge 40, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The wide portion 42 is positioned along the front end of the narrow portion 44 such that the wide portion 42 extend out from the front end of the toilet base 24, beyond the narrow portion 44. The wide portion 42 is wider than the narrow portion 44 along the width of the foot ledge 40 and provides ample room for the user to place their feet on. The wide portion 42 may be wider than the width of the toilet base 24. Accordingly, at least a portion of the wide portion 42 may extend out from either side of the toilet base 24 (as well as out from the front end of the toilet base 24), and therefore extends out from the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24, in the retracted position 32 (as shown in FIG. 1). By extending out along the sides and front end of the toilet base 24, the foot ledge 40 provides an area for the user to grip in order to move the foot ledge 40 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. The extended width of the wide portion 42 may allow the user to be in a more comfortable position while using the foot ledge structure 30 since the user can place their feet anywhere along the width (and length) of the wide portion 42 according to their desired position.

[0086] The narrow portion 44 is more narrow than the wide portion 42 and is more narrow than width of the toilet base 24 such that, in the retracted position 32, the narrow portion 44 can fit completely inside the toilet base 24 (i.e., completely underneath (and optionally within) the hollow inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 and between the side walls of the toilet base 24). The narrow portion 44 allows the foot ledge 40 to be substantially retracted into the toilet base 24 in the retracted position 32. The narrow portion 44 is longer than the wide portion 42 in order to allow the foot ledge 40 to be substantially extended out from the toilet base 24 in the extended position 34. Accordingly, in the extended position 34, the entire wide portion 42 and at least a portion of the narrow portion 44 are extended out from and positioned in front of the toilet base 24 (and not underneath the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24).

[0087] The foot ledge 40 is cantilevered and movably attached or fixed to the rail mechanism 70 or the base bracket 50 along only the back end of the foot ledge 40 (i.e., only along the narrow portion 44 of the foot ledge 40). Accordingly, the front end of the foot ledge 40 (i.e., the wide portion 42 of the foot ledge 40, which extends out from the toilet base 24 in both the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 and along which the user places their feet) is not attached to or supported by any structure and overhangs the bathroom floor along the area in front of the front end of the toilet base 24. When the foot ledge 40 is in the extended position 34, the entire wide portion 42 (i.e., the entire width and length of the wide portion 42) and optionally at least a portion of the narrow portion 44 overhang the bathroom floor without any support or attachments below the foot ledge 40 in front of or beyond the front end of the toilet base 24. In particular, there are no supports or attachments below the wide portion 42 (i.e., between the wide portion 42 and the floor). The front end or portion of the foot ledge 40 refers to the end or portion of the foot ledge 40 that extends out from underneath the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 in the retracted position 32 according to one embodiment and may refer to the end of the wide portion 42 that is positioned opposite the narrow portion 44.

[0088] The foot ledge 40 includes a foot plate or pad 46 and a support shelf or platform 48. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the foot pad 46 is positioned on the top surface of the support platform 48 and provides a comfortable and optionally padded area for the user to rest their feet directly on. The support platform 48 is positioned directly beneath the foot pad 46 and provides support and a solid structure to stably hold the user’s feet. The foot pad 46 and the support platform 48 may optionally have approximately the same shape and size along their length and width (however, according to one embodiment, the foot pad 46 may be slightly smaller than the support platform 48 such that the support platform 48 extends beyond the edges of the foot pad 46). Accordingly, both the foot pad 46 and the support platform 48 include the wide portion 42 and the narrow portion 44. The support platform 48 may be thicker than the foot pad 46 in order to provide adequate support, and the foot pad 46 may be thinner than the support platform 48 to minimize the thickness of the entire foot ledge 40. With a thinner profile for the entire foot ledge 40, the slot 26 may also be smaller, and the foot ledge 40 takes up less space within the bathroom.

[0089] The support platform 48 may be, for example, a 3D-printed frame or a laser-cut steel plate (with, for example, 10 gauge steel). The foot pad 46 may optionally be epoxied onto the support platform 48. As shown in FIG. 8, the foot pad 46 may be easily removed, attached, or reattached to the support platform 48 in order to easily clean or replace the foot pad 46. The foot pad 46 may optionally include a gripping surface or treads in order to prevent the user’s feet from slipping off of the foot ledge 40. The foot pad 46 may be constructed out of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to plastic or rubber.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the foot ledge 40 may include a cutout guard, divot, channel, or recessed area 47 that extends along a portion of the width of the foot ledge 40 and is relatively thinner (in a vertical direction) than at least the front portion of the foot ledge 40. The recessed area 47 extends along a top surface of the foot ledge 40 (e.g., the top surfaces of the wide portions 42 of the foot pad 46 and the support platform 48) in order to provide an area that securely fits with the slot 26 of the toilet base 24 when in the retracted position 32. The recessed area 47 may be complementary to the shape and size of the upper edge of the slot 26 (or of the trim piece 60, as described further herein), in particular to the bottom surface of the upper edge of the slot 26. The recessed area 47 is positioned along the length of the foot ledge 40 such that the recessed area 47 aligns with and extends along the length of the upper edge of the slot 26 when the foot ledge 40 is in the retracted position 32.

[0091] The back portion of the foot ledge 40 (i.e., the portion of the foot ledge 40 that is behind the recessed area 47, including the narrow portion 44 and a portion of the wide portion 42) may be relatively thinner than the front portion of the foot ledge 40 (i.e., the portion of the foot ledge 40 that is in front of the recessed area 47, which is only a portion of the wide portion 42). This configuration allows the back portion of the foot ledge 40 to easily fit within and move through the slot 26. Accordingly, the vertical height (i.e., the thickness) of the recessed area 47 and the back portion of the foot ledge 40 is smaller than the vertical height of the slot 26 (i.e., the distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of the slot 26). Additionally, the thickness or height of the front portion of the foot ledge 40 relative to height of the slot 26 (as well as the width of the wide portion 42 compared to the width of the slot 26) prevents the foot ledge 40 from moving too far into the toilet base 24. However, the foot ledge 40 may be configured such that the entire foot ledge 40 is positioned within the toilet base 24 in the retracted position 32.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 9, the foot ledge 40 includes latches 49 attached to opposite sides of the bottom surface of the support platform 48, opposite to the foot pad 46. The latches 49 may allow the foot ledge 40 to movably lock with a portion of the rail mechanism 70 (such as an upper rail) after or during installation in order to guide the movement of the foot ledge 40 along the rail mechanism 70 (in particular as the foot ledge 40 is moved between the retracted positon 32 and the extended positon 34) and to prevent the foot ledge 40 from inadvertently falling completely out of the toilet base 24 in the extended position 34. Since the latches 49 may extend beyond the bottom surface of the support platform 48 (thereby increasing the overall thickness of the foot ledge 40 along the latches 49), the lower edge of the slot 26 includes notches 27 that provide an area of increased clearance along height of the slot 26 (as shown in FIG. 10) for at least a portion of the latches 49 to be able to fit and move through as the foot ledge 40 is moved between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. The notches 27 of the slot 26 are positioned along the front wall of the toilet base 24.

[0093] In order to fit closely with the foot ledge 40, the slot 26 of the toilet base 24 includes a trim piece 60 that extends around at least a portion of the edges of the slot 26, as shown in FIG. 10, in particular the upper edge of the slot 26. As shown in FIG. 11, the trim piece 60 is shaped according to the shape of the inner surfaces of the edges of the slot 26 such that the trim piece 60 and the edges of the slot 26 are complementary, and the trim piece 60 fits within the edges of the slot 26. Accordingly, the trim piece 60 extends along the upper edges of the slot 26, the side edges of the slot 26, and at least a portion of the lower edges of the slot 26 (as shown in FIG. 10). The trim piece 60 may extend along the portions of the lower edges of the slot 26 that are along the side walls of the toilet base 24. The trim piece 60 may optionally not extend along the portion of the lower edge of the slot 26 that is along the front wall of the toilet base 24. The trim piece 60 may be attached to the slot 26 with, for example, an adhesive such as 5-minute epoxy.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 12, the trim piece 60 is configured to extend along the top surface of the foot ledge 40 (in particular along the recessed area 47 of the foot ledge 40) when the foot ledge 40 is in the retracted position 32. Accordingly, the trim piece 60 may align with and at least partially fit within the recessed area 47 of the foot ledge 40 when the foot ledge 40 is in the retracted position 32. The trim piece 60 may be constructed out of a relatively soft material, which ensures a close and accurate fit between the foot ledge 40 and the slot 26 (as shown in FIGS. 13-14), even with size and shape tolerances of the slot 26 (in particular with a vitreous toilet base). Accordingly, the trim piece 60 closes any gaps between the edges of the slot 26 and the foot ledge 40, in particular while the foot ledge 40 is in the extended position 34.

Base Bracket

[0095] FIG. 15 shows the rail mechanism 70 attached to the base frame, structure, or bracket 50 of the foot ledge structure 30. The base bracket 50 is configured to attach the foot ledge structure 30 to the floor (and/or a bottom portion of the toilet base 24), provides an area for the foot ledge 40 to movably attach to (via the rail mechanism 70), and elevates the foot ledge 40 to a particular height above the floor. Once installed, the base bracket 50 is non-mo vably or statically attached to the toilet base 24 (or to the floor) and the foot ledge 40 is movably attached to the base bracket 50. The base bracket 50 is positioned within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 (as shown in FIG. 3) and beneath the toilet bowl 25.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 16, the base bracket 50 includes a variety of different vertical walls or extensions 56 and horizontal walls or extensions 58. The vertical extensions 56 vertically elevate portions of the rest of the foot ledge structure 30, in particular the foot ledge 40, to a particular height above the floor (and below the top of the toilet base 24). The horizontal extensions 58 are positioned along the top of the vertical extensions 56 and horizontally connect two opposite vertical extensions 56 across the width of the base bracket 50 in order to provide various areas for the rail mechanism 70 to attach to. The vertical extensions 56 and the horizontal extensions 58 may be narrow strips of material or wide plates of material, depending on the desired configuration. The horizontal extensions 58 may be at different heights from each other, depending on the desired configuration.

[0097] The base bracket 50 includes fasteners holes, such as bolt holes 52, along protrusions that extend along a lower portion of the base bracket 50, along at least a portion of the length of the base bracket 50, and along both sides of the base bracket 50. The bolt holes 52 are configured to receive a variety of different fasteners to attach the base bracket 50 to the floor. According to one embodiment, the base bracket 50 may include six bolt holes 52.

[0098] Additionally, the base bracket 50 is configured to extend around and statically attach to a portion of the trapway 28 (and/or the toilet base 24), which properly positions the base bracket 50, and thus the rest of the foot ledge structure 30, relative to the trapway 28 and the rest of the toilet 20. Accordingly, the base bracket 50 may include two flanges 54 with additional bolt holes 52 in order to be attached to the trapway 28. The base bracket 50 may include vertical extensions 56 on opposite sides of the trapway 28 and horizontal extensions 58 above and over a portion of the trapway 28. Additional vertical extension 56 and horizontal extensions 58 may be positioned in front of and separate from the trapway 28.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 17-18, at least one mounting cam 59 (e.g., a ready-lock cam) is attached to the base bracket 50 in order to allow the base bracket 50 to attach or secure to the toilet base 24. The mounting cams 59 are positioned at the back end and top of the base bracket 50 (i.e., above the back horizontal extension 58) and on opposite sides of the base bracket 50. As shown in FIG. 18, the mounting cams 59 are configured to be positioned toward the back end of the toilet base 24 in order to align with holes extending through the side walls of the toilet base 24. The holes in the side walls of the toilet base 24 and the mounting cams 59 are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a ready-lock bolt) in order to secure the toilet base 24 and the base bracket 50 together during installation.

[0100] The mounting cams 59 are positioned above the rail mechanism 70 (in particular above the rails 72) in order to allow the rails 72 to move below the mounting cams 59 without interference. Accordingly, the back horizontal extension 58 may be positioned vertically above the rails 72 and above the other horizontal extensions 58 (that are closer to the front of the base bracket 50 and that the rails 72 are positioned on top of).

Rail Mechanism

[0101] The rail mechanism 70 allows the foot ledge 40 to move or slide between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 relative to the base bracket 50 and the rest of the toilet 20 (in particular the toilet base 24). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19, the rail mechanism 70 has at least one slide or rail 72 that is configured to attach to the base bracket 50 (as shown in FIG. 15).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the rail mechanism 70 has two rails 72 positioned on opposite sides of the foot ledge structure 30. Each of the two rails 72 has a lower rail member. The lower rail members are positioned on opposite sides of the base bracket 50 from each other (along the width of the base bracket 50). The lower rail members of the rails 72 may be attached to a top portion of the base bracket 50 along at least one of the horizontal extensions 58. The two rails 72 extend lengthwise along the length of the base bracket 50 (and optionally the foot ledge 40) and allow and guide the movement of the foot ledge 40 along at least a portion of the length of the base bracket 50. According to one embodiment, the foot ledge 40 includes latches 49 (as described further herein) that movably attach to the lower rail members of the rails 72. In particular, each of the latches 49 on the bottom surface of the foot ledge 40 (as shown in FIG. 9) may attach to and move along a portion of each of the upper rail members of the rails 72. The rails 72 may be spring-loaded (and accordingly the rail mechanism 70 may include springs) such that, when the foot ledge 40 is released from the retracted position 32, the foot ledge 40 may automatically move out into the extended position 34.

[0103] The rail mechanism 70 may be configured such that the latches 49 of the foot ledge 40 move directly along the length of and relative to the rails 72. Alternatively, the rail mechanism 70 may be configured such that the foot ledge 40 moves with a portion of each of the rails 72. In particular, each of rails 72 includes an upper rail member (statically attached to the foot ledge 40 (via, for example, the laches 49)) and the lower rail member (statically attached to the base bracket 50) that are movably attached to each other to allow the foot ledge 40 to move between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. The upper rail members are positioned on opposite sides of the foot ledge 40 from each other (along the width of the foot ledge 40).

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 20, each of the upper rail members of the rails 72 may include an extension or blind tab 73 that is positioned on top of each of the upper rail members. The blind tabs 73 are configured to receive, attach to, and secure to a portion of the back end of the foot ledge 40 (i.e., the back end of the narrow portion 44 of the foot ledge 40) once the foot ledge 40 is installed onto the rail mechanism 70. Accordingly, the blind tabs 73 statically attach the foot ledge 40 to the upper rail members of each of the rails 72 such that the foot ledge 40 and the upper rail members move congruently relative to the lower rail members (and the rest of the toilet 20).

[0104] The rail mechanism 70 may include a variety of different components that lock or secure the foot ledge 40 in the retracted position 32 and in the extended position 34. According to one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 21-22, the rail mechanism 70 includes at least one magnet 74 and at least one corresponding magnetic component in order to secure the foot ledge 40 in the retracted position 32 and in the extended position 34 and to provide stops in the retracted position 32 and in the extended position 34. The magnets 74 allow the rail mechanism 70 to quickly and easily move the foot ledge 40 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. Furthermore, by securing the foot ledge 40 in the extended position 34, the foot ledge 40 is more stable and less likely to move during use.

[0105] For example, the rail mechanism 70 may include two magnetic components 74 (referred to herein as the“magnets 74”) and a corresponding magnetic component that is removably attachable (and reattachable) to the magnets 74. In particular, the rail mechanism has a front magnetic component (referred to herein as the“front magnet 74”) corresponding to the extended position 34 and a back magnetic component (referred to herein as the“back magnet 74”) corresponding to the retracted position 32. The corresponding magnetic component is removably, magnetically attached to the back magnet 74 when the foot ledge 40 is in the retracted position 32 and to the front magnet 74 when the foot ledge 40 is in the extended position 34, thereby securing the foot ledge 40 in either the retracted position 32 or the extended position 34, depending on the position of the foot ledge 40. At least one of the corresponding magnetic component or both of the two magnetic components 74 is a magnet.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 21-22, the two magnets 74 are separated from each other along the length of the foot ledge structure 30 (i.e., the front magnet 74 is positioned closer to the front of the toilet base 24 and the back magnet 74 is positioned closed to the back of the toilet base 24). The front magnet 74 and the back magnet 74 may optionally be aligned with each other along the width of the toilet base 24. With such positioning, the corresponding magnetic component can be moved along the length of the foot ledge structure 30 between the two magnets 74 (in order to move the foot ledge 40 in the direction of the length of the foot ledge structure 30).

[0107] The two magnets 74 are statically attached to and positioned on one of the base bracket 50 or the bottom surface of the support platform 48 of the foot ledge 40 and the corresponding magnet component is statically attached to and positioned on the other of the base bracket 50 or the bottom surface of the support platform 48 of the foot ledge 40. Any magnetic component(s) that are statically attached to the foot ledge 40 move with the foot ledge 40 as the foot ledge moves between the retraced position 32 and the extended position. According to one

embodiment as shown in FIG. 21, the two magnets 74 are statically attached to and positioned along a top portion of the base bracket 50 (and accordingly are separated from each other along the length of the base bracket 50). Accordingly, the corresponding magnetic component extends from and is statically attached to the bottom surface of the support platform 48 of the foot ledge 40. The corresponding magnetic component moves with the foot ledge 40 between the front magnet 74 and the back magnet 74 (as the foot ledge 40 moves between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34).

[0108] The one front magnet 74 (that is positioned toward the front of the foot ledge structure 30 and therefore is further away from the trapway 28 relative to the back magnet 74) secures the foot ledge 40 in the extended position 34 by attaching to the corresponding magnetic component when the corresponding magnetic component (and thus the entire foot ledge 40) is moved forward into the extended position 34. The other back magnet 74 (that is positioned toward the back of the foot ledge structure 30 and therefore is closer to the trapway 28 relative to the front magnet 74) secures the foot ledge 40 in the retracted position 32 by attaching to the

corresponding magnetic component when the corresponding magnetic component (and thus the entire foot ledge 40) is moved backward into the retracted position 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22, the two magnets 74 are positioned along and attached to the bottom surface of the support platform 48 of the foot ledge 40 (and accordingly are separated from each other along the length of the foot ledge 40), and the corresponding magnetic component is attached to a top portion of the base bracket 50. This configuration may function in a similar manner.

[0109] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 23-24, the rail mechanism 70 includes a slow-close or slow-open component 84 that controls or slows the movement of the foot ledge 40 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 and helps secure the foot ledge 40 in each of the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. The slow-open component 84 may be positioned on and extend inward from an inner side of one of the rails 72 (such as along the upper rail member). The slow-open component 84 may include an angled side wall that is angled relative to the length (and movement) direction of the rail 72 such that the width of the slow-open component 84 changes along the length of the rail 72. Accordingly, a back end of the slow-open component 84 is wider than the front end of the slow-open component 84, which reduces or controls the speed of the foot ledge 40 moving relative to the base bracket 50.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the rail mechanism 70 may be actuated by a motor or comprise an electrically-powered actuator in order to power the rail mechanism 70 and move the foot ledge 40 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 (with or without assistance from the user).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 25, the color, material, and/or any surface patterns of the foot ledge structure 30, in particular the portions of the foot ledge structure 30 that are visible outside of the toilet base 24 such as the foot ledge 40, may be altered according to the desired configuration.

For example, the foot pad 46 and the support platform 48 may have the same or different color and/or material and/or may be integral to or separate from (and attachable to) each other.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the foot rest structure 30 may be configured to calculate the weight of the user’s legs on the foot ledge 40 (while being used as a footrest). Accordingly, the foot rest structure 30 may include at least one weight sensor configured to detect and measure the weight of the user’s feet on the foot ledge 40. The toilet 20 may also be configured to calculate the weight of the user on the toilet seat (while the user is sitting on the toilet seat) and accordingly may also include at least one weight sensor configured to detect and measure the weight of the user on the toilet seat. Accordingly, the footrest weight data (regarding the weight of the user’s legs) and the toilet seat weight data (regarding the weight of the user on the toilet seat) may be used in combination with each other (i.e., added together) to calculate the user’s total weight (for diagnostic purposes, for example). Alternative Embodiment of the Toilet

[0113] FIGS. 26-40 show an alternative embodiment of a toilet 120 with a foot ledge structure 130. The various features and components of the toilet 120 are similar to the toilet 20 shown in FIGS. 1-25 and like numbers are used where applicable. However, some aspects of the configuration of the toilet 120 of FIG. 26-40 differ from the toilet 20 in FIGS. 1-25, as described further herein. The various features, components, and configurations of the toilet 120 can be used and included within the toilet 20 (and vice versa) unless otherwise specified.

[0114] The foot ledge structure 130 includes a base unit or structure 150 that is similar in some respects to the base bracket 50. For example, the base structure 150 elevates the foot ledge 140 above the floor and provides an area for the foot ledge 140 to movably attach to (via the rail mechanism 70). However, as shown in FIGS. 26-27, the base structure 150 is positioned between the bottom of the toilet base 24 and the floor such that the base structure 150 elevates the entire toilet base 24 above the floor. Accordingly, the entire toilet base 24 is positioned on top of the foot ledge structure 130.

[0115] The foot ledge structure 140 extends beneath the entire bottom of the toilet base 24.

The base structure 150 in particular may extend beneath the entire bottom of the toilet base 24 except for the front end of the toilet base 24 in order to allow sufficient room for the front vertical wall 141 of the foot ledge 140 (as described further herein) to move into (beneath the front end of the toilet base 24) when the foot ledge 140 is moved into the retracted position 32. Accordingly, the entire foot ledge 140 can be retracted completely underneath the toilet base 24 (and completely underneath the entire inner area 23 defined by the toilet base 24) in the retracted position 32 such that the entire top surface of the foot ledge 140 is obscured in the retracted position 32, as shown in FIG. 27.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 28-30, the base structure 150 may include fastener holes, such as bolt holes 152, and low profile fastener extensions 153 (e.g., bolt towers) that allow the base structure 150 to securely attach to the bottom of the toilet base 24. [0117] Since the base structure 150 elevates the toilet base 24 completely off of the floor, the height of the base structure 150 can be changed in order to affect the overall height of the toilet 120 without changing the distance 101 (see FIG. 3) between the top surface of the rim of the toilet bowl 25 (i.e., the top of the toilet base 24) to the top surface of the foot ledge 140. The toilet base 24 may be relatively shorter (for example, 4.25 inches shorter) than a standard toilet base in order to ensure the proper distance 101. According to one embodiment, the height of the base structure 150 may be approximately 2.25 inches in order to provide a standard height for the toilet 120. According to another embodiment, the height of the base structure 150 may be approximately 4.25 inches in order to provide a“comfort height” for the toilet 120. According to yet another embodiment, the height of the base structure 150 may be approximately 6.25 inches (or more) in order to provide a“super comfort height” for the toilet 120.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 28-29, the rails 72 of the rail mechanism 70 that guide the movement of the foot ledge 140 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 may be, for example only, standard l2-inch drawer guides. The rail mechanism 70 may further include bump open and slow close features. The bump open features cause the foot ledge 40 to be automatically unlocked and moved from the retracted position 32 to the extended position 34 when the user moves (or kicks) the foot ledge 40 backward slightly (i.e., toward the base structure 150 and toward the back side of the toilet 120) when in the retracted position 32. The slow close features cause the foot ledge 40 to be automatically moved from the extended position 34 to the retracted position 32 when the user moves (or kicks) the foot ledge backward slightly (i.e., toward the base structure 150 and toward the back side of the toilet 120) when in the extended position 34. The rail mechanism 70 may further include a stop to prevent the foot ledge 140 from moving too far out from base structure 150 when in the extended position 34.

[0119] The foot ledge structure 130 also includes a foot ledge 140 that is similar in some respects to the foot ledge 40. For example, as shown in FIGS. 26-27, the foot ledge 140 is movable between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. However, unlike the foot ledge 40, the foot ledge 140 is not cantilevered. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 26-29, the support platform 48 of the foot ledge 140 includes a front vertical wall 141 that extends vertically along and from the front end of the foot ledge 140, extending vertically between the front end of the foot ledge 140 and the floor. The vertical wall 141 is configured to rest along and be supported by the floor in order to support the rest of the foot ledge 140 (in particular the support platform 48). Accordingly, the foot ledge 140 (in particular the support platform 48) is supported along both the front end (via the front vertical wall 141) and the back end (via the base structure 150).

[0120] As shown in FIG. 31, the bottom edge of the front vertical wall 141 includes recessed holes 143 that are configured to secure rubber bumper(s) that extend beneath the front vertical wall 141. Due to the configuration of the foot ledge 140, the foot ledge 140 is configured to be moved between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 without any of the front vertical wall 141 (i.e., the front end) of the foot ledge 140 (including any bumpers) resting on or touching the floor. Accordingly, the foot ledge 140 is only supported and being held by the back end of the foot ledge 140 and is not supported at all by the front end of the foot ledge 140 during movement. However, once a force or weight is applied to the top of the foot ledge 140 (e.g., the user places their feet on top of the foot ledge 140), the bottom portion of the front vertical wall 141 (i.e., the front end) of the foot ledge 140 (or the bumpers) contacts and is supported by the floor. Accordingly, the front end of the foot ledge 140 (i.e., the front vertical wall 141) only contacts and is supported by the floor when weight is applied on top of the foot ledge 140. This configuration allows the foot ledge 140 to be moved between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 more easily while still providing extra support to securely support the feet of the user.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 32, the rear deck or back end of the toilet base 24 may include mounting holes 121 that are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a low-profile bolt cap screw) in order to attach and secure the toilet base 24 to the base structure 150. The mounting holes 121 also help prevent torque from being applied to the fasteners extending through the mounting cams 59. [0122] The various components of the toilet 120, such as the base structure 150 and the foot ledge 140, can be manufactured and created in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to injection molding.

[0123] FIGS. 33-40 show how the toilet 120 can be installed within a bathroom. First, as shown in FIG. 33, the trapway 28 is positioned in place (i.e., aligned with the drain in the floor) with a wax seal member sandwiched between the bottom of the trapway 28 and the floor (and around the drain). The trapway 28 is secured to the floor with fasteners 129 (e.g., a standard set of Tee bolts). Then, as shown in FIG. 34, a bracket 151 that includes the mounting cams 59 is positioned over a portion of the trapway 28 and attached to the trapway with the fasteners 129.

[0124] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 35, the base structure 150 (which the foot ledge 140 is attached to) is placed over the entire trapway 28 and the entire bracket 151, such that the top of the trapway 28 extends through a portion of the base structure 150, and the mounting cams 59 also extend through a portion of the base structure 150. The entire base structure 150 is secured and bolted to the floor with additional fasteners 129 and washers, which further compresses the wax seal member between the trapway 28 and the floor.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 36, the foot pad 46 can then be attached to the support platform 48 of the foot ledge 140. A variety of different attachment mechanisms can be used, including but not limited to, a snap-in feature. As shown in FIG. 37, the toilet base 24 is then positioned on top of the base structure 150 and the foot ledge 140, which allows the toilet base 24 to engage with and fluidly connect to the trapway 28. As shown in FIG. 38, the toilet base 24 is secured and attached to the base structure 150 by inserting additional fasteners through holes in the side walls of the toilet base 24 that attach to the mounting cams 59 and through the mounting holes 121 (as shown in FIG. 32) along the back end of the toilet base 24. The fasteners may be, for example only, bolts (e.g., ready-lock bolts) or low-profile bolt cap screws. As shown in FIG. 39, the tank 22 is then attached to the toilet base 24 through a conventional method. A sealant, such as caulk, may optionally be added along the joint between the base structure 150 and the toilet base 24. [0126] In order to use the foot ledge 140, the user can kick or move the foot ledge 140 backward slightly (e.g., by approximately 0.25 inches) toward the back side of the toilet 120 in order to unlock the foot ledge 140 and activate a pushing mechanism that moves the foot ledge 140 forward along the rail mechanism 70, from the retracted position 32 to the extended position 34 relative to the toilet base 24 and the base structure 150. Once the foot ledge 140 is in the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 40), the user can rest their feet on top of the foot ledge 140.

[0127] When the user is finished using the foot ledge 140 and would like to store the foot ledge 40, the user can kick or move the foot ledge 140 backward slightly toward the back side of the toilet 120, which activates a slow-close mechanism that automatically moves the foot ledge 140 backward along the rail mechanism 70, from the extended position 34 to the retracted position 32 relative to the toilet base 24 and the base structure 150, until the entire foot ledge 140 is positioned underneath the toilet base 24 and underneath the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24. Once the foot ledge 140 is in the retracted position 32, the top of the foot ledge 140 is substantially concealed and positioned underneath the toilet base 24.

Various Alternative Embodiments of the Toilet

[0128] FIGS. 41-81 show a variety of alternative embodiments of a toilet with a foot ledge structure. The various features and components of the various toilets are similar to the toilet 20 shown in FIGS. 1-25 and the toilet 120 shown in FIGS. 26-40 and like numbers are used where applicable. However, some aspects of the configuration of the various toilets of FIGS. 41-81 differ from the toilet 20 shown in FIGS. 1-25 and the toilet 120 shown in FIGS. 26-40, as described further herein. The various features, components, and configurations of the various embodiments of FIGS. 41-81 can be used within the toilet 20 and/or the toilet 120 (and vice versa) and within the other embodiments shown in FIGS. 41-81.

[0129] According to one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 41-42, a toilet 220 includes a foot ledge structure 230 with at least one foot ledge 240 that is completely retractable into the toilet base 24. For example, the foot ledge structure 230 may include two foot ledges 240 that each include a supporting extension 244 and a pivotable extension 242. The supporting extension 244 and the pivotable extension 242 are movably attached to each other and are congruently movable at least partially in and out of the toilet base 24, in particular the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24. The top surface of the pivotable extension 242 (and optionally at least a portion of the top surface of the supporting extension 244) may include a gripping material in order to prevent the user’s feet from sliding off of the foot ledge 240.

[0130] When the foot ledge 240 is in a retracted position 32 (as shown in FIG. 42), the supporting extension 244 and the pivotable extension 242 are aligned with each other along their longitudinal axes in a straight line and are positioned completely within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24. In order to move from the retracted position 32 into the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 41), the entire pivotable extension 242 and at least a portion of the supporting extension 244 within each of the respective foot ledges 240 are moved straight through a respective opening 226 of the toilet base 24 (where the openings 226 extend completely through the front wall of the toilet base 24). Since the supporting extension 244 and the pivotable extension 242 are aligned with each other in a straight line, each of the foot ledges 240 can move easily straight through each of the openings 226, and the openings 226 only have to be large enough to fit the cross-sectional areas (along the height and width) of each of the supporting extension 244 and the pivotable extension 242. Once the foot ledge 240 is in the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 41) or once the entire pivotable extension 242 is moved through the opening 226, the pivotable extensions 242 in each of the foot ledges 240 pivots outward horizontally (i.e., away from the other foot ledge 240) by approximately 90° about a substantially vertical axis relative to the supporting extension 244 in order to provide an area for the user to rest their feet on. In order to move back into the retracted position 32, each of the pivotable extensions 242 pivots back inward horizontally (toward a horizontal center line of the toilet 220) such that the supporting extension 244 and the pivotable extension 242 are aligned again with each other along their longitudinal axes in a straight line in order to move backward back through the openings 226. [0131] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 43-44, a toilet 320 includes a foot ledge structure 330 with a foot ledge 340 and a rail mechanism 370. The rail mechanism 370 includes two sets of rail structures (positioned along opposite sides of the toilet base 24) that each include a supporting rail 372 and an extendable rail 374. The supporting rail 372 is statically attached to the toilet base 24 and extends along the side walls of the toilet base 24. According to one embodiment, the supporting rail 372 extends along the outer surfaces of the side walls. However, it is understood that the supporting rail 372 may extend along the inner surfaces of the side walls of the toilet base 24, within the inner area 23 of the toilet base 24. A back end of the extendable rail 374 is movably attached to the supporting rail 372 and allows the extendable rail 374 to extend from or retract into (and/or over) the supporting rail 372 in order to move the foot ledge 340 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. A back edge of the foot ledge 340 is pivotally attached to the front end of the extendable rail 374. The foot ledge structure 330 can be retrofitted to a variety of different types and sizes of toilets, according to the desired configuration.

[0132] In the retracted position 32 (as shown in FIG. 44), the extendable rail 374 is retracted into (and/or over) the supporting rail 372 in order to bring the back edge of the foot ledge 340 as close to the front of the toilet base 24 as possible. Additionally, the foot ledge 340 is pivoted downward relative to the extendable rail 374 such that the front edge of the foot ledge 340 is closest to the floor (relative to the back edge of the foot ledge 340), which minimizes how much room the foot ledge 340 takes up within the bathroom.

[0133] In order to move from the retracted position 32 into the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 43), the extendable rail 374 is moved forward away or partially out from the supporting rail 372 and away from the toilet base 24, and the foot ledge 340 is pivoted upward about a horizontal axis relative to (and about its connection to) the extendable rail 374, thereby conveniently positioning the foot ledge 340 in front of the toilet base 24 for the user to rest their feet on. In the extended position 34, the front edge of the foot ledge 340 may be positioned above the back edge of the foot ledge 340 in order to provide a comfortable, upward angled surface (relative to the extendable rail 374 and the floor) for the user to rest their feet on. In order to move the foot ledge 340 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0134] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 45-46, a toilet 420 includes a knee rest structure 430 with a knee rest 440 and a rail mechanism 470. The rail mechanism 470 includes two sets of rails structures (positioned along opposite sides of the toilet base 24 and opposite sides of the knee rest 440) that each include a supporting rail 472 and an angled rail 474. A back end of the supporting rail 472 is pivotably attached to opposite sides of the toilet base 24 along an upper region of the toilet base 24, such as along the outside of the toilet bowl 25. A back end of angled rail 474 extends from and is statically attached to the front end of the supporting rail 472. The angled rail 474 is angled at approximately 90° (or optionally more) relative to the supporting rail 472. A front end of each of the angled rails 474 is pivotably attached to opposite sides of the knee rest 440 such that the knee rest 440 can rotate about a horizontal axis relative to the rail mechanism 470. A top surface of the knee rest 440 may optionally include a cushion (that directly contacts the user’s knees or legs when in use, as shown in FIG. 45) in order to increase the comfort of the knee rest 440.

[0135] In the retracted (or lowered) position 32 (as shown in FIG. 46), the supporting rails 472 are rotated downward relative to the toilet base 24 such that the angled rails 474 and the knee rest 440 are positioned relatively close to the floor and below the toilet bowl 25. In order to move the knee rest 440 into the extended (or raised) position 34 (as shown in FIG. 45), the supporting rails 472 are rotated upward about a horizontal axis relative to the toilet base 24 and over a portion of the user’s feet and legs such that at least a portion of the angled rail 474 and the knee rest 440 are above the top of the toilet base 24 (and above the top of the toilet seat), and the knee rest 440 is in line with the user’s knees. The knee rest 440 is rotated such that the top surface of the knee rest 440 is positioned along or just below the user’s knees, which provides an area for the user to rest their knees or legs along while in a relatively raised position. Due to the tension between the user’s knees moving downward (and therefore outward) and the attachment of the supporting rail 472 to the toilet base 24, the user’s knees are kept in the raised position due to the knee rest structure 430 (i.e., the user’s thighs are at least partially elevated off of the toilet seat and the user’s knees are above the user’s hips). In order to move the knee rest 440 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0136] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 47-49, a toilet 520 includes a foot ledge structure 530 with a foot ledge 540 and a rail mechanism 570. The rail mechanism 570 includes two sets of rail structures (positioned along opposite sides of the toilet base 24) that each include a first rail 571 and a second rail 572. The rail mechanism 570 may also include a third rail 573 that extends horizontally from the end of the second rail 572 along the floor for additional support (as shown in FIG. 49). Additionally, the foot ledge structure 530 may include a recessed area 578 (that may be defined by a bar, for example) positioned at least partially in front of the toilet base 24 for the foot ledge 540 and the rail mechanism 570 to be positioned within in the retracted position 32.

[0137] A back end of the first rail 571 is rotatably attached to the floor at a position behind the front end of the toilet base 24 (i.e., between the front end and the back end of the toilet base 24). A front end of each of the first rails 571 is rotatably attached to opposite sides of the foot ledge 540 such that the foot ledge 540 can rotate relative to the first rail 571. A back end of the second rail 572 is rotatably attached to a middle section of the first rail 571, and a front end of the second rail 572 is movably or slidably attached to a portion of the floor in front of the front end of the toilet base 24 (however, the configuration of the second rail 572 may be reversed such that the back end of the second rail 572 is movable or slidable along the length of the first rail 571, and the front end of the second rail 572 is rotatably attached to a portion of the floor).

[0138] In the retracted (or lowered) position 32 (as shown in FIG. 48), the foot ledge 540 and the rail mechanism 570 are substantially flat along and parallel to the floor, and the foot ledge 540 is positioned in front of the front end of the toilet base 24. In order to move the foot ledge 540 into the extended (or raised) position 34 (as shown in FIGS. 47 and 49), the foot ledge 540 is moved upward, which raises the front end of the first rail 571 above the floor and angles the first rail 571 relative to the floor. In turn, the back end of the second rail 572 is also raised above the floor (beneath the first rail 571), which angles the second rail 572 in an opposite direction from the first rail 571, beneath the first rail 571. Accordingly, the first rail 571 can be propped up (and held up) by the second rail 572, and the second rail 572 provides a support for the first rail 571, thereby keeping the foot ledge 540 propped up above the floor in order to support the user’s feet. The angle of the foot ledge 540 may be adjusted relative to the first rail 571 (and the rest of the toilet 520) according to the user’s preference. In order to move the foot ledge 540 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0139] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 50-52, a toilet 620 includes a foot ledge structure 630 with a foot ledge 640 and a rail mechanism 670. As shown in FIG. 50, the weight of the user is distributed to two different areas of the toilet 620. In particular, the weight of the user directly from the user’s torso is exerted onto the toilet base 24 as a downward force 611. The weight of the user directly from the user’s legs and feet is exerted onto the foot ledge structure 630 as a downward force 612. The foot ledge structure 630 is configured to be able to support a wide range of different forces from the user in order to properly and fully support the user’s feet and legs. As shown in FIGS. 51-52, the foot ledge 640 may have a variety of different configurations and may be reinforced in particular areas in order to withstand the various force, in particular from the weight of the user’s feet and legs.

[0140] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 53-56, a toilet 720 includes a foot ledge structure 730 with a foot ledge 740. The foot ledge 740 may include lights 731 (e.g.,

LEDs) positioned along the bottom surface and/or edges of the foot ledge 740 in order to illuminate the floor. The foot ledge 740 may optionally be statically attached to the front end of the toilet base 24.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 55-56, the foot ledge structure 730 can be used with toilets 720 with a variety of different heights according to the user’s needs. For example, as shown in FIG. 55, the height 703 of the seat 29 of the toilet 720 is approximately two inches. As shown in FIG. 56, the height 703 of the seat 29 of the toilet 720 is approximately one inch. The foot ledge structure 730 can be configured to work with a variety of different heights 703. [0142] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 57, a toilet 820 includes a foot ledge structure 830 with a foot ledge 840 and wheels 842. The wheels 842 are positioned beneath the foot ledge 840 and allow the foot ledge 840 to move from within (and under) the toilet base 24 in the retracted position 32 to at least partially outside and in front of the toilet base 24 in the extended position 34. When the user exerts an additional downward force 813 on top of the foot ledge 840 while the foot ledge 840 is in the extended position 34, the force 813 is then transferred onto the front wheel 842. This force 813 may cause the wheel 842 to stop moving along the floor and maintain its position.

[0143] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 58-59, a toilet 920 includes a foot ledge structure 930 with a foot ledge 940 and a rail mechanism 970. The rail mechanism 970 is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 971 in order to move the foot ledge 940 between the extended position 34 and the retracted position 32. The rail mechanism 970 has an arced or curved wall 972, a flat wall 974, and optionally a rail 976. A first end of the flat wall 974 is pivotably attached to the floor, and a second end of the flat wall 974 is statically attached to the curved wall 972. The lower, front region of the toilet base 24 has an opening that is

complementary to the rail mechanism 970 (including a curved wall) such that the rail mechanism 970 can rotate in (or underneath) and out of the toilet base 24. The foot ledge 940 is pivotably attached to a middle or lower portion of the outer surface of the curved wall 972.

[0144] In the retracted position 32, the foot ledge 940 is substantially flush against and parallel to the curved wall 972, the curved wall 972 is positioned within and underneath the toilet base 24, and the flat wall 974 is positioned along the floor, within and underneath the toilet base 24.

In order to move the foot ledge 940 from the retracted position 32 to the extended position 34, the flat wall 974 (with the curved wall 972) is pivoted about the horizontal pivot axis 971 (at the first end of the flat wall 974) to move the curved wall 972 from substantially within and under the toilet base 24 to substantially outside and in front of the toilet base 24. The front edge of the curved wall 972 can then rest on the floor for support. Once the rail mechanism 970 has been pivoted out from within the toilet base 24 (as shown in FIG. 59), the foot ledge 940 can then be pivoted downward from the curved wall 972 of the rail mechanism 70 into the extended position 34, such that the foot ledge 940 is approximately perpendicular to the curved wall 972 (as shown in FIG. 58). In order to move the foot ledge 940 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0145] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 60-61, a toilet 1020 includes a foot ledge structure 1030 with two foot ledges 1040 (for each foot) and a rail mechanism 1070. The rail mechanism 1070 extends substantially horizontally along the outer surface of the toilet base 24 around at least a portion of the side walls and the front wall of the toilet base 24 such that the foot ledges 1040 can be moved horizontally along the length of the rail mechanism 1070 along a portion of the outside of the toilet base 24. Each of the foot ledges 1040 are movably attached to the rail mechanism 1070 with at least one support or extension 1042 that extends between a back end of the foot ledges 1040 and a front side of the rail mechanism 1070, substantially perpendicular to the outer wall of the toilet base 24. The extensions 1042 are movable along the length of the rail mechanism 1070.

[0146] In the retracted position 32, the foot ledges 1040 are positioned along opposite side walls of the toilet base 24 in order to be positioned out of the way when not in use (as shown in FIGS. 60-61). In order to move from the retracted position 32 to the extended position 34, the foot ledges 1040 are each moved or slide along at least a portion of the length of the rail mechanism 1070 from the side walls of the toilet base 24 (relatively closer to the back of the toilet base 24) toward the front wall of the toilet base 24 (relatively closer to the front of the toilet base 24) in order to be accessible to the user sitting on the toilet 1020. In order to move the foot ledges 1040 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0147] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 62-63, a toilet 1120 includes a foot ledge structure 1130 with a foot ledge 1140 and a base structure 1150. A bottom edge of the foot ledge 1140 is movably or hingably attached to the front wall of the toilet base 24 along a horizontal hinge 1142, and a top edge of the base structure 1150 is movably or hingably attached to the front wall of the toilet base 24 along a horizontal hinge 1152. As shown in FIG. 62, the base structure 1150 is positioned beneath (and vertically spaced apart from) the foot ledge 1140 (i.e., closer to the floor) along the front wall of the toilet base 24. The foot ledge structure 1130 may optionally have one foot ledge 1140 (to support both of the user’s feet) with one

corresponding base structure 1150 (as shown in FIG. 62). Alternatively, the foot ledge structure 1130 may have two foot ledges 1140 (each to support one of the user’s feet) that are spaced apart from each other along the front wall of the toilet base 24 (as shown in FIG. 63), where each of the two foot ledges 1140 has a corresponding base structure 1150.

[0148] In the retracted position 32 (as shown in FIG. 62), the foot ledge 1140 folded upwards along the outer surface of the front wall of the toilet base 24, and the base structure 1150 is folded downwards along the outer surface of the front wall of the toilet base 24 such that the foot ledge 1140 and the base structure 1150 are substantially parallel to the front wall of the toilet base 24. In order to move from the retracted position 32 to the extended position 34, the foot ledge 1140 is folded downwards about the hinge 1142 (as shown in FIG. 63) such that the foot ledge 1140 is approximately perpendicular to the outer surface of the front wall, and the base structure 1150 is folded upwards about the hinge 1152 such that the base structure 1150 is at an angle to the front wall of the toilet base 24 and to the foot ledge 1140) attaches to and supports the bottom surface of the foot ledge 1140, which props the foot ledge 1140 up and keeps the foot ledge 1140 extended out from the outer surface of the front wall of the toilet base 24. In order to move the foot ledge 1140 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0149] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 64, a toilet paper holder 1210 may include a foot ledge structure 1230 such that a foot ledge 1240 extends horizontally out from a lower portion of the toilet paper holder 1210. The toilet paper holder 1210 may be positioned directly next to or near the front of the toilet base 24 in order to conveniently position the foot ledge 1240 directly in front of the toilet base 24 for the user to rest their feet on.

[0150] In the retracted position 32, the foot ledge 1240 is retracted within the base of the toilet paper holder 1210. In order to move into the extended position 34, the foot ledge 1240 is moved out from within the toilet paper holder 1210 into a position vertically above the floor. In order to move the foot ledge 1240 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0151] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 65, a foot ledge structure 1330 is integrated into the front wall of the toilet base 24. Accordingly, a foot ledge 1340 is an angled wall that is built into, integrated with, or attached to the front wall of the toilet base 24, which provides an area for the user to rest their feet on while seated on the toilet base 24. The base of the foot ledge structure 1330 is wider than and extends further to the front of the toilet than the top of the foot ledge structure 1330, thereby providing the angled wall of the foot ledge 1340.

[0152] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 66-68, a foot ledge structure 1430 is integrated into a portion of the floor that is directly in front of the toilet base 24 (as shown in FIG. 66) or integrated into a base structure 1450 (as shown in FIGS. 67-68). The base structure 1450 may be a component that is already elevated above the floor (and resting or positioned on top of the floor). The floor or the base structure 1450 includes a recessed area that is configured to house the foot ledge structure 1430 when in the retracted position 32. The foot ledge structure 1430 includes a foot ledge 1440 that is at least partially movable into and out from the floor or the base structure 1450. The foot ledge structure 1430 may include springs 1470 beneath the top wall of the foot ledge 1440 (and within the recessed area) that help move the foot ledge 1440 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. For example, the springs 1470 may apply a force to the bottom surface of the top wall of the foot ledge 1440 in order to bias the foot ledge 1440 upward into the extended position 34.

[0153] In the retracted position 32, the foot ledge 1440 is substantially recessed within the floor or the base structure 1450 such that the top surface of the foot ledge 1440 is approximately level to the top surface of the floor or the base structure 1450, and the side walls of the foot ledge 1440 are recessed beneath the top surface of the floor or the base structure 1450. In order to move into the extended position 34, the foot ledge 1440 is unlocked (with, for example, an activating mechanism, such as latch 1480 as shown in FIG. 68), which allows the springs 1470 to expand, which moves the top wall of the foot ledge 1440 vertically upward relative to the floor or the base structure 1450 and above the top surface of the floor or the base structure 1450 into the extended position 34. The exact height of the foot ledge 1440 (above the floor or the base structure 1450) may be adjusted according to the user’s preference. In order to move the foot ledge 1440 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed (e.g., the foot ledge 1440 is pressed back into the recessed area of the floor or the base structure 1450, which compresses the springs 1470).

[0154] As shown in FIG. 68, the base structure 1450 may further be retracted into the toilet base 24 (by moving the latch 1480) once the foot ledge 1440 has been retracted into the base structure 1450. Alternatively, the foot ledge 1440 may not be movable relative to the base structure 1450, and the base structure 1450 may simply be move in and out of the toilet base 24 in order to move the foot ledge 1440 between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34 relative to the toilet base 24.

[0155] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 69, a foot ledge structure 1530 includes a foot ledge 1540 that is a bar that extends horizontally around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of a lower region of the toilet base 24 in order to provide a variety of different areas for the user to rest and elevate their feet.

[0156] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 70, a toilet 1620 includes a foot ledge structure 1630 with a foot ledge 1640 that is a toilet lid or cover when in the retracted position 32 and a foot ledge when in the extended position 34. The foot ledge 1640 includes an outer lip 1642 and an inner extension 1644. The outer lip 1642 at least partially surrounds the inner extension 1644 and is thinner and wider than the inner extension 1644 in order to prevent the foot ledge 1640 from falling through the opening in the toilet seat 29 while in the retracted position 32. The inner extension 1644 is thicker and less wide than the outer lip 1642 in order to provide an elevated area for the user to place their feet on in the extended position 34 and in order to fit within the opening through the toilet seat 29 while in the retracted position 32.

[0157] In the retracted position 32 (i.e., when the foot ledge 1640 is being used as a toilet lid), the foot ledge 1640 is positioned on top of the seat 29 (which is on top of the toilet base 24) such that the outer lip 1642 extends along at least a portion of the top surface of the seat 29 and the inner extension 1644 extends at least partially through the opening in the seat 29, into or toward the bowl of the toilet base 24. In this position, the inner extension 1644 extends below the outer lip 1642. In order to move into the extended position 34 (i.e., when the foot ledge 1640 is positioned to support the user’s feet), the foot ledge 1640 is rotated or flipped over and positioned next to the toilet base 24 (such that the inner extension 1644 extends above the outer lip 1642) at a height that is below the seat 29 and is supported by a hinge or rope, for example. Accordingly, the user can rest their feet along the top surface of the inner extension 1644. In order to move the foot ledge 1640 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0158] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 71-74, a toilet 1720 includes a foot ledge structure 1730 with a foot ledge 1740. The foot ledge 1740 includes a bar structure 1742 that extends around a portion of each of the side walls of the toilet base 24 and along the front wall of the toilet base 24. The bar structure 1742 pivotably attaches to opposite sides walls of the toilet base 24.

[0159] In the retracted position 32 (as shown in FIG. 71), the bar structure 1742 may be pivoted upward such that a front edge of the bar structure 1742 (that extends between the two side walls of the toilet base 24) is substantially flush against or near the front wall of the toilet base 24. In order to move the foot ledge 1740 to the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 72), the bar structure 1742 may be pivoted downward (about its attachment points to the toilet base 24) such that the front edge of the bar structure 1742 is moved away from the front wall of the toilet base 24. In the extended position 34, the bar structure 1742 may be approximately horizontal and parallel to the floor (and therefore substantially perpendicular to the toilet base 24). In order to move the foot ledge 1740 back to the retracted position 32, the opposite movements are followed.

[0160] As shown in FIGS. 73-74, the foot ledge 1740 may optionally further include a lower support 1744 that helps support the foot ledge 1740 while in the extended position 34. A first end of the lower support 1744 is pivotably attached to the front edge of the bar structure 1742. When not in use or needed, the lower support 1744 may be folded up next to (and beneath) and substantially parallel to the bar structure 1742 (regardless of the position of the bar structure 1742). When extra support is needed in the extended position 34, the lower support 1744 is pivoted about its first end, relative to the bar structure 1742, such that the lower support 1744 is substantially perpendicular to the bar structure 1742 and a second end of the lower support 1744 can rest directly on the floor, thereby supporting the bar structure 1742 (and the foot ledge 1740).

[0161] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 75-76, a toilet 1820 includes a foot ledge structure 1830 with a foot ledge 1840 and a locking mechanism 1870. The foot ledge 1840 is rotatably attached to a middle portion of opposite sides of the toilet base 24. In the extended position 34, the foot ledge 1840 extends out in front of the front wall of the toilet base 24 in order to provide an area for the user to rest their feet. Depending on which directly the foot ledge 1840 is movable (e.g., pivotable upward or downward relative to the toilet base 24), the locking mechanism 1870 is positioned above and/or below the attachment point of the foot ledge 1840 to the toilet base 24 and is configured to lock the foot ledge 1840 into the extended position 34 in order to prevent the foot ledge 1840 from moving (back to the retracted position 32, for example) during use. The locking mechanism 1870 can be unlocked in order to move or rotate the foot ledge 1840 from the extended position 34 back to the retracted position 32.

[0162] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 77-78, a toilet 1920 includes a foot ledge structure 1930 with a foot ledge 1940 and a base structure 1950. The base structure 1950 is statically attached to a middle portion of opposite sides of the toilet base 24. A first end of the foot ledge 1940 is rotatably attached to either the base structure 1950 or directly to a middle portion of the opposite sides of the toilet base 24 and is positioned directly above the base structure 1950.

[0163] In the extended position 34 (as shown in FIG. 77), the foot ledge 1940 extends out in front of the front wall of the toilet base 24 (substantially parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the toilet base 24) such that the user can rest their feet on the top surface of the foot ledge 1940. The base structure 1950 is positioned directly beneath the first end of the foot ledge 1940 in the extended position 34. In order to move the foot ledge 1940 to the retracted position (as shown in FIG. 78), the foot ledge 1940 is rotated upward and back toward the front wall of the toilet base 24 (approximately 180°) until the top surface of the foot ledge 1940 is resting on and being supported by the top surface of the base structure 1950 (also substantially parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the toilet base 24). In order to move the foot ledge 1940 back to the extended position 34, the opposite movements are followed.

[0164] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 79, a foot ledge structure 2030 has a foot ledge 2040 that is configured to splay or expand outward along its width when in the extended position 34 in order to provide a relatively wider foot rest while that still fits within the toilet base 24. In order to move into the retracted position 32, the foot ledge 2040 contracts along its width in order to fit within the toilet base 24.

[0165] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 80, a foot ledge structure 2130 includes a foot ledge 2140 that includes at least one retractable extension 2141 (e.g., an“I lip”). The extension 2141 may extend out from a side of the foot ledge 2140 (in the extended position 34) in order to provide additional area for the user to rest their feet on, but is retractable into an inner area of (or directly under a bottom surface of) the foot ledge 2140 (in the retracted position 32) in order to minimize how much space the foot ledge structure 2130 takes up when not in use.

[0166] According to another embodiment as shown in FIG. 81, a foot ledge structure 2230 includes a foot ledge 2240 that is positioned in front of the toilet base 24. In the retracted position 32, the foot ledge 2240 is substantially flat against the floor. In order to move into the extended position 34, the front edge of the foot ledge 2240 is rotated upward about the back edge of the foot ledge 2240 in order to provide an elevated area for the user to rest their feet on. The foot ledge 2240 may be ratcheted in order to be secured at multiple different angles according to the user’s preference.

[0167] According to another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 82-87, a toilet 2320 includes a foot ledge structure 2330 with a foot ledge 2340 that is movable between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. As shown in FIGS. 82-85 and FIGS. 86-87, the foot ledge structure 2330 can be integrated and used with a variety of different types and shapes of toilets. As shown in FIGS. 84-85, the foot ledge 2340 includes a wide portion 2342 and a narrow portion 2344 that are similar in nature to the wide portion 42 and the narrow portion 44, respectively (as described further herein), where the wide portion 2342 is wider than the narrow portion 2344.

The foot ledge structure 2330 (in particular the foot ledge 2340) allows the toilet 2320 to have a minimalistic design. Additionally, the finish on the foot ledge 2340 may match the finish on the trip lever.

[0168] The narrow portion 2344 of the foot ledge 2340 is movable at least partially into and out from the hollow inner area 23 (see FIG. 3) of the toilet base 24 through a slot 2326 (similar to the slot 26, as described further herein) as the foot ledge 2340 moves between the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. A back end of the narrow portion 2344 is attached to a rail mechanism (within the hollow inner area 23 of the toilet base 24) in order to allow the foot ledge structure 2330 to move relative to the toilet base 24. The narrow portion 2344 may include aluminum die casting bolts that are positioned within the hollow inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 and are movable with a sliding carriage (e.g., an upper rail) of the rail mechanism within the hollow inner area 23 of the toilet base 24. A front end of the narrow portion 2344 is statically attached to a middle portion of a back end of the wide portion 2342.

[0169] The top surface of the wide portion 2342 of the foot ledge 2340 provides an area for the user to rest and elevate their feet on and accordingly may include a gripping material, such as a soft silicone grip or tread. The wide portion 2342 may optionally be wider than the toilet base 23 in order to provide the user with more area to rest their feet on for greater comfort according to the user’s preference. Accordingly, the wide portion 2342 may be a curved or arced bar such that the ends of the wide portion 2342 are curved back toward the back of the toilet base 24 (where the middle of the wide portion 2342 is attached to the narrow portion 2344), which prevents the wide portion 2342 from being in the way within the bathroom, while still maximizing the area that the user can rest and elevate their feet along. [0170] As shown in FIGS. 84-85, the wide portion 2342 is positioned completely outside of the hollow inner area 23 of the toilet base 24 in both the retracted position 32 and the extended position 34. Accordingly, the slot 2326 of the toilet base 24 only has to be large enough to fit the cross-sectional area (along the height and width) of the narrow portion 2344 and extends only along a portion of the front wall of the toilet base 24 (and does not extend along the side walls of the toilet base 24).

[0171] As utilized herein, the terms“approximately,”“about,”“substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure.

[0172] The terms“coupled,”“connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0173] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g.,“top,”“bottom,”“above,”“below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0174] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the toilet foot ledge as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

[0175] Additionally, the word“exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word“exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0176] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.