Toilet Seat with Integrated Extensions CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of US patent application 61/363,840, filed July 13, 2010, which application is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toilet seats and more particularly to toilet seats with gripping handles and support surfaces for use by persons with physical impairment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toilet seats with handles and other transfer aids such as grab bars are well known prior art. Many existing implementations enable a user to use their upper extremities to support some portion of their weight and to increase their bodily control when transferring to and from a toilet seat. In some cases, individuals, such as paraplegics, require these type of transfer aids to steady themselves when sitting on the seat, removing their clothing, or reaching for toilet tissue.

Exemplary patents of toilet seats with handles include U.S. Pat. No. 3,594,831, U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,236, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,863. Although these patents disclose inventions for aiding the user in controlling and supporting themselves, the handles have various drawbacks. One drawback is an elevation that is too high to transfer over, thereby limiting the direction by which the user may approach and transfer to the seat. Another drawback is spacing between the handles that limits the width available for the user' s lower body or presents reach angles that limit the effective application of the user's strength. Yet another drawback is handles or grips that have openings that create entrapment hazards in which an arm, hand, or finger may be caught and suffer injury. A further drawback is that the shape and position of the handles often limits the user's grip to fixed orientations and positions, reducing the possibility to micro position and orientate palms and fingers for optimum strength and balance. Transfer boards and the use of platforms to assist in moving onto a toilet seat are also known in the art. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,431 and U.S. Pat. No.

5,947,501. Although these patents disclose devices providing unimpeded horizontal transfer onto a toilet seat, these patents have various drawbacks included shared surface area for the user's lower body and hand placement, resulting in frequent shuffling of positions. In addition, transfer boards are often unattached on one or both sides, presenting a risk of the user slipping off of one of the support surfaces. In some cases, the size and alignment of transfer boards and platforms can limit the feasible approach angles for a user in a wheelchair.

A typical toilet seat surface is narrow, in that it cannot comfortably accommodate the average user's buttocks and thighs in a seated position while simultaneously accommodating the user's hands in comfortable, effective positions for pressing, pulling, and bearing weight to transfer between a central seated position on the toilet seat and a wheelchair.

Without sufficient space upon the toilet seat surface for both the user's hands and lower body, the user must transfer and position in a series of short shuffling or hoping moves exchanging lower body positions to hand positions and hand positions to lower body positions. Repeated shuffling and hopping can result in injuries to the user's skin in the form of bruising or abrasions.

The most critical point, during transfer between a wheelchair and toilet seat, is when the user is partially seated on the edge of one seat and must cross a gap to a partially seated position on the edge of the other seat. When the user is at the crossing point of the gap onto a standard toilet seat, the most convenient point to land on seat is often the same spot where the hand is placed. In this case the user will have to move their hand to a less optimum position, or land on their hand, or land their lower buttocks and/or thighs on a less optimum position.

The competition between the user' s hands and lower body for sufficient seat surface support can put the user at risk of an injurious fall resulting from a tumble from an unstable position or a slip due to insufficient purchase upon the seat surface.

A standard handle is supported by uprights or is created by opening an aperture in or near the seat, forming a surface that the user can wrap their fingers completely around. Both of these types of handles increase the risk of injury during a fall due to entrapment. For example, a user may fall with their arm lodged between the uprights and their forearm severely levered or their elbow joint hyper-extended. As for apertures in or near the seat, a user who begins to tumble could inadvertently reach for a hold and put their fingers into the aperture in reverse and fall over their hand and thereby break bones within their hand. Because a user's body weight may fall at unpredictable angles, care must be taken to avoid openings and apertures within which an upper body extremity may become entrapped and potentially suffer joint dislocation, bone fracture, or musculoskeletal sprains.

A user who is ambulatory but has weakness or weight-bearing pain through a range of motion, may prefer supporting some of their weight with their upper body. Handrails are commonly used for this purpose. Handrails, however, are located at a distance from the seated toilet user. By integrating a support and gripping surface close to the user' s lower body at the front or side of a seat, the user has support surfaces and grips within easy reach and at optimum placement for application of their strength and balance control during for transfers on to, or off of, the toilet seat.

The foregoing examples of related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat with integrated aids that the user can employ to assist themselves in using the toilet with improved safety and comfort.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat that allows a person using a wheelchair to more easily move between the toilet and wheelchair.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide low profile extensions for support and control that the user can easily transfer above and over, or slide their lower body across.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide palming surfaces outside the central seating surface, yet within easy reach that allow the user to micro position and orientate their hand placement for optimization of their strength and balance control.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide multiple gripping positions, applicable at multiple orientations that allow user to lean significantly beyond the boundaries of the seat without losing their balance. Another aspect of the invention is to provide gripping surfaces without risk of entrapment of the user's arms, hands or fingers.

Another aspect of the invention is to keep the palming surfaces and grips close to the user's lower body to avoid large angles between the user's arms and body that are known to overly stress and often injury shoulder joints.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

A toilet seat is described, which provides enhanced gripping and transfer surfaces using one or more extended low-profile support surfaces. The shape of the outer perimeter and the contours of the edges and underside allow a user to grip the seat from various angles and hand positions. The support surfaces are located adjacent to the seat, providing a stable surface for supporting a user's weight. These surfaces are smoothly contiguous with the seat surface, thus facilitating unobstructed horizontal transfer from a wheelchair. The gripping areas are free from holes, thus reducing entrapment risks and injury if a user were to fall. Multiple handholds reduce falling risks. The forward periphery is substantially narrower than the rear periphery, providing a broad rear transfer surface while also permitting close approach of the seat by a wheelchair. This configuration further allows a standing person to straddle the seat and brace their weight before bending their knees to lower themselves unto the seat surface. A front extension may provide an additional support surface. Projections and grips allow the user to assist themselves in controlling bodily movements as employed throughout a transfer and maintaining balance while sitting. In addition, the use of the projections and grips allows the user to employ the upper body to lift some or all of their body weight.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a toilet seat according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows a hand gripping the side projection at the forward projection sidewall of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 shows a hand gripping the side projection at the side projection sidewall of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a hand gripping the side projection at the diagonal sidewall of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 shows a hand gripping the side projection of the seat shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 9 shows a hand gripping the front projection of the seat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows the fingertip recess on the underside of the front projection of the seat shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 11 shows two hands gripping the front projection of the seat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment with a front recess

FIG. 13 shows cross-section 13 through a side projection as designated on FIG. 3

FIG. 14 shows cross-section 14 through the front projection as designated on FIG. 3

FIG. 15 shows cross-section 15 through the seat as designated on FIG. 3

FIG. 16 shows a set of hand and foot placements relative to the seat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 shows a person removing a garment while supported by the seat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 18 shows the arm angle of a person seated and gripping the side projection of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 19 shows the arm angle of a person seated on a standard seat and gripping a handrail; FIG. 20 shows a plan environmental view of a person performing a front transfer sequence between a wheelchair and a toilet seat according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 shows a plan environmental view of a person performing a side transfer sequence between a wheelchair and a toilet seat according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 shows top plan environmental view of a person reaching with one hand while using the other hand to grip the side projection at the diagonal side wall of the seat shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 23 shows a front environmental view of an example of dimensions of a wheelchair and a toilet fixture having the seat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 24 shows a side plan view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the toilet seat 100 includes a seat surface 101 with a first projection 102, a second projection 103, and a front projection 104. The seat 100 has a rear hinge mount 110 which may be used to connect the seat 100 to a toilet bowl. The seat surface 101 is contiguous with the first and second side projections 102, 103.

The side projections 102, 103 have edges which form a part of the outer periphery 112. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the side projections each 102, 103 have a shape with sidewall contours with a forward projection sidewall 106, an lateral projection sidewall 107, a diagonal projection sidewall 108, and a rear projection sidewall 109.

In one embodiment, the seat surface 101 substantially rises outwardly and radially from axes 306, 307 located within the aperture 125 to form one or more contours 308, 309 with rounded junctures smoothly joining boundaries of adjacent contours 308, 309 and sidewalls. In one embodiment there are two contours 308, 309 rising outwardly and radially from a first axis 306 in the seating area and one rounded egde joining the two contours 308, 309 and two rounded joining contours to inner and outer sidewalls. The first contour 308 formed by the first axis 306 relates to the area substantially occupied by the user's buttocks and rises outwardly and radially from the first axis 306 located near the center of the aperture. A second contour 309 formed by a second axis 307 relates to the area substantially occupied by an upper part of the user's leg L when the seat is in use. In one embodiment the contour 309 of the second area rises outwardly and radially from the same axis and angle as the first and second projections 102, 103. However the outwardly rising, radial sweep specification need not be the same between the area in the front region of the seating surface 304 and the side projection upper support surface 113.

FIG. 3 shows the transverse axis 301, the lateral axis 302, and a side line 303 parallel to the transverse axis 301. The transverse axis is located at approximately the midline of the seat 100. The approximate seating surface 304 and support surface 305a are shown in dotted lines. The lines have been placed in their approximate locations for clarity so as to minimize overwriting other features. The actual surfaces may be larger or smaller than the areas shown and may overlap. In many of the embodiments described herein, the boundary of the seating surface 304 is contiguous with a segment of the outer periphery 112 and with a segment of each projection 102, 103, 104. Likewise the boundary of the support surface 305a is contiguous with a segment of the outer periphery 112 as it extends with the outer projection sidewall 124. Also, as discussed in some of the described embodiments, the boundary of the support surface 305 is preferably contiguous with a segment of the seating surface 304.

The angle < 3 between the forward projection sidewall 106 and the side line 303 parallel to the transverse axis 301 is shown and is approximately equal to 90 degrees in the depicted embodiment. The projections extend laterally in the seating plane by a distance XI. The projections extend back in the seating plain by a distance Zl. The projections extend up from the seating plane by up to a maximum height distance Y3. The full length of the toilet seat 100, from the rear hinge mount 110 to the front projection 104, has a distance Z2. In the pictured embodiment the forward projection sidewall 106 is located approximately half of Z2, the distance from the rear hinge mount to the front support surface Z2 The lateral breadth of the toilet seat 100, from the lateral projection sidewall 107 on the first projection 102 to the lateral projection sidewall 107 on the second projection 103, has a distance X3. The front projection 104 has a maximum front edge height Y6 and front face thickness Yl, which is determined at the highest point along the front face sidewall 114. The front face sidewall 114 has a width distance X2.

The seating surface near the inner rim 111 has a dimension Y2 which may vary within a single embodiment due to contours of the seat surface 101. The outer projection sidewall 124 has a maximum height Y3 which is determined at the highest point along the outer projection sidewall 124 as shown in FIG. 13.

In the depicted embodiment the approximate dimensions are as follows. Edge lengths from the hinge mount around to the front are: back edge El: 24 cm, hinge edge E2: 6 cm, projection back edge E3: 7 cm, projection diagonal edge E4: 15 cm, projection side edge E5: 9 cm, projection front edge E6: 10 cm, seat curve edge E7: 28 cm, front edge E8: 14 cm. In the depicted embodiment the seat is symmetrical along the transverse axis 301. Distances are: distance of lateral projection XI : 10 cm, front edge width distance X2:14 cm, lateral breadth of seat X3: 60 cm, gripping recess inset from the outer periphery X4: 4 cm, maximum front surface height thickness Yl: 24 mm, inner rim sidewall height Y2: 13 mm, outer projection sidewall maximum height Y3: 32 mm, outer projection sidewall minimum height Y4: 25 mm, outer rim sidewall height Y5: 25 mm, maximum front swell height from bumper lower surface Y6: 45 mm, grip recess height on the lower side of the front support Y7: 20 mm, bumper 105 height: 12 mm, length of projections Zl : 20 cm, full length of seat Z2: 50 cm, front projection depth Z4: 8 cm, back area depth Z5: 10 cm. Other embodiments may be asymmetric or have different dimensions, angles, or configurations.

In one embodiment, there is a toilet seat 100, for use by a user, in conjunction with a toilet 1201, when the user is transferring to or from, or controlling their balance in conjunction with use of the toilet 1201. The toilet 1201 has a toilet bowl with a toilet brim. The toilet seat 100 comprises a substantially U-shaped seating surface 304 substantially surrounding a central aperture 125. The seating surface 304 has an inner rim 111 at the central aperture 125. The inner rim has a top edge 115, a bottom edge 116, and an inner rim sidewall 117 extending therebetween. An outer rim 118 has a top edge 119, a bottom edge 120, and an outer rim sidewall 121 extending therebetween. The toilet seat 100 further comprises at least one side projection 102, 103 extending laterally from the outer rim 118 to an outer projection sidewall 124. The projection 102, 103 has an upper support surface 305a and a lower surface, a top edge where the upper support surface adjoins the outer projection periphery, a side projection lower edge 123 where the lower surface adjoins the outer periphery, and an outer projection sidewall extending therebetween. The support surface 305a has a substantially continuous upward slope from the outer rim to the outer periphery. The projection support surface is contiguous with a segment of the outer rim of the seating surface and bounded by the top edge of the projection.

In another embodiment, there is a toilet seat with a front support integrated into a substantially oval-shaped toilet seat. The front support has an upper surface and a lower surface. The front support comprises a front projection extending from the central aperture beyond an outer edge of the toilet bowl brim by a forward distance. The forward distance extends no more than three palm lengths of the average user. The width of the front support is at least one-half of the palm width of the average user and no more than two palm widths of the average user. The front support is substantially solid, in that no openings as wide, or wider than, an average finger-tip extend through the front support. The front support further comprises a swell. The swell comprises a raised region of the front support, wherein the raised region is substantially contiguous with at least one segment of the seating surface. The front support is adapted to allow the user to support a substantial portion of a user' s weight when raising from or lowering to the seating surface by placing at least a portion of the hand on an area of at least a half a palm width on the swell while raising from or lowering to the seating surface.

In a preferred embodiment each support surface 305 a is large enough to support an average adult's full palm and sturdy enough to support an average adult's full weight. An average adult is estimated to have a palm width of approximately 10 cm and a body weight of approximately 80 kg. In a preferred embodiment the support surfaces 305a angle upward at a gradual angle of 10 degrees or less and the outer periphery 112 has a rounded edge with no substantial upward protrusions to impede transfer to or from a wheelchair.

The support surface 305a,b on the upper side of a projection 102, 103, 104 provides a solid palming, knuckling, or transferring surface capable of supporting a user's weight. Palming is when a user supports a portion of body weight with the palm of the hand or a portion of the palm. It includes lifting and partially lifting body weight and also leaning onto the palm while rocking to the side or shifting position. Knuckling is when a user supports a portion of body weight on the dorsal finger segment furthest from the finger tips with the fingers curled and the wrist substantially straight. Persons with arthritis or wrist injury may use knuckling to minimize pain exacerbated by putting weight on a bent wrist.

The shape of the inner rim 111, substantially corresponds to the shape of a toilet bowl. In one embodiment, a splash guard may be coextensive with a portion of the inner rim 111. The seat 100 rests on one or more bumpers 105 which rest on a toilet bowl. In one embodiment the bumpers 105 may be made of flexible elastomeric material to cushion and minimize rocking of the seat relative to the toilet bowl. In another embodiment the bumpers 105 may be a part of a solid, integrally-formed single-material seat to enhance durability and minimize production cost.

In the embodiment shown, the seat undersurface 201 has a gripping recess 202 in the underside of each projection 102, 103. The front support underside 205 also provides a gripping surface. The gripping recess 202 does not form an opening through to the projection upper support surface 113. Notably, the use of a gripping recess 202, rather than a conventional handle or an opening extending through the member, minimizes the risk of finger or limb injury due to entrapment in the event of a fall because of the absence of holes large enough to admit one or more fingers. When holes are present a users fingers may be in the handle and become stuck or bent at a dangerous angle or otherwise injured as a users weight falls over the fingers in the handle opening. By using grooves and recesses rather than holes, this entrapment risk is minimized. In an alternate embodiment, the seat undersurface 201 does not have a gripping recess, but is solid and substantially smooth. The projection extends laterally beyond the toilet, thus the undersurface of the projection can be grasped such that the fingers curl under the projection for a secure grip. In another alternate embodiment, one or more gripping recesses 202 are located along the outer periphery 112, for example in the front face as shown in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, a hand H is shown gripping the projection 102, 103. In FIG. 5, the hand H is gripping along the forward projection sidewall 106. In FIG. 6, the hand H is gripping along the outer projection sidewall 124. In FIG. 7, the hand H is gripping along the diagonal projection sidewall 108. These are examples of several possible hand positions enabled by the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the edges and corners are rounded and thus, the corners between adjacent edges may also be grasped with ease. The hand may curl around the projection along the entire outer projection periphery so a user may micro-position a hand along the edge, making small precise adjustments in hand placement. Selecting a gripping location along a continuous outer projection sidewall 124 helps a user balance because an optimal grip can be selected. This is particularly helpful to users with impaired muscle strength or body sensation that can impact the ability to balance. Balance control is assisted because a range of support angles can be selected by adjusting the grip angle and location to maintain a center of gravity with minimal postural sway. The gripping recess 202 enables a secure grip with at least two fingers in the recess 202 while also allowing micro-positioning of the hands, in that a user's hands may hold onto the projection 102, 103 from a several angles. Selective gripping angles are facilitated by the location and shape of the side projections 102, 103. In an embodiment with two side projections on opposite sides of the seat, the distance of lateral projection XI is small enough that the user may reach the entire outer periphery without extending either arm more than 30 degrees from their side while seated on the seating surface. In the embodiment shown, the side projections 102, 103, extend perpendicularly from midway back along the outer periphery 112 of the toilet seat 100, extending outward by a determined distance to a maximum width, angling rearward such that the lateral projection sidewall 107 approximately parallels the transverse axis 301, and angling inward and rearward such that the extent of the side projections 102, 103 converges with the toilet seat 100 to end adjacent to the hinge mount 110. The exact shape of the side projections 102, 103 can vary substantially from the shape shown in the depicted embodiment. No limitation on the shape of the side projections other than those in the appended claims is intended or should be inferred. Specifically, the side projections could be made more curved at the periphery such that the overall shape was half circles or other shapes. The specific shapes of the side projections and front support surface and the overall appearance of the seat are chosen for the aesthetic appearance, and are not functional.

The placement and shape of the side projections 102, 103 provide support near the center of gravity of a person seated on the toilet seat 100. When a user is seated upright and centrally on the seat in the standard position and orientation for using the toilet, the shoulders S are substantially aligned with the projections. The placement and shape of the projections 102, 103 also provide an outer periphery 112 that provides a secure grip and comfortable wrist angles when a hand H grips the projection sidewalls 106, 124, 108, 109. Each projection extends in a lateral or forward direction a sufficient distance to enable a user to grip the projection 102, 103, 104 while seated on the seating surface 304. The support surface 305a of the projection is substantially solid. The projection is adapted for the user to grip the outer periphery at any chosen location along the outer periphery thereby providing a wide variety of hand orientations. The projection extends laterally beyond a lower body of the user when the user is seated on the toilet seat by at least one half of a palm width. The support surface 305a is capable of supporting a substantial portion of a user's weight in use. The upper support surface functions as an extended low profile support surface by which the user may transfer over or smoothly across to and from the central seating surface unimpeded.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping recess 202 is contiguous along a substantial portion of the projection lower surface 204 and is inset from the outer periphery 112 at a distance X4, this configuration provides gripping surfaces all along the outer projection sidewall. As shown in FIG. 8, the fingers of the hand H are able to wrap around by 270 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, the front projection 104 provides a surface for palming, gripping, and anchoring. For example, by placing one or both hands between a user's legs on the front projection 104, locking the elbow(s) and leaning slightly forward, the user - who may be a person of average strength - may lift themselves from the seat surface 101. Likewise, a person may brace their weight using the front projection 104 while lowering themselves to a seated position. Further, a person may anchor themselves if they choose to lean back by gripping the front face 114 with one hand. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 there is a swell 126 where a contoured bulge elevates the height Y6 of the forward center part of the front projection 104. Also shown is the distance Z3 that the front projection 104 projects beyond the toilet; and the height distance Y7 for placement of fingers on the lower side of the front projection 104. In another embodiment, there is a toilet seat with a front support integrated into a substantially oval- shaped toilet seat. The front support has an upper surface and a lower surface. The front support comprises a front projection extending from the central aperture beyond an outer edge of the toilet bowl brim by a forward distance. The forward distance extends no more than three palm lengths of the average user. The width of the front support is at least one- half of the palm width of the average user and no more than two palm widths of the average user. The front support is substantially solid, in that no openings as wide, or wider than, an average finger-tip extend through the front support. The front support further comprises a swell. The swell comprises a raised region of the front support, wherein the raised region is substantially contiguous with at least one segment of the seating surface. The front support is adapted to allow the user to support a substantial portion of a user's weight when raising from or lowering to the seating surface by placing at least a portion of the hand on an area of at least a half a palm width on the swell while raising from or lowering to the seating surface. In another embodiment the front projection is substantially raised in height by as much as three palm widths to assist a standing user to support weight on the front support with hands and arms without requiring the user to bend or lean far to reach the front support.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the toilet seat 100 through the second side projection 103 as shown in Fig 3. In Fig 13 a seat angle a4 rises upwardly and radially about the first axis 800 creating a contoured seating surface within seating area 304 between the intersection of the inner rim top edge 115 and continuing up to a curved radial junction with a second outermost contour formed by a seat angle a5 rising upwardly and radially about a second offset axis 801 within the aperture. The second contour continues from curved radial juncture with first contour to the projection edges 106, 107, 108, 109 and outer rim 119 forming a side projection top surface, slopes from an inner rim top edge 115 up to an outer rim top edge 119. A side projection angle a5 slopes from the outer rim top edge 119 up to a side projection top edge 122. The side projection top edge 122 is the upper bound of the lateral projection sidewall 107 and also of a segment of the outer projection sidewall 124. In the embodiment shown, the slope of the seat angle a4 is steeper than the slope of the side projection angle a5. In the depicted embodiment, the slope of the seat angle a4 is approximately 8 degrees and the slope of the side projection slope angle a5 is approximately 3 degrees.

The depicted embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, shows the inner rim sidewall height Y2, outer rim sidewall height Y5, and the outer projection sidewall maximum height Y3. The side projections 102, 103 slope outwardly upward from outer rim sidewall 121 to the side projection top edge 122 and side projection sidewall 124. The side projections are sloped radially about an axis 801 within the aperture in the depicted embodiment. The outer boundary of the seating area 304 is the outer rim side wall 121 and is formed at the curved transition of a4 to a5. The outer rim sidewall 121 is contiguous with the proximal boundary of the side projection 102 103. Both the seating surface 304 and the side support surface 305a have a substantially positive slope along the continuous top surface from the aperture 125 to the outer periphery 112 in the depicted embodiment. Therefore, the outer projection sidewall 124 minimum height Y4 at any lateral transect through a side projection 102, 103 equal to or greater than the outer rim sidewall 121 height Y5.

The toilet seat 100 surface is rounded and curved, thus the angles may vary, however the toilet seat is generally sloped downward towards the aperture with a gentle slope, particularly on the side projection upper support surface 113. Both the seating surface and the support surface have substantially a positive slope along a top surface from the aperture 125 to the outer periphery 112. A gentle slope reduces barriers to transfer which may arise in transferring over a steeper slope. The side projection slope angle a5 is no more than +/- 15 degrees, and is preferably between 1 and 12 degrees. In one preferred embodiment the side projection top edge 122 will be located above or below an average wheelchair seat height Y10 by a half of a palm width or less when the toilet seat 100 is installed on an average toilet 1201 of a selected type.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-section of the swell 126 along the transverse axis 301 as shown in Fig. 3. In the depicted embodiment, the maximum front swell height Y6, as measured from the level of the bumper 105 lower surface, is located where the forward upper edge 127 meets the transverse axis 301. In the preferred embodiment and as shown in Fig. 14, the bumper 105 is located beneath the seating surface 304 on the seat undersurface 201, and not on the front projection lower side 205. The front projection lower side 205 functions as a surface for gripping. The elevation of the lower surface 205 from the seat undersurface 201 by a front projection lower side rise distance Y7 makes it easier for a user to curl the fingers under the front projection 104 for a secure grip at the maximum front surface height thickness Yl. The front swell peak angle a ₆ is shown and is approximately 8 degrees in the embodiment shown. The toilet seat 100 and swell 126 portion of the seat have contoured and curved upper surfaces with rounded edges and the angles may vary. The swell 126, like a saddle swell or pommel, provides a support surface 305b. In typical use the swell 126 would be straddled with the user's legs L on either side when the user is standing in front of the seat preparing to transfer down and back on to the seat, or standing in front of the seat immediately after transferring up and forward from the seat, or while seated upright on the seating surface as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig 14. In one preferred embodiment the maximum front swell height Y6 is low enough for a wheelchair user to transfer onto or over the swell. Preferably, this maximum front swell height Y6 would be one palm width or less. In another embodiment the maximum front swell height Y6 is elevated substantially to make rising or lowering easier for an ambulatory user in need of upper body support for their lower body weight. In this embodiment the maximum front swell height Y6 could be as high as the user may comfortably straddle with their legs while standing and passing over the swell 126. This could be as high as 3 palm widths, but is preferably between 1-2 palm widths. FIG. 21 shows an alternate embodiment with a front swell 126 height Y6 substantially elevated. This configuration would form a swell side surface 802 along the contiguous surface from the seating surface 304 to the front support surface 305. A user may brace the side of a thigh against this swell side surface 802 to stabilize while seated and leaning their upper body.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section of the toilet seat 100 at a section of the seat surface 101. The aperture adjacent seating surface 800 angle αη and the outer rim adjacent seating surface 801 angle as are shown. The aperture adjacent seating surface 800 angle αη as depicted in this embodiment is steeper than the outer rim adjacent seating surface 801 angle as. In the embodiment shown, aperture adjacent seating surface 800 angle αη is approximately 8 degrees and the outer rim adjacent seating surface 801 angle as is approximately 3 degrees. This is done to create a gentler surface angle for user' s thigh as the leg approaches the edge of the seat and therefore reduces any pressure the user may feel on the back of their thigh at the forward periphery of the seat. The toilet seat 100 surfaces are contoured and curved with rounded edges and the angles may vary.

Referring to FIG. 16, an example of hand and foot placements are shown for a person using the toilet seat 100 for support while lowering themselves to, or raising themselves from a seated position. In the instance of a person lowering themselves to the seat, the person could move from an upright standing position, walk backwards a step or two to straddle the front projection 104, bend slightly at the knees, waist, or hips to place a hand on the first side projection 102 side support surface 305a and another hand on the front support surface 305b on the front projection 104, then use their hands for support and stability while lowering to a seated position. Likewise, a seated person could place one hand on the first side projection 102 and another hand on the front projection 104, then use their hands for support and stability while rising to a standing position. This support can benefit users who, while ambulatory, may have impairment of strength or balance, such as: joint injury to knees or hips, back injury, muscle weakness, tremor, ataxia, or vertigo.

FIG. 17 shows the use of the side projections 102, 103 to provide support while removing a lower garment 1101. The user supports some weight on their palm, while their fingers grip the forward projection sidewall 106, and their thumb, hooked into the waistline of a garment, facilitates lowering a garment to use the toilet. Another use is palming and lifting body weight with the hands while moving the torso back along the transverse axis while the thumbs are hooked into the waistline of a garment. Also, a user may rock from side to side using the lateral supports to help control and support the movement. The projections in conjunction with the seat surface provide a broad surface to accommodate both hips and hands simultaneously.

Referring to FIGS. 18, 19, a back elevation perspective view of a seated person is shown. FIG. 18 shows the angle < i of the arm relative to the body when the person grips the side projections 102, 103. FIG. 19 shows the angle < 2 of the arm relative to the body when the person grips a handrail 1301. Handrails in restrooms are generally placed at a height Yll substantially above the seat surface 101 height and at a significant distance to the side X7 of the toilet seat 100. Greater leverage can be achieved by reducing the angle of the arm. The mechanical advantage of levering is improved by keeping the arms close to the body. In most instances, the angle < i of the arm from the torso T when gripping the side projections or the front support surface will be smaller than the angle < 2 of the arm from the torso when gripping a handrail. In the preferred embodiment, the angle < i of the arm A from the torso T when gripping the side projections is less than or equal to 30 degrees. Thus, a person using the embodiment shown could support their weight with their hands on the side projections 102, 103 using their arms to exert a lesser amount of force than would be needed for use with a handrail 1301.

FIG. 20 shows a front transfer sequence between a wheelchair 1401 and a toilet seat 100. From the front of the toilet seat 100, the wheelchair may be placed facing and adjacent to the toilet seat 100. Close placement enables a user to move across only a small gap to place a portion of the user's thigh or buttock onto the front projection 104. Partially supported by the front projection 104, the user can then position their body using the side projections 102, 103, seat surface 101 and front projection 104. The entire seat surface 101 provides a stable support surface for the lower body and both the outer periphery 112 and seat surface 101 provide an area for manual support and gripping.

FIG. 21 shows a side transfer sequence between a wheelchair 1401 and a toilet seat 100. From the side of the toilet a wheelchair can be positioned diagonally and adjacent to the toilet seat 100 to minimize the transfer distance.

As shown in FIG. 22, The rear projection sidewall 109 and diagonal projection sidewall 108 provide a solid anchoring grip area for the hand H of a user to curl the fingers around while leaning forward for activities such as reaching for toilet paper, picking up an item dropped onto the floor, for pulling on garments, or to lean forward to compress their abdomen for stimulating bowel movements. One of the preferred embodiments has projections on both lateral sides of the seat so that anchoring grips are easily reachable with either hand and a gripping surface for anchoring is available opposite from any direction a user might lean.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a wheelchair and a toilet 1201. In this example, the height Yll of the handrail 1301 is at approximately 91 cm (36 inches); the wheelchair seat height Y10 is at approximately 48 cm (19 inches); the toilet seat height Y12 is at approximately 43 cm (17 inches); and the distance from the closest side approach position to the wall-mounted handrail is a lateral distance of approximately 69 cm (27 inches). Given these approximate dimensions it is evident that the handrail has a minimal role in assisting the user in a side transfer because reaching the height Yll and lateral distance X7 to the handrail would likely imbalance a user and provide little leverage because the handrail is above the user's center of gravity.

The heights Yl, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6, Y9, distances XI, X2, X3, X4, X5, Zl, Z2, edge contours, and projection angles of the toilet seat 100 and its placement on a toilet 1201 may vary to accommodate users based on height, weight, arm length, and hand size. The body proportions and accommodation needs of different user groups may vary. For example, bariatric patients, require modification in both scale and proportions due to the fact that their hand size may be average while their weight and lower body width may be disproportionately larger than the population average. An elderly ambulatory user may prefer a high swell and a high seat. A high swell requires less bending at the waist or knees to reach the support surface 305b. Because an ambulatory user is starting and finishing their transfer from a standing position, the user has more clearance for passing over a higher forward elevation resulting from the swell 126. A wheelchair user may prefer a low swell or substantially flat broad front support surface 305b aligned with the height of a wheelchair seat Y10. A child user would be accommodated by a smaller seat. Different toilet bowl brim dimensions may necessitate congruent modifications of the seat shape such that the seat is supported by a selected toilet.

When a user is seated on the toilet seat 100 with their hands on the lateral projection sidewall 107 on either side, respectively, the angle a4 of their arm to torso would be less than or equal to 30 degrees. The maximum front edge height Yl and the outer projection edge maximum height Y3 is less than or equal to the a dorsoventral diameter of an average user's thigh, this value would be approximately 20 cm (8 in) for an average weight user group, but could be higher for an average obese user, approximately 40 cm (16 in). The distance of the lateral projection XI and the length of projection Zl is at least the breadth of half a palm width, approximately 4 cm (1.5 in) for an adult user. The distance Zl is such that when the user is sitting up straight on the seat, the lateral projections are substantially aligned with the average user's shoulders. For an average adult user, the forward projection sidewall 106 will be located at approximately one-half Z2.

In one embodiment, polymers are used to form the seat 100 in an injection molding process. In another embodiment the seat is formed from steel and has a weight capacity of over 500 Kg (1100 pounds).

Optional features and adaptations may be included in various embodiments of the invention. Adaptations may include, but are not limited to, omitting the front support surface for use in a horseshoe-style seat, altering the seat dimensions to fit a different toilet size or shape, making the seat out of different materials, or making the item easily detachable for portability. Optional features may include a lid, a splash guard, padding, and other such features as would be known to a person of skill in the relevant art.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations therefore. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims hereinafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations are within their true spirit and scope. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever a range is given in the

specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure.