ADAPTER DEVICE Background tool] Supportive means for the perineum and the surrounding area of a user may be used for toilet seats or other seating arrangements. Such means may be used to alleviate pressure in the perineum or relieve pain for purposes of evacuating the bowels.

Brief Description of Drawings

[002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various implementations of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[003] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein.

[004] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein. loos] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein.

[006] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein.

[007] FIG. 5 shows a toilet adapter device placed on a toilet, according to principles described herein.

[008] FIG. 6 shows a side view of an adapter device with extension members, according to principles described herein.

[009] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an adapter device with extension members, according to principles described herein. [0010] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein. toon] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein. [0012] FIG. 10 shows a side view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein.

[0013] FIG. 11 shows a side view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein.

[0014] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of an adapter device, according to principles described herein.

Detailed Description

[0015] The following describes a supportive means for users that are suitable for use with a toilet or other seating arrangement. The perineum and the surrounding area of a user experiences pressure when a user attempts to empty the bowels, or defecate, into a toilet or other seating arrangement.

[0016] When the perineum or surrounding tissue is weak or damaged, the pressure may increase, causing a user to experience pain or discomfort while attempting to defecate. Further, such pain and discomfort while defecating may cause perineum muscles to strain or even cause perineum muscles to fail to eliminate bowels completely. Failure to evacuate bowels partially or completely may lead to a user becoming impacted from constipation such that costly removal means (e.g., enemas, etc.) or otherwise uncomfortable procedures are required. In addition, straining the perineum may cause a user to develop hemorrhoids or cause other health-related problems.

[0017] Current means for supporting the perineum during defecation include modified toilets with attached levers that a user may operate to add pressure to the perineum. The modified toilet may not be an ideal solution because it is a permanent and expensive solution. Furthermore, the modified toilet fails to accommodate the user for purposes of defecating in other locations. Also, the permanent nature of a modified toilet is unnecessary for what may be only a temporary need. Modified toilets also do not permit a user to urinate while utilizing the device.

[0018] An adapter device may be used to support a perineum and surrounding tissues of a user while a user is defecating. The adapter device may further support users with pelvic floor dysfunction or weakness, postpartum or prenatal bathroom usage, defecation after a Cesarean Section, defecation after a hemorrhoidectomy, or other support purposes. Supporting the perineum in these, or other, instances may, among other things, help users to alleviate pain and discomfort on the perineum and supporting tissues. Also, the adapter device described herein may be portable for those who travel away from the domicile of the user. The adapter device would thus allow a user to take support for defecation with them anywhere they go.

[0019] An example adapter device according to principles described herein includes a base member and an attachment member on either end of the base member. The base member is an elongate member that is to extend across diametrically opposed sides of a toilet seat. Each attachment member includes two fins that extend downward to fit around sidewalls of the toilet seat and thus slidably engage the sides of the toilet seat. The attachment member is to prevent lateral movement of the attachment member and base member when the adapter device is placed on top of a toilet seat. The base member and the attachment member are to be positioned on the toilet seat so as to provide support to a perineum of a user.

[0020] Another example adapter device according to principles described herein includes a base member and an attachment member on either end of the base member. The base member is an elongate member that extends across diametrically opposed sides of a toilet seat. Each attachment member is located on either end of the base member and is to slidably engage around the sides of the toilet seat. Each attachment member includes attachment structure to rest on top of a portion of the toilet seat and slidably engage at least one sidewall of the toilet seat. The attachment structure is to prevent lateral movement of the attachment member when the adapter device is placed on top of a toilet seat. The attachment member is to be positioned on the toilet seat so as to provide support to a perineum of a user.

[0021] Another example adapter device according to principles described herein includes a base member and an attachment member on either end of the base member. The base member is an elongate member that extends across diametrically opposed sides of a toilet seat. Each attachment member is located on either end of the base member. A width of the base member is dimensioned to support a perineum of a user. Each attachment member is to contact an outer facing side of a toilet seat to prevent lateral movement of the attachment member and base member when the adapter device is placed on top of a toilet seat.

[0022] In an example, the adapter device includes a proper width to allow for simultaneous support of perineum and passage of contents of bowels. In an example, the adapter device allows space for both urination and defecation. Further examples include that the adapter device have attachment members that connect to a toilet. In an example, the adapter device includes attachment members that are contoured or otherwise curved to lay over an edge of a toilet bowl or toilet seat to ensure that the adapter device is secure while in use.

[0023] Examples of the adapter device provided herein allow users to position their perineum on a given base member to provide pressure to the perineum while defecating. In an example, the adapter device includes a plurality of attachment members that are adjoined on opposite longitudinal sides of the base member and that are to overhang an edge of a toilet. In another example, extending substantially vertically downward from the plurality of attachment members are a plurality of fins that prevent the device from slipping from the location it is placed in while in use. The fins may be oriented in a parallel position relative to the edge of a toilet to maintain the location of the device while in use.

[0024] In an example, the adapter device is foldable. The foldable capability is achieved by at least one hinge between an end of the attachment member and the base member. In other examples, the adapter device is configured to fold in half, thirds, or quarter portions. In another example, the foldable capability is achieved by a plurality of attachment members that extend along a partial or complete curvature of a toilet edge and that fold in half or quarter portions.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an adapter device 100 which includes a base member 104 with attachment members 102-1, -2 on either side of the base member. The base member 104 is a generally flat elongate member that is adjoined at opposite longitudinal sides to attachment members 102-1, -2. The top facing surface of the base member 104 is generally flat so as to provide a support for a user. The base member 104 is to extend across an opening of a toilet bowl or toilet seat and thereby support the weight of a user when in a seated position. The base member 104 is dimensioned with a width to support the breadth of a perineum of a standard user according to anatomical standards for a toilet seat.

[0026] In the example shown, the attachment members 102-1 , -2 include a width that is greater than the width of the base member 104. In other examples, the widths of the base member 104 and the attachment members 102-1 , - 2 are the same. The attachment members 102-1 , -2 shown are curved or contoured on inner and outer sides to follow natural contours of a toilet seat or toilet bowl. The sides may also be angled or tapered. As shown, the curvature of the inner side tapers inward more than the outer side.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the adapter device 100. The bottom of the base member 104 includes structural support with cross structural members, such as the ribbing 108 shown, designed to support the weight of a user. The ribbing reinforces a structural integrity of the base member 104.

[0028] The structural members may be of the same or different material as the base member 104. The ribbing 108 may include thin rib-like members that extend perpendicular and parallel, or in other directions, relative to the base member 104. The ribbing 108 may attach to the attachment members 102-1, -2 also.

[0029] In further examples, at least one of the base member 104 and attachment members 102-1, -2 is a solid member. In further examples, the base member 104 is a hollow member.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the adapter device 100. The attachment members 102-1 , -2 each include two fins that are spaced apart to slidably surround, grip, or otherwise fit on either side of a portion of a toilet seat. The two fins include a length that extends less than, greater than, or at least a depth of, the toilet seat. The lengths of each fin may be equal or different. In an example, the outer fin has a longer length than an inner fin. At least one fin may be angled, contoured, or otherwise curved to extend perpendicular to the base member 104 and fit around sidewalls of a toilet seat or toilet bowl. The curvature of the two fins is designed to enable inner facing sides of the two fins to contact sides of the toilet seat or toilet bowl. The fins shown extend substantially vertically from the attachment members 104 and are designed to prevent slippage of the device from an edge of a toilet.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the adapter device 100. The base member 104, attachment members 102-1, -2 are shown. The attachment members 102-1 , -2 may be of same or similar dimensions in terms of width, height, and depth for the base member 104 to allow portability.

[0032] Note that inner fins of the attachment members 102-1 , -2 may be angled or contoured differently than the outer fins. As shown, the inner fins are tapered inward wherein the outer fins curve to extend straight down relative to the base member 104.

[0033] The material of the adapter device may be made of at least one of plastic, such as polyethyleneterepthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, or any other various plasticized materials. In further examples, the adapter device 100 may comprise any other material that may repeatedly receive force or pressure without fracturing, such as metal, vinyl, nylon, rubber, leather, impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, a combination thereof, etc. In an example, the material of one or more of the base member 104 and attachment members 102-1 , -2 include a metal inner structure coated with a polymer. In an example, a material includes a rubber vinyl covered pressed metal. Note that the base member 104 may be of a different material than the attachment members 102-1, -2.

[0034] Further examples include that the device 100 be treated with an anti microbial or another medical-grade additive to deter the growth of bacteria.

[0035] In an example, at least one inner facing side of the fins of the attachment members 102-1, -2 is manufactured with a coating. The coating may include properties of being at least one of non-porous, non-slip, gripping, sticky, or other property. An example of a coating includes a silicone or rubberized coating. In another example, the coating covers at least one of the base member 104 and at least one attachment member 102-1, -2. In an example, the coating covers at least a portion, majority, or all of the adapter device 100. The coating may cover a substantial portion of the adapter device 100. In other examples, the coating covers only the bottom facing surface of the adapter device 100, or a bottom facing surface of the attachment members 102-1, -2.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the adapter device 100 placed on a toilet seat. The adapter device 100 is designed so that the base member 104 extends across the opening of a toilet bowl or toilet seat 120 as shown. The adapter device 100 is thus positioned to provide support to the perineum of a user. The attachment members 102-1 , -2 fit around sidewalls of the toilet seat so as to slidably engage or otherwise contact sidewalls of the toilet seat. In another example, the fins of the attachment members 102-1 , -2, are spaced apart so as to provide a loose fit around the sidewall of the toilet seat. Moreover, examples include that the adapter device 100 be used with both a toilet seat or a toilet that does not have a seat.

[0037] Turning to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, further examples of the adapter device 100 are shown. In FIG. 6, adapter device 200 includes attachment members 202-1 , -2 that each feature a spring structure 212-1 , -2 to apply a spring force to sidewalls of a toilet seat and thereby secure the adapter device 200 to sidewalls of the toilet seat.

[0038] Each attachment member 202-1 , -2 is separated into two or more portions 222-1 , -2. End portion 222-1 , -2 of each attachment member 202-1 , -2, is slidably engaged or engaged by a respective spring force extension structure 212-1 , -2 such that the end portion 222-1 , -2 may be pulled away from the remaining portion of the attachment member 202-1, -2. The direction of displacement of the end portion may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base member 200. When each end portion is released from being pulled away from its natural state, it returns to its natural state by the spring structure 212-1 , -2. When the adapter device 200 is placed on a toilet seat, the end portions are stopped from returning to the natural state by sidewalls of the toilet seat which creates a pressure on the sidewalls. The spring structure 212-1 , -2 thus enables a clamp fit or pressure fit of the adapter device 200 around the toilet seat.

[0039] The spring structure 212-1 , -2 may include at least one spring or springlike member. The spring structure 212-1 , -2 may further include a rod like housing or other smooth structure which houses the spring or springlike member. The arrangement may be like the spring structure inside of a click pen, the spring structure 212-1 , -2 including properties which allows a smooth linear displacement of the end portion 222-1 , -2 and a smooth return to a natural state.

[0040] Another example of an adapter device 300 is shown in FIG. 7. The attachment members 302-1 , -2 are shown with segmented end portions 322-1 , -2 that separate away from the remainder of the attachment members 302-1 , -2. The end portions 322-1 , -2 are attached at angles to the base member 304. As shown, the segmented end portions 322-1 , -2 have angular inner facing sides that align with the remainder of the inner facing surfaces of attachment members 302-1 , -2. The combined inner facing surfaces of segmented end portion 322-1, -2 and end portion 302- 1 -2 thus provide a substantially parallel surface for laying on an inner facing sidewall of a toilet seat or toilet bowl, whether the segmented end portion 322-1 , -2 is in a natural state or displaced state.

[0041] Spring structures 312-1 , -2 allow the end portions 322-1 , -2 to be displaced from a natural resting state in which the end portions 322-1 , -2 contact or lay adjacent to the remainder of the attachment members 302- 1 , -2. The end portions 322-1 , -2 are displaced both horizontally and vertically away from the base member 304 when they are pulled angularly away from the base member 304. End portions 322-1 , -2 are pulled out as needed or desired and placed around sidewalls of a toilet seat. Releasing the end portions 322-1 , -2 allows the spring forces within the spring structures 312-1 , -2 to pull the end portions 322-1 , -2 toward the natural resting state which pulls the end portions 322-1 , -2 toward sidewalls of the toilet seat. This provides a clamp-like or grip hold on outer sides of the toilet seat to prevent lateral, or in other words, sideways, movement of the toilet seat relative to the toilet.

[0042] Note that moving the end portions 322-1 , -2 angularly away from the base member 304 causes the base member 304 to be located vertically below the end portions 322-1 , -2.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of an adapter device 400 in which the base member 404 and the attachment members 302-1 , -2 are hollow. Structural integrity may be enhanced by at least one of the base member 404 and the attachment members 302-1 , -2 being hollow.

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates an adapter device 500 in which the base member 504 includes a centrally located cutout 524. The cutout 524 shown is a semi circle cutout that extends through one side of the base member 504. The cutout provides a space for fecal matter to pass through from a user to the toilet bowl. Other curvature may be present and other shapes, including oval, square, triangular, or other shapes may be used as cutout shapes.

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates hinges 626-1 , -2, -3, -4 that are used to fold the adapter device 600. The adapter device 600 may be transported and moved from various locations for use. Further portability may be enhanced by folding one or more members of the adapter device 600. As shown hinges 626-1 , -2, -3, -4 are located between respective end portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4 of attachment members 602-1. Prior to bending, the base member 604 lays parallel to end portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4. Bending may occur at one hinge or multiple hinges to accommodate various toilet seat dimensions. While the various end portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4 are shown having generally flat elongate segmented members, other examples include contours and curvatures to conform to toilet seats and toilet bowls.

[0046] As shown in FIG.11 , end portions 622-1 , and 622-4 at outer ends of the attachment members 602-1 , -2 are bent to be perpendicular to the base member 604. In another example, end portions 622-2 and 622-3 are bent at respective hinges 626-2, -3 while end portions 622-1 and 622-4 remain aligned with end portions 622-2, -3, thus forming a table like shape similar to the shape in FIG. 11 but with longer table legs (626-1 , -4).

[0047] In FIG. 12, end portions 622-2, -3 are bent 180 degrees at respective hinges 626-2, -3 so that the end portions face toward each other underneath the base member 604. End portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4 are in alignment. Lengths of the end portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4 may be equal to the base member 604 length as shown. In other examples, the lengths of the end portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4 are less than or greater than the length of the base member 604. Hinges may be attached or base member 604 and end portions 622-1 , -2, -3, -4 may be manufactured to incorporate hinge structure.

[0048] While this invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, and that the invention, as described by the claims, is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the invention which do not depart from the spirit of the invention. In some cases, the parts recited in the claims can be utilized in a different method or attached in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the parts depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order or shape shown to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, modifying the base member, attachment members, or fins may be advantageous.