BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for assisting a user into a seated position. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus or assisting a user from a standing position into a seated, preferably a squat, position and back to a standing position.

Various devices for assisting a person from a standing position, into a 90° seated position and back into a standing position exist. These devices are generally aimed at assisting a user using a standard floor standing toilet who may otherwise be experiencing difficulty in using such toilet. Standard floor standing toilets typically have horizontally positioned toilet seat on which the user sits in use. In order to be capable of using the toilet the user has to possess the required strength to support their own body while moving form a standing position into a horizontally seated position and then again need to possess the required strength to stand up from the seated position. People who have weakened lower body strength for whatever reason often find this movement difficult to perform, and are accordingly incapable of using a toilet unassisted. This not only poses problems and challenges from a practical point of view but also impacts on the person’s dignity.

One of the disadvantages of some of the known devices is that they require modifications to be made to the toilet in order to allow for the save use thereof. These modifications could include structural changes to the toilet, the fixation of additional components thereto and the removal of components such as the toilet seat, for example. These modifications not only increase costs and affect the usability of the toilet by other people, but, most significantly, render them not fully portable. To address this disadvantage, some of the known devices make use of an external frame that, in use, fits over the toilet. For example, see the device of US patent no. 4,884,841. The frame of this known device is free-standing as it does not require any modifications to be made to the toilet. However, the device of US patent no 4,884,841 is not truly portable as it cannot be easily moved. This is due to its large frame and a pneumatic lifting system for lifting its seat to assist a user into a standing position. In an attempt to make this known device safe during use it has a bulky base including long base members that serves to prevent the device from falling over. The pneumatic system also requires an externally mounted reservoir for operating the lifting mechanism.

The known devices furthermore have the limitation that they do not allow the user to move from a standing position into a seated, squat position in which the user’s hips extend past the horizontal, i.e. below the horizontal relative to the user’s knees. It has been found that this squat position, in which the user’s upper legs are angled above the horizontal, is the optimal position to stimulate bowel movement and enable complete elimination of the bowel which is not possible if seated in a not-squat, 90° position. The known devices are incapable of assisting a user into this optimal squat position. Medical research has proven that this optimal squad position is essential for complete bowel elimination, which is imperative for gut health. The western world, which typically uses the 90° degree toilet, has seen an exponential increase in diseases such as bowel cancers, haemorrhoids, constipation complications and resulting issues.

Another disadvantage of known devices is that they are expensive and in less developed countries large portions of the population simply cannot afford the known devices.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for assisting a user into a seated, preferably a squat, position that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for assisting a user into a seated, preferably a squat, position which will be a useful alternative to existing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a portable apparatus for assisting a user into a squat position, the apparatus including a frame, a lifting mechanism, a seat support carried by the lifting mechanism and a seat carried by the seat support, wherein the lifting mechanism is operable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position, and wherein the lifting mechanism includes an actuator for biasing the lifting mechanism into its first, raised position, thereby exerting a lifting force on the seat support that acts to counter the weight of the user such that the user’s movement from a standing to a seated position is controlled by the lifting force and the user’s movement from the seated position back into the standing position is assisted by the lifting force. The lifting mechanism may be arranged such that a shift in the user’s centre of gravity forward triggers the lifting mechanism to move into its first, raised position thereby assisting the user back into the standing position by means of the lifting force.

The frame may include two lateral frame members that run substantially parallel to each other and are connected to each other by at least one cross-member, and wherein each frame member carries a lifting mechanism including a corresponding actuator, the lifting mechanism and actuator being completely integrated into the frame member.

The frame may include a cross-member connected between the two lateral frame members, the cross-member defining a raised footrest for raising a user’s feet in use, thereby assisting the user in attaining the squat position.

The lifting mechanism may include a first member, a second member and a third member, the first and second members being pivotally connected between the frame and the third member, and the third member being connected to the seat support, and wherein the actuator is connected between the frame and the first member such that extension and contraction of the actuator causes the first, second and third members to pivot relative to the frame.

The third member may act as a limit stop to limit the movement of the lifting mechanism and the seat support when the lifting mechanism is moved into its second, lowered position, thereby defining the position of the seat support when it is in its second, lowered position.

The third member may have a free end, which is received in a guide located on the corresponding frame member when the lifting mechanism is in its second, lowered position.

The actuator may be adjustable to adjust the lifting force. The lifting force may be between 100 N and 300 N, particularly about 200N.

The seat may be shaped to assist a user in achieving the squat position when, in use, the user is seated on the seat and the seat support is in its second, lowered position. The seat may include a front wall which is raised in comparison to a rear wall located at the opposite end of the seat such that the raised front wall acts to lift the user’s legs thereby assisting the user to attain the squat position. The seat may include a substantially continuous wall defining the front and rear walls in its front and rear regions respectively.

The seat may be movably secured to the seat support such that it is movable between a first, lowered position in which the seat is located on the seat support and a second, raised position in which the seat is in a substantially upright position.

The seat and seat support may have complementary shaped securing means, which allow for the seat to be removably securable to the seat support such that it is interchangeable with a different seat. The securing means of the seat may include securing formations that are integrally formed in its rear wall.

The apparatus may include a locking mechanism for locking the lifting mechanism in its second, lowered position in order to prevent the lifting force from lifting the seat support while the locking mechanism is in its locked state. The locking mechanism may be hand-operable by the user between its locking state in which it locks the seat support in its second, lowered position and its released state in which it allows movement of the seat support from its second, lowered position into its first, raised position.

The locking mechanism may be hand-operable by the user between its locking state in which it locks the seat support in its second, lowered position and its released state in which it allows movement of the seat support from its second, lowered position into its first, raised position. The locking mechanism may include at least one lever carrying a handle. In the preferred embodiment the locking mechanism has two levers, one located on either side of the frame.

The continuous wall of the seat may define an upper surface on which the user sits in use. The upper surface may be contoured for comfort.

The securing means of the seat may be located at the rear wall of the seat. Preferably, the seat may define securing formations that are integrally formed in its rear wall forming part of the securing means.

The apparatus may include a lid that is receivable on the seat. The lid may be receivable on the seat such that it covers the aperture defined by the seat. In this embodiment the lid acts as a cover.

The actuator may be in the form of a linear actuator, such as a piston and cylinder assembly.

The actuator may be a pneumatic or hydraulic.

The apparatus may include a raised footrest for raising a user’s feet during use, thereby assisting the user in attaining the squat position. The footrest may be carried by the frame. In one embodiment the footrest is in the form of a cross member extending across the frame.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention the invention there is provided a method of assisting a user into a squat position using an apparatus including a frame, a lifting mechanism, a seat support carried by the lifting mechanism and a seat carried by the seat support, the method including: controlling the user’s movement from a fist, raised position into a second, lowered position by exerting a lifting force on the seat support that acts to counter the weight of the user; and assisting the user’s movement from the second, lowered position into the first, raised position such that the user’s movement from a seated to a standing position is assisted by the lifting force; wherein the user’s movement from the second, lowered position into the first, raised position is triggered by shift in the user’s centre of gravity forward.

The method may include adjusting the lifting force. The lifting force may be between 100 N and 300 N, particularly about 200N

The method may include providing support the user on either side by locating two substantially parallel lateral frame members one of either side of the user when seated on the seat.

The method may include lifting the user’s feet by providing a cross-member connected between the two lateral frame members, the cross-member defining a raised footrest for assisting the user in attaining the squat position.

The method may include lowering a seat support carrying the seat into a substantially horizontal position when in the second, lowered position and using a squat seat to assist the user in achieving the squat position.

The method may include lowering a seat support carrying the seat into a position past the horizontal in order to assist the user in achieving the squat position.

The method may include locking the lifting mechanism in its second, lowered position in order to prevent the lifting force from lifting the seat support while the locking mechanism is in its locked state.

The method may include moving the apparatus to a desired location by tilting the frame and wheeling the apparatus to the desired location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an apparatus for assisting a user into a squat position in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in which its lifting mechanism and seat support are in their first, raised positions;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in which its lifting mechanism and seat support are in their second, lowered positions;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a seat of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a top view of the seat of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the seat of Figure 6;

Figure 9 shows a side view of the seat of Figure 6; and

Figure 10 shows a front view of the seat of Figure 6. DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of an apparatus for assisting a user into a squat position in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The apparatus 10 includes a frame 20, a lifting mechanism 30 carried by the frame and a seat member or support 40 carried by the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism 30 is operable between a first, raised position in which the seat support 40 is raised and a second, lowered position in which the seat support is lowered. The movement of the lifting mechanism 30 between its first, raised position and its second, lowered position assists the user in going from a standing position, into a squat position and back into a standing position. As a result, the apparatus 10 assists the user to get into the squat position and back into a standing position under assisted and controlled movement. In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings the apparatus 10 is in the form of an aid, particularly a portable aid, which allows a user to use a toilet who would otherwise not have been able to use it. It is however envisaged that the apparatus 10 could be used in different applications to assist the user in moving from a standing position, into a sitting position and back into a standing position. It should therefore be understood that the apparatus 10 is intended to provide assisted and controlled movement of the user between a standing position and a seated position and/or vice versa. For example, the apparatus could be used in a shower to assist a user in moving safely from a standing to a seated position in order to take a shower.

Turning now to Figure 1 , it can be seen that the frame 20 includes two lateral frame members 21.1 and 21.2. The lateral frame members 21.1 , 21.2 are typically made from tubing. The tubing consists of sections that are bent and connected, for example welded, to one another to form a substantially continuous frame member 21.1 , 21.2. In use, the frame members 21.1 , 21.2 are upright and substantially parallel to each other. The frame members 21.1 , 21.2 are connected to each other via at least one cross-member. In the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 shown in the accompanying drawings, the frame 20 includes two cross-members 22, 23. The cross-members 22, 23 extend between the frame members 21.1 , 21.2. In the illustrated embodiment the cross-members 22, 23 are located at opposite ends of the frame members 21.1 , 21.2. The cross-member 22 is located at an end of the frame which is, in use, its front end 24.1 while the second cross-member 23 is located at an end of the frame which is, in use, its rear end 24.2.

The cross-members 22, 23 are also made from tubing, such as round tubing. The tubing of each cross-member 22, 23 is bent into a U shape such that its parallel legs are connected, preferably bolted, to the frame 20 while its lateral section extending between the parallel legs run transversely across the frame 20 from one frame member to the other 21.1 , 21 .2.

The cross-member 22 is carefully positioned on the frame 20 such that it acts as a footrest for the user’s feet, in use. The footrest 22 serves to raise the user’s feet in order to assist the user in getting into a comfortable squat position, in which the users upper legs are angled upwardly relative to the horizontal. In other words, in the squat position the user’s knees are above the horizontal level of the user’s hips.

The cross-member 23 is, in turn, positioned on the frame 20 to provide a backrest for the user in use. The preferred embodiment a separate, removable backrest 25 is connected to the frame 20, and in particular to the cross-member 23. The backrest 25 is removably connectable to the frame 20. The backrest 25 carries connecting formations 26 which are connectable to extension tubes 27 carried by the frame 20. The backrest 25 is connected to the frame 20 by engaging the connecting formations 26 with the extension tubes 27. When connected to the frame 20, the extension tubes 27 are received inside the complimentary shaped connecting formations 26 carried by the backrest 25.

The frame 20 is dimensioned to fit inside a standard cabinet, which typically has a width of about 600 mm. The frame 20 is compact and has a width W of about 500 mm, more particularly 505 mm. This allows the apparatus 10 to be stored inside a standard cabinet when not in use. It should however be understood that the apparatus is not limited to this particular width and could be adjusted to suit the particular needs of a patient. Returning to the illustrated embodiment, the compact frame 20 is also easily movable. The frame 20 carries a set of wheels 28, one wheel mounted on each frame member 21.1 , 21.2. The apparatus 10 can easily by moved by tilting the frame 20 backwards, e.g. lifting the front end 21.1 of the frame 20, so as to engage the wheels 28 with the surface on which the apparatus 10 rests in use. The apparatus 10 is then easily wheeled to a new position. To secure the apparatus 10 for use after it has been moved to its new position, the frame carries four adjustable rubber feet 29 to engage and grip the surface on which the apparatus stands.

Turning now to Figures 4 and 5 the lifting mechanism 30 will be described in greater detail. The lifting mechanism 30 is shown in its first, raised position in Figure 4 and in its second, lowered position in Figure 5. The lifting mechanism 30 includes a first member 31 , a second member 32 and a third member 33. The members 31 , 32, 33 are connected movably, in particular pivotally, to one another so as to allow movement of the mechanism between its different positions. The members 31 , 32, 33 are therefore also referred to as linkages. The first 31 and second 32 connecting members are connected at one end to the frame 20, and in particular to a frame member 34, by means of pivot pins 35.1 and 35.2 respectively. The first 31 and second 32 connecting members are connected at their opposite ends to the third connecting member 33 by means of pivot pins 35.3 and 35.4 respectively. This arrangement allows the first 31 and second 32 connecting members to pivot relative to the frame 20 and to the third connecting member 33. The third connecting member 33 is connected to the seat support 40 at an end 33.1 which is, in use, its upper end while its opposite end 33.2, which is in use its lower end, is free, i.e. not connected in a fixed manner.

As shown in Figure 4, the free end 33.2 of the third connecting member 33 act as a limit stop, thereby defining the second, lowered position of the lifting mechanism 30. In the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 10, the length of the third connecting member 33 is such that the seat support 40 is substantially horizontal when the limit stop 33.2, i.e. the lower end of the third connecting member, reaches the end of its travel. In this position the limit stop 33.2 engages the frame 20, which prevents it from travelling further. In this position the free end 33.2 is received in a guide 37 located on the frame member 21.1 , 21.2. It should therefore be understood that the exact position of the seat support 40 when the lifting mechanism is in its second, lowered position may be altered by altering the length of the third connecting member 33.

The lifting mechanism 30 further includes an actuator 36. The actuator 36 is arranged so as to bias the lifting mechanism 30 towards its first, raised position. In the illustrated embodiment the actuator 36 is shown as a linear actuator, such as a piston and cylinder assembly. The actuator 36 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder for example. To exert a lifting force onto the lifting mechanism 30 the actuator 36 is connected between the frame 20 and the second connecting member 32. As shown in the accompanying drawings a first end 36.1 of the actuator which is, in use, its top end is connected to the second connecting member 32 by means of a pivot pin 35.5. Similarly, a second end 36.2 of the actuator 36 which is, in use, its bottom end is connected to the frame 20 by means of a pivot pin 35.6.

In the preferred embodiment the actuator 36 is in the form of a gas strut, also referred to as a gas lift, which is biased towards its extended configuration. This bias exerts an upward, lifting force to the lifting mechanism 30 in order to move it automatically into its first, raised position. It should therefore be clear that the lifting mechanism 30 is urged automatically into its first, raised position when the apparatus is not in use, i.e. the user is not sitting on the seat support 40. In use, the weight of the user sitting on the seat support 40 causes the lifting mechanism 30 to move into its second, lowered position, thereby lowering the user into the squat position. The gas strut 36 is preferably adjustable to deliver a lifting force of between 100 N and 300N. It has been found that a lifting force of 200 N works well. Again, it should be understood that the apparatus 10 could be adjusted according to the particular needs of the user and is therefore not limited to any particular gas strut. In some instances, a lifting force greater than 300N may be required.

As shown in the drawings each frame member 21.1 , 21.2 has a corresponding lifting mechanism 30. By placing a lifting mechanism 30 on either side of the frame 20 a more balanced and, therefore, safer lifting action is obtained.

The seat support 40 provides a platform 41 for the mounting of a removable seat 42. The seat support 40, and in particular the platform 41 , carries securing formations 43 for securing the seat 42 onto the seat support. The seat 42, in turn, carries securing formations 44 that are complementary shaped to the securing formations 43 carried by the platform 41 . In the preferred embodiment the securing formations 43, 44 are designed to accommodate standard toilet fittings for securing the seat to the platform. The securing formations in the platform 41 may define a hole, preferably with a diameter of about 12mm, for receiving the fittings.

The securing formations 44 of the seat are located at an end 45 of the seat which is, in use, its rear end. The seat 42 is movably secured to the platform 41 such that it is movable between a first, lowered position in which the seat 42 is located on the platform 41 and a second, raised position in which the seat 42 is in a substantially upright position. In this upright position the apparatus 10 allows a man to use urinate into the toilet bowl while in a standing position, thereby facilitating unobstructed usage of the toilet.

The rear end 45 has a reduced thickness in comparison to an end 46 of the seat which is, in use, its front end. Best seen in Figures 6 and 9, the front end 46 is raised relative to the rear end 45 of the seat when the lifting mechanism 30, and accordingly the seat 41 , is in the second, lowered position. In this position the raised front end 46 acts to lift the user’s legs, particularly their knees, into an upward position above the horizontal in order to assist the user in attainting the squat position.

As shown in the accompanying drawings the seat 42 has a substantially continuous wall 47 defining a front wall 48 at its front end 46 and a rear wall 49 at its rear end 45. The continuous wall 47 of the seat 42 defines an upper surface 50 on which the user sits, in use. The upper surface 50 is contoured or curved for comfort.

Although the seat 42 is illustrated as a squatting seat, i.e. a seat that has a raised front wall 48 in order to assist the user into the squat position, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of such a seat. It is envisaged that in an alternative embodiment the seat could be any other shape. For example, the seat could be in the shape of a standard toilet seat which has a substantially flat upper surface. In other words, the seat could be shaped such that the continuous wall 47 has a substantially uniform thickness. It is further envisaged that the lifting mechanism 30 could be adapted such that the platform 41 is angled relative to the horizontal. This angled platform 41 could then be used to assist the user in attaining the squat position even when a flat seat is used. In this alternative embodiment the seat support 40, and in particular the platform 41 , moves past the horizontal when the lifting mechanism is moved into its second, lowered position.

It is further envisaged that the squatting seat 42 could be interchangeable or replaceable with a standard toilet seat to accommodate special needs of the user. For example, in certain circumstances, such as after back surgery, a user may not be allowed to sit in the squat position, i.e. the user may not be allowed to lift their knees above the horizontal relative to their hips when sitting. In such an instance by changing the squatting seat 42 with a flat seat, such as a standard toiler seat, the user can still use the apparatus 10 as they will be in the 90° position. It is also envisaged that the lifting mechanism 30 could be adjusted to change the angle at which the user will be sitting to accommodate for special needs of the user. Returning to the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes locking means 51 for locking the lifting mechanism 30, and accordingly the seat support 40, in the second, lowered position. The locking means 51 includes a manually operable mechanism that can be manipulated by the user between a released state and a locked state. The locking mechanism has at least one lever 52 in the shape of a handle. In the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 10 each frame member 21.1 , 21.2 carries a locking mechanism such that a handle 52 is provided on both sides of the frame 20. In use, once the lifting mechanism 30 reaches its second, lowered position in which the user is in the squat position, the user grips the handles 52 and moves the locking mechanisms into their locked state. In the illustrated embodiment this is done by twisting or rotating the handles 52 in order to engage the locking mechanisms with the seat support 40, thereby locking the seat support in place. When in their locked state the locking means 51 prevents movement of the lifting mechanism 30 under the bias of the actuators 36. Only when the user disengages the locking mechanisms from the seat support 40 is the seat support free to be moved under the bias of the lifting mechanism 30.

The apparatus 10 further has a removable lid 60 that is receivable on the seat 42. The lid 60 is shaped to be receivable on the seat 42 such that it covers the aperture defined by the seat as shown in Figure 6. When located on the seat 42 the lid 60 aligns with the top surface 50 of the seat such that the top surface and lid form a substantially continuous surface. In this position the lid 60 acts as a cover for covering the aperture defined by the seat 42. The lid 60 also acts as a platform on which a user may sit, i.e. a seat.

An advantage of the apparatus 10 over the known devices is that it allows the user to attain a squat position to stimulate bowel movement. The apparatus 10 is furthermore compact as it can be stored in a standard cabinet. The apparatus 10 is also truly portable as it allows for easily movement from one location to the next. The apparatus 10 can furthermore be disassembled easily for storage and/or transportation. The bolted connections between the footrest 22 and frame 20 and between the backrest 25 and frame 20 allow for the apparatus 10 to be flat-packed, typically in a box. The lifting mechanism 30 has a fully integrated actuator 36 that doesn’t require external reservoirs, for example. The actuator 36 can therefore be retained in the lifting mechanism 30, and accordingly the associated frame member 21.1 , 21.2, during movement and/or transportation of the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is a self-contained unit and does not require any modifications to be made to a toilet or any surrounding fixtures. Its simplified construction also makes the apparatus 10 affordable in comparison to other expensive devices that are simply not affordable, particular in less developed countries in which large portions of the population cannot afford the known devices. Another advantage of the apparatus 10 is that the backrest 25 and lateral frame members 21.1 and 21.2 keep the user safe by preventing the user from falling off the seat support 40.

It will be appreciated that the above description only provides an example embodiment of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention. It is easily understood from the present application that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.