GB2468115A - Foldable bathroom cleaning stool - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable stool for use when cleaning toilet bowls and bathtubs designed to allow people to clean without bending their backs, while also being compact. In one embodiment the stool comprises; a seat E, lockable wheels A and a trunk B with a foldable joint C and a stool arm b movable between an in use and storage position. In a second embodiment the stool comprises; a seat, hinge and wall attachment means, wherein the stool can be folded against the wall when not in use. In a third embodiment the stool comprises a seat, a base, a curved trunk shaped to fit over or around water and/or sewage pipes, a foldable joint and stool arm movable between an in use and storage position. In a fourth scissor/cross-type embodiment the seat height is adjustable via a pair of legs arranged in a cross formation and pivotally attached to each other at a central point.

Description

Bathroom back care stools (Bacstool1! Bathroom back care stools (Bacstools) are especially designed to allow people to clean the toilet bowl without bending their backs. Its unique design allows it to be fitted in the toilet with virtually no increase in clutter nor decrease in space. As Bacstools help to keep straight backs during cleaning it will help alleviate the problems of back pain.

The unique design of Bacstools makes it possible for them to be used in commercial toilet cleaning and they can also be used in the home by people who want to protect their backs or those already suffering from back problems or from such problems as arthritis of the knees or the back, this makes Bacstools are very useful invention.

Though the designs being proposed here are mechanical, the functions of the stools can be made diiital to suit today's high-tech world.

The Statistics.

In the UK alone it is reported half of the population report back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year. It is also reported the National health service in the UK spends per year more than �1 billion on back pain related costs. Other European countries report similar costs.

(Palmer K?', Walsh K, et a! .Back pain in Britain, BMJ2000;320:1577-1578) (Maniadakis A, Gray A. The economic burden of back pain in the UK Pain 2000;84:95-1 03) In industrialised countries it is reported that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some stage in their life. (Maniadakis A, Gray A. The economic burden of back pain in the UK Pain 2000;84:95-103) It is a well documented fact that some of the causes of back pain are physical factors such as frequent bending, twisting and repetitive work And yet there is nothing on the market to help people protect their backs while they are cleaning their toilets.

The back pain problem is the main reason why the Bacstool range has been designed and if well marketed it can do a great deal in helping people protect their backs and can also help save millions or even billions of taxpayers money that could others wise go towards health care. The Bacstool is intended to be a range of back care stools, of which four designs are being proposed in this proposal. These are Bacstool wheelie', Bacstool attached', Bacstool foldable' and Bacstool simpla' respectively. The designs are meant for different toilet designs and the tasks the user wants to use them for. These will be described in the specific notes for each Bacstool design.

(Please not that the diagrams are for illustration only and re not according to scale).

Bacstool wheelie' is a wheeled,foldable back care stool especially convenient for those who are cleaning many toilets at the same. The wheels are lockable and will enable the user to wheel the stool from one toilet to the other until the job is done. It can also be used in the home and can be wheeled from near the toilet bowl to the bathroom tub for those who would like to use it to clean the tub. Bacstool wheelie' can also be convenient for use in back to the wall' toilet designs. The wheels should be locked when the stool is in use.

Notes for Diagram I. A stool legs with lockable wheels at the end, enables the stool be wheeled around between toilets. Wheels should be locked when the stool is in use.

B---Trunk, where the stool arm (D) is attached at foldable joint (C) C---foldable joint, allows stool arm (D) to be moved between point land 2. This allows the stool to be folded when not in use over trunk (B) as shown in diagram lb. D----Stool arm, attaches stool surface (E) to stool trunk (B), can be folded at point (C) as described above.

E---Stool surface.

As the name suggests Bacstool attached' is a foldable backeare stool attached to the wall of the toilet room. U is more convenient for back to the wall' toilet designs.

Bacstool attached' will be attached to the wall and will be situated adjacent to the toilet bowl and will be folded back to the wall when not use. (Position Y in diagram 2). Bacstool attached can also be used in any environment domestic or commercial according to user's preference.

A--wall attachment, attaches the Bacstool to the wall possible by screws as shown in the diagram..

B. Point of attachment for the Bacstool, allows stool surface (D) to be moved to position X when in use and position Y when not in use.

C---stool arm attaches stool surface (D) to attachment point (B), can rotate between points X and Y. D-stool surface at point of use X. E---stool surface at folded (resting) position V. Bacstool Foldable is a double foldable extendable back care stool. Especial suitable for traditional toilet designs with sewerage and water pipes in the open as shown in the diagram. Can be used both in the commercial and domestic any environment. Its foldable designs ensures that little extra space is taken in the toilet. Since the stool surface can be extended between points 5 and 6, Bacstool foldable can be used to clean the bathroom tub in certain circumstances.

A-Base of stool which is flat and triangular in shape. This is placed behind the toilet bowl under the water tank.

B-The stool trunk connects the base A and the stool arm D at joint C. The stool trunk is curved to allow space for the water pipe to the toilet bowl and the sewage pipe from the toilet bowl. This should be designed in such a way as to increase the stability of the stool.

C-Joint for stool arm and stool trunk which allows a ninety degree rotation of the arm between points 1 and 2 (Vertical to horizontal). This allows the stool to be folded between the toilet cover (seat) and the water tank when not in use.

D-Stool arm to which stool surface E is attached connects to trunk B at joint C. The arm can fold to the vertical position when not in use a shown in diagram 3b.

E-Stool surface, folds over arm C between points 3 and 4 allowing the whole system to be folded in an upright position between the toilet cover (toilet seat) and the water tank. An option for the design may allow the seat to be moved forward also between points 4 and S to allow the appliance to be used while cleaning the bathroom in some instances.

As the name suggests Bacstool simpla is a foldable back care stool with a simple design but specifically designed for use in the cleaning of the toilet or bathroom tub.

Its foldable design ensures that the stool does not use up space when not in use.

Bacstool simpla is designed for use in the home although it can be used in any environment.

A.. first of two stool legs. Attaches to stool at (D), point D has various points of attachments to adjust the height of the stool and also to allow the stool to be folded when not in use as shown in diagram 4a.

B---second leg, has fixed attachement at stool surface, but has foldable attachment to the other leg (A) at point ( C) allowing the stool to be folded hen not in use.

C-Foldable joint, allows the stool to be folded when not in use.

D.. variable attachments points for leg (A) allowing the height of the stool to be adjusted and the stool to be folded..

E-stool surface.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS1. Bacstools' unique foldable design that allows them to be fitted and used in toilet environments with virtually no increase in clutter or decrease in space.
2. 2. The actual folding mechanisms of the Bacstool invention.
3. 3. The different variations of the Bacstool invention that adapt to different toilet designs and environments.
4. 4. The Bacstool concept and specialised design to clean toilets while sitting down and maintaining a straight back.