GB2498191A - Support frame for a toileting chair or commode - Google Patents

Abstract

A support frame for raising the level of a toileting chair or commode is positioned for connection between the toileting chair and an apertured seat such that the seat is higher relative to the chair than when the support is not connected. The support is preferably configured for releasable connection to the chair at a plurality of distinct connection points. The connection may be by snap fit connection.

Description

Support Device For A ToiIetin Chair The invention relates generaHy to toileting chairs, and in particular to a support for elevating the seat of a toileting chair relative to the body of the chair such that the chair can be positioned over a toilet which is higher than the chair was originally designed to accommodate.

Toileting chairs are used in hospitals, care homes and the like to assist patients and the elderly in using the toilet. A conventional toilet chair comprises a frame or body which is proportioned and configurcd such that the chair can accommodate a conventional toilet. The back of the chair is opcn to reveal a cavity so that the frame of the chair can be pushed around the toilet. Thus, thc toilet is received within the body of the chair.

A seat is connected to the body and the seat comprises an aperture through which a patient can urinate and/or defecate into the toilet. The seat is usually removable so that the seat and/or chair can be cleaned, or so that other devices such as commodes can be used with the chair.

In use, the patient is positioned on the seat and the chair is moved to the toilet. The opening at the back of the chair allows the toilet to be inserted into the body of the chair. The chair is maneuvered such that the patient and aperture are positioned above the toilet bowl and thc patient is then able to usc the toilet through thc chair.

Such toileting chairs arc usually provided with wheels on the ends of the chair legs so that the chair can be easily moved into and out of position.

Therefore, conventional toilet chairs are designed and manufactured to fit around and over a toilet of standard dimensions. However, if a hospital or institution is fitted with toilets which are higher than the chair was originally designed to be used with, the toileting chair cannot be used. The chair becomes redundant and the hospital must purchase new toileting chairs desied to accommodate the taller toilets. This may cause financial hardship.

Therefore, a solution is needed which allows an existing toileting chair to be used with toilets higher than it was originally intended for; the solution needs to be inexpensive to produce, and simple to install.

Such an improved solution has now been devised.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a support configured for connection between a toileting chair and an apertured seat such that when the support is connected between the chair and the seat, the seat is higher relative to the chair than when the support is riot connected.

Thus, the support device serves as a booster to raise the apertured seat of the toileting chair to an elevated position. This enables the toileting chair to be used with toilets which are higher than those for which it was originally intended, because the raised seat does not impede insertion of the higher toilet into the toileting chair.

The toileting chair may comprise a plurality of frame elements. The frame elements may be tubular, and may be circular in cross section or may have another shape of cross section. The toileting chair has an opening at the back to permit insertion of a toilet into the cavity or space formed within the body of the chair.

The seat is apertured in that an aperture is formed in the seat. This enables waste matter to pass from the user through the seat. The seat may be a moulded plastic seat.

It may be substantiafly flat or it may be contoured.

Preferably, the support is configured for releasable connection to the chair, or to the seat, or to both the chair and the seat. This provides the advantage that the support and/or seat can be removed for storage, cleaning and so on. It also provides the advantage that the support can be removed such that the seat can be returned to its original (lower) position.

However, in some embodiments the seat may be formed integrally with the support or permanently connected to the support.

The support may comprise a plurality of frame elements. The frame elements may be tubular. They may have a circular or other shaped cross section. At least some of the frame elements may form side walls.

Preferably, the support comprises a mouth. This may allow the toilet or commode to be inserted through the mouth into a cavity formed within the support. The support may be 3-sided.

Preferably, the support is configured such that waste material is able to pass through the support. The support may comprise a passage, opening or cavity extending substantially vertically from the top of the support to the bottom of the support such that waste material is able to pass through the support.

Preferably, the support comprises an upper portion and at least one leg connected to the upper portion. The upper portion may be a rim or lip which provides a support platform for the seat. In use, the underside of the seat is positioned adjacent the rim.

Preferably, the support is configured to cooperate with a connection means provided on the seat. The connection means may be provided on the underside of the seat. The support may be configured for snap fit connection to the seat.

For example, the under side of the seat may be provided with C-shaped members which are configured to fit around the rim (or another portion) of the support.

However, the skilled addressee will readily understand that the invention is not intended to be limited with regard to the manner in which the seat and support are connected, and that a variety of alternatives may be used to the same effect The upper portion (rim) may be substantially square or rectangular, although other shapes may be used. The upper portion may be constructed of a plurality of frame elements. The frame elements may be tubular elements of circular or other cross section.

The rim may form 3-sides of a square or rectangle. One portion of the rim may be provided with a mouth to permit a portion of the toilet (or a commode) to be received within the body of the support.

Preferably, a plurality of legs extends substantially downwardly from the rim.

Preferably, 4 legs are provided, one leg at each corner of the rim. This provides a stable base. The length of the Legs may be selected according to the user's needs -i.e. to enable the seat to be raised sufficiently so as to enable the chair to be used with a toilet of a particular height.

Preferably, the support device is configured for releasable connection to the chair at a plurality of distinct connection points. At least one connection means may be provided on at least one leg to connect the leg to the chair. Preferably, each kg is provided with a connection means to attach the legs of the support device to the chair.

Preferably, the connection means is provided at the end of the leg.

Preferably, the support is configured for snap fit connection to a portion of the chair.

Thus, a C-shaped connection means may be provided on the end of each leg to clip the legs onto the chair.

Preferably, the at least one connection means is configured to fit securely around a frame element of the chair.

However, other connection means may be used to attach the support to the chair.

Preferably, the support is configured for releasable connection to substantially orthogonal portions of the chair such that movement of the support is restricted or prevented when the support is connected. For example, two of the legs may have connection means configured to connect to a front portion of the chair, whilst another two legs may be configured to connect to opposing side elements of the chair. The second pair of legs may connect to the sides at or towards the back of the chair. This provides the advantage that the legs connect to the chair at spaced apart positions, thus ensuring that the support is securely attached and provides a stable base for the seat.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a toileting chair having a support according to any preceding claim.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a method of elevating the seat of a toileting chair comprising the step: mounting a support as described above in between a toileting chair and an apertured seat such that when the support is mounted between the chair and the seat, the seat is higher relative to the chair than when the support is not mounted.

The invention will now bc further described in a specific embodiment, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures Ito 3 show an embodiment of the invention from various perspectives.

Figure 4 shows a known toileting chair suitable for use with the present invention.

Figure 5 shows an apertured seat suitable for use with the present invention.

Figures 6 to 8 show an embodiment of the invention in use in conjunction with the chair and seat of figures 4 and 5.

The present invention is a support 1 which serves as a booster device and can be retro-fitted to an existing toileting chair 3 to enable the seat 2 to be elevated such that the chair 3 can be positioned over toilets higher than those the chair was originally intended to be used with.

Many designs of toileting chairs are known, but an illustrative chair 3 is shown in figures 4, 6 to S which is particularly suited for use with the present invention. The chair 3 comprises a framework body constructed of tubular frame elements and has wheels 4 provided at the end of its legs 5.

S

The chair is provided with a seat 2 which can be removed for cleaning and other purposcs. A scat 2 suitable for usc with thc chair and thc prcscnt invention I is most cicarly shown in figurc 5. Thc seat 2 is aperturcd in that a portion is cut out 6 from a ccntral area of the scat 2. Thc seat is formed from moulded plastic.

The seat 2 is provided with circular (C-shaped) connector clcmcnts 7 which are fixcd onto the underside of thc scat 2 by screws. In convcntional use (i.e. prior to thc present invention) the seat 2 would be positioned over the body of the chair 3 and pushed down such that the connector elements snap-fit onto thc frame of the chair. A plurality of connector elements 7 arc provided to ensure that thc scat 2 is securely mounted upon the body of thc chair 3.

Tumiiig to Figures ito 3, an illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown comprising a support platform or rim' 8 and four legs 9. Thc rim 8 is configured to support the seat 2 in usc and comprises 3 tubular frame elements 8 which arc provided such that they form 3 sides of a square or rectangle. The back portion of thc support (i.e. the 4thi side of the square) is omitted to provide an opening or mouth through which the toilet may bc inserted into the chair and support device.

A leg 9 is provided at each corner of the square, each leg 9 projecting down from the support rim 8. The dimensions of thc rim 8 are selected such that the support 1 fits within the body of the chair 3 as shown in Figures 6 to 8. The length of the legs 9 is selected according to thc nccds of the user so as to clevate the seat 2 to a dcsircd hcight relative to thc toilet(s) with which it is to be used.

At the cnd of each leg 9 there is a circular (C-shaped) conncctor clcment 10 which is configured to snap-fit onto thc frame of the chair 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connectors 10 are oriented such that two attach towards opposing ends of a front portion 11 of thc chair body, whilst thc other two connectors 10 attach to opposing side portions 12 towards the back of the chair 3.

Thus, the two pairs of connectors 10 are angled at right angles relative to each other because thcy attach to chair framc elements ii and 12 which arc substantially orthogonal. Thc connectors 10 arc also provided in spaced apart relation (sideways and back to front). This spacing provides a stable base upon which the seat 2 rests in use. This reduces the risk of the scat tipping or rocking in an unsafe or undesirable manner.

Inuse,theseat2isremovedfrornthechair3. Thesupportdevice 1 isthenpositioned within the body of the chair 3 with the legs 9 extending down and the rim 8 positioned above the legs 9. The support 1 is pushed down onto the frame of the chair 3 such that the connectors 10 snap fit onto the fitnit 11 and side elements 12. The seat 2 is then placed over the support! and pushed down such that the connector elements 7 on the underside of the seat 2 snap fit onto the rim 8 of thc support device I (instead of snap-fitting directly onto thc frame of thc chair as was the case prior to thc present invcntion).

The user is then seated in the chair 3 over the aperture 6 of the scat 2. The chair and user are then wheeled to a toilet (not shown) and maneuvered so that the toilet bowl is received within the cavity lbrmed within the chair and support 1, and the user is positioned over the toilet. Waste material such as urine and feces is able to pass down through the aperture 6 of the scat 2, down through the central cavity lbrmed within the walls of the support!, into the toilet (or other receptacle).

Thus, the support 1 serves as a booster device which is provided intermediate thc chair and the seat to raise the level of the seat. This enables a higher toilet bowl to be accommodated within the chair because the scat is heightened and does not impede insertion of the toilet bowl.

If so desired, after usethe seat2 canberemovedfrom thesupport device 1. Thiscan be achieved by pulling the scat away from the support! with sufficient force as to pull the C-shaped connectors 7 on the underside of the seat 7 away from the frame elements 8 of the rim. The support I can also be removed from the chair 3 in a similar fashion.

It should be noted that the design elements of the chair, seat and support shown in the figures are illustrative only. The skilled addressee will readily understand that other design variations maybe employed while still falling within the scope of the present invention. For cxample: connector elcments 7 aadlor 10 may bc providcd in a form othcr than snap-fit connectors; the body of the chair 3 may not be a tubular construction; thc scat 2 may be formed integrally with the support device; connector clements 7 may be formed intcgrally with the seat; andior connector elements 10 may be formed integrally with the legs.

The invcntion provides the advantagcs: it can be manufacturcd easily and at low cost; it can be easily rctro-fitted to an existing chair without the uscr nccding to buy a whole new chair to accommodate a higher toilet; thc chair, support and scat arrangement can be assembled and dismantled quickly and easily without the need for any tools or significant strength or dexterity; the spacing and position of the connector elements 10 provide a stable connection between the support I and thc chair 3, preventing rocking or undesirable movement of the seat during use; the support 1 is lightweight which does not add unduly to the already potcntially heavy load of thc chair plus user; thc support can be disconnected from the seat and/or chair so that the toileting chair can continue to be used with lower toilets if desired.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising and "comprises", and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, "comprises" means "includes or consists of' and "comprising" means "including or consisting of'.

The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A support configured for connection between a toileting chair and an apertured seat such that when the support is connected bctwccn the chair and the scat, the seat is higher relative to the chair than when the support is not connected.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A support according to claim 1 wherein the support is configured for releasable connection.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A support according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the support is configured for releasable conncction to the chair at a plurality of distinct connection points.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A support according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the support is configured for releasable connection to substantially orthogonal portions of the chair such that movement of the support is restricted or prevented when the support is connected.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the support is configured for snap fit connection to a portion of the chair.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the support is configured to cooperate with a connection means provided on the scat.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A support according to any preceding claim whcrcin the support is configured for snap fit connection to the seat.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the support comprises an upper portion and at least one leg connected to the upper portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A support according to claim 8 further comprising at least one connection means provided on the leg to connect the leg to the chair.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A support according to claim 9 wherein the at least one connection means is configured to fit securely around a frame element of the chair.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A support according to any preceding claim whereth the seat is permanently connected to the support or formed integrally with the support.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the support is configured such that waste material is able to pass through the support.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A support according to claim 12 wherein the support comprises a passage, opening or cavity extending substantially vertically from the top of the support to the bottom of the support such that waste material is able to pass through the support.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A support according to any preceding claim whcrcin the support compriscs a mouth.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the support is 3-sided.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the support comprises a plurality of frame elements.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A support according to any preceding claim wherein the chair comprises a plurality of frame elements.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A toileting chair having a support according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A method of elevating the seat of a toileting chair comprising the step: mounting a support in accordance with any preceding claim between a toileting chair and an apertured seat such that when the support is mounted between the chair and the seat, the seat is higher relative to the chair than when the support is not mounted.</claim-text>