Foot ledge structure for toilet

A toilet positionable above a floor comprise a toilet base and a foot ledge structure. The toilet base at least partially surrounds a lower portion of a toilet bowl and defines an inner area that at least partially contains the lower portion of the toilet bowl. The foot ledge structure comprises a foot ledge and a base bracket. The foot ledge is elevated above the floor and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. The base bracket is positioned within the inner area of the toilet base and is configured to elevate the foot ledge above the floor. The foot ledge is movably attached to the base bracket. The base bracket is independently attachable to the floor from the toilet base.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to the field of foot ledges for toilets.

With conventional seated toilets, the user can sit on the seat of the toilet in a seated position with their feet on the floor in order to use the toilet (e.g., have a bowel movement). However, the seated position (in which the user's feet are on the floor) does not anatomically help the user to have a bowel movement due to the angle between the user's femurs and pelvis bone. In particular, in this position, the user's knees are approximately level to or lower than the user's pelvis. This seated position not only anatomically makes having a bowel movement more difficult for the user by putting a strain on the user's colon, but also prevents the user from fully eliminating fecal matter, which may cause health complications.

Comparatively, in the squatting position, the user's femurs are angled upward relative to their pelvis such that the user's knees are above the user's pelvis. The squatting position anatomically helps the user to have a bowel movement and reduces the risk of a variety of different health complications that are associated with having bowel movements in the traditional seated position.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to allow the user to be in a position closer to the squatting position while still sitting on a toilet. Present attempts at obtaining such a position take up room within the bathroom and are not easily stowed while not being used. Furthermore, previous attempts may be in the way of users who would like to use the toilet while standing.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a toilet positionable above a floor. The toilet includes a toilet base and a foot ledge structure. The toilet base at least partially surrounds a lower portion of a toilet bowl and defines an inner area that at least partially contains the lower portion of the toilet bowl. The foot ledge structure comprises a foot ledge and a base bracket. The foot ledge is elevated above the floor and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. The base bracket is positioned within the inner area of the toilet base and is configured to elevate the foot ledge above the floor. The foot ledge is movably attached to the base bracket. The base bracket is independently attachable to the floor from the toilet base.

Another embodiment relates to a foot ledge structure for a toilet base of a toilet. The foot ledge structure includes a foot ledge and a base bracket. The foot ledge is configured to be elevated above a floor and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the toilet base. The base bracket is positioned within an inner area of the toilet base and is configured to elevate the foot ledge above the floor. The foot ledge is movably attached to the base bracket. The base bracket is independently attachable to the floor from the toilet base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with regard to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the disclosure. Nothing in this disclosure is intended to imply that any particular feature or characteristic of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The scope of protection is not defined by any particular embodiment described herein. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of the descriptions only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a foot ledge structure for a toilet that provides an area for the user to rest their feet on while sitting on the toilet in order to allow the user to be in a position that is more similar to the squatting position (compared to a normal seated position in which the user's feet are resting on the floor) while still sitting on the toilet. In particular, the foot ledge structure elevates the user's feet (and therefore also the user's knees and the distal end of the user's femurs), thereby decreasing the angle between the user's femurs and pelvis. This anatomical position helps facilitate bowel movements and to prevent health complications.

Toilet

As shown inFIGS. 1-2, a toilet20is shown that includes a toilet tank22(that provides an area to hold water prior to being flushed into and through the toilet bowl), a toilet base24, and a foot ledge structure30. The toilet20is positionable above (and optionally on) a floor. As described further herein, the foot ledge structure30provides an area for the user to rest their feet on in an elevated position (relative to the floor) while seated on the toilet20. The foot ledge structure30elevates the user's feet above the floor and thus elevates the user's knees, thereby decreasing the angle between the user's femurs and pelvis when the user is seated on the toilet20.

As shown inFIGS. 1-2, the foot ledge structure30includes a foot ledge40(as described further herein) that is movable between a retracted position32and an extended position34relative to the toilet base24. In the stored or retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 1), at least a portion of the foot ledge40is concealed within, hidden within, disposed at least partially within, or retracted into the toilet base24(and therefore positioned directly underneath at least a portion of the inner area23defined by the toilet base24) in order to maximize the available space within the bathroom and provide a more streamlined and elegant look when not in use (i.e., when the user is not sitting on the toilet or when the user is not using the foot ledge40). Since the foot ledge structure30is not positioned along the floor in front of the toilet base24in the retracted position32and is substantially retracted into the toilet base24, the foot ledge structure30is not in the way while a user is using the toilet20while standing. In the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 2), at least the portion of the foot ledge40is extended out of or at least partially from the toilet base24(and extended out from underneath the inner area32of the toilet base24) in order to provide ample area for the user to rest their feet on the foot ledge40and elevate their feet above the floor when in use (i.e., when the user is sitting on the toilet with their feet on the foot ledge40).

The toilet20and its components may have a variety of different relative dimensions according to the desired configuration. As shown inFIG. 3, the distance101from the top surface of the rim of the toilet bowl25(i.e., the top of the toilet base24) to the top surface of the foot ledge40is approximately 11.4 inches. The distance102from the floor to the top surface of the foot ledge40is approximately 4.75 inches. This configuration generally provides a “comfort height” for the toilet20.

As described further herein, any front walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet20and its components refers to wall, portion, side, or end of the toilet20that is furthest away from and opposite the toilet tank22. Any back walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet20and its components refers to the wall, portion, side, or end of the toilet20that the toilet tank22is positioned along (or closest to). The side walls or portions of the toilet20and its components refer to the walls or portions that extend between the front and back of the toilet20. The bottom walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet20refers to the wall, portion, side, or end that is closest to the floor, and the top walls, portions, sides, or ends of the toilet20refers to the wall, portion, side, or end that is furthest from the floor.

Toilet Base

The toilet base24is a lower portion of the toilet20that supports the tank22and is configured to attach the rest of the toilet20to the floor and any plumbing. The toilet base24supports, is disposed at least partially beneath, at least partially contains the toilet bowl25(as shown inFIG. 3) and provides an area for the seat and lid to attach to and rest along in the closed position above the toilet bowl25. The toilet base24at least partially surrounds the toilet bowl25, in particular a lower portion of the toilet bowl25. The toilet base24may be constructed out of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to vitreous china.

As shown inFIGS. 3-4, the toilet base24includes and defines an open, hollow, interior, internal, or inner space or area23that at least partially contains at least the lower portion of the toilet bowl25. The toilet base24may include at least one wall that defines and encloses the inner area23and extends vertically below the toilet bowl25. The inner area23extends below the toilet bowl25and is configured to contain or house an existing trapway28(which may optionally be plastic and approximately 12 inches). The trapway28may allow the foot ledge structure30to properly align with the base24of the toilet20once the base24is positioned over the trapway28and at least a portion of the foot ledge structure30(i.e., at least the base bracket50). At least a portion of the inner area23is positioned above at least a portion of the entire foot ledge structure30. Optionally, the inner area23may also extend below and contain or house the entire foot ledge structure30(aside from an end portion of the foot ledge40according to one embodiment). Due to the manufacturing process of the toilet20and the configuration of the toilet20, the toilet20does not require internal support structures within the inner area23of the toilet base24to reinforce the toilet20(during, for example, the molding and firing process of the toilet base24). Accordingly, the inner area23of the toilet base24has a substantially open space, in particular toward the front of the toilet base24. This open space within the inner area23provides sufficient room to house or accommodate the toilet bowl25and optionally also the foot ledge structure30along at least a portion of the length of the toilet base24and along the front of the toilet base24. Accordingly, the foot ledge structure30(aside from an end portion of the foot ledge40according to one embodiment) is positioned beneath the toilet bowl25and beneath at least a portion of the inner area23, and optionally within the inner area23of the toilet base24according to one embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 5, the toilet base24includes an aperture, hole, or opening, (referred to herein as a slot26) that extends completely through at least one wall of the toilet base24and allows the foot ledge40to move at least partially into and out from the inner area23of the toilet base24(while the rest of the foot ledge structure30remains within the inner area23of the toilet base24). Accordingly, the foot ledge40moves at least partially through the slot26as the foot ledge40moves between the retracted position32and the extended position34. Depending on the shape and size of the foot ledge40, the slot26may extend horizontally along the entire width of the front wall of the toilet base24and is positioned in front of the open space of the inner area23at the front of the toilet base24. The slot26includes a horizontally-extending upper edge, a horizontally-extending lower edge (that is opposite the upper edge), and vertically-extending side edges that extend vertically between the upper edge and the lower edge. The upper edge and the lower edge may extend along both the front wall and the side walls of the toilet base24. The side edges may be positioned along opposite side walls of the toilet base24.

According to one embodiment as shown inFIG. 5, the slot26extends completely through and along both the front wall and at least a front portion of the side walls of the toilet base24. This configuration allows a wide portion42of the foot ledge40(as described further herein) that is wider than the toilet base24to fit at least partially within the inner area23of the toilet base24in the retracted position32. In particular, in the retracted position32, the slot26allows the outer edges of the wide portion42of the foot ledge40to extend outside of the inner area23(i.e., beyond the side walls of the toilet base24) while the middle portion of the wide portion42is positioned within the inner area23of the toilet base24(i.e., between the side walls of the toilet base24).

The slot26can be formed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to cutting a hole in the wall of the toilet base24using a variety of different tools (including laser cutting), using a water jet, milling the slot26, or molding the slot26directly into the vitreous china of the toilet base24.

Foot Ledge Structure

As shown inFIG. 6, the foot ledge structure30includes the foot ledge40, a base bracket50, and a rail mechanism70, as described further herein. The foot ledge structure30is configured to support a variety of different weights such as 450 pounds.

Foot Ledge

The pop-out slide or foot ledge40provides an area for the user to directly rest their feet on while seated on the toilet20and is movable and extendable out from the front of the toilet base24(i.e., the side opposite the toilet tank22) between the retracted position32and the extended position34(as shown inFIGS. 1-2and described further herein) relative to the base bracket50and the toilet base24. Accordingly, the foot ledge40is elevated vertically above the floor that the toilet20is positioned directly above (and optionally directly on). However, the foot ledge40is vertically below the top of the toilet base24where the seat and the lid are attached to.

In order to both provide sufficient area to support the user's feet and in order to be substantially retractable into the toilet base24, the foot ledge40includes both a wide portion42and a narrow portion44along the length of the foot ledge40, as shown inFIGS. 6-9. The wide portion42is positioned along the front end of the narrow portion44such that the wide portion42extend out from the front end of the toilet base24, beyond the narrow portion44. The wide portion42is wider than the narrow portion44along the width of the foot ledge40and provides ample room for the user to place their feet on. The wide portion42may be wider than the width of the toilet base24. Accordingly, at least a portion of the wide portion42may extend out from either side of the toilet base24(as well as out from the front end of the toilet base24), and therefore extends out from the inner area23of the toilet base24, in the retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 1). By extending out along the sides and front end of the toilet base24, the foot ledge40provides an area for the user to grip in order to move the foot ledge40between the retracted position32and the extended position34. The extended width of the wide portion42may allow the user to be in a more comfortable position while using the foot ledge structure30since the user can place their feet anywhere along the width (and length) of the wide portion42according to their desired position.

The narrow portion44is more narrow than the wide portion42and is more narrow than width of the toilet base24such that, in the retracted position32, the narrow portion44can fit completely inside the toilet base24(i.e., completely underneath (and optionally within) the hollow inner area23of the toilet base24and between the side walls of the toilet base24). The narrow portion44allows the foot ledge40to be substantially retracted into the toilet base24in the retracted position32. The narrow portion44is longer than the wide portion42in order to allow the foot ledge40to be substantially extended out from the toilet base24in the extended position34. Accordingly, in the extended position34, the entire wide portion42and at least a portion of the narrow portion44are extended out from and positioned in front of the toilet base24(and not underneath the inner area23of the toilet base24).

The foot ledge40is cantilevered and movably attached or fixed to the rail mechanism70or the base bracket50along only the back end of the foot ledge40(i.e., only along the narrow portion44of the foot ledge40). Accordingly, the front end of the foot ledge40(i.e., the wide portion42of the foot ledge40, which extends out from the toilet base24in both the retracted position32and the extended position34and along which the user places their feet) is not attached to or supported by any structure and overhangs the bathroom floor along the area in front of the front end of the toilet base24. When the foot ledge40is in the extended position34, the entire wide portion42(i.e., the entire width and length of the wide portion42) and optionally at least a portion of the narrow portion44overhang the bathroom floor without any support or attachments below the foot ledge40in front of or beyond the front end of the toilet base24. In particular, there are no supports or attachments below the wide portion42(i.e., between the wide portion42and the floor). The front end or portion of the foot ledge40refers to the end or portion of the foot ledge40that extends out from underneath the inner area23of the toilet base24in the retracted position32according to one embodiment and may refer to the end of the wide portion42that is positioned opposite the narrow portion44.

The foot ledge40includes a foot plate or pad46and a support shelf or platform48. As shown inFIGS. 6-7, the foot pad46is positioned on the top surface of the support platform48and provides a comfortable and optionally padded area for the user to rest their feet directly on. The support platform48is positioned directly beneath the foot pad46and provides support and a solid structure to stably hold the user's feet. The foot pad46and the support platform48may optionally have approximately the same shape and size along their length and width (however, according to one embodiment, the foot pad46may be slightly smaller than the support platform48such that the support platform48extends beyond the edges of the foot pad46). Accordingly, both the foot pad46and the support platform48include the wide portion42and the narrow portion44. The support platform48may be thicker than the foot pad46in order to provide adequate support, and the foot pad46may be thinner than the support platform48to minimize the thickness of the entire foot ledge40. With a thinner profile for the entire foot ledge40, the slot26may also be smaller, and the foot ledge40takes up less space within the bathroom.

The support platform48may be, for example, a 3D-printed frame or a laser-cut steel plate (with, for example, 10 gauge steel). The foot pad46may optionally be epoxied onto the support platform48. As shown inFIG. 8, the foot pad46may be easily removed, attached, or reattached to the support platform48in order to easily clean or replace the foot pad46. The foot pad46may optionally include a gripping surface or treads in order to prevent the user's feet from slipping off of the foot ledge40. The foot pad46may be constructed out of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to plastic or rubber.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 12, the foot ledge40may include a cutout guard, divot, channel, or recessed area47that extends along a portion of the width of the foot ledge40and is relatively thinner (in a vertical direction) than at least the front portion of the foot ledge40. The recessed area47extends along a top surface of the foot ledge40(e.g., the top surfaces of the wide portions42of the foot pad46and the support platform48) in order to provide an area that securely fits with the slot26of the toilet base24when in the retracted position32. The recessed area47may be complementary to the shape and size of the upper edge of the slot26(or of the trim piece60, as described further herein), in particular to the bottom surface of the upper edge of the slot26. The recessed area47is positioned along the length of the foot ledge40such that the recessed area47aligns with and extends along the length of the upper edge of the slot26when the foot ledge40is in the retracted position32.

The back portion of the foot ledge40(i.e., the portion of the foot ledge40that is behind the recessed area47, including the narrow portion44and a portion of the wide portion42) may be relatively thinner than the front portion of the foot ledge40(i.e., the portion of the foot ledge40that is in front of the recessed area47, which is only a portion of the wide portion42). This configuration allows the back portion of the foot ledge40to easily fit within and move through the slot26. Accordingly, the vertical height (i.e., the thickness) of the recessed area47and the back portion of the foot ledge40is smaller than the vertical height of the slot26(i.e., the distance between the upper edge and the lower edge of the slot26). Additionally, the thickness or height of the front portion of the foot ledge40relative to height of the slot26(as well as the width of the wide portion42compared to the width of the slot26) prevents the foot ledge40from moving too far into the toilet base24. However, the foot ledge40may be configured such that the entire foot ledge40is positioned within the toilet base24in the retracted position32.

As shown inFIG. 9, the foot ledge40includes latches49attached to opposite sides of the bottom surface of the support platform48, opposite to the foot pad46. The latches49may allow the foot ledge40to movably lock with a portion of the rail mechanism70(such as an upper rail) after or during installation in order to guide the movement of the foot ledge40along the rail mechanism70(in particular as the foot ledge40is moved between the retracted positon32and the extended positon34) and to prevent the foot ledge40from inadvertently falling completely out of the toilet base24in the extended position34. Since the latches49may extend beyond the bottom surface of the support platform48(thereby increasing the overall thickness of the foot ledge40along the latches49), the lower edge of the slot26includes notches27that provide an area of increased clearance along height of the slot26(as shown inFIG. 10) for at least a portion of the latches49to be able to fit and move through as the foot ledge40is moved between the retracted position32and the extended position34. The notches27of the slot26are positioned along the front wall of the toilet base24.

In order to fit closely with the foot ledge40, the slot26of the toilet base24includes a trim piece60that extends around at least a portion of the edges of the slot26, as shown inFIG. 10, in particular the upper edge of the slot26. As shown inFIG. 11, the trim piece60is shaped according to the shape of the inner surfaces of the edges of the slot26such that the trim piece60and the edges of the slot26are complementary, and the trim piece60fits within the edges of the slot26. Accordingly, the trim piece60extends along the upper edges of the slot26, the side edges of the slot26, and at least a portion of the lower edges of the slot26(as shown inFIG. 10). The trim piece60may extend along the portions of the lower edges of the slot26that are along the side walls of the toilet base24. The trim piece60may optionally not extend along the portion of the lower edge of the slot26that is along the front wall of the toilet base24. The trim piece60may be attached to the slot26with, for example, an adhesive such as 5-minute epoxy.

As shown inFIG. 12, the trim piece60is configured to extend along the top surface of the foot ledge40(in particular along the recessed area47of the foot ledge40) when the foot ledge40is in the retracted position32. Accordingly, the trim piece60may align with and at least partially fit within the recessed area47of the foot ledge40when the foot ledge40is in the retracted position32. The trim piece60may be constructed out of a relatively soft material, which ensures a close and accurate fit between the foot ledge40and the slot26(as shown inFIGS. 13-14), even with size and shape tolerances of the slot26(in particular with a vitreous toilet base). Accordingly, the trim piece60closes any gaps between the edges of the slot26and the foot ledge40, in particular while the foot ledge40is in the extended position34.

Base Bracket

FIG. 15shows the rail mechanism70attached to the base frame, structure, or bracket50of the foot ledge structure30. The base bracket50is configured to attach the foot ledge structure30to the floor (and/or a bottom portion of the toilet base24), provides an area for the foot ledge40to movably attach to (via the rail mechanism70), and elevates the foot ledge40to a particular height above the floor. Once installed, the base bracket50is non-movably or statically attached to the toilet base24(or to the floor) and the foot ledge40is movably attached to the base bracket50. The base bracket50is positioned within the inner area23of the toilet base24(as shown inFIG. 3) and beneath the toilet bowl25.

As shown inFIG. 16, the base bracket50includes a variety of different vertical walls, such as at least one vertical wall, supports, protrusions, or extensions56and upper horizontal walls, supports, protrusions, or extensions58. The vertical extensions56vertically elevate the upper horizontal extension58, as well as portions of the rest of the foot ledge structure30, in particular the foot ledge40, to a particular height above the floor (and below the top of the toilet base24). The vertical extensions56are positioned along opposite sides of the base bracket50(along the width of the base bracket50). When installed, the vertical extensions56are positioned along opposite sides of the trapway28. The horizontal extensions58are positioned along the top of the vertical extensions56and horizontally connect two opposite vertical extensions56across the width of the base bracket50in order to provide various areas for the rail mechanism70to attach to. The vertical extensions56and the horizontal extensions58may be narrow strips of material or wide plates of material, depending on the desired configuration. The horizontal extensions58may be at different heights from each other, depending on the desired configuration.

The base bracket50includes fasteners holes, such as bolt holes52, along protrusions (e.g., lower horizontal extensions57, as described further herein and labeled inFIG. 88) that extend along a lower portion of the base bracket50, along at least a portion of the length of the base bracket50, and along both sides of the base bracket50. The bolt holes52are configured to receive a variety of different fasteners to attach the base bracket50to the floor. According to one embodiment, the base bracket50may include six bolt holes52.

Additionally, the base bracket50is configured to extend around and statically attach to a portion of the trapway28(and/or the toilet base24), which properly positions the base bracket50, and thus the rest of the foot ledge structure30, relative to the trapway28and the rest of the toilet20. Accordingly, the base bracket50may include two flanges54with additional bolt holes52in order to be attached to the trapway28. The base bracket50may include vertical extensions56on opposite sides of the trapway28and horizontal extensions58above and over a portion of the trapway28. Additional vertical extension56and horizontal extensions58may be positioned in front of and separate from the trapway28.

As shown inFIGS. 17-18, at least one mounting cam59(e.g., a ready-lock cam bracket with the associated ready-lock parts) is attached to the base bracket50in order to allow the base bracket50to attach or secure to the toilet base24. The mounting cams59are positioned at the back end and top of the base bracket50(i.e., above the back horizontal extension58) and on opposite sides of the base bracket50. As shown inFIG. 18, the mounting cams59are configured to be positioned toward the back end of the toilet base24in order to align with holes (e.g., toilet anchor points) extending through the side walls of the toilet base24. The holes in the side walls of the toilet base24and the mounting cams59are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a ready-lock bolt) in order to secure the toilet base24and the base bracket50together during installation.

The mounting cams59are positioned above the rail mechanism70(in particular above the rails72) in order to allow the rails72to move below the mounting cams59without interference. Accordingly, the back horizontal extension58may be positioned vertically above the rails72and above the other horizontal extensions58(that are closer to the front of the base bracket50and that the rails72are positioned on top of).

Rail Mechanism

The rail mechanism70allows the foot ledge40to move or slide between the retracted position32and the extended position34relative to the base bracket50and the rest of the toilet20(in particular the toilet base24). Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 19, the rail mechanism70has at least one slide or rail72that is configured to attach to the base bracket50(as shown inFIG. 15).

According to one embodiment, the rail mechanism70has two rails72positioned on opposite sides of the foot ledge structure30. Each of the two rails72has a lower rail member. The lower rail members are positioned on opposite sides of the base bracket50from each other (along the width of the base bracket50). The lower rail members of the rails72may be attached to a top portion of the base bracket50along at least one of the horizontal extensions58. The two rails72extend lengthwise along the length of the base bracket50(and optionally the foot ledge40) and allow and guide the movement of the foot ledge40along at least a portion of the length of the base bracket50. According to one embodiment, the foot ledge40includes latches49(as described further herein) that movably attach to the lower rail members of the rails72. In particular, each of the latches49on the bottom surface of the foot ledge40(as shown inFIG. 9) may attach to and move along a portion of each of the upper rail members of the rails72. The rails72may be spring-loaded (and accordingly the rail mechanism70may include springs) such that, when the foot ledge40is released from the retracted position32, the foot ledge40may automatically move out into the extended position34.

The rail mechanism70may be configured such that the latches49of the foot ledge40move directly along the length of and relative to the rails72. Alternatively, the rail mechanism70may be configured such that the foot ledge40moves with a portion of each of the rails72. In particular, each of rails72includes an upper rail member (statically attached to the foot ledge40(via, for example, the latches49)) and the lower rail member (statically attached to the base bracket50) that are movably attached to each other to allow the foot ledge40to move between the retracted position32and the extended position34. The upper rail members are positioned on opposite sides of the foot ledge40from each other (along the width of the foot ledge40). Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 20, each of the upper rail members of the rails72may include an extension or blind tab73that is positioned on top of each of the upper rail members. The blind tabs73are configured to receive, attach to, and secure to a portion of the back end of the foot ledge40(i.e., the back end of the narrow portion44of the foot ledge40) once the foot ledge40is installed onto the rail mechanism70. Accordingly, the blind tabs73statically attach the foot ledge40to the upper rail members of each of the rails72such that the foot ledge40and the upper rail members move congruently relative to the lower rail members (and the rest of the toilet20).

The rail mechanism70may include a variety of different components that lock or secure the foot ledge40in the retracted position32and in the extended position34. According to one embodiment as shown inFIGS. 21-22, the rail mechanism70includes at least one magnet74and at least one corresponding magnetic component in order to secure the foot ledge40in the retracted position32and in the extended position34and to provide stops in the retracted position32and in the extended position34. The magnets74allow the rail mechanism70to quickly and easily move the foot ledge40between the retracted position32and the extended position34. Furthermore, by securing the foot ledge40in the extended position34, the foot ledge40is more stable and less likely to move during use.

For example, the rail mechanism70may include two magnetic components74(referred to herein as the “magnets74”) and a corresponding magnetic component that is removably attachable (and reattachable) to the magnets74. In particular, the rail mechanism has a front magnetic component (referred to herein as the “front magnet74”) corresponding to the extended position34and a back magnetic component (referred to herein as the “back magnet74”) corresponding to the retracted position32. The corresponding magnetic component is removably, magnetically attached to the back magnet74when the foot ledge40is in the retracted position32and to the front magnet74when the foot ledge40is in the extended position34, thereby securing the foot ledge40in either the retracted position32or the extended position34, depending on the position of the foot ledge40. At least one of the corresponding magnetic component or both of the two magnetic components74is a magnet.

As shown inFIGS. 21-22, the two magnets74are separated from each other along the length of the foot ledge structure30(i.e., the front magnet74is positioned closer to the front of the toilet base24and the back magnet74is positioned closed to the back of the toilet base24). The front magnet74and the back magnet74may optionally be aligned with each other along the width of the toilet base24. With such positioning, the corresponding magnetic component can be moved along the length of the foot ledge structure30between the two magnets74(in order to move the foot ledge40in the direction of the length of the foot ledge structure30).

The two magnets74are statically attached to and positioned on one of the base bracket50or the bottom surface of the support platform48of the foot ledge40and the corresponding magnet component is statically attached to and positioned on the other of the base bracket50or the bottom surface of the support platform48of the foot ledge40. Any magnetic component(s) that are statically attached to the foot ledge40move with the foot ledge40as the foot ledge moves between the retraced position32and the extended position. According to one embodiment as shown inFIG. 21, the two magnets74are statically attached to and positioned along a top portion of the base bracket50(and accordingly are separated from each other along the length of the base bracket50). Accordingly, the corresponding magnetic component extends from and is statically attached to the bottom surface of the support platform48of the foot ledge40. The corresponding magnetic component moves with the foot ledge40between the front magnet74and the back magnet74(as the foot ledge40moves between the retracted position32and the extended position34).

The one front magnet74(that is positioned toward the front of the foot ledge structure30and therefore is further away from the trapway28relative to the back magnet74) secures the foot ledge40in the extended position34by attaching to the corresponding magnetic component when the corresponding magnetic component (and thus the entire foot ledge40) is moved forward into the extended position34. The other back magnet74(that is positioned toward the back of the foot ledge structure30and therefore is closer to the trapway28relative to the front magnet74) secures the foot ledge40in the retracted position32by attaching to the corresponding magnetic component when the corresponding magnetic component (and thus the entire foot ledge40) is moved backward into the retracted position32. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 22, the two magnets74are positioned along and attached to the bottom surface of the support platform48of the foot ledge40(and accordingly are separated from each other along the length of the foot ledge40), and the corresponding magnetic component is attached to a top portion of the base bracket50. This configuration may function in a similar manner.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 23-24, the rail mechanism70includes a slow-close or slow-open component84that controls or slows the movement of the foot ledge40between the retracted position32and the extended position34and helps secure the foot ledge40in each of the retracted position32and the extended position34. The slow-open component84may be positioned on and extend inward from an inner side of one of the rails72(such as along the upper rail member). The slow-open component84may include an angled side wall that is angled relative to the length (and movement) direction of the rail72such that the width of the slow-open component84changes along the length of the rail72. Accordingly, a back end of the slow-open component84is wider than the front end of the slow-open component84, which reduces or controls the speed of the foot ledge40moving relative to the base bracket50.

According to one embodiment, the rail mechanism70may be actuated by a motor or comprise an electrically-powered actuator in order to power the rail mechanism70and move the foot ledge40between the retracted position32and the extended position34(with or without assistance from the user).

As shown inFIG. 25, the color, material, and/or any surface patterns of the foot ledge structure30, in particular the portions of the foot ledge structure30that are visible outside of the toilet base24such as the foot ledge40, may be altered according to the desired configuration. For example, the foot pad46and the support platform48may have the same or different color and/or material and/or may be integral to or separate from (and attachable to) each other.

According to one embodiment, the foot rest structure30may be configured to calculate the weight of the user's legs on the foot ledge40(while being used as a footrest). Accordingly, the foot rest structure30may include at least one weight sensor configured to detect and measure the weight of the user's feet on the foot ledge40. The toilet20may also be configured to calculate the weight of the user on the toilet seat (while the user is sitting on the toilet seat) and accordingly may also include at least one weight sensor configured to detect and measure the weight of the user on the toilet seat. Accordingly, the footrest weight data (regarding the weight of the user's legs) and the toilet seat weight data (regarding the weight of the user on the toilet seat) may be used in combination with each other (i.e., added together) to calculate the user's total weight (for diagnostic purposes, for example).

Alternative Embodiment of the Toilet

FIGS. 26-40show an alternative embodiment of a toilet120with a foot ledge structure130. The various features and components of the toilet120are similar to the toilet20shown inFIGS. 1-25and like numbers are used where applicable. However, some aspects of the configuration of the toilet120ofFIG. 26-40differ from the toilet20inFIGS. 1-25, as described further herein. The various features, components, and configurations of the toilet120can be used and included within the toilet20(and vice versa) unless otherwise specified.

The foot ledge structure130includes a base unit or structure150that is similar in some respects to the base bracket50. For example, the base structure150elevates the foot ledge140above the floor and provides an area for the foot ledge140to movably attach to (via the rail mechanism70). However, as shown inFIGS. 26-27, the base structure150is positioned between the bottom of the toilet base24and the floor such that the base structure150elevates the entire toilet base24above the floor. Accordingly, the entire toilet base24is positioned on top of the foot ledge structure130.

The foot ledge structure140extends beneath the entire bottom of the toilet base24. The base structure150in particular may extend beneath the entire bottom of the toilet base24except for the front end of the toilet base24in order to allow sufficient room for the front vertical wall141of the foot ledge140(as described further herein) to move into (beneath the front end of the toilet base24) when the foot ledge140is moved into the retracted position32. Accordingly, the entire foot ledge140can be retracted completely underneath the toilet base24(and completely underneath the entire inner area23defined by the toilet base24) in the retracted position32such that the entire top surface of the foot ledge140is obscured in the retracted position32, as shown inFIG. 27.

As shown inFIGS. 28-30, the base structure150may include fastener holes, such as bolt holes152, and low profile fastener extensions153(e.g., bolt towers) that allow the base structure150to securely attach to the bottom of the toilet base24.

Since the base structure150elevates the toilet base24completely off of the floor, the height of the base structure150can be changed in order to affect the overall height of the toilet120without changing the distance101(seeFIG. 3) between the top surface of the rim of the toilet bowl25(i.e., the top of the toilet base24) to the top surface of the foot ledge140. The toilet base24may be relatively shorter (for example, 4.25 inches shorter) than a standard toilet base in order to ensure the proper distance101. According to one embodiment, the height of the base structure150may be approximately 2.25 inches in order to provide a standard height for the toilet120. According to another embodiment, the height of the base structure150may be approximately 4.25 inches in order to provide a “comfort height” for the toilet120. According to yet another embodiment, the height of the base structure150may be approximately 6.25 inches (or more) in order to provide a “super comfort height” for the toilet120.

As shown inFIGS. 28-29, the rails72of the rail mechanism70that guide the movement of the foot ledge140between the retracted position32and the extended position34may be, for example only, standard 12-inch drawer guides. The rail mechanism70may further include bump open and slow close features. The bump open features cause the foot ledge40to be automatically unlocked and moved from the retracted position32to the extended position34when the user moves (or kicks) the foot ledge40backward slightly (i.e., toward the base structure150and toward the back side of the toilet120) when in the retracted position32. The slow close features cause the foot ledge40to be automatically moved from the extended position34to the retracted position32when the user moves (or kicks) the foot ledge backward slightly (i.e., toward the base structure150and toward the back side of the toilet120) when in the extended position34. The rail mechanism70may further include a stop to prevent the foot ledge140from moving too far out from base structure150when in the extended position34.

The foot ledge structure130also includes a foot ledge140that is similar in some respects to the foot ledge40. For example, as shown inFIGS. 26-27, the foot ledge140is movable between the retracted position32and the extended position34. However, unlike the foot ledge40, the foot ledge140is not cantilevered. Instead, as shown inFIGS. 26-29, the support platform48of the foot ledge140includes a front vertical wall141that extends vertically along and from the front end of the foot ledge140, extending vertically between the front end of the foot ledge140and the floor. The vertical wall141is configured to rest along and be supported by the floor in order to support the rest of the foot ledge140(in particular the support platform48). Accordingly, the foot ledge140(in particular the support platform48) is supported along both the front end (via the front vertical wall141) and the back end (via the base structure150).

As shown inFIG. 31, the bottom edge of the front vertical wall141includes recessed holes143that are configured to secure rubber bumper(s) that extend beneath the front vertical wall141. Due to the configuration of the foot ledge140, the foot ledge140is configured to be moved between the retracted position32and the extended position34without any of the front vertical wall141(i.e., the front end) of the foot ledge140(including any bumpers) resting on or touching the floor. Accordingly, the foot ledge140is only supported and being held by the back end of the foot ledge140and is not supported at all by the front end of the foot ledge140during movement. However, once a force or weight is applied to the top of the foot ledge140(e.g., the user places their feet on top of the foot ledge140), the bottom portion of the front vertical wall141(i.e., the front end) of the foot ledge140(or the bumpers) contacts and is supported by the floor. Accordingly, the front end of the foot ledge140(i.e., the front vertical wall141) only contacts and is supported by the floor when weight is applied on top of the foot ledge140. This configuration allows the foot ledge140to be moved between the retracted position32and the extended position34more easily while still providing extra support to securely support the feet of the user.

As shown inFIG. 32, the rear deck or back end of the toilet base24may include mounting holes121that are configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a low-profile bolt cap screw) in order to attach and secure the toilet base24to the base structure150. The mounting holes121also help prevent torque from being applied to the fasteners extending through the mounting cams59.

The various components of the toilet120, such as the base structure150and the foot ledge140, can be manufactured and created in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to injection molding.

FIGS. 33-40show how the toilet120can be installed within a bathroom. First, as shown inFIG. 33, the trapway28is positioned in place (i.e., aligned with the drain in the floor) with a wax seal member sandwiched between the bottom of the trapway28and the floor (and around the drain). The trapway28is secured to the floor with fasteners129(e.g., a standard set of Tee bolts). Then, as shown inFIG. 34, a bracket151that includes the mounting cams59is positioned over a portion of the trapway28and attached to the trapway with the fasteners129.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 35, the base structure150(which the foot ledge140is attached to) is placed over the entire trapway28and the entire bracket151, such that the top of the trapway28extends through a portion of the base structure150, and the mounting cams59also extend through a portion of the base structure150. The entire base structure150is secured and bolted to the floor with additional fasteners129and washers, which further compresses the wax seal member between the trapway28and the floor.

As shown inFIG. 36, the foot pad46can then be attached to the support platform48of the foot ledge140. A variety of different attachment mechanisms can be used, including but not limited to, a snap-in feature. As shown inFIG. 37, the toilet base24is then positioned on top of the base structure150and the foot ledge140, which allows the toilet base24to engage with and fluidly connect to the trapway28. As shown inFIG. 38, the toilet base24is secured and attached to the base structure150by inserting additional fasteners through holes in the side walls of the toilet base24that attach to the mounting cams59and through the mounting holes121(as shown inFIG. 32) along the back end of the toilet base24. The fasteners may be, for example only, bolts (e.g., ready-lock bolts) or low-profile bolt cap screws. As shown inFIG. 39, the tank22is then attached to the toilet base24through a conventional method. A sealant, such as caulk, may optionally be added along the joint between the base structure150and the toilet base24.

In order to use the foot ledge140, the user can kick or move the foot ledge140backward slightly (e.g., by approximately 0.25 inches) toward the back side of the toilet120in order to unlock the foot ledge140and activate a pushing mechanism that moves the foot ledge140forward along the rail mechanism70, from the retracted position32to the extended position34relative to the toilet base24and the base structure150. Once the foot ledge140is in the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 40), the user can rest their feet on top of the foot ledge140.

When the user is finished using the foot ledge140and would like to store the foot ledge40, the user can kick or move the foot ledge140backward slightly toward the back side of the toilet120, which activates a slow-close mechanism that automatically moves the foot ledge140backward along the rail mechanism70, from the extended position34to the retracted position32relative to the toilet base24and the base structure150, until the entire foot ledge140is positioned underneath the toilet base24and underneath the inner area23of the toilet base24. Once the foot ledge140is in the retracted position32, the top of the foot ledge140is substantially concealed and positioned underneath the toilet base24.

Various Alternative Embodiments of the Toilet

FIGS. 41-81show a variety of alternative embodiments of a toilet with a foot ledge structure. The various features and components of the various toilets are similar to the toilet20shown inFIGS. 1-25and the toilet120shown inFIGS. 26-40and like numbers are used where applicable. However, some aspects of the configuration of the various toilets ofFIGS. 41-81differ from the toilet20shown inFIGS. 1-25and the toilet120shown inFIGS. 26-40, as described further herein. The various features, components, and configurations of the various embodiments ofFIGS. 41-81can be used within the toilet20and/or the toilet120(and vice versa) and within the other embodiments shown inFIGS. 41-81.

According to one embodiment as shown inFIGS. 41-42, a toilet220includes a foot ledge structure230with at least one foot ledge240that is completely retractable into the toilet base24. For example, the foot ledge structure230may include two foot ledges240that each include a supporting extension244and a pivotable extension242. The supporting extension244and the pivotable extension242are movably attached to each other and are congruently movable at least partially in and out of the toilet base24, in particular the inner area23of the toilet base24. The top surface of the pivotable extension242(and optionally at least a portion of the top surface of the supporting extension244) may include a gripping material in order to prevent the user's feet from sliding off of the foot ledge240.

When the foot ledge240is in a retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 42), the supporting extension244and the pivotable extension242are aligned with each other along their longitudinal axes in a straight line and are positioned completely within the inner area23of the toilet base24. In order to move from the retracted position32into the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 41), the entire pivotable extension242and at least a portion of the supporting extension244within each of the respective foot ledges240are moved straight through a respective opening226of the toilet base24(where the openings226extend completely through the front wall of the toilet base24). Since the supporting extension244and the pivotable extension242are aligned with each other in a straight line, each of the foot ledges240can move easily straight through each of the openings226, and the openings226only have to be large enough to fit the cross-sectional areas (along the height and width) of each of the supporting extension244and the pivotable extension242. Once the foot ledge240is in the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 41) or once the entire pivotable extension242is moved through the opening226, the pivotable extensions242in each of the foot ledges240pivots outward horizontally (i.e., away from the other foot ledge240) by approximately 90° about a substantially vertical axis relative to the supporting extension244in order to provide an area for the user to rest their feet on. In order to move back into the retracted position32, each of the pivotable extensions242pivots back inward horizontally (toward a horizontal center line of the toilet220) such that the supporting extension244and the pivotable extension242are aligned again with each other along their longitudinal axes in a straight line in order to move backward back through the openings226.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 43-44, a toilet320includes a foot ledge structure330with a foot ledge340and a rail mechanism370. The rail mechanism370includes two sets of rail structures (positioned along opposite sides of the toilet base24) that each include a supporting rail372and an extendable rail374. The supporting rail372is statically attached to the toilet base24and extends along the side walls of the toilet base24. According to one embodiment, the supporting rail372extends along the outer surfaces of the side walls. However, it is understood that the supporting rail372may extend along the inner surfaces of the side walls of the toilet base24, within the inner area23of the toilet base24. A back end of the extendable rail374is movably attached to the supporting rail372and allows the extendable rail374to extend from or retract into (and/or over) the supporting rail372in order to move the foot ledge340between the retracted position32and the extended position34. A back edge of the foot ledge340is pivotally attached to the front end of the extendable rail374. The foot ledge structure330can be retrofitted to a variety of different types and sizes of toilets, according to the desired configuration.

In the retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 44), the extendable rail374is retracted into (and/or over) the supporting rail372in order to bring the back edge of the foot ledge340as close to the front of the toilet base24as possible. Additionally, the foot ledge340is pivoted downward relative to the extendable rail374such that the front edge of the foot ledge340is closest to the floor (relative to the back edge of the foot ledge340), which minimizes how much room the foot ledge340takes up within the bathroom.

In order to move from the retracted position32into the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 43), the extendable rail374is moved forward away or partially out from the supporting rail372and away from the toilet base24, and the foot ledge340is pivoted upward about a horizontal axis relative to (and about its connection to) the extendable rail374, thereby conveniently positioning the foot ledge340in front of the toilet base24for the user to rest their feet on. In the extended position34, the front edge of the foot ledge340may be positioned above the back edge of the foot ledge340in order to provide a comfortable, upward angled surface (relative to the extendable rail374and the floor) for the user to rest their feet on. In order to move the foot ledge340back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 45-46, a toilet420includes a knee rest structure430with a knee rest440and a rail mechanism470. The rail mechanism470includes two sets of rails structures (positioned along opposite sides of the toilet base24and opposite sides of the knee rest440) that each include a supporting rail472and an angled rail474. A back end of the supporting rail472is pivotably attached to opposite sides of the toilet base24along an upper region of the toilet base24, such as along the outside of the toilet bowl25. A back end of angled rail474extends from and is statically attached to the front end of the supporting rail472. The angled rail474is angled at approximately 90° (or optionally more) relative to the supporting rail472. A front end of each of the angled rails474is pivotably attached to opposite sides of the knee rest440such that the knee rest440can rotate about a horizontal axis relative to the rail mechanism470. A top surface of the knee rest440may optionally include a cushion (that directly contacts the user's knees or legs when in use, as shown inFIG. 45) in order to increase the comfort of the knee rest440.

In the retracted (or lowered) position32(as shown inFIG. 46), the supporting rails472are rotated downward relative to the toilet base24such that the angled rails474and the knee rest440are positioned relatively close to the floor and below the toilet bowl25. In order to move the knee rest440into the extended (or raised) position34(as shown inFIG. 45), the supporting rails472are rotated upward about a horizontal axis relative to the toilet base24and over a portion of the user's feet and legs such that at least a portion of the angled rail474and the knee rest440are above the top of the toilet base24(and above the top of the toilet seat), and the knee rest440is in line with the user's knees. The knee rest440is rotated such that the top surface of the knee rest440is positioned along or just below the user's knees, which provides an area for the user to rest their knees or legs along while in a relatively raised position. Due to the tension between the user's knees moving downward (and therefore outward) and the attachment of the supporting rail472to the toilet base24, the user's knees are kept in the raised position due to the knee rest structure430(i.e., the user's thighs are at least partially elevated off of the toilet seat and the user's knees are above the user's hips). In order to move the knee rest440back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 47-49, a toilet520includes a foot ledge structure530with a foot ledge540and a rail mechanism570. The rail mechanism570includes two sets of rail structures (positioned along opposite sides of the toilet base24) that each include a first rail571and a second rail572. The rail mechanism570may also include a third rail573that extends horizontally from the end of the second rail572along the floor for additional support (as shown inFIG. 49). Additionally, the foot ledge structure530may include a recessed area578(that may be defined by a bar, for example) positioned at least partially in front of the toilet base24for the foot ledge540and the rail mechanism570to be positioned within in the retracted position32.

A back end of the first rail571is rotatably attached to the floor at a position behind the front end of the toilet base24(i.e., between the front end and the back end of the toilet base24). A front end of each of the first rails571is rotatably attached to opposite sides of the foot ledge540such that the foot ledge540can rotate relative to the first rail571. A back end of the second rail572is rotatably attached to a middle section of the first rail571, and a front end of the second rail572is movably or slidably attached to a portion of the floor in front of the front end of the toilet base24(however, the configuration of the second rail572may be reversed such that the back end of the second rail572is movable or slidable along the length of the first rail571, and the front end of the second rail572is rotatably attached to a portion of the floor).

In the retracted (or lowered) position32(as shown inFIG. 48), the foot ledge540and the rail mechanism570are substantially flat along and parallel to the floor, and the foot ledge540is positioned in front of the front end of the toilet base24. In order to move the foot ledge540into the extended (or raised) position34(as shown inFIGS. 47 and 49), the foot ledge540is moved upward, which raises the front end of the first rail571above the floor and angles the first rail571relative to the floor. In turn, the back end of the second rail572is also raised above the floor (beneath the first rail571), which angles the second rail572in an opposite direction from the first rail571, beneath the first rail571. Accordingly, the first rail571can be propped up (and held up) by the second rail572, and the second rail572provides a support for the first rail571, thereby keeping the foot ledge540propped up above the floor in order to support the user's feet. The angle of the foot ledge540may be adjusted relative to the first rail571(and the rest of the toilet520) according to the user's preference. In order to move the foot ledge540back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 50-52, a toilet620includes a foot ledge structure630with a foot ledge640and a rail mechanism670. As shown inFIG. 50, the weight of the user is distributed to two different areas of the toilet620. In particular, the weight of the user directly from the user's torso is exerted onto the toilet base24as a downward force611. The weight of the user directly from the user's legs and feet is exerted onto the foot ledge structure630as a downward force612. The foot ledge structure630is configured to be able to support a wide range of different forces from the user in order to properly and fully support the user's feet and legs. As shown inFIGS. 51-52, the foot ledge640may have a variety of different configurations and may be reinforced in particular areas in order to withstand the various force, in particular from the weight of the user's feet and legs.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 53-56, a toilet720includes a foot ledge structure730with a foot ledge740. The foot ledge740may include lights731(e.g., LEDs) positioned along the bottom surface and/or edges of the foot ledge740in order to illuminate the floor. The foot ledge740may optionally be statically attached to the front end of the toilet base24.

As shown inFIGS. 55-56, the foot ledge structure730can be used with toilets720with a variety of different heights according to the user's needs. For example, as shown inFIG. 55, the height703of the seat29of the toilet720is approximately two inches. As shown inFIG. 56, the height703of the seat29of the toilet720is approximately one inch. The foot ledge structure730can be configured to work with a variety of different heights703.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 57, a toilet820includes a foot ledge structure830with a foot ledge840and wheels842. The wheels842are positioned beneath the foot ledge840and allow the foot ledge840to move from within (and under) the toilet base24in the retracted position32to at least partially outside and in front of the toilet base24in the extended position34. When the user exerts an additional downward force813on top of the foot ledge840while the foot ledge840is in the extended position34, the force813is then transferred onto the front wheel842. This force813may cause the wheel842to stop moving along the floor and maintain its position.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 58-59, a toilet920includes a foot ledge structure930with a foot ledge940and a rail mechanism970. The rail mechanism970is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis971in order to move the foot ledge940between the extended position34and the retracted position32. The rail mechanism970has an arced or curved wall972, a flat wall974, and optionally a rail976. A first end of the flat wall974is pivotably attached to the floor, and a second end of the flat wall974is statically attached to the curved wall972. The lower, front region of the toilet base24has an opening that is complementary to the rail mechanism970(including a curved wall) such that the rail mechanism970can rotate in (or underneath) and out of the toilet base24. The foot ledge940is pivotably attached to a middle or lower portion of the outer surface of the curved wall972.

In the retracted position32, the foot ledge940is substantially flush against and parallel to the curved wall972, the curved wall972is positioned within and underneath the toilet base24, and the flat wall974is positioned along the floor, within and underneath the toilet base24. In order to move the foot ledge940from the retracted position32to the extended position34, the flat wall974(with the curved wall972) is pivoted about the horizontal pivot axis971(at the first end of the flat wall974) to move the curved wall972from substantially within and under the toilet base24to substantially outside and in front of the toilet base24. The front edge of the curved wall972can then rest on the floor for support. Once the rail mechanism970has been pivoted out from within the toilet base24(as shown inFIG. 59), the foot ledge940can then be pivoted downward from the curved wall972of the rail mechanism70into the extended position34, such that the foot ledge940is approximately perpendicular to the curved wall972(as shown inFIG. 58). In order to move the foot ledge940back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 60-61, a toilet1020includes a foot ledge structure1030with two foot ledges1040(for each foot) and a rail mechanism1070. The rail mechanism1070extends substantially horizontally along the outer surface of the toilet base24around at least a portion of the side walls and the front wall of the toilet base24such that the foot ledges1040can be moved horizontally along the length of the rail mechanism1070along a portion of the outside of the toilet base24. Each of the foot ledges1040are movably attached to the rail mechanism1070with at least one support or extension1042that extends between a back end of the foot ledges1040and a front side of the rail mechanism1070, substantially perpendicular to the outer wall of the toilet base24. The extensions1042are movable along the length of the rail mechanism1070.

In the retracted position32, the foot ledges1040are positioned along opposite side walls of the toilet base24in order to be positioned out of the way when not in use (as shown inFIGS. 60-61). In order to move from the retracted position32to the extended position34, the foot ledges1040are each moved or slide along at least a portion of the length of the rail mechanism1070from the side walls of the toilet base24(relatively closer to the back of the toilet base24) toward the front wall of the toilet base24(relatively closer to the front of the toilet base24) in order to be accessible to the user sitting on the toilet1020. In order to move the foot ledges1040back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 62-63, a toilet1120includes a foot ledge structure1130with a foot ledge1140and a base structure1150. A bottom edge of the foot ledge1140is movably or hingably attached to the front wall of the toilet base24along a horizontal hinge1142, and a top edge of the base structure1150is movably or hingably attached to the front wall of the toilet base24along a horizontal hinge1152. As shown inFIG. 62, the base structure1150is positioned beneath (and vertically spaced apart from) the foot ledge1140(i.e., closer to the floor) along the front wall of the toilet base24. The foot ledge structure1130may optionally have one foot ledge1140(to support both of the user's feet) with one corresponding base structure1150(as shown inFIG. 62). Alternatively, the foot ledge structure1130may have two foot ledges1140(each to support one of the user's feet) that are spaced apart from each other along the front wall of the toilet base24(as shown inFIG. 63), where each of the two foot ledges1140has a corresponding base structure1150.

In the retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 62), the foot ledge1140folded upwards along the outer surface of the front wall of the toilet base24, and the base structure1150is folded downwards along the outer surface of the front wall of the toilet base24such that the foot ledge1140and the base structure1150are substantially parallel to the front wall of the toilet base24. In order to move from the retracted position32to the extended position34, the foot ledge1140is folded downwards about the hinge1142(as shown inFIG. 63) such that the foot ledge1140is approximately perpendicular to the outer surface of the front wall, and the base structure1150is folded upwards about the hinge1152such that the base structure1150is at an angle to the front wall of the toilet base24and to the foot ledge1140) attaches to and supports the bottom surface of the foot ledge1140, which props the foot ledge1140up and keeps the foot ledge1140extended out from the outer surface of the front wall of the toilet base24. In order to move the foot ledge1140back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 64, a toilet paper holder1210may include a foot ledge structure1230such that a foot ledge1240extends horizontally out from a lower portion of the toilet paper holder1210. The toilet paper holder1210may be positioned directly next to or near the front of the toilet base24in order to conveniently position the foot ledge1240directly in front of the toilet base24for the user to rest their feet on.

In the retracted position32, the foot ledge1240is retracted within the base of the toilet paper holder1210. In order to move into the extended position34, the foot ledge1240is moved out from within the toilet paper holder1210into a position vertically above the floor. In order to move the foot ledge1240back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 65, a foot ledge structure1330is integrated into the front wall of the toilet base24. Accordingly, a foot ledge1340is an angled wall that is built into, integrated with, or attached to the front wall of the toilet base24, which provides an area for the user to rest their feet on while seated on the toilet base24. The base of the foot ledge structure1330is wider than and extends further to the front of the toilet than the top of the foot ledge structure1330, thereby providing the angled wall of the foot ledge1340.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 66-68, a foot ledge structure1430is integrated into a portion of the floor that is directly in front of the toilet base24(as shown inFIG. 66) or integrated into a base structure1450(as shown inFIGS. 67-68). The base structure1450may be a component that is already elevated above the floor (and resting or positioned on top of the floor). The floor or the base structure1450includes a recessed area that is configured to house the foot ledge structure1430when in the retracted position32. The foot ledge structure1430includes a foot ledge1440that is at least partially movable into and out from the floor or the base structure1450. The foot ledge structure1430may include springs1470beneath the top wall of the foot ledge1440(and within the recessed area) that help move the foot ledge1440between the retracted position32and the extended position34. For example, the springs1470may apply a force to the bottom surface of the top wall of the foot ledge1440in order to bias the foot ledge1440upward into the extended position34.

In the retracted position32, the foot ledge1440is substantially recessed within the floor or the base structure1450such that the top surface of the foot ledge1440is approximately level to the top surface of the floor or the base structure1450, and the side walls of the foot ledge1440are recessed beneath the top surface of the floor or the base structure1450. In order to move into the extended position34, the foot ledge1440is unlocked (with, for example, an activating mechanism, such as latch1480as shown inFIG. 68), which allows the springs1470to expand, which moves the top wall of the foot ledge1440vertically upward relative to the floor or the base structure1450and above the top surface of the floor or the base structure1450into the extended position34. The exact height of the foot ledge1440(above the floor or the base structure1450) may be adjusted according to the user's preference. In order to move the foot ledge1440back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed (e.g., the foot ledge1440is pressed back into the recessed area of the floor or the base structure1450, which compresses the springs1470).

As shown inFIG. 68, the base structure1450may further be retracted into the toilet base24(by moving the latch1480) once the foot ledge1440has been retracted into the base structure1450. Alternatively, the foot ledge1440may not be movable relative to the base structure1450, and the base structure1450may simply be move in and out of the toilet base24in order to move the foot ledge1440between the retracted position32and the extended position34relative to the toilet base24.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 69, a foot ledge structure1530includes a foot ledge1540that is a bar that extends horizontally around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of a lower region of the toilet base24in order to provide a variety of different areas for the user to rest and elevate their feet.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 70, a toilet1620includes a foot ledge structure1630with a foot ledge1640that is a toilet lid or cover when in the retracted position32and a foot ledge when in the extended position34. The foot ledge1640includes an outer lip1642and an inner extension1644. The outer lip1642at least partially surrounds the inner extension1644and is thinner and wider than the inner extension1644in order to prevent the foot ledge1640from falling through the opening in the toilet seat29while in the retracted position32. The inner extension1644is thicker and less wide than the outer lip1642in order to provide an elevated area for the user to place their feet on in the extended position34and in order to fit within the opening through the toilet seat29while in the retracted position32.

In the retracted position32(i.e., when the foot ledge1640is being used as a toilet lid), the foot ledge1640is positioned on top of the seat29(which is on top of the toilet base24) such that the outer lip1642extends along at least a portion of the top surface of the seat29and the inner extension1644extends at least partially through the opening in the seat29, into or toward the bowl of the toilet base24. In this position, the inner extension1644extends below the outer lip1642. In order to move into the extended position34(i.e., when the foot ledge1640is positioned to support the user's feet), the foot ledge1640is rotated or flipped over and positioned next to the toilet base24(such that the inner extension1644extends above the outer lip1642) at a height that is below the seat29and is supported by a hinge or rope, for example. Accordingly, the user can rest their feet along the top surface of the inner extension1644. In order to move the foot ledge1640back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 71-74, a toilet1720includes a foot ledge structure1730with a foot ledge1740. The foot ledge1740includes a bar structure1742that extends around a portion of each of the side walls of the toilet base24and along the front wall of the toilet base24. The bar structure1742pivotably attaches to opposite sides walls of the toilet base24.

In the retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 71), the bar structure1742may be pivoted upward such that a front edge of the bar structure1742(that extends between the two side walls of the toilet base24) is substantially flush against or near the front wall of the toilet base24. In order to move the foot ledge1740to the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 72), the bar structure1742may be pivoted downward (about its attachment points to the toilet base24) such that the front edge of the bar structure1742is moved away from the front wall of the toilet base24. In the extended position34, the bar structure1742may be approximately horizontal and parallel to the floor (and therefore substantially perpendicular to the toilet base24). In order to move the foot ledge1740back to the retracted position32, the opposite movements are followed.

As shown inFIGS. 73-74, the foot ledge1740may optionally further include a lower support1744that helps support the foot ledge1740while in the extended position34. A first end of the lower support1744is pivotably attached to the front edge of the bar structure1742. When not in use or needed, the lower support1744may be folded up next to (and beneath) and substantially parallel to the bar structure1742(regardless of the position of the bar structure1742). When extra support is needed in the extended position34, the lower support1744is pivoted about its first end, relative to the bar structure1742, such that the lower support1744is substantially perpendicular to the bar structure1742and a second end of the lower support1744can rest directly on the floor, thereby supporting the bar structure1742(and the foot ledge1740).

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 75-76, a toilet1820includes a foot ledge structure1830with a foot ledge1840and a locking mechanism1870. The foot ledge1840is rotatably attached to a middle portion of opposite sides of the toilet base24. In the extended position34, the foot ledge1840extends out in front of the front wall of the toilet base24in order to provide an area for the user to rest their feet. Depending on which directly the foot ledge1840is movable (e.g., pivotable upward or downward relative to the toilet base24), the locking mechanism1870is positioned above and/or below the attachment point of the foot ledge1840to the toilet base24and is configured to lock the foot ledge1840into the extended position34in order to prevent the foot ledge1840from moving (back to the retracted position32, for example) during use. The locking mechanism1870can be unlocked in order to move or rotate the foot ledge1840from the extended position34back to the retracted position32.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 77-78, a toilet1920includes a foot ledge structure1930with a foot ledge1940and a base structure1950. The base structure1950is statically attached to a middle portion of opposite sides of the toilet base24. A first end of the foot ledge1940is rotatably attached to either the base structure1950or directly to a middle portion of the opposite sides of the toilet base24and is positioned directly above the base structure1950.

In the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 77), the foot ledge1940extends out in front of the front wall of the toilet base24(substantially parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the toilet base24) such that the user can rest their feet on the top surface of the foot ledge1940. The base structure1950is positioned directly beneath the first end of the foot ledge1940in the extended position34. In order to move the foot ledge1940to the retracted position (as shown inFIG. 78), the foot ledge1940is rotated upward and back toward the front wall of the toilet base24(approximately 180°) until the top surface of the foot ledge1940is resting on and being supported by the top surface of the base structure1950(also substantially parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the toilet base24). In order to move the foot ledge1940back to the extended position34, the opposite movements are followed.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 79, a foot ledge structure2030has a foot ledge2040that is configured to splay or expand outward along its width when in the extended position34in order to provide a relatively wider foot rest while that still fits within the toilet base24. In order to move into the retracted position32, the foot ledge2040contracts along its width in order to fit within the toilet base24.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 80, a foot ledge structure2130includes a foot ledge2140that includes at least one retractable extension2141(e.g., an “I lip”). The extension2141may extend out from a side of the foot ledge2140(in the extended position34) in order to provide additional area for the user to rest their feet on, but is retractable into an inner area of (or directly under a bottom surface of) the foot ledge2140(in the retracted position32) in order to minimize how much space the foot ledge structure2130takes up when not in use.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIG. 81, a foot ledge structure2230includes a foot ledge2240that is positioned in front of the toilet base24. In the retracted position32, the foot ledge2240is substantially flat against the floor. In order to move into the extended position34, the front edge of the foot ledge2240is rotated upward about the back edge of the foot ledge2240in order to provide an elevated area for the user to rest their feet on. The foot ledge2240may be ratcheted in order to be secured at multiple different angles according to the user's preference.

According to another embodiment as shown inFIGS. 82-87, a toilet2320includes a foot ledge structure2330with a foot ledge2340that is movable between the retracted position32and the extended position34. As shown inFIGS. 82-85andFIGS. 86-87, the foot ledge structure2330can be integrated and used with a variety of different types and shapes of toilets. As shown inFIGS. 84-85, the foot ledge2340includes a wide portion2342and a narrow portion2344that are similar in nature to the wide portion42and the narrow portion44, respectively (as described further herein), where the wide portion2342is wider than the narrow portion2344. The foot ledge structure2330(in particular the foot ledge2340) allows the toilet2320to have a minimalistic design. Additionally, the finish on the foot ledge2340may match the finish on the trip lever.

The narrow portion2344of the foot ledge2340is movable at least partially into and out from the hollow inner area23(seeFIG. 3) of the toilet base24through a slot2326(similar to the slot26, as described further herein) as the foot ledge2340moves between the retracted position32and the extended position34. A back end of the narrow portion2344is attached to a rail mechanism (within the hollow inner area23of the toilet base24) in order to allow the foot ledge structure2330to move relative to the toilet base24. The narrow portion2344may include aluminum die casting bolts that are positioned within the hollow inner area23of the toilet base24and are movable with a sliding carriage (e.g., an upper rail) of the rail mechanism within the hollow inner area23of the toilet base24. A front end of the narrow portion2344is statically attached to a middle portion of a back end of the wide portion2342.

The top surface of the wide portion2342of the foot ledge2340provides an area for the user to rest and elevate their feet on and accordingly may include a gripping material, such as a soft silicone grip or tread. The wide portion2342may optionally be wider than the toilet base23in order to provide the user with more area to rest their feet on for greater comfort according to the user's preference. Accordingly, the wide portion2342may be a curved or arced bar such that the ends of the wide portion2342are curved back toward the back of the toilet base24(where the middle of the wide portion2342is attached to the narrow portion2344), which prevents the wide portion2342from being in the way within the bathroom, while still maximizing the area that the user can rest and elevate their feet along.

As shown inFIGS. 84-85, the wide portion2342is positioned completely outside of the hollow inner area23of the toilet base24in both the retracted position32and the extended position34. Accordingly, the slot2326of the toilet base24only has to be large enough to fit the cross-sectional area (along the height and width) of the narrow portion2344and extends only along a portion of the front wall of the toilet base24(and does not extend along the side walls of the toilet base24).

FIGS. 88-121show another embodiment of a foot ledge structure3030that can be used with any of the toilets disclosed herein. For example, although the toilet20is referenced herein, the foot ledge structure3030may be used with any of the other toilets (such as toilets120,220,320,420,520,620,720,820,920,1020,1120,1620,1720,1820,1920, and2320), unless otherwise specified herein. The foot ledge structure3030may include any of the aspects, features, configurations, benefits, or components of any of the other foot ledge structures disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified. For the sake of conciseness, each of the reference numbers for the other various foot ledge structures and their various components disclosed herein that can be used within the foot ledge structure3030are not explicitly listed, but still can be used within the foot ledge structure3030(and vice versa).

As shown inFIG. 88, the foot ledge structure3030comprises a foot ledge3040, a base bracket3050, and a rail mechanism3070, as described further herein. The foot ledge3040, the base bracket3050, and the rail mechanism3070may include any of the aspects, features, configurations, benefits, or components of any of the other foot ledges, base brackets, and rail mechanisms (respectively) disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified.

The foot ledge3040(e.g., the footrest or a foot ledge platform) is movable between the retracted position32and the extended position34(where the retracted position32and the extended position34are described further herein) relative to the toilet base24and the base bracket3050. The foot ledge3040is movably attached to the base bracket3050through the rail mechanism3070. The foot ledge3040may optionally be constructed at least partially or completely out of an enameled die-cast aluminum.

The base bracket3050provides a static and stable area for the foot ledge3040to movably attach to (via the rail mechanism3070). The base bracket3050is configured to elevate the foot ledge3040to a particular height above the floor. The base bracket3050may optionally be laser-cut and constructed out of brake-formed and folded steel. The base bracket3050is configured to attach the rest of the foot ledge structure3030to the floor. Accordingly, the base bracket3050is independently attachable or fastenable to the floor separate from the rest of the toilet20(including the toilet base24), as described further herein. Once installed, the base bracket3050is non-movably or statically attached to the floor (and optionally also to toilet base24), and the foot ledge3040is movably attached to the base bracket3050. The base bracket3050is positioned within the inner area23of the toilet base24(as shown inFIG. 3) and beneath the toilet bowl25.

The base bracket3050includes the vertical extensions56and the upper horizontal extensions58(as described further herein). The base bracket3050also includes lower horizontal walls, supports, protrusions, or extensions57, a vertical wall, support protrusion, extension, or endplate54, and upper vertical walls, supports, protrusions, or extensions55(each of which can include any of the features and materials of the extensions56and58(such as being laser cut and constructed out of blended aluminum) and can also be included within the any of the other base brackets disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified). The lower horizontal extension57, the vertical endplate54, and the upper vertical extensions55can include any of the features and materials of the extensions56,58. Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 96-98the lower vertical extensions56may include both outer lower vertical extensions and inner lower vertical extensions that are parallel and aligned with each other along the width of the base bracket3050. The inner and outer lower vertical extensions56are spaced apart by and connected to each other through the lower horizontal extension57.

The lower horizontal extensions57provide an area for the base bracket3050to directly and independently attach to the floor (separately and independently from the toilet base24of the toilet20). The lower horizontal extensions57are positioned along and statically attached to the bottom of the vertical extensions56(along both sides of the base bracket3050) and extend along at least a portion of the length of the base bracket3050. The lower horizontal extensions57are substantially parallel to the upper horizontal extensions58. The bolt holes52(as described further herein) extend completely through the lower horizontal extensions57. According to one embodiment, the lower horizontal extensions57extend inwardly from the bottom of the vertical extensions56(i.e., toward the opposite vertical extension56), along a portion of the width of the base bracket3050. However, according to other various embodiments, the lower horizontal extensions57may extend outwardly.

The vertical endplate54supports the back end of the slides3072(via the back guides3076, as described further herein) and provides an attachment areas for various other components (also described further herein). The vertical endplate54extends vertically above and is statically attached to the horizontal extension57. The vertical endplate54is positioned along the back end of the horizontal extension57, in front of the trapway28.

The upper vertical extensions55(e.g., cam brackets) that extend vertically above the extensions56,57,58(where the vertical extension56is a lower vertical extension) and are substantially parallel to (and optionally extend vertically from) the lower vertical extensions56. The upper vertical extensions55are positioned near a back portion of the base bracket3050and along opposite sides of the base bracket3050to align with holes along the side walls of the toilet base24. The mounting cams59(as described further herein) are attached to the top portions of the upper vertical extensions55of the base bracket3050. By elevating the mounting cams59and the associated holes (e.g., the toilet anchor points) of the toilet base24, additional room is provided for the rest of the foot ledge structure3030.

As shown inFIGS. 88-90, the base bracket3050further includes two centering side tabs3051that extend from the outer sides of the lower vertical extensions56and beyond the width of the horizontal extension58. The side tabs3051are pivotably attached to the lower vertical extensions56and/or to the horizontal extension58such that the side tabs3051can flex and compress inwardly as the toilet base24is being mounted over the base bracket3050(or as the base bracket3050is being translated into an installed toilet base24). Accordingly, the side tabs3051center the toilet base24over and onto the base bracket3050, thereby aligning the toilet base24and the base bracket3050and thereby aligning the toilet base24(in particular the slot26of the toilet base24) and the foot ledge3040. The side tab3051may be a curved, flexible clip or spring (e.g., a leaf spring) that is attached to the lower vertical extensions56and/or to the horizontal extension58along one end. The side tabs3051may be positioned toward the front end of the base bracket3050and on opposite sides of the horizontal extension58along the width of the base bracket3050. The side tabs3051may optionally be constructed out of plastic and may be plastic injection molded. Since the side tabs3051are flexible and provide a certain amount of clearance (e.g., ⅝ inch), the side tabs3051allow the foot ledge structure3030to be more easily and smoothly installed with the toilet20.

The base bracket3050is configured to be statically, rigidly, and securely attached independently to the floor (separate from the toilet base24) with a plurality of fasteners53(e.g., bolts). In particular, the base bracket3050is independently (and optionally directly) securely attachable to the floor without the aid of the toilet base24. The base bracket3050, however, may serve as an anchor to secure, install, and/or attach the rest of the toilet20(in particular the toilet base24) to the floor. For example, the base bracket3050may attach the toilet base24to the floor (and the base bracket3050and the toilet base24may be secured together via the mounting cams59, as described further herein). However, the base bracket3050is not dependent upon the toilet base24to securely attach to the floor. The base bracket3050is therefore separately and independently attachable to the floor from the toilet base24, although it is understood that the base bracket3050and the toilet base24may be positioned next to each other and/or attached or connected to each other.

As shown inFIGS. 89-91, the base bracket3050includes a plurality of fastener holes (referred to herein as bolt holes52, as described further herein) that extend through and are defined by the lower horizontal extension57and are configured to receive the fasteners53. The bolts52secure the base bracket3050to the floor and prevent the base bracket3050from moving (in particular relative to the toilet base24). Although the fasteners53are shown below the base bracket3050, it is understood that the fasteners53may be inserted into each of the bolt holes52from above or below the lower horizontal extension57, depending on the desired configuration.

As shown inFIG. 89, each of the lower horizontal extensions57defines a bolt hole52along the front portion of the base bracket3050(for two bolt holes52along the front portion of the base bracket3050). By securing the base bracket3050to the floor at the front of the base bracket3050, the base bracket3050is prevented from pivoting or moving along the front of the base bracket3050. As shown inFIG. 91, each of the lower horizontal extensions57defines three bolt holes52along the back portion of the base bracket3050(for six bolt holes52along the front of the base bracket3050). Accordingly, the base bracket3050may include eight bolt holes52(that are configured to receive eight fasteners53) along the lower horizontal extensions57, thereby allowing the base bracket3050to be attached (e.g., bolted) to the floor at eight different areas, which provides a high level of stability of the foot ledge structure3030(and a high sense of security for the user).

As shown inFIG. 91, the horizontal extensions57(and optionally the lower vertical extensions56) extend beyond the back end of the upper horizontal extension58, along opposite sides of the trapway28(i.e., the upper horizontal extension58does not extend along the back portion of the base bracket3050). The bolt holes52extend through this back portion of the base bracket3050, along opposite sides of the trapway28. By extending beyond the back end of the upper horizontal extension58, the length of the base bracket3050is maximized, which maximizes the length L of the lever arm that extends between the fulcrum (at the front end of the base bracket3050) and the back of the base bracket3050(along which the back bolt holes52are positioned), as shown inFIG. 92. By maximizing the length L of the lever arm, the mechanical strength of the foot ledge structure3030(as resistive force rF) to resist and withstand large loads on the foot ledge3040(in particular when a force F is exerted onto the front end of the foot ledge3040) is increased, and the base bracket3050stays securely attached to the floor, independently and separately from the toilet base24. Furthermore, since there are a large number of attachment points (e.g.,6attachment points) to the floor along the back portion of the base bracket3050, the base bracket3050(and therefore entire foot ledge structure3030) stays securely and tightly attached and fixed to the floor, even when extreme loads are applied to the front end of the foot ledge3040to create the force F (such as a user standing on the front end of the foot ledge3040).

The base bracket3050includes a number of components to control the movement of the foot ledge3040as the foot ledge3040moves between the retracted position32and the extended position32. For example, as shown inFIGS. 88 and 93-95, the base bracket3050further comprises at least one bumper3061and at least one decelerator spring3062that both help control the deceleration and stop the foot ledge3040as the foot ledge3040moves from the extended position34into the retracted position32(when the foot ledge3040is pushed into the toilet20by the user, for example), thereby bringing the foot ledge3040into a controlled stop as the foot ledge3040moves into the retracted position32, preventing the foot ledge3040from slamming into the retracted position32, and protecting the latch3044from slamming against the vertical endplate54. Both the bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062are positioned along (and extends in front of) the front surface of the vertical endplate54(that faces toward the front of the foot ledge structure3030) and are each configured to directly abut the back end of the foot ledge3040in the retracted position32, as shown inFIG. 95. The bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062are particularly useful in view of the weight and resulting momentum of the foot ledge3040that could otherwise cause damage to components and/or create a loud noise.

The bumper3061(e.g., a rubber bumper) and the decelerator spring3062are flexible and compressible components that are configured to compress as the foot ledge3040contacts the bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062while moving into the retracted position32.FIG. 94shows the bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062expanded while the foot ledge3040is in the extended position34.FIG. 95shows the bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062compressed while the back edge of the foot ledge3040is pressing against the bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062in the retracted position32. Different sizes of the bumper3061and the decelerator spring3062may optionally be used to fine tune where the foot ledge3040is stopped in the retracted position32. Additionally, when the foot ledge3040is being moved from the retracted position32to the extended position34, the decelerator spring3062pushes (and thereby accelerates) the foot ledge3040into the extended position34.

Additionally, as further shown inFIGS. 94-95, the foot ledge3040comprises a push-in latch3044and the base bracket3050comprises a latch receiver3064that is configured to receive and lock or engage with the latch3044when the foot ledge3040is in the retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 95), which locks or maintains the foot ledge3040in the retracted position32. The interaction between the latch3044and the latch receiver3064keeps or retains the foot ledge3040in the retracted position32(until the user moves or actuates the foot ledge3040into the extended position34). The latch3044is positioned along the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040, between the two slides3072and extends at least partially beyond the end surface of the foot ledge3040. The latch3044is configured to lock and maintain the foot ledge3040in the retracted position32. The latch receiver3064is positioned along the vertical endplate54of the base bracket3050and is configured to receive and lock or engage with the latch3044when the foot ledge3040is in the retracted position32(to lock and maintain the foot ledge3040in the retracted position32). Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the latch3044may be a part of the base bracket3050, and the latch receiver3064may be a part of the foot ledge3040.

As shown inFIG. 94, in the extended position34, the latch3044and the latch receiver3064are unattached from each other, and the latch3044is in the unlocked position (e.g., with a pivotable extension extending out from a body of the latch3044). As shown inFIG. 95, once the foot ledge3040is moved into the retracted position32, the pivotable extension of the latch3044pivots inwardly as its abuts and is received by a hook of the latch receiver3064(which causes the latch3044to move into the locked position), thereby locking the latch3044and the latch receiver3064together, which retains the foot ledge3040in the retracted position32. To unlock the latch3044from the latch receiver3064(i.e., to unlock the foot ledge3040), the user can move or push the foot ledge3040slightly further into the toilet base24(in an opposite direction from the moving into extended position34), which pushes the latch3044further toward the latch receiver3064, thereby further pivoting the extension of the latch3044. This movement unlocks the latch3044, which releases the latch3044from the latch receiver3064and allows the foot ledge3040to move from the retracted position32to the extended position34.

The rail mechanism3070allows the foot ledge3040to move or slide between the retracted position32and the extended position34relative to the base bracket3050and the rest of the toilet20(in particular the toilet base24). Referring back toFIG. 88, the rail mechanism3070is attached to the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040and the top surface of the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050.

As further shown inFIG. 88, the rail mechanism3070comprises at least one rail, arm, tube, or slide3072that is statically attached to the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040and movably attached to the base bracket3050(as shown inFIG. 91) through other components of the rail mechanism3070. The slides3072are round tubes that may be constructed out of cold-rolled steel and may have an approximately 1 inch outer diameter.

According to one embodiment as shown inFIGS. 88 and 96, the rail mechanism3070has two slides3072positioned on opposite sides of the foot ledge3040(along the width of the foot ledge3040). The slides3072extend beyond the back end of the foot ledge3040to maximize how far the foot ledge3040can be moved. When in the retracted position32, the respective back ends of the two slides3072are positioned along opposite sides of and partially aligned with or positioned behind the trapway28(see, for example,FIG. 112). The slides3072are spaced apart from each other (along the width of the foot ledge structure3030) such that the trapway28can fit between the two slides3072.

To guide the movement of the foot ledge3040between the retracted position32and the extended position34, the rail mechanism3070comprises a foot ledge bearing assembly that comprises slide guides (i.e., a front guide3074and a back guide3076) and a wheel assembly (i.e., wheels3082, grommets3084, and a shaft3086). The foot ledge bearing assembly allows the foot ledge3040to move with minimal friction and while supporting loads up to 415 pounds.

As shown inFIGS. 88 and 96, the foot ledge bearing assembly of the rail mechanism3070comprises a pair of complementary and corresponding tube or slide bearings or guides for each of the slides3072that are statically attached to the base bracket3050and are configured to receive and guide the movement of the slides3072as the foot ledge3040is moved between the retracted position32and the extended position34. To support and guide the two slides3072, the rail mechanism3070comprises two pairs of the slide guides positioned on opposite sides of the base bracket3050(along the width of the base bracket3050). Each of the pairs of slide guides comprises a front bearing or guide3074and a back bearing or guide3076that are statically attached to and positioned above the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050. Each of the slides3072is slidably positioned within a pair of the guides3074,3076. The guides3074,3076guide the linear motion of the foot ledge3040(via the slides3072) and minimize sliding friction as the foot ledge3040moves. The guides3074,3076may be constructed out of a low-friction, Celcon material and may optionally be plastic, injection molded.

As shown inFIGS. 88 and 96, the front guide3074is positioned toward the front of the base bracket3050(and therefore toward the front of the toilet20), and the back guide3076is positioned toward the back of the base bracket3050(and therefore toward the back of the toilet20). Each of the guides3074,3076define a central aperture that is sized to receive the slide3072such that the slide3072can move and slide within the guides3074,3076. The respective central apertures of the guides3074,3076are aligned with each other along the length of the base bracket3050such that each of the of the slides3072can slide within both of the guides3074,3076at the same time, thus allowing the foot ledge3040to be fully supported during movement. The guides3074,3076thus control and guide the sliding movement of the foot ledge3040through the slides3072.

The front guides3074have a c-shape and are open along the top portion of the front guides3074to avoid any interference with the area along which the slides3072attach to the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040. Accordingly, the front guides3074do not extend along the top of the slides3072(as shown inFIG. 96), and the connection area between the slides3072and the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040extends through the open top portion of the front guides3074. The front guides3074are statically attached directed to the top surface of the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050, along the front end of the base bracket3050. The front guides3074may be constructed out of a low-friction silicone to allow the slides3072to move smoothly within and through the front guides3074. The front guides3074help keep the slides3072aligned with the wheels3082and act as a brake to support heavy downward loads on the foot ledge3040(as described further herein).

The back guides3076extend completely in a circle such that the back guides3076extend completely around the outer surface of the back portion of the slides3072(where the back portion of the slides3072is the portion of the slides3072that extends beyond the end of the foot ledge3040). Since weight is pressed along the front end of the foot ledge3040in use (along the side completely opposite the back guides3076), the back guides3076support the resulting upward force or load (exerted onto the back guides3076by the slides3072) and prevent the foot ledge3040from being inadvertently released during use by extending completely around the slides3072, while minimizing friction. The back guides3076are positioned toward a back end of the base bracket3050, in an area in front of the trapway28. The back guides3076may extend through (and be defined by) holes in the vertical endplate54(e.g., the two back guides3076are positioned along opposite ends of the vertical endplate54). The back guides3076allow the slides3072to move smoothly within and through the back guides3076. For example, as shown inFIG. 98, the back guides3076may include inner bearings along the inner circumference of the back guides3076. Alternatively, the back guides3076may be constructed out of a low-friction silicone.

The front and back guides3074,3076are positioned and spaced apart from each other along the length of the foot ledge structure3030such that each of the slides3072are always supported by both the front guide3074and the back guide3076, regardless of the position of the foot ledge3040. As shown inFIG. 91, even in the fully extended position34, the back ends of the slides3072are still positioned completely within the back guides3076. Accordingly, each of the slides3072is stably supported by two contact points (i.e., a front guide3074and a back guide3076) and the entire foot ledge3040is stably supported by four contact points (i.e., two front guides3074and two back guides3076along the two slides3072) during all movement and adjustment. The guides3074,3076work in unison to provide a smooth, low-friction movement of the foot ledge3040.

As shown inFIGS. 88 and 96-98, the wheel assembly of the foot ledge bearing assembly comprises two wheels3082(for each of the two slides3072), four grommets3084(for each of the two wheels3082), and a wheel support shaft3086that extends through the wheels3082and the grommets3084. The wheel assembly (in particular the wheel3082) is positioned in front of the pair of guides (in particular the front guides3074) along the base bracket3050. As described further herein, upon excess load exerted onto the foot ledge3040, the wheel assembly is configured to transfer the excess load from the wheels3082to the front guides3074.

The shaft3086extends through apertures defined by the inner and outer lower vertical extensions56and is positioned along the front end of the base bracket3050. The lower vertical extensions56elevate the shaft3086(and thus the wheels3082) above the floor such that the wheels3082can rotate. The shaft3086may optionally be constructed out of stainless steel.

The wheels3082are configured to support the foot ledge3040(via a bottom surface of the slides3072) as the foot ledge3040is moved between the retracted position32and the extended position34. The wheels3082rotate as the foot ledge3040is moved while supporting the foot ledge3040. Each of the wheels3082includes a v-shaped trough along its outer circumference that is configured to receive the bottom surface of the slide3072and reduce friction. Since the wheels3082are elevated above the floor, the wheels3082only contact the slides3072and the shaft3086. Accordingly, the wheels3082directly transfer the load from the foot ledge3040(via the slides3072) to the base bracket3050(via the shaft3086and the grommets3084). The wheels3082may be press fit into position along opposite ends of the shaft3086. The wheels3082may optionally be constructed out nylon, may include sealed bearings, and may have an outer diameter of approximately 58 millimeters.

The grommets3084are positioned within each of the apertures in the lower vertical extensions56(that the shaft3086is positioned within), such that the shaft3086extends through each of the grommets3084. The grommets3084support the shaft3086. Two grommets3084are positioned on opposite sides of the wheels3082along the length of the shaft3086. The grommets3084are relatively soft and are configured to compress and give way under heavy loads. The grommets3084may optionally be constructed out of rubber.

Accordingly, when a heavy load is applied on top of the foot ledge3040, the grommets3084compress, which lowers the shaft3086and the wheels3082. The wheels3082are lowered below the front guides3074(as shown inFIG. 97). By lowering the wheels3082below the front guides3074, the front portion of the foot ledge3040is lowered and the weight and force of the foot ledge3040is shifted from the wheels3082to the front guides3074. Due to the increased weight (and thus increased generated friction) of the foot ledge3040onto the front guides3074, the front guides3074subsequently acts as a brake and prevent the foot ledge3040from moving or sliding any further under the heavy load, thereby immobilizing the foot ledge3040.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 98, the front guides3074manage the excess weight on the foot ledge3040. In particular, the weight and force exerted onto the front guides3074from the foot ledge3040is transferred from the front guides3074onto the base bracket3050. The shape and configuration of the base bracket3050is specifically designed to resist extreme loads applied directly to the front guides3074. In particular, the folded bracket geometry (between the various extensions54,55,56,57, and58) of the base bracket3050is configured to transfer loads directly to the floor, which prevents permanent damage to the base bracket3050.

The foot ledge structure3030comprises an ejector spring assembly3010that is configured to automatically move the foot ledge3040from the retracted position32to the extended position34once the foot ledge3040is unlocked and disengaged from the base bracket, as shown inFIGS. 99-101. The ejector spring assembly3010comprises an ejector spring3012, an ejector wheel3013, and a spring tension adjustor3016. The ejector pulley or wheel3013is press fit into position onto the shaft3086and is positioned between the two wheels3082(as shown inFIG. 88). The ejector wheel3013may optionally be constructed out nylon, may include sealed bearings, and may have an outer diameter of approximately 30 millimeters (with a groove that is configured to accommodate and secure the outer surfaces of the ejector spring3012, as shown inFIG. 105).

As shown inFIGS. 99-101, the ejector spring3012is removably and reattachably attached to the back end of the foot ledge3040(as described further herein) and extends from the back end of the foot ledge3040, beneath the foot ledge3040and above the upper horizontal extension58(i.e., between the foot ledge3040and the top surface of the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050), around a portion of the outer circumference of the ejector wheel3013, and beneath the upper horizontal extension58, and is attached to a tensioning shuttle3017of the spring tension adjustor3016. The ejector spring3012biases the foot ledge3040to move from the retracted position32to the extended position34.

In particular, to move the foot ledge3040from the retracted position32to the extended position34, the user actuates the movement of the foot ledge3040by pushing the foot ledge3040inward further into the toilet base24, which unlocks the latch3044and releases the latch3044from the latch receiver3064(as described further herein). Once the foot ledge3040is unlocked (and the latch3044is disengaged from the latch receiver3064), the ejector spring3012is allowed to compress, which pulls the back end of the foot ledge3040toward the front of the base bracket3050as the ejector spring3012compresses, thereby moving the foot ledge3040into the extended position34.

The ejector spring3012has an adjustable spring tension to allow the foot ledge3040to effectively move from the retracted position32to the extended position34on uneven floors. In particular, the ejection spring tension adjustor3016(which may be referred to as the spring adjustment assembly) is configured to allow the user (or installer) to adjust the spring tension of the ejector spring3012to compensate for uneven floors12(as shown inFIGS. 102-103). The spring tension adjustor3016comprises a threaded rod or shaft3018, a slide pivot or tensioning shuttle3017, and a control knob3019, as shown inFIG. 99. The threaded shaft3018is rotatably attached to the base bracket3050(and positioned above the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050). The tensioning shuttle3017is movably attached to and positioned along the length of the threaded shaft3018and extends through a longitudinal hole or slot in the upper horizontal extension58, thereby extending both above and below the upper horizontal extension58. The tensioning shuttle3017is slidably attached to the upper horizontal extension58(through the slot), but cannot rotate relative to the upper horizontal extension58, which causes the tensioning shuttle3017to move along the length of the horizontal extension58when the threaded shaft3018is rotated. The tensioning shuttle3017may optionally be constructed out of plastic. The control knob3019is positioned along the front end of the threaded shaft3018and extends out in front of the base bracket3050in order to be accessible to the user. The control knob3019is positioned underneath the foot ledge3040(in both the retracted position32(as shown inFIG. 99) and the extended position34(as shown inFIGS. 102-103)).

To adjust the spring tension of the ejector spring3012, the user can reach underneath the foot ledge3040and rotate the control knob3019(as shown inFIG. 99), which rotates the threaded shaft3018. By rotating the threaded shaft3018, the tensioning shuttle3017(that one end of the ejector spring3012is attached to) is moved up or down along the length of the threaded shaft3018(and along the length of the slot in the upper horizontal extension58). This movement changes the position of the end of the ejector spring3012, which therefore changes and fine-tunes (i.e., increases or decreases) the tension of the ejector spring3012. By changing the tension of the ejector spring, the resulting force from the ejector spring3012that moves the foot ledge3040from the retracted position32into the extended position34is fine-tuned, thereby allowing the foot ledge structure3030to operate effectively, even when installed on uneven floors12. For example, as shown inFIG. 100, by rotating the control knob3019in one direction, the tensioning shuttle3017is moved toward the back end of the base bracket3050along the slot in the upper horizontal extension58, which moves the end of the ejector spring3012and increases the length (and therefore the spring tension) of the ejector spring3012. Conversely, as shown inFIG. 101, by rotating the control knob3019in the opposite direction, the tensioning shuttle3017is moved toward the front end of the base bracket3050along the slot in the upper horizontal extension58, which moves the end of the ejector spring3012and decreases or reduces the length (and therefore the spring tension) of the ejector spring3012.

By adjusting and tuning the spring tension of the ejector spring3012, the foot ledge structure3030can be used or installed on and accommodate (and be completely operable on) uneven floors12, as shown inFIGS. 102-103. For example, as shown inFIG. 102, the uneven floor12is slanted upward toward the front end of the foot ledge structure3030, thereby pointing the front of the foot ledge3040upward (and tilting the whole toilet20backward along the back of the toilet20). Accordingly, the user can turn the control knob3019of the spring tension adjustor3016to increase the spring tension of the ejector spring3012, which gives the foot ledge3040enough force to be moved (upward) into the extended position34. Conversely, as shown inFIG. 103, the uneven floor12is slanted downward toward the front end of the foot ledge structure3030, thereby pointing the front of the foot ledge3040downward (and tilting the whole toilet20backward along the back of the toilet20). Accordingly, the user can turn the control knob3019of the spring tension adjustor3016to decrease the spring tension of the ejector spring3012, which prevents the foot ledge3040from sliding out of the toilet base24into the extended position34too quickly and with too much force. The uneven floor12may, for example only, be titled at approximately 1° to the front or back of the toilet20.

As shown inFIGS. 104-109, the ejector spring assembly3010is easily and automatically attached, unattached, and reattached to the foot ledge3040when the foot ledge3040is attached or removed from the rest of the foot ledge structure3030(which is particularly useful when installing or servicing the foot ledge structure3030). In particular, the foot ledge3040is automatically detached (or disengaged) from and reattached (or reengaged) with the ejector spring3012when the foot ledge3040is removed (or uninstalled) from and reattached (or installed) to the base bracket3050, respectively. Accordingly, the ejector spring assembly3010further comprises a spring disengagement system that includes a spring hook3014, a hook retainer3015, and an anchor3011, as shown inFIGS. 110-111. The spring pull, wing, or hook3014is attached or fastened to the end of the ejector spring3012(that is opposite to the end of the ejector spring3012that is fastened to the tensioning shuttle3017), as shown inFIGS. 105, 107, and 109. The spring hook3014is wider than the slot of the hook retainer3015(through which the ejector spring3012moves) such that the spring hook3014is stopped by the hook retainer3015. As shown inFIG. 110, the hook portion of the spring hook3014may optionally extend above the hook retainer3015to easily engage with the anchor3011.

The hook stopper or retainer3015is statically attached to a front end of the base bracket3050(as shown inFIG. 104) and defines a slot through which the ejector spring3012can move, but the spring hook3014cannot move (as shown inFIGS. 105 and 107). The hook retainer3015extends above the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050in order to catch the spring hook3014. The hook retainer3015is positioned in a middle portion along the width of the base bracket3050in order to align the slot of the hook retainer3015with the anchor3011. The spring hook3014and the hook retainer3015may optionally be plastic injection molded.

The anchor3011(which may be an anchor bolt or screw) is statically attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040(as shown inFIGS. 107 and 109). The head of the anchor3011protrudes downwardly from the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040. As shown inFIG. 111, the anchor3011may optionally extend through and below the latch3044(as described further herein). The spring hook3014is configured to be hooked and moved by the anchor3011and stopped by the hook retainer3015. The anchor3011is positioned between the two slides3072along the width of the foot ledge3040.

In use, to completely remove and uninstalled the foot ledge3040from the base bracket3050, the release lever3046is moved or pressed to release the foot ledge3040from the base bracket3050(as shown and described further herein), and the foot ledge3040is subsequently pulled or removed completely out of engagement from the base bracket3050. As the foot ledge3040is completely removed and uninstalled from the base bracket3050(as shown inFIGS. 104-105), the spring hook3014is stopped from moving any further when the ends of the spring hook3014abut against a back surface of the hook retainer3015(and in particular against the walls of the hook retainer3015that define the slot through which the ejector spring3012moves). The spring tension of the ejector spring3012keeps the spring hook3014pressed up against the back surface of the hook retainer3015, as shown inFIG. 105. In this position, the hook portion of the spring hook3014is aligned with the slot of the hook retainer3015.

When the foot ledge3040is reattached or reinstalled to the base bracket3050(as shown inFIGS. 106-107), the ejector spring3012is automatically reengaged with the foot ledge3040. In particular, the anchor3011is moved through the slot of the hook retainer3015. The head of the anchor3011catches onto the hook portion of the spring hook3014, thereby moving and pulling the spring hook3014with the foot ledge3040(and stretching or tensioning the ejector spring3012that is attached to the spring hook3014). As the foot ledge3040moves from the extended position34to the retracted position32, the foot ledge3040continues to move the spring hook3014(and therefore the ejector spring3012) toward the back of the base bracket3050, as shown inFIGS. 108-109, until the latch3044is received and locked to the latch receiver3064(as described further herein). Due to the spring tension of the ejector spring3012and the hooked engagement between the anchor3011and the spring hook3014, the spring hook3014remains attached to the anchor3011(and therefore to the foot ledge3040) in both the extended position34and the retracted position32, as well as while the foot ledge3040moves between the extended position34and the retracted position32.

To control the movement of the foot ledge3040, the rail mechanism3070comprises a slow-stop position damper3094and a release lever assembly3045that interact together to control the movement of the foot ledge3040, in particular as the foot ledge3040slows to a stop while moving from the retracted position32into the extended position34. As shown inFIG. 88, the slow-close position damper3094is statically attached to the top surface of the upper surface of the upper horizontal extension58of the base bracket3050, and the release lever assembly3045is positioned along and pivotably attached to the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040(between the two slides3072along the width of the foot ledge3040).

The release lever assembly3045comprises a release lever3046that extends along at least a portion of the length of the foot ledge3040and is pivotable between a locked position and a release position (as described further herein). The release lever3046includes a release lever tab3047positioned along the back end of the release lever3046and extending vertically downward from the main body of the release lever3046(as shown inFIG. 112). The tab3047is configured to interact with and attach to the position damper3094. The release lever3046(as well as the various components of the release lever assembly3045) may optionally be laser cut and constructed out of brake-formed steel.

The position damper3094is configured to move and pull the foot ledge3040completely into the extended position34in a controlled manner and into a slow and controlled stop. In particular, the position damper3094is configured to control the movement of the foot ledge3040as the foot ledge3040moves from the retracted position32to the extended position34by dampening or slowing the movement of the foot ledge3040. As shown inFIG. 114, the position damper3094comprises two tabs or notches3097that are configured to receive the tab3047of the release lever3046to control the movement of the foot ledge3040. The notches3097extend outwardly from the body of the position damper3094along the width of the foot ledge structure3030and are movable along the length of the body of the position damper3094. The position damper3094may include various internal springs to control the movement of the notches3097(which control the movement of the foot ledge3040).

FIGS. 112-116show the movement of the release lever assembly3045with respect to the position damper3094as the foot ledge3040moves. In particular, as shown inFIG. 112, in the retracted position32, the release lever3046is disconnected from the position damper3094and extends through an opening in the vertical endplate54of the base bracket3050(the opening is easily seen inFIG. 113). As the foot ledge3040is moved forward from the retracted position32toward the extended position34, the release lever3046is moved back through the opening in the vertical endplate54. The tab3047of the release lever3046moves over the back notch3097of the position damper3094(as shown inFIG. 113) and is subsequently captured by, engaged with, and locked into position between the front and back notches3097of the position damper3094. In this position, the movement of the foot ledge3040is controlled and dampened by the position damper3094. Accordingly, as the ejector spring3012pulls the foot ledge3040into the extended position34(as described further herein), the position damper3094also controls the movement of the foot ledge3040and ensures that the foot ledge3040is moved in a slow and controlled manner into the fully extended position34, bringing the foot ledge3040to a controlled stop into the extended position34(as shown inFIG. 115). The position damper3094may stop the foot ledge3040from moving after approximately 9 inches. As shown inFIG. 116, when the foot ledge3040is moved back from the extended position34into the retracted position32, the tab3047again moves past the back notch3097(optionally pushing the back notch3097back into the body of the position damper3094) and subsequently back through the opening in the vertical endplate54. This movement loads the position damper3094to again receive and re-capture with the tab3047and control the movement of the foot ledge3040when the foot ledge3040is moved back toward the extended position34again.

To remove the foot ledge3040from within the toilet base24and from the base bracket3050, the release lever3046completely removable from the position damper3094. In particular, the release lever3046is movable between a locked or engaged position (in which the foot ledge3040is engaged with and locked to the position damper3094(and the base bracket3050) via the release lever3046) and an unlocked or disengaged positon (in which the foot ledge3040is disengaged and unlocked from the position damper3094(and the base bracket3050) via the release lever3046). The release lever3046is pivotably attached to the bottom surface of the foot ledge3040at a pivot attachment point3048along a middle section of the release lever3046(along the length of the release lever3046), as shown inFIGS. 88 and 117. The release lever3046further includes a finger actuating tab3049along the front end of the release lever3046(opposite the tab3047(along the length of the release lever3046) that is for engaging with the position damper3094).

The release lever assembly3045further includes a spring3043that is attached to the front end of the release lever3046(e.g., near the finger actuating tab3049) and spring-loads the release lever3046into engagement with the position damper3094. In particular, the spring3043biases the release lever3046to move or pivot toward engagement (i.e., in a default, locked and engaged position) with the position damper3094by pulling the front end of the release lever3046(as shown inFIG. 118), which pivots the release lever3046about the pivot attachment point3048. As the release lever3046pivots about the pivot attachment point3048, the back end of the release lever3046(and therefore the tab3047) is moved or pivoted toward (and further into engagement with) the position damper3094(as shown inFIG. 119), between the notches3097.

To remove and disengage the foot ledge3040from the base bracket3050, the user can reach their finger under the exposed front end of the foot ledge3040(in particular while the foot ledge3040is in the extended position34), and move the finger actuating tab3049(in a direction counter to the biasing spring force of the spring3043), as shown inFIG. 120. This motion pivots the release lever3046in the opposite direction about the pivot attachment point3048, which moves or pivots the back end of the release lever3046(and therefore the tab3047) away from (and out of engagement with) the position damper3094(as shown inFIG. 121), thereby moving the release lever3046from the locked position to the release and disengaged position. The user can then completely remove and slide out the foot ledge3040from within the toilet base24(and from an installed toilet20) to easily service, clean, or replace the foot ledge3040(for example). Due to the spring3043biasing the release lever3046into engagement, when the foot ledge3040is inserted back into the toilet base24, the foot ledge3040automatically snaps back into engagement with the position damper3094.

The release lever assembly3045further comprises a release lever retaining bracket or guide3042that the release lever3046is positioned at least partially within and is pivotable within. As shown inFIG. 88, the release lever guide3042is positioned between the spring3043and the pivot attachment point3048along the length of the release lever3046. The release lever guide3042is configured to control how far the release lever3046can travel or pivot when being moved in either direction, in particular while the release leaver3046is being moved into the unlocked position.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the toilet foot ledge as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.

Additionally, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Also, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure.