Patent Publication Number: US-9402513-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for defecation and urination

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/184,048, filed Jul. 15, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/399,089, filed Apr. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,987,529, which issued on Aug. 2, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/669,271, filed Apr. 7, 2005, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to toilets, and more particularly, to a device for supporting a user in a squatting position while defecating or urinating into a toilet. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It has long been appreciated that a natural posture for defecation is that of squatting. When a person squats, his or her anal canal is aligned with his or her rectum to permit easy and complete evacuation of feces. This minimizes the straining, stress and time required to defecate. Since the dawn of time, humans have defecated in the squatting position, and to this day squatting is the preferred position in many Asian countries. 
     In other countries, most notably those in Europe and the Americas, the squat toilet has been replaced by a conventional sitting toilet. When a person sits on a toilet while defecating, his or her pelvic muscles contort the anal canal causing the anorectal angle to remain at approximately 90 degrees, necessitating the evacuation of feces through a right angle rather than an approximately straight tube. Also, by using a seated position for defecation, much of the weight of the person is borne by his or her buttocks and blood is pooled therein by the ring of the toilet seat. As a result, a person defecating in a sitting posture must strain to evacuate, which can lead to a host of problems, including physical discomfort, hemorrhoids, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, anal fissures, slow transit time, colon cancer, and, in certain individuals, stroke or heart attack triggered by temporarily increasing blood pressure. Because of the slowing down of the heart rate (bradycardia) during straining, defecting in a sitting position can even trigger non fatal and fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Squatting may reduce these potential problems. Squatting also assists in sealing the ileocecal valve between the colon and the small intestine, which prevents fecal matter from contaminating the small intestine. 
     The advantages of squatting over sitting have long been recognized. The sitting toilet, however, is ingrained in Western societies, not only through habit and custom, but also through building codes and the fact these societies have invested substantial sums of money in the existing sitting toilet infrastructure. 
     Many people in Western society, particularly Americans, also lack the muscular strength and, because of a shortened Achilles tendon, flexibility to assume a squatting position without significant effort and strain. This may cause them to reject squatting because they find it awkward and uncomfortable. When they do squat, because they are teetering and straining, their pelvic muscles are not fully relaxed, and this may result in puborectalis and external anal sphincter tension and sub-optimal alignment of the rectal canal, thereby not allowing them to experience the full benefits of squatting. 
     Inventors have for years tried to improve the defecation posture of Westerners through a variety of toilets and toilet accessories that either seek to permit squatting using a Western type toilet or to mitigate the adverse effects of the sitting posture. These past efforts have failed to effect any appreciable change in the defecation habits of Westerners. The overwhelming majority of Americans, for example, continue to sit on toilets as they have for generations. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an apparatus for assisting a person in assuming a beneficial squatting position without significant effort and strain. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, an apparatus and method of defecation and urination is provided for enabling a user to assume a more beneficial posture while using a toilet. 
     In one embodiment, an apparatus for discharging bodily wastes includes a receptacle for holding a person&#39;s bodily waste products, including an upwardly facing opening for receiving the waste products; a forward load-bearing member that supports at least one foot of a person discharging waste products into the receptacle; and a rear load-bearing member arranged to engage the lower torso of the person above the buttocks when the person has at least one foot in the forward load-bearing member. The rear load-bearing member and the forward load bearing member are spaced apart a distance that is sufficient to hold a person therebetween with the person&#39;s buttocks suspended over the opening of the receptacle and the person&#39;s center of gravity behind the one foot supported in the forward load bearing member. 
     In another embodiment, a method for facilitating evacuation of bodily wastes into a toilet is provided including providing load bearing foot rests in front of the toilet to support suspension of the pelvis above the toilet bowl and a load-bearing surface behind the toilet bowl wherein the load bearing surface behind the toilet bowl is oriented at an angle of between approximately 90 and 125 degrees from the plane of the toilet bowl opening; placing a person&#39;s feet on the footrests at a height of no more than 5 inches above or below the plane of the bowl&#39;s upward facing opening such that the person&#39;s thighs are substantially flexed to achieve flexion of the hips above the squatting platform; and placing a portion of the person&#39;s posterior torso on the load-bearing surface so that the person&#39;s pelvis is suspended over the toilet and the person&#39;s anal canal is aligned with the person&#39;s rectum. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for use with an existing Western-style toilet having a toilet bowl facilitates use of a squatting posture thereon. The apparatus includes a platform assembly including a mounting flange that is connectable to the toilet bowl, and a support platform that is pivotally connected to the mounting flange. The support platform defines first and second spaced-apart foot support surfaces to support a person&#39;s feet and a gap through which the person&#39;s waste products can pass. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for use with an existing Western-style toilet having a toilet bowl facilitates use of a squatting posture thereon. The apparatus includes a platform assembly defining first and second spaced-apart foot support surfaces to support a person&#39;s feet and a gap through which the person&#39;s waste products can pass. A back support defining member is connected to the platform assembly. The back support defining member has a load bearing surface for engaging the back of a person squatting over the bowl. A lateral brace is connected to the platform for engaging and at least partially supporting the back support defining member. 
     In another embodiment, a fixture for retrofitting an existing Western-style toilet with a bolt-mounted toilet seat facilitates use of the squatting posture thereon. The fixture includes a base portion having adapted for placement on top of a toilet bowl, and spaced-apart foot support surfaces extending from the base portion to support a person&#39;s feet. The spaced-apart foot support surfaces define a gap therebetween through which the person&#39;s waste products can pass. At least one aperture is formed in the base sized to accept a toilet seat mounting bolt. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a toilet in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the toilet of  FIG. 1  showing optional features. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the toilet of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the toilet of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the toilet of  FIG. 1  showing its use by a person in a squatting posture. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the toilet of  FIG. 1  showing its use by a person in a sitting posture. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded side elevation view of a toilet incorporating an accessory in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the accessory and toilet of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the accessory and toilet of  FIG. 7 , taken along the lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation of the accessory and toilet of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a toilet having a platform assembly according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a toilet having a platform assembly according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is side elevation view of the toilet having the platform assembly of FIG.  12 , wherein a support platform is in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 14  is side elevation view of the toilet having the platform assembly of  FIG. 12 , wherein a support platform is in a raised position. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a cover member that is connectable to a toilet seat. 
         FIG. 16  is a side, cross-section view of the cover member and toilet seat of  FIG. 15  connected to one another. 
         FIG. 17  is a side, cross-section view of an alternative cover member and toilet seat connected to one another. 
         FIG. 18  is a side, cross-section view of another alternative cover member and toilet seat connected to one another. 
         FIG. 19  is a side, cross-section view of another alternative cover member and toilet seat connected to one another. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     An embodiment of the invention is provided that facilitates a squatting posture on a variety of toilets, including conventional Western-style toilets, including a squatting posture by persons who lack the physical strength or flexibility to comfortably maintain a free-standing squatting position. The disclosed embodiment can also facilitate urination by placing persons in a squatting posture in which his or her pelvic region is suspended over the toilet and the thighs provide a bellows action against the abdomen, thus reducing abdominal volume and increasing abdominal pressure, especially on the bladder, which may thereby increase urinary flow and reduce urinary retention. 
     The disclosed embodiment can be suitable for use with toilet designs that are aesthetically pleasing and that conforms to regulatory and other design limitations in Western-style bathrooms. One of the disclosed embodiments can be used to retrofit existing Western-style toilets to permit squatting. 
     Referring to the  FIG. 1 , there is shown a toilet  20  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Toilet  20  includes various features in accordance with the invention that enable the toilet to be used in a conventional seated position common in many Western societies, as shown in  FIG. 6 , as well as in a squatting position, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Toilet  20  includes a bowl  22  supported by a base  24 . Base  24  may be secured to a floor  26  in convention manner, such as by bolting. Bowl  22  and base  24  may be integrally manufactured from any of a variety of known materials, including but not limited to ceramics, glass reinforced epoxies, plastics, metal, and the like. Alternatively, bowl  22  and base  24  may be formed separately and joined together using any suitable means, such as adhesives, welding, bolting, and the like. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 4 , Bowl  22  includes a recessed waste receptacle  28  for receiving waste material. Waste material deposited in receptacle  28  may be discharged through a passage  30 , which may be connected to a known waste disposal system. 
     Toilet  20  may also include a water tank  32  for storing a quantity of water for delivery to waste receptacle  28  when the toilet is flushed. Water tank  32  is fluidly connected to receptacle  28  of bowl  22 . Water tank  32  may include a flush valve, which when operated, causes water present in tank  32  to flow from the tank and into the receptacle, thereby causing any waste material present in receptacle  28  to be discharged through passage  30  to the waste disposal system. Tank  32  may be formed separate from bowl  22  and suitably connected thereto, or alternatively, may be formed integrally with the bowl. Although shown to have a generally rectangular shape, it shall be appreciated that tank  32  may also be configured in various other aesthetically pleasing shapes so as to provide the consumer with various decorative alternatives. Tank  32  may be manufactured from a variety of known materials, including but not limited to ceramics, glass reinforced epoxies, plastics, metal, and the like. 
     Tank  32  may include an opening positioned at the top of the tank to allow access to the flush valve in the event servicing of the valve is necessary. A cover  34 , which is removably engageable with a rim of the opening, may also be provided. 
     To facilitate use of toilet  20  while in a squatting position (see  FIG. 5 ), bowl  22  may include a support platform  36  extending from an upper rim region of receptacle  28 . Support platform  36  may be integrally formed with receptacle  28  or may be otherwise suitably attached such as by bolts, glue or other means. Support platform  36  includes a right foot support  38  extending laterally outward from a right side of bowl  22  and a left foot support member  40  extending laterally outward from an opposite left side of bowl  22 . Although shown to have generally plate-like configuration, it shall also be appreciated that the left and right foot supports  38  and  40  may also have a different configuration, such as a contoured lower surface, which may operate to provide additional support for the foot support members as well as providing various styling options. 
     Positioned along an upper surface  48  of support platform may be a right footpad  50  and a left footpad  52 , respectively. Footpads  50  and  52  may include a discernable edge  54  defining an outer perimeter of the footpad. Edge  54  assists a user with proper placement of the person&#39;s feet upon platform  36  when using toilet  20  in a squatting position. Upper surface  48  of bowl  22  may be lower to the ground than a conventional toilet so that it is easier for users to place their feet onto footpads  50  and  52 . 
     Footpads  50  and  52  may include a textured surface  58 , such as ridges, knurling, or similar protrusions, to enhance contact between an individual&#39;s feet and the footpads when using the toilet in a squatting position and to prevent individuals from sliding forward while in the squatting position. The texturing may be integrally formed as part of the left and right foot supports  38  and  40 . Alternatively material having a sufficiently high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, may be suitably attached to the surface of the left and right foot supports  38  and  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , each footpad  50  and  52  may be slightly inclined upward from front to rear. This can be achieved by, among other ways, recessing a front portion  55  relative to a rear portion  56  of the footpads. Alternatively, the footpads  50  and  52  can be inclined by extending the rear portion  56  above upper surface  48  of platform  36 . Inclining footpads  50  and  52  in this manner will cause the balls of the feet of an individual positioned in a squatting position on toilet  20  to be positioned lower than the heels of the person&#39;s feet. This is advantageous for reducing the tension exerted on the individual&#39;s Achilles&#39; tendon when squatting. Note that the incline of footpads  50  and  52  is illustrated only in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an interior edge surface  60  of platform  36  defines an opening  62  through which waste material may be deposited into receptacle  28 . Opening  62  may be generally oval-shaped. It may also be desirable that the forward portion  64  of opening  62  be tapered to have a somewhat more narrow width than the aft portion  66 . Narrowing forward portion  64  relative to aft portion  66  will enable footpads  50  and  52  to be placed closer together, which may facilitate more comfortable squatting. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , toilet  20  also includes a support member  68  with a first seat surface  70  and a rear load-bearing surface  72  that can function as a seat when using the toilet in a seated position (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), and as a torso load-bearing support operable to facilitate positioning of the pelvis of the individual relative to receptacle  28  when using the toilet in a squatting position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). Support member  68  is pivotally attached to a rear portion of platform  36  by means of one or more hinges  74 . Hinges  74  may be secured to platform  36  using bolts  76  and nuts  78 . Hinges  74  enable support member  68  to be pivoted between a generally horizontal or “down” position, in which the support member is positioned for use as a seat, as shown in  FIG. 6 , and a non-horizontal or “up” position, in which the support member is positioned for use as a torso support when using toilet  20  as a squatting toilet, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In its up position, the longitudinal axis of support members  68  forms an angle of between 90 and 125 degrees from the longitudinal axis of support member  68  in the down position. In other words, when support member  68  is in the up position, rear load-bearing surface  72  forms an angle of between zero and 35 degrees from the vertical. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , support member  68  includes an opening  80  which overlays receptacle  28  when the support member is positioned in the seated position, thereby enabling the support member to operate as a conventional toilet seat. When support member  68  is in the seated position, the user&#39;s buttocks may rest on seat surface  70 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Seat surface  70  may be contoured or include padding to provide a comfortable seating surface. At least a portion of rear load-bearing surface  72  engages upper surface  48  of platform  36  when support member  68  is positioned in the seated position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 , support member  68  may be pivoted into an upright position when using toilet  20  as a squatting toilet in accordance with the invention. When in its upright position, support member  68  presents its rear load-bearing surface  72  toward the user, so that the user can lean his or her torso thereupon while assuming the squatting position of the present invention. The underside surface of a conventional toilet seat commonly has various protrusions and raised ridges resulting in localized bearing points that render a conventional toilet unsuitable for operating as a torso support. In contrast, load-bearing surface  72  of support member  68  preferably has a surface substantially free of any protrusions, ridges, and the like, which would create uncomfortable localized pressure points along a person&#39;s back. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing load-bearing surface  72  with a relatively smooth flat surface. Load-bearing surface  72  may also include padding and/or be contoured to conform with a person&#39;s back so as to more uniformly distribute the bearing load across a person&#39;s back region when squatting on toilet  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in order to provide sufficient load bearing support for support member  68  when using toilet  20  in the squatting position, it may be desirable to position a shim or other suitable load transferring member  82  between a rear surface  84  of the top of water tank  32 , and a suitable load bearing member, such as a wall  86  against which toilet  20  may be placed. Load transferring member  82  operates to transfer load being applied to support member  68  onto wall  86 , to avoid applying a torsion force to the bottom of tank  32  or the piping (not shown) coming into toilet  20 . 
     Toilet  20  may include a cover  88  adjacent to support member  68 . An edge of cover  88  is pivotally attached to support platform  36 , enabling cover  88  to be moved between a generally vertical position, so as to enable access to waste receptacle  28 , and a generally horizontal position in which cover  88  overlays opening  80  of support member  68  to prevent viewing and/or access to waste receptacle  28  when toilet  20  is not in use. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , additional and alternative features of the invention are illustrated. To provide additional means of rear load-bearing support, as well as enhanced comfort when using toilet  20  in a squatting position, cover  88  may optionally include a projection  90  extending from a lower surface  92  of cover  88  to define a load-bearing end surface  94 . Projection  90  extends through opening  80  of support member  68  when cover  88  and support member  68  are positioned immediately adjacent to one another in the vertical position. Projection  90  extends a sufficient distance from surface  92  of cover  88  so that load-bearing end surface  94  is aligned generally flush with surface  72  of support member  68  when cover  88  and support member  68  are positioned adjacent to one another. Alternatively, projection  90  may be of a greater length so that its end surface  94  protrudes beyond surface  72  when cover  88  and support member  68  are positioned adjacent to one another. When end surface  94  protrudes beyond surface  72 , and cover  88  and support member  68  are in the vertical or horizontal positions (such as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), and the user assumes a squatting position, then the user&#39;s torso may engage only the load-bearing end surface  94  and not engage the load-bearing surface  72 . This may be advantageous because load-bearing surface  72  may be splattered with bodily wastes when support member  68  is placed in the horizontal position and used as a seat (as depicted in  FIG. 6 ), and some users in that case may prefer not to place their bodies in direct contact with a dirty load-bearing surface  72 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 2 , toilet  20  may optionally include one or more handles  96  and  98  that can be grasped by a user when assuming a squatting position on toilet  20 . Handles  96  and  98 , if used, may extend from upper surface  48  of support platform  36 . The handles may be attached to platform  36  in a permanently upright position or may be retractable into platform  36  when not in use. Handle  96  is shown positioned in the extended position, whereas handle  98  is shown in the retracted position. Note that handles  96  and  98  are illustrated only in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  is illustrated. Many persons raised in a Western society are not physically conditioned to maintain a free-standing squatting position in a relaxed and comfortable manner. In particular, they lack the strength and flexibility to squat without excessive strain and tottering. In accordance with the present invention, a user P mounts the toilet  20  to defecate and/or as shown. The user is placed in a squatting position in which the feet are forward of the body&#39;s center of gravity and the upper body is supported by rear load-bearing surface  72  of support member  68 . User P&#39;s left and right feet rest on foot pads  52  and  50 , respectively. A portion of the user&#39;s posterior torso above his or her buttocks engages rear load-bearing surface  72  of support member  68 . The rear load-bearing support surface  72  and foot pads  50  and  52  are spaced apart a distance to hold the user&#39;s weight with the user&#39;s pelvis suspended over the opening of waste receptacle  28 . In this posture, the user&#39;s anal canal (not shown) is optimally aligned with is rectum to permit easy and complete evacuation of feces. By using the rear load-bearing surface, weight is taken off the feet, which relieves leg muscles from having to support the user in a perched squatting posture, thereby enabling the legs muscles to relax. This posture also facilitates urination and increases urine flow by reducing the angulation of the urinary sphincter and urethra and using the bellows action of the thighs against the abdomen to expel urine more efficiently and completely from the bladder. 
     When in the position shown in  FIG. 5 , the individual&#39;s center of gravity may be positioned between the individual&#39;s heels and surface  72  of support member  68 . This is in contrast with a typical unassisted squatting position in which an individual&#39;s center of gravity is positioned between the heels of their feet and the ends of their toes. Shifting the center of gravity behind the heels allows an individual to lean back relative to his or her feet, thus increasing the angle  100  between the soles of the feet and the tibia, thereby reducing the strain on the Achilles&#39; tendon, which in turn enables an individual to assume a more comfortable squatting position than in a traditional squatting position, where the angle between the feet and the tibia would be smaller. Further relaxation of the Achilles&#39; tendon may be provided by elevating the heel portion of the foot rest as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     When positioned in a squatting position with the individual&#39;s back resting against surface  72  of support member  68 , the individual&#39;s torso may be positioned in a generally upright position. It may also be desirable to mount support member  68  on a means for adjusting the position of the support member  68  relative to a user&#39;s torso, such as a sliding or similar mount to permit lateral adjustment of support member  68  to accommodate users and toilets of various sizes. Alternatively, the position of support member  68  relative to a user&#39;s torso may be adjusted by adjusting the thickness T of the support member, such as by using more or less padding. Generally, to ensure that a person&#39;s pelvis is suitably positioned relative to receptacle  28 , support member  68  may have a thickness “T” greater than that of a conventional toilet seat that enables a person in a squatting position to make weight bearing contact on surface  72  of support member  68  while the person&#39;s anus is suspended over receptacle  28 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     An alternative means of adjusting the position of support member  68  relative to a user&#39;s torso is to provide a ratchet mechanism in hinge  74 . The ratchet permits pivoting movement of support member  68  in the forward direction of arrow H as shown in  FIG. 5 , but restrains pivoting movement in the opposite direction. This allows support member  68  to be pivoted into a position where it engages a user&#39;s torso when the torso is in a desired posture. Note that when a ratchet mechanism is used in hinge  74 , the load borne by support member  68  will not be transmitted to tank  32  through load transferring member  82  to wall  86 . Instead, the load will be borne by hinge  74  and bolts  76 . In that case, it may be necessary (depending on the strength of the material of toilet  20 ) to provide reinforcement to hinge  74  or bolts  76 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a squatting apparatus  102  for use with a conventional sitting toilet  104  having a bowl  106  and a water supply tank  108 . Apparatus  102  may be used to conveniently retrofit toilet  104  so that it will accommodate defecation and urination in a squatting position as well as a sitting position. In this illustration, toilet  104  further includes a toilet seat  110  hingeably connected to bowl  106  using hinges  112 , bolts  114 , and nuts  116 . A seat cover  118  may also be provided for overlaying seat  110  when positioned in a horizontal seating position. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 8 , squatting apparatus  102  includes a support platform  120  which is engageable with an upper rim  122  of bowl  106 . Support platform  120  includes an opening  124  for enabling access to a recessed waste receptacle  126  of bowl  106  when support platform  120  is attached to bowl  106 . Support platform  120  includes a right foot support member  128  and a left foot support member  130  positioned on opposite sides of opening  124 . Foot support members  128  and  130  extend laterally outward from opening  124 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 10 , support platform  120  may be attached to bowl  106  using bolts  114  for securing seat  110  to bowl  106 . Support platform  120  includes one or more apertures  132  adapted for receiving bolt  114 . If a preexisting toilet seat is attached to bowl  106 , support platform  120  may be installed by first disassembling the preexisting toilet seat from bowl  106 . With the preexisting seat removed from bowl  106 , support platform  120  can be positioned over bowl  106  so as to engage a lower surface  134  of support platform  120  with rim  122  of bowl  106 . Support platform  120  may be positioned relative to bowl  106  so as to align apertures  132  of support platform  120  with a corresponding bolt hole in bowl  106 . Support platform  120  may be securely attached to bowl  106  using bolts  114  and nuts  116 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 8 , positioned along an upper surface  136  of foot support members  128  and  130 , is a right footpad  138  and a left footpad  140 , respectively. Footpads  138  and  140  may each include a discernable edge  142  for defining an outer perimeter of each respective footpad. Edge  142  assists a user with proper placement of the person&#39;s feet upon platform  120  when using toilet  104  in a squatting position. Footpads  138  and  140  may each be slightly inclined from front to rear, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This can be achieved by, among other ways, recessing a front portion  144  of the footpad relative to a rear portion  146 . Alternatively, footpads  138  and  140  can be inclined by extending the rear portion  146  above upper surface  136  of platform  120 . Inclining footpads  138  and  140  in this manner will cause the balls of the feet of an individual positioned in a squatting position on toilet  104  to be positioned lower than the heel of the person&#39;s feet. This is advantageous for reducing the tension exerted on the individual&#39;s Achilles&#39; tendon in some individuals. 
     Footpads  138  and  140  may include a textured surface  148 , such as ribs or knurling, to enhance contact between an individual&#39;s feet and the footpads when using the toilet in a squatting position. The texturing may be integrally formed as part of left and right foot support members  130  and  128 , respectively. Alternatively, material having a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, may be suitably attached to the surface of footpads  138  and  140 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , squatting apparatus  102  may also include one or more elongated support legs  150 . One end  152  of support leg  150  can be pivotally attached to the underside surface  134  of support platform  120  by means of a hinge  154 . Hinge  154  enables support leg  150  to be pivoted into a stored position (as indicated by arrow  156  in  FIG. 10 ) adjacent bottom surface  134  of platform  120  when platform  120  is separated from bowl  106 . An opposite end  158  of support leg  150  can be engaged with a suitable support surface, such as a surface of floor  160 , when platform  120  is attached to bowl  106 . Legs  150  can be positioned substantially perpendicular to floor  160  to provide an efficient load path between the platform and the floor. A non-slip cap  161  may be attached to end  152  of support leg  150  to minimize the possibility that end  152  may slip relative to floor  160 , as well as reducing the chance of support leg  150  marring floor  160 . To be compatible with differently configured toilets, the support leg  150  can be telescopically extensible to accommodate varying distances between floor  160  and rim surface  122  of bowl  106 . Alternatively, multiple support legs having differing lengths may also be provided. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , support platform  120  can include a base portion  162  and a rear flange portion  164 . The rear flange portion  164  includes an aperture  132  through which mounting bolts may placed. A hinge  166  or other suitable pivoting mechanism connects base portion  162  and rear flange portion  164  to permit base portion  162  to be swung upward, away from bowl  106  for cleaning the area between base portion  162  and bowl  106 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a toilet  220  having a platform assembly  240  according to a third embodiment. 
     The toilet  220  includes a toilet bowl  222 , a base  224 , and a receptacle  228  that permits entry of a person&#39;s waste products into the toilet bowl  222 . The toilet  220  is supported by a floor  226  by connection of the base  224  to the floor  226 . The toilet  220  may also include a water tank  232  that has a cover  234 . 
     The platform assembly  240  includes a mounting flange  242  and a support platform  244 . The mounting flange  242  is connectable to the toilet  220 . The support platform  244  is connected to the mounting flange  242 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the mounting flange  242  and the support platform  244  are portions of a unitary structure. Thus, the mounting flange  242  and the support platform  244  are immovable with respect to one another, either by integral formation of the mounting flange  242  and the support platform  244 , or by a rigid connection of the mounting flange  242  with respect to the support platform  244 . 
     The support platform  244  defines a first foot support surface  246  and a second foot support surface  248 . The first and second foot support surfaces  246 ,  248  are spaced apart with respect to one another. Non-slip areas  249  such as textured areas, rubber pads or other non-smooth features may be present of the first and second foot support surfaces  246 ,  248  to enhance grip. 
     The support platform  244  defines a gap  250  through which the person&#39;s waste products can pass. The gap  250  may be disposed partially between the first and second foot support surfaces  246 ,  248 . At least a portion of each of the first foot support surface  246  and the second foot support surface  248  is disposed entirely forward of the toilet bowl  222 . 
     The mounting flange  242  of the platform assembly  240  is rigidly connectable to the toilet bowl  222 . As an example, at least one aperture (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) can be formed in the mounting flange  242  that to allow connection of the mounting flange  242  to the toilet bowl  222  using a mounting bolt (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). A mounting bolt arrangement such as the one shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9  with respect to bolts  114  and nuts  116  can be utilized. Other structures can be utilized to rigidly connect the mounting flange  242  to the toilet bowl  222 . 
     The platform assembly  240  includes a back support defining member, such as a toilet seat  260  that has a load bearing surface  262  for engaging the back of a person squatting over the toilet bowl  222 . The load bearing surface  262  can be a lower surface of the toilet seat  260 . The load bearing surface  262  can be cushioned to provide a comfortable surface for engaging the back of the person who is squatting over the toilet bowl  222 . 
     The toilet seat  260  can be movable between an up position and a down position, such as by a pivotal mounting with respect to the mounting flange  242  and the support platform  244 , When in the up position, the load bearing surface  262  of the toilet seat  260  is capable of defining an angle between 90 and 120° with respect to the support platform  244  of the platform assembly  240 . When in the down position, the toilet seat  260  defines a seating surface  264  for engaging the buttocks of a person sitting over the toilet bowl  222 . 
     One or more handles can be connected to the platform assembly  240 . For example, a first handle  270  and a second handle  272  can be positioned along a first lateral side  274  and a second lateral side  276  of the platform assembly  240 . The first handle  270  and second handle  272  are connected to the platform assembly  240  in any suitable manner, such as a rigid connection or a pivotal connection. 
     The first handle  270  and the second handle  272  can be connected to the platform assembly  240  adjacent to the mounting flange  242 . Furthermore, the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  can be connected to the support platform  244 . The first handle  270  and the second handle  272  both extend upward with respect to the support platform  244 . 
     A lateral brace  280  can be connected to the platform assembly  240  for engaging and at least partially supporting the toilet seat  260  when it is in the up position. Thus, the lateral brace  280  can be utilized to support a portion of the load that is incurred when a person who is squatting over the toilet bowl  222  uses the load bearing surface  262  of the toilet seat  260  to provide back support. 
     The lateral brace  280  can be supported by the first handle  270  in the second handle  272 . Furthermore, the lateral brace  280  can extend from the first handle  270  the second handle  272 . This can be accomplished by connecting the lateral brace  280  the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  in any suitable manner, for example, using fasteners. 
     In a particular example, the lateral brace  280  can be connected to the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  by engagement of cooperating slots  282 ,  284 , which are formed in the first and second handles  270 ,  272 , and the lateral brace  280 , respectively. 
     The lateral brace  280  can be positioned adjacent to a rear edge  286  of the platform assembly  240 . Other suitable locations could be selected for the lateral brace  280 . 
       FIGS. 12-14  show a toilet  220  having a two-part platform assembly  241  according to a fourth embodiment. 
     The two-part platform assembly  241  is similar to the platform assembly  240  depicted in  FIG. 12 , with the exception that the platform assembly  241  includes separately formed portions, namely a mounting flange  243  and a support platform  245  that are pivotally connected to one another by hinges  247 . Pivoting of the support platform  245  with respect to the mounting flange  243  allows the support platform  245  to be pivoted between a lowered position ( FIGS. 12-13 ) and a raised position ( FIG. 14 ) at the hinges  247  to allow cleaning of the toilet bowl  222 . 
     The lateral brace  280  can be disconnectable from the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  in order to prevent interference between the lateral brace  280  and the tank  232  when the support platform  245  is pivoted to its raised position. Also, the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  can be pivotally mounted to the support platform  245  by pivot pins  251 , to allow pivoting of the first handle  270  in the second handle  272  with respect to the support platform  245  when it is pivoted to its raised position. This allows the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  to retain a substantially upright angular orientation with respect to the toilet  220  as the support platform  245  is pivoted to its raised position. 
     Stop blocks  253  can be mounted to each of the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  and oriented inwardly for engagement with a lower surface  255  of the support platform  245  in order to limit rotation of the first handle  270  and the second handle  272  with respect to the support platform  245 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 13-14 , a pair of apertures  290  is formed through the mounting flange  243  of the platform assembly  241 . the apertures  290  are sized to receive toilet mounting bolts  292 . Thus, the toilet mounting bolts  292  are extendable through the apertures  290  and also through corresponding apertures that are formed in the toilet  220 . Nuts  294  are utilized to secure the bolts  292  with respect to the toilet  220 . 
     Except as described above, the remainder of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 12-14  is identical to the one shown in  FIG. 11 , and the same reference numerals are utilized to show like parts. 
     All of the previously described embodiments can be utilized with a cover member  300 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The cover member  300  is connectable to a back support defining member, such as a toilet seat  360  that has a load bearing surface  362  for engaging the back of a person squatting over a toilet bowl, as described previously. The cover member  300  is employed for sanitary purposes, i.e. preventing contact of the person&#39;s body with the toilet seat  360 , for comfort purposes, by cushioning the person&#39;s back, or both. 
     The cover member  300  is detachably connected to the toilet seat  360  by fasteners. The fasteners could be in the form of two part fasteners having a first fastener portion  370  that is connected to the cover member and a second fastener portion  372  that is connected to the toilet seat  360 , such as on the load bearing surface  362 . The fasteners  370 ,  372  can be magnets, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, friction fit fasteners, or any other suitable type of fastener. As an alternative, the second fastener portion  372  could be omitted if a single part fastener is used for the first fastener portion  370 . Suitable examples of single part fasteners for use as the first fastener portion  370  include suction cups and releasable adhesives. 
     When the cover member  300  is not in use, it can be stored adjacent to a front surface of the tank  232  of the toilet  220 . As an example, the cover member  300  can be stored between the tank  232  and the lateral brace  280 . A bracket or other connecting structure can be provided for this purpose. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the cover member can include a backer  310  and a cushion  320  that are connected to one another. The backer  310  can be rigid or semi-rigid, positionable adjacent to the load bearing surface  362  of the toilet seat  360 , and have the first fastener portions  370  connected thereto. The cushion  320  can be fabricated from any suitable type of cushioning material, such as foam, to provide comfort to the person who is squatting over the bowl. The backer  310  and the cushion  320  are connected in any suitable manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , an alternative cushion member  301  is attached to the toilet seat  360  using first and second fastener portions  374 ,  376  in the form of cooperating track members. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , an alternative cushion member  302  is attached to the toilet seat  360  using straps  378 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , an alternative cushion member  303  is attached to the toilet seat  360  by disposing the toilet seat  360  within a pocket  380  that is formed by a pocket defining panel  382  of the alternative cushion member  303 . 
     The alternatives described in connection with  FIGS. 17-19  are similar to the structures shown in  FIGS. 15-16  and utilize the same reference numerals for like parts except with regard to the modifications noted above. 
     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature, and thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not intended to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.