Patent Description:
Healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and hospitals, are increasingly aware of fall risks and the patients and residents who are more likely to fall while residing at a healthcare facility. One situation in which falls occur is when a person exits a toilet.

A person using a toilet in a healthcare facility or nursing home, and who is a fall risk, is given privacy while using the toilet. The person is instructed to request assistance before attempting to exit the toilet. However, people are frequently embarrassed to ask for assistance, and attempt to exit the toilet without assistance. Such persons may be at risk of falling due to age, medical condition, or medications, as they transition from a seated to a standing position.

There is a need for a device that will inhibit a person who is at risk of falling from attempting to stand or attempting to exit a toilet without assistance.

The present invention is a toilet that inhibits an occupant from exiting the toilet, as further disclosed in the claims. Sensors positioned on the toilet detect the application of pressure on the toilet by an occupant that is consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet, and/or movements of the occupant that are consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet. The sensors cause an actuator to change the angle of the toilet seat, which inhibits exiting the toilet. The toilet may also be constructed to signal an attendant when actions by an occupant are consistent with actions indicating an attempt by the occupant to exit the toilet.

The present invention is a toilet comprising one or more sensors that sense movements of an occupant that are indicative of a person attempting to exit a toilet. The sensors emit a signal that actuates changes in an angle of the seat of the toilet.

Upon actuation of one or more of the sensors, an angle of the seat of the toilet changes from generally horizontal to an angle that is not horizontal. In one embodiment, a top surface of the toilet changes from generally horizontal to an angle that is preferably not more than thirty degrees and more preferably not more than twenty two and a half (<NUM>½°) degrees from horizontal, with the front of the toilet seat, or portion of the toilet seat closer to the front of the toilet seat, elevated relative to the rear of the toilet seat, that is, the seat is moved to incline from a rear portion of the seat to a front portion of the seat. The change in angle increases the effort required to exit the toilet, and inhibits a user from exiting from the toilet, particularly where the user is of advanced age, or has limited strength or mobility, due to medical conditions or medications.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the actuator is positioned in the rear of the toilet, and the seat is moved to the inclined position by moving the rear of the seat downwardly. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuator is positioned in the front of the device. The actuator moves the front of the seat upwardly so that the inclined position of the seat is accomplished by moving the front of the seat upwardly relative to the rear of the seat.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, a toilet similar to a portable toilet used in medical facilities and nursing homes is depicted. The toilet <NUM> has a seat <NUM>, with an opening <NUM> in the seat that communicates with a receptacle for waste material. The seat is elevated to an appropriate height by a plurality of legs <NUM>, such as four legs. Arms, such as the pair of arms <NUM>, are spaced apart and are present on opposite sides of the toilet seat. The arms may extend upwardly from the toilet seat, providing an opening between the arms for access to the seat.

The arms <NUM> may be connected to a back <NUM> that extends upwardly from a rear portion of the toilet. One or more sensors <NUM> are used that sense movement by an occupant that is consistent with a person attempting to exit the toilet. Such movements typically involve moving from a seated position to a standing position. For example, a person's back moving away from the back <NUM> of the toilet is an indication that the person may be attempting to stand. Typically, this movement also includes a person applying pressure to one of, or both of, the arms <NUM> of the toilet, so as to push themselves from a seated position to a standing position.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, the toilet seat has sensors <NUM> in the back <NUM> of the seat that emit a radio frequency signal from a sending and receiving unit that measures movement away from the back and senses the distance of the user's back from the back <NUM> of the toilet. Other sensor types that measure distance, such as distance measuring devices that use lasers, may be used as sensors <NUM>. In one embodiment, when the user's back moves to a pre-determined distance from a sensor or sensors <NUM>, the back of the toilet seat is positioned lower than the front of the toilet seat to inhibit the person's attempt to exit or stand up. A signal may be emitted to an attendant as described herein anytime that the toilet seat moves due to actuation by a signal from a sensor.

In another embodiment, one or more of the sensors <NUM> sense motion. The motion sensors are calibrated to actuate the actuator due to more movement by the user that is more than normal shifting about while seated.

In an embodiment, one or more pressure sensors <NUM> are located in the arms of the device. A plurality of spaced apart pressure sensors may be used, since different users will apply pressure to the arms in different places while attempting to stand up or exit the toilet. The pressure sensors are calibrated so that when pressure that is significant enough to indicate a user's attempt to stand or exit the toilet, the toilet seat moves to an inclined position as described herein to inhibit such movement.

Another change in pressure on the toilet that is indicative of a person attempting to stand is applying a force in a direction that is toward the rear of the toilet. In another embodiment, one or more pressure sensors <NUM>, which may be load cells, are located in the arms of the device sense rearward pressure on the arms <NUM>, as demonstrated by the arrow on the arm in <FIG>. The pressure sensors <NUM> measure such rearward pressure and actuate the lowering of the rear of the toilet seat in response to the pressure. The pressure sensors are calibrated so that when pressure that is significant enough to indicate a user's attempt to stand or exit the toilet, the toilet seat inclines to inhibit such movement. The pressure sensors <NUM> are preferred to be used with pressure sensors <NUM>, but may be used independently of each other.

The dotted line and vertical arrow in <FIG> demonstrate exemplary movement of the toilet seat <NUM>. A change of the angle of the toilet seat <NUM> from substantially horizontal to an incline, with the rear of the toilet seat lower than the front of the toilet seat, or a portion of the toilet seat that is closer to the front, may be accomplished by hinging a portion of the toilet seat so that it pivots. The actuators <NUM>, <NUM> may be an air or hydraulic cylinder that may be used to pull the rear of the toilet seat down, or push the front of the seat up in another embodiment, in response to movement of the user, and/or pressure applied to the arms of the toilet as described above. The actuators' normal position holds the seat and occupant in a generally horizontal position.

In another embodiment, the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> may be an electrically powered actuator. An electric motor with rack and pinion gear may be used as an actuator to lower the seat. The electric motor may be powered by a battery, particularly where portability of the toilet is desired. In one embodiment, two batteries <NUM>, <NUM> provide power redundancy.

The actuators <NUM>, <NUM> may be extended to support the toilet seat <NUM> in a generally horizontal position under normal use, but upon receiving a signal from a motion sensor, pressure sensor or other sensor, or a combination, the actuator retracts so as to push the front of the seat upwardly. The toilet seat is repositioned at an angle, which is preferred to not to exceed thirty degrees from horizontal and is more preferred to not exceed twenty two and a half (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM>°) degrees from horizontal. The incline of the toilet seat will inhibit, although not necessarily prevent, a user from standing or exiting the toilet.

In another embodiment, lowering of the rear of toilet seat <NUM> may be terminated if the sensor or sensors that have initiated actuation of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> senses that movement by the user is terminated. For example, if pressure on the arms is terminated, or movement away from the seat back is terminated and the user moves his or her back against the seat back, movement of the seat may be terminated at less than full movement.

In another embodiment, upon sensing that movement is terminated, the seat returns to its original position, or alternatively, only if the user's back is positioned against the seat back as sensed by sensors <NUM> does the seat return to its original position. In these embodiments, the device is preferred to again lower the rear of the seat if movement is sensed.

In a preferred embodiment, actuation of one or more of the sensors also actuates an alert provided to an attendant so that help is summoned to the toilet and to the user of the toilet. Such alert may be an audible or visual signal <NUM> provided at a central location, such as a nurse's station, or a signal that is provided to a mobile telephone or other receiving device. A call button <NUM> may be positioned on the device so that the user may intentionally press the button to seek assistance. Wireless communications may be used to alert an assistant.

In another embodiment, the actuator for the seat is actuated by a mechanical switch. For example, a barrier, such as crossbar <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned between the arms at the front of the toilet. <FIG>; <FIG>. The barrier may be pivotally mounted <NUM> at one end of the barrier. In yet another embodiment, two barriers or crossbars <NUM> are used, with one barrier pivotally mounted to each of the arms. If the user attempts to exit the toilet by pushing the barrier away from the opening, a crossbar sensor senses movement of the barrier. The crossbar sensor <NUM> may be a switch that initiates actuation of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. Actuating the crossbar sensor by pushing against it could lock the crossbar from further movement, preventing the occupant from exiting the toilet. However, it is not deemed to be desirable to have a locking bar which would restrain or materially inhibit a person from exiting the toilet. A bar that locks or has significant resistance could result in the user feeling unduly restrained.

In another embodiment, the actuator may be mounted to push or lift the back of the seat above the front of the seat in order to assist exiting the toilet. In this embodiment, the maximum angle of the seat is limited to a maximum of about <NUM>° from horizontal, and is more preferably limited to about <NUM><NUM>/<NUM>°, from horizontal. Lifting the rear of the toilet seat <NUM> relative to the front is preferred to be actuated by a switch or other actuation device to which the user of the toilet does not have access while occupying the toilet. Actuation of this feature is preferred to be available only when an assistant is present. Actuation may be provided by a switch that communicates with the actuator or actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, such as a mechanical switch or a wireless remote communications device.

<FIG> and <FIG> demonstrate the interrelationship of the electromechanical features of the invention according to an embodiment of the invention. The motion or distance sensors <NUM>, load cells <NUM>, and crossbar sensor <NUM> communicate with a wireless transmitter that may include a signal amplifier. Communications may be via a local area wireless computer networking technology (Wi-Fi) connective devices, or devices that provide short range wireless communications, including but not limited to those communications devices operating at frequencies between <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>, such as Bluetooth® devices. The wireless transmitter <NUM> may be connected to a microcomputer <NUM> that actuates the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. The wireless transmitter may also actuate an audible or visual signal, which is demonstrated by the call bell <NUM> in <FIG>. The wireless transmitter may also communicate conditions of the sensors and the toilet to a wireless mobile device <NUM> such as a smartphone.

As shown in an embodiment of <FIG>, exceeding force levels or movement sensed by the sensors actuates signaling (audio and/or visual) and/or operation of the actuators or actuator <NUM>, <NUM>. The use of one or more programmable logic controllers (PLC) allows the force on the sensors such as the load cells to be programmed as required. Some users, due to size or physical condition, will require more or less sensitivity on the sensors, which may be varied by the use of the programmable logic controllers.

Load cells may be used as sensor for sensing pressure as stated herein. A load cell is a transducer that creates an electrical signal whose magnitude is positively related to the magnitude of force applied. Some load cells measure deformation due to load and produce the electrical signal, such as strain gauge and piezo-electric load cells. The load cells <NUM> produce an electrical signal that actuates the movement of the seat when the force exceeds a preset level. Normal arm pressure from the user's movement while sitting on the toilet does not result in actuation of the sensors or the actuator, but pushing down on the arms, or pushing the arms toward the rear, as the occupant attempts to exit the toilet increases the magnitude of the signal generated by the load cell to a threshold that causes movement of the toilet seat as described herein. The threshold may be variable as required for the application of the toilet. It is believed that a minimum pressure of <NUM> pounds per square inch as measured by the sensor will indicate that pressure is applied to an arm of the toilet is consistent with a person exiting the toilet.

In an embodiment, downward pressure on either or both of the arms at a force that is in excess of normal movement of the user's hands and arms, and consistent with pressure placed on the toilet's arms when pushing down on the arms when exiting the toilet, is sufficient to actuate movement of the toilet seat by the actuators. In another embodiment, rearward pressure on either or both of the arms at a force that is in excess of normal movement of the user's hands and arms, and consistent with rearward pressure placed on the toilet's arms when pushing away from the toilet when exiting, is sufficient to actuate movement of the toilet seat by the actuators.

In an embodiment, the device does not have a receptacle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Rather, the toilet is positioned over an existing permanent toilet. The opening <NUM> in the seat <NUM> communicates with the opening in the plumbed in toilet, and is positioned over the permanent, plumbed in toilet. With a receptacle <NUM> in place as shown in <FIG>, the device may be used in close proximity to a bed, so that a limited mobility user need only travel a short distance to use the toilet.

The features discussed above with regard to an embodiment having actuators <NUM> positioned at or near the rear portion of the seat (<FIG>, <FIG>) may also be applied to an embodiment having actuators <NUM> positioned (<FIG> and <FIG>) at the front of the seat.

The seat in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> is shown as being pivotally mounted in the rear portion of the seat, which is referred to as being hinged. As shown in the drawings, a pin is positioned in a mounting arm <NUM> that is part of the rear portion of the seat that acts as a hinge and allows the rear of the seat to pivot relative to the frame of the toilet. The mounting arm <NUM> may slide or telescope relative to the seat to facilitate the movement of the seat as it moves from the position in <FIG> to the position in <FIG>, and back.

The toilet is preferred to be portable, and may be fitted with a caster <NUM> at each of the four (<NUM>) legs. The casters may be fitted with a locking device <NUM> to selectively retard movement of the toilet. A handle <NUM> may be provided for pushing or pulling the toilet.

Claim 1:
A toilet (<NUM>), the toilet comprising:
a seat (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>) therein and wherein the seat is hinged in the rear portion of the seat;
a seat back (<NUM>) connected to the seat;
a first arm (<NUM>) having a first pressure sensor (<NUM>) and a second arm having a second pressure sensor, the first arm and the second arm being spaced apart and positioned above the seat;
an actuator (<NUM>) that moves the seat to a position wherein the seat inclines upwards from the hinged rear portion of the seat to a front portion of the seat;
wherein, in use, the first pressure sensor senses pressure on the first arm and the second pressure sensor senses pressure on the second arm, and upon the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor sensing pressure, a signal is transmitted to the actuator (<NUM>), whereupon the actuator moves the seat to incline upwards from the hinged rear portion of the seat to the front portion of the seat.