Patent Description:
People with mobility issues, such as the elderly and infirm, find it hard to use the toilet. They find it a challenge to align themselves with the toilet seat by reversing into position, to lower themselves onto the toilet seat from a standing position, and to lift their body back to standing once they have finished.

It is known to provide handrails or a frame around a toilet so that people can use their arm strength to help raise and lower themselves between a standing and seated position. Typically, such frames need to be secured to the walls or floor, often with permanent fixings such as screws. These arrangements of handrails and/or frames become a permanent fixture within the home, which may be undesirable when a toilet is shared with other family members. They also do not solve the problems encountered when using a toilet away from home, as the frame cannot be transported with a user.

Many users may make use of their existing walking aids such as mobility frames or walking sticks, to provide them with some stability with aligning themselves and reversing into position, and whilst raising and lowering between standing and seated position. However, walking frames are not typically designed to fit around a toilet. They are not intended to provide stability when raising and lowering, and in fact may tip if a user is unbalanced. They may also interfere with the workings of the toilet such as the cistern and flush. Walking aids such as mobility frames that are wheeled to assist movement are particularly unsuitable for use in providing support at a toilet. It is very important that any device for providing support at a toilet engages the ground (or supporting surface) in a firm and stable manner.

The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

There are some toilet frames on the market that are specifically designed for use when using the toilet. The majority of these comprise side frame portions, joined together by a rear crossbar, that sits at the back of the toilet when in position. Whilst this crossbar arrangement does provide some stability for the user, bracing the two side frames together, it is often most inconvenient when a user needs to wipe themselves. The majority of these toilet frames tend not to be adjustable in size to cater for different heights and sizes of both users, and toilets. Those that are in some way adjustable, typically incorporate telescopic legs to allow for different heights. A user must set the same height on each of the four legs prior to use. A challenging task for a user that may be somewhat unstable on their feet.

Toilets cisterns are multi varied - much more than they used to be. There are close coupled versions and built-in versions so there is a lot less room at the rear of the designs. So in some cases the user has to place the rear crossbar of a current frame forward of the cistern and the only way to do this is to raise the toilet seat and place the frame crossbar in front of the raised toilet lid. For the user, this means they are leaning against the raised toilet lid which is most uncomfortable and restrictive to wiping, plus there is a risk of the seat falling forward.

<CIT>) discloses a toilet frame comprising a pair of side frame members connected together by a link member or crossbar at the back, and a pair of footplates at the front. A user places the frame in position surrounding the toilet, with the crossbar at the back, in close proximity to the cistern in a typical toilet arrangement. The user leans on the armrests, to reverse into position, and lowers themselves onto the seat. Their feet are placed on the footplates for added stability. Whilst providing a somewhat stable arrangement for a user when maneuvering onto and off a toilet, where footplates help to prevent the frame from tipping should the user be unbalanced, should the user lean heavily on one side, the frame may tip.

Whilst the frame comprises four legs that incorporate telescopic height adjusting means, a user is required to adjust each of these to the same height prior to use. This toilet frame also incorporates a rear crossbar which can interfere with toilet usage, when flushing and in particular when wiping.

<CIT> discloses a foldable toilet frame comprising side frames that are connected by a front crossbar.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a frame for providing support and stability when using a toilet, that is portable and can be easily transported for use when travelling. Preferred embodiments aim to also provide a frame that can be adjusted in both width and height, by a convenient means, to ensure user comfort for users of different heights and toilets of different dimensions. Preferred embodiments also aim to provide a frame that keeps the rear area clear, to allow a user to comfortably use a toilet, particularly when wiping and flushing.

According to the present invention, there is provided a toilet frame comprising a left side frame; a right side frame; and a crossbar that connects the left and ride side frames at the front of the toilet frame: wherein each of the left and right side frames is movable between a folded position in which it extends alongside the crossbar and an unfolded position in which it extends transversely of the crossbar; and the left and right side frames are not connected by a crossbar at the back of the toilet frame, and characterized in that:.

Preferably, the length of the crossbar may be adjustable to adjust the width of the toilet frame.

Each of the armrests may be mounted on a single support that is adjustable in height at an upper part of the respective side frame.

Preferably, each of the side frames has a respective rear leg of which a lower part extends outwardly from the side frame, to the side of the toilet frame.

The or each said lower leg part is preferably provided with a respective anti-slip ferrule.

Preferably, a footplate may be secured to the toilet frame such that a user can stand on the footplate.

Preferably, the footplate may be movably secured to a lower part of one of the side frames and/or crossbar, such that the footplate can be moved between an operative position and a stowed position.

The frame may comprise two of said footplates, one for each foot.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet with a toilet frame as hereinbefore described, positioned around the toilet to support a user via the left and right side frames.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a toilet, comprising the steps of positioning a toilet frame according to any of the preceding aspects of the invention around the toilet, such that a user is supported via the left and right side frames and the armrests thereon.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:.

In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

In the context of this specification, the term 'toilet frame' means a support frame for use with a toilet to assist a user in sitting down on the toilet and getting up again from a sitting position. In this specification, terms of position such as left, right, front and back are used to denote positions relative to a user sitting on a toilet.

<FIG> shows one possible configuration of toilet frame <NUM> showing a left side frame <NUM> and a right side frame <NUM> connected together by at least one connector in the form of a crossbar <NUM>. The crossbar <NUM> may comprise a planar member, not shown, or a pair of parallel, tubular crossbars <NUM>, as shown. The left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> are rotatably secured to the crossbar <NUM>, such that the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> can be rotated in a horizontal plane from an unfolded position to a folded position. <FIG> shows the unfolded position, where the toilet frame <NUM> is ready for use.

The toilet frame <NUM> incorporates an armrest <NUM> at the top of the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM>, such that the user can rest their arms across or over these armrests, when raising or lowering themselves onto a toilet seat, and may also grip these armrests <NUM> when manoeuvring the toilet frame <NUM> into position surrounding the toilet. These armrests <NUM> may also be used when rotating the left side frame <NUM> and the right hand side frame <NUM> in relation to the crossbar <NUM>, to take the toilet frame <NUM> between folded and unfolded positions.

The left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> each comprise a pair of legs, with a front leg <NUM> of each being connected to the crossbar <NUM>. These front legs <NUM> incorporate a pivot <NUM> or means to allow the left side frame <NUM> and right side frame <NUM> to pivot between an unfolded and a folded position. This pivot <NUM> on each side may comprise an inner tubular part of leg <NUM> that sits inside an outer tubular part of leg <NUM>, such that one can rotate about the other. It may comprise a hinged stay (as shown in <FIG>), or alternatively it may comprise a C-clip that engages around the outer tubular part and has a projection that passes through a hole in the outer tubular part to engage a hole in the inner tubular part to hold the respective side frame <NUM> in either an unfolded or folded position. Such C-clips can be seen in <FIG> on the legs <NUM>, below the ends of the upper crossbar <NUM>.

Thus, as may be seen in the drawings, each of the side frames <NUM>,<NUM> has a respective front leg <NUM> with an upright portion to which the crossbar <NUM> is connected to allow the side frames <NUM>,<NUM> to pivot between their folded and unfolded positions. Thus, in this embodiment, the lower front leg portions <NUM> remain solidly connected to the crossbars <NUM>,<NUM>, whilst the upper front leg portions <NUM>, along with the remainder of the side frames <NUM>,<NUM>, pivot with respect to the lower front leg portions <NUM>.

The crossbar <NUM> in one embodiment incorporates width adjusting means <NUM>, whereby the distance between front legs <NUM> can be increased or decreased. This allows the width of the toilet frame <NUM> to be varied to allow for different shapes and sizes of toilet about which the toilet frame <NUM> sits, and to also allow for different widths of users. Likewise, the armrests <NUM> are joined to the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> by a height adjusting means <NUM>, such that the armrests <NUM> can be raised or lowered to be in a comfortable position for the user, and to again allow for different height requirements of different users. By having the height adjusting means <NUM> at waist height, and by having this height adjusting means <NUM> within the armrests <NUM> rather than in all four legs, this allows the height of the armrests <NUM> to be conveniently adjusted by the user, requiring less steps with just two height adjusting means <NUM> to alter. The user can even adjust the height of the armrests <NUM> when seated on the toilet. There is no need to turn the toilet frame <NUM> upside down to adjust each leg in turn, requiring much dexterity and strength. The height of the armrests <NUM> is key to user experience. The user presses down on these armrests <NUM> to manoeuvre themselves from a seated to a standing position. It is therefore key that these armrests <NUM> are not too low or too high, but easily adjustable for different heights of user. This is key where the toilet frame <NUM> is used by more than one user.

As may be seen in <FIG>, each height adjusting means <NUM> may comprise inner and outer tubular parts to provide a telescopically adjustable support for the respective armrest <NUM>. To fix the height of the height adjusting means <NUM>, a C-clip <NUM> may engage around the outer tubular part, with a projection that passes through a hole in the outer tubular part to engage a hole in the inner tubular part. Such C-clips <NUM> can be seen in <FIG> on the height adjusting means <NUM>, below the upper horizontal members of the side frames <NUM> and <NUM>.

Although it is convenient to have just a single height adjusting means <NUM> for each armrest <NUM>, more than one height adjusting means <NUM> for each armrest <NUM> may be provided.

The front legs <NUM> and the rear legs may incorporate an anti-slip ferrule in the form of a foot <NUM> on their lowermost end that engages with the floor. This foot <NUM> may comprise a rubber material, or similar material that provides additional grip and helps to prevent slip of the toilet frame <NUM> when in use. The front legs <NUM> and/or the back legs may be splayed at an angle, either out to each side of the toilet frame <NUM> or out in a forward direction to the toilet frame <NUM>, to increase the ground-engaging area of the toilet frame <NUM> and therefore help to prevent it from tipping. Should the user lean on one armrest <NUM> more than on the other armrest at any one time, the splayed legs will help to prevent the toilet frame <NUM> from tipping towards that side. The splayed legs increase the base of support and thus increase the stability.

The toilet frame <NUM> may incorporate one or more footplate <NUM>. The user, once in position on the toilet seat, can place their feet onto the footplates, to help to hold the toilet frame <NUM> in position, and provide additional stability. This is particularly useful when the user is moving from a seated to a standing position, where their weight helps to maintain the toilet frame <NUM> in the same position, preventing any lateral movement.

An aim of the footplate <NUM> is to provide a ground support to stop the frame <NUM> from tipping. Someone who has had a stroke and has a weakness on one side may press down unequally and tip the frame. If their opposing foot was resting in the footplate <NUM>, the weight of their leg would counterbalance this.

<FIG> shows the toilet frame of <FIG> with the left side frame <NUM> in a folded configuration. The left side frame <NUM> has pivoted or rotated about the pivot <NUM> such that the left side frame <NUM> has been moved by the user from an unfolded position, at <NUM> degrees or approximately perpendicular to the crossbar <NUM>, and into a folded position, where it sits alongside the crossbar <NUM>. The toilet frame <NUM> may be provided with a clip, not shown, to hold the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> in position when in a folded position. This clip may comprise a push-fit moulded portion, a hook, or alternative means of releasably securing the frame of the toilet frame <NUM> such that the left side frame <NUM> and right side frame <NUM> do not come unfolded when being moved in a folded position.

<FIG> shows the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> in a part folded position, and <FIG> shows the toilet frame <NUM> in a fully folded position, where both left side frame <NUM> and right side frame <NUM> are alongside the crossbar <NUM>. <FIG> shows the toilet frame <NUM> in the same folded position, but without the footplates <NUM>. In a folded configuration, the toilet frame <NUM> is designed with as small as footprint as possible. The toilet frame <NUM> is fully operational without the footplates <NUM>, as these are there to provide additional support to a user when in the seated position on the toilet seat, and when moving between a standing and seated position.

The toilet frame <NUM> may be made from tubular metal material, that has been bent into shape, such as steel or aluminium, for example. The left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> may each comprise a U-shaped bent piece of tubular metal.

To use the toilet frame <NUM>, the user must first unfold the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM>. Where a clip has been provided to hold these in a folded position, this would need to be unfastened, or where the clip is a push-fit, a small force would be require to pull the left side frame and/or right side frame <NUM> away from the crossbar <NUM>. The user can adjust the width adjusting means <NUM> to allow for sufficient space between the left side frame <NUM> and the right side frame <NUM> for them to comfortable gain access, whilst also taking into account the width of the toilet and the space available on either side. The width adjusting means <NUM> may comprise holes in an inner tubular part and an outer tubular part that are telescopically adjustable and may be held in position by respective C-clips (of they type described previously), to ensure rigidity of the frame in use, and prevent splay. The user can also raise or lower the armrests <NUM> so that they are at a comfortable height for leaning on or over, to carry some of their weight. Width adjustment is also beneficial when a toilet frame <NUM> is to be reissued to a new user, who may have different width requirements.

Once the toilet frame <NUM> is in an unfolded position, it is ready for use. The user stands within the footprint of the unfolded toilet frame <NUM>, and manoeuvres themselves so that they can reverse into position in front of the toilet, with their back to the toilet. The user is taught to reverse until they can feel the toilet behind their knees, where they can then lower themselves onto the seat. The armrests <NUM> are in a suitable plane for ease of locating them, and may be at an angle such that when the user pushes down, the frame doesn't tip forwards. Whilst making use of the armrests <NUM>, and optionally any available footplates <NUM>, the user can lower themselves into a seated position on the toilet seat. The rear of the toilet frame <NUM> is completely clear, without any further connectors or crosspieces, which allows the user to tend to themselves, and to flush the toilet. They can then return to a standing position by pushing down on the armrests <NUM> as leverage.

In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word "preferable" (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential.

Within the scope of the appended claims, all or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Within the scope of the appended claims, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, within the scope of the appended claims, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claim 1:
A toilet frame (<NUM>) comprising a left side frame (<NUM>); a right side frame (<NUM>); and a crossbar (<NUM>) that connects the left and ride side frames (<NUM>,<NUM>) at the front of the toilet frame (<NUM>): wherein each of the left and right side frames (<NUM>,<NUM>) is movable between a folded position in which it extends alongside the crossbar (<NUM>) and an unfolded position in which it extends transversely of the crossbar (<NUM>); and the left and right side frames (<NUM>,<NUM>) are not connected by a crossbar at the back of the toilet frame (<NUM>), and characterized in that:
each of the side frames (<NUM>,<NUM>) has a respective front leg (<NUM>) of which a lower part is fixed with respect to the crossbar (<NUM>) and extends outwardly from the side frame (<NUM>,<NUM>), to the side of the toilet frame (<NUM>), to enlarge the width of the toilet frame (<NUM>) at the front of the toilet frame (<NUM>);
each of the front legs (<NUM>) has an upper part that pivots with respect to the lower part of the leg (<NUM>), along with the rest of the side frame (<NUM>,<NUM>), when the side frame (<NUM>,<NUM>) moves between the folded and unfolded positions; and
each of the side frames (<NUM>,<NUM>) is provided with a respective armrest (<NUM>), the height of which is adjustable relative to the side frame (<NUM>,<NUM>).