Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Flush closet seat assist to raise user
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-26
2002-10-29
Phillips, Charles E. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Flush closet seat assist to raise user
C004S420400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06470513
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is concerned with convenience devices for people who have physical conditions which make using conventional toilet facilities difficult. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with apparatuses which assist a patient in standing after using a toilet. Still more particularly, the present invention is concerned with apparatuses which wash the lower parts of the body after use of a toilet. Finally, and most particularly, the present invention is concerned with apparatuses which wash and dry the lower parts of the body after toilet use and thereafter raise the user to a partially standing position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many devices have been developed to aid the infirm, elderly, or physically handicapped in using restroom facilities. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,583 to White, et al. discloses a powered lift toilet seat which can be used to assist a person in being raised and lowered relative to a toilet bowl. However, raising and lowering a person relative to a toilet bowl addresses only one problem that many users of such a device possess. Often, these people are also unable to properly clean the genital areas after using a toilet. Toilets including a spray device operable for providing a cleansing wash to the genital area after toilet use are stationary in nature, and therefore are susceptible to soiling by the person using the toilet due to their location within the toilet bowl. Thus, these devices often spray a person with water containing waste prior to performing any cleansing duties. Accordingly, if these devices are not used for a long enough period of time, waste may remain on the user despite use of the spraying device. Another commonly encountered problem is that of the water remaining on a person after using such a spray device. This water can then be absorbed by clothing surrounding the area, thereby providing a potentially embarrassing situation. This remaining water also provides a moist environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth. This problem has been dealt with by employing a blower which serves to dry the areas of the body which have been washed by the spray nozzle. However, no prior art device has incorporated a lifting apparatus along with a washing and drying device.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is toilet seat which can be raised and lowered to accommodate individuals who have trouble sitting or standing. What is further needed is such a device wherein a person may be washed and dried after using the toilet. What is still further needed is such a device wherein the apparatuses which perform the washing and drying functions are located such that they are not soilable by the human waste of the person using the toilet. Finally what is needed is such a device wherein the washing mechanism is shiftable between a stored position which is away from waste being expelled and can thereafter be moved to a functional position wherein the washing mechanism is positioned to provide an optimal wash. Such devices will also be enhanced by the shiftability of the nozzle providing the wash whereby the nozzle can be moved laterally to provide a more thorough wash laterally and can be moved in a forward and backward motion to provide a more thorough wash anteriorly and posteriorly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in the prior art and provides a distinct advance in the state of the art. The lift of the present invention therefore provides an apparatus which performs raising and lowering functions, cleansing functions, and drying functions. Advantageously, the raising and lowering functions is accomplished such that the seat is gently raised and tilted forward and the washing functions provided by the present invention provide a more thorough wash to body parts than was heretofore afforded by the prior art.
The invention preferably comprises a tubular frame which includes a U-shaped bracket forming each side of the lift and an interconnecting brace spanning between the two U-shaped brackets. The tubular frame is preferably metal but can be constructed using wood or polymeric materials. The two U-shaped brackets provide a total of four legs, one at each corner of the lift and each leg preferably includes an adjustable foot extending therefrom. The feet are capable of height adjustment and leveling in a conventional manner such as is used on ordinary household appliances (e.g., washing machines). The frame is adapted to overlie a conventional toilet basin and preferably includes a box-like housing surrounding the frame. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hosing includes three stationary sides and a seat platform which raises and lowers with the seat. In another embodiment, the lifting assemblies raise the entire housing when the lift is activated. This housing is adapted to permit decoration by painting or the like and is formed of a resin-like material or wood.
Connected to the frame is an electric motor coupled with an actuator having a push rod which is extendible therefrom. The motor is electrically connected to a control box located on the frame itself, or the housing when one is provided. Preferably the control box is located on the seat platform in an ergonomically correct position. The control box includes at least one lift switch which serves to activate the motor. In one preferred embodiment, the lift is provided with two switches which serve to operate the lifting assemblies and must both be activated for the lift to operate. To help prevent shock, a transformer is used to change the 120V current to 24V direct current.
The push rod is connected to a yoke at the extending end. This yoke is further attached to a pair of depending plates or drive bars at their proximal ends. This attachment is through a pin which permits rotational movement between the yoke and the drive bars. Preferably, this rotational movement is permitted through the use of bushings which are preferably brass in construction. Secured, preferably by welding, to the distal end of the drive bar pair is crossbar having a pair of opposed ends with the drive bar pair located proximal to the first end thereof. This crossbar is provided with rotational movement when the actuator is activated and the push rod is extended or retracted due to its secure attachment to the drive bar pair. The crossbar further attaches to a plate at each end where it is free to rotate within a complementarily configured bore. Each plate is attached to a corresponding front leg of the frame and further includes a support tube connected thereto through a pair of pins. Each end of the crossbar is also attached to a support brace for a lift assembly.
The lift is provided with a pair of lift assemblies, with each U-shaped frame member being attached to one lift assembly. The lift assemblies include a trio of support braces or arms and a pair of vertically oriented support braces or arms which operate in unison to raise and lower the lift. The trio of support braces includes a lower, middle, and upper arm and the pair of vertically oriented support braces includes a seat brace and a lift brace. The lower support brace is attached at its anterior end to the crossbar and to the plate. The posterior end of the lower support brace is attached to the bottom end of the lift brace. All attachments permit rotational movement therebetween, preferably through the use of brass bushings or the like. The middle support brace is attached at its anterior end to the support tube and at its posterior end to the lift brace at its lower end. The upper support brace is also attached to the support tube at its anterior end and to approximately the midpoint of the seat brace at its posterior end. Again, all attachments permit rotational movement therebetween. Operation of the lift assemblies permits raising and lowering of the lift through cooperative movement of the respective braces and bars which are activated when the crossbar is rotated by the extension of the push rod and rot
Hovey & Williams, LLP
Phillips Charles E.
LandOfFree
Easy rise hygienic toilet lift does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Easy rise hygienic toilet lift, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Easy rise hygienic toilet lift will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2999788