Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Closet head – foot – and body rests
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-30
2001-07-10
Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Closet head, foot, and body rests
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256800
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of toilets, and more particularly to a toilet accessory.
Since time immemorial man has used the squatting position to perform his bodily functions. Infants of every culture instinctively adopt this posture as the most comfortable and effective way to relieve themselves. The modern seat-like toilet, on the other hand, is a relatively recent innovation. It was invented in Western Europe a few centuries ago, as a way of distinguishing “civilized man” from the “primitive peoples” who inhabit the rest of the world.
This deviation from the human body's natural mode of functioning is considered by many health practitioners to be a factor in a number of disorders that affect the people of westernized countries. Complaints such as constipation, hernias (from straining on the toilet), hemorrhoids (from pressure on the rectum in the sifting position) and twisted colon syndrome (from misalignment of the intestines) are some of the ailments linked to the use of the seat-like toilet. In addition, experts in colon cleansing have asserted that the areas of the colon most susceptible to malignant tumors are the same areas which are not fully evacuated in the sitting posture.
Reports of the beneficial effects of switching from the sitting to the squatting position include greater speed and comfort in elimination and relief from hemorrhoids. Persuasive clinical data on the use of-this method to treat hemorrhoids appears in U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,277 held by Berko Sikirov.
Another motivating factor behind the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive way for immigrants to westernized countries to use the toilet in the way they are accustomed to.
PRIOR ART
In the full, natural, squatting position the entire weight of the body rests on the feet. Neither the buttocks or any other part of the body is in contact with any surface. Numerous inventions have adapted the modem toilet for use in a “semi-squatting” position where the buttocks bears the weight of the body and the feet are elevated so as to bring the knees closer to the chest. However, only one patent in recent decades has been found for a device that achieves the full natural squatting position. This is the Sanitary Appliance referred to above, invented by Berko Sikirov (U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,277). This invention does not, however, take into account the following important factors which would affect its acceptance in the United States on a large scale:
1. It requires considerable time, effort and skill to install and remove.
2. It imposes an inconvenience on guests and other members of the household who prefer to use the conventional sitting position. The unsanitary underside of the device would actually be in contact with the back of a person sifting on the toilet seat.
3. In social situations where the device might prove an embarrassment, it cannot be easily removed. A similar difficulty would arise when one changes his or her place of residence.
4. It puts pressure on a toilet not designed to handle the weight of a squatting person. It poses a danger of cracking the thin porcelain forming the walls of the toilet bowl.
5. It includes a “urinal pan” which adds an unnecessary complication to the use and manufacturing of the device.
6. Most Americans do not have enough flexibility in their Achilles' tendons to squat on a level surface. They would fall backwards. Therefore, a device usable by the average American would need a platform which is inclined forwards (at least six degrees).
As will become apparent, all of the above shortcomings of Sikirov's sanitary appliance are eliminated in the design of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to provide a portable toilet accessory that allows a person to use the natural squatting position on a conventional toilet.
Another object of the invention is to provide a toilet accessory that collapses to a relatively flat configuration for storage or shipping.
Another object of the invention is to provide a toilet accessory that includes an angled platform that makes it easier for a person to balance in a squatting position.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
Summary: A toilet accessory comprising a frame capable of fitting over a standard toilet, an angled rigid platform fitting on top of said frame, said platform having a cutout to allow a person to use the toilet in the natural squatting position, and hinge elements to allow said frame to go from a folded flat position to an open rectilinear position.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 923344 (1909-06-01), Faller
patent: 1163263 (1915-12-01), Rudduck
patent: 1482073 (1924-01-01), Ferdinand
patent: 1726144 (1929-08-01), Everts
patent: 2478271 (1949-08-01), Isherwood et al.
patent: 4819277 (1989-04-01), Sikirov
patent: 5809583 (1998-09-01), Pucciani
patent: 6015185 (2000-01-01), Buono
patent: 3607310 (1988-03-01), None
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