US20090320195A1

US20090320195A1 - Platform assembly for toilet

Info

Publication number: US20090320195A1
Application number: US12/145,801
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Lane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-25
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2009-12-31

Abstract

Disclosed is a platform assembly for raising a height of a toilet. The platform assembly includes a base and a sealing mechanism. The base includes a lower surface, an upper surface and a through-opening. The lower surface is capable of being removably affixed to a floor. The upper surface is opposite to the lower surface and spaced apart from the lower surface by a predetermined distance. A through-opening extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. The through-opening is capable of being aligned with an outlet of the toilet when a stool of the toilet is disposed on the upper surface. A peripheral rim of the through-opening extends outwardly from the lower surface to define an engaging portion. The sealing mechanism is disposed on the engaging portion. The sealing mechanism is capable of coupling the outlet of the toilet to a drain pipe.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a toilet, and, more particularly, to an accessory for a toilet ensuring comfortable use of the toilets by elderly people and people having physical disabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People utilize toilets for disposing bodily waste such as urine, fecal matter and the like therein. The disposed bodily waste is dumped into a drain of a drainage system by means of pipes connecting outlets of the toilets to the drains.
Typically, toilets include a stool for enabling a user to conveniently sit thereon while disposing bodily waste thereof. The height of such toilets is usually maintained at a lower level than height of a sitting chair for facilitating a user to easily evacuate his/her bodily wastes. Conventionally, the height of a toilet is about fourteen inches.
Despite being useful for the easy evacuation of the bodily wastes, the low height of the toilets may have certain disadvantages for the elderly persons and the persons having physical disabilities such as arthritis, and the like. For example, persons having physical disabilities may not be able to sit on a conventional toilet because of a low height thereof, nor may they be able to lift themselves up afterwards, from such low height toilets.
Currently, various toilet accessories are available for assisting the persons having physical disabilities in getting on and off the toilet seat. One such accessory includes handrails provided on enclosing walls of the toilet for supporting a person in getting on and off the toilet seat. However, such accessories are expensive and complex.
Accordingly, based on the foregoing, there is a need for an accessory for a toilet, which is capable of ensuring a comfortable use of the toilet by elderly persons and the persons having physical disabilities. Further, there is a need for an accessory for a toilet, which is simple and inexpensive in construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a toilet accessory, more specifically, a platform assembly configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a platform assembly, which is capable of raising height of a toilet for easy and comfortable use thereof by the persons having physical disabilities.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a platform assembly, which is simple and inexpensive in construction.
In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is a toilet accessory, more specifically, a platform assembly for raising a height of a toilet. The toilet includes a stool configured with an outlet. The platform assembly includes a base and a sealing mechanism. The base includes a lower surface, an upper surface and a through-opening. The lower surface is capable of being removably affixed to a floor. The upper surface is opposite to the lower surface. The upper surface and the lower surface are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The through-opening extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. The through-opening is capable of being aligned with the outlet of the toilet when the stool is disposed on the upper surface. A peripheral rim of the through-opening extends outwardly from the lower surface to define an engaging portion. The sealing mechanism is disposed on the engaging portion. The sealing mechanism is capable of coupling the outlet of the toilet to a drain pipe.
In another aspect of the present invention, a toilet assembly is disclosed. The toilet assembly includes a toilet, a base and a sealing mechanism. The toilet includes a stool. The stool is configured with an outlet. The base includes a lower surface, an upper surface and a through-opening. The lower surface is capable of being removably affixed to a floor. The upper surface is opposite to the lower surface. The upper surface and the lower surface are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The through-opening extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. The through-opening is capable of being aligned with the outlet of the toilet when the stool is disposed on the upper surface. A peripheral rim of the through-opening extends outwardly from the lower surface to define an engaging portion. The sealing mechanism is disposed on the engaging portion. The sealing mechanism is capable of coupling the outlet of the toilet to a drain pipe.
These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a toilet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective top view of a platform assembly for the toilet assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective bottom view of a platform assembly for the toilet assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a sealing mechanism for coupling an outlet of the toilet of FIG. 1 to a drain pipe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates perspective views of various designs of the platform assembly of the toilet assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; and

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular toilet accessory, more specifically, a platform assembly for raising a height of a toilet, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides a toilet assembly and a platform assembly for easy and comfortable use by the persons having physical disabilities. The platform assembly is configured for raising a height of a toilet. The platform assembly includes a base and a sealing mechanism. The base is configured of various designs to accommodate different designs of the toilets made by the different manufactures.
Referring to FIG. 1, a toilet assembly 100 capable of being used by elderly persons and persons having physical disabilities is illustrated. The toilet assembly 100 includes a toilet 200 and a platform assembly 300.
The toilet 200 includes a stool 202. The toilet 200 may further include a water flushing mechanism 204. The stool 202 is configured with an outlet (not shown). The stool 202 includes a seat portion 206 and a support portion 208. The support portion 208 may include a plurality of holes, such as a hole 210 a (hereinafter collectively referred to as “plurality of holes 210”). The plurality of holes 210 is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism for securing the toilet 200 to the platform assembly 300.
Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the platform assembly 300 configured to support and raise height of the toilet 200 is shown. The platform assembly 300 includes a base 302, and a sealing mechanism 304 (shown in FIG. 2B) configured on the base 302. The sealing mechanism 304 provides a leak proof coupling of the outlet of the toilet 200 to a drain pipe of a drainage system.
The base 302 may be composed of any material having sufficient strength and capable of supporting the weight of the toilet 200 and a user seated on the toilet 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base 302 is composed of a synthetic material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base 302 is composed of a plastic material. The base 302 and accordingly the platform assembly 300 may be configured of various designs to accommodate various designs of the toilet 200. Various designs of the base 302 are further explained in conjunction with FIG. 4.
The base 302 includes a lower surface 306 (shown in FIG. 2B), an upper surface 308 (shown in FIG. 2A) opposite to the lower surface 306, and a through-opening 310. The lower surface 306 is capable of being removably affixed to a floor (not shown) while the upper surface 308 is configured to support the toilet 200. More specifically, during installation of the toilet 200, the platform assembly 300 is installed on the floor and thereafter the toilet 200 is installed on the platform assembly 300. Accordingly, the lower surface 306 of the platform assembly 300 comes in contact with the floor while the upper surface 308 of the platform assembly 300 comes in contact with the toilet 200.
The upper surface 308 and the lower surface 306 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, thereby imparting a height to the platform assembly 300. The predetermined distance between the upper surface 308 and the lower surface 306, and accordingly, the height of the platform assembly 300 may be determined based on the distance through which the height of the toilet 200 is desired to be raised. In one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined distance is about three inches to five inches. In another embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined distance may be maintained so that the height of the toilet 200 may be raised to the height of a wheel chair, thereby enabling a physically disabled person to conveniently use the toilet 200 for flushing bodily waste thereof.
The base 302 further includes the through-opening 310. The through-opening 310 extends from the lower surface 306 to the upper surface 308. The through-opening 310 is capable of being aligned with the outlet (not shown) of the stool 202 (shown in FIG. 2). Moreover, a peripheral rim of the through-opening 310 extends outwardly from the lower surface 306 to define an engaging portion 312.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the platform assembly 300 further includes a plurality of apertures, such as an aperture 314 a, an aperture 314 b, an aperture 314 c and an aperture 314 d (hereinafter collectively referred to as “plurality of apertures 314”) configured on the base 302. The plurality of apertures 314 extends from the upper surface 308 of the base 302 to the lower surface 306 of the base 302. Accordingly, the plurality of apertures 314 is configured throughout the height of the platform assembly 300. Each of the plurality of apertures 314 is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism (not shown) for securing the base 302 to the floor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of apertures 314 is configured to align with the plurality of holes 210 disposed on the support portion 208 of the stool 202, and thereafter receive a fastening mechanism to secure the toilet 200 to the floor. Examples of the fastening mechanism may include, but are not limited to screws, bolts, nuts, rivets and the like.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the platform assembly 300 further includes a plurality of blind holes, such as a blind hole 316 a, a blind hole 316 b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “plurality of blind holes 316”) configured on the base 302. The plurality of blind holes 316 extends to a specified depth from the upper surface 308 of the base 302 towards the lower surface 306 of the base 302. Each of the plurality of blind holes 316 is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism to secure the toilet 200 to the base 302. More specifically, the plurality of blind holes 316 is configured to align with the plurality of holes 210 disposed on the support portion 208 of the stool 202 and thereafter receive a fastening mechanism to secure the toilet 200 to the base 302. Examples of the fastening mechanism may include, but are not limited to screws, bolts, rivets and the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening mechanism, such as a screw may further include a cap configured to cover a head portion of the fastening mechanism.
Referring to FIG. 3, the sealing mechanism 304 configured to be disposed on the engaging portion 312 of the base 302, is shown. The sealing mechanism 304 provides a leakage proof joining of the engaging portion 312 to the drain pipe of the drainage system. The sealing mechanism 304 may be selected from various mechanical seals known in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing mechanism 304 may be a wax seal.
Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, various exemplary designs of the platform assembly 300, are illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a platform assembly 400, FIG. 4B illustrates a platform assembly 500, and FIG. 4C illustrates a platform assembly 600. The platform assemblies 400, 500, and 600 illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are similar to the platform assembly 300 illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, except for the structural designs thereof. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 4A, a base 402, an upper surface 404 of the base 402, a through-opening 406, apertures 408 a, 408 b, 408 c, 408 d, a plurality of apertures 408, blind holes 410 a, 410 b, a plurality of blind holes 410 of the platform assembly 400, are similar to the base 302, the upper surface 308 of the base 302, the through-opening 310, the apertures 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, 314 d, the plurality of apertures 314, the blind holes 316 a, 316 b, the plurality of blind holes 316 respectively of the platform assembly 300. Moreover, the sealing mechanism (not shown), the lower surface and engaging portion (not shown) of the base 402 of the platform assembly 400 are similar to the sealing mechanism 304, the lower surface 306 and the engaging portion 312 of the base 302 of the platform assembly 300.
Further, with reference to FIG. 4B, a base 502, an upper surface 504 of the base 502, a through-opening 506, apertures 508 a, 508 b, 508 c, 508 d, a plurality of apertures 508, blind holes 510 a, 510 b, a plurality of blind holes 510 of the platform assembly 500, are similar to the base 302, the upper surface 308 of the base 302, the through-opening 310, the apertures 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, 314 d, the plurality of apertures 314, the blind holes 316 a, 316 b, the plurality of blind holes 316 respectively of the platform assembly 300. Moreover, the sealing mechanism (not shown), the lower surface (not shown) and the engaging portion (not shown) of the base 502 of the platform assembly 500 are similar to the sealing mechanism 304, the lower surface 306 and the engaging portion 312 of the base 302 of the platform assembly 300.
Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 4C, a base 602, an upper surface 604 of the base 602, a through-opening 606, apertures 608 a, 608 b, 608 c, 608 d, a plurality of apertures 608, blind holes 610 a, 610 b, a plurality of blind holes 610 of the platform assembly 600, are similar to the base 302, the upper surface 308 of the base 302, the through-opening 310, the apertures 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, 314 d, the plurality of apertures 314, the blind holes 316 a, 316 b, the plurality of blind holes 316 respectively of the platform assembly 300. Moreover, the sealing mechanism (not shown), the lower surface (not shown) and the engaging portion (not shown) of the base 602 of the platform assembly 600 are similar to a sealing mechanism 304, the lower surface 306 and the engaging portion 312 of the base 302.
The designs of the platform assemblies 400, 500 and 600 accommodate different designs of the toilet 200 provided by different manufactures. Moreover, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the platform assembly 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B may assume any other design apart from the designs illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, without limiting the scope of the present invention.
Various embodiments of the present invention offer following advantages. The platform assembly of the present invention is capable of raising the height of a toilet for easy and comfortable use by the persons having physical disabilities. Further, the platform assembly of the present invention is simple and inexpensive in construction. Still further, the platform assembly, as described herein, facilitates utilization of an existing toilet for use by the persons having physical disabilities.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A platform assembly for raising a height of a toilet, the toilet comprising a stool configured with an outlet, the platform assembly comprising:

a base comprising,

a lower surface capable of being removably affixed to a floor,

an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, and

a through-opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, the through-opening capable of being aligned with the outlet on disposing the stool on the upper surface, a peripheral rim of the through-opening extending outwardly from the lower surface to define an engaging portion; and

a sealing mechanism disposed on the engaging portion, the sealing mechanism capable of coupling the outlet to a drain pipe,

wherein the upper surface and the lower surface are spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

2. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism is a wax seal.

3. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is about three inches to five inches.

4. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is composed of a synthetic material.

5. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is composed of a plastic material.

6. The platform assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of apertures configured on the base, the plurality of apertures extending from the upper surface of the base to the lower surface of the base and wherein each of the plurality of apertures is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism to secure the base to the floor.

7. The platform assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of blind holes configured on the base, wherein each of the plurality of blind holes is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism to secure the stool of the toilet to the base.

8. A toilet assembly, the toilet assembly comprising:

a toilet comprising a stool, the stool configured with an outlet; and

a platform assembly configured to support the stool of the toilet, the platform assembly comprising,

a base comprising,

a lower surface capable of being removably affixed to a floor,

an upper surface opposite to the lower surface, and

9. The toilet assembly of claim 8, wherein the sealing mechanism is a wax seal.

10. The toilet assembly of claim 8, wherein the predetermined distance is about three inches to five inches.

11. The toilet assembly of claim 8, wherein the base is composed of a synthetic material.

12. The toilet assembly of claim 8, wherein the base is composed of a plastic material.

13. The toilet assembly of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of apertures configured on the base, the plurality of apertures extending from the upper surface of the base to the lower surface of the base and wherein each of the plurality of apertures is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism to secure the base to the floor.

14. The toilet assembly of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of blind holes configured on the base, wherein each of the plurality of blind holes is capable of receiving a fastening mechanism to secure the stool of the toilet to the base.