Toilet stool

Abstract

Toilet stool (1) for use on the floor in front of or under a toilet, the toilet stool (1) comprising a platform (2) designed for resting the feet of a person using the toilet stool (1) and a continuous or discontinuous wall (3) designed to space the platform (2) away from the floor, characterized in that the toilet stool (1) comprises at least one caster (4) whose running surface – in an unloaded rest position – can be pushed forward by spring force into a position projecting beyond the lower edge of the wall (3), so that the toilet stool (1) can be moved on this caster (4), and – in a loaded working position – can be pushed back by the feet of a person using the toilet stool (1) into a position flush with the lower edge of the wall (3), so that the wall (3) can be placed on the floor, thereby allowing the entire toilet stool (1) to be placed firmly and stably on the floor.

Description

Introduction The invention relates to the field of toilet stools. In particular, the invention relates to a toilet stool with improved properties. State of the art and disadvantages Sit-down toilets are a widely used type of toilet. The height of the toilet seat is generally chosen so that there is an angle of approximately 90° between the lower and upper thighs, as well as between the thighs and the (upright) torso of the person using the toilet. While this angle is unproblematic in the knee area, it is known that such a large angle in the pelvic area has an unfavorable effect on the position of the digestive organs, which can lead to constipation or bowel discomfort during bowel movements. A pelvic angle of approximately 35° has proven to be significantly better. Such an angle can be achieved by reducing the seat height accordingly. However, this is countered by aesthetic reasons; moreover, not everyone desires a smaller pelvic angle. However, it can also be achieved by raising the feet, which are normally positioned on the floor and are in front of the toilet when using it. For this purpose, so-called toilet stools are known from the prior art. These serve to flexibly, usually temporarily, elevate the feet while using the toilet. The stool is carried or pushed in front of the toilet before using it. After using the toilet, it should be moved again, as standing up can otherwise be difficult or even dangerous, since known stools are not suitable for standing on due to their size and stability. To do this, the person still sitting on the toilet must either bend down to push the stool away with their hands, or this must be done with one or both feet; both are often uncomfortable, especially for very young or elderly people who already prefer to use such stools, and therefore not always easy to carry out. Problem of the invention and solution The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a toilet stool which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. According to the invention, it is intended to provide a toilet stool that is more comfortable and safer to use. The problem is solved by a toilet stool according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figure. Description First, a toilet stool according to the invention is described. This is followed by a description of its use. The toilet stool is designed for use on the floor in front of or under a toilet seat, which may be wall-mounted or placed on the floor. A toilet stool comprises a platform designed for the feet of a user, which may have a non-slip surface on its upper side. To raise the platform from the floor, i.e., to allow it to rest on the floor, it has a continuous or interrupted wall. Therefore, even stools with multiple legs fall under this definition. The invention is characterized in that the toilet stool comprises at least one roller with a running surface. In an unloaded "resting position," this running surface can be pushed forward by spring force into a position projecting beyond the lower edge of the wall. Thus, the toilet stool is movable on this roller. In a loaded "working position," the roller can be pushed back by the feet of the person using the toilet stool, resting on the platform, into a position where the running surface is flush with the bottom edge of the wall. This allows the wall to touch the floor, ensuring the toilet stool can be placed firmly and stably on the floor. The invention thus avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art. The invention can be easily rolled to the desired position in front of the toilet, particularly without lifting, requiring minimal effort. At the same time, it prevents the stool from moving too easily when weight is applied to it, ensuring it remains firmly and stably in use. Even if the user initially leaves their feet on the platform when standing up (this is common for smaller individuals such as children), the stool remains secure. Only after the user steps down does the at least one wheel spring back, allowing for easy repositioning. Various embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the toilet stool comprises four casters arranged below the four corners of the platform. Alternatively, two casters could be positioned at the edge of the front or rear edge; in this case, the toilet stool only needs to be lifted very slightly at the opposite edge to be easily moved again. This is easily achievable, at least on tiles, which are commonly used as flooring in bathrooms. For even easier movement, the edge without casters could be covered with a coating to improve gliding properties. Three casters are also conceivable, positioned so that the platform wall remains raised from the floor even when the casters are extended. In another embodiment, the toilet stool is designed such that the wall is interrupted at least on one side intended for placement at the front of the toilet seat. This embodiment is lighter than one with a completely closed wall. Furthermore, as will be explained below, in the case of a cutout, there is no wall that would need to be adapted to the shape of the cutout, thus reducing the cost of the toilet stool. In one embodiment, the roller(s) is / are vertically movable, i.e., they spring essentially in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the platform. In another embodiment, the roller(s) is / are tiltable about a horizontal axis of rotation in the area of ​​their wall anchorage, thus pivoting out of the plane defined by the lower edge of the wall when the toilet stool is unloaded, or behind it when loaded. Combinations of the two embodiments are also conceivable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the toilet stool includes a handle arranged on the platform or wall, projecting upwards above it, with which the toilet stool can be moved. In this way, a person using the toilet stool does not have to bend down to push it in front of the toilet, nor to move it after use, so that when standing up they are back on the floor and not on the platform. Thus, using the toilet stool is safer and more convenient than without such a handle. In a preferred embodiment, the handle is telescopically extendable in the vertical direction. This allows the toilet stool to take up less space when not in use. Alternatively or additionally, the handle can be rotatably mounted at its end connected to the platform or wall, with a locking mechanism in the storage position (handle parallel to the platform surface) and / or the usage position (handle approximately perpendicular to the platform surface) being helpful. In a preferred embodiment, the handle can be attached to either side of the platform. It can be attached, for example, mechanically by inserting it into a holder, or magnetically using appropriate material pairings. This allows the user of the toilet stool to use their right or left hand for adjustment, as desired. It also provides flexibility in situations where space is limited on one side next to the toilet. In a further preferred embodiment, the side of the platform intended for placement on the front of the toilet seat, possibly including the wall beneath it, has a recess. The recess is preferably adapted to the geometry of the front of the toilet seat, essentially at the level of the (preferably load-bearing) platform. This allows the toilet stool to be positioned further below the toilet seat. In other words, the advantage of such a recess is that the platform can be positioned right up against the toilet, minimizing the resulting gap between the toilet and the platform edge. Although the exact shapes of toilet seat fronts are not standardized, a recess shaped like a circular segment with a diameter of 50 centimeters and a depth of 5 to 10 centimeters covers most applications quite well. It is also conceivable that the front and back edges of the platform could each have different recesses to accommodate toilet fronts of varying shapes. In a top view, the platform can also be shaped like an arc segment, with the shorter, inner arc closely following the shape of the toilet wall to minimize the gap. The longer, outer arc is offset from the inner arc to provide sufficient space for a person's feet; a distance of 15 ± 5 to 25 ± 5 centimeters between the arcs is generally adequate. In this case, it can be helpful to place one of the casters centrally under the outer arc to increase stability. An additional caster is preferably provided at each end of the arc segment. Such an embodiment can therefore also function with three or five casters. Preferably, the height of the toilet stool in the working position is between 10 and 30 centimeters. It is also conceivable that the wall can be extended or shortened, so that different heights can be achieved as needed, for example, heights of 5, 15, 25, or 35 centimeters. The width of the toilet stool is between 20 and 60 centimeters, preferably between 25 and 50 centimeters, and is particularly preferably 40 ± 5 centimeters. The use of a toilet stool, as defined above, is accomplished by first placing the stool, which is in its resting position, against the front of a toilet by sliding it. The stool is then weighted down by the feet of the person using the toilet, causing the caster(s) to move into their working position, i.e., to retract behind the lower edge of the stool's side. As a result, the lower edge of the stool rests firmly on the floor and no longer moves. Preferably, if a handle is also provided, the pushing is done using this handle, so that the person using the toilet stool does not have to bend down, push the toilet stool back and forth with their feet, or stand on the platform when getting up, which significantly increases safety and convenience during use. If the handle is telescopic and / or foldable, it is extended or folded into an upright position before use, and pushed together or folded into a horizontal position after use. Character description The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to a single figure. This single figure, 1, shows the side view of an embodiment of the toilet stool according to the invention. The toilet stool 1 includes a platform 2, which serves as a footrest for a person (not shown). A section of the wall 3 is arranged on the right and left sides of the platform 2, making it a two-part structure. Four rollers 4 are attached to the inner sides of wall 3, of which only the two front ones are labeled. It is clearly visible that the running surfaces of the rollers 4 extend beyond the lower edge of the left wall 4. They are thus in a rest position, in which they are extended (the associated spring mechanism with its relaxed spring is visible). When the platform 2 is loaded, indicated by the force (arrow F), the rollers 4 compress vertically until their running surfaces are flush with the plane defined by the lower edges (working position). This case is shown for the rollers 4 located on the right wall 4. With this side, the toilet stool 1 is therefore already firmly on the floor and cannot roll away.When the force F on the platform 2 becomes more uniform (not shown), the rollers 4 on the left side also eventually spring back, the wall 3 fully touches the floor on both sides, and the toilet stool 1 is then safe to use. A recess 5 is also visible on the front of the platform. This recess is shaped so that its front edge roughly matches the shape of the front of a toilet seat at the corresponding height (not shown). This allows the platform to be pushed very close to the toilet seat without creating a large gap. As a result, a person's feet can rest further to the side of the toilet seat, rather than necessarily only in front, which increases comfort, as slightly spread legs may make using the toilet easier. A telescopic handle 6 is located on the outside of the right part of the wall 3. It is shown in its retracted state. When extended (not shown), the toilet stool can be moved particularly easily without requiring a person (not shown) to bend down. Reference symbol list 1 Toilet stool 2 Platform 3 Wall 4 Caster 5 Recess 6 Handle

Claims

Toilet stool (1) for use on the floor in front of or under a toilet, the toilet stool (1) comprising a platform (2) designed for resting the feet of a person using the toilet stool (1) and a continuous or discontinuous wall (3) designed to space the platform (2) away from the floor, characterized in that the toilet stool (1) comprises at least one caster (4) whose running surface – in an unloaded rest position – can be pushed forward by spring force into a position projecting beyond the lower edge of the wall (3), so that the toilet stool (1) can be moved on this caster (4), and – in a loaded working position – can be pushed back by the feet of a person using the toilet stool (1) into a position flush with the lower edge of the wall (3), so that the wall (3) can be placed on the floor, thereby ensuring that the entire toilet stool (1) can be placed firmly and stably on the floor. Toilet stool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the same comprises four rollers (4) which are arranged below four corners of the platform (2). Toilet stool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall (3) is interrupted at least on one side intended for placement on the front of the toilet seat. Toilet stool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roller(s) (4) are vertically movable or tiltable about a horizontal axis of rotation. Toilet stool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle (6) arranged on the platform (2) or the wall (3) and projecting upwards above it for moving the toilet stool (1). Toilet stool (1) according to claim 5, wherein the handle (6) is telescopic in the vertical direction. Toilet stool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side intended for placement on the front of the toilet seat has a recess (5) so that the toilet stool (1) can be placed further below the toilet seat. Toilet stool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein its height in the working position is between 10 and 30 centimeters.

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