Toilet handle

The toilet armrest employs a torsion spring mechanism for controlled descent and a two-layer handle to address safety and durability issues, ensuring safe and effortless operation with adjustable torque settings.

EP4740808A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-13OCEANWELL XIAMEN IND CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
OCEANWELL XIAMEN IND CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-10-17
Publication Date
2026-05-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing toilet armrests pose safety risks due to rapid descent when lowered, require manual support, and frequent handling leads to loosening or detachment, compromising user safety and stability.

Method used

A toilet armrest with a torsion spring mechanism that biases the armrest to pivot slowly into a vertical position, featuring a two-layer handle for enhanced durability and a locking mechanism to prevent unintended descent, along with adjustable torque control via a connecting disc and pivot axis.

Benefits of technology

Ensures safe, slow descent and effortless raising of the armrest, reduces wear and tear, and enhances user safety by preventing rapid falls and handle detachment, while allowing for adjustable torque settings.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet armrest comprising a fixed bracket, an armrest bar, and an armrest handle, wherein the rear end of the armrest bar is connected to the fixed bracket, further comprising a pivot axis, a torsion spring, and a connecting pin, wherein the pivot axis is rotatably mounted in the fixed bracket, wherein an arcuate through-opening extending circumferentially is formed in the circumferential wall of the fixed bracket, wherein the connecting pin engages through the arcuate through-opening and connects the pivot axis to the armrest bar, wherein one end of the torsion spring is connected to the pivot axis while the other end is connected to the fixed bracket, wherein the torsion spring exerts a torque on the pivot axis which biases the armrest bar to pivot into the vertical position, wherein when the armrest bar is pivoted towards the horizontal position,The torque generated by the weight of the armrest post and handle can overcome the torque of the torsion spring, allowing the armrest to descend gradually. During this descent, the armrest post encounters resistance from the torque of the torsion spring, creating a damping effect and ensuring a slow descent. This prevents the armrest post from falling rapidly.
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Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet armrest, in particular a toilet armrest that can be swung up and down. State of the art

[0002] Toilet armrests can assist people with disabilities when using the toilet. Armrests can be divided into standard and folding models, depending on whether they can be folded. Standard armrests are fixed and cannot be folded. Although the construction is relatively stable, this restricts toilet use. Folding armrests can be folded away when not in use without obstructing toilet use by people without disabilities. When opening folding armrests, current technology requires manual support to lower them slowly. Otherwise, there is a risk that the armrest will fall, hit the user, and wear out quickly. Furthermore, because the armrests need to be raised and lowered frequently, the handles can loosen or detach completely, posing a significant safety risk to users. Subject matter of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a toilet armrest that can be folded up and allows for slow lowering to increase safety during use, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art.The technical concept of the invention for overcoming the known disadvantages is as follows: a toilet armrest comprising a fixed bracket, an armrest bar and an armrest handle, wherein the rear end of the armrest bar is directly or indirectly connected to the fixed bracket, wherein the armrest handle is attached to the front end of the armrest bar, wherein a pivot axis, a torsion spring and a connecting pin are also provided, wherein the pivot axis is rotatably mounted in the fixed bracket, wherein an arcuate opening extending circumferentially is formed in the circumferential wall of the fixed bracket, and wherein the connecting pin extends through the arcuate opening and connects the pivot axis to the armrest bar.The arc-shaped opening provides clearance for the connecting pin when the armrest bar pivots into a horizontal or vertical position. One end of the torsion spring is directly or indirectly connected to the pivot axis, while the other end is directly or indirectly connected to the fixed bracket. The torsion spring exerts a torque on the pivot axis, which biases the armrest bar to pivot into the vertical position. When the armrest bar pivots from the vertical to the horizontal position, the torque generated by the weight of the armrest bar and armrest handle overcomes the force of the torsion spring, allowing them to descend slowly. The armrest handle has a two-layer structure, with the inner layer being harder than the outer layer.

[0004] In an advantageous embodiment, the inner layer of the armrest handle is made of hard plastic, while the outer layer is made of soft plastic.

[0005] In an advantageous embodiment, the inner layer of the armrest handle is made of PP plastic, while the outer layer is made of TPE plastic.

[0006] In an advantageous embodiment, the outer layer of the armrest handle is connected to the outer surface of the inner layer by an injection molding process.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, a connecting disc is also included which engages with the fixed holder, wherein the connecting disc has several spaced-apart mounting holes in the circumferential direction, and wherein the other end of the torsion spring is inserted into one of the mounting holes.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the pivot axis has a support pin, wherein the torsion spring surrounds the support pin, wherein one end of the support pin has a round shoulder, wherein the connecting disc is rotatably seated on the shoulder, wherein a locking washer is further provided which secures the locking washer in the axial direction, and wherein a screw bolt extends through the locking washer and is screwed to the support pin.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, a locking groove is formed in the inner wall of the fixed holder, wherein the end face of the connecting pin has a positioning pin, and wherein, when the connecting pin is rotated into the vertical position, the positioning pin engages in the locking groove.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the positioning pin is spring-mounted, the connecting pin has a receiving bore, the rear end of the positioning pin is inserted into the receiving bore, and a spring is tensioned between the positioning pin and the connecting pin.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting pin is firmly screwed to the pivot axis, wherein the connecting pin is screwed to the armrest rod.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, a cover sleeve is also provided which extends over the connection between the connecting pin and the armrest rod and simultaneously covers the arc-shaped passage opening.

[0013] Compared to the state of the art, the present technical concept offers the following advantages: 1. The armrest post encounters resistance from the torque of the torsion spring as it lowers, creating a damping effect and ensuring a slow descent. This prevents the armrest post from falling rapidly. Conversely, the torque of the torsion spring assists in raising the armrest post, making this movement effortless. 2. The armrest handle has a two-layer structure. The inner layer is harder than the outer layer. The outer layer has good elasticity, thus meeting the high demands of using the armrest handle. The inner layer has high hardness and ensures a more secure fit on the armrest post. This prevents the armrest handle from loosening and increases safety and reliability. 3.The connecting disc has several spaced mounting holes around its circumference, allowing the torque of the torsion spring to be adjusted by selecting different mounting holes. 4. The locking washer limits the position of the torsion spring. During assembly, the pivot shaft, torsion spring, and locking washer can be pre-assembled, simplifying the process. 5. When the armrest bar is in a vertical position, the positioning pin engages in the detent groove, preventing the armrest bar from unintentionally lowering. Character description

[0014] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures and by means of exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the toilet armrest. Figure 2shows a schematic exploded view of the different parts at the location of the fixed mounting of the toilet armrest. Figure 1 . Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of the pivot axis, torsion spring, connecting disc and locking disc of the toilet armrest. Figure 1 . Figure 4 shows a schematic radial sectional view of the toilet armrest at the location of the fixed bracket. Figure 1 (in a vertical position). Figure 5 shows a schematic radial sectional view of the toilet armrest at the location of the fixed bracket. Figure 1 (in a horizontal position). Figure 6 shows a schematic axial sectional view of the toilet armrest at the location of the fixed bracket. Figure 1 . Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view of the armrest handle of the in Figure 1 shown toilet armrest. Figure 8 shows an exemplary view of the items in use. Figure 1 shown toilet armrest (in horizontal position). Figure 9 shows an exemplary view of the items in use. Figure 1 shown toilet armrest (in vertical position). Specific example of implementation

[0015] As in the Figures 1 to 9As shown, the toilet armrest comprises a fixed bracket 10, an armrest bar 20, and an armrest handle 30, wherein the rear end of the armrest bar 20 is directly or indirectly connected to the fixed bracket 10, and wherein the armrest handle 30 is attached to the front end of the armrest bar 20. The fixed bracket can be attached to a housing element, a toilet, or a wall. A pivot axis 40, a torsion spring 50, and a connecting pin 60 are also provided, wherein the pivot axis 40 is rotatably mounted in the fixed bracket 10, wherein an arcuate opening 12 extending circumferentially is formed in the circumferential wall of the fixed bracket 10, and wherein the connecting pin 60 engages through the arcuate opening 12 and connects the pivot axis 40 to the armrest bar 20.The arc-shaped opening 12 provides clearance for the connecting pin 60 when the armrest bar 20 pivots into a horizontal or vertical position, thus preventing any collision with the fixed bracket. One end of the torsion spring 50 is directly or indirectly connected to the pivot axis 40, and the other end is directly or indirectly connected to the fixed bracket 10. The torsion spring 50 exerts a torque on the pivot axis 40, which biases the armrest bar 20 to pivot into the vertical position. This means that the torque generated by the torsion spring acts on the pivot axis, with the direction of the force corresponding to the pivot direction of the armrest bar into the vertical position. The force of the torsion spring must be overcome when closing the armrest bar.At the same time, when the armrest bar 20 is pivoted from the vertical position towards the horizontal position, the moment generated by the weight of the armrest bar 20 and the armrest handle 30 can overcome the force of the torsion spring 50 to slowly lower.

[0016] Advantageously, the armrest handle 30 has a two-layer structure, with the inner layer 32 having a greater hardness than the outer layer 34. Particularly advantageously, the inner layer 32 of the armrest handle 30 is made of a hard plastic, while the outer layer 34 is made of a soft plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner layer of the armrest handle is made of PP plastic, while the outer layer is made of TPE plastic. Furthermore, the outer layer of the armrest handle can be joined to the outer surface of the inner layer by an injection molding process.

[0017] Advantageously, a connecting disc 70 is provided, which engages with the fixed bracket 10. The connecting disc 70 has several spaced-apart mounting holes 72 in the circumferential direction, with the other end of the torsion spring 50 being inserted into one of the mounting holes. That is, the torsion spring 50 is connected to the fixed bracket 10 via the connecting disc 70, with the different mounting holes adjusting the degree of deformation of the torsion spring, thereby regulating the torque of the torsion spring.

[0018] Advantageously, the pivot axis 40 has a support pin 42, the torsion spring 50 surrounding the support pin 42. The end of the support pin 42 has a round shoulder 44, the connecting disc 70 being rotatably mounted on the shoulder 44. Furthermore, a locking washer 80 is provided, which secures the connecting disc 70 axially. A threaded bolt passes through the locking washer and is screwed to the support pin 42. Thus, the locking washer 80 and the end face of the support pin 42 limit the position of the connecting disc 70 from both sides, the connecting disc 70 being in turn rotationally fixed to the fixed bracket 10, so that when the pivot axis 40 pivots, the support pin 42 can rotate relative to the connecting disc 70, thereby engaging the torsion spring 50.

[0019] Preferably, a locking groove 14 is formed in the inner wall of the fixed bracket 10, wherein the end face of the connecting pin 60 has a positioning pin 62. When the connecting pin 60 is rotated into the vertical position, the positioning pin 62 engages in the locking groove 14. This exerts a holding force on the connecting pin 60 and prevents the armrest bar from unintentionally falling. Preferably, the positioning pin 62 is resiliently mounted, wherein the connecting pin 60 preferably has a receiving bore, the rear end of the positioning pin 62 being inserted into the receiving bore, and wherein a spring 64 is tensioned between the positioning pin 62 and the connecting pin 60. Under the action of the spring 64, the positioning pin 62 can extend and retract within the receiving bore.

[0020] Preferably the connecting pin 60 is firmly screwed to the pivot axis 40, and the connecting pin 60 is firmly screwed to the armrest rod 20.

[0021] Preferably, a cover sleeve 90 is also provided, which extends over the connection between the connecting pin 60 and the armrest rod 30 and simultaneously covers the arc-shaped passage opening 12.

[0022] Only advantageous embodiments of the invention have been described above, without this constituting a limitation of the scope of the invention. All equivalent modifications or embodiments within the scope of the present invention and the content of the description are covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. Toilet armrest comprising a fixed bracket, an armrest bar and an armrest handle, wherein the rear end of the armrest bar is directly or indirectly connected to the fixed bracket, and wherein the armrest handle is attached to the front end of the armrest bar. characterized by the fact thatA pivot axis, a torsion spring, and a connecting pin are provided, wherein the pivot axis is rotatably mounted in the fixed bracket, wherein an arcuate through-opening extending circumferentially is formed in the circumferential wall of the fixed bracket, wherein the connecting pin engages through the arcuate through-opening and connects the pivot axis to the armrest bar, wherein the arcuate through-opening provides clearance for the connecting pin when the armrest bar pivots into a horizontal or vertical position, wherein one end of the torsion spring is directly or indirectly connected to the pivot axis, while the other end is directly or indirectly connected to the fixed bracket, wherein the torsion spring exerts a torque on the pivot axis, which biases the armrest bar to pivot into the vertical position, wherein then,When the armrest is pivoted towards the horizontal position, the torque generated by the weight of the armrest post and handle can overcome the force of the torsion spring, causing them to slowly lower, the armrest handle having a two-layer structure, with the hardness of the inner layer being greater than the hardness of the outer layer.

2. Toilet armrest according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that The inner layer of the armrest handle is made of hard plastic, while the outer layer is made of soft plastic.

3. Toilet armrest according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that The inner layer of the armrest handle is made of PP plastic, while the outer layer is made of TPE plastic.

4. Toilet armrest according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that The outer layer of the armrest handle is connected to the outer surface of the inner layer by an injection molding process.

5. Toilet armrest according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that furthermore, a connecting disc is provided which engages with the fixed holder, wherein the connecting disc has several spaced-apart mounting holes in the circumferential direction, and wherein the other end of the torsion spring is inserted into one of the mounting holes.

6. Toilet armrest according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the pivot axis has a support pin, wherein the torsion spring surrounds the support pin, wherein one end of the support pin has a round shoulder, wherein the connecting disc is rotatably seated on the shoulder, wherein a locking washer is further provided which secures the connecting disc in the axial direction, and wherein a screw bolt extends through the locking washer and is screwed to the support pin.

7. Toilet armrest according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thata locking groove is formed in the inner wall of the fixed holder, wherein the end face of the connecting pin has a positioning pin, and wherein, when the connecting pin is rotated into the vertical position, the positioning pin engages in the locking groove.

8. Toilet armrest according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the positioning pin is spring-loaded and movable, the connecting pin has a receiving bore, the rear end of the positioning pin is inserted into the receiving bore, and a spring is tensioned between the positioning pin and the connecting pin.

9. Toilet armrest according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that that the connecting pin is firmly screwed to the swivel axis, and that the connecting pin is firmly screwed to the armrest bar.

10. Toilet armrest according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatFurthermore, a cover sleeve is provided which extends over the connection between the connecting pin and the armrest rod and simultaneously covers the arc-shaped passage opening.