Armrest

Abstract

An armrest 100 for a toilet, the armrest comprises a base 110 configured to connect to a toilet. The base includes or is coupled to a pin 130. An arm 120 is pivotally connected to the base (via pivot

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Examples of the disclosure relate to an armrest. Some relate to an adjustable armrest for connecting and disconnecting to a toilet seat. BACKGROUND An armrest allows a user to rest their arms whilst seated on an object such as a chair. An armrest can also assist a user in transitioning between sitting and standing, which can be important for users with limited mobility. Armrests can be used with toilets. They may be support rails, frames or armrests which connect to a toilet. Adjustable armrests can be used which allow the arms to be at different positions for different users. Adjustable armrests can also allow the arms to be moved out of the way of a user. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an armrest for a toilet. The armrest comprises a base, a pin and an arm. The base is configured to connect to a toilet. The base comprises the pin or the base is coupled to the pin. The arm is pivotally connected to the base. The arm comprises a closed track, and the pin is received in the track. The armrest may be configured such that when the arm rotates relative to the base the pin moves along the track. The track may be elongate and curved. The arm may be pivotally connected to the base at a pivot. The track may be spaced from the pivot. The track may be substantially the same distance from the pivot along the length of the track. The pin may be spaced form the pivot by substantially the same distance that the track is spaced from the pivot. The track may be linear and may comprise two ends. The track may be closed at either end. The track may be located in a 2D plane. In some examples, the pin cannot exit the track in a direction parallel to the 2D plane. The track may be a through hole. The armrest may be configured such that the pin has a first locking position at or close to a first end of the track, and a second locking position at or close to a second end of the track. The armrest may be configured such that when the pin is in the first or second locking position a rotational position of the arm relative to the base is substantially locked. The base may further comprise at least one retainer configured to retain the pin in a locking position. The base may comprise a first retainer configured to retain the pin in a first locking position, and a second retainer configured to retain the pin in a second locking position. The at least one retainer may be positioned near to an end of the track. The at least one retainer may be positioned spaced from the ends of the track. The at least one retainer may be positioned spaced from an end of the track by a distance similar to a width of the pin. The at least one retainer may comprise at least one protrusion. The at least one retainer may be configured to resiliently deflect to allow the pin to pass along the track. The at least one retainer and an end of the track may form sides of a cavity for retaining the pin. The pin may be configured to fit in the track with a clearance fit. The pin may be configured to fit in the cavity with a location fit, a transition fit or an interference fit. The arm may comprise an end which is proximal to the base. Th proximal end of the arm may have a rounded shape with at least one substantially flat portion. The at least one substantially flat portion may be configured to contact the base when the pin is a locking position. The pin may be a rod. The base may comprise a through hole for the rod. The base may comprise a first portion positioned on a first side of the arm and a second portion positioned substantially on the opposite side of the arm. The pin may connect to the first and second portions of the base through the track. The armrest may further comprise connection means to connect the base to a toilet seat. The armrest may be for connecting and disconnecting to a toilet seat. The arm may comprise proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion may be pivotally connected to the base and the distal portion may be for supporting an arm of a user. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing at least part of one or more methods described herein. The description of a function and / or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function and / or action. Functions and / or actions described herein can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, and / or a method as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs 1a and 1b show a first example of an armrest; Figs 2a, 2b and 2c show a second example of an armrest for a toilet; Fig. 3 shows a third example of an armrest for a toilet; and Fig. 4 shows a fourth example of an armrest for a toilet. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figs 1a and 1b show a first example of an armrest 100 for a toilet according to embodiments of the disclosure. Fig. 1a shows the armrest 100 in a first configuration and Fig. 1b shows the armrest 100 in a second configuration. The armrest 100 comprises a base 110, an arm 120 and a pin 130. The base 110 is configured to connect to a toilet. The arm 120 is pivotally connected to the base 110. The base 110 comprises the pin 130 or the base 110 is coupled to the pin 130. The arm 120 comprises a closed track 140, and the pin 130 is received in the track 140. The armrest 100 is for connecting and disconnecting to a toilet, for example to a toilet seat. The base 110 may be configured to connect to a toilet seat. In some examples, the armrest 100 further comprises connection means 170 to connect the base 110 to a toilet seat. Connection means 170 can be seen in the examples of Figs 3 and 4. The arm 120 is for supporting an arm of a user. The arm 120 may be considered to be the body 120 of the armrest 100. When the arm 120 rotates relative to the base 110, the arm 120 also rotates relative to the toilet. This allows the position of the arm 120 to be adjusted, including positioning the arm 120 so that it is out of the way of a user. The armrest 100 is configured such that when the arm 120 rotates relative to the base 110 the pin 130 moves along the track 140. The track 140 limits the movement of the pin 130 and so limits the rotation of the arm 120 and base 110. In some examples, the pin 130 is fixedly coupled to base 110. The pin 130 may be a projection 130. The pin 130 may be considered to be a peg 130. The pin 130 might or might not be elongate. The pin 130 might or might not be tapered. The pin 130 can be any suitable shape. In the illustrated example, the track 140 is elongate and curved. In some examples the track 140 is a groove, a slot and / or an arc. In some examples, the track 140 is a through hole. In other examples the track 140 is a blind hole. In the illustrated example the track 140 is linear and comprises two ends 141, 142. The track 140 is closed at both ends. One end 141 might be considered to be the start of the track 140 and the other end 142 might be considered to be the end of the track 140. In some examples the pin 130 is configured to fit in the track 140 with a clearance fit or a location fit. In Fig. 1a the armrest 100 is in a first configuration. In the illustrated first configuration the pin 130 is at or near a first end 141 of the track 140, and the illustrated arm 120 is substantially vertical. Subsequently the arm 120 is rotated relative to the base 110, so that the armrest 100 is in a second configuration which is shown in Fig. 1b. In the illustrated second configuration the pin 130 is at or near a second end 142 of the track 140, and the illustrated arm 120 is no longer vertical. In this example the arm 120 has rotated approximately 60°. In other examples the difference in angle between the configurations may be different, such as substantially 45° or 90°. In some examples difference in angle between the configurations is between 20° and 120° The track 140 and its two ends 141, 142 improve the security of positions of the arm 120 relative to the base 110. The two ends 141, 142 provide locking positions which lock the positions of the arm 120 relative to the base 110. This provides the technical effect of allowing an armrest 100 to be adjustable, whilst improving the security of positions of the armrest 100. This leads to improved user safety. Figs 2a, 2b and 2c show a second example of an armrest 100 for a toilet according to embodiments of the disclosure. Fig. 2a shows the armrest 100 in a first configuration, Fig. 2b shows the armrest 100 in a second configuration, Fig. 2c shows a close up view of the armrest 100 in a third configuration. In the illustrated third configuration, the pin 130 is approximately halfway along the track 140. In this example, part of the base 110 is depicted as being semi-transparent in order to allow components of the armrest 100 to be visible. The second example of an armrest 100 may comprise any of the features described regarding the first example of an armrest 100. The second example of an armrest 100 is similar to the first example of an armrest 100 with some differences. In the illustrated armrest 100 a pivot 150 is visible. The arm 120 is pivotally connected to the base 110 at the pivot 150. The pivot 150 defines an axis of rotation of the arm 120 relative to the base 110. In this example the pivot 150 is an axle running through the base 110 and arm 120, with the base 110 and arm 120 each comprising an aperture for the pivot 150. The illustrated arm 120 comprises a supporting structure 121 for the track 140. In this example the structure 121 is substantially wheel shaped. The illustrated track 140 is a through hole through the structure 121. The track 140 and pin 130 are spaced from the pivot 150. In the illustrated example the track 140 is substantially the same distance from the pivot 150 along the length of the track 140. The curvature of the track 140 is such that track 140 is substantially the same distance from the pivot 150 along the length of the track 140. The pin 130 is spaced form the pivot 150 by substantially the same distance that the track 140 is spaced from the pivot 150. In some examples, the curvature of the track 140 substantially matches the rotation of the pin 130 about the pivot 150. Being substantially the same distance from the pivot 150 may involve the distances being within 10% of the same size, such as within 5%, or within 1%. In this example the track 140 is substantially flat and the track 140 located in a 2D plane. In some examples the pin 130 cannot exit the track 140 in a direction parallel to the 2D plane. The 2D plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the arm 120 relative to the base 110. In the illustrated example, the pin 130 is a rod 130 and the base 110 comprises a through hole for the rod 130. The illustrated pin 130 comprises a cap which is too large to pass through the though hole. In other example the pin 130 may have a different form and may be connected to the base 110 in a different manner. For example the pin 130 may be integrally formed with the base 110, or the pin 130 may be fixed to the base 130 using adhesive. The illustrated base 110 comprises a platform 111 and at least one wall 112. The illustrated at least one wall 112 is substantially perpendicular to the platform 111. The illustrated at least one wall 112 partially encloses the pivot 150, track 140 and pin 130. In some but not necessarily all examples, the base 110 comprises a first portion 112 positioned on a first side of the arm 120 and a second portion 113 positioned substantially on the opposite side of the arm 120, wherein the pin 130 connects to the first and second portions of the base 110 through the track 140. This can be seen in Fig. 3. In some examples, the armrest 100 is configured such that the pin 130 has a first locking position at or close to a first end 141 of the track 140, and a second locking position at or close to a second end 142 of the track 140. The first end 141 may be considered to be a bottom end 141. The second end 142 may be considered to be a top end 142. The armrest 100 is configured such that when the pin 130 is in the first or second locking position, a rotational position of the arm 120 relative to the base 110 is substantially locked. The arm 120 and base 110 may be considered to be locked together at a locking angle. This can lock the arm 120 in place so it can be used by a user. This can also lock the arm 120 in a position where it is out of the way of a user. In some examples the two ends 141, 142 provide the locking positions. In some examples the base 110 further comprises at least one retainer 161, 162 configured to retain the pin 130 in a locking position. As is best seen in Fig. 2c, in this example the base 110 comprises a first retainer 161 configured to retain the pin 130 in a first locking position, and a second retainer 162 configured to retain the pin 130 in a second locking position. The first retainer 161 is positioned near to the first end 141 of the track 140, and the second retainer 162 is positioned near to the second end 142 of the track 140. The illustrated retainers 161, 162 are positioned spaced from the ends 141, 142 of the track 140. A retainer 161, 162 is positioned spaced from an end 141, 142 of the track 140 by a distance similar to a width of the pin 130, for example by slightly more than the width of the pin 130. In this example, a retainer 161, 162 and an end 141, 142 of the track 140 form sides of a cavity for retaining the pin 130. The cavity defines a locking position. The first retainer 161 and first end 141 provide a first cavity defining a first locking position. The second retainer 162 and second end 142 provide a second cavity defining a second locking position. In some examples the pin 130 is configured to fit in the track 140 with a clearance fit, and the pin 130 is configured to fit in a cavity with a location fit, a transition fit or an interference fit. In some examples, when the pin 130 is in a locking position a higher degree of force is needed to move the pin 130 along the track 140 than is needed at other positions on the track 140. For example more twice the force, more than 3 times the force, more than 5 times the force or more than 10 times the force. In some examples, a retainer 161, 162 comprises a protrusion I bump. The retainer 161, 162 may effectively make the track 140 smaller and so make it more difficult for the pin 130 to move past the retainer 161, 162 along the track 140. In the illustrated example the retainers 161, 162 are rounded and are shaped as being a portion of a sphere, such as being hemispherical. In other examples the retainers 161, 162 may be different shapes. A rounded or tapered shape helps to provide a smoother transition from the pin 130 being within a locking position to being outside of the locking position. In some examples, a retainer 161, 162 is configured to resiliently deflect to allow the pin 130 to pass along the track 140. In some examples the retainers 161, 162 are positioned within the track 140, In other examples the retainers 161, 162 are positioned outside of the track 140. In some examples the end 122 of the arm 120 which is proximal to the base 110 has a rounded shape. This end 122 may be configured to contact the platform 111 and be supported by the platform 111. A rounded shape improves ease of movement of the arm 120 relative to the base 110. In the illustrated example the end 122 of the arm 120 has a rounded shape with two substantially flat portions 123, 124, where one of the flat portions 123 is configured to contact the platform 111 when the pin 130 is in one of the locking positions. A flat portion 123, 124 contacting the platform 111 helps to improving stability and thus user safety. Fig. 3 shows a third example of an armrest 100 for a toilet according to embodiments of the disclosure. The third example of an armrest 100 may comprise any of the features described regarding the first and second examples of an armrest 100. The third example of an armrest 100 is similar to the second example of an armrest 100 with some differences. In the illustrated example, wherein the arm 120 has proximal and distal portions 125, 126. The proximal portion 125 is proximal to the base 110 and the distal portion 126 is distal to the base 110. The proximal portion 125 is pivotally connected to the base 110 and the distal portion 126 is for supporting an arm of a user. The illustrated proximal and distal portions 125, 126 are substantially perpendicular to each other. In the examples they may be at a different angle or they may be aligned. In some examples the proximal and distal portions 125, 126 are fixedly connected. In some examples the proximal and distal portions 125, 126 are integrally formed. In some examples the arm 120 is height adjustable. The arm 120 may comprise height adjustment means. For example the arm 120 may comprise an inner part and outer part, the outer part may comprise a series of holes along a length of the arm 120 and the inner part may comprise a projection configured to be received in the holes. The height I length of the arm 120 may be adjusted by disconnecting the projection from one hole and connecting the projection to a different hole. The illustrated armrest 100 comprises connection means 170 for connecting the armrest 100 to a toilet. In this example the platform 111 comprises at least one aperture 171 for connecting to a toilet seat using the fixings of the toilet seat. The platform 111 may be positioned between the toilet and toilet seat and a threaded fastener passes through apertures 171 in the toilet seat, the armrest platform 111, and the toilet, connecting them together. In some example the armrest 100 may be used with a raised toilet seat. In some examples the armrest 100 may comprise or be a raised toilet seat. The platform 111 may be configured to raise the height of a toilet seat. The illustrated armrest 100 comprises a support 180, which may be considered part of the connection means 170. The support 180 helps to stabilize the armrest 100. In this example the support 180 comprises an abutment member 181 for abutting the sides of a toilet, and an adjustment portion 182. The abutment member 181 comprises resiliently deflectable members I arms 183. The resiliently deflectable members 183 are angled with respect to the sides of the toilet. As such, the contact area between the resiliently deflectable members 183 and the sides of the toilet increases as they are brought closer together. The adjustment portion 182 allow for adjustment of the contact area and force between the abutment member 181 and the sides of a toilet. The adjustment portion 182 comprises a threaded fastener 184 and a threaded aperture 185. The threaded aperture 185 is positioned in a limb 186 connected to the base 110, which may be considered to be part of the base 110. The adjustment portion 182 also comprises a handle 187. Fig. 4 shows a fourth example of an armrest 100 for a toilet according to embodiments of the disclosure. The fourth example of an armrest 100 may comprise any of the features described regarding the first, second and third examples of an armrest 100. The fourth of an armrest 100 is similar to the third example of an armrest 100 with some differences. In this example the armrest 100 comprises two arms 120. One for either side of the toilet. Both arms 120 are pivotally connected to the base 110 in a similar manner as described regarding Figs 1 to 3. In the illustrated example, both arms 120 are connected to a single base 110. In other examples the arms 120 connect to separate bases 110. In this example the pivot 150, track 140 and pin 130, are fully enclosed. The illustrated walls 412 of the base 110 enclosed these components. The illustrated arms 120 comprise raised portions 127 for a user’s hands. The illustrated raised portions 127 are positioned at the distal ends of the arms 120. In some but not necessarily all examples a method comprises: providing a base 110; providing a pin 130, wherein the base 110 comprises the pin 130 or the base 110 is coupled to the pin 130; and providing an arm 120 pivotally connected to the base 110, wherein the arm 120 comprises a closed track 140, and the pin 130 is received in the track 140. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’ In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. The description of a feature, such as an apparatus or a component of an apparatus, configured to perform a function, or for performing a function, should additionally be considered to also disclose a method of performing that function. For example, description of an apparatus configured to perform one or more actions, or for performing one or more actions, should additionally be considered to disclose a method of performing those one or more actions with or without the apparatus. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and 5 clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. 10 Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. 15 l / we claim:

Claims

1. An armrest for a toilet, the armrest comprising:a base configured to connect to a toilet;a pin, wherein the base comprises the pin or the base is coupled to the pin; and an arm pivotally connected to the base, wherein the arm comprises a closed track, and the pin is received in the track.

2. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the armrest is configured such that when the arm rotates relative to the base the pin moves along the track.

3. The armrest of claim 1 or 2, wherein the track is elongate and curved.

4. The armrest of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the arm is pivotally connected to the base at a pivot, and wherein the track is spaced from the pivot.

5. The armrest of claim 4, wherein the track is substantially the same distance from the pivot along the length of the track.

6. The armrest of claim 5, wherein the pin is spaced form the pivot by substantially the same distance that the track is spaced from the pivot.

7. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the track is linear and comprises two ends, wherein the track is closed at either end.

8. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the track is located in a 2D plane, and wherein the armrest is configured such that the pin cannot exit the track in a direction parallel to the 2D plane.

9. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the track is a through hole.

10. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the armrest is configured such that the pin has a first locking position at or close to a first end of the track, and a second locking position at or close to a second end of the track, and wherein thearmrest is configured such that when the pin is in the first or second locking position a rotational position of the arm relative to the base is substantially locked.

11. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises at least one retainer configured to retain the pin in a locking position.

12. The armrest of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a first retainer configured to retain the pin in a first locking position, and a second retainer configured to retain the pin in a second locking position.

13. The armrest of claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one retainer is positioned near to an end of the track.

14. The armrest of claim 11, 12 or 13, when dependent on claim 7 wherein the at least one retainer is positioned spaced from the ends of the track.

15. The armrest of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one retainer is positioned spaced from an end of the track by a distance similar to a width of the pin.

16. The armrest of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the at least one retainer comprises at least one protrusion.

17. The armrest of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the at least one retainer is configured to resiliently deflect to allow the pin to pass along the track.

18. The armrest of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the at least one retainer and an end of the track form sides of a cavity for retaining the pin.

19. The armrest of claim 18, wherein the pin is configured to fit in the track with a clearance fit, and wherein the pin is configured to fit in the cavity with a location fit, a transition fit or an interference fit.

20. The armrest of any of claims 10 to 19, wherein the arm comprises an end which is proximal to the base, wherein the end of the arm has a rounded shape with at leastone substantially flat portion, the at least one substantially flat portion being configured to contact the base when the pin is a locking position.

21. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the pin is a rod, and the base comprises a through hole for the rod.

22. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a first portion positioned on a first side of the arm and a second portion positioned substantially on the opposite side of the arm, wherein the pin connects to the first and second portions of the base through the track.

23. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, further comprising connection means to connect the base to a toilet seat.

24. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the armrest is for connecting and disconnecting to a toilet seat.

25. The armrest of any of the preceding claims, wherein the arm comprises proximal and distal portions, wherein the proximal portion is pivotally connected to the base and the distal portion is for supporting an arm of a user.A

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