Toilet seat with standing aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary device (1), comprising a sanitary bowl (2) having at least one seat (3) for a user (4); wherein the seat (3) is movably arranged on the sanitary bowl (2) such that it can be moved away from the sanitary bowl (2) and towards a user (4) in order to support the user (4) during a movement of the user (4) which involves sitting down on the seat (3) and standing back up from the seat (3); wherein the seat (3) can be moved by a movement device (6).

Description

[0001] GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0002] P24-0210W001

[0003] - 1 - Sanitary facilities

[0004] The present invention relates to a sanitary installation. Such sanitary installations, for example in the form of toilet installations, can serve to receive excrement or liquid and / or solid bodily excretions.

[0005] Sanitary facilities typically include a basin that can be cleaned after use with a flushing fluid, particularly water. For this purpose, the sanitary facility may, for example, be connected to a cistern to hold the flushing fluid, with a drain valve controlling the flow of the flushing fluid from the cistern into the basin.

[0006] The sanitary basin is mounted on a building wall or a wall-mounted element at a height that allows a user of the sanitary facility to sit comfortably on it. Depending on the user's height, age, and / or health limitations, the height required for comfortable sitting on the sanitary basin, or the position of the sanitary basin suitable for comfortable sitting and standing, may change. Sanitary facilities with height-adjustable sanitary basins are known. In these systems, the sanitary basin, along with a seat and / or a (toilet) lid, can be adjusted in height, tilted around a pivot point, or fitted with an attachment.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a sanitary installation in which sitting down and standing up can be adapted to the different needs of a user. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0008] P24-0210W001

[0009] - 2 -

[0010] This problem is solved by a sanitary fitting according to the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0011] This is achieved by a sanitary facility that includes a sanitary basin with at least one seat for a user. The seat is movably mounted on the sanitary basin (with the aid of a movement device) so that it can be moved away from the sanitary basin and towards a user in order to support the user during their movements, which include sitting down and standing up from the seat. The seat is movable by a movement device that has at least

[0012] • has a leaf spring; or

[0013] • can be operated by supplying and removing a gaseous or liquid medium; or

[0014] • includes a lever mechanism that is attached to the sanitary basin or extends at least partially through the sanitary basin; or

[0015] • is coupled to a lid of the sanitary fixture, the lid at least partially covering the seat, and the coupling causes the seat to move when the lid is moved.

[0016] Sanitary equipment is particularly suitable for use in sanitary facilities, such as those used for personal hygiene. For example, sanitary equipment can be designed as a toilet, a (sit) toilet, a WC, a urinal, or a bidet. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0017] P24-0210W001

[0018] - 3 -

[0019] The sanitary facility includes a sanitary basin. This basin could be, for example, a toilet bowl or a bidet bowl. The sanitary basin serves, for example, to collect excrement.

[0020] To remove excrement from the sanitary basin, the sanitary basin can be rinsed, in particular with a rinsing liquid, especially water.

[0021] The sanitary basin may have a siphon.

[0022] The sanitary basin has a seat for a user of the sanitary facility. In addition to the seat, the sanitary basin may also have a (toilet) lid. The sanitary basin may be made at least partially of ceramic, metal, and / or plastic.

[0023] The sanitary basin can be attached to a support (hereinafter also referred to as a pre-wall element) at its rear. The support can be, in particular, a wall, a building wall, or a mounting frame. Such mounting frames are known, for example, as pre-wall elements. These are attached to the building wall and then covered with a partition wall. Wall cladding elements, such as tiles, can then be attached to the partition wall. An access shaft or wall opening can be incorporated into the wall and / or the partition wall. The sanitary basin can be attached to the support, in particular at a distance from the floor or building floor.

[0024] In particular, the sanitary basin is fixed in place (e.g., on a support or a wall-mounted element), so that the sanitary basin itself cannot be moved to a different position by the user. It is proposed that the seat be movably mounted on the sanitary fixture and / or on the fixed sanitary basin, so that it can be moved away from the sanitary basin and GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0025] P24-0210W001

[0026] -4 -

[0027] can be moved towards a user in order to support the user during their movement, which includes sitting down on the seat and standing up from the seat.

[0028] The seat is positioned (especially immediately) before a user sits down in a (first) position away from the sanitary basin and is then moved by the user towards the sanitary basin (into a second position). Specifically, when the user stands up again (especially automatically, i.e., not by the user), the seat is moved back to its initial position (or first position).

[0029] In particular, the seat provides support to the user when sitting down and standing up, making it easier and more comfortable for the user to sit down and stand up again with assistance. Specifically, the force exerted by the seat on the user (and away from the sanitary basin) is at least 100 Newtons, preferably at least 200 Newtons, and most preferably at least 300 Newtons, at least temporarily. This force is dimensioned such that the user can shift their position on the seat when sitting down.

[0030] The force can be permanently preset to a fixed value or adjustable by a technician or the user (possibly even with each use). The force can also adjust itself automatically, particularly depending on the user.

[0031] In particular, the seat is at least partially displaceable in a vertical direction relative to the sanitary basin. This vertical direction extends, in particular, perpendicular to a surface on which a user stands while using the sanitary facility. This vertical direction extends, in particular, transversely to a seating surface formed by the seat on which a user sits when using the sanitary facility (i.e., when the seat is in the second position). In particular, the seat is displaceable in a vertical direction relative to the sanitary basin by at least 1 cm [centimeter], in particular by at least 2 cm, preferably by at least 3 cm. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0032] P24-0210W001

[0033] -5 -

[0034] In particular, the seat performs a tilting movement relative to the sanitary bowl. Unlike conventional toilets, this tilting movement does not involve pivoting towards a wall-mounted element, but rather is directed in the opposite direction. That is, the seat tilts towards a user standing in front of the sanitary fixture, so that the seat or seat surface is positioned closer to the user immediately before they sit down. The tilting movement is designed to follow the user's movement when sitting down or standing up. Specifically, the tilting movement includes tilting the seat relative to the stationary sanitary bowl by at least 5 degrees, and in particular by at least 8 degrees.

[0035] In particular, the seat performs a coupled movement relative to the sanitary basin; that is, it can be moved vertically and also tilts. Specifically, the seat, or rather the area of ​​the seat furthest from the sanitary basin, is moved vertically by at least 5 cm relative to the sanitary basin.

[0036] In particular, the seat is movable by a moving device, which is operated by supplying and removing a gaseous (e.g., compressed air) or liquid (water, oil) medium. Specifically, a pressure connection for the medium or a pump must be provided so that the medium can be supplied to and / or removed from the moving device. For example, a piston within a cylinder can be moved by the medium. Alternatively, an elastically deformable cushion can be acted upon by the medium, thereby increasing or decreasing its volume. The pump is specifically arranged on or even within the sanitary basin or a pre-wall element. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0037] P24-0210W001

[0038] - 6 -

[0039] In particular, the seat is movable by a movement device, the movement device comprising a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism can, in particular, redirect and / or amplify force. The lever mechanism is, in particular, attached (fastened) to the sanitary basin on one side and to the seat on the other.

[0040] In particular, the sanitary installation includes a lid for at least partially covering the seat. Specifically, the seat is movable by a moving device, the lid being coupled to the moving device such that a movement of the lid causes a movement of the seat. Specifically, when the moving device is coupled to the lid, opening the lid causes the seat to move away from the sanitary basin. Closing the lid, in particular, moves the seat towards the sanitary basin.

[0041] In particular, the coupling is achieved via a lever mechanism that is attached (tied) to the sanitary basin, the seat and the lid.

[0042] In particular, a tilting movement of the lid is opposed to a tilting movement of the seat. Specifically, in order to make the seat accessible to a user, the lid is moved away from the user during the tilting movement, e.g., towards a wall element (against which the open lid then leans, for example).

[0043] In particular, the lid is opened, making the seat and its surface accessible to a user. As a result of the lid opening, the seat (from the second position) pivots or moves towards the user (i.e., into the first position) due to the connection between the lid and the seat. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0044] P24-0210W001

[0045] - 7 -

[0046] In particular, the user can sit on the seat in its repositioned position, in which case only the seat (but not the lid) pivots back. The energy expended by the user when moving the seat (towards the second position and with the lid further open) can be stored in an energy storage element of the movement device and used to move the seat back (to the first position) when the user stands up again. When the lid is placed back on the seat, this movement can also move the seat back (i.e., back to the second position).

[0047] In particular, the seat is movable by a movement device, whereby the movement device is exclusively elastically deformable and is elastically deformed by sitting down and elastically returned to its original shape by standing up again. In this case, the movement device can be designed, for example, as a gas spring or as a mechanical spring element (leaf spring, compression spring, etc.).

[0048] In particular, the seat is movable by means of a movement device, wherein the movement device is arranged between a seat surface facing the user and the sanitary fixture, or within the sanitary fixture, or within a wall-mounted element to which the sanitary fixture is attached. Specifically, the parts of the movement device are exclusively connected or attached to the components of the sanitary fixture, i.e., the sanitary bowl, the seat, or the lid. Additionally, parts of the movement device may also be connected or attached to the wall-mounted element.

[0049] In particular, all moving parts of the movement device (i.e., not the seat) are positioned as inaccessible as possible to the user, so that the risk of injury to the user is minimized or even eliminated. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0050] P24-0210W001

[0051] - 8 -

[0052] The use of indefinite articles (“a”, “an”, “one”, and “one”), particularly in the patent claims and the description reproducing them, is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. Accordingly, terms or components introduced by these articles are to be understood as occurring at least once and, in particular, may also occur multiple times.

[0053] It should be noted as a precaution that the numerical terms used here ("first", "second", etc.) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and thus do not necessarily dictate any dependency and / or sequence between these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependency and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here, or it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art upon studying the specific configuration described. Where a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components may apply equally to all or some of the multiple components, but this is not mandatory.

[0054] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the figures, and especially the depicted dimensions, are only schematic. They show:

[0055] Fig. 1: a first embodiment of a sanitary installation and a user in a side view;

[0056] Fig. 2: a second design variant of a sanitary installation in a side view;

[0057] Fig. 3: A third design variant of a sanitary installation in a side view; GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0058] P24-0210W001

[0059] - 9 -

[0060] Fig. 4: a fourth embodiment of a sanitary installation, with a closed lid, in a side view;

[0061] Fig. 5: the sanitary installation according to Fig. 4 with an open lid and seat swiveled towards a user, in a side view;

[0062] Fig. 6: the sanitary installation according to Fig. 4 with an open lid and seat swiveled towards the sanitary basin, in a side view;

[0063] Fig. 7: a fifth design variant of a sanitary installation in a side view;

[0064] Fig. 8: a sixth design variant of a sanitary installation in a side view;

[0065] Fig. 9: a seventh design variant of a sanitary installation in a side view;

[0066] Fig. 10: an eighth embodiment of a sanitary installation with an open lid and a seat swiveled towards a user, in a perspective view;

[0067] Fig. 11: the sanitary installation according to Fig. 10 in a side view; and

[0068] Fig. 12: the sanitary installation according to Figs. 10 and 11 and with an open lid and seat swiveled towards the sanitary basin, in a side view.

[0069] Figures 1 to 12 each show a sanitary installation 1 in the form of a toilet. The sanitary installations 1 each comprise a sanitary bowl 2, which is attached to a wall-mounted element 11. The sanitary installations 2 also each comprise a seat 3 and a lid 9. The lid is manufactured by GROHEDAL Sanitärsysteme GmbH.

[0070] P24-0210W001

[0071] - 10 -

[0072] In particular, in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and 7 to 12, it is not mandatory, but only optional.

[0073] The seat 3 is movable by a different movement device 6, wherein the movement device 6 is arranged between a seat surface 10 of the seat 3 facing the user 4 and the sanitary fixture 1, or within the sanitary fixture 1, or within a wall-mounted element 11 to which the sanitary fixture 1 is attached. In particular, all movable parts of the movement device 6 (i.e., not the seat 3) are arranged as inaccessible as possible to a user 4, so that the risk of injury to the user 4 can be reduced as much as possible or even eliminated.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a sanitary installation 1 and a user 4 in a side view. Reference is made to the preceding descriptions.

[0075] The sanitary facility 1 has a sanitary basin 2 with a seat 3 for a user 4. The seat 3 is movably arranged on the sanitary facility 1 so that it can be moved away from the sanitary basin 2 and towards a user 4 in order to support the user 4 during their movement, which includes sitting down on the seat 3 and standing up from the seat 3.

[0076] The sanitary basin 2 is fixedly mounted on a wall-mounted element 11, so that the sanitary basin 2 cannot be moved to a different position by the user 4. Immediately before the user 4 sits down on the seat 3 (see Fig. 1), the seat 3 is positioned in a first position 12 away from the sanitary basin 2 and is then moved by the user 4 towards the sanitary basin 2 to a second position 13. When the user 4 stands up again, the seat 3 automatically returns to its initial position, i.e., not by the user 4. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0077] P24-0210W001

[0078] - 11 -

[0079] User 4 is supported by seat 3 when sitting down and standing up, making it easier and more comfortable for them to sit down and stand up again with assistance. A force exerted by seat 3 on user 4 (and directed away from the sanitary basin 2) is at least 100 Newtons, at least temporarily. This force is designed to allow user 4 to move seat 3 when sitting down.

[0080] The seat 3 is movable by a movement device 6, wherein the movement device 6 is exclusively elastically deformable and is elastically deformed by sitting down and elastically returned to its original shape by standing up again. The movement device 6 is designed as a gas spring.

[0081] The seat 3 tilts relative to the sanitary basin 2. Unlike conventional toilets, this tilting movement does not involve pivoting towards a wall-mounted element 11, but rather is in the opposite direction. That is, the seat 3 tilts towards a user 4 located in front of the sanitary fixture 1, so that the seat 3, or rather the seat surface 10, is positioned closer to the user 4 immediately before they sit down. The tilting movement is designed to follow the movement of the user 4 when sitting down or standing up. The seat 3 is tiltably mounted to the sanitary basin 2 via a pivot bearing 14, which, if necessary, allows the seat 3 to move in a transverse direction 15 (perpendicular to the direction of height 5).

[0082] The pivot bearing 14 is arranged on a part of the sanitary basin 2 or the seat 3 that is remote from the wall-mounted element 11. The movement device 6, designed as a gas spring, contacts the seat 3 at a part of the seat 3 that is oriented towards the wall-mounted element 11.

[0083] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1 in a side view. Reference is made to the descriptions of Fig. 1. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0084] P24-0210W001

[0085] - 12 -

[0086] In contrast to the first version, the movement device 6 is designed as a leaf spring, which is also exclusively elastically deformable.

[0087] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1 in a side view. Reference is made to the descriptions in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0088] In contrast to the first and second versions, the movement device 6 is designed as a cushion. The cushion can be acted upon by a medium 7, and its volume can be increased or decreased.

[0089] The seat 3 is thus movable by a movement device 6, which can be operated by supplying and removing a gaseous (e.g., compressed air) or liquid (water, oil) medium 7. The movement device 6 includes a pump 16, so that the medium 7 can be supplied to and removed from the movement device 6 or the cushion.

[0090] The cushion allows the seat 3 to be moved relative to the sanitary basin 2 in the direction of a height 5. Height 5 extends perpendicularly to a surface on which a user 4 (see Fig. 1) is standing while using the sanitary facility 1. Height 5 extends transversely to a seating surface 10 formed by the seat 3, on which a user 4 sits when using the sanitary facility 1 (i.e., when the seat 3 is in a second position 13).

[0091] Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1, with a closed lid 9, in a side view. Fig. 5 shows the sanitary fitting 1 according to Fig. 4 with an open lid 9 and the seat 3 pivoted towards a user 4, in a side view. Fig. 6 shows the sanitary fitting according to Fig. 4 with an open lid 9 and the seat 3 pivoted towards the sanitary basin 2, in a side view. Figs. 4 to 6 are described together below. Reference is made to the descriptions of Figs. 1 to 3. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0092] P24-0210W001

[0093] - 13 -

[0094] The seat 3 is movable by a movement device 6, the movement device 6 comprising a lever mechanism 8. The lever mechanism 8 enables force redirection and / or force transmission. The lever mechanism 8 comprises a first lever arm 17, which pivotally connects the seat 3 to the sanitary basin 2; a second lever arm 18, which pivotally connects the seat to the sanitary basin 2; and a third lever arm 19, which connects the cover 9 to the first lever arm 17. A tension spring is arranged on the third lever arm 19. The connection of the third lever arm 19 to the cover 9 is arranged laterally offset from a pivot axis 20 of the cover 9.

[0095] The seat 3 performs a coupled movement relative to the sanitary basin 2, i.e. it can be moved in the direction of a height 5 and also performs a tilting movement.

[0096] The sanitary fitting 1 has a cover 9 for at least partially covering the seat 3. The seat 3 is movable by a movement device 6, the cover 9 being coupled to the movement device 6, so that a movement of the cover 9 causes a movement of the seat 3.

[0097] A tilting movement of the lid 9 is opposed to a tilting movement of the seat 3. To make the seat 3 accessible to a user 4, the lid 9 is moved away from the user 4 and towards the wall-mounted element 11 during the tilting movement. The open lid 9 rests against the wall-mounted element 11.

[0098] The cover 9 is opened, making the seat 3, or rather its seating surface 10, accessible to a user 4. As a result of the opening of the cover 9, and due to the coupling between the cover 9 and the seat 3, the seat 3 pivots or moves from the second position 13 towards the user 4, i.e., into the first position 12 (see transition from Fig. 4 to 5). GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0099] P24-0210W001

[0100] - 14 -

[0101] User 4 can sit on the offset seat 3 (Fig. 5), whereby only the seat 3 (but not the cover 9) pivots back into the second position 13. The energy applied by user 4 when shifting the seat 3 (towards the second position 13 and with the cover 9 further opened, see Fig. 6) can be stored in the gas spring of the movement device 6, which acts as an energy storage element, and used when the user stands up again to shift the seat 3 back (to the first position 12, see Fig. 5). If the cover 9 is placed back on the seat 3, this movement can also shift the seat 3 back (i.e., back into the second position 13, see Fig. 4).

[0102] Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1 in a side view. Reference is made to the descriptions of Figs. 1 to 6.

[0103] Here, the movement device 6 is designed as a gas spring. The gas spring is arranged or attached to the sanitary basin 2.

[0104] Fig. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1 in a side view. Reference is made to the descriptions of Figs. 1 to 7.

[0105] Here, the movement device 6 is designed as a sliding device. A lever 21 is displaced by the slider 22 in the direction of height 5. The lever 21 is guided in the wall element 11 and connected to the seat 3, so that the latter can pivot about the pivot bearing 14.

[0106] Fig. 9 shows a seventh embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1 in a side view. Reference is made to the descriptions in Figs. 1 to 8. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0107] P24-0210W001

[0108] - 15 -

[0109] Here, the movement device 6 is designed as a toggle lever 23. With the toggle lever 23, the seat 3 can be moved in the direction of height 5, as shown in Fig. 8, and pivoted about a pivot bearing 14.

[0110] Fig. 10 shows an eighth embodiment of a sanitary fitting 1 with an open lid 9 and a seat 3 pivoted towards a user 4, in a perspective view. Fig. 11 shows the sanitary fitting 1 according to Fig. 10 in a side view. Fig. 12 shows the sanitary fitting 1 according to Figs. 10 and 11 with an open lid 9 and a seat 3 pivoted towards the sanitary basin 2, in a side view. Figs. 10 to 12 are described together below. Reference is made to the descriptions of Figs. 1 to 9.

[0111] Here, the movement device 6 is designed as a gas spring, extending from a connection on the sanitary basin 2 to the seat 3 and tilting it about the pivot bearing 14. The gas spring is guided by a sleeve element 24 arranged on the sanitary basin 2. GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH

[0112] P24-0210W001

[0113] - 16 - List of reference symbols

[0114] 1 sanitary facility

[0115] 2 sanitary basins

[0116] 3-seater

[0117] 4 users

[0118] 5 Height

[0119] 6 Motion device

[0120] 7 Medium

[0121] 8 lever mechanism

[0122] 9 lids

[0123] 10 Seat surface

[0124] 11. Prefabricated wall element

[0125] 12 first position

[0126] 13 second position

[0127] 14 swivel bearings

[0128] 15 transverse direction

[0129] 16 pump

[0130] 17 first lever arm

[0131] 18 second lever arm

[0132] 19 third lever arm

[0133] 20 Rotary axis

[0134] 21 levers

[0135] 22 sliders

[0136] 23 Knee levers

[0137] 24 sleeve element

Claims

GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH P24-0210W001 - 17 - Patent claims 1. Sanitary installation (1) comprising a sanitary basin (2) with at least one seat (3) for a user (4); wherein the seat (3) is movably arranged on the sanitary basin (2) so that it can be moved away from the sanitary basin (2) and towards a user (4) in order to support the user (4) during a movement of the user (4) which includes sitting down on the seat (3) and standing up from the seat (3); wherein the seat (3) is movable by a movement device (6) which at least • has a leaf spring; or • can be operated by supplying and removing a gaseous or liquid medium (7); or • comprises a lever mechanism (8) that is attached to the sanitary basin (2) or extends at least partially through the sanitary basin (2); or • is coupled to a cover (9) of the sanitary installation (1), wherein the cover (9) at least partially covers the seat (3), and the coupling causes the seat (3) to move when the cover (9) is moved.

2. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the seat (3) is at least partially displaceable relative to the sanitary basin (2) in the direction of a height (5).

3. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the seat (3) performs a tilting movement relative to the sanitary basin (2).

4. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the movement device (6) at least the supply or discharge of the gaseous or liquid medium (7) is carried out by a pump (16). GROHEDAL Sanitary Systems GmbH P24-0210W001 - 18 - 5. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever mechanism (8) is attached on one side to the sanitary basin (2) and on the other side to the seat (3).

6. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when the movement device (6) is coupled with the lid (9) opening the lid (9) causes the seat (3) to move away from the sanitary basin (2).

7. Sanitary installation (1) according to claim 6, wherein the coupling is effected via a lever mechanism (8) which is attached to the sanitary basin (2), the seat (3) and the lid (9).

8. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the seat (3) is movable by a movement device (6), wherein the movement device (6) is exclusively elastically deformable and is elastically deformed by sitting down and elastically deformable again by standing up.

9. Sanitary installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement device (6) is arranged between a seat surface (10) of the seat (3) facing the user (4) and the sanitary basin (2) or within the sanitary basin (2) or within a pre-wall element (11) to which the sanitary basin (2) is attached.

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