PORTABLE TOILET TRANSFER DEVICE AND METHODS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Approximately 75 million people worldwide use wheelchairs and perform transfers to and from their wheelchairs multiple times each day to perform tasks such as going to the bathroom. However, these transfers can lead to falls resulting in injuries, future fears of falling, and healthcare expenses. For example, in one study among MS patients, 75% reported falling within the past 6 months, 48% of those falls resulted in injury, 75% have a fear of falling, and 66% limit their activity due to a fear of falling (see JongHun S. et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, 41:4, 389-395 (2019)). Of the responses, 50% of participants reported falling during a wheelchair transfer, and greater than 50% of these falls during a transfer were in the bathroom.

Toileting is a personal and private experience, and thus requiring assistance can lower self-esteem or lead to a reluctance to go to the bathroom. Furthermore, other issues that can further hinder wheelchair transfers include limited toileting space in home bathrooms, limited toileting space in public bathrooms when ADA bathrooms are not available or are in use, and misplaced or unstable grab bars in ADA bathrooms. Furthermore, when bars are unable to be used, the person often has to use the toilet seat for leverage, which is a sanitation concern.

Current self-transfer products attempt to mitigate these issues but can have problems of their own. For example, grab bars require installation and therefore may not be present, may not be stable, or not placed in a correct location. External toilet handles and rails are not easily portable, require overextension, and can be unstable. Transfer boards are not easily portable, are hard to position, can cause shear injury, and have an unstable see-saw effect when in use.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a stable portable toilet transfer device and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are set forth below, and any combination of these embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made to define another embodiment.

In one aspect, a portable toilet transfer device comprises a clip configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, comprising an interior side portion including a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior engagement member positioned at the distal end, an exterior side portion including a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior engagement member positioned at the distal end, and a central portion connected to the proximal end of the interior side portion and the proximal end of the exterior side portion, and a handle connected to the clip.

In one embodiment, the clip and handle form a single unit. In one embodiment, the handle is removably attached to the clip. In one embodiment, the handle is fixedly attached to the clip. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a signifier. In one embodiment, the signifier comprises finger grooves.

In one embodiment, the handle connects to the clip at a first point positioned proximate to the proximal end and first end, and wherein the handle connects to the clip at a second point proximate to the proximal end and second end.

In one embodiment, the handle connects to the clip at a first point positioned proximate to the distal end and first end, and wherein the handle connects to the clip at a second point proximate to the proximal end and second end.

In one embodiment, the clip is curved to fit a toilet. In one embodiment, the clip has a radius of curvature of about 10″ inner to about 16″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13″ in a plane parallel to the central portion. In one embodiment, the interior engagement member is configured to engage at least one of the interior rim of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat. In one embodiment, the exterior engagement member is configured to engage at least one of the exterior rim of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat.

In one embodiment, the clip generally has an inverted U shape. In one embodiment, the handle attaches to the exterior side portion of the clip. In one embodiment, the angle between the interior side portion and the central portion is in the range of 30 to 100 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle between the exterior side portion and the central portion is in the range of 50 to 120 degrees. In one embodiment, the central portion, interior side portion, and exterior side portion are generally arc shaped.

In one embodiment, the clip comprises at least one of ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, and resin. In one embodiment, the handle comprises at least one of ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, and resin.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing the toilet transfer device as described above comprises providing a mold of the toilet transfer device, filling the mold with a moldable material, curing the moldable material to form the toilet transfer device, and removing the toilet transfer device from the mold.

In one embodiment, the moldable material comprises at least one of ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing the toilet transfer device as described above comprises providing a toilet transfer device design, and 3D printing the toilet transfer device using a 3D printable material.

In one embodiment, the 3D printable material comprises at least one of ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin.

In another aspect, a toilet transfer method comprises providing a portable toilet transfer device comprising a clip configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, the clip comprising an interior side portion, and exterior side portion and a central portion connected to the interior side portion and the exterior side portion, and a handle connected to the clip, attaching the portable toilet transfer device to a toilet, transferring from a wheelchair to the toilet, transferring from the toilet to the wheelchair, and removing the portable toilet transfer device from the toilet.

In one embodiment, the clip includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. In one embodiment, the interior side portion includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior engagement member positioned at the distal end.

In one embodiment, the exterior side portion includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior engagement member positioned at the distal end. In one embodiment, the central portion is connected to the proximal end of the interior side portion and the proximal end of the exterior side portion. In one embodiment, the method further comprises sanitizing the toilet transfer device after removing the toilet transfer device from the toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes and features, will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying figures below, which are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:

FIGS. 1A-1F show 3D renderings of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2G show images of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary high friction coefficient liner material attached to a portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows images of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device attached to a toilet in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5B show 3D renderings of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6E show images of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows images of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device attached to a toilet in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows an image of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an image of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary portable toilet transfer device manufacturing method in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary portable toilet transfer device manufacturing method in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an exemplary toilet transfer method in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13F show exemplary experimental finite element analysis (FEA) simulations of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-14F show exemplary experimental FEA simulations of an exemplary portable toilet transfer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a table showing exemplary experimental yield strengths for various materials in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows images of experimental high friction coefficient liner materials in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 17A-17F show images of experimental handle designs in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clearer comprehension of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in portable toilet transfer devices and methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, exemplary methods and materials are described.

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated with it in this section.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +20%, +10%, +5%, +1%, and +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Where appropriate, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views, in various embodiments, presented herein is a portable toilet transfer device and methods.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F and FIGS. 2A-2G, an exemplary portable toilet transfer device 100 is shown. FIGS. 1A-1F show various views of a 3D rendering of the device 100, and FIGS. 2A-2G show images from various angles of the device 100. The device 100 is configured to provide a portable and stable solution to the problems associated with toilet transfers.

In one embodiment, the portable toilet transfer device comprises a clip 111 configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, including a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end, and a handle 110 connected to the clip 111. The clip 111 comprises an interior side portion 112 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an interior engagement member 113 positioned at the distal end 104, an exterior side portion 115 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an exterior engagement member 116 positioned at the distal end 104, and a central portion 114 connected to the proximal end 103 of the interior side portion 112 and the proximal end 103 of the exterior side portion 115. The clip 111 generally has an inverted U shape and is configured to span the width of the toilet seat. The device 100 is configured to allow a user to leverage against the toilet and toilet seat without the risk of contamination.

The handle 110 connects to the clip 111 at a first point positioned proximate to the distal end 104 and first end 101 on the exterior side portion 115, and at a second point proximate to the proximal end 103 and second end 102 on the exterior side portion 115. The interior engagement member 113 is configured to engage the interior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat. The exterior engagement member 116 is configured to engage the exterior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat.

In some embodiments, the clip 111 has a radius of curvature of about 10″ inner to about 16″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13″ shown by dashed line 105 in a plane parallel to the central portion. In some embodiments, the clip 111 has a radius of curvature of about 11″ inner to about 15″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13″ shown by dashed line 105 in a plane parallel to the central portion. In some embodiments, the clip 111 has a radius of curvature of about 11.795″ inner to about 14.88″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13.338″ shown by dashed line 105 in a plane parallel to the central portion.

In some embodiments, the handle 110 is removably attached to the clip 111 via a keyhole slot and hanger, cleat, fastener, toggle, and/or other known means in the art. In some embodiments, the handle 110 is fixedly attached to the clip 111 via fasteners, adhesives, welds and/or other known means in the art. In some embodiments, the clip 111 and handle 110 are manufactured simultaneously and thus form a single unit. In some embodiments, the device 100 further includes a signifier, such as finger grooves, for tactile feedback while in use.

In some embodiments, the central portion 114 has a length of about 5″, a width of about 3.5″, and a thickness of about 0.25″. In some embodiments, the central portion 114 has a length of about 3″ to 9″, a width of about 1″ to 5″, and a thickness of about 0.1″ to 1″. In some embodiments, the central portion 114 has a length of 4.7″ to 6″, a width of 3.5″ to 3.65″, and a thickness of 0.11″ to 0.49″.

In some embodiments, the interior side portion 112 has a length of about 5″, a width of about 3.5″, and a thickness of about 0.25″. In some embodiments, the interior side portion 112 has a length of about 3″ to 9″, a width of about 1″ to 5″, and a thickness of about 0.1″ to 1″. In some embodiments, the interior side portion 112 has a length of 4.7″ to 6″, a width of 3.5″ to 3.65″, and a thickness of 0.11″ to 0.49″.

In some embodiments, the exterior side portion 115 has a length of about 6″, a width of about 2″, and a thickness of about 0.5″. In some embodiments, the exterior side portion 115 has a length of about 3″ to 9″, a width of about 1″ to 5″, and a thickness of about 0.1″ to 1″. In some embodiments, the exterior side portion 115 has a length of 6 to 6.29″, a width of 1.71″ to 2.04″, and a thickness of 0.35″ to 0.65″.

In some embodiments, the angle between the interior side portion 112 and the central portion 114 is in the range of about 64 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the interior side portion 112 and the central portion 114 is in the range of about 30 to 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the interior side portion 112 and the central portion 114 is in the range of 61.4 to 67.4 degrees.

In some embodiments, the angle between the exterior side portion 115 and the central portion 114 is in the range of about 82 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the exterior side portion 115 and the central portion 114 is in the range of about 50 to 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the exterior side portion 115 and the central portion 114 is in the range of 81 to 83.5 degrees.

In some embodiments, the handle 110 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of about 0.6″. In some embodiments, the handle 110 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of about 0.1 to 1.5″. In some embodiments, the handle 110 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of 0.35″ to 0.9″.

In some embodiments, the clip 111 comprises ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin, or any other suitable material or combination thereof, for example. In some embodiments, the handle 110 comprises ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin, or any other suitable material or combination thereof, for example.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary high friction coefficient liner material 118 attached to a portable toilet transfer device 100. In some embodiments the liner 118 is removable. In some embodiments the liner 118 is fixedly attached. The high friction coefficient liner material 118 is configured to prevent unwanted slipping of device 100 when in use. Example high friction coefficient liner materials include, but are not limited to, silicone, synthetic rubber polymer, synthetic rubber resin, polyvinylchloride, EPDM sponge rubber, silicone blend, polychloroprene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and any other suitable high friction coefficient liner material or combination thereof. The liner material 118 can be attached to the device 100 via an adhesive bond or be molded directly as part of the device during manufacture. The liner material 118 can be positioned on the underside of the central portion 114, the interior (toilet rim) side of the exterior portion 115, the interior (toilet rim) side of the interior portion 112, on the exterior engagement member 116, and/or on the interior engagement member 113.

In some embodiments, the liner material 118 has a thickness of about 0.2″. In some embodiments, the liner material 118 has a thickness of about 0.05″ to 0.5″. In some embodiments, the liner material 118 has a thickness of 0.16″ to 0.25″.

In some embodiments, the liner material 118 has a static coefficient of friction of about 0.01 to 1, about 0.5 to 1, about 0.6 to 1, about 0.8 to 1, about 0.1 to 0.5, about 0.09 to 0.13, about 1, about 0.9, about 0.8, about 0.7, or any other suitable static coefficient of friction.

FIG. 4 shows images of the exemplary portable toilet transfer device 100 described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, FIGS. 2A-2G, and FIG. 3, attached to a toilet. The device 100 is curved and sized to have a near universal fit with standard toilets and toilet seats including round, oblong, oval, elongated, and horseshoe style toilets and toilet seats.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6E, another embodiment of the portable toilet transfer device 100 is shown. The portable toilet transfer device comprises a clip 111 configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, including a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end, and a handle 110 connected to the clip 111. The clip 111 comprises an interior side portion 112 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an interior engagement member 113 positioned at the distal end 104, an exterior side portion 115 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an exterior engagement member 116 positioned at the distal end 104, and a central portion 114 connected to the proximal end 103 of the interior side portion 112 and the proximal end 103 of the exterior side portion 115. The clip 111 generally has an inverted U shape and is configured to span the width of the toilet seat. The device 100 is configured to allow a user to leverage against the toilet and toilet seat without the risk of contamination.

The handle 110 connects to the clip 111 at a first point positioned proximate to the proximal end 103 and first end 101 on the exterior side portion 115, and at a second point proximate to the proximal end 103 and second end 102 on the exterior side portion 115. The interior engagement member 113 is configured to engage the interior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat. The exterior engagement member 116 is configured to engage the exterior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat.

FIG. 7 shows images of the exemplary portable toilet transfer device 100 described above and shown in FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6E attached to a toilet. The device 100 is curved and sized to have a near universal fit with standard toilets and toilet seats including round, oblong, oval, elongated, and horseshoe style toilets and toilet seats.

Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a portable toilet transfer device is shown. The portable toilet transfer device comprises a clip 111 configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, including a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end, and a handle 110 connected to the clip 111. The clip 111 comprises an interior side portion 112 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an interior engagement member 113 positioned at the distal end 104, an exterior side portion 115 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an exterior engagement member 116 positioned at the distal end 104, and a central portion 114 connected to the proximal end 103 of the interior side portion 112 and the proximal end 103 of the exterior side portion 115. The clip 111 generally has an inverted U shape and is configured to span the width of the toilet seat. The device 100 is configured to allow a user to leverage against the toilet and toilet seat without the risk of contamination.

The handle 110 connects to the clip 111 at a point positioned proximate to the proximal end 103 and second end 102 on the exterior side portion 115 and extends away from the connection point and curves toward the first end 101. The interior engagement member 113 is configured to engage the interior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat. The exterior engagement member 116 is configured to engage the exterior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a portable toilet transfer device 100 is shown. The portable toilet transfer device comprises a clip 111 configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, including a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end. The clip 111 comprises an interior side portion 112 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an interior engagement member 113 positioned at the distal end 104, an exterior side portion 115 including a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an exterior engagement member 116 positioned at the distal end 104, and a central portion 114 connected to the proximal end 103 of the interior side portion 112 and the proximal end 103 of the exterior side portion 115. The clip 111 generally has an inverted U shape and is configured to span the width of the toilet seat. The device 100 is configured to allow a user to leverage against the toilet and toilet seat without the risk of contamination. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes connection points (not shown) configured for connecting and disconnecting a removable handle having a shape similar to other handles disclosed herein.

The interior engagement member 113 is configured to engage the interior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat. The exterior engagement member 116 is configured to engage the exterior rim of a toilet bowl and/or a toilet seat.

In some embodiments, the clip 111 is curved to fit a toilet. In some embodiments, the central portion 114, interior side portion 112, and exterior side portion 115 are generally arc shaped. In some embodiments, the clip 111 has a radius of curvature of about 10″ inner to about 16″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13″ shown by dashed line 105 in a plane parallel to the central portion. In some embodiments, the clip 111 has a radius of curvature of about 11″ inner to about 15″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13″ shown by dashed line 105 in a plane parallel to the central portion. In some embodiments, the clip 111 has a radius of curvature of about 11.795″ inner to about 14.88″ outer with a midpoint radius of about 13.338″ shown by dashed line 105 in a plane parallel to the central portion. In some embodiments, the device 100 further includes a signifier, such as finger grooves, for tactile feedback while in use.

In some embodiments, the clip 111 comprises ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin, or any other suitable material or combination thereof, for example.

In some embodiments, the portable toilet transfer device 100 can be fabricated, for example, from aluminum, steel, fiberglass, wood, carbon fiber, composites, plastic, and any other suitable materials or combinations thereof. The device 100 can be manufactured via a variety of manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, casting, molding (such as vacuum molding and injection molding), forming (such as thermoforming, forging, rolling pressing, bending, and extruding), machining (such as milling and turning), joining (such as welding, brazing, soldering and fastening), and additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing), and any other suitable manufacturing processes or combinations thereof, for example.

Some aspects of the present invention may be made using an additive manufacturing (AM) process. Among the most common forms of additive manufacturing are the various techniques that fall under the umbrella of “3D Printing”, including but not limited to stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modelling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), electronic beam melting (EBM), and laminated object manufacturing (LOM). These methods variously “build” a three-dimensional physical model of a part, one layer at a time, providing significant efficiencies in rapid prototyping and small-batch manufacturing. AM also makes possible the manufacture of parts with features that conventional subtractive manufacturing techniques (for example CNC milling) are unable to create.

Suitable materials for use in AM processes include, but are not limited to, using materials including but not limited to nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), resin, polylactic acid (PLA), polystyrene, and the like. In some embodiments, an AM process may comprise building a three-dimensional physical model from a single material, while in other embodiments, a single AM process may be configured to build the three-dimensional physical model from more than one material at the same time.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method 200 for manufacturing the portable toilet transfer device 100 as described above. The method 200 starts at Operation 201, where a mold of the toilet transfer device 100 is provided. At Operation 202 the mold is filled with a moldable material. The moldable material can include ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin, or any other suitable moldable material or combination thereof, for example. At Operation 203 the moldable material is cured in the mold to form the portable toilet transfer device 100. The method 200 ends at Operation 204, where the portable toilet transfer device 100 is removed from the mold. In some embodiments, the method 200 further includes attaching a high friction coefficient material 118 to the portable toilet transfer device 100.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method 300 for manufacturing the portable toilet transfer device 100 as described above. The method 300 starts at Operation 301, where a digital design of the portable toilet transfer device 100 is provided. The method ends at Operation 302, where the portable toilet transfer device 100 is 3D printed using a 3D printable material. The 3D printable material can include ABS, nylon, HDPE, GF nylon, PC/ABS, plastic, metal, resin or any other suitable printable material or combination thereof, for example. In some embodiments, the method 300 further includes attaching a high friction coefficient material 118 to the portable toilet transfer device 100.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an exemplary toilet transfer method 400. The method 400 starts at Operation 401, where a portable toilet transfer device 100 is provided. The portable toilet transfer device 100 can comprise a clip 111 configured to engage at least one of a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, the clip 111 comprising an interior side portion 112, and exterior side portion 115 and a central portion 114 connected to the interior side portion 112 and the exterior side portion 115, and a handle 110 connected to the clip 111. In some embodiments the clip 111 includes a first end 101 and a second end 102 opposite the first end 101. In some embodiments, the interior side portion 112 includes a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an interior engagement member 113 positioned at the distal end 104. In some embodiments, the exterior side portion 115 includes a proximal end 103, a distal end 104, and an exterior engagement member 116 positioned at the distal end 104. In some embodiments, the central portion 114 is connected to the proximal end 103 of the interior side portion 112 and the proximal end 103 of the exterior side portion 115.

At Operation 402, the portable toilet transfer device 100 is attached to a toilet. In some embodiments, the device 100 is positioned over the toilet seat and toilet rim, with the central portion 114 in contact with the horizontal top of the toilet seat, the interior engagement member in contact with at least one of the interior vertical side of the toilet rim, the horizontal underside of the toilet seat, and the interior side of the toilet seat, and the exterior engagement member 116 in contact with at least one of the exterior vertical side of the toilet rim and the exterior side of the toilet seat. In some embodiments, a high friction coefficient material 118 is attached to the device 100 wherein the high friction coefficient material 118 is positioned between the device 100 and at least one of the toilet seat and toilet rim.

At Operation 403, a user transfers from a wheelchair to the toilet by utilizing the device 100. At Operation 404, the user transfers from the toilet to the wheelchair utilizing the device. The method 400 ends at Operation 405, where the portable toilet transfer device 100 is removed from the toilet. In some embodiments, the method 400 further comprises sanitizing the portable toilet transfer device 100 after removing the portable toilet transfer device 100 from the toilet.

Experimental Examples

The invention is now described with reference to the following examples. These examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only and the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to these examples, but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. The following working examples therefore specifically point out exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way the remainder of the disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13F show exemplary experimental finite element analysis (FEA) simulations of the exemplary portable toilet transfer device 100 of FIGS. 1-4 and described above. FIG. 13A shows the von Mises simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 13B shows the URES simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 13C shows the UY simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 13D shows the UX simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 13E shows the von Mises simulation for a 200 pound load force at a 45° downward and outward angle on the handle 111, and FIG. 13F shows the URES simulation for a 200 pound load force at a 45° downward and outward angle on the handle 111.

FIGS. 14A-14F show exemplary experimental finite element analysis (FEA) simulations of the exemplary portable toilet transfer device 100 of FIGS. 5-7 and described above. FIG. 14A shows the von Mises simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 14B shows the URES simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 14C shows the UY simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 14D shows the UX simulation for a 200 pound vertical load force on the handle 111, FIG. 14E shows the von Mises simulation for a 200 pound load force at a 45° downward and outward angle on the handle 111, and FIG. 14F shows the URES simulation for a 200 pound load force at a 45° downward and outward angle on the handle 111.

FIG. 15 is a table showing exemplary experimental simulated yield strengths from the vertical force FEA simulation for some example materials that the portable toilet transfer device 100 can by manufactured from. The yield strength for ABS was 7 kilopounds per square inch (KSI), the strength for nylon was 7 KSI, the strength for HDPE was 5 KSI, the strength for 30% GF nylon was 10 KSI, and the strength for PC/ABS was 9 KSI.

FIGS. 16A-16
l show images of experimental high friction coefficient liner 118 materials. FIG. 16A shows a silicone liner material 118, FIG. 16B shows a synthetic rubber polymer liner material 118, FIG. 16C shows a synthetic rubber resin liner material 118, FIG. 16D shows a polyvinylchloride liner material 118, FIG. 16E shows a second silicone liner material 118, FIG. 16F shows an EPDM sponge rubber liner material 118, FIG. 16G shows a silicone blend liner material 118, FIG. 16H shows a polychloroprene liner material 118, and FIG. 16I shows an ethylene vinyl acetate liner material 118.

FIGS. 17A-17F show images of experimental handle design iterations. FIG. 17A shows a 3-point handle 110, FIG. 17B shows a 2-point strap handle 110 which can be adjustable or fixed in size, FIG. 17C shows a toe grip style handle 110, FIG. 17D shows and oven mitt style handle 110, FIG. 17E shows a foam grip style handle 110, and FIG. 17F shows a pseudo-grip style handle 110.

Further information can be found in the following publications, each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

JongHun Sung, Yarden Trace, Elizabeth W. Peterson, Jacob J. Sosnoff & Laura A. Rice (2019) Falls among full-time wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis: a comparison of characteristics of fallers and circumstances of falls, Disability and Rehabilitation, 41:4, 389-395, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1393111
Xian, Ziqiang; Chen, Yicong MD; Chen, Li MD, PhD; Lu, Qiuhong; Huang, Gelun; Qin, Qixiong; Zeng, Jinsheng MD, PhD; Liang, Zhijian MD, PHD, A clinical research on the potential pathogenesis of somatic cancer related cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, Medicine: May 2019—Volume 98—Issue 19—p e15134, doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000015134
Rice L A, Peterson E W, Backus D, Sung J, Yarnot R, Abou L, Van Denend T, Shen S, Sosnoff J J. Validation of an individualized reduction of falls intervention program among wheelchair and scooter users with multiple sclerosis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 May; 98 (19): e15418. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000015418. PMID: 31083170; PMCID: PMC6531239.

The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

PORTABLE TOILET TRANSFER DEVICE AND METHODS

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