Commode lifting and transporting device

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting, transporting, or installing a commode is disclosed. The commode lifting and transporting device includes a base frame, with an upright support frame designed to straddle and lift a commode at or near the commode's center of gravity. The lifting member includes a screw jack, a lifting bar guided by the upright support frame, and three methods of attaching the commode to the commode lifting device: a self-clamping mechanism for lifting and transporting standard commodes; a set of support hooks and chain for lifting and transporting non-standard commodes, and lifting bar holes used in conjunction with the commode's seat holes, two bolts and two nuts as an alternate method for lifting and transporting non-standard commodes. (end of abstract)

Agent: Lawrence Dale Hamilton - Owensboro, KY, US
Inventor: Lawrence Dale Hamilton
USPTO Applicaton #: #20070011807 - Class: 004661000 (USPTO)
Related Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Miscellaneous

Commode lifting and transporting device description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070011807, Commode lifting and transporting device.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a device used for lifting commodes so as to prevent backache and injury and damage to the commode and surrounding surfaces such as carpeting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well known that commodes are heavy and awkward to lift. However, commodes still must be changed and plumbers, building maintenance personnel and tile personnel can damage their backs by lifting commodes, which can weigh as much as 100 lbs. Plus, a wet floor increases the chance of accidents. For at least the above reasons, it is clear that a means for allowing those with even minimal strength to lift and move a commode is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention has as its primary objective to provide a commode-lifting and transporting device whereby back strain from commode lifting can be eliminated.

[0004] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a safe and effective means of transporting a commode with much lower risk of damage to the commode than when the conventional method of lifting with arms and legs is used.

[0005] This and other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is an unfolded and locked view of the present invention;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a view of the present invention lifting a standard commode;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention lifting a one-piece commode;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention lifting a commode that has no water-tank; and

[0010] FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention folded and ready for storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following description should be considered as an example only, and the present invention should not be considered as limited thereto. Modifications and updates may be made and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0012] Most commodes require two people to remove, precisely install and fit the commode during removal and installation. This is because commodes are awkwardly designed and require centering over anchor bolts protruding from the floor over which the commode is to be installed. The proper procedure is to completely disassemble the commode whereby the water holding tank is completely removed, when possible, to divide the commode into two separate sections. This undertaking takes a large amount of time and effort. Quite often, a commode is removed and replaced by one person without disassembling into two sections increasing the likelihood of personal injury and commode breakage. Additionally, when a commode is removed for repair, excess water in the bowl results in extra weight and the possibility of injury and spillage, which can damage carpeting and other flooring surfaces.

[0013] There have been dollies and hand trucks used to handle commodes, but they are not as convenient, easy to use, effective, or as potentially economical as the present invention, especially in close quarters, which is usually the case in homes, apartments, and in the hospitality industry. U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,593, Decky et al, 1994, Hand Cart For Lifting and Transporting Toilets shows a hand cart for lifting, transporting and installing toilets with ball engaging grapples and a rim clamp to hold a toilet on the cart during the lifting and transporting process. Decky et al grasps a toilet at one end, as opposed to lifting and suspending a commode closer to the center of gravity as does the present invention.

[0014] The present invention is rolled into position and the unbolted commode is lifted in seconds by using the crank. The present invention lifts and suspends the commode close to the center of gravity, greatly simplifying the design and manufacturability of working parts and the manufacturing processes required to build. This makes the present invention potentially more affordable for the market of users desiring to purchase a commode lifting/handling device and also makes the present invention less likely to fail while in use due to fewer working parts.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,511, Chitwood, 1988, Toilet Lift Truck shows a commode lifting/handling device that uses lifting arms, bars, collars, and rods. Chitwood uses extended horizontal cradling arms attached to vertical supports located just beyond the front of the commode rim at the point that is furthest away from the commode's water-tank to support the commode, as opposed to lifting and suspending a commode closer to the commode's center of gravity as does the present invention. During lifting, the Chitwood design places the greatest strain from lifting a few inches beyond the front of the commode rim at the point that is furthest away from the commode's water-tank, which is a design concept that requires much more complexity than does the present invention. The present invention represents a new and improved design compared to Chitwood for the same reasons previously sited in the Decky et al comparison.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 3,391,905, 1968, Toilet Bowl Handling And Transporting Apparatus uses a horizontal boom placed over the bowl of the commode extending from a point a few inches beyond the front of the commode rim at the point that is furthest away from the commode's water-tank. While U.S. Pat. No. 3,391,905 lifts the commode from above the bowl closer to the commode's center of gravity similar to the present invention, as in the other designs mentioned above, the greatest strain from lifting is placed far from the center of gravity, which is a few inches beyond the front of the commode rim at the point that is furthest away from the commode water-tank. This design concept requires much more complexity than does the present invention. The present invention does not require a lifting boom, nor does the present invention require cumbersome manual adjustment and positioning of clamping members inside the toilet bowl lid flange. The present invention does not require any sort of clamp positioning and adjustment due to differing bowl sizes, as does U.S. Pat. No. 3,391,905. The present invention represents a new and improved design compared to U.S. Pat. No. 3,391,905 for the same reasons previously sited in the Decky et al comparison.

[0017] The present invention allows one person to quickly, safely and securely lift, hold, move, and accurately reset a commode without damage to either the wax ring commonly found on the sewer drain or any part or parts of the commode assembly or surrounding structure such as a floor, walls, wallpaper, paint, or molding. The present invention includes self-clamping lifting arms connected to a lifting bar contained in a balanced wheeled structure for easy lifting, moving and accurately resetting a commode such as could be required during construction, remodeling, repair or replacement activities. One piece commodes and other commode styles where the bowl section does not have a flat underside surface between the bowl section and the water-tank section also can be lifted easily by simply wrapping a plastic-coated chain or rope around the bottom underside of the water-tank and securing each end to the lifting bar. The flat underside surface between the water-tank and the seat is required for the self-clamping lifting arms mechanism to function properly.

[0018] The center of gravity on all commodes that have a water-tank is a few inches beyond the front center of the water-tank directed toward the commode's bowl section. Marking the center of gravity of a normal upright resting side view commode using a vertical line, the vertical line would dissect the commode's bowl section 4 to 6 inches beyond the front of the water-tank. This is because the bowl section of the commode is always heavier than the water-tank section of the commode. The present invention lifts and suspends a commode just in front of the water-tank, very close to the center of gravity allowing the heavier bowl section to tip downward causing the water-tank to tilt forward and rest against the upright frame.

[0019] The present invention is collapsible for shipping and storage.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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