Bariatric toilet support apparatus and method

Abstract

A device and method for providing support to a toilet bowl suitable to sustain the weight of an obese or otherwise large individual. The device comprises a support bar and a leg between the toilet bowl and the floor, wherein the device is placed underneath the toilet and affixed to a toilet wall support. The leg is hinged to allow folding thereof to facilitate cleaning under the toilet bowl.

1 . A device for supporting a toilet bowl, said device comprising: 
 an ‘S’-shaped member.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ‘S’-shaped member is elongated.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ‘S’-shaped member comprises a first angled member, a plate and a second angled member.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said first angled member, said second angled member and said plate comprise openings selected from the group consisting of apertures, slots, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said openings comprise slots, and wherein said slots are adapted to permit selective adjustment of said first angled member and said second angled member relative to said plate.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said selective adjustment comprises length adjustment of said device.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said selective adjustment comprises height adjustment of said device.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ‘S’-shaped member is carried substantially beneath the toilet bowl.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said ‘S’-shaped member comprises a leg connected to said ‘S’-shaped member.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said leg comprises height adjustment means.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said height adjustment means is telescopic.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting flange.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ‘S’-shaped member further comprises a resilient bumper.  
   
   
       14 . A toilet support device comprising: 
 a first angled member, a plate and a second angled member.    
   
   
       15 . The toilet support device of  claim 14 , further comprising slotted openings.  
   
   
       16 . The toilet support device of  claim 15 , wherein said slotted openings permit height adjustment of said device.  
   
   
       17 . The toilet support device of  claim 15 , wherein said slotted openings permit length adjustment of said device.  
   
   
       18 . A method of supporting a toilet bowl, said method comprising the steps of: 
 selecting a support from the group consisting of ‘S’-shaped members and ‘M’-shaped members; and    utilizing said selected support to support a toilet bowl.    
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein said selected support comprises an ‘M’-shaped member, and wherein said ‘M’-shaped member comprises a ‘V’-shaped support.  
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein said selected support comprises a telescopically-adjusting leg.  
   
   
       21 . A device for supporting a toilet bowl, said device comprising: 
 an ‘M’-shaped member.    
   
   
       22 . The device for supporting a toilet bowl of  claim 21 , wherein said ‘M’-shaped member comprises a ‘V’-shaped support.