Retractable support for computer, books or the like

Abstract

 It is provided a retractable support (1) for computers, books or the like, adapted to be fastened to a sitting structure comprising a sitting element and a back element for a user's bust; the retractable support (1) comprising a rest surface (4) adapted to support the computer, book or the like; an attachment element (5) adapted to secure the retractable support (1) to the sitting structure; and a connecting device (6) adapted to connect the rest surface (4) to the attachment element (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable support for computers, books or the like of the type pointed out in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] It is known that presently it is becoming increasingly more frequent the practice of spending more than the actually required time out of the living room or the study, for instance in the bathroom. This time is employed for reading magazines, books or even for using a computer.

[0003] During this time one person is forced to take incorrect positions, above all in the bathroom, due to the geometry of the toilet seat.

[0004] In fact, in these cases the computer is usually put on the user's legs so that said user has a tendency to bend his/her back for utilising it. Likewise, during reading of a book, a person has a tendency to lean his/her back forward taking therefore an incorrect position. In fact, the angle formed between the legs and the bust is much smaller than the suggested 80 degrees, the back is bent and without a support in the lumbar region, the head is bent and the neck is obliged to take an unnatural position, due to the inclination of the monitor. In addition, the arms' position leads to an unnimble typing, bringing about stiffening of the fingers and wrist, due to stresses on the neck and shoulders' muscles.

[0005] These problems are further emphasised by the fact that it is necessary to keep a fixed position for a long tine, without any possibility of changing it now and then or making movements for muscle relaxation.

[0006] The inappropriate skeleton alignment generates muscular strain and overcharges the articulations, which will result in pain.

[0007] In conclusion, an incorrect position is the origin of a multiplicity of physical problems such as suffering from backache and being short of breath and can lead to serious consequences in the cervical, dorsal and/or lumbar region, even with permanent damages.

[0008] In addition, due to the relatively heavy weights resting on the lower limbs also for extended periods of time, circulation difficulties can arise bringing about loss of sensitivity and tingling in the limbs themselves. Therefore, these weights can make the operation of standing-up from the toilet seat painful and dangerous, as a result of the aforesaid circulation problems.

[0009] To avoid these problems many devices have been provided in order to ensure a correct position, in particular on the toilet seat.

[0010] One of them is that disclosed in patent US3382410, teaching how to make a device adapted to provide a support for ensuring a correct positioning of the arms and a rest surface for writing.

[0011] In other devices for creation of appropriate rest surfaces, use of a support stand equipped with wheels is provided so as to enable it to be moved thus offering easy repositioning.

[0012] This support structure is therefore equipped with a plurality of wheels disposed on the periphery of a circle, wide enough to ensure an appropriate steadiness to the device.

[0013] The known art mentioned above has some important drawbacks.

[0014] The device disclosed in patent US3382410 is unable to ensure a correct inclination of a book or magazine: since a position perpendicular to the bust is provided, a person is forced to bend his/her head and keep the neck in an unnatural position.

[0015] In addition, said device when closed is positioned on the toilet bowl cover thereby bothering sitting of the person who is going to use the toilet seat. Another problem of this particular device is the inability to offer a steady support for computer due to the limited rest surfaces.

[0016] Another problem present in known devices relates to the wheels that prevent the devices from being easily housed in the narrow spaces usually existing inside a bathroom.

[0017] A further problem of known devices resides in that, due to the great bulkiness of same, they make standing and sitting complicated. For this reason they must be moved apart before sitting on the sanitary bowl and before getting up therefrom. These operations are sometimes complicated, and even made impossible, due to the too big sizes of the support device relative to the bathroom's sizes.

[0018] Under this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to conceive a retractable support for computers, books or the like capable of substantially obviating the mentioned drawbacks.

[0019] Within the scope of this technical task it is an important aim of the invention to provide a simple and cheap device also having small sizes.

[0020] An important advantage resides in obtaining a support characterised by high reliability, sturdiness and safety.

[0021] Another important aim of the invention is to make a support that can be easily positioned, in particular in the vicinity of a sanitary bowl.

[0022] A further aim of the invention is to make available a device that, once closed, allows sitting on the sanitary bowl and standing up therefrom in an easy manner.

[0023] It is also an aim of the invention to create a rest surface both for computers and books that is suitable to ensure a correct position to the user.

[0024] The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are achieved by a retractable support for computers, books or the like, as claimed in the appended Claim 1.

[0025] Preferred embodiments are highlighted in the sub-claims.

[0026] The features and advantages of the invention are hereinafter clarified in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a shows a retractable support according to the invention, in a use position;

Fig. 1b shows a second configuration of the retractable support in a non-use position;

Fig. 2a shows the retractable support in the configuration seen in Fig. 1a applied - in the preferred embodiment - to a sanitary bowl;

Fig. 2b shows the retractable support in the configuration seen in Fig. 1b applied - in the preferred embodiment - to a sanitary bowl;

Fig. 3a shows a portion of the retractable support according to the invention, to an enlarged scale as compared with the preceding figures;

Fig. 3b is an enlarged view of the portion of the retractable support shown in Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4a is a further enlarged portion of the retractable support;

Fig. 5 represents further enlarged elements of the retractable support of the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a further example of a retractable support according to the invention, in a use position.

[0027] With reference to the drawings, the retractable support for computers, books or the like according to the invention is generally denoted at 1.

[0028] It is adapted to be fastened to a sitting structure, i.e. a structure such as a chair, an armchair or a bed for example, adapted to enable a user to sit or lie thereon. This sitting structure therefore comprises a sitting element defining a sitting surface on which usually at least part of the lower portion or bottom of a body rests, and a back element defining a surface on which the bust bears and consisting of a seat back for example. In particular, the retractable support is preferably fastened to the portion of the sitting structure defining said sitting surface, as better explained hereinafter.

[0029] In the preferred example, for fastening the retractable support 1 to the region close to a sanitary bowl 2, said sitting structure can substantially consist of the covering set 3 that is usually placed on a sanitary bowl 2, of the pot-shaped type and generally made of ceramics.

[0030] Said covering set 3 usually comprises a toilet seat or first board 3a constituting said sitting element and defining the sitting surface of bowl 2 on which usually a user sits down when he/she utilises the sanitary bowl 2, a seat back or second board 3b constituting said back element and defining the bearing surface, said second board 3b being adapted to carry out movements relative to the first board 3a so as to be moved apart therefrom or abut against it thereby being superposed on said first board. The covering set 3 finally comprises releasable connecting means 3c adapted to fasten said set 3 to the sanitary bowl 2 and to enable said relative movement between the two boards 3a and 3b.

[0031] On the second board or back 3b there are two base or contact surfaces 3d adapted to be disposed parallel to the sitting surface when the two boards 3a and 3b overlap each other, and a side edge 3e included between the two base surfaces and substantially defining the profile of the second board 3b.

[0032] The retractable support 1 briefly comprises a rest surface 4 defining the surface on which the computer, book or the like is disposed, an attachment element 5 adapted to enable the support 1 to be fastened to the sitting structure, a connecting device 6 which is able both to place and maintain the rest surface 4 to the desired position and to be moved together with the rest surface 4, relative to the attachment element 5.

[0033] In detail, said movement of device 6 and attachment element 5 enables an open position of support 1 to be obtained (Figs. 1a, 2a) in which the position of the rest surface 4 is suitable to define an appropriate supporting surface for the book or computer disposed thereon, and a closed position in which the retractable support 1 is substantially disposed sideways, relative to the sanitary bowl 2 for example, and more specifically has at least the rest surface 4 and connecting device 6 placed in such a manner that they are not superposed on the first board 3a, thus leaving free access to bowl 2.

[0034] In detail, still with reference to the preferred embodiment, in the closed position the retractable support 1 can be placed sideways the sanitary bowl 2 and have the rest surface 4 and connecting device 6 placed above the sitting surface (Fig. 2b) or, alternatively, it can have said rest surface 4 substantially under said sitting surface, i.e. said support 1 can have the rest surface 4 and at least part of device 6 substantially included between the first board 3a and the ground/floor.

[0035] Preferably, fastening of the retractable support 1 to the sitting structure through the attachment element 5 is substantially obtained either by rigidly connecting the attachment element 5 and the back element to each other, by means of threaded couplings, clamps or presser elements, or by integrating the attachment element 5 with the sitting structure, as better described in the following.

[0036] In detail, when fastening takes place at the bowl 2, this connection is obtained through the attachment element 5 and can take place at the releasable connecting means 3c or, alternatively, at the second board 3b, or finally by integrating the attachment element 5 with the sitting structure, i.e. with the covering set 3 and, preferably, the second board 3b, so that the attachment element 5 and second board 3b will be of one piece construction.

[0037] In the first case the attachment element 5 substantially is in the form of a slot, preferably of a C-shaped configuration, adapted to be fitted between the board 3a and the sanitary bowl 2 at the releasable connecting means 3c

[0038] In detail, the attachment element 5 comprises a plate 14 having a cut 14a enabling the plate 14 to be fitted between the first board 3a and the sanitary bowl 2 at the releasable connecting means 3c. In detail, plate 14 is inserted in such a manner that the releasable connecting means 3c is positioned at the cut 14a so that, when said means is tightened, the attachment element 5 and therefore the retractable support 1 is rigidly fastened between the first board 3a and the sanitary bowl 2 by the releasable connecting means 3c.

[0039] In this case, in order to ensure a correct fastening of the attachment element 5 and, in particular, of plate 14 to the remainder of support 1, the attachment element 5 can have brackets or other reinforcing elements 14b adapted to ensure such fastening.

[0040] On the contrary, in case of fastening at the second board 3b, the attachment element 5 is adapted to surround a portion of the second board 3b being locked thereto. In this case, the attachment element 5 is at least partly in the form of a slot and, in particular, said form can consist either of an open or C-shaped slot, so that it is adapted to removably surround at least part of the back element or, alternatively, of a closed or O-shaped slot, so that it is adapted to surround the whole back element.

[0041] In particular, locking of the attachment element 5 can occur at the side edge 3e and/or the contact surface 3d of the second board 3b and preferably said fastening is obtained by locking the attachment element 5 both to the side edge 3e and to a base surface 3d.

[0042] Therefore, the attachment element 5, shown in Fig. 4, comprises at least two abutment elements 5a adapted to come into contact with a portion of the side edge 3e sandwiching the second board 3b between them; constraint means 5b adapted to move at least one of the two elements 5a so as to vary the distance between said abutment elements; a presser element 5c adapted to lock the attachment element 5 to one of the base surfaces 3d; and a structure 5d adapted to surround a portion of the second board 3b and support the components of the attachment element 5 holding them in the correct position.

[0043] In order to ensure a good coupling between the individual abutment element 5a and the side edge 3e, the elements 5a can have a substantially arched surface and in particular be made of elastomer material or, alternatively, have an elastomer or other material coating at said arched surface so as to ensure an appropriate deformation capability to the abutment elements 5a.

[0044] The constraint means 5b consists of screws, guides, pistons or other similar elements adapted to enable the mutual distance between the abutment elements 5a to be varied. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, the constraint means 5b is adapted to move one element 5a alone bringing it into contact with the side edge 3e thus locking the two abutment elements 5a to the second board 3b at the side edge 3e, as better described hereinafter.

[0045] On the contrary, fastening of the attachment element 5 at the contact surface 3d is obtained through the presser element 5c comprising a third abutment element moved along a direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface 3d by a screw, a piston or other similar element adapted to obtain said movement of said third abutment element.

[0046] Preferably, as previously said, the attachment element 5 can be integrated with the sitting structure that, in case of the sanitary bowl 2, can be identified with the covering set 3.

[0047] In detail, in this case, the attachment element 5 and covering set 3 constitute a single element and therefore the attachment element 5 is integrated with said covering set 3. Preferably, in order to ensure a greater steadiness and practical use, the attachment element 5 is integrated with the second board 3b, i.e. the back element, so that the back element and attachment element 5 will constitute a single element.

[0048] Between the attachment element 5 and the connecting device 6, the retractable support 1 has a connection apparatus adapted to enable a relative motion of the connecting device 6 and rest surface 4 relative to the attachment element 5, thus defining the above described open and closed positions of support 1.

[0049] The connection apparatus allows at least one rotation between the attachment element 5 and connecting device 6. In detail, said at least one rotation can be carried out relative to a first rotation axis substantially parallel to the sitting surface or, alternatively, relative to a second rotation axis substantially lying in a plane perpendicular to the sitting surface. Preferably, the first and second rotation axes are substantially horizontal and vertical, respectively.

[0050] Preferably, the connection apparatus enables the connecting device 6 and therefore the rest surface 4 to carry out two distinct rotations, i.e. a first rotation relative to the attachment element 5 around said first rotation axis and a second rotation relative to said second rotation axis.

[0051] It therefore comprises a first actuating mechanism 8 and a second actuating mechanism 9 adapted to enable said first and second rotations, respectively.

[0052] The first actuating mechanism 8, shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, comprises a first connecting pin 8a defining the first rotation axis 8b; a first tightening member adapted to adjust rotation of device 6 relative to said first rotation axis 8b, i.e. adapted to enable said rotation or alternatively rigidly secure the connecting device 6 to the attachment element 5.

[0053] In particular, the first tightening member comprises two first plates 8c, one of which is secured to the attachment element 5 while the other is suitably connected to the device 6. They can be also mutually tightened by an operating element 8d which may consist of a bolt or other similar element suitable to perform this function.

[0054] In particular, the operating element 8d is adapted to lock the two plates to each other substantially at pin 8b and in some case, as shown in Fig. 3b, the tightening element 8d and pin 8a can be made of a single component.

[0055] Said plates 8c, in order to avoid an undesirable relative motion between the two plates and therefore between the attachment element 5 and the remainder of support 1, have matching surfaces as regards the surfaces adapted to come into contact with each other at the locking moment. In detail, these surfaces can be suitably wrinkled so as to show depressions and elevations adapted to mutually couple thus preventing a relative motion between the plates 8c. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3b, a plate 8c has a plurality of holes 8e while the other plate 8c is provided with an insert 8f adapted to be introduced into one of said holes 8e formed in the other plate 8c. In detail, the insert 8e and holes 8f are substantially spaced apart the same distance from the connecting pin 8a and said holes 8e are made along the outer edge of an arc having a lower extension than 180°, preferably an extension of less than 110°.

[0056] The second actuating mechanism 9, shown in Fig. 3a, comprises a second connecting pin 9a defining the second rotation axis 9b, a second plate 9c with a seat adapted to receive a projecting portion belonging to the first rod 6a; a damping element 9d adapted to control the second rotation; and a second tightening member 9e adapted to adjust rotation of the connecting device 6 relative to said second rotation axis 9b.

[0057] In detail, the second tightening member 9e can consist of a bolt or other similar element adapted to mutually lock the connecting device 6 to the apparatus, locking the seat of the second plate 9c on the projection of the first rod 6a.

[0058] The damping element 9d is secured in a motion-admitting manner to the attachment element 5 and the connecting device 6, so as to enable a relative motion between the damping element itself and said two components. In detail, the damping element 9d is secured to the attachment element 5 and the connecting device 6 in such a manner that it carries out at least one rotation relative to the attachment element 5 and one rotation relative to the connecting device 6. Preferably, fastening of the damping element 9d to the connecting device 6 is of such a nature that it enables, in addition to such a rotation, a translation along the connecting device 6, due to a guide or other similar element.

[0059] The connecting device 6 comprises at least one rod defining a preferred extension direction. In detail, it includes at least one first rod 6a and one second rod 6b, each of which is characterised by a preferred extension direction of its own, and at least one joint 7 adapted to enable at least one relative rotation or revolution between said rods 6a and 6b. Preferably, the two preferred extension directions of the two rods 6a and 6b lie in a single lying plane.

[0060] In detail, joint 7 allows two relative rotations between said two rods 6a and 6b and therefore comprises a first hinge pivot 7a secured to the first rod 6a and defining a first rotation axis; a second hinge pivot 7b secured to the second rod 6b and defining a second rotation axis; an intermediate plug 7c adapted to connect the two hinge pivots 7a and 7b enabling said two rotations to be accomplished. In some cases, for each hinge pivot 7a and 7b, a lock, not shown in the figure, can be provided which is adapted to alternately enable locking or mutual movement of rods 6a and 6b.

[0061] In particular, the two hinge pivots 7a and 7b are positioned in such a manner that the first rotation axis is substantially parallel to the second rotation axis and preferably the first and second rotation axes are almost perpendicular to the lying plane of said two preferred directions.

[0062] Preferably provided between the connecting device 6 and the rest surface 4 is an articulation 10 adapted to enable a relative motion between the two components. In detail, said articulation 10 allows at least one rotational motion of the rest surface 4 relative to device 6 and, preferably, enables said rest surface 4 to carry out three distinct rotations relative to three axes substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0063] The articulation 10 can therefore be a ball joint or, as shown in Fig. 5, have one or more pins, not shown in the figure, each of which defining one of the aforesaid three axes and suitable stop components 10a adapted to lock the rest surface 4 to the desired position.

[0064] The rest surface 4 can consist of a shelf defining a comfortable and practical surface for support of a book and/or a computer and, in some cases, can be advantageously provided with a bar 4a placed on an edge of the support itself which is adapted to prevent the book/computer from falling when the rest surface is inclined.

[0065] As an alternative to said bar 4a, the rest surface 4 can be provided with one or more grip teeth 4b adapted to grasp the object disposed on the rest surface 4 at said rest surface. In detail, the grip teeth 4b consist of shaped plates, having an L-shaped profile for example, equipped with locking screws 4c or other similar elements enabling the grip teeth 4b both to be steadily locked to the rest surface 4 and to be freely moved so as to promote the operations for picking up or laying down the book or computer.

[0066] In detail, the rest surface 4 has both the bar 4a and teeth 4b and preferably the rest surface 4 has teeth 4b provided on edges different from that equipped with bar 4a.

[0067] Finally, preferably provided are some auxiliary elements. In particular, the retractable support 1 has a vertical prop 11 adapted to discharge at least part of the support 1 weight and the weight acting thereon, to the ground. In particular, the vertical prop 11 comprises a base 11a suitable to come into contact with the ground/floor and adjusting means 11b suitable to vary the distance of the base 11 a from the attachment element and adapt the prop length to the distance between the ground and the base 11 a.

[0068] In order to avoid overturning of the support 1 due to a possible excessive load on the rest surface 4, the retractable support 1 can also finally comprise a supporting element 12 and/or a counterweight 13 preferably disposed at the connection apparatus and, more specifically located on the opposite side from the rest surface 4 relative to prop 11.

[0069] In particular, the supporting element 12 is adapted to secure the support to a vertical wall or other similar element and, therefore, comprises a grip element 12a such as preferably a suction cup, adapted to steadily adhere to the vertical wall, and adjustment means consisting for example of a screw engaged in an internally threaded cylinder, adapted to vary the distance of the grip element 12a from the attachment element 5 thus enabling the length of the supporting element 12 to be adapted to the distance of support 1 from the wall.

[0070] Positioning of the retractable support 1 described above mainly as regards structure is the following, with reference to its preferred application.

[0071] Support 1, initially in the closed position, is fastened to the sanitary bowl 2 at the second board 3b.

[0072] After mutually spacing out the abutment elements 5a and releasing the presser element 5c, the attachment element 5 is such disposed that the second board 3b is at the inside of structure 5d, and more specifically in such a manner that the two elements 5a are on the opposite side relative to the second board 3b and at least one of the two abutment elements is substantially in contact with the side edge 3e.

[0073] At this point, through the constraint means 5b, the abutment elements 5a are moved close to each other and they both abut against the side edge 3e and therefore are deformed and lock the second board 3b to the attachment element 4.

[0074] Finally, fastening of the attachment element 5 is terminated by bringing the presser element 5c into contact with one of the base surfaces of the second board 3b.

[0075] Alternatively, i.e. in case the attachment element 5 is made up of a C-shaped plate, locking of the retractable support 1 contemplates an initial release of the releasable connecting means 3c, then insertion of the attachment element 5 between the first board 3a and the bowl 2 and, finally, tightening of said means 3c giving rise to fastening of the attachment element 5 and the support 1 to said position.

[0076] Operation of the retractable support 1 is the following.

[0077] Initially the retractable support 1 is in the closed position (Fig. 2b) and therefore has the connecting device 6 and rest surface 4 substantially placed sideways relative to the sanitary bowl 2.

[0078] In particular, in this position the connecting device 6 has the first rod 6a and second rod 6b substantially superposed, the rod extension direction being substantially parallel and said rods lying in a lying plane perpendicular to the sitting surface, while the rest surface 4 is substantially perpendicular to said sitting surface.

[0079] At the moment of use, the user sits on the first board 3a and makes the retractable support 1 change from the closed position to the open position.

[0080] At the beginning, he/she loosens the first rotation mechanism 7 so as to disengage the two plates 8c from each other and rotate the connecting device 6 relative to the attachment element 5 in order to position device 6 to a desired height from the ground.

[0081] In detail, the user, acting on the operating element 8d, causes insert 8f to come out of hole 8e, then the two plates 8c are mutually rotated around the first connecting pin 8a giving therefore rise to rotation of device 6 relative to the attachment element 5 around the first rotation axis 8b.

[0082] Once the desired inclination of rods 6a and 6b relative to the sitting surface has bee reached, the user introduces insert 8f into hole 8e corresponding to the just reached position and then, acting on the operating element again, tightens plates 8c to each other locking the first rotation mechanism 8 to such a position. At this point, the user loosens the constraints relating to the second rotation mechanism 9 and joint 7 and arranges the rest surface 4 substantially over the first board 3a thus reaching the desired position. In detail, during this action, he/she makes part of the retractable support 1 carry out two rotations, i.e. a rotation of the connecting device 6 relative to the attachment element 5 and a rotation of the second rod 6b relative to the first rod 6a.

[0083] Once said desired position has been reached, the user tightens joint 7 and the second mechanism 9 thus locking the connecting device 6 to such a position.

[0084] Finally, due to articulation 10, the user moves the rest surface 4 by a circular motion until the optimal inclination of the latter is reached, puts the book or computer thereon, and then fixes it to the rest surface 4 through the grip means 4b.

[0085] Once the user has terminated use of the retractable support, he/she brings the support back to the closed position or, alternatively, moves the rest surface 4 and connecting device 6 away from the first board 3a so that he/she can easily move away from the sanitary bowl 2. In the same manner, the support 1 can be put alongside a bed or a chair having a back.

[0086] The invention allows important advantages to be reached.

[0087] In fact, the retractable support 1 as conceived is cheap and of simple construction, assembling and use.

[0088] A first advantage is represented by the reduced sizes of the support when it is in the closed position. These reduced sizes allow the support 1 to be placed alongside the sanitary bowl 2 enabling said bowl 2 to be used with ease without requiring the device being removed.

[0089] Due to the possibility of adjusting the height and inclination of the rest surface 4, the position of the book or computer can be adjusted relative to the user so that device 1 can be adapted to the particular physical features belonging to each individual user.

[0090] Another advantage resides in the presence of the grip teeth 4b and the bar 4a inhibiting the book or computer disposed on support 1 from falling, irrespective of the position of the rest surface 4.

[0091] A further advantage belonging to the retractable support 1 is the particular fastening of same to the sanitary bowl 2.

[0092] In detail, as said fastening takes place at the second board 3b, it does not hinder cleaning of the sanitary bowl. In greater detail, the particular fastening position leaves the sitting surface, sanitary bowl 2 and attachment region between set 3 and bowl 2 unmodified, said regions usually being those more subjected to decay and therefore more frequently requiring to be washed.

[0093] This advantage is particularly apparent in case the attachment element 5 is integrated with the second board 3b, thanks to the obviously more reduced presence of hollow spaces or other similar surfaces that can be hardly cleaned. Another advantage not of less importance present in the retractable support 1 consists in the high steadiness of said support. This steadiness in increased by the presence of prop 11 and the supporting element 12 enabling the forces acting on the retractable support 1 to be correctly discharged.

[0094] In addition, the presence of counterweight 13 enabling a possible too heavy weight due to the object placed on the rest surface 4 to be counterbalanced, represents a further increase in the steadiness of the retractable support 1.

Claims

1. A retractable support (1) for computers, books or the like adapted to be fastened to a sitting structure comprising a sitting element and a back element for a user's bust; said retractable support (1) comprising a rest surface (4) adapted to support said computer, book or the like; and characterised in that it comprises an attachment element (5) adapted to secure said retractable support (1) to said sitting structure; and a connecting device (6) adapted to connect said rest surface (4) to said attachment element (5).

2. A retractable support (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sitting structure is a covering set (3) for a sanitary bowl (2) and said covering set (3) comprises a first board (3a) defining said sitting element, and a second board (3b) adapted to cover said first board (3a) and defining said back element, and releasable connecting means (3c) adapted to fasten said covering set (3) to said sanitary bowl (2); and wherein said attachment element (5) secures said retractable support (1) to said covering set (3).

3. A retractable support (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment element (5) is adapted to fasten said retractable support (1) to said sitting structure at said back element.

4. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said attachment element (5) and back element constitute a single element.

5. A retractable support (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said attachment element (5) at least partly has a slot-shaped conformation for removably surrounding at least part of said back element.

6. A retractable support (1) as claimed in claim 2 and in one or more of claims 3-4, wherein said second board (3b) has a side edge (3e) defining the profile of said second board (3b); wherein said attachment element (5) comprises at least two abutment elements (5a) adapted to come into contact with said side edge (3e) locking said second board (3b); and constraint means (5b) adapted to move at least one of said abutment elements (5a) in a manner suitable to vary the distance between said abutment elements (5a).

7. A retractable support (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a connection apparatus adapted to enable a relative motion of said connecting device (6) relative to said attachment element (5).

8. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said connection apparatus comprises a first actuating mechanism (8) adapted to enable a first rotation of said connecting device (6) relative to said attachment element (5) along a substantially horizontal first rotation axis (8b).

9. A retractable support (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said actuating mechanism (8) comprises a first connecting pin (8a) defining said first rotation axis (8b); and a first tightening member adapted to adjust said rotation of said connecting device (6) relative to said first rotation axis (8b).

10. A retractable support (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 6-8, wherein said connection apparatus comprises a second actuating mechanism (9) adapted to enable a second rotation of said connecting device (6) relative to said attachment element (5) along a second rotation axis (9b) lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to said sitting surface.

11. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said second actuating mechanism (9) comprises a second connecting pin (9a) defining said second rotation axis (9b); a second tightening member (9e) adapted to adjust said rotation of said connecting device (6) relative to said second rotation axis (9b); and a damping element (9d) adapted to control said second rotation.

12. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said connecting device (6) comprises at least one first rod (6a) and one second rod (6b) and at least one joint (7) adapted to enable at least one relative rotation between said rods (6a, 6b).

13. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said joint (7) enables two relative rotations between said two rods (6a, 6b).

14. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said joint (7) comprises a first hinge pivot (7a) fastened to said first rod (6a) and defining a first rotation axis, a second hinge pivot (7b) fastened to said second rod (6b) and defining a second rotation axis and an intermediate plate (7c) adapted to connect said two hinge pivots (7a, 7b).

15. A retractable support (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein said first rotation axis is substantially parallel to said second rotation axis.

Drawing