Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Training Potty
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/459,090,
filed February 15, 2017, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
Background of the Present Disclosure
[0002] Potty training (also known as toilet training) a child can be
difficult, particularly if the child is
not comfortable and properly situated. Potty training can involve multiple
different devices and/or
options, particularly as the range of children being potty trained range from
a year to three years in
age. Children develop rapidly, both physically and mentally, between the ages
of one and three, and
as such, creating a potty solution for any and all children can be difficult.
Firstly, a potty that can
accommodate children of various sizes is needed. Secondly, having a potty that
assists the child in
accomplishing the act of pottying quickly and comfortably is needed. Thirdly,
having a potty that can
be used in a variety of configurations is needed. Fourthly, having a potty
that is easy to clean is
needed.
Summary of the Present Disclosure
[0003] The potty assembly has a basin for receiving, collecting and storing
waste. The basin has an
upper opening with a seat surrounding at least a portion of the opening. The
seat and opening are
suitably sized to receive a child's bottom such that the child is aligned to
deposit waste (solid, liquid,
or both) into the basin and not outside the basin. The upper front portion of
the basin has a raised
lip that functions as a pee guard to (a) accommodate male children and (b)
mitigates against
splashing out of the front region of the potty. The pee guard is arcuate. The
upper back portion is
elevated to provide a back rest for the child, and minimally includes a lumbar
support portion.
[0004] In some embodiments, the potty assembly is separable into multiple
components for easy
storage, easy transportation, and/or for easy removal of waste from the basin.
In some
embodiments, the basin includes a disposal liner. In other embodiments, the
potty assembly
including the basin have odor neutralizing, odor adsorbing materials. In other
embodiments, the
potty assembly and/or basin includes materials that do not absorb or retain
malodor. In other
embodiments, the potty assembly includes a fragrance. In yet further
embodiments, the potty
assembly includes antimicrobial materials.
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[0005] The potty assembly is configured to improve comfort during toilet
training to improve the
child's interest in using the potty assembly. The potty assembly is configured
to position the child to
streamline excretion of solid and/or liquid waste. In some embodiments, the
potty assembly has at
least one foot rest. The at least one foot rest can be unitary or include two
separate foot rests. The
at least one foot rest is elevated. The at least one foot rest optionally
provides a step to assist the
child on getting onto and sitting on the seat. The at least one foot rest
assists in positioning the child
to improve and streamline the waste excretion process. In embodiments without
at least one foot
rest, the seat of the potty assembly is positioned at a height with respect to
the floor on which the
potty rests that ensures a child's knees are bent at an acute angle and thusly
assist in a potty
position conducive to excretion. In embodiments with at least one foot rest,
the seat of the potty
assembly is positioned at a height with respect to the at least one foot rest
that ensures a child's
knees are bent at an acute angle and thusly assist in a potty position
conducive to excretion.
Alternatively or additionally, the potty assembly, via the lumbar support
portion and the surface of
the seat (seat contour) position the child such that the angle defined by the
pelvis (between the back
and the upper legs) is an acute angle. While it is desirous to have the at
least one foot rest at a
constant height, it is possible to have at least one footrest that has a lower
portion (in instances
where additional step(s) are required for the child to get up onto the potty).
In these embodiments,
the height of the potty assembly is with respect to the portion of the at
least one foot rest that is the
foot pad. The foot pad is defined as the portion of the foot rest where the
child's foot is intended to
be placed in order to facilitate the potty position conducive to excretion.
The foot pad can be
designated by a graphic, or by a suitable shape, topography, and/or material.
[0006] In some embodiments, the potty assembly has one or more handles. The
one or more
handles are positioned such that the child can utilize the handle to help the
child getting onto the
potty assembly and/or off the potty assembly. The one or more handles can
optionally provide the
child an incentive to sit on the potty assembly in a position most conducive
to streamlined waste
excretion. The one or more handles can also provide the child a comfortable
place to rest his or her
hand, or something to grab-onto in an attempt to gain comfort during the potty
experience.
[0007] In yet other embodiments, the potty assembly includes an incentive for
the child to utilize
the potty assembly (and potentially utilize the potty assembly correctly). The
potty assembly in such
embodiments includes a light, a sound and/or a tracker to encourage the child
to use the potty
assembly over one or more occasions, "flush" the potty assembly, wipe after a
successful waste
elimination, and/or combinations thereof. Such components can be located on
various portions or
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aspects of the device to make it easier for the child to access them, see
them, or hear them, and to
do so at the appropriate time as to not disrupt the elimination process.
[0008] In other embodiments, the potty assembly has a storage portion. The
storage portion is
configured underneath, behind or adjacent the potty assembly basin. The
storage portion can be in
the form of a drawer, cabinet, or receptacle that is at least partially open
and/or at least partially
closed. The storage portion and/or the potty in general is configured to
reduce the opportunity for
waste material and/or moisture to enter the storage portion. The storage
portion can open
frontward, rearward and/or to the side. The storage portion is suitably sized
to hold one or more
items that assist in the potty process, such as, wipes, toilet paper,
ointments or medicaments,
suppositories, reading material, and/or other entertainment means and
supplies.
[0009] In yet other embodiments, the potty assembly has one or more features
that (1) improve
likeness to conventional toilets, and/or (2) teach the child an additional
step in utilizing a
conventional toilet. In one embodiment, the toiled includes a water chamber.
The water chamber
looks like the chamber on a conventional toilet. Optionally, the chamber is at
least partially
translucent so the child can see water (or other flushing solution) is in the
chamber. The potty
assembly with such a chamber can be non-functional, such that the chamber is
simply a visual queue
for the child, so they understand that conventional toilets use water to clean
the toilet. In some
embodiments, the potty assembly has a lever. The lever assists the child in
understanding how to
flush the toilet. The lever has a rest position and a use position that is
angled with respect to the rest
position. The lever is movable between the rest and use positions. The lever
can be functional and
enable fluid to flow from the chamber into the basin, or it can be non-
functional in the sense that
the lever does not trigger the flow of fluid. In embodiments where the potty
assembly enables fluid
to flow from the chamber to the basin, a channel permits fluid to flow. The
channel is proximal the
bottom and/or forward portion of the chamber, and connects to the rearward
portion of the basin.
A valve and a gasket control fluid flow such that (a) the basin can be removed
without excess fluid
flowing out of the channel, and (b) waste in the basin does not travel back
into the channel.
Description of the Drawings
[00010] FIG. 1 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00011] FIG. 2a a top view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to
the present
disclosure;
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[00012] FIG. 2b is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00013] FIG. 3 is a front angled exploded view of an embodiment of the potty
assembly according to
the present disclosure;
[00014] FIG. 4 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00015] FIG. 5 a front angled exploded view of an embodiment of the potty
assembly according to
the present disclosure;
[00016] FIG. 6 is a front angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the
present disclosure;
[00017] FIG. 7 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00018] FIG. 7a view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the
present disclosure;
[00019] FIG. 8 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00020] FIG. 9 is top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00021] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the
present disclosure;
[00022] FIG. 11 is a front angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the
present disclosure;
[00023] FIG. 12 is a front angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the
present disclosure;
[00024] FIG. 13 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the
present disclosure;
[00025] FIG. 14 is a top view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according
to the present
disclosure;
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[00026] FIG. 14a is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure;
[00027] FIG. 15 is an angled side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the
present disclosure;
5 [00028] FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure; and
[00029] FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly
according to the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[00030] The figures represent various embodiments of a potty assembly 10.
Referring generally to
FIGS. 1-2b, the potty assembly 10 includes a seat 12, a basin 14, and a base
16. The potty assembly
10 generally has a height dimension 60 measured along a vertical axis 57, a
width dimension 61
measured along a horizontal axis 58, and a depth dimension 62 measured along a
depthwise axis 59.
The potty assembly 10 has a height that is generally less than about 10
inches, less than 9 inches, or
between about 5 inches and about 9 inches. The potty assembly 10 has a width
that is generally
between about 10 inches and about 20 inches, between about 12 inches and about
18 inches, or
between about 14 inches and about 17 inches. The potty assembly has a depth of
less than 22
inches, and/or between about 12 inches and about 21 inches.
[00031]The potty assembly 10 is sized to accommodate small children of various
sizes, and generally
children between about 20 lbs and about 35 lbs (9 kg to 16 kg), children
between about 30 inches
and about 40 inches (76 cm to 102 cm) in height, and children between the ages
of 18 months and
36 months. The potty assembly 10 is configured to assist in the potty training
process. The potty
assembly 10 assists in the child's getting onto the seat 12, assists in the
child's relieving
himself/herself via waste passing/excretion, and the child's getting off the
potty assembly 10 after
evacuating his/her waste. Optionally, the potty assembly 10 assists in the
child's approach and
interest in using the potty assembly 10. Optionally, the potty assembly 10
assists the child in learning
how to properly relieve himself/herself including cleaning oneself after
evacuating his/her waste,
and/or how to properly maintain the potty assembly 10.
[00032] The seat 12 has an outer periphery 79 that defines the outer width 80
and outer depth 81 of
the seat 12. The outer periphery optionally has a lip 82 that extends downward
and/or outward
from the outer periphery 79. The lip 82 has a lip height 83. The lip 82
assists the seat 12 in
registering to the base 14 and/or stabilizing the seat 12 onto a conventional
toilet seat. The lip
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height 83 is between about 0.05 inches and about 4 inches, or less than about
2 inches, or less than
about an inch, or less than about 0.75 inches.
[00033] As shown in FIG. 14a, The seat 12 has a center opening 17 through
which waste is directed
into the basin 14. The seat 12 has a funnel 25 to help direct waste through
center opening 17 and
.. into the basin 14. The funnel 25 has a height 27 of between about 'A (.6
cm) inch and about 2 inches
(5.1 cm), preferably between about 'A" (1.2 cm) to about 1" (2.5 cm). The seat
12 has a flange 13
that assists in positioning and retain the seat onto the base 16 and/or basin
14 (and optionally,
retain basin 14).
[00034] In some embodiments as exemplified by FIGS. 3, 5, 14, and 14a, the
seat 12 is removable
from the basin 16. In some embodiments, the seat 12 is connectable and
separable from the basin
16. In embodiments where the seat 12 is removable from the basin 16, the
flange 13 is sized to
position and retain the seat 12 on a conventional toilet seat. As such, the
flange 13 has a height 27 of
between about 'A (.6 cm) inch and about 2 inches (5.1 cm), preferably between
about Y.?" (1.2 cm) to
about 1" (2.5 cm). In some embodiments, the funnel 25 has a flange 13. In
other embodiments, the
seat 12 has the funnel 25 with a funnel bottom edge 31 and the seat 12 also
has a separate flange 13
having a flange bottom edge 29 that are coplanar. In other embodiments, the
lip 82 has a lip edge
84 that is higher (or shorter) than the funnel bottom edge 31 and/or flange
bottom edge 29, such
that the funnel bottom edge 31 and/or flange bottom edge 29 protect the base
12 and basin 14 (and
optionally a conventional toilet seat) from being exposed to waste. In other
embodiments, the lip
edge 84, funnel bottom edge 31 and flange bottom edge 29 are coplanar.
[00035] The center opening 17 has a maximum width 11 of between about 4 inches
and about 8
inches, or between about inches and about 7 inches, or more preferably about 5
inches. The center
opening 17 has a maximum length 33 of between about 6 inches to about 10
inches, or between
about 7 inches and about 9 inches, or more preferably about 8 inches. The
maximum width 11 is in
the rearward portion 37 of the center opening 17. The rearward portion 37 is
aft of the mid-line 41
of center opening 17, where the mid-line 41 corresponds to half of the center
opening maximum
length 33. The maximum length 33 is generally along the center depthwise axis
35 of the center
opening 17.
[00036] Optionally, the seat 12 has a pee guard 48. The pee guard 48 has an
upper edge 64 that is
.. higher than the adjacent portions of seat 12. The pee guard 48 has a height
65 of between about
one inch and about 4 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and about 3.5 inches,
or about 3 inches.
The pee guard 48 has a width 66 of between about one inch and about 4 inches,
or between about
1.5 inches and about 3.5 inches, or about 3 inches. The pee guard 48 has a
depth 67 of between
about one inch and about 3 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and about 2
inches, or about 1.7
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inches. The pee guard 48 has a surface area 68 that is up to about 15% of the
total center opening
surface area 69, or between about 5% and 10% of the total center opening
surface area 69. In some
embodiments, the pee guard 48 increases the center opening surface area 69 by
up to about 15%, or
increases by between about 5% and about 10%. The pee guard is in the forward
portion 39 of center
opening 17, where the forward portion 39 is forward of the mid-line 41 of
center opening 17.
[00037] The seat 12 is shaped to comfortably receive a child's bottom side to
assist in the potty
process. The seat 12 has a contour 49 such that portions of a child's body are
in a position conducive
to the potty process, which includes (a) getting onto the potty, (b) using the
potty, and/or (c) getting
off the potty. The contour 49 has a shape that is conducive to the shape of a
child in the sitting
and/or squatting position. For instance, the contour 49 has peaks and valleys
that are suitably
shaped for a child's bottom side, hips and legs.
[00038] As shown in at least FIG. 1, the seat 12 has two leg supports 54, one
for each leg of the child.
The leg supports 54 help maintain the child's legs in a position conducive to
sitting on the potty seat
12. Optionally, the leg supports 54 help the child get onto the seat 12 and be
sitting in a position
conducive to relieving himself/herself.
[00039] In some embodiments such as those exemplified by FIG. 8, the back rest
24 and lumbar
support portion 55 are separate. The back rest 24 is connectable to or unitary
with the base 14. The
lumbar support portion 55 is unitary with the seat 12.
[00040] In some embodiments, the back of the base 21 has a height 23 that is
higher than the upper
end 63 of the lumbar support portion 55. In other embodiments, the back of the
base 21 height 23
is lower than the upper end 63 of the lumbar support portion 55.
[00041] As shown in at least FIG. 1, the potty assembly 10 has a back rest 24.
The back rest 24 is
unitary with the seat 12. The back rest has a lumbar support portion 55 that
helps position the child
into a position conducive for relieving himself or herself. As such, the back
rest 24 has a taper 56
that supports the child's back (and more specifically, lower back). The lumbar
support region height
95 is between about 3 inches and about six inches, and preferably is about 4
inches. The back rest 24
has a height 94 of at least the lumbar support region height 95. The back rest
height 24 can be any
number of heights, but is preferably tall enough to support the back of a
small child (thus up to
about 12" or so) but can be taller as contemplated throughout the present
disclosure).
[00042]The basin 14 provides sufficient volume to collect waste during at
least one evacuation
session. The basin fits within central hole 32 in base 14. The basin 14 has a
basin height 70 of up to
the platform height 50, or is up to about 4 inches, or is between about 2
inches and about 4 inches,
or is preferably between about 3 inches and 3.5 inches. The basin 14 has a
basin width 72 of up to
the maximum center opening width 11, or up to about 8 inches, or between about
4 inches and
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about 8 inches, or between about 4 inches and about 7 inches, or preferably
between about 5 inches
and 6 inches. The basin 14 has a basin depth 71 of up to the maximum center
opening length 33, or
up to about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or between about 7 inches and about 9
inches, or more
preferably about 7 inches to about 8 inches. The basin 15 has a surface area
75 up to the center
opening surface area 69.
[00043] The basin 14 has a basin flange 53 enabling basin 14 to be retained by
base 16. Optionally,
basin flange 53 extends outward and/or upward from basin 14, and has a funnel
74 including an
arcuate, roundel, fillet and/or chamfered region to assist with directing
waste towards basin bottom
74.
[00044] Basin has a removal lip 52 helping the user to remove basin 14 from
base 16. Optionally base
has a removal recess 47 to enable a user to place one's finger underneath
removal lip 52 to assist in
removal. As shown in FIG. 5, basin 14 optionally has a removal handle 15.
[00045] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 provides for a liner 46
that collects waste
deposited into the potty assembly 10. The liner 46 is situated between the
seat 12 and basin 14
such that it extends and substantially covers basin 14 thereby creating a
barrier between the basin
14 any wasted. The liner 46 can come in the form of a single bag with an open
end 78 and a closed
end 77, or can come in a length of film such that individual bags can be
separated by perforations. In
some embodiments, the length of the liner bag is about 10 inches to about 16
inches, or more
preferably between about 12 inches and about 15 inches, to accommodate closing
the open end 78
with a knot or other closure mechanism (band, clip, fastener, etc...).
[00046] Base 14 provides a platform 43 upon which seat 12 rests. Platform has
a base platform
height 50, which is between about 3 inches and about 6 inches, or between
about 4.5 inches and
about 5.5 inches. Base 14 and seat 12 are configured to provide a conducive
position for the child
while (a) getting onto the potty assembly 10, (b) relieving himself/herself,
and (c) getting off the
potty assembly 10. Base 14 has a groove 45 that receives seat flange 13. In
some embodiments,
groove 45 connects with removal recess 47. Groove 45 has a height of about 1/4
inches to about 1.5
inches, or between about Y2 inches to about 1 inch.
[00047] As exemplified in FIGS. 16-17, the potty assembly 10 of the present
disclosure is further
advantageous in that it positions the child in a position conducive to
evacuating himself/herself,
particularly during excretion of waste from the bowel. The potty assembly 10
seeks to position the
child in a sitting position that is similar to a squat. In other words, the
potty assembly 10 seeks to
create angles between the child's back, upper legs, and/or lower legs. The
torso angle 88 is defined
as the angle formed between the child's back and the child's upper leg(s). As
this can be difficult to
ascertain without a child, the torso angle 88 is schematically represented in
FIG. 16 and also defined
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with respect to a potty having a back rest 24 (or at minimum, lumbar support
region 55) and seat 12.
The torso region has a torso vertex 138 at the seat line 133, with a lumbar
line segment 135
extending from the upper inner edge 136 to the vertex 138, and a leg line
segment 137 extending
from the upper seat edge 139 to the torso vertex 138. The seat line 133 is
defined as a plane
extending through the rearward most point 134 of the center opening 17. The
knee angle 89 is
defined as the angle formed between child's upper leg and lower leg. As this
can be difficult to
ascertain without a child, the knee angle 89 is schematically represented in
FIG. 16 and also defined
with respect to the mid-line 41, front edge 85 of the seat 12 (the line or
plane through which the
vertex 130 of the knee angle intersects), and heal-line 86 of the at least one
footrest 18. The front
.. edge 85 of the seat 12 defines a plane as exemplified in FIG. 17, where the
plane is perpendicular to
the upper surface 143 of the foot rest 18 (or the ground, if there is no foot
rest). A seat line segment
131 that is ten inches in length extends from the mid-line 41 to vertex 130
and intersects a heal line
segment 132 that is ten inches in length extending from the heal line 86 to
vertex 130, duly forming
the knee angle (note: ten inches for line segments 131 and 132 was selected
based on a reasonable
lower leg length and upper leg length of children who are likely to use the
potty assembly 10). The
heal-line 86 is 0.5 inches from the forwardmost portion of the base that is
adjacent the at least one
footrest 18. Preferably the potty assembly 10 provides an acute angle with
respect to at least one of
the torso angle 88 and knee angle 89. As such, in some embodiments, either of
the torso angle 88 or
the knee angle 89 can be other than an acute angle, such as a right angle or
obtuse angle. In further
embodiments, the potty assembly 10 provides an acute torso angle 88 and an
acute knee angle 89
(as defined by the geometric relationships of the potty assembly 10). In some
embodiments, the
torso angle 88 is between about 0 and 90 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or
between about 15-45
degrees, or between about 20-40 degrees, or preferably about 35 degrees. In
some embodiments,
the knee angle 89 is between about 0 and 90 degrees, or less than 45 degrees,
or between about 15-
45 degrees, or between about 20-40 degrees, or preferably about 35 degrees.
Although FIG. 16
depicts the leg line segment 137 and the seat line segment as the same line
segment, one skilled in
the art appreciates this may not be the case based on the aforementioned
definitions of the torso
angle 88 and knee angle 89.
[00048] As exemplified in FIG. 17, some embodiments include a platform 43
positioned at an angle
.. with respect to the ground on which the base 16 rests. The platform 43 has
an angle such that front
edge 90 of platform 43 is lower than rear edge 91 of platform 43, or by a
similar token, front region
92 of platform is generally lower than rear region 93 of platform 43. Having
an angled platform 43
assists in helping the child get onto the potty assembly 10, and/or helps put
the child into the
conducive evacuation position where the torso angle 88 and/or the knee angle
89 are an acute
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angle. In such embodiments, seat 12 is also generally positioned at an angle
(noting that a seat 12
with contour 49 may have local regions that are not at an angle) when seat 12
is positioned on
platform 43. In general, the angle of the platform 43 can have a rise of
between about 0.25 inches to
about 3 inches, or between about 1 inch and about 2 inches.
5 [00049] The at least one foot rest 18 is positioned generally along the
front end 19 of base 16. The
at least one foot rest 18 is optionally a continuous foot rest 18, or is
optionally separate foot rests
18, such as one foot rest 18 per each foot of the child. The foot rest 18 has
a width 98 that is about
equal to or slightly larger than the base width 96. The at least one foot rest
18 is otherwise suitably
sized to accommodate a child's foot, and as such, the at least one foot rest
18 has a depth 97 of
10 between about 4 inches and about 10 inches, or between about 4 inches
and about 6 inches. The at
least one foot rest 18 width 98 is between about 2 inches and about 20 inches.
In embodiments
having more than one foot rest 18, the foot rest is between about 2 inches and
about 4 inches in
width 98. In embodiments having only one foot rest 18, the width of the foot
rest is between about
8 inches and about 16 inches.
(00050) The at least one foot rest 18 optionally has an angle such that toes
of the child are at a
higher elevation than the heal of the child. Alternatively, the at least one
foot rest has the opposite
angle ¨ the toes of the child are at a lower position than the heal of the
child. Such configurations
can assist with configuring the child in the appropriate sitting/squatting
position for eliminating
waste, such as, for instance, inducing the child to lean forward and thus
create an acute torso angle
88. Such an angle can lead to a foot rest rise 99 of between about 0.25 inches
and about 2 inches,
and more preferably between about 0.50 inches and about 1.25 inches.
(00051) The at least one foot rest 18 is positioned to be coplanar with the
platform or to be coplanar
with the seat 12. The at least one foot rest 18 is positioned to be up to four
inches below either the
platform 43 or seat 12, whichever is greater, or more preferably, between
about 0 inches and about
three inches below platform 43.
[00052] The at least one foot rest preferably has a surface that has enhanced
gripping. The surface
has one or more gripping structures 100 such as one or more protuberances,
ribs, or other features
to help the child get onto the potty assembly 10, stay on the potty assembly
10, and get off the potty
assembly 10. Gripping structures 100 are also suitable for one or more handles
22. The one or more
gripping structures 100 can be a tacky or flexible material, such as one with
a durometer of between
about 30 and about 70. The at least one foot rest 18 optionally has a graphic,
raised, or recessed foot
pad 101 to visually help the child position his/her foot in the appropriate
position. The foot pad 101
is positioned such that the rearward edge 102 is between about 0.25 inches and
about 1.5 inches, or
more preferably between about 0.5 inches and about 1 inch from the forwardmost
portion of the
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base adjacent 87 the at least one foot rest 18. The foot pad 101 has a width
103 of between about 2
inches and about three inches, and a length 104 of between about 3 inches and
about four inches.
[00053] A step 20 is optionally proFvided. The step 20 assists the child in
getting onto the potty, and
is situated at a height 105 that is lower than the at least one foot rest
height 106. In embodiments
with a single foot rest 18, the step 20 is positioned in front of the at least
one foot rest 18. In
embodiments with two foot rests 18, the step is optionally positioned between
the foot rests 18. In
some embodiments, the step includes more than one step. The step height 105 is
between about 1
inches and about four inches in height, and more preferably about 1 inch to
about 2 inches in height.
The step width 107 is between about 4 inches and about 20 inches (such that it
is slightly larger than
the base width 96), or between about 4 inches and about 16 inches, or up to
about 14 inches.
[00054] At least one handle 22 is provided. The at least one handle 22 is
positioned to assist the child
in getting onto and off the potty assembly 10. As such, the at least one
handle 22 is preferably
positioned in the front region 140 of the base 16. In some embodiments, the at
least one handle 22
also provides comfort or support for the child while relieving
himself/herself, and as such, the at
least one handle 22 is positioned to be reachable by the child while sitting
on the seat 12. The at
least one handle 22 also helps the child to position himself/herself on the
seat 12 to be in the
appropriate sitting/squatting position. For instance, the child holding the at
least one handle 22 that
is positioned at least partially forward of the center opening 17 will cause
the child to bend such that
the torso angle 88 is acute. In the embodiment exemplified in FIG. 11, a
single handle 22 is provided
forward of the platform front edge 90. The single handle 22 is aligned along
the center depthwise
axis 35. In some embodiments, the at least one handle is completely forward of
the center opening
17, while in other embodiments, 75% of the at least one handle is forward of
the center opening 17,
50% of the at least one handle is forward of the center opening 17, 33% of the
at least one handle is
forward of the center opening 17, and/or 25% v of the at least one handle is
forward of the center
opening 17.
[00055] The at least one handle 22 is sized to be grippable by a child using
the potty assembly 10.
The at least one handle 22 is connected to the base 16 or the seat 12. The at
least one handle 22 has
a handle length 108 of between about 2 inches and about 10 inches, or between
about 4 inches and
8 inches. The handle 22 has a handle width 109 of between about 0.5 inches and
about 1.25 inches.
The handle 22 has a handle circumference 110 that is between about 2 inches to
about 6 inches, and
more preferably between about 3 inches and about 4 inches. The handle has a
height 129 of
between about 1 inches and about 6 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and
about 3.5 inches.
[00056] In some embodiments, the base 16 provides storage 26 for items related
to bathroom
usage. Storage 26 is in the form of a drawer as shown in FIGS. 7-8, as a chest
(see FIG. 12), in the
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form of a holder (see FIG. 11), or as a basket (see FIGS. 5 and 8). Storage 26
can be provided in one
or more portions of the base 16, such as above, below, forward of, rearward
of, or to one side of,
basin 14, or combinations thereof. Storage 26 is sized to suitably hold
objects such as a wipes
container or cleaner, odor absorbing materials, odor neutralizing materials,
fragrance, antimicrobial
materials, magazines, a sleeve of folded wipes, toilet paper, ointments,
medicaments, creams,
brushes, and the like. Storage 26, depending on its location, does not
interfere with size and
positioning of basin 14. For instance, storage located below the at least one
foot rest 18 or below
any step 22, would be sized similarly to the dimensions afforded by the at
least one foot rest 18
and/or step 22 and thusly would not limit basin 14 such that it's volume is
sufficient for at least one
waste elimination session.
[00057] In some embodiments as exemplified by FIG. 12, storage 26 is in the
form of a dispenser 30.
The dispenser 30 is suitable for dispensing wipes, and/or dispensing toilet
paper. In one
embodiment, the dispenser has an orifice 141 with a diaphragm 142 that
dispenses wipes. In
another embodiment, the dispenser 30 is a toilet paper holder 28.
[00058] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 helps inspire the child to
use the potty
assembly 10, and/or offers a reward or recognition for use of the potty
assembly 10. In a first
embodiment, the potty assembly 10 includes one or more lights 34. The lights
34 have a dormant
state where the lights 34 do not emit light. The lights 34 have a use state
where the lights 34 are
flashing or are illuminated for a period of time. In one embodiment, one or
more lights 34 are
located in the forward portion of the potty assembly 12, as exemplified by
FIG. 6. In some
embodiments, the one or more lights 34 flashes when the child places his or
her foot on the step 20
or the at least one foot rest 18. In other embodiments, the one or more lights
34 flash when the
child relieves himself/herself. The one or more lights 34 receive a signal
from a sensor 111 such as a
laser, accelerometer, thermocouple, or pressure transducer, or by mechanical
means such as a
button or lever, that identify when a child interacts with the potty assembly
(for instance, by pushing
a button or moving a lever, by standing on the at least one foot rest 18,
grabbing the at least one
handle 22, sitting on seat 12, engaging a lever 38, or while eliminating waste
via the bowel or by
urination). In one embodiment, a laser detects movement that passes through
the laser beam.
When the laser is tripped, it communicates through a simple circuit and the
one or more lights 34
illuminates for a period of time. In such embodiments, the laser is positioned
such that its beam
extends through the basin 17 along the basin central depthwise axis 112 such
that it identifies waste
from the bowel or via urination. When the laser beam is interrupted by the
passing of waste, the
lights flash. In other embodiments, the lights illuminate or flash after the
beam has ceased being
interrupted, such that the lights illuminate only after the potty is
completed. In more complex
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scenarios, a second sensor 111 operates to ensure both a successful waste
elimination and getting
off the potty assembly 10. The second sensor is a pressure transducer or
accelerometer that is
positioned on the potty assembly, preferably on the at least one foot rest 18
and optionally also on
the seat 12 (or platform 43). These additional sensors, in addition to the
sensor detecting waste,
motivate the child to get off the potty assembly 10 after eliminating waste.
As such, the lights will
only flash after waste is captured in the basin 16 and there is no weight on
at least a portion of the
potty assembly 10 (such as the seat 12 and/or the at least one foot rest 18).
[00059] Waste elimination can be detected by other means, such as by a
thermocouple (detecting a
change from ambient room temperature to that of waste being eliminated at body
temperature,
presumably higher than ambient temperature), or by an accelerometer, pressure
transducer, or
other mechanical means such as a spring-biased platform that detect pressure
or weight in the basin
14.
[00060] Embodiments with one or more lights 34 on the forward portion of potty
assembly 10
enable the child to see the lights while seated on the seat 12, while getting
on and/or off the potty
assembly 10, and/or when off the potty assembly. Embodiments with one or more
lights 34 on the
back portion of the potty assembly assist in training the child to complete
additional acts required
for a successful bathroom session, which includes eliminating waste and
getting off of the potty. As
such, one or more lights 34 are only viewable when off of the potty assembly
10.
[00061] One or more sound emitting speakers 113 operate similarly and are
positioned similarly as
.. discussed with the one or more lights 34. One or more speakers 113 emit
music or other
encouraging or instructional messages to the child. In one embodiment, the one
or more speakers
are triggered by a sensor 111 that activates when the child grabs onto one
more handles 22, steps
onto the potty assembly 10 via the one or more steps 22 or the one or more
foot rest 18, and/or sits
on seat 12. The one or more speakers 113 continues to provide music or
messages until the child
ceases interaction with the potty assembly 10.
[00062] A combination of the one more lights 34 and the one or more speakers
113 can be used in
concert to provide a stimulating and educational experience with potty
assembly 10 and assist in
training the child how to properly go to the bathroom without a diaper or
waste gathering article
generally worn about the waist of the child.
[00063] In other embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, a counter
36 is provided. The
counter 36 helps the child keep track of the number of successful uses of
potty assembly 10. The
counter has one or more dials or buttons 115 or the like. The counter 36
enables movement of such
dials or buttons 115 such that records can be kept. For instance, the counter
36 has sufficient length
114 to enable the buttons or dials 115 to be pushed laterally or forward or
backward, similar to a
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gaming table such as foozball. In other embodiments, the counter 36 has a
series of buttons or dials
that have a first state 116 that is visually, audibly, or tactilely distinct
from a second state 117. In
some embodiments, the counter 36 operates in conjunction with a light 34 or
speaker 113.
[00064] In further embodiments, the potty has a water chamber 40 such that it
is structured similar
.. to conventional toilets. The chamber 40 is optionally at least partially
translucent such that the child
is able to see fluid inside the chamber 40. The chamber has a lid 118 covering
a fill opening 119 such
that the caretake or child can fill the chamber with water or other cleansing
fluid.
[00065] In some embodiments having a chamber 40, the chamber includes a lever
38 for flushing.
The lever 38 may have no mechanical advantage or significance, or in other
words, it may fail to
operate/move and/or fail to cause fluid to flow out of the chamber 40. In
other embodiments, the
lever 38 has a rest position 120 and an active position 121. The child or
caretaker can thusly, using
one's hand, move the lever 38 from the rest position 120 to the active
position 121 to simulate
flushing of a toilet. The lever 120 will then return to the rest position 120
after it is released by the
user. The lever may include a spring 122 to assist in its return from an
active position 121 to a rest
position 120.
[00066] In some embodiments, the lever 38 does enable fluid to move from
chamber 40 and into
basin 14 by way of channel 44. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary diagram where the
tank 40 and basin 14
are translucent (so components can be seen). Channel 44 is situated towards
the front and/or
bottom of chamber 40, and is in fluid communication with chamber 40. Upon
depressing lever 120,
flapper 123 is elevated (via linkage assembly 126) enabling water to rush into
channel 44 and
thereafter into basin 14. Channel 44 has a length 124 and diameter 125
suitable to fill basin 14 to an
appropriate height (about 25-50% of the basin height 70). The dimensions of
the channel 44 enable
fluid to generate enough pressure to push through valve 127 and enter basin.
Valve 127 ensures
waste fluid in the bowl does not enter channel 44. Optionally gaskets 128a and
128b create a seal
.. between the channel 44 and chamber 40 and channel and basin 14,
respectively.
[00067] In further embodiments, the potty assembly 10 has a theme. The potty
assembly 10 not only
assists with assisting young children with learning how to go to the bathroom
like an adulty the potty
assembly 10 functions in a unique and exceptional manner, much like a
superhero and/or fictional
character with supreme abilities. As such, the theme of such a potty assembly
10 can be akin to one
.. or more superheroes, action heroes and/or other fictional character with
impressive or admirable
skills/traits.
[00068] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 has a theme of being a "big
kid" or a "grown-
up". The potty assembly 10 is structured similarly to a conventional toilet in
that it has a similar
overall shape, includes a seat 12, and/or has chamber 40.
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[00069] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 includes is a stainless
metal material and
optionally has a seat 12, basin 14, and/or base 16 that is(are) at least
partially plastic or translucent.
[00070]The potty assembly 10 is made from a variety of materials, including
without limitation:
plastic, silicone, films, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), sealed wood,
composite materials,
5 woven fiber materials, metals such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum,
nickel, reconstituted or
recycled materials, and/or bio-based materials such as sugarcane, blends of
bio-based materials with
plastic materials such as polypropylene, or any combination thereof.
Preferably, the potty assembly
10 is made from material that provides sufficient rigidity in order to give it
structure while providing
sufficient flexibility. Furthermore, the potty assembly 10 sufficiently
durable to repeated usage,
10 cleaning, storage and optionally connection to other items.
[00071] Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated
with reference to specific
exemplary embodiments thereof, it is not intended that the present disclosure
be limited to those
exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations
and modifications can
be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure as
defined by the claims
15 that follow. For instance, features disclosed in connection with any one
embodiment can be used
alone or in combination with each feature of the respective other embodiments.
[00072] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake
of grammatical fluidity
with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the
claims, unless expressly
formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in
any way by the
construction of "means" or "steps" limitations, but are to be accorded the
full scope of the meaning
and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial
doctrine of equivalents,
and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are
to be accorded full
statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112."
