Adjustable Potty-Training System

Abstract

An adjustable potty-training system configured to convert or alter a standard toilet for use by a toddler. The system comprises a stool and a lid wherein the stool sits at the base of the toilet against the toilet pedestal and the lid connects atop the toilet seat. The stool comprises a platform and a plurality of risers with the plurality of risers attached under the platform, allowing for adjustment of the height of the stool by adding or removing risers. The lid comprises a rear portion and a front portion pivotably connected by a pivoting connector, allowing for the front portion to rotate relative to the rear portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for facilitating toilet or potty-training tasks and more specifically to alterable supporting surfaces and lid assemblies for toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transitioning from diapers to learning to successfully use an adult toilet is an important stage of development for every toddler. However, the learning process can present several difficulties for younger individuals. Teaching a toddler to use an adult toilet requires that the toddler feels secure and comfortable during the toilet training process.

Toddlers more successfully accomplish toilet training if they feel more secure about using the toilet and are able to maneuver themselves on and off the toilet easily, in addition to stabilizing themselves with their feet to push when they have a bowel movement. However, a toddler's size in comparison to an adult toilet may hinder the toddler's progress in using the toilet. The age and size of a toddler when an adult caregiver may begin the toilet training process may vary and depend upon many factors. For instance, while sitting on the adult toilet, the toddler may experience discomfort or insecurity due to the toddler's short legs which tend not to reach the floor and dangle unsupported. Thus, the toddler's legs are not stabilized and cannot aid the toddler with pushing to facilitate the toddler's bowel movement.

Toddlers would be more successful in accomplishing toilet training if they also felt more secure about using the toilet stabilizing themselves on the toilet seat. The toilet seat of the toilet bowl in the bathroom of each household is made for use only by adults, so when a child sees the toilet, there are inconveniences such as getting help from an adult or finding a toilet bowl for a child.

While sitting on the adult toilet, the toddler may experience discomfort or insecurity due to the toddler's buttocks which tend to be smaller and unsupported on an adult toilet seat. Thus, the toddler's body is not stabilized or comfortable. This would then require a smaller toilet seat with a back support so that the toddler would feel more secure, comfortable, and not slip into the toilet bowl.

The present invention is an adjustable potty-training system transforms a standard toilet for use by a child by correcting for the height of the toilet off the floor and the size of the toilet seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front isometric view of the present invention arranged in a closed position with a toilet in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top front isometric view of the present invention arranged in an open position with a toilet in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the present invention arranged in a closed position with a toilet in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top front isometric view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded top front isometric view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded front elevation view of the stool of the present invention in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top front isometric view of the lid of the present invention in an open position in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the lid of the present invention in an open position in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top front isometric view of the lid of the present invention in a closed position in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the lid of the present invention in a closed position in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a component diagram of the

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a potty-training system comprising a stool 1 and a lid 2. The stool 1 of the present invention is configured to sit on the floor against the pedestal of a toilet while the lid 2 is configured to sit atop a seat of the toilet. In combination, the stool 1 and the lid 2 adapt a standard toilet into a toilet usable for a child for potty-training.

The stool 1 of the present invention comprises a platform 10 and a plurality of risers 11. The platform 10 of the present invention is a substantially rectangular component comprising a top platform surface 100, a bottom platform surface 101, a left side 104, a right side 105, a front end 102, and a rear end 103. The top platform surface 100 and the bottom platform surface 101 are oppositely from one another about the platform 10 and are preferably parallel to one another. The left side 104 and the right side 105 are oppositely positioned from one another about the platform 10 and the front end 102 and the rear end 103 are oppositely positioned from one another about the platform 10. The rear end 103 of the platform 10 may comprise a curved cutout in order for the platform 10 to nest against and partially extend around a standard toilet pedestal. The top platform surface 100 may comprise a non-slip surface 115. The non-slip surface 115 may include a plurality of raised ribs, a plurality of recessed ribs, or other similar structures to prevent a user's feet from sliding on the top platform surface 100. The non-slip surface 115 is preferably rubber or silicone but may be any other material that resists slippage.

The plurality of risers 11 may be attached to the bottom platform surface 101 in order to raise the platform 10 to a desired height for use. Each of the plurality of risers 11 comprises a top riser surface 110 and a bottom riser surface 111 oppositely positioned from one another about the riser. The top riser surface 110 may be engaged with the bottom platform surface 101. The platform 10 and the plurality of risers 11 may comprise a first interlocking structure 13 and a second interlocking structure 14, wherein the first interlocking structure 13 is configured to engage with the second interlocking structure 14. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom platform 10 surface and the bottom riser surface 111 each comprise the first interlocking structure 13 and the top riser surface 110 comprises the second interlocking structure 14, allowing for the plurality of risers 11 to engage with the platform 10 and to engage with one another in a stacking manner.

In many embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of risers 11 comprises three or more risers. Specifically, the plurality may comprise a first riser 112, a last riser 114, and at least one middle riser 113. In such an embodiment, the plurality of risers 11 are arranged with the at least one middle riser 113 stacked between the first riser 112 and the last riser 114. Each of the first riser 112, a last riser 114, and at least one middle riser 113 may comprise the first interlocking structure 13 on the bottom riser surface 111 and a second interlocking structure 14 on the top riser surface 110, allowing the plurality of risers 11 to stack on top of one another. In the preferred embodiment, the top riser surface 110 of the first riser 112 is connected to the bottom platform 10 surface, the top riser surface 110 of the at least one middle riser 113 is connected to the bottom riser surface 111 of the first riser 112, and the top riser surface 110 of the last riser 114 is connected to the bottom riser surface 111 of the at least one middle riser 113. Additionally, in many embodiments, the plurality of risers 11 may be split into a plurality of left risers 16 and a plurality of right risers 17. In this embodiment, the plurality of left risers 16 and the plurality of right risers 17 operate in the same manner as discussed above for the plurality of risers 11, with the plurality of right risers 17 mirroring the plurality of left risers 16. Specifically, the top riser surface 110 of the first riser 112 of the plurality of left risers 16 is engaged with the bottom platform surface 101 on the left side 104 of the platform 10 and the top riser surface 110 of the first riser 112 of the plurality of right risers 17 is engaged with the bottom platform surface 101 on the right side 105 of the platform 10. In sum, the plurality of risers 11 may be stacked with one another to reach a desired height under the platform 10, raising the platform 10 the height required for the user to rest their feet while using the toilet.

The stool 1 may further comprise at least one handle system 15 configured to be held by the user while getting onto the toilet and/or using the toilet. The at least one handle system 15 comprises a handle 150, a base 151, and a telescoping pole. The base 151 and the handle 150 are connected to one another by the at least one telescoping pole 152, allowing the handle 150 to move away from and toward the base 151 by way of the telescoping pole being configured to extend and contract between the base 151 and the handle 150. The base 151 of the at least one handle system 15 is preferably connected to the plurality of risers 11 with the at least one telescoping pole 152 and the handle 150 extending away from the base 151 in the direction of the platform 10. In the preferred embodiment, a button on the top of the handle 150 is pushed to retract a pin mechanism and release the at least one telescoping pole 152, allowing the handle 150 to be raised or lowered. When the button is released, the pins will push out through holes in the at least one telescoping pole 152, stopping the handle 150 at that height. When fully extended, the handle 150 rises past the platform 10, providing a place at or above the height of the toilet for the user to grab. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one handle system 15 comprises a first handle system and a second handle system. The first handle system is positioned adjacent to the left side 104 of the platform 10 and the right handle system is positioned adjacent to the right side 105 of the platform 10. Further, the platform 10 may comprise hooks or clips on the left side 104 and the right side 105 to connect to the at least one telescoping pole 152, securing and stabilizing the at least one handle system 15. The stool 1 may also comprise a plurality of non-slip feet 18. The plurality of non-slip feet 18 is connected to the bottom riser surface 111, creating a gripping barrier between the plurality of risers 11 and the floor. In some embodiments, the plurality of non-slip feet 18 may be configured to engage with the first interlocking structure 13.

The lid 2 of the present invention comprises a rear portion 20, a front portion 21, and a pivoting connector 22. The lid 2 is configured to sit atop a toilet seat of a toilet, allowing a different portion of the toilet seat to be opened depending on the user. In the present invention, the rear portion 20 and the front portion 21 of the lid 2 are pivotably connected to one another by the pivoting connector 22, allowing the front portion 21 to rotate relative to the rear portion 20. The rear portion 20 may further comprise an attachment mechanism 200 configured to connect the lid 2 to a toilet seat. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 200 may allow the lid 2 to be pivotably attached to the seat, such that the entire lid 2 can flip up relative to the seat. The front portion 21 may further comprise a seat extension 210. The seat extension 210 preferably extends perpendicularly to the front portion 21 and has a rounded shape. When the front portion 21 is rotated perpendicular to the rear portion 20, the seat extension 210 is raised into place parallel with the rear portion 20, creating a rounded seat for the user of the smaller lid 2 opening.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15, the pivoting connector 22, further comprises a sensor mechanism 300. In such embodiments of the present invention, the sensor mechanism 300 receives a user input, thus communicating a signal to a motor 302, wherein the motor 302 engages the pivoting connector, thereby facilitating the opening and closing of the lid 2. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor mechanism 300 further comprises an override system 305, wherein the override system 305 inhibits signals to be communicated from the sensor 301 and facilitating the opening and closing of the lid. In the context of the present invention, the sensor mechanism 300 comprises a sensor wherein the sensor 301 is at least one of the following selected from an infrared sensor and capacitance sensor. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the override system comprises at least one of a button 306, a magnetic sensor 307, and a manual lever 308.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A potty-training system for use with a toilet, comprising: a stool;the stool comprising a platform and a plurality of risers;the platform having a front end and a rear end oppositely positioned from one another on the platform;the rear end of the platform comprising a curved cutout;the platform having a top platform surface and a bottom platform surface oppositely positioned from one another on the platform;the bottom platform surface comprising a first interlocking structure;each of the plurality of risers having a top riser surface and a bottom riser surface;the bottom riser surface comprising the first interlocking structure;the top riser surface comprising a second interlocking structure;the top riser surface of a first riser of the plurality of risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface; andthe first interlocking structure being configured to engage with the second interlocking structure.

2. The potty-training system of claim 1, further comprising: the stool further comprising at least one handle system;the at least one handle system comprising a handle, a base, and at least one telescoping pole;the base being connected to the handle by the at least one telescoping pole; andthe at least one telescoping pole being configured to extend and contract, moving the handle away from and toward the base.

3. The potty-training system of claim 1, further comprising: the top platform surface further comprising a non-slip surface;the stool further comprising a plurality of non-slip feet; andthe plurality of non-slip feet being connected to the bottom surface of a last riser of the plurality of risers.

4. The potty-training system of claim 1, further comprising: the plurality of risers comprising the first riser, a last riser, and at least one middle riser;the top riser surface of the at least one middle riser being connected to the bottom riser surface of the first riser; andthe top riser surface of the last riser being connected to the bottom riser surface of the at least one middle riser.

5. The potty-training system of claim 1, further comprising: the platform comprising a left side and a right side, oppositely positioned from one another about the platform;the plurality of risers comprising a plurality of left risers and a plurality of right risers;the top riser surface of a first left riser of the plurality of left risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface on the left side of the platform; andthe top riser surface of a first right riser of the plurality of right risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface on the right side of the platform.

6. The potty-training system of claim 1, further comprising: a lid;the lid comprising a rear portion, a front portion, and a pivoting connector; andthe rear portion and the front portion pivotably connected to one another by the pivoting connector.

7. The potty-training system of claim 6, further comprising: the lid further comprising a seat extension and an attachment mechanism;the seat extension being connected to the front portion;the seat extension extending perpendicularly from the front portion, adjacent to the pivoting connector;the attachment mechanism being connected to the rear portion; andthe attachment mechanism being configured to attach the lid to a toilet seat.

8. A potty-training system for use with a toilet, comprising: a lid;the lid comprising a rear portion, a front portion, and a pivoting connector;the rear portion and the front portion pivotably connected to one another by the pivoting connector;the lid further comprising a seat extension and an attachment mechanism;the seat extension being connected to the front portion;the seat extension extending perpendicularly from the front portion, adjacent to the pivoting connector;the attachment mechanism being connected to the rear portion; andthe attachment mechanism being configured to attach the lid to a toilet seat.

9. The potty-training system of claim 8, further comprising: a stool;the stool comprising a platform and a plurality of risers;the platform having a top platform surface and a bottom platform surface oppositely positioned from one another on the platform;the bottom platform surface comprising a first interlocking structure;each of the plurality of risers having a top riser surface and a bottom riser surface;the bottom riser surface comprising the first interlocking structure;the top riser surface comprising a second interlocking structure;the top riser surface of a first riser of the plurality of risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface; andthe first interlocking structure being configured to engage with the second interlocking structure.

10. The potty-training system of claim 9 further comprising: the stool further comprising at least one handle system;the at least one handle system comprising a handle, a base, and at least one telescoping pole;the base being connected to the handle by the at least one telescoping pole;the at least one telescoping pole being configured to extend and contract, moving the handle away from and toward the base;the platform having a front end and a rear end oppositely positioned from one another on the platform; andthe rear end of the platform comprising a curved cutout.

11. The potty-training system of claim 9, further comprising: the top platform surface further comprising a non-slip surface;the stool further comprising a plurality of non-slip feet; andthe plurality of non-slip feet being connected to the bottom surface of a last riser of the plurality of risers.

12. The potty-training system of claim 9, further comprising: the plurality of risers comprising the first riser, a last riser, and at least one middle riser;the top riser surface of the at least one middle riser being connected to the bottom riser surface of the first riser; andthe top riser surface of the last riser being connected to the bottom riser surface of the at least one middle riser.

13. The potty-training system of claim 9, further comprising: the platform comprising a left side and a right side, oppositely positioned from one another about the platform;the plurality of risers comprising a plurality of left risers and a plurality of right risers;the top riser surface of a first left riser of the plurality of left risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface on the left side of the platform; andthe top riser surface of a first right riser of the plurality of right risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface on the right side of the platform.

14. A potty training system for use with a toilet, comprising: a stool;a lid;the stool comprising a platform and a plurality of risers;the lid comprising a rear portion, a front portion, and a pivoting connector;the rear portion and the front portion pivotably connected to one another by the pivoting connector;the platform having a top platform surface and a bottom platform surface oppositely positioned from one another on the platform;the bottom platform surface comprising a first interlocking structure;each of the plurality of risers having a top riser surface and a bottom riser surface;the bottom riser surface comprising the first interlocking structure;the top riser surface comprising a second interlocking structure;the top riser surface of a first riser of the plurality of risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface; andthe first interlocking structure being configured to engage with the second interlocking structure.

15. The potty-training system of claim 14, further comprising: the stool further comprising at least one handle system;the at least one handle system comprising a handle, a base, and at least one telescoping pole;the base being connected to the handle by the at least one telescoping pole; andthe at least one telescoping pole being configured to extend and contract, moving the handle away from and toward the base.

16. The potty-training system of claim 15, further comprising: the plurality of risers comprising the first riser, a last riser, and at least one middle riser;the top riser surface of the at least one middle riser being connected to the bottom riser surface of the first riser; andthe top riser surface of the last riser being connected to the bottom riser surface of the at least one middle riser.

17. The potty training system of claim 15, further comprising: the platform comprising a left side and a right side, oppositely positioned from one another about the platform;the plurality of risers comprising a plurality of left risers and a plurality of right risers;the top riser surface of a first left riser of the plurality of left risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface on the left side of the platform; andthe top riser surface of a first right riser of the plurality of right risers being engaged with the bottom platform surface on the right side of the platform.

18. The potty-training system of claim 15, further comprising: the top platform surface further comprising a non-slip surface;the stool further comprising a plurality of non-slip feet; andthe plurality of non-slip feet being connected to the bottom surface of a last riser of the plurality of risers.

19. The potty-training system of claim 18, further comprising: the platform having a front end and a rear end oppositely positioned from one another on the platform; andthe rear end of the platform comprising a curved cutout.

20. The potty-training system of claim 19, further comprising: the lid further comprising a seat extension and an attachment mechanism;the seat extension being connected to the front portion;the seat extension extending perpendicularly from the front portion, adjacent to the pivoting connector;the attachment mechanism being connected to the rear portion; andthe attachment mechanism being configured to attach the lid to a toilet seat.