Patent Application
20240180371
The present invention generally relates to child potty training seats, and in particular, to a flip-up potty seat for use with regular (e.g., adult sized) toilets and toilet seats.
Training young children or toddlers to use an adult-sized toilet (i.e., “potty training”) is known as a required task of child rearing that can eventually bring much needed relief from the diaper changing. Unfortunately, potty training is an activity that is, to this day, still unpredictable, imprecise, and prone to fear, apprehension, and error. During potty training, kids are often apprehensive and unaware of the physical cues that indicate the bowel or bladder needs to be evacuated. Furthermore, upon taking the child to a regular (adult-sized) toilet seat, the task may nevertheless be time consuming, unpredictable or nerve racking. With technological advances, smart phones and the increasingly faster pace of modern life, the time and stress required for potty training has only increased. As such, there is an urgent need for a better way of potty-training young children or toddlers.
The following presents a brief summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive description of every feature of the invention. It is intended to neither identify all the key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the entire scope of the invention. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a shorter reading form as an overall introduction to the more detailed description that is presented later.
Disclosed is a flip-up potty seat for use with regular (e.g., adult) toilets, toilet lids, and toilet seats. In one embodiment, the flip-up potty seat can be thin enough so as to fit into the space between the toilet seat and the lid of a regular, adult toilet seat so that the flip-up potty seat can be safely stored therein when the lid is closed. In another embodiment, the flip-up potty seat can be integrally molded as a single piece using materials such as plastic or other suitable flexible materials. In such a process of making the flip-up potty seat it can be described as consisting essentially of a single flexible material, such as a polymer or thermoelastic polymer/plastic.
In one embodiment, the flip-up potty seat includes a mount that can attach to an underside of the (adult size) toilet lid with adhesive strips, suction cups, or other suitable fasteners. The flip-up potty seat can include a living hinge that is integrally molded into the seat and allows a ring of the flip-up potty seat to be flipped up and out of the way so as to enable an adult regular use of the toilet seat.
In another embodiment, the flip-up potty seat can be easily installed on the regular adult toilet without the use of any mechanical fasteners or tools or both.
In some embodiments, a flip-up potty seat operative for potty training of toddlers on a regular, adult-sized toilet seat is disclosed herein, the flip-up potty seat comprising: a mount operative to be attached to a toilet lid of a regular, adult-sized toilet seat's lid; a flip-up toilet seat ring connected to the mount via a hinge, wherein the ring can be positioned down on the toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat; wherein the ring is thereby in a potty-training use position; and wherein the ring can be flipped up from the toilet seat to contact the mount and to stay in contact with the mount; wherein the ring is thereby in a regular, adult use position or a stowed position.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat can be further comprising one or more tabs on the mount capable of engaging with a portion of the ring when the ring is flipped up to contact the one or more tabs on the mount; wherein the one or more tabs are operative to hold the ring in the flipped-up position until the ring is pulled down to the potty-training use position. The one or more tabs can be configured as magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, suction (cups), or any other suitable fastener known in the art.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat can be further comprising one or more complementary recesses on the ring, oppositely disposed to the one or more tabs; wherein the one or more complementary recesses can frictionally engage with the one or more tabs on the mount. The one or more complementary recesses can be, in some embodiments, configured as metal or magnets or complimentary hook-and-loop material if, as discussed above, the one or more tabs are configured with a different fastener known in the art.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat can be configured wherein the one or more tabs each include a hinge operative to dispose each tab in a flush position with the mount and to dispose each tab in an engagement position about perpendicular from the mount.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured wherein the hinge is a living hinge. It is contemplated that any hinge or material suitable to provide the concepts disclosed herein can be utilized and the manufacturing (method of making) can be determinative.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured wherein the mount can be attached to the underside of the toilet lid of the regular, adult-sized toilet lid by any means known in the art. For example, wherein the mount is attached with an adhesive pad, a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) with adhesive, one or more suction cups, a magnet with adhesive, a fastener or a clamp.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured further comprising two stabilizer tabs projecting downwards from the ring; wherein the two stabilizer tabs are operative to engage with the toilet seat's inner hole of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat and stabilize the ring in the potty-training use position.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is such that the two stabilizer pads are hinged and operative to be moved flush with the ring when the ring is flipped-up to the adult-use position or storage position.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat, which is further comprising the two stabilizer tabs, is configured such that the tabs are elongated to form a stabilizing ring or at least a portion of a stabilizing ring that is operative to engage with the adult toilet seat's inner hole of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat and stabilize the ring in the potty-training use position.
In a general description of the embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is wherein the ring of the flip-up potty seat reduces the dimension of the toilet seat's inner hole of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat (such that a toddler or smaller child will not fall through the hole). As can be envisioned, the flip-up potty seat is configured wherein the reduced dimension of the inner hole is operative to provide comfort while preventing a toddler or child from falling through the inner hole of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is wherein the flip-up toilet seat ring can be positioned down on the toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat, in the potty-training use position and then flipped-up to the adult use position or a stowed position in less than 5 seconds; and/or wherein the flip-up toilet seat ring can be flipped-down from the adult use position or stowed position into the potty-training use position in less than 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the flip-up toilet seat ring can be positioned down on the toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat, in the potty-training use position and then flipped-up to the adult use position or a stowed position in less than 1 second; and/or wherein the flip-up toilet seat ring can be flipped-down from the adult use position or stowed position into the potty-training use position in less than 1 second.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured further comprising a molded bead extending down from an outer circumference of the underside of the flip-up toilet seat ring and operative to provide a grip on or around the outer circumference of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat. In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured, further comprising one or more underside non-slip ribs including a molded bead extending from the inner hole of the flip-up potty seat to the outer circumference of the flip-up potty seat or along a span of the underside of the flip-up potty seat and each rib operative to provide rigidity and/or strength to the flip-up potty seat.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat disclosed herein enables a substantially instant or an almost instantaneous conversion of a regular, adult-sized toilet seat to a potty-training use position and vice versa. The flip-up potty seat disclosed herein can improve sanitation compared to a potty chair.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat consists of the mount, the flip-up ring and the hinge. In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat consists essentially of a single material meaning as such that the entire flip-up potty seat, living hinge and mount is made by being injection-molded from a single material. In various examples, the flip-up potty seat is formed from a recyclable material (e.g., an injection-molded plastic or polymer).
In some embodiments, a method of potty training a toddler is disclosed herein, the method including the steps of: (1) obtaining a flip-up potty seat of any preceding description with mount engaged with the lid and the ring positioned down on the toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat in the potty-training use position; (2) positioning a toddler over the ring in a potty seated position on the ring; and (3) encouraging the toddler; whereby the toddler remains seated for a sufficient period of time. Over time, the toddler becomes potty trained.
In some embodiments, a method of converting a regular, adult sized toilet seat to a potty-training toilet seat (and/or vice versa) is disclosed herein, the method comprising the steps of: (1) obtaining a flip-up potty seat of any of the embodiments herein with mount engaged with the lid and the ring positioned up from the toilet seat to contact the mount and to stay in contact with the mount; wherein the ring is thereby in a regular, adult use position or a stowed position; and (2) flipping the ring down from contact with the mount to contact the regular, adult sized toilet seat and to be in the potty-training use position; wherein an execution of step (1) and/or step (2) is utilized as needed to interconvert from the potty-training use position to (or from) the regular, adult use position (or the stowed position). For example, in some embodiments, this method can be executed in less than about 5 seconds, in less than about 1 second, or about instantly.
In some embodiments, a method of converting a regular, adult-sized toilet to a potty-training or special use toilet or vice versa, the method comprising the steps of: (A) obtaining a flip-up potty seat of any one of the embodiments described herein and engaging the mount with the lid of an adult-sized toiled seat; (B) flipping the ring down onto a toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet, whereby the ring transitions to the potty-training position; and (C) flipping the ring up to contact the mount and to stay in contact with the mount; wherein the ring transitions to the regular, adult use position or stowed position. For example, this method can, in some embodiments, enables an interconversion of the regular, adult-sized toilet in less than 5 seconds after the mount is attached to the lid.
It is contemplated that the flip-up potty seats and methods can be portable and carried to airports, restaurants or any restrooms as such. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be wherein the method is executed by a toddler and/or a child after the toddler and/or child is shown the method at least once.
The methods disclosed herein are more sanitary than a potty chair, which requires emptying of a receptacle. For example, any of the methods disclosed herein can further comprise flushing said toilet or encouraging a toddler or a child to flush said toilet.
These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of aspects as claimed.
For the purpose of illustration, certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, data, dimensions, and illustrations shown. In the drawings:
To demonstrate various possible (but non-limiting) shapes,
The presently disclosed innovation is now described in more detail with initial reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used, when practical, to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in a block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention. The full benefits provided by the technology can be discerned after envisioning the actual use during potty training, for example, the time, worry and mess saved by the technology herein.
As such, the following description of particular aspects is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses, which may, of course, vary. The invention is described with relation to the non-limiting definitions and terminology included herein. These definitions and terminology are not designed to function as a limitation on the scope or practice of the invention but are presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While the compositions or processes are described as using specific materials or an order of individual steps, it is appreciated that materials or steps may be interchangeable such that the description of the invention may include multiple parts or steps arranged in many ways as is readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.
The definitions of certain terms as used in this specification and the appended claims are provided below. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a cell” includes a combination of two or more cells, and the like.
The term “approximately” or “about” in reference to a value or parameter are generally taken to include numbers that fall within a range of 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in either direction (greater than or less than) of the number unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context (except where such number would be less than 0% or exceed 100% of a possible value). As used herein, reference to “approximately” or “about” a value or parameter includes (and describes) embodiments that are directed to that value or parameter. For example, description referring to “about X” includes description of “X”.
As used herein, the term “or” means “and/or.” The term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone). Likewise, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and/or C” is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).
It is understood that wherever embodiments are described herein with the language “comprising” otherwise analogous embodiments described in terms of “consisting of” and/or “consisting essentially of” are also provided. It is also understood that wherever embodiments are described herein with the language “consisting essentially of” otherwise analogous embodiments described in terms of “consisting of” are also provided.
It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range. If a range is stated, all values within that range are subsumed as endpoints for new ranges to be cited as specific embodiments in the claims.
The term “toddler” is found in the Merriam-Webster English Dictionary (MW) as a young child usually between one and three years old. MW defines an “infant” as “a child in the first period of life”. The term “child” is found in MW as “a young person especially between infancy and puberty”. The term “disabled” is found in MW as “a: impaired or limited by a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition” and “b: incapacitated by illness or injury”. It should be understood that the technology disclosed herein can be utilized to improve the life of any mammal, human, child, infant, toddler, disabled or otherwise in need of a better flip-up potty seat. In some embodiments, the technology drastically improves the life of parents or caregivers who are trying to help another person on the potty. As such, while the technology might be described in the context of potty training, the technology can benefit the elderly, the disabled, the young, the normal middle-aged and any person in need of comfort on a toilet. Specifically, no matter how the technology is described it is not limited by the descriptions herein as it is contemplated that the technology provides sanitary alternatives in many situations.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The technology can be made of any material. Polymers, plastics and thermoplastics are envisioned, particularly recycled content. The present disclosure encompasses the preparation and use of solvates polymers for manufacturing the flip-up potty seats. Solvates typically do not significantly alter the properties or toxicity of the polymers, and as such may function as equivalents. The term “solvate” as used herein is a combination, physical association and/or solvation of a compound of the present disclosure with a solvent molecule such as, e.g., a disolvate, monosolvate or hemisolvate, where the ratio of solvent molecule to compound of the present disclosure is about 2:1, about 1:1 or about 1:2, respectively. This physical association involves varying degrees of ionic and covalent bonding, including hydrogen bonding. In certain instances, the solvate can be isolated, such as when one or more solvent molecules are incorporated into the crystal lattice of a crystalline solid. Thus, “solvate” encompasses both solution-phase and isolatable solvates. One type of solvate is a hydrate. A “hydrate” relates to a particular subgroup of solvates where the solvent molecule is water. Solvates typically can function as equivalents. Preparation of solvates is known in the art. For example, a polymer is dissolved in water and methanol (or other solvent), dried, and the resulting O—H stretch (from the formation of the solvate/hydrate) is confirmed by an ATR-IR measurement. The O—H stretch is not found in the non-solvate/hydrate form, quickly confirming the formation of the solvate/hydrate in the solid form by the ATR-IR measurement. A solvate can be used (e.g., in thermoplastic elastomers) to enhance the feel of a polymer.
In particular referral to the Definitions used herein, a “small molecule” refers to a chemical that has a molecular weight of 1000 or less in a free form (i.e., as measured in a non-salt form). A reference to a “large molecule” refers to a molecular weight of greater than 1000.
As used herein, a “living hinge” refers to a thin flexible hinge (or flexure bearing) made from the same material as the two rigid pieces it connects or made from a thin flexible material connecting two rigid pieces that it connects. It should be understood that a living hinge can be used at any hinge in this technology or a non-living hinge can be used, but the living hinges can provide, for example, greater ease of manufacturing.
As discussed below, the technology disclosed herein can be applied globally to toilets of various shapes and sizes. The technology disclosed herein can eliminate the need for “potty-chairs”. Potty-chairs are defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as: “a child's chair having an open seat under which a receptacle is placed for toilet training”3 A potty chair requires tedious monitoring, emptying and cleaning (e.g.,
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of the flip-up potty seats for use with regular (e.g., adult) toilets, toilet lids, and toilet seats. For example, at a home, the flip-up potty seats can be thin enough so as to fit into the space between the toilet seat and the lid of a regular, adult toilet seat so that the flip-up potty seat can be safely stored therein when the lid is closed. In another example, the ring of the flip-up potty seat is sufficiently thin so that when it is flipped-up to the adult-use position, the adult can comfortably position their back against the ring along with the backrest (lid) of the adult-size toilet lid.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat can be integrally molded as a single piece using materials such as a plastic (or TPE) or other suitable flexible materials, making the method of manufacture convenient and optionally in a single injection step. It is to be understood that in such a process of making the flip-up potty seat it can be described as “consisting essentially of” a single flexible material, such as a polymer or thermoelastic polymer/plastic, and the method of making becomes significant, for example, for cost reasons, for recycling reasons (e.g., single material recycling), or for other reasons. In some embodiments, the technology can be manufactured in a single injection of a polymer into an injection mold.
Reference is now made to
Turning back now to
In one embodiment, the flip-up potty seat including the mount can be wherein the mount can attach to an underside of the toilet lid with adhesive strips, suction cups, hook-and-loop fastener with adhesive, or other suitable fasteners. The flip-up potty seat can include a living hinge that is integrally molded into the seat and allows a ring of the flip-up potty seat to be flipped up and out of the way so as to enable an adult regular use of the toilet seat.
In one embodiment, the ring 12 as well as the mount 14 and the hinge 16 of the flip-up potty seat 10 can be integrally formed or molded as a single piece. In other words, the ring 12, the mount 14 and the hinge 16 can be produced as an integrated, single component from materials such as plastic or other suitable flexible materials. The process for forming the flip-up potty seat 10 as a single piece or as a single component can be carried out using known manufacturing processes (e.g., plastic injection molding).
In an example, the flip-up potty seat can be easily installed on the regular adult toilet without the use of any mechanical fasteners or tools or both.
In one embodiment, the bottom of the ring 12 can include a pair of stabilizer tabs 18 as is illustrated in
In the various embodiments, it can be envisioned that the flip-up potty seat 10 can be formed of a material that is thin enough so as to fit into the space between the toilet seat and the lid of the regular, adult toilet when the lid of the regular, adult toilet is closed.
Reference is now made to
Once mounted, the ring 12 of the flip-up potty seat 10 reduces the dimension of a normal, adult-sized toilet seat 22 to something that a child can feel comfortable with. Additionally, because of the reduced dimension, a child will be able to use a regular, adult-sized toilet 20 without the discomfort or fear of falling through the toilet seat 22 and into the toilet bowl. Furthermore, because of the stabilizer tabs 18 (tabs are not shown in
Reference is now made to
In this stowed configuration, the ring 12 can be “flipped up” and out of the way. In this instance, the entirety of the flip-up potty seat 10 is secured about an underside of the toilet lid 24. This can be made possible once again because the living hinge 16 is integrally molded into the flip-up potty seat 10 connecting the ring 12 and the mount 14 thereby allowing the ring 12 to pivot or rotate upwardly and out of the way so as to enable an adult or a grown up the use of the regular toilet seat 22.
As such, in some embodiments, a flip-up potty seat operative for potty training of toddlers on a regular, adult-sized toilet seat is disclosed herein, the flip-up potty seat comprising: a mount operative to be attached to a toilet lid of a regular, adult-sized toilet seat's lid; a flip-up toilet seat ring connected to the mount via a hinge, wherein the ring can be positioned down on the toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat; wherein the ring is thereby in a potty-training use position; and wherein the ring can be flipped up from the toilet seat to contact the mount and to stay in contact with the mount; wherein the ring is thereby in a regular, adult use position or a stowed position.
Turning now to
In another example of
It is contemplated that the tabs 11 can optionally include such things as magnetic force that adheres to the ring 12 when it is flipped-up or other fasteners. In another example, reference is made to
As mention above, although not shown, it will be appreciated and understood that the flip-up potty seat 10 can be thin enough so as to fit into the gap between the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 24 of a regular, adult-sized toilet 20 so that the flip-up potty seat 10 can be safely stored therein when the toilet lid 24 is closed and the toilet 20 is not being used. In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat 10 can be easily installed on a regular adult-sized toilet seat 22 without the use of any mechanical fasteners or tools. In other words, no mechanical fasteners or tools are needed for the ease of installing the disclosed flip-up potty seat 10 on the regular, adult-sized toilet 20. In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured wherein the mount can be attached to the underside of the toilet lid of the regular, adult-sized toilet lid by any means known in the art. For example, wherein the mount is attached with an adhesive pad, a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) with adhesive, one or more suction cups, a magnet with adhesive, a fastener or a clamp.
Turning now to the example shown in
A such, in some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat can be further comprising one or more complementary recesses 13 (
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat can be configured wherein the one or more tabs each include a hinge 8 (
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured further comprising the two stabilizer tabs 18 (e.g.,
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat, further comprising the two stabilizer tabs is configured such that the tabs are elongated to form a stabilizing ring or at least a portion of a stabilizing ring (not shown) that is operative to engage with the adult toilet seat's inner hole of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat and stabilize the ring in the potty-training use position.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is such that the two stabilizer pads are hinged 19 (
The flip-up potty seat can be utilized with elongated, adult-sized toilet seats (e.g.,
In non-limiting examples of various dimensions, turning to
Upon seeing the variable dimensions in
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat is configured further comprising a molded bead (e.g.,
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat disclosed herein enables a substantially instant or an almost instantaneous conversion of a regular, adult-sized toilet seat to a potty-training use position and vice versa. The flip-up potty seat disclosed herein can improve sanitation compared to a potty chair.
In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat consists of the mount, the flip-up ring and the hinge. In some embodiments, the flip-up potty seat consists essentially of a single material meaning as such that the entire flip-up potty seat, living hinge and mount is made by being injection-molded from a single material. In various examples, the flip-up potty seat is formed from a recyclable material (e.g., an injection-molded plastic or polymer).
In some embodiments, a method of potty training a toddler is disclosed herein, the method comprising the steps of: (1) obtaining a flip-up potty seat of any preceding description with mount engaged with the lid and the ring positioned down on the toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet seat in the potty-training use position; (2) positioning a toddler over the ring in a potty seated position on the ring; and (3) encouraging the toddler; whereby the toddler remains seated for a sufficient period of time.
In some embodiments, a method of converting a regular, adult sized toilet seat to a potty-training toilet seat (and/or vice versa) is disclosed herein, the method comprising the steps of: (1) obtaining a flip-up potty seat of any of the embodiments herein with mount engaged with the lid and the ring positioned up from the toilet seat to contact the mount and to stay in contact with the mount; wherein the ring is thereby in a regular, adult use position or a stowed position; and (2) flipping the ring down from contact with the mount to contact the regular, adult sized toilet seat and to be in the potty-training use position; wherein an execution of step (1) and/or step (2) is utilized as needed to interconvert from the potty-training use position to (or from) the regular, adult use position (or the stowed position). For example, in some embodiments, this method can be executed in less than about 5 seconds, in less than about 1 second, or about instantly.
In some embodiments, a method of converting a regular, adult-sized toilet to a potty-training or special use toilet or vice versa, the method comprising the steps of: (A) obtaining a flip-up potty seat of any one of the embodiments described herein and engaging the mount with the lid of an adult-sized toiled seat; (B) flipping the ring down onto a toilet seat of the regular, adult-sized toilet, whereby the ring transitions to the potty-training position; and (C) flipping the ring up to contact the mount and to stay in contact with the mount; wherein the ring transitions to the regular, adult use position or stowed position. For example, this method can, in some embodiments, enables an interconversion of the regular, adult-sized toilet in less than 5 seconds after the mount is attached to the lid.
In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be wherein the method is executed by a toddler and/or a child after the toddler and/or child is shown the method at least once. The methods disclosed herein are more sanitary than a potty chair, which requires emptying of a receptacle. For example, any of the methods disclosed herein can further comprise flushing said toilet or encouraging a toddler or a child to flush said toilet.
It should be understood that any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be packaged in a kit (e.g., for sale units) with instructions or illustrations of any of the methods disclosed herein. Interestingly, such a kit enables environmentally sound conversion of globally distributed adult-sized toilets for potty training, eliminating the need for devices such as the example shown in
The methods and flip-up potty seats disclosed herein can accommodate a variety of toilets spanning the globe. The modern toilet comes in many shapes and designs. The publication: “A Collection of Contemporary Toilet Designs—EOOS and WEDC” (Shaw, R. Editor, 2014)4 shows various toilet designs after the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation initiated the “Reinvent the Toilet Challenge” to further global and sustainable sanitation solutions. For example, the publication shows the “Cinderella” toilet, “Camping” toilet, the “Waterless” toilet and a public restroom toilet. The technology disclosed herein can be adapted to a wide variety of toilets, private or public.
While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims. For example, other useful implementations could be achieved if steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different order and/or if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the disclosure
Prototypes of the potty chairs shown in
The convenience of using a single material is found to be cost saving and environmentally sound/sustainable. The method of making by an injection mold is thus described (and claimed) as “consisting essentially of” to emphasize the benefits obtained in combination with the method of making the example articles.
In this prophetic and comparative example, the configuration illustrated in
After the speed comparisons, the flip-up potty seat is packaged in a kit (for sale package) including the flip-up potty seat and instructions or illustrations of one or more steps of
This application claims benefit and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/386,290, filed on Dec. 6, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63386290 | Dec 2022 | US |
