Patent Application
20250031919
The present invention relates to toilets and toilet seats with self-containing waste systems, and more specifically to camping chairs with a portable toilet system including a removable toilet seat and a self-containing waste system.
It is generally known in the prior art to provide portable toilet systems in combination with folding chairs.
US Patent Publication No. 2015/0082527 for System and Method for Mounting a Toilet Seat on a Foldable Chair by inventor Grudzinzki, filed Sep. 26, 2013 and published Mar. 26, 2015, is directed to a system and method for mounting a toilet seat on a foldable chair. The toilet seat comprises a rigid planar base and a rim. The rigid planar base comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The rim comprises an orifice that passes from the top surface to the bottom surface. Further, the rim is mounted around the orifice and on the top surface of the base.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,080,440 for Portable folding toilet chair by inventor Nelson, filed Apr. 1, 2016 and issued Sep. 25, 2018, is directed to a toilet chair including a support frame, and a platform connected to the support frame. The platform is connected to the support frame at a first end with at least one horizontal strut. The platform is configured to move with respect to the support frame and includes at least one clamp at a second end. The at least one clamp is configured to lock the platform to the support frame at the second end forming a horizontal platform. The toilet chair also includes a toilet seat assembly connected to the platform. The toilet seat assembly is configured to support a user and move with respect to the platform.
US Patent Publication No. 2022/0304525 for Multipurpose folding chair by inventor Flores, filed Mar. 29, 2022 and published Sep. 29, 2022, is directed to a multipurpose portable chair including a seating portion pivotably coupled to front legs and back legs. The seating portion includes a base portion having a frame and an opening in the middle of the frame. A retaining ring for holding a waste receptacle is disposed within the opening in the base portion. A toilet seat is coupled to the base portion and configured to cover the retaining ring. A lid is coupled to the base portion and configured to cover the toilet seat. A user may sit on top of the lid when the chair is to be used as a sitting surface, or the user may lift the lid and sit on the toilet seat when the chair is to be used as a restroom facility or refuse container. The parts of the multipurpose portable chair are removably coupled together so that it is easy to remove and replace individual parts.
US Patent Publication No. 2005/0125885 for Foldable toilet-sitting appliance by inventor Kong, filed Nov. 12, 2004 and published Jun. 16, 2005, is directed to a foldable toilet-sitting appliance including a brace and a top. Front and rear leg assemblies of the brace are each U-shaped pipes, with open ends of the “U” serving as feet and bent strengthening poles fixed across the open ends. Four connectors are fixed to the front and rear leg assemblies. Each connector has a slide notch which extends horizontally. Two top and two bottom side-support bodies of the brace are U-shaped pipes, with the open ends having spring fasteners. The ends of side-support bodies fit into the connectors, and the spring fasteners are free to pivot therein due to the slide notches to permit folding between a closed and an open position. A top having an opening therein clips to the brace through clips.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,285 for Toilet with a disposable bag by inventor Loebbert, filed Feb. 24, 1992 and issued Nov. 30, 1993, is directed to a portable toilet which has (1) a seat with an opening; (2) an annular bag arranged beneath the opening for collecting waste, the upper edge of the bag being secured to the seat; and (3) an overall framework for supporting the seat which may be folded together to save space when the toilet is not being used. A supporting edge is provided around the inside of the opening through the seat for holding the annular bag and the bag is suspended from the holder by a relatively rigid collar around the top of the bag. The framework comprises at least two facing components articulated to the seat.
The present invention relates to toilets and toilet seats with self-containing waste systems.
It is an object of this invention to provide a portable toilet system with a toilet component removably integrated into the seat of a foldable chair.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an outdoor chair, including a seat including an opening, and a toilet component inserted through the opening, wherein the toilet component includes a toilet seat having a radius larger than the opening such that the toilet seat sits on a top surface of the seat, wherein the toilet component includes a hollow base portion having a top open to the toilet seat, and wherein the hollow base portion includes a plurality of ribs connected by a plurality of collapsible sections, such that the hollow base portion is collapsible.
In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an outdoor chair, including a seat including an opening, a toilet component inserted through the opening, wherein the toilet component includes a toilet seat having a radius larger than the opening such that the toilet seat sits on a top surface of the seat, wherein the toilet component includes a hollow base portion having a top open to the toilet seat, and wherein the seat is connected to a roof component by one or more supports, and a hood attached to the roof and draping down to fully surround the seat.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an outdoor chair, including a seat including an opening, and a toilet component inserted through the opening, wherein the toilet component includes a toilet seat having a radius larger than the opening such that the toilet seat sits on a top surface of the seat, and one or more holding apparatuses attached to one or more armrests connected to the seat, wherein the one or more holding apparatuses each include an extendable prong, and wherein the toilet component includes a hollow base portion having a top open to the toilet seat.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings, as they support the claimed invention.
The present invention is generally directed to toilets and toilet seats with self-containing waste systems.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an outdoor chair, including a seat including an opening, and a toilet component inserted through the opening, wherein the toilet component includes a toilet seat having a radius larger than the opening such that the toilet seat sits on a top surface of the seat, wherein the toilet component includes a hollow base portion having a top open to the toilet seat, and wherein the hollow base portion includes a plurality of ribs connected by a plurality of collapsible sections, such that the hollow base portion is collapsible.
In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an outdoor chair, including a seat including an opening, a toilet component inserted through the opening, wherein the toilet component includes a toilet seat having a radius larger than the opening such that the toilet seat sits on a top surface of the seat, wherein the toilet component includes a hollow base portion having a top open to the toilet seat, and wherein the seat is connected to a roof component by one or more supports, and a hood attached to the roof and draping down to fully surround the seat.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an outdoor chair, including a seat including an opening, and a toilet component inserted through the opening, wherein the toilet component includes a toilet seat having a radius larger than the opening such that the toilet seat sits on a top surface of the seat, and one or more holding apparatuses attached to one or more armrests connected to the seat, wherein the one or more holding apparatuses each include an extendable prong, and wherein the toilet component includes a hollow base portion having a top open to the toilet seat.
None of the prior art discloses foldable toilet seats or the use of a top cushion and/or top layer in order to convert the portable toilet into a normal camping chair.
A major issue for people who partake in outdoor activities, such as camping and/or hiking, is the need to use the restroom when one is not available. Attempting to use the restroom outdoors can lead to contamination and unsanitary campgrounds or hiking trails for up to several weeks after the incident. Specifically, should this occur, people in the area have an increased risk of exposure to pathogens and helminths that may cause respiratory disease, Cholera, Hepatitis A, and other similar diseases.
These risks may additionally be increased for unhoused people who may not have access to indoor restrooms the majority of the time. These people likely need to use the restroom outdoors several times per day, which increases their risk of spreading and/or contracting one or more of the associated diseases due to frequent exposure. For unhoused people who live in communities with other unhoused people, this risk rises again due to the increased number of contaminants.
Therefore, there is a need for a more portable toilet system that ensures ease of use and increased sanitation. The present invention is directed to a more portable toilet system to solve such a problem. The camping chair toilet system is portable and multi-functional due to its foldable toilet seat and top cushion. Specifically, the camping chair toilet system is designed to provide users with both a portable toilet and a chair to relax in.
Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.
In the preferred embodiment, the toilet system 400 is fitted for an adult of average size and includes a foldable toilet seat 100, a portable camping chair 200, a top cushion 210, a waste bag 500, and/or rubber bands 510 to support the waste bag. The toilet seat 100 has two hinges 120, which enables the toilet seat 100 to fold and unfold, and four hooks 110, which are permanently affixed and hold the waste bag 500 below the seat opening 230. In this embodiment, the hooks 110 are operable to collapse to allow the toilet seat 100 to completely fold, such that both sides lay flat on each other. Also in this embodiment, the hooks 120 fit within their own four hook holes 220 to prevent the toilet seat 100 from sliding and/or rotating while in use. To better secure the waste bag 500 to the hooks 110, rubber bands 510 are used. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the present invention is readily adaptable to include any number of hooks 110 and corresponding hook holes 220, as well as any number of waste bags 500 securing devices (i.e., rubber bands 510). As a nonlimiting example, a toilet seat 100 includes five hooks 110 and five corresponding hook holes 220. As another nonlimiting example, a toilet seat 100 includes six hooks 110 and six corresponding hook holes 220.
Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, that while the preferred embodiment is directed to accommodating an average-sized adult, the toilet system 400 is modifiable to accommodate any person or any child. As a nonlimiting example, a toilet system 400 is operable to fit an average-sized toddler. As another nonlimiting example, a toilet system 400 is constructed to fit an above average-sized adult.
In one embodiment, the toilet seat 100 includes hooks 110, and is operable to fold in half through the use of hinges 120 positioned in the middle of the toilet seat 100. The toilet seat 100 is installed and attached to the chair 200, after the top cushion 210 is removed, by lining up and inserting the hooks 110 into the designated hook holes 220. This configuration prevents the toilet seat 100 from sliding off of the chair 200 or rotating. Additionally, this configuration ensures the hole of the toilet seat 100 is aligned with the seat hole 230. In one embodiment, the toilet seat 100 is comprised of non-porous materials such as plastic, ceramic, enameled wood, and/or cushioned material. These materials enable the toilet seat 100 to be cleaned and/or sanitized easily using household disinfectants and/or sanitizing wipes. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat 100 is operable to be constructed of any similar materials that may be sanitized.
In one embodiment, the toilet seat 100 is one continuous circle with two hinges 120 which enable the toilet seat 100 to fold in half. In one embodiment, the toilet seat 100 is a crescent shape such that there is a small gap preventing the toilet seat 100 from being a continuous circle. In this embodiment, the toilet seat 100 has one hinge 120 opposite the small gap to enable the toilet seat 100 to fold vertically. In one embodiment, the crescent-shaped toilet seat 100 has two hinges 120 to enable the toilet 100 to fold horizontally. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the toilet seat 100 is operable to be constructed in any shape. Nonlimiting examples of toilet seat 100 shapes are circular, crescent, D-shaped, oval, and square.
In one embodiment, the waste bag 500 is attached to the toilet system 400 such that the opening of the waste bag 500 comes through both the center seat opening 230 and the toilet seat 100 opening to fold over the rim of the toilet seat 100 and clip into the outer edge of the toilet seat 100. Specifically, the waste bag 500 is of a length to enable it to function as a waste bag while including additional length to enable it to be folded over the toilet seat 100. In one embodiment, rather than protruding from the center of the toilet seat 100 and folding radially outwards over the toilet seat 100, the waste bag 500 protrudes from the outer rim of the toilet seat 100 and folders radially inwards to fold under the toilet seat 100. In this embodiment, the waste bag 500 acts as a toilet seat 100 cover, enabling the user to sit on the folded over portion of the waste bag 500 instead of contacting the toilet seat 100 directly. This embodiment thereby increases the sanitariness of the toilet seat 100 by preventing the user from making direct contact with the toilet seat 100 and by eliminating any gap between the toilet seat 100 and waste bag 500 for better waste containment. In one embodiment, the waste bag 500 is attached to the toilet system 400 such that the opening of the waste bag comes through the seat opening 230 and around the toilet seat 100 to fold over the rim of the toilet seat 100. In this embodiment, the waste bag 500 is secured by tucking the ends of the waste bag 500 (i.e., the rim around the opening of the waste bag 500) under the toilet seat 100, such that the pressure created by a user sitting on the toilet seat 100 keeps the waste bag 500 in place. However, in another embodiment, the waste bag 500 is secured by clips, tape, hooks, and/or any other suitable securing method known in the art. In this embodiment, the waste bag 500 acts as a toilet seat 100 cover, enabling the user to sit on the folded over portion of the waste bag 500 instead of contacting the toilet seat 100 directly. This embodiment thereby increases the sanitariness of the toilet seat 100 by preventing the user from making direct contact with the toilet seat 100 and by eliminating any gap between the toilet seat 100 and waste bag for better waste containment.
In one embodiment, the opening of the waste bag 500 includes sleeves designed to receive the two sides of a crescent-shaped toilet seat 100. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any toilet seat 100 shape with a gap is compatible with the waste bag 500 sleeves of this embodiment. Further, in this embodiment, the waste bag 500 acts as a toilet seat 100 cover, enabling the user to sit on the waste bag 500 instead of contacting the toilet seat 100 directly. This embodiment thereby increases the sanitariness of the toilet seat 100 by preventing the user from making direct contact with the toilet seat 100 and by eliminating any gap between the toilet seat 100 and waste bag for better waste containment. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the waste bag 500 is modifiable to act as a toilet seat 100 cover in combination with any toilet seat 100 shape. Nonlimiting examples of toilet seat 100 shapes the waste bag 500 is operable to cover are circular, crescent, D-shaped, oval, and square.
In one embodiment, the folding toilet seat 100 is configured to fit into a portable case and/or pouch for storage and portability. The case and/or pouch is comprised of materials that are easily cleaned and sanitized. As a nonlimiting example, the case is operable to be constructed using nonporous materials such as plastic and metal. As a nonlimiting example, the pouch is constructed using durable, washable, and/or seamless fabrics such as ripstop nylon, waterproof polyester, microfiber fabric, polyurethane-coated fabric, and/or cotton canvas. In one embodiment, the case and/or pouch is sized to fit only the toilet seat 100. In one embodiment, the case and/or pouch is sized to fit the toilet seat 100 as well as a foldable privacy tent. In one embodiment, the case and/or pouch is sized to fit the entire toilet system 400. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the case and/or pouch is readily modifiable to be various sizes, such that it is able to hold one or more of the components of the present invention.
The hooks 110 are attached orthogonally to the bottom surface of the toilet seat 100. In the preferred embodiment, the hooks 110 are operable to be folded into the toilet seat 100, such that the hooks 110 lay flat inside the toilet seat 100 and allow the toilet seat 100 to fold in half completely. In one embodiment, the hooks 110 implement hinges to fold. In this embodiment, the hooks 110 do not additionally implement a locking system to prevent the hooks from unhinging while in use. In one embodiment, the hooks 110 implement a locking system to prevent the hooks 110 from unhinging while in use. In one embodiment, the hinges are locking hinges such that the locking mechanism is built into the hinge itself. In another embodiment, the hinges do not have a built-in locking mechanism but use an external locking system. As a nonlimiting example of this external locking system, a privacy hook and eye latch are operable to prevent the hooks 110 from unhinging accidentally. The hooks 110, in another embodiment, implement a strap and fixture to enable folding. In this embodiment, the strap secures the hooks 110 to the bottom of the toilet seat 100 while allowing the hooks 100 to hang or fold when not in use, and the fixture secures the hooks 110 to the bottom of the toilet seat 100 while in use. As nonlimiting examples of the affixing methods, the strap is permanently affixed to the bottom of the toilet seat 100 using screws, nails, glue, and/or other permanent fastening methods known in the art. As additional nonlimiting examples of the affixing methods, the strap is temporarily affixed to the bottom of the toilet seat 100 using double sided-tape, hook-and-loop strips, and/or other removable adhesives known in the art. As a nonlimiting example of the fixture, the fixture is a snap button operable to secure the hook 110 to the toilet seat 100. As another nonlimiting example, hook-and-loop strips are operable to secure the hooks 110 to the toilet seat 100. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the exemplary function of the preferred embodiment and understand that the method used to affix the hooks 110 is modifiable.
In another embodiment, the hooks 110 are permanently affixed to the bottom of the toilet seat 100 and do not fold. In this embodiment, the hooks 110 are orthogonal to the bottom of the toilet seat 100 at all times such that the toilet seat 100 does not fold entirely flat. As nonlimiting examples, the hooks 110 are affixed using screws, nails, glue, and/or other permanent affixing methods. In another embodiment, the hooks 110 are completely removable from the bottom of the toilet seat 100. In this embodiment, the hooks 110 are orthogonal to the bottom of the toilet seat 100. As nonlimiting examples, the hooks 110 are temporarily affixed using double-sided tape, hook-and-loop strips, and/or other temporary adhesives known in the art.
The hooks 110 are comprised of materials that withstand the elements of nature, such as wind and rain. In one embodiment, the hooks 110 are comprised of a rust resistant metal. In one embodiment, the hooks 110 are comprised of a metal that is not rust resistant but has a coating which prevents the metal from rusting. In one embodiment, the hooks 110 are comprised of plastic. In one embodiment, the hooks 110 are comprised of a sealed and/or treated wood. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hooks 110 are readily adaptable to be made with a variety of materials, including material blends.
In one embodiment, the top cushion 210 in the present invention includes a cover, stuffing, and/or a stiff bottom lining to provide the top cushion 210 with support while resting on top of the seat opening 230. The top cushion 210 is designed to fold out of the way during use, preventing the top cushion 210 from contacting waste material. The top cushion 210, in one embodiment, is permanently affixed to the chair 200. In this embodiment, as a nonlimiting example, the top cushion 210 is sewed to the seat of the chair and incorporates the toilet seat 100 in the top cushion 210 itself, such that the cushion includes a hole in its center parallel with the toilet seat. In this embodiment, the top cushion 210 is foldable with the toilet seat 100. Nonlimiting examples of how the top cushion 210 folds is through the use of hinges, similar to the toilet seat 100, and/or through the use of a thin fabric strip up the middle of the top cushion 210 which allows it to fold. Further, in this embodiment, when the chair 200 is folded, the top cushion 210 and toilet seat 100 fold with it. In another embodiment, the top cushion 210 is not permanently affixed to the chair 200. In this embodiment, as nonlimiting examples, the top cushion 210 is attached to the bottom seat using hook-and-loop strips, zippers, and/or fabric ties.
In one embodiment, the bottom lining of the top cushion 210 is comprised of wood, plastic, metal, and/or other materials strong enough to withstand the weight of the intended user known in the art. In one embodiment, the bottom lining is the same shape, length, and width as the top cushion 210 to provide maximum support and minimal discomfort. In one embodiment, the bottom lining is an oval that is slightly longer and wider than the seat opening 230 such that the cushion will not sink through the seat opening. In another embodiment, the bottom lining is a circle and slightly smaller than the top cushion 210. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bottom lining is readily modifiable to be various sizes and shapes.
In one embodiment, the top cushion 210 cover is comprised of materials that withstand rain, snow, and/or other inclement weather and conditions. As nonlimiting examples, the top cushion 210 cover is comprised of waterproof fabric, plastic, fabric made from plastic fibers, other weather resistant materials, and/or other moisture resistant materials. In one embodiment, the top cushion 210 is comprised of materials designed to be sanitary. In one embodiment, the top cushion is comprised of antimicrobial fabrics, such as linen, merino wool, hemp, and/or any other antimicrobial fabric known in the art. In one embodiment, the cover encompasses the bottom lining such that an additional layer of protection is provided. In another embodiment, the cover does not encompass the bottom lining such that the bottom lining is outside of the top cushion 210. Additionally, in another embodiment, the cover is permanently attached to the inside stuffing such that the cover cannot be removed without damaging and/or breaking the cover. In another embodiment, the cover is removable to be washed and/or sanitized. As nonlimiting examples, the cover is removed using zippers, ties, snaps, buttons, and/or other easily undone fixture methods known in the art.
In one embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 includes a peg 340 to retain the position of the toilet paper roll when the modular cupholder system is positioned to be a toilet paper holder. In one embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 includes a built-in vertical slot on the outside of the cupholder which holds the peg 340 with a lip on one end that is slightly smaller in diameter than the cupholder's bottom hole.
In one embodiment, the peg 340 is threaded, rather than including a lip. In this embodiment, the circular hole on the bottom of the modular cupholder system's 300 bottom is replaced with an upwards protrusion. This upwards protrusion contains a threaded cavity. The threaded-type peg 340 screws into the threaded cavity to retain the peg in place.
In one embodiment, the peg 340 is permanently attached to the center of the wall closest to the back of the chair 200 in place of the circular hole. The peg 340 in this embodiment is compressible such that when the weight of a soda can or other item is placed on the peg 340, it will collapse. The compressible peg 340 also includes, as a nonlimiting example, an interlocking system such that when the peg is fully pushed down, it locks in place to permit placing a soda can or similar item. The compressible peg 340 is able to be pushed down again to unlock the interlocking mechanism, thus bringing the peg 340 back into neutral position.
In one embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is comprised of plastic, rust-resistant metal, and/or another nonporous material operable to resist moisture and easily sanitized. In one embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is permanently affixed to the chair 200 through the use of screws, nails, glue, welding, and/or other permanent fixture methods known in the art. In another embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is removable. Nonlimiting examples of the nonpermanent fixture methods used are hook-and-loop strips, double sided tape, zip ties, and/or other temporary fixture methods known in the art. In one embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is designed to fit items that are approximately the size of an average soda can. In another embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is designed to fit items that are approximately the size of energy drink can. In one embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is operable to hold a toilet paper roll without adjustment or rotation. In another embodiment, the modular cupholder system 300 is operable to hold a toilet paper roll with adjustment or rotation. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the modular cupholder system 300 is operable to be constructed in various sizes such that a variety of items can be held.
In the present invention, the chair 200 includes a seat opening 230 and a plurality of hook holes 220. The seat opening 230 serves as the toilet opening. Nonlimiting examples of seat opening 230 shapes are circular, crescent, D-shaped, oval, and square. The purpose of the plurality of hook holes 220 is to give the hooks 110 on the bottom of the toilet seat 100 a designated place to sit within. Because of how the hooks 110 fit within the hook holes 220, the toilet seat 100 will not slide or rotate while in use. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the number of hooks 110 and hook holes 220 are operable to vary depending on the size of the chair 200 and toilet seat 100 as well as how many hooks 110 are required to support the waste bag 500.
In one embodiment, the toilet system 400 is operable to be fitted with a privacy tent. The privacy tent is sized to fit the toilet system 400 entirely within it and block the outside environment from view. In one embodiment, the tent is waterproof. In one embodiment, the tent is sized to fit the toilet system 400 snugly, similar to the size of a restroom stall. In another embodiment, the tent is sized to spaciously fit the chair 200 and other supplies such that the privacy tent may be used as a camping and/or sleeping tent once the waste bag 500 has been cleared away. In one embodiment, the privacy tent is tethered to the inside of a pouch which is affixed to the back of the chair 200, and the privacy tent is collapsible and fits compactly into the pouch such that the tent is always available to the user. In another embodiment, the privacy tent's pouch is not affixed to the chair; rather, it fits into the case and/or pouch the toilet seat 100 is stored in. In another embodiment, the privacy tent is not tethered to the pouch such that it is operable to be stored however the user finds fit. In one embodiment, the privacy tent has mesh windows to allow the user to see outside of the tent. In one embodiment, removable panels are operable to cover the mesh windows to provide increased privacy. As nonlimiting examples, the removable panels may be temporarily attached to cover the mesh windows using zippers, hook-and-loop strips, and/or hooks. In one embodiment, the panels are constructed using the same wire and fabric as the tent. In one embodiment, the panels are constructed using other waterproof materials. As a nonlimiting example, the panels are constructed using a thin, opaque plastic. In one embodiment, the privacy tent has an opening that functions as a door. As nonlimiting examples, the privacy tent's door is closed with a zipper, hook-and-loop strips, and/or other reusable adhesive closure members.
In another embodiment, the chair 200 has a shade cover constructed with lightweight and durable fabric; this shade cover extends vertically out from the back of the chair 200 and rests horizontally above the chair 200. When in use, the shade cover provides shade and privacy from potential drones and/or cameras above the chair 200. In one embodiment, the shade cover is unzipped to release an opaque canopy which acts as a privacy tent. In another embodiment, the canopy is stored and released using hook-and-loop strips, hook and eye clasps, and/or other fastening methods. In one embodiment, the canopy is one large curtain with no openings. In another embodiment, the canopy includes a door. Nonlimiting examples of how the door is opened and closed include hook-and-loop strips, zippers, hook and eye clasps, ties, magnets, and/or other fastening methods known in the art. In one embodiment, the canopy has a weighted bottom to prevent the canopy from blowing in the wind and potentially exposing the user. In one embodiment, the canopy is equipped with a support structure which holds the canopy walls away from the chair 200, allowing the user to use the toilet system 300 more comfortably.
In one embodiment, the chair 200 has a removable step such that a chair 200 is more accessible to short adults and children. The step attaches to the two front legs of the chair 200 on top of where the x-shaped front supports 410 meet the lower legs of the chair 200. This attachment location provides for increased support and weight-bearing capabilities. In one embodiment, the step has two legs on the front of it, and the back of it attaches to the chair 200 on top of where the x-shaped front supports 410 meet the lower legs of the chair 200 (see
In one embodiment, the waste bag 500 is attached to the hooks 110 underneath the toilet seat 100. In one embodiment, the waste bag 500 is disposable and waterproof to prevent contamination and leaks. In one embodiment, the waste bag 500 is comprised of a thick plastic material such that it will not rip on the hooks 110. In one embodiment the waste bag 500 includes loops attached to the rim of the waste bag 500 that connect to the hooks 110. In another embodiment, the waste bag 500 is comprised of a thin plastic such that the rubber bands 510 are required for support. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any disposable and waterproof bag is operable to be the waste bag 500 of the present invention.
The top subcomponent includes a seat 552 connected via a hinge 554 to a bowl 558. The center of the bottom of the bowl 558 includes an opening into which the bottom base subcomponent 560 is able to be inserted. The bottom base subcomponent 560 is an elongated reservoir having a rim 562 with a wider radius than the rest of the reservoir. In one embodiment, the bottom base subcomponent 560 is substantially cylindrically, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that rectangular prisms, hexagonal prisms, and other similar shapes are also acceptable for use in the present invention. The radius of the bottom base subcomponent 560 is configured to be similar to or lesser than the radius of the opening at the bottom of the bowl 558, but the rim 562 has a wider radius than the opening at the bottom of the bowl 558. This allows the bottom base subcomponent 560 to be fit through the opening, while the rim 562 retains connection between the top subcomponent and the bottom base subcomponent 558. In one embodiment, the radius of the elongated reservoir and the opening are roughly matched such that an interference fit is formed, while, in another embodiment, an interference fit is not used, but gravity holds the two subcomponents together.
The seat 554 is able to hingedly rotate about the hinge 554 to put the seat 554 up and down. In one embodiment, a tab 556 extends laterally from the seat 552, which is able to serve as a sanitary grip to use to lift and put down the seat 554.
Preferably, the bottom subcomponent 560 is closed at the bottom to catch any material. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the bottom subcomponent 560 is also able to be open at the bottom.
As shown in
The bottom subcomponent 610 includes a plurality of annular ribs 612 connected by a plurality of collapsible sections 614. The plurality of annular ribs 612 are rigid pieces (e.g., formed from a metal, such as stainless steel, a rigid plastic, or a rigid ceramic material) that provide structure to the bottom subcomponent 600. In one embodiment, from top to bottom, the plurality of annular ribs 612 have increasingly narrow radii, providing a tapered structure to the bottom subcomponent 610. The plurality of collapsible sections 614 are preferably formed from a soft, easily malleable material (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LDPE), that is able to fold inwardly in the collapsed position, but preferably retain the shape of the bottom subcomponent 610 when it is moved back to the extended configuration. In one embodiment, the bottom subcomponent 610 does not include a plurality of collapsible sections 614, but rather the bottom subcomponent 610 is structurally formed from the soft, malleable material (e.g., LDPE) with the plurality of annular ribs 612 attached to an exterior of the material to provide structure and weighting to the material.
The use of the bottom subcomponent 610 in the fully extended state (i.e., when the plurality of ribs 612 are maximally separated and the collapsible sections 614 are maximally taut) is helpful, as it provides additional distance from a user and therefore decreased splash issues. Furthermore, in the extended confirmation, the bottom subcomponent 600 has increased volume. However, the ability to collapse the bottom component 600 into the configuration shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the top subcomponent and the bottom subcomponent 610 are not separable pieces, but integrally formed.
Preferably, the bottom subcomponent 610 is closed at the bottom to catch any material. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the bottom subcomponent 610 is also able to be open at the bottom.
The retractable prong 636 is able to serve a dual purpose. If a cup is placed on the cup holder 634, then the retractable prong 636 serves as a wall of the cup holder 634 for keeping the cup in place. Alternatively, if toilet paper is placed on the holding apparatus 630, then the retractable prong 636 is able to be inserted into the central hole of the roll of toilet paper (as toilet paper rolls tend to be much larger than cups). The retractability of the retractable prong 636 allows the holding apparatus 630 to accommodate different cup sizes as well as different sizes of toilet paper rolls. It also allows the holding apparatus 630 to adjust to the changing size of the toilet paper roll as the roll is used.
In one embodiment, a clasp 632 extends laterally outwardly from a side of the cup holder 634. In one embodiment, the clasp 632 extends from an opposite side of the cup holder 634 relative to the retractable prong 636, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the relative arrangement of the clasp 632 and the retractable prong 636 are not intended to be limited according to the present invention. The clasp 632 is configured to snap onto an armrest of a chair, allowing the cup or toilet paper roll to be within easy reach.
In one embodiment, the seat of the chair 650 includes at least two layers of material. In one embodiment, a top layer (e.g., a fabric layer) is configured for comfort for general sitting on the chair 650 and does not include a central hole. This top layer is able to be stretched taut across the full width of the seat to prevent sagging of the material. In one embodiment, the top layer is attached to the supports of the chair 650 (e.g., horizontal or vertical metal or hard plastic cross bars) via hook and loop elements, clasps, or other temporary attachment means. In one embodiment, the top layer is connected directly to a second or bottom layer of material, to the supports of the chair 650, or to itself after being looped around one or more supports of the chair 650.
In one embodiment, a second, or bottom, layer including the hole 656 is positioned beneath the top layer and exposed when the top layer is removed. The tautness of the top layer is helpful for ensuring the top layer does not sag into the hole 656 in the bottom layer. This allows for a more sanitary feeling when sitting on the top layer and allows for less easily stained and less irritative, but potentially less comfortable, materials to be used for the bottom layer.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the hood 660 includes one or more windows 662. In one embodiment, the one or more windows 662 are covered with mesh to prevent insects from entering the hood, but to provide breathability for those inside. Furthermore, the windows provide information regarding whether the hood 660 is currently empty and is able to be used by someone outside. In one embodiment, one or more privacy shades are included on the interior and/or exterior sides of the windows 662 that are able to close over the windows 662 to obstruct the view between the inside of outside, providing for appropriate privacy.
In one embodiment, in order to preserve the shape of the hood 660 and keep the hood 660 in place, the hood 660 is anchored to the ground by one or more pins 664. The pins 664 are able to be inserted through loops or holes proximate to the bottom edge of the hood 660 and inserted into the ground to hold the hood 660 in place. In the embodiment shown in
Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. The above-mentioned examples are provided to serve the purpose of clarifying the aspects of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that they do not serve to limit the scope of the invention. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the present invention.
This application is related to and claims priority from the following US patents and patent applications: this application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/529,261, filed Jul. 27, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63529261 | Jul 2023 | US |
