Patent Application
20250143524
The present invention relates generally to the field of portable toilet devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shorter, smaller portable toilet for children and parents. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in portable toilet devices. Generally, while traveling, it can be difficult to locate a clean, sanitary bathroom for children to use. Further, parents may be unable to change their children in a bathroom if there is no specific changing station. Additionally, young children may be unable to use regular toilets and end up having accidents.
Furthermore, public toilets are often crowded and unsanitary, and may not be suitable for children to use. Generally, in such public toilets, there are long queues and one may have to fight through a crowd to get access to the toilet, which can make the child and the accompanying adult aggravated. Moreover, once at the public toilet, the toilet may be unsanitary for the child due to the large amount of adult use. Further, camps, beaches, playgrounds, etc., may only have public toilets available, limiting the places a caregiver can bring a child.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved portable toilet device that is child-sized but functions as a standard portable toilet. More particularly, there is a demand for a portable toilet device that gives young children privacy and encourages young children to use the toilet on their own while away from home.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that provides users with a means for providing users with a shorter, smaller portable toilet for children and parents. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that functions like a standard portable toilet but features a smaller toilet bowl and steps leading up to the toilet so young children can safely sit on the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that includes a changing station installed on the wall surface for parents to change their babies. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that gives young children privacy and encouragement to use the toilet on their own while away from home. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that offers a more sanitary portable toilet geared toward young children by ensuring adults cannot fit inside them comfortably to create unsanitary conditions. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that can be comprised of solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable toilet device. The device is a portable toilet for children. The portable toilet device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall but comprises a toilet bowl of reduced size and multiple steps that lead to the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl also comprises a pair of stabilizing rails to help young children maintain balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet. The body component can also be comprised of a changing table, a diaper disposal area, solar-powered UV lighting, a baby wipe dispenser, and a hand sanitizer dispenser, etc. Thus, there may be two versions of the portable toilet device, such that one version is tailored strictly for young children only, such that adults cannot fit inside them comfortably to create unsanitary conditions. The second version can be slightly larger to accommodate the changing table and a parent/adult.
In this manner, the portable toilet device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a shorter, smaller portable toilet for children. The device includes steps and a smaller toilet bowl in a conventional portable toilet stall. The device can be manufactured of a high-grade plastic material.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable toilet device. The device is a portable toilet for children. The portable toilet device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall but comprises a toilet bowl of reduced size and multiple steps that lead to the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl also comprises a pair of stabilizing rails to help young children maintain balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet. The body component can also be comprised of a changing table, a diaper disposal area, solar-powered UV lighting, a baby wipe dispenser, and a hand sanitizer dispenser, etc.
In one embodiment, the portable toilet device is generally designed to be conveniently and suitably used by children aged up to 8 years. However, in some examples, older aged children may also use the portable toilet device without any limitations. The portable toilet device is compact and lightweight, and sized for use by a child instead of an adult, such that an adult cannot comfortably fit inside the portable toilet device to create unsanitary conditions.
In one embodiment, the portable toilet device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall. The portable toilet stall is an enclosure and typically comprises opposing side walls, a roof, a back wall, a floor, and a front opening with a door for privacy. However, it may be understood that the body component can be configured into some other shapes and configurations if needed, without any limitations.
In an exemplary configuration, the body component may be designed to be about 5 feet tall, 4 feet in length/depth, and 3 feet wide, when in the installed configuration of the portable toilet stall. In some examples, the outer planar surface of the body component can support an aesthetic design, such as a conventional camouflage pattern, a cartoon character pattern, or any other suitable aesthetic design for fashion or functional purposes as is known in the art. For instance, the body component may be designed in different colors, such as blue, yellow, green, or pink to suit the different preferences of boys and girls.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a toilet bowl and seat of reduced size. The reduced size toilet bowl and seat is configured to be sized and shaped to accommodate a small child and not an adult. The toilet bowl and seat can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Generally, the toilet bowl and seat are in the shape of a conventional toilet bowl and seat, just of a reduced size for children to use. Furthermore, the toilet seat is pivotally secured to an upper end of the toilet bowl and comprises an opening configured to receive waste therethrough. The toilet seat is movable between a substantially horizontal position in which it is disposed over the open upper end of the toilet bowl and a lifted position in which the toilet seat is disposed substantially vertical or at an angle greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal position. The horizontal position allows a user to remain seated while using the toilet bowl and the lifted position allows a user to urinate in the toilet bowl while not using the toilet seat to sit on. Further, the dimensions of the toilet seat are substantially similar to the open upper end of the toilet bowl so as to allow the toilet seat to rest on the edges of the upper end of the toilet bowl.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a plurality of steps which are positioned on the interior floor of the body component and lead up to the toilet seat. Thus, the plurality of steps act to provide a safe means for children to reach the toilet bowl and seat. The plurality of steps can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Further, any number of steps can be provided, depending on the size and shape of the toilet bowl and seat.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a pair of stabilizing rails, with one rail secured to either side of the toilet seat. The stabilizing rails help young children maintain their balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet seat.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a plurality of solar-powered UV lighting, typically mounted to the interior roof of the body component. As may be contemplated, the solar-powered UV lighting is powered via a plurality of solar panels secured to the exterior of the body component, at any suitable position that is facing the sun to receive sunlight. Thus, the plurality of solar panels supply power to the solar-powered UV lighting within the portable toilet stall and light inside the installed portable toilet, which may help children to not be afraid of the dark during use thereof.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a fan installed on the roof of the body component. The fan may be integrally formed in place with the body component. The fan may be electrically connected with the plurality of solar panels to receive electric power for the operation thereof. The fan would provide enough ventilation, which may help the children to not feel suffocated during use thereof.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises a hand sanitizer dispenser or other suitable sanitizing device for removing germs. The hand sanitizer dispenser can be positioned on an interior wall near the toilet bowl and seat, or any other suitable position as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises an area for parents/guardians to change an infant or other small child. The area would include a changing table secured to the interior sidewall. Generally, the changing table would be secured via a hook to the wall, and then when in use, the hook can be released, allowing the changing table to extend downward for resting an infant thereon. The changing table can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the changing table is sized and shaped to hold an infant or small child in a supine position. Further, the area can include a diaper disposal area, such as a trashcan with a lid, and a baby wipe dispenser for use while changing a diaper. The baby wipe dispenser is typically secured to an interior sidewall of the body component, near the changing table or other suitable place.
In one embodiment, the portable toilet device is made of an advantageously high-grade plastic material, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the portable toilet device is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the body component comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Furthermore, the portable toilet device is made of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or the body component comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.
In yet another embodiment, the portable toilet device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of utilizing a portable toilet that is child-sized is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a portable toilet device comprising a body component configured as a conventional portable toilet stall with a toilet bowl of reduced size, multiple steps to the toilet bowl, and a pair of stabilizing rails to maintain balance. The method also comprises having a changing table, diaper disposal area, and baby wipe dispenser within the body component of the portable toilet stall. Further, the method comprises securing solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser to the body component of the portable toilet stall. Finally, the method comprises allowing a child to use the portable toilet device.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used 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 thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that provides users with a means for providing users with a shorter, smaller portable toilet for children and parents. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that functions like a standard portable toilet but features a smaller toilet bowl and steps leading up to the toilet so young children can safely sit on the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that includes a changing station installed on the wall surface for parents to change their babies. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that gives young children privacy and encouragement to use the toilet on their own while away from home. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that offers a more sanitary portable toilet geared toward young children by ensuring adults cannot fit inside them comfortably to create unsanitary conditions. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that can be comprised of solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel portable toilet device. The device is a portable toilet for children. The portable toilet device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall but comprises a toilet bowl of reduced size and multiple steps that lead to the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl also comprises a pair of stabilizing rails to help young children maintain balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet. The body component can also be comprised of a changing table, a diaper disposal area, solar-powered UV lighting, a baby wipe dispenser, and a hand sanitizer dispenser, etc. The present invention also includes a novel method of utilizing a portable toilet that is child-sized. The method includes the steps of providing a portable toilet device comprising a body component configured as a conventional portable toilet stall with a toilet bowl of reduced size, multiple steps to the toilet bowl, and a pair of stabilizing rails to maintain balance. The method also comprises having a changing table, diaper disposal area, and baby wipe dispenser within the body component of the portable toilet stall. Further, the method comprises securing solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser to the body component of the portable toilet stall. Finally, the method comprises allowing a child to use the portable toilet device.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the portable toilet device 100 is designed to be conveniently and suitably used by children aged up to 8 years. However, in some examples, older aged children may also use the portable toilet device 100 without any limitations. Overall, the portable toilet device 100 is compact and lightweight, and sized for use by a child 110 instead of an adult, such that an adult cannot comfortably fit inside the portable toilet device 100 to create unsanitary conditions.
Further, the portable toilet device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall. The portable toilet stall is an enclosure and typically comprises opposing side walls 112, a roof 114, a back wall 116, a floor 118, and a front opening 120 with a door 122 for privacy. However, it may be understood that the body component 102 can be configured into some other shapes and configurations if needed, without any limitations. Additionally, the door 122 can include a lock or sign that reads vacant/occupied to know when the device 100 is in use.
In an exemplary configuration, the body component 102 may be designed to be about 5 feet tall, 4 feet in length/depth, and 3 feet wide, when in the installed configuration of the portable toilet stall, but can be any suitable dimensions as is known in the art. In some examples, the outer planar surface 124 of the body component 102 can support an aesthetic design 126, such as a conventional camouflage pattern, a cartoon character pattern, or any other suitable aesthetic design for fashion or functional purposes as is known in the art. For instance, the body component 102 may be designed in different colors, such as blue, yellow, green, or pink to suit the different preferences of boys and girls 110.
As shown in
Further, the body component 102 comprises a plurality of steps 106 which are positioned on the interior floor 118 of the body component 102 and lead up to the toilet seat 200. Thus, the plurality of steps 106 act to provide a safe means for children 110 to reach the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200. The plurality of steps 106 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user 110. Further, any number of steps 106 can be provided, depending on the size and shape of the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200.
Additionally, the body component 102 comprises a pair of stabilizing rails 108, with one rail 108 secured to either side 206 of the toilet seat 200. The stabilizing rails 108 help young children 110 maintain their balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet seat 200. The stabilizing rails 108 can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as glue, adhesives, bolts, screws, etc.
Furthermore, the body component 102 comprises a plurality of solar-powered UV lighting 208, typically mounted to the interior roof 114 of the body component 102. As may be contemplated, the solar-powered UV lighting 208 is powered via a plurality of solar panels 210 secured to the exterior of the body component 102, at any suitable position that is facing the sun to receive sunlight. Thus, the plurality of solar panels 210 supply power to the solar-powered UV lighting 208 within the portable toilet stall and light inside the installed portable toilet, which may help children 110 to not be afraid of the dark during use thereof.
In one embodiment, the body component 102 comprises a fan 212 installed on the roof 114 of the body component 102. The fan 212 may be integrally formed in place with the body component 102. The fan 212 may be electrically connected with the plurality of solar panels 210 to receive electric power for the operation thereof. The fan 212 would provide enough ventilation, which may help the children 110 to not feel suffocated during use thereof.
Further, the body component 102 comprises a hand sanitizer dispenser 214 or other suitable sanitizing device for removing germs. The hand sanitizer dispenser 214 can be positioned on an interior wall 112 near the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200, or any other suitable position as is known in the art. The hand sanitizer dispenser 214 can be secured to the wall 112 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as adhesives, glue, screws, bolts, etc.
As shown in
As shown in
In yet another embodiment, the portable toilet device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be a portable toilet, changing table, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “portable toilet device”, “portable device”, “toilet device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the portable toilet device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the portable toilet device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the portable toilet device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/595,485, which was filed on Nov. 2, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63595485 | Nov 2023 | US |
