Toilet training stool

Abstract

The toilet training stool has an elevated platform and a pair of sidewalls. The platform is elevated from the ground and curves from one end to other that may define a U-shaped recess that is dimensioned for abutting the base of any toilet. The platform acts as both a step that allows the user to reach the toilet and a resting place for the user's feet as they sit upon the toilet, preventing the user from having to dangle his or her feet in the air. Each sidewall is connected to one of the ends of the platform and is positioned substantially normal to the platform, providing an enclose-type structure for the user while sitting on the toilet. At the upper end of each sidewall, a handle-type structure is dimensioned to provide added safety and support for the user.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/714,984, filed Sep. 7, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toilet training aids, and more specifically to a toilet training stool to help toddlers learn to use a conventional toilet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Many different toilet training aids have been employed while attempting to train toddlers and young children to use a conventional toilet. While each of these training aids provide constructions that are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, none of them provide all of the functions that are produced by the subject matter that forms the basis of the present invention. What is needed is a toilet training stool that provides support for both the arms and legs of a toddler or young child who is sitting upon a conventional toilet. It is desirable that the stool provide easy access to the toilet and protect the user from falling off of the toilet seat, while still remaining sturdy and rigid as it is engaged with the toilet. It is also desired that the stool be capable of being easily transported and convenient to store while not in use. Thus, a toilet training stool solving the aforementioned problems is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The toilet training stool of the present invention has an elevated platform and a pair of sidewalls. The platform is elevated from the ground and has a first end and a second end, with the platform curving from the first end to the second end and defining a U-shaped recess that is dimensioned for abutting the base of a toilet. The platform acts as both a step that allows the user to reach the toilet and a resting place for the user's feet as they sit upon the toilet, preventing the user from having to dangle his or her feet in the air. The curved platform allows the stool to be placed all the way up against the base of a conventional toilet, providing extra safety.

Each sidewall is connected to one of the ends of the platform and is positioned substantially normal to the platform, providing an enclose-type structure for the user while sitting on the toilet. At the upper end of each sidewall, a handle-type structure is dimensioned to provide added safety and support for the user. Also, a support bar may be provided. The support bar is located beneath the platform and runs from one sidewall to the other, abutting the platform along its entire length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a toilet training stool according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevated front view of a toilet training stool according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an elevated side view of a toilet training stool according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a toilet training stool according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a toilet training stool according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a toilet training stool according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of one embodiment of a toilet training stool with the sidewalls and elevated platform connected with ridges and grooves according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a toilet training stool, designated generally as 10 in the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, toilet training stool 10 is shown in an operable position abutting a conventional toilet 100. Elevated platform 12 is connected at both ends to sidewalls 14 to provide the basic structure of the toilet training stool 10, with sidewalls 14 engaging the floor for standing support. Elevated platform 12 is elevated from the floor and provides both a step for the user to help in engaging the toilet 100, and a resting place for the user's feet once he or she is sitting on the toilet 100. Elevated platform 12 curves from one end to the other defining a U-shaped recess dimensioned for abutting the base of the toilet 100, such that the stool 10 may be placed close enough to the toilet 100 to provide maximum security to the user. Ideally, the height of elevated platform 12 is in the range of four (4) to fourteen (14) inches and the width is in the range of four (4) to thirty (30) inches.

In one embodiment, sidewalls 14 are identical and are substantially normal to platform 12 and are each connected to platform 12 at a point substantially near the lower end of each sidewall 14. Sidewalls 14 can be made to any height and are provided to help prevent a user from falling off the toilet to either side, creating an enclosure-like atmosphere for a user who is sitting on the toilet. The upper end of each sidewall 14 is dimensioned into a handle 16 providing added security to the toilet training stool 10. Ideally, the height of each sidewall 14 is in the range of twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) inches and the distance between the first sidewall 14 and the second sidewall 14 is in the range of ten (10) to thirty-six (36) inches.

In one embodiment, toilet training stool 10 is provided with support bar 18. Support bar 18 extends from one sidewall 14 to the other sidewall 14 and abuts a bottom side of the elevated platform 12 along the entire length of the support bar 18. Support bar 18 provides added support to the elevated platform 12 as it is stepped upon by users of toilet training stool 10.

Referring to FIG. 4, as in one embodiment a toilet training stool 10A is shown. Toilet training stool 10A has a similar structure to the previously described embodiment including elevated platform 12, vertical sidewalls 14, and handles 16. However, toilet training stool 10A is provided with a hinge 22 that allows toilet training stool 10A to be folded up for easier transportation and storage. Hinge 22 is located on elevated platform 12, with elevated platform 12 being hinged along its entire width at a point halfway between the sidewalls 14. Hinges can also be provided at the intersections of vertical sidewalls 14 and elevated platform 12 to further increase the folding capability of the toilet training stool.

FIG. 5 shows as in one embodiment a toilet training stool 10B. Elevated platform 12b is connected at both ends to sidewalls 14b to provide the basic structure of the toilet training stool 10B, with sidewalls 14b engaging the floor for standing support. Elevated platform 12b is elevated from the floor and provides both a step for the user to help in engaging the toilet, and a resting place for the user's feet once he or she is sitting on the toilet. Elevated platform 12b curves from one end to the other defining a U-shaped recess dimensioned for abutting the base of the toilet, such that the stool 10B may be placed close enough to the toilet to provide maximum security to the user. Again, the height of elevated platform 12 is in the range of four (4) to fourteen (14) inches and the width is in the range of four (4) to thirty (30) inches.

Sidewalls 14b are identical and are substantially normal to platform 12b and are each connected to platform 12b at a point substantially near the lower end of each sidewall 14b. Sidewalls 14b can be made to any height and are provided to help prevent a user from falling off the toilet to either side, creating an enclosure-like atmosphere for a user who is sitting on the toilet. The upper end of each sidewall 14b is dimensioned into a handle 16b providing added security to the toilet training stool 10B. Again, the height of each sidewall 14 is in the range of twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) inches and the distance between the first sidewall 14 and the second sidewall 14 is in the range of ten (10) to thirty-six (36) inches.

Referring to FIG. 6 as in one embodiment shown is 10c. In FIG. 7 shown are sidewalls 14c with ridges 30. Elevated platform 12c has grooves 32 that will allow ridges 30 to fit into and attach sidewalls 14c to elevated platform 12c.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A toilet training stool, comprising:

an elevated platform having a first end and a second end, the platform curving from the first end to the second end defining a U-shaped recess dimensioned for abutting a base of the toilet;

a first sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the first sidewall being connected to the first end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the first sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform; and

a second sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the second sidewall being connected to the second end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the second sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform.

2. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, further comprising a support bar, the support bar extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and abutting a bottom side of the elevated platform along the entire length of the support bar.

3. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the elevated platform is hinged along its entire width at a point halfway between the first end and the second end.

4. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the upper ends of both the first sidewall and the second sidewall are dimensioned as handles.

5. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the height of the elevated platform is in the range of four (4) to fourteen (14) inches.

6. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the width of the elevated platform is in the range of four (4) to thirty (30) inches.

7. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the height of the first sidewall is in the range of twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) inches.

8. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the height of the second sidewall is in the range of twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) inches.

9. The toilet training stool according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is in the range of ten (10) to thirty-six (36) inches.

10. A toilet training stool, comprising:

an elevated platform having a first end and a second end, the platform curving from the first end to the second end defining a U-shaped recess dimensioned for abutting a base of the toilet;

a first sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the first sidewall being connected to the first end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the first sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform;

a second sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the second sidewall being connected to the second end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the second sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform; and

a support bar, the support bar extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and abutting a bottom side of the elevated platform along the entire length of the support bar.

11. The toilet training stool according to claim 5, wherein the elevated platform is hinged along its entire width at a point halfway between the first end and the second end.

12. The toilet training stool according to claim 5, wherein the upper ends of both the first sidewall and the second sidewall are dimensioned as handles.

13. The toilet training stool according to claim 10, wherein the height of the elevated platform is in the range of four (4) to fourteen (14) inches.

14. The toilet training stool according to claim 10, wherein the width of the elevated platform is in the range of four (4) to thirty (30) inches.

15. The toilet training stool according to claim 10, wherein the height of the first sidewall is in the range of twelve (12) to thirty-six (66) inches.

16. The toilet training stool according to claim 10, wherein the height of the second sidewall is in the range of twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) inches.

17. The toilet training stool according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is in the range of ten (10) to thirty-six (36) inches.

18. A toilet training stool, comprising:

an elevated platform having a first end and a second end, the platform curving from the first end to the second end defining a U-shaped recess dimensioned for abutting a base of the toilet, the elevated platform being hinged along its entire width at a point halfway between the first end and the second end;

a first sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the first sidewall being connected to the first end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the first sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform, the upper end of the first sidewall being dimensioned as a handle;

a second sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the second sidewall being connected to the second end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the second sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform, the upper end of the second sidewall being dimensioned as a handle; and

a support bar, the support bar extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and abutting a bottom side of the elevated platform along the entire length of the support bar.

19. The toilet training stool according to claim 18, wherein the height of each of the sidewalls is in the range of eighteen (18) to twenty-six (26) inches.

20. A method for permitting use of a conventional adult toilet by children, comprising:

providing a toilet training stool having: (i) an elevated platform having a first end and a second end, the platform curving from the first end to the second end defining a U-shaped recess dimensioned for abutting a base of the toilet, the elevated platform being hinged along its entire width at a point halfway between the first end and the second end; (ii) a first sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the first sidewall being connected to the first end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the first sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform, the upper end of the first sidewall being dimensioned as a handle; (iii) a second sidewall having an upper end and a lower end, the second sidewall being connected to the second end of the elevated platform at a point substantially near the lower end of the second sidewall and positioned normal to the elevated platform, the upper end of the second sidewall being dimensioned as a handle; and (iv) a support bar, the support bar extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and abutting a bottom side of the elevated platform along the entire length of the support bar; and

positioning the toilet training stool next to conventional adult toilet such that the U-shaped recess of the elevated platform abuts the base of the conventional adult toilet.