Traveling toilet apparatus

Abstract

A traveling toilet apparatus for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste is provided. The traveling toilet apparatus comprises a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface. An opening is formed in the top surface. A cover is movable to cover the opening. An aperture is formed in the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface. A cap is positionable over the aperture wherein a user can relieve themselves in the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture and wherein the opening and aperture are closable to maintain waste inside the hollow receptacle.

Description

The present application claims the benefit of priority of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/269,060, filed on Jun. 19, 2009, entitled “Traveling Toilet”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a traveling toilet apparatus and, more particularly, the invention relates to a traveling toilet apparatus providing users, both male and female, with a convenient means of using the rest room within the privacy of their vehicle.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The body's need to eliminate waste matter is a normal fact of life. Although difficult to discuss, bodily functions are something every human being shares in common. Unfortunately for many, nature often calls at inopportune moments. In particular those who travel by car are often faced with the dilemma of driving many uncomfortable miles before a rest area or public rest room is in site. For those who travel with children, this problem is all the more troublesome, as many toddlers and preschoolers simply do not possess the ability to wait until Mom or Dad can pull over at a rest stop. For the estimated twenty million who suffer from physical medical conditions that result in incontinence, bladder control is an ever-present issue. In fact, according to Urology Forum, an Internet based health community; this problem is especially prevalent in middle aged and older women. As troublesome as it may seem, many accidents occur when distracted drivers rush through changing lights, breeze through stop signs or disregard traffic, all in order to reach a rest room.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a traveling toilet apparatus for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste provided. The traveling toilet apparatus comprises a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface. An opening is formed in the top surface. A cover is movable to cover the opening. An aperture is formed in the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface. A cap is positionable over the aperture wherein a user can relieve themselves in the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture and wherein the opening and aperture are closable to maintain waste inside the hollow receptacle.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste. The method comprises providing a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface, forming an opening in the top surface, forming an aperture in the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface, introducing waste into the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture, moving a cover to cover the opening, and positioning a cap over the aperture.

The present invention further includes a traveling toilet apparatus for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste. The traveling toilet apparatus comprises a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface. An opening is formed in the top surface. A rail is formed around the opening just below the top surface. A cover slides along the rail to cover the opening. An aperture extends from the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface. A cap is hingedly connected to and positionable over the aperture wherein a user can relieve themselves in the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture and wherein the opening and aperture are closable to maintain waste inside the hollow receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a traveling toilet apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the slidable lid being partially opened; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the traveling toilet apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the slidable lid being closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is a traveling toilet apparatus, indicated generally at 10, providing users, both male and female, with a convenient means of using the rest room within the privacy of their vehicle or other desired location. The traveling toilet apparatus 10 enables male and female users to discreetly and comfortably relieve themselves when on the road or out on the go. Preferably constructed of leak proof and shatterproof plastic material, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 is preferably a substantially rectangular-shaped receptacle measuring approximately ten (10″) inches in length, approximately five (5″) inches in height, and approximately four (4″) inches in total depth. It should be noted that while the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention has been described as preferably having a particular shape and dimension, it is within the scope of the present invention for the traveling toilet apparatus 10 to have a different shape and different dimensions, depending on the desires of the manufacturer and end users.

As stated above, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention accommodates both the male and female anatomy. As such, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 comprises a hollow receptacle 12 having a top surface 13 and a substantially planar bottom surface 14. An opening 16 is formed in the top surface 13 with a rail 18 formed around the opening 16 just below the top surface 13. Concerning males, positioned at one end of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 is an extended opening 20 inside of which male users can comfortably eliminate waste into the hollow receptacle 12. The extended opening 20 has a hinged cap 22 serving to keep waste matter within the hollow receptacle 12 of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 following use. Closing the opening of the hollow receptacle 12 of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 is a sliding cover 24 slidable along the rail 18 which, when pulled back, opens the opening 16 revealing the interior of the hollow receptacle 12 providing a comfortable “seat” for female users.

The extended opening 20 of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention is preferably positioned at a point on the hollow receptacle 12 below the centerline allowing easy disposal of waste. However, as understood by those persons skilled in the art, the extended opening 20 can be positioned at any position between the top surface 13 and the bottom surface 14 depending on the desires of the manufacturer and end user.

In addition, the hinged cap 22 of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention is preferably a watertight cap 22 such that when positioned over the extended opening 20, all waste within the hollow receptacle 12 is maintained therein. Constructing the hollow receptacle 12, the sliding lid 24, the extended opening 20, and the hinged cap 22 from the material as each other or different material from each other is within the scope of the present invention.

The manner of use of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the manner of use of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 described herein is merely one method of use and other methods of use of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

Use of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention is simple and straightforward. First, users pull over to the side of the road, preferably in a sheltered or secluded area. The user then utilizes the traveling toilet apparatus 10 as needed, reaching for the extended opening 20 or, in the case of the female users, squatting over the opening 16 in the hollow receptacle 12 in a comfortable manner. After use, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 can be emptied and rinsed clean. The traveling toilet apparatus 10 can then be tucked away in a vehicle trunk or below a seat providing easy access when again needed.

Use of the traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention provides users with a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 allows travelers to use the lavatory in the privacy of their own vehicle. Eliminating the need to search for rural rest areas or public bathrooms, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 offers users an instantly available, source of relief. This advantage proves especially beneficial for those who suffer from bladder control problems or incontinence, as well as those who travel with small children. Easily stored in a glove compartment, beneath a seat, or in the trunk, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 is always on hand, in case of emergencies. Because of this important advantage, the number of accidents which often occur when one is disregarding traffic laws in order to quickly get to a rest room can be greatly reduced. Another advantage is that the traveling toilet apparatus 10 provides a sanitary alternative to using public restrooms. Sparing the user exposure to the germs and bacteria of public rest rooms, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 proves an invaluable commodity to any weary traveler.

The traveling toilet apparatus 10 of the present invention provides the busy traveler a convenient means of using the rest room. Simple-to-use, the traveling toilet apparatus 10 enables users to enjoy instant relief, while sheltered within the privacy of their own vehicle.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A traveling toilet apparatus for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste, the traveling toilet apparatus comprising:

a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface;

an opening formed in the top surface;

a cover movable to cover the opening;

an aperture formed in the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface; and

a cap positionable over the aperture;

wherein a user can relieve themselves in the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture; and

wherein the opening and aperture are closable to maintain waste inside the hollow receptacle.

2. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface is substantially planar.

3. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising:

a rail formed around the opening just below the top surface;

wherein the cover is slidable along the rail.

4. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 1 wherein the aperture extends out and away from the hollow receptacle.

5. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 4 wherein the cap is hingedly connected to the extended aperture.

6. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 1 wherein the aperture is positioned at a point on the hollow receptacle below a centerline.

7. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 1 wherein upon the cap being positioned on the aperture, a watertight seal is created.

8. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hollow receptacle, the lid, and the hinged cap are constructed from the same material as each other.

9. A method for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste, the method comprising:

providing a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface;

forming an opening in the top surface;

forming an aperture in the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface;

introducing waste into the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture;

moving a cover to cover the opening; and

positioning a cap over the aperture.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the bottom surface is substantially planar.

11. The method of claim 9 and further comprising:

forming a rail around the opening just below the top surface;

sliding the cover along the rail.

12. The method of claim 9 and further comprising:

extending the aperture out and away from the hollow receptacle.

13. The method of claim 12 and further comprising:

hingedly connecting the cap connected to the extended aperture.

14. The method of claim 9 and further comprising;

positioning the aperture at a point on the hollow receptacle below a centerline.

15. The method of claim 9 and further comprising:

creating a watertight seal around the cap.

16. The method of claim 9 and further comprising:

constructing the hollow receptacle, the lid, and the hinged cap from the same material as each other.

17. A traveling toilet apparatus for both male and female users to relieve themselves of waste, the traveling toilet apparatus comprising:

a hollow receptacle having a top surface and a bottom surface;

an opening formed in the top surface;

a rail formed around the opening just below the top surface;

a cover slidable along the rail to cover the opening;

an aperture extending from the hollow receptacle between the top surface and the bottom surface; and

a cap hingedly connected to and positionable over the aperture;

wherein a user can relieve themselves in the hollow receptacle through either the opening or the aperture; and

wherein the opening and aperture are closable to maintain waste inside the hollow receptacle.

18. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 17 wherein the bottom surface is substantially planar.

19. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 17 wherein the aperture is positioned at a point on the hollow receptacle below a centerline.

20. The traveling toilet apparatus of claim 17 wherein the hollow receptacle, the lid, and the hinged cap are constructed from the same material as each other.