TOILET TRAINING DEVICES FOR SMALL CHILDREN
A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device.
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This application is a continuation in part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/901,466, filed on Oct. 8, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of children's educational and development devices. In particular the invention relates to toilet training devices for children. Certain aspects of the invention also have applicability for use in adult toilet seats.
2. Description of the Related Technology
One of the milestones that a child passes when growing older is becoming potty trained. Part of the process of potty training is learning how to use adult bathroom facilities. In order to assist a child in the learning process, a number of products have been developed to help encourage and assist a child in using adult toilet and other bathroom facilities. The assignee of this invention, Munchkin, Inc. has developed and sold a number of such products, one of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,631,370 to Dunn et al.
Some types of toilet training devices are designed to be placed directly upon either the rim or seat of an adult toilet. Other types of such devices resemble a miniature adult toilet and have a collection chamber, sometimes having a collection bag or liner, defined therein for holding urine, feces and wipes.
When acclimating a small child to the use of an adult toilet or potty seat, it is desirable to place both the child and the caregiver at ease to the extent possible, and to make the child as comfortable as possible. A child who is transitioning away from diapers is often used to being wiped and cleaned with moist wipes. Toilet paper may feel uncomfortable for such a child, and this could potentially erode the child's enthusiasm for the toilet training process. A caregiver, however, may forget to pack wipes when traveling with a potty seat. Even in the home, packages of wipes may be misplaced. In addition, it is often difficult to position a package of wipes within easy reach of the child or the caregiver during toilet training. Accordingly, a toilet training device that would make it easier for a child or caregiver to conveniently access wipes while the child is on the potty seat would represent an improvement over conventional toilet training devices.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,489 to Finell discloses a step stool potty bench that has a plurality of storage areas that may be used for containing materials such as wipes, toilet paper or baby powder. However, this is not a practical solution for storing individual wipes, because they will lose their moistness within a short period of time. In addition, the storage compartments that are provided in the Finell potty bench are not of the proper size and shape to receive an entire container of wipes. Even if a container of wipes happened to have a size and shape permitting it to fit within one of the compartments, the dispensing opening would not necessarily be easily accessible to the child or the caregiver.
Odors can also be a concern during toilet training. Toilet training seats that have storage compartments for urine and feces can be a significant source of odor, particularly in instances when they are not immediately emptied of waste and cleaned by the caregiver. To the extent that odors can be minimized by absorption or masking, the toilet training process can be made more enjoyable for both the child and the caregiver. There are a number of examples of deodorizing systems for use with adult toilets, but these would not necessarily be appropriate for use with a toilet training system. A plethora of household devices for masking or absorbing odors also exist, but many of them are not readily transportable when traveling or safe to be within the reach of a small child.
A need exists for an improved toilet training device that provides convenient access to moist wipes for the child and the caregiver. A need also exists for an improved toilet training device that helps control odors in a manner that is convenient and safe for a small child.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved toilet training device that provides convenient access to moist wipes for both the child and the caregiver.
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to, a toilet seat lid according to a first aspect of the invention includes a seat having an opening defined therein; a main body portion; a recess defined in the main body portion for holding a package of wipes; and wipes package securing means for releasably positioning the package of wipes within the recess. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a wipes cartridge including a container having a plurality of wipes disposed therein; and a substantially rigid frame attached to the container. The substantially rigid frame has first and second end portions and at least one of the first and second end portions and coupling means for releasably and securely positioning the wipes cartridge within a recess of a toilet training device.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to
The removable seat 16 has a central opening 20 defined therein, as is typical for a toilet seat or a toilet training device. A deflector 22 is preferably integrally molded into the removable seat 16 at a forward portion thereof for deflecting urine downwardly into the removable waste bin 17 that is removably positioned within the main body portion 12, best shown in
Lid 18 is preferably pivotally mounted to the main body portion 12 by a hinge assembly 24, which guides the lid 18 between the open position shown in
Lid 18 is also preferably constructed to be of sufficient strength so that the toilet training device 10 can be used as a step stool by a small child during toilet training or for other activities. As is best shown in
Preferably, lid 18 is constructed to be of sufficient strength to support a top load weight that is substantially within a range of about 20 pounds to about 200 pounds. More preferably, lid 18 is constructed to be of sufficient strength to support a top load weight that is at substantially within a range of about 30 pounds to about 180 pounds. Most preferably, lid 18 is constructed to be of sufficient strength to support a top load weight that is substantially within a range of about 45 pounds to about 120 pounds.
The toilet training device 10 also preferably includes a wipes dispensing system 28, 328 for dispensing wipes during use of the toilet training device 10. The wipes dispensing system 28, 328 will be discussed in greater detail below.
The removable seat 16 is preferably fabricated from a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and preferably includes a pair of handles 30, 32 that can be used by a small child during potty training or for a child or caregiver to remove the seat 16 from the main body portion 12. Removable seat 16 is also advantageously constructed so that it may be removed and placed directly on an adult toilet seat or a rim of an adult toilet for potty training.
The main body portion 12 of the toilet training device 10 is preferably provided with an integral handle 36 that is integral with the waste pan 17 for permitting a consumer to easily grasp and remove the waste pan 17 from the remainder of the main body portion 12 after the seat 16 has been removed from the main body portion 12.
In addition, at least one elastomeric support foot is preferably provided on a lower surface of the main body portion 12 for reducing the potential for slippage of the toilet training device 10 with respect to an underlying surface such as a tile floor during use. This is particularly important when the toilet training device 10 is being used as a step stool by a small child. In the preferred embodiment, the main body portion 12 is provided with a first elastomeric support foot 38 that is located at a frontal bottom portion of the main body portion 12, and a second elastomeric support foot 40 that is located at a rear bottom portion of the main body portion 12. The support feet 38, 40 are preferably fabricated from a resilient, high friction elastomeric material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Referring now briefly to
A finger access opening 50 is preferably defined in the lower surface of the lid 18 in communication with the recess 44 for permitting a consumer to use his or her finger in order to pry the odor remediating insert 42 out of the recess 44. We should consider specifying dimensional ranges for the recess 44 and the finger access opening 50.
In the preferred embodiment, the odor remediating insert 42 is substantially round or circular in shape as viewed in front and rear elevation and oblong in shape as viewed in side elevation, as a shown in
As
In the most preferred embodiment, the odor remediating insert 42 includes a porous pouch 83, preferably fabricated from polyester, which contains a powdered air freshener composition. The air freshener composition includes sodium bicarbonate, a fragrance composition and SIPERNET 22, a carrier for the fragrance composition, which is commercially available from Insilco.
Referring again to
At some point in time, when the odor absorbing or masking substance 80 within the interior space 81 of the odor remediating insert 42 loses its effectiveness, the consumer will use his or her finger to pry the odor remediating insert 42 out of the recess 44, thus overcoming the interference fit that exists between the outer circumferential surface of the odor remediating insert 42 and the raised ribs 48. The consumer may obtain a replacement odor remediating insert 42 as a separate article of purchase from a retailer. Alternatively, the odor remediating insert 42 could be fabricated so that it is openable by a consumer, and replacement odor remediating pouches could be made available for purchase by the consumer.
The modular nature of the odor remediating insert 42 accordingly permits odor remediation within the toilet training device 10 to be continued indefinitely without needing to replace the entire toilet training device 10.
As shown in
In a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 12-18, the wipes dispensing system 28 preferably includes a wipes cartridge 56 having a substantially rigid frame 60, which is preferably fabricated from a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. A substantially rigid frame 60 is preferably attached to a flexible bag or container 66 that is fabricated from a waterproof or moisture impermeable material so that it can hold a plurality of moist wipes without them losing their moistness.
Preferably, the flexible container 66 is constructed to have a thickness that is sufficient to hold a plurality of wipes that is substantially within a range of about 10 wipes to about 120 wipes, more preferably substantially within a range of about 15 wipes to about 100 wipes, and most preferably within a range of about 20 wipes to about 80 wipes. The thickness of the flexible container 66 is preferably substantially within a range of about ⅜ of an inch to about 3 inches, more preferably substantially within a range of about 7/16 of an inch to about 2.5 inches and most preferably within a range of about ½″ to about 2.0 inches.
Wipes cartridge 56 is preferably constructed so that it can be used as a stand-alone wipes dispenser when it is not positioned within the toilet training assembly 10, such as when a child and his or her caregiver are traveling.
The substantially rigid frame 60 also preferably includes a lid 62 that is pivotally mounted to the remainder of the frame 60 by an integral hinge 64, as is best shown in
As
Alternatively, the movable cover 70 may be mounted to the main body portion 12 so that it may be completely removed from the main body portion 12. For example, it could be mounted for insertion and removal with respect to the main body portion 12 with a sliding motion.
Once the movable cover 70 is pivotally retracted or slidably removed from main body portion 12, a wipes cartridge 56 may be installed into recess 58 by aligning the rigid frame 60 of the cartridge 56 with the guide structure 68 that is defined in the main body portion 12 within the recess 58 and, as
Guide structure 68 may have a first plate member 67 and a first lip 69 inset with respect to a front portion of first plate member 67, wherein first lip 69 defines part of an access opening 357, the dimensions of which are smaller than rigid frame 60. First lip 69 has a U shaped configuration and is spaced apart from and defining a channel with a second alignment feature 86, described below, for receiving a lower portion of rigid frame 60. Second alignment feature 86 is preferably positioned parallel to and opposite of first lip 69 at a lower, central region of guide structure 68, wherein the second alignment feature 86 is oriented in the same plane as the exterior face of guide structure 68. When wipes cartridge 56 is inserted within recess 58, the sides and lower portion of the rear face of rigid frame 60 are aligned with and abut the outer surface of first lip 69 such that rigid frame 60 is stably positioned between first lip 69 and second alignment feature 86.
As best shown in
In addition to aligning the wipes cartridge 56 with respect to the recess 58, the alignment features 84, 86, 87, 88 also function to help lock the wipes cartridge 56 into place with respect to the recess 58.
Referring to
The first concave recess 90 preferably has a maximum depth as measured from its outermost surface that is substantially within a range of about 0.025 inch to about 1.0 inch, more preferably substantially within a range of about 0.05 inch to about 0.5 inch and most preferably substantially within a range of about 0.10 inch to about 0.25 inch.
The third alignment feature 87 is preferably embodied as a second concave recess 92 that is preferably a substantially constant curvature and that preferably is substantially identical in size and shape to the first concave recess 90.
Referring to
Accordingly, each of the first and second curved convex projections 94, 96 preferably has a substantially constant curvature and preferably has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within the range of about 0.25 inch to about 10 inches, more preferably substantially within a range of about 0.4 inch to about 5 inches and most preferably substantially within a range of about 0.6 inch to about 2.0 inches.
In addition, each of the first and second curved convex projections 94, 96 preferably has a maximum extent of projection from base to tip that is substantially within a range of about 0.025 inch to about 1.0 inch, more preferably substantially within a range of about 0.05 inch to about 0.5 inch and most preferably substantially within a range of about 0.10 inch to about 0.25 inch.
The wipes cartridge 56 further preferably includes a generally convex, rounded upper end 104 and a generally convex rounded lower end 106. It further includes a substantially flat first side surface 108 and a substantially flat second side surface 110. The lid 62 is preferably attached to the substantially flat second side surface 110 by means of an integral hinge 64. A side surface 116 of the lid 62 that is distal from the hinge 64 preferably includes a locking tab 114 that is releasably engageable by a latch 112 when the lid is in the closed position.
A second wipes dispensing system 328 is shown in
As shown in
Guide structure 368 is connected to main body portion 12 and preferably has a U-shaped configuration, as shown in
As shown in
When removable cover 370 is coupled to main body portion 12, guide structure 368 engages and forms a continuous surface with movable cover 370, as shown in
As shown in
Wipes cartridge 356 is adapted to be securely received within recess 58 so as to be restrained from passing through access opening 357. The coupling means of wipes cartridge 356, best shown in
During insertion movable cover 370 is removed from toilet training device 10 to position wipes cartridge 356 within recess 58, as shown in
First flange 361, in which first groove 365 is formed, is connected to an inner surface of guide structure 368 and/or inner front wall 5 of main body portion 12. As best shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The wipes cartridge securing means of toilet training device 10 further includes a second flange 379 having a second groove 375 that is adapted for receiving third alignment member 387, as shown in
Additionally, a fourth alignment feature 388 is attached to a rear surface of second flange 379, a lower edge of second flange 379, an inner face of movable cover 370 or combinations thereof. As shown in
An upper portion of rigid frame 360, including convex rounded upper end 304, may be secured within the slot defined by fourth alignment feature 388 and an inner face of the receptacle front wall defined by movable cover 370. The inner face of movable cover 370 abuts, constrains and prevents wipes cartridge 356 from passing through access opening 357. In one embodiment, one or both of the fourth alignment feature 388 and the inner face of the receptacle front wall may be inclined relative to one another so as to clamp an upper portion of rigid frame 360 therebetween. Thus positioned within second groove 375 and between fourth alignment feature 388 and the inner face of the receptacle front wall, an upper portion of wipes cartridge 356 is secured within toilet training device 10. Second groove 375 and the slot formed between fourth alignment feature 388 and the inner face of the receptacle front wall compliment and correspond to the dimensions of third alignment feature 387 and the upper portion of rigid frame 360.
As shown in
As shown in
A toilet training device 120 that is constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention is depicted in
Toilet training device 120 further includes an odor remediation system 130 that includes a recess 132 that is defined in a rear portion of the seat 122. The recess 132 is partially defined by a concave side surface 134. An opening 136 is defined in the surface that forms the lower portion of the recess 132, and is in communication with the open space beneath the seat 122.
In order to install the odor remediation insert 138 within the recess 132, a consumer will press the odor remediation insert 138 downwardly into the recess 132 until the outer circumferential surface of the insert 138 is compressed in an interference fit by the concave side surface 134 of the recess 132. In order to remove the odor remediation insert 138 from the recess 132, the consumer will use his or her finger to press upwardly on the odor remediation insert 138 from below, through the opening 136. A raised rim 131 is provided along the outer perimeter of the recess 132 for securing the insert 138 in place.
A toilet training device 210 that is constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention is depicted in
A pair of support feet 220, 222 is preferably mounted to a rear surface of the main body portion 218 for vertical storage when the device 210 is not in use. An odor remediation system 224 includes a mounting bracket 226 that is preferably integral with and spaced apart from the support feet 220, 222. Mounting bracket 226 is preferably fabricated from a substantially rigid plastic material such as polypropylene.
As
In order to install the odor remediation insert 236 into the mounting bracket 226, a consumer will press the odor remediation insert 236 downwardly into the mounting bracket 226 so that the curved outer surface 238 conforms to the curved inner surface 230 that is defined within the mounting bracket 226. The odor remediation insert 236 in this position will further be constrained by the rear wall 232 and the front wall 234. To remove the odor remediation insert 236, the consumer will pinch the exposed upper portion of the odor remediation insert 236 with his or her fingers and pull it upwardly out of the mounting bracket 226.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
Claims
1. A toilet training device, comprising:
- a seat having an opening defined therein;
- a main body portion;
- a recess defined in the main body portion for holding a package of wipes; and
- wipes package securing means for releasably positioning the package of wipes within the recess.
2. A toilet training device according to claim 1, further comprising the package of wipes releasable mounted within the recess, wherein the package of wipes comprises coupling means for engaging the wipes package securing means.
3. A toilet training device according to claim 2, wherein the package of wipes comprises a substantially rigid frame and wherein the coupling means comprises a first alignment feature protruding from one end of the package of wipes.
4. A toilet training device according to claim 3, wherein the wipes package securing means comprises a second alignment feature that forms a slot with an inner face of a receptacle front wall, wherein the receptacle front wall separates the recess from an adjoining space exterior of the toilet training device.
5. A toilet training device according to claim 3, wherein the wipes package securing means comprises a first flange attached to an inner face of a receptacle front wall and wherein the flange comprises a groove for receiving the first alignment feature.
6. A toilet training device according to claim 4, wherein the wipes package securing means further comprises a first flange attached to an inner face of a receptacle front wall and wherein the flange comprises a groove for receiving the first alignment feature.
7. A toilet training device according to claim 6, wherein the second alignment feature is attached to the first flange so as to guide the first alignment feature into the groove.
8. A toilet training device according to claim 5, wherein the groove has a concave configuration.
9. A toilet training device according to claim 5, wherein the groove has a depth of about 0.025 inches to about 1.3 inches.
10. A toilet training device according to claim 5, wherein the groove has a width of about 0.02 inches to about 0.5 inches.
11. A toilet training device according to claim 5, wherein the groove has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within a range of about 0.75 inches to about 6 inches.
12. A toilet training device according to claim 4, wherein the package of wipes further comprises a third alignment feature protruding from a second end thereof.
13. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the wipes package securing means further comprises a fourth alignment feature that forms a slot with an inner face of the receptacle front wall for receiving the third alignment feature.
14. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the wipes package securing means comprises a second flange attached to an inner face of a receptacle front wall and wherein the flange comprises a second groove for receiving the third alignment feature.
15. A toilet training device according to claim 13, wherein the wipes package securing means comprises a second flange attached to an inner face of a receptacle front wall and wherein the flange comprises a second groove for receiving the third alignment feature.
16. A toilet training device according to claim 15, wherein the second alignment feature is attached to the first flange so as to guide the third alignment feature into the second groove.
17. A toilet training device according to claim 5, wherein the package of wipes further comprises a second flange attached to an inner face of a receptacle front wall and wherein the flange comprises a second groove for receiving another alignment feature of the package of wipes.
18. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the third alignment feature comprises a convex projection.
19. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the third alignment feature has a crescent configuration.
20. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the convex projection has a depth of about 0.025 inches to about 1.5 inches.
21. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the convex projection has a thickness of about 0.025 inches to about 0.5 inches.
22. A toilet training device according to claim 12, wherein the convex projection has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within a range of about 0.25 inches to about 6 inches.
23. A toilet training device according to claim 1, wherein the wipes package securing means comprises a guide structure for enabling a package of wipes to be slid in and out of the recess, wherein the guide structure comprises a first lip that projects away from the recess and forms an inner edge of the guide structure that defines in part a access opening into the recess.
24. A toilet training device according to claim 23, wherein the first lip has a substantially U shaped configuration.
25. A toilet training device according to claim 23, wherein the guide structure further comprises a plate member and wherein the lip is formed along an edge of the plate member such that the first lip is not coextensive with the plate member.
26. A toilet training device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover capable of being removably positioned relative to the main body portion to receive a wipes package within the recess and capable of covering at least a portion of the recess.
27. A toilet training device according to claim 26, wherein the wipes package securing means comprises a lip that projects away from the recess and forms an inner edge of the cover that defines in part an access opening into the recess.
28. A toilet training device according to claim 23, wherein the wipes package securing means further comprises a second lip formed on a cover for covering at least a portion of the recess, wherein the lip forms an edge of the cover that defines in part an access opening into the recess.
29. A toilet training device according to claim 28, wherein the first and second lips are spaced apart from one another when the cover is coupled to the main body portion.
30. A toilet training device according to claim 29, wherein the package of wipes further comprises a hinge for selectively opening and closing a lid of the package of wipes and wherein the hinge is positioned between the first and second lips when the package of wipes is positioned within the recess.
31. A wipes cartridge, comprising:
- a container having a plurality of wipes disposed therein; and
- a substantially rigid frame attached to the container, wherein said substantially rigid frame comprises: first and second end portions; and coupling means for releasably and securely positioning the wipes cartridge within a recess of a toilet training device.
32. A wipes cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the coupling means comprises at least one alignment feature protruding from one of the first and second end portions.
33. A wipes cartridge according to claim 32, wherein the alignment feature comprises a convex projection.
34. A wipes cartridge according to claim 32, wherein the coupling means comprises a first alignment feature comprising a curved convex projection protruding from the first end portion and a second alignment feature comprising a curved convex projection protruding from the second end portion.
35. A wipes cartridge according to claim 34, wherein the curved convex projections of the first and second alignment features are substantially the same size and shape.
36. A wipes cartridge according to claim 34, wherein the curved convex projections of the first and second alignment features are substantially symmetrical positioned with respect to one another.
37. A toilet training device according to claim 33, wherein the convex projection has a depth of about 0.025 inches to about 1.5 inches.
38. A toilet training device according to claim 33, wherein the convex projection has a depth of about 0.05 inches to about 1 inch.
39. A toilet training device according to claim 33, wherein the convex projection has a thickness of about 0.025 inches to about 0.5 inches.
40. A toilet training device according to claim 33, wherein the convex projection has a thickness of about 0.03 inches to about 0.4 inches.
41. A toilet training device according to claim 33, wherein the convex projection has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within a range of about 0.25 inches to about 6 inches.
42. A toilet training device according to claim 33, wherein the convex projection has an average radius of curvature that is substantially within a range of about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches.
43. A cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the container has a number of wipes stored therein that is substantially within a range of about 10 wipes to about 120 wipes.
44. A wipes cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the container has a number of wipes stored therein that is substantially within a range of about 15 wipes to about 100 wipes.
45. A wipes cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the substantially rigid frame has a dispensing opening defined therein.
46. A wipes cartridge according to claim 45, further comprising an adhesive cover removably covering and sealing the dispensing opening.
47. A wipes cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the container is fabricated from a flexible waterproof material.
48. A wipes cartridge according to claim 31, wherein the first end portion comprises a convex rounded surface.
49. A wipes cartridge according to claim 48, wherein the second end portion comprises an opposing convex rounded surface.
50. A wipes cartridge according to claim 46, further comprising a lid hingedly mounted to the rigid frame for permitting access to the dispensing opening.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 25, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 12, 2012
Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC. (North Hills, CA)
Inventors: Steven B. Dunn (Beverly Hills, CA), Mark A. Hatherill (Beverly Hills, CA), Mark G. Tebbe (Ventura, CA), Huisok Pyon (Paramount, CA), Thomas Birkert (West Hills, CA)
Application Number: 13/217,959