Portable flushing child's toilet

Abstract

An improved miniature portable child's training toilet comprises a first chamber with a toilet seat opening, a second chamber connected thereto, and a flap member at a connection point. A miniaturized tank portion with valve means and means of selectively causing the valve to open, allows fluid from the tank to move under gravity to the first chamber and continue into the second chamber, flushing material into the second chamber of the toilet. A means of separating the first and second chambers of the toilet for emptying the second chamber after flushing comprises a gasket for sealing the junction of the chambers. An electronic sound and light producing means plays congratulatory sounds and causes the toilet to illuminate when flushed. An alternate embodiment further comprises an “S” bend connecting the chambers, forming a water trap, and causing siphon action when the toilet is flushed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Toilets, including training toilets are well known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,279 to Block discloses a universal child's toilet trainer that fits over the seat of a normally sized toilet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,364 to Cabrera discloses a portable toilet assembly comprising mainly a seat structure and toilet paper roll holder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,598 to Granada-Cabrera discloses a portable toilet comprising foldable members and further comprising a toilet seat that allows a child to sit on the seat, thereby avoiding contact with a public toilet seat on which the device rests. U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,339 to Nichols et al. discloses a portable toddler/young child potty similar to Granada-Cabrera, but includes a means of anchoring the child's toilet to the seat of a normally sized toilet.

These devices are substantially comprised of disembodied toilet seats that associate with a normal toilet or waste receptacle. The drawbacks of these devices, in terms of toilet training, are that they fail to simulate a conventional toilet, and therefore hamper toilet training, which has been shown to require proper accommodation and encouragement to be effective.

Several devices have been developed in an effort to simulate a conventional toilet, and yet confer portability to the device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,289,214 to Corliss discloses a portable toilet comprising a pump for “flushing” an upper chamber into a lower collection chamber. U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,018 to Sargent et al. discloses a similar portable toilet with improvements to the pumping action.

Portable toilets for children are also known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,522 to Messmer et al. discloses a child's toilet with a rubber plate and handle for disposing waste. U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,142 to Henningfield discloses a child's toilet apparatus comprising a pedestal apparatus to hold a toy in front of the child while seated. U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,826 to Devereux discloses a portable toilet combination suited for children comprising a carrying case with a toilet seat associated with a compartment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,672 to Gebhard et al. discloses a children's convertible toilet apparatus which can stand alone as a miniature toilet having an aperture and receiving receptacle. The toilet can be extended to comprise a staircase to the aperture and receptacle when they are disposed over a conventional toilet. While portable, these devices also fail to aid in toilet training due to the unusual shapes they comprise, and more importantly, since none of the references are capable of flushing in the manner of a conventional toilet.

Several devices are intended to confer encouragement to a child during toilet training. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,964 to Dean et al. discloses a child's toilet having speech and tune producing capability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,976 to Chai discloses a potty for toilet training comprising triggered signals when a child sits on the device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,711 to Clarke discloses a potty training device with means for producing a simulated flushing noise. U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,758 to Cabrera discloses a portable training toilet resembling a miniaturized conventional toilet, but with a closed bowl and tissue storage in the “tank.”

These devices also fail to provide an effective toilet training experience because, while they produce sounds or visual cues of encouragement, or resemble a conventional toilet, they do not have conventional flushing capabilities. Therefore there is a need for a child's toilet for use in toilet training, wherein the toilet resembles and operates similar to a conventional toilet, but has the added features of interactive encouragement and portability.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a child's toilet training toilet that flushes in a manner similar to a conventional toilet for adults. Another object of the invention is to provide a flushing child's toilet that is portable. Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable flushing child's toilet that activates electronic sounds and lights to congratulate and encourage a child during and after use. Another object of the present invention is to provide a stimulating portable flushing child's toilet with features including a splash guard for male users, handles for allowing a child to self-stabilize on the device, and a holder for toilet paper. These and other objects will become apparent from the appended Summary, Description and Claims.

SUMMARY

An improved portable child's training toilet comprises a miniaturized toilet portion comprising a first chamber with a toilet seat opening, a second chamber connected thereto, and a flap member between the first chamber and second chamber, wherein the flap depends into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the flap from the first chamber. A toilet seat and lid is connected to the first chamber via a hinge.

A miniaturized tank portion holds water and comprises a valve means which allows water from the tank to move to the other side of the valve, and a flushing lever that can be operated by a child, that actuates the valve, allowing water from the tank portion to travel into the first chamber of the toilet portion, and continue into the second chamber, flushing any material contained in the first chamber into the second chamber.

A separating means for separating the first chamber and second chamber of the toilet is provided for removing the second chamber and disposing its contents after use. A releasable locking mechanism holds the first and second chamber in close contact, and a sealing gasket seals the junction of the first and second chambers.

A lid covering is provided atop the tank. An electronic sound and light producing means is associated with the toilet and is activated by flushing. The sound and light is produced by an electronic means connected to a speaker associated with the toilet and to at least one light source associated with the toilet. The speaker and light source are incorporated into the structure of the toilet, and when activated, play a congratulatory message and illuminate the toilet.

In one alternate embodiment of the toilet, instead of a flap member at the connection between the first and second chambers, an “S” bend connects them, forming a water sealing trap, and causing siphon action to occur when the toilet is flushed.

In other embodiments of the toilet, an extendable and retractable urine guard is disposed at the front of the toilet seat opening for optional use depending on the gender of the child using the toilet. Extendable and retractable handles adjacent the toilet seat opening, allow a child to adjust body position relative to the toilet. A toilet paper holder is associated with the toilet, accessible from the toilet seat, and dispenses toilet paper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved child's toilet of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cut-away view of the improved child's toilet of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the improved child's toilet of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an improved portable child's training toilet 10 is shown and described, comprising a miniaturized toilet portion 12 comprising a first chamber 14 with a toilet seat opening 16 disposed at the top, a second chamber 18 connected thereto under the first chamber, and a flap member 20 at a connection point between the first chamber 14 and second chamber 18, wherein the flap 20 generally remains in a closed position, but depends into the second chamber 18 when pressure is applied to the flap 20 from the side of the first chamber 14. In one preferred embodiment, a first covering means 32 comprising a toilet seat lid connects to the first chamber 14. In a further embodiment, the toilet seat is padded, and in yet another embodiment the covering means 32 is connected to the first chamber 14 via a hinge.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a miniaturized tank portion 22 comprises a vessel for holding a quantity of fluid. The tank portion 22 further comprises a valve means 24, wherein activating the valve means 24 causes a valve to open, allowing fluid from the tank portion 22 side of the valve to move, under gravity, to the other side of the valve, and a means of closing the valve at a predetermined time after opening. The tank portion 22 also comprises an actuating means 26. In one preferred embodiment the actuating means 26 comprises a trigger mechanism, including a lever mechanism. The lever can be operated by a child, and when the actuating means 26 is activated, the valve means 24 opens, and, fluid contained in the tank portion 22 travels into the first chamber 14 of the toilet portion 12, and continues into the second chamber 18, flushing any material contained in the first chamber 14 into the second chamber 18 of the toilet portion 12. In one preferred embodiment, as long as the actuating means 26 is held in an activated position, the valve 24 remains open.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a waste container 28 for holding the waste from the first chamber 14 in the second chamber 18 of the toilet portion 12 is provided for removing waste and emptying the second chamber 18 and disposing its contents after flushing has occurred. In one preferred embodiment, the waste container 28 comprises a handle 30 that hold the first chamber 14 and second chamber 18 in close contact. In a further preferred embodiment, the flap 20 comprises a sealing means (not shown), including a gasket, or deformable gasket for sealing the junction of the first chamber 14 and second chamber 18.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a second covering means 34 for covering the tank portion 22 is provided atop the tank portion 22. In one preferred embodiment, the second covering means 34 comprises a lid, and in a further preferred embodiment, the lid is connected to the tank portion 22 via a hinge.

An electronic sound and light producing means (not shown) is associated with the toilet 10, and is activated by the actuating means 26. In a preferred embodiment, the sound and light producing means comprises electronic means connected to a speaker associated with the toilet and to at least one light source associated with the toilet. In a further preferred embodiment, the speaker and at least one light source are incorporated into the structure of the toilet. In yet another embodiment, the speaker, when activated, plays a congratulatory message which may comprise music and words of congratulation, and wherein the light source or sources causes an area of the toilet, for instance the tank portion 22 and toilet portion 12 to illuminate.

Referring to FIG. 3, a further embodiment of the toilet 10 is shown comprising a urine guard 42, handles 44 and a toilet paper holder 46. The urine guard 42, in a preferred embodiment, is extendable and retractable for optional use depending on the gender of the child using the toilet 10. In a further preferred embodiment, the urine guard 42 is scoop shaped, with the concave part of the scoop facing toward the toilet seat opening, and incorporated into the first chamber 14 for easy access.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the handles 44 comprise at least one extendable and retractable handle 44 adjacent the toilet seat opening 16, wherein the handles 44, when extended, allows a child to adjust body position relative to the toilet seat opening 16. A toilet paper holder 46 is associated with the toilet 10 and dispenses toilet paper from a conventionally sized toilet paper roll.

All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C.§112, paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112, paragraph 6.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.

Claims

1. An improved portable child's training toilet, comprising

a. a miniaturized toilet portion comprising a first chamber with a toilet seat opening disposed at the top, a second chamber connected thereto under the first chamber, and a flap member at a connection point, wherein the flap generally remains in a closed position, but depends into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the flap from the side of the first chamber;

b. a miniaturized tank portion with a valve means and an actuating means, wherein when the actuating means is activated, fluid contained in the tank portion travels into the first chamber of the toilet portion, and continues into the second chamber, flushing any material contained in the first chamber into the second chamber of the toilet portion;

c. a means of separating the first chamber and second chamber of the toilet portion for emptying the second chamber after flushing has occurred;

d. a covering means for covering the toilet seat opening; and

e. an electronic sound and light producing means activated by the actuating means.

2. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the valve means comprises a means of selectively causing a valve to open, allowing fluid on one side of the valve to move under gravity to the other side of the valve, and means of closing the valve at a predetermined time after opening.

3. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the actuating means comprises a trigger, including a lever that can be operated by a child, wherein when the trigger is activated, the valve means opens.

4. The toilet of claim 3, wherein the trigger causes the valve to remain open if the trigger is held in an activating position.

5. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the means of separating the first chamber and second chamber comprises a releasable locking member that holds the first chamber and second chamber in close contact.

6. The toilet of claim 5, wherein the means of separating the first chamber and second chamber comprises a sealing means for sealing the junction of the first chamber and second chamber.

7. The toilet of claim 6, wherein the sealing means comprises a gasket.

8. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the covering means comprises a lid means that closes an opening at the top of the tank portion.

9. The toilet of claim 8, wherein the lid means is hinged to the tank portion.

10. The toilet of claim 1, wherein the sound and light producing means comprises an electronic means connected to a speaker associated with the toilet and to at least one light source associated with the toilet.

11. The toilet of claim 10, wherein the speaker and at least one light source are incorporated into the structure of the toilet.

12. The toilet of claim 10, wherein the speaker, when activated, plays a congratulatory message, and wherein the at least one light source causes at least one area of the toilet to illuminate.

13. The toilet of claim 1, wherein instead of a flap member at the connection between the first chamber and second chamber, an “S” bend connects the first chamber and second chamber, forming a water sealing trap, and causing siphon action to occur when the toilet is flushed.

14. The toilet of claim 1, wherein an extendable and retractable urine guard means is incorporated into the toilet seat opening of the first chamber.

15. The toilet of claim 14, wherein the extendable and retractable urine guard means comprises a scoop shaped member capable of raising and lowering, wherein the concave surface of the scoop faces the toilet seat opening.

16. The toilet of claim 1, wherein at least one extendable and retractable handle means is associated with the toilet adjacent the toilet seat opening, wherein the handle means, when extended, allows a child to adjust body position relative to the toilet seat opening.

17. The toilet of claim 1, wherein a toilet paper holding means is associated with the toilet and dispenses toilet paper from a conventionally sized toilet paper roll.

18. An improved portable child's training toilet, comprising

a. a miniaturized toilet portion comprising a first chamber with a toilet seat opening disposed at the top, a second chamber connected thereto under the first chamber, and a flap member at a connection point, wherein the flap generally remains in a closed position, but depends into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the flap from the side of the first chamber;

b. a miniaturized tank portion with a valve means and an actuating means, wherein when the actuating means is activated, fluid contained in the tank portion travels into the first chamber of the toilet portion, and continues into the second chamber, flushing any material contained in the first chamber into the second chamber of the toilet portion;

c. a means of separating the first chamber and second chamber of the toilet portion for emptying the second chamber after flushing has occurred;

d. a covering means for covering the toilet seat opening; and

e. an electronic sound and light producing means activated by the actuating means;

f. a urine guard adjacent the toilet seat opening;

g. a handle means adjacent the toilet seat opening;

h. a toilet paper holding means adjacent to and accessible from the toilet seat opening.

19. An improved portable child's training toilet, comprising

a. a miniaturized toilet portion comprising a first chamber with a toilet seat opening disposed at the top, a second chamber connected thereto under the first chamber, and a flap member at a connection point, wherein the flap generally remains in a closed position, but depends into the second chamber when pressure is applied to the flap from the side of the first chamber;

b. a miniaturized tank portion with a valve means wherein the valve means comprises a means of selectively causing a valve to open, allowing fluid on one side of the valve to move under gravity to the other side of the valve, and means of closing the valve at a predetermined time after opening; and an actuating means, wherein the actuating means comprises a trigger, including a lever that can be operated by a child, and wherein when the trigger is activated, the valve means opens and fluid contained in the tank portion travels into the first chamber of the toilet portion, and continues into the second chamber, flushing any material contained in the first chamber into the second chamber of the toilet portion;

c. a means of separating the first chamber and second chamber of the toilet portion for emptying the second chamber after flushing has occurred, wherein the separating means comprises a sealing means for sealing the junction of the first chamber and second chamber, including a gasket;

d. a covering means for covering the toilet seat opening wherein the covering means comprises a lid means that closes an opening at the top of the tank portion; and

e. an electronic sound and light producing means wherein the means comprises an electronic means connected to a speaker associated with the toilet and to at least one light source associated with the toilet activated by the actuating means;

f. a urine guard means comprising an extending and retracting scoop shaped member adjacent the toilet seat opening;

g. an extendable and retractable handle means comprising at least one handle adjacent the toilet seat opening; and

h. a toilet paper holding means adjacent to and accessible from the toilet seat opening.

20. The toilet of claim 19, wherein instead of a flap, an “S” bend connects the first chamber and second chamber, forming a water sealing trap, and causing siphon action to occur when the toilet is flushed.