Potty Training Device

Abstract

A potty training device has a backsplash/shield designed to attach and conform to an inner rim of a toilet bowl. The distal ends of the backsplash/shield include structures for fixedly connecting the backsplash to the inner rim of the toilet. The backsplash further has a structure fixedly attached to the front of the backsplash at or near the center, bottom of the backsplash that extends from the front of the backsplash. The structure defines a target for providing young boys to aim at while urinating standing up. The backsplash provides protection from urine deflected by the target. The backsplash and target may further define a sporting theme, for example, a basketball theme. The potty training device may include electronic sensors and/or displays.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/526,922 filed 24 Aug. 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to potty training devices for children, and more specifically, to improving urination skills of male children.

BACKGROUND

Some young children are notoriously difficult to potty train. For example teaching boys to use the toilet when urinating standing up may be both difficult and messy. In some cases, they may find more excitement in directing their urine outside the toilet bowl. In some cases, parents and other caregivers may be required to provide constant supervision while the child is learning to urinate.

What is needed is a potty training device that is inexpensive, easy to use, does not require continual supervision, and provides an engaging way to train a male child to urinate while standing.

SUMMARY

Embodiments discussed herein may be directed to a potty training device, methods for using a potty training device, and methods for constructing a potty training device. In some embodiments, the potty training device comprises a backsplash, a target, and a plurality of securing structures for affixing the device within the rim of the toilet bowl. The target may be attached to the backsplash to aid in directing the male child's urine stream into the toilet bowl. In some embodiments the device may include a theme, for example a sports-directed theme. In some particular embodiments the theme may be a basketball theme and the target may be a ring, or basketball rim.

Disclosed herein may be a method for assembling a potty training device, including attaching a target to a backsplash and attaching the backsplash to a toilet bowl rim. The method of assembly may further include attaching a plurality of securing devices to the backsplash prior to attaching the backsplash to the toilet bowl rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side cut-away view of an exemplary toilet.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of a potty training device.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the potty training device of FIG. 2 installed in a toilet.

FIG. 3B shows a sectional view of a potty training device secured to a toilet with a suction cup.

FIG. 3C shows a sectional view of a potty training device secured to a toilet with a clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a potty training device comprising: a backsplash, a target and a plurality of securing structures. In some embodiments the backsplash defines a front side and a back side, said back side configured for contacting a surface on a toilet, and the target is fixedly attached to said front of said backsplash, at or near the center, bottom of said backsplash and extending away from the backsplash or shield; and the plurality of securing structures is/are affixed to the back of the backsplash and positioned at or near the ends of the backsplash, configured to attach to the inner rim of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the potty training has a theme selected from the group consisting of basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, hunting, and auto racing, depicted in the backsplash and/or the shape of the target. In some embodiments, the target is shaped like a hoop, a soccer goal, a hockey goal, a baseball plate, or an animal. In some embodiments, the securing structures are suction cups or clips. The securing structures can be fixedly attached at or near the center or the ends of the backsplash.

Disclosed herein is a potty training device comprising: a backsplash, a target, a sensor, a display unit, and a plurality of securing structures. In some embodiments the sensor unit is operably connected to the target and/or to the display unit. In some embodiments the sensor is configured to detect the urine, either when the urine passes nearby or when the urine contacts the sensor. In some embodiments the detection of urine may result in the sensor emitting a signal. In some embodiments the signal is transmitted to a display unit, resulting in the display unit emitting an audio or visual signal, such as a sound or a light. In some embodiments, the signal results in a change in the display, for example a color change or numeral on the display changing to a greater numeral. In some cases, the display may be attached to the backsplash and display a numerical score related to the number of times or amount of time the sensor is contacted by a stream of urine. In most embodiments, the sensor will transmit one signal when contacted by a moving stream of urine. Thus, the sensor may be able to differentiate between urine that is moving and urine that is not moving, for example urine that rests upon the sensor.

Also disclosed herein are methods of using potty training devices to train a child to use a toilet.

A potty training device as described herein provides young male children with a target to focus their attention while urinating in the standing position. In an exemplary implementation the device may comprise a backsplash which may be securedly, rapidly, and easily affixed to an inner rim of a toilet bowl. The backsplash may contact, and be secured to, the inner rim using a plurality of securing structures. The potty training device further includes a target positioned and attached at or near the center of the backsplash and at or near a base of the backsplash to aid in directing the child's urine stream into a toilet bowl. The potty-training device includes a theme to entertain the urinating child while helping to focus the child's attention and urine into the toilet bowl.

As used herein the term “potty” may include a toilet. In many embodiments the toilet may comprise a bowl, a seat, a lid, and a water tank. In other embodiments the water tank, seat, and/or lid may not be included. In many embodiments the toilet may be positioned upon a surface such as a floor.

Potty Training

Potty training is the process of instructing a young child on the use of a toilet for urination and defecation. Training may begin with a toilet-like or toilet-shaped device called a “potty.” As used herein and throughout this disclosure, potty training and toilet training may involve the use of a toilet and/or a potty.

In most cases, potty training requires the involvement of both child and parent or caregiver. Most experts emphasize consistency, positive reinforcement, and fun for achieving success. In some cases, success may only come when a child decides to please his/her parents by completing the training. Thus, finding a way to make the experience enjoyable for both parent and child, and a way to let the child practice on his/her own without constant supervision may increase the success rate for potty training.

Many young boys prefer urinating while standing up. This may require additional training. Young boys soon learn that they can re-direct the urine stream at will in many directions. This may result in young boys becoming bored with aiming into the toilet bowl. Even if the toilet bowl does not lose its novelty, boys must be encouraged to aim their urine toward the inside of the bowl so as to reduce splash and mess.

Toilet

Toilet as used herein may refer to a toilet, potty, bidet, or other similar structure, which may be suitable for urination.

In most aspects the toilet may define a bowl having a round, oval, or egg shaped opening. FIG. 1 shows a side, cut-away view of an exemplary toilet 10. In most cases an opening 20 will be generally parallel with the ground 30. In some embodiments the opening may be round, while other openings may define an egg-shape. The toilet 10 defines a front end 40 and a rear end 50, proximal a wall 60. When urinating, a male would stand distal to the wall 60 and proximal the front end 40 of the toilet 10. The toilet 10, may define an outside surface 70 and an inside surface 80. The inside surface may further define a bowl 90.

The toilet 10 may define a flat, upper rim 100, which may be connected to the outside surface 70 of the toilet 10. The upper rim 100 may extend inward from a top edge 110 of the outside surface 70 to an inner edge 120 of the upper rim 100. The upper rim 100 may define a width A from the top edge 110 of the outside surface 70 to an inner edge 120. The upper rim 100 may define a generally flat surface designed to support a toilet seat/and or lid (not shown). The width A of the upper rim may vary, for example, the upper rim 100 may be wider proximal the rear 50 of the toilet 10. This wider portion of the upper rim 100 may be designed to accept hinges for attaching the lid and/or toilet seat, or other plumbing fixtures.

The inner edge 120 of the upper rim 100 may be connected to an inner rim 130. The inner rim 130 may extend downward from the inner edge 120, and be substantially perpendicular to the flat, upper rim 100. In most embodiments the inner rim 130 extends downward from the upper rim edge 120 to a lower, inner rim edge 140. The inner rim 130 may define a rim edge height B, defined by the distance between the upper edge 120 and the lower edge 140. The inner rim 130 may be connected to the inner surface 80 by an underside surface 150. The underside surface 150 may further define passages or outlets 155 in fluid communication with a plumbing system. The underside surface 150 may extend inward from the lower edge 140 of the inner rim 130 to the inner surface 80 of the bowl 90. The outlets 155 may allow water to flow into the bowl 90.

Backsplash or Backboard

The presently described potty training device may define a backsplash designed to be positioned within a toilet. One, non-limiting example of the presently described potty training device is shown in FIG. 2. The potty training device 200 shown in FIG. 2 may comprise a substantially triangular-shaped backsplash 210 may further define a top 220 and a base 230. The backsplash 210 may further define bottom corners 240, or ends, connected to the base 230, and top corners 245 connected to the top 220 of the backsplash 210. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the bottom corners 240 and the top corners 245 may be rounded. The backsplash may further define sides 250 positioned between the top corners 245 and the bottom corners 240. Here the bottom corners 240 are connected to the sides 250. The backsplash 210 may further define a front surface 260, or face, and a back surface (not shown). In various embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the top 220 may be shorter than the base 230, such that the potty training device is substantially triangular-shaped. In various other embodiments, the backsplash may define other than a substantially triangular shape, for example an arc, a wedge, a rectangle. In other embodiments, the top of the backsplash and the base may be substantially the same length.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the top corners 245 may not meet the sides 250, such that an extended portion 270 is defined near the top 220 of the backsplash 210. In some embodiments, the extended portion 270 may define an aperture 280 in surface 260 of the backsplash 210. The aperture 280 may be designed for holding, positioning, and transporting the backsplash 210. In various embodiments the aperture 280 may be large enough to allow human fingers to pass through and thus define a carrying handle. In various other embodiments, the backsplash may not define an aperture for holding, positioning, and transporting, for example, in some embodiments, a handle may be affixed to the back surface of the backsplash, or a handle may be attached to the top of the potty training device. In various embodiments, the handles of various shapes. In some embodiments the handle may be positioned at or near the top of the backsplash, or near the center.

The backsplash 210 may define a height H, which may be measured from the base 230 to the top 220 of the backsplash 210. In various embodiments, the height H may be from about 6.5 inches to about 7 inches. In other embodiments the height H may be from about 7 inches to about 10 inches. In some embodiments the backsplash height may be greater than about 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, or 10 inches, and/or less than about 10 inches, 9 inches, 8 inches, 7 inches 6 inches.

The backsplash may define a width W, which may be measured between the corners 240. In various embodiments, the width W may be from about 19 inches to about 20 inches. In other embodiments the width W may be about 19.5 inches. In various embodiments the backsplash width W may be about 18.5 inches, 19 inches, 19.5 inches, 20 inches, 20.5 inches, 21 inches, 21.5 inches, 22 inches, or 22.5 inches. In various embodiments the width W may be designed to be about half a circumference of an inner ring of a toilet to which the potty training device may be attached. In some embodiments the width W may be about ⅜ to about ⅝ the circumference of the inner ring.

In one embodiment the face 260 of the backsplash 210, as shown in FIG. 2, may further define small apertures 290 positioned at or near the bottom corners 240. The small apertures 290 may be designed for receiving securing structures, shown in more detail in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Other embodiments of the potty training device may include more than two securing structures and/or more than two small apertures. For example, in some embodiments a third securing structure may be positioned near the center of the backsplash. In some embodiments, the securing structures may be connected to the backsplash without the need for small apertures positioned near the corners. In some embodiments the securing structures may be designed to remain affixed to the inner rim, when the backsplash is removed.

In various embodiments the backsplash may include electronic elements. For example, some embodiments of the backsplash may include an electronic scoreboard. The scoreboard may keep track of the number of times the potty training device has been used. For example, some embodiments may register when urine passes through a target attached to the backsplash. Other embodiments may include speakers, motion detectors, and/or lights. For example, speakers may emit crowd noise upon use of the potty training device. In embodiments where electronics are included, the backsplash may further include batteries. In some embodiments, the batteries may be replaceable. In some cases the target or backsplash may further comprise a sensor that is activated when contacted by urine. In some cases, the sensor may be activated by movement of urine and/or contact by urine. In some cases, the sensor may be operably connected to a display. The display may be an audio or visual display. In some embodiments contact and/or movement of urine with the sensor may result in transmission of a signal to the display. The signal may, in some embodiments, activate a visual or audio display.

The backsplash may be constructed of various non-porous materials. In other embodiments the backsplash may be constructed of porous materials treated or coated with a non-porous material. In some embodiments the backsplash may be a clear or opaque plastic.

The backsplash material may be flexible to allow the backsplash to conform to various shapes of toilet bowls. In other embodiments the backsplash may be pre-formed such that it can easily fit into a toilet.

In many embodiments the backsplash is designed for easy cleaning and re-use. For example, the backsplash may be grasped at the handle, the securing structures disengaged from either the backsplash or the inner rim, and the training device removed and washed. In various embodiments, the backsplash may be designed to be dishwasher safe. After cleaning, the backsplash may be re-installed.

In many embodiments the backsplash may be easily removed so that the toilet may be configured with the toilet seat and/or lid down. When the seat and lid are again placed in an upright position, the backsplash may be replaced.

Target

The embodiment of a potty training device shown in FIG. 2 may further include a target 300. The target 300 may be fixedly secured to the front surface 260 of the backsplash 210. As shown in FIG. 2, the target 300 may define a hoop 310. The hoop defining an outer edge 320 and an inner edge 330. The inner edge 320 and outer edge 330 may be substantially circular. The outer edge may include a flattened portion 335, which may be in contact with the front surface 260 of the backsplash. The flattened portion 335 may connect to the outer edge of the target with an arm portion 337.

The target may define various shapes, both abstract and representative. In some embodiments, for example that shown in FIG. 2, the target may define a hoop. In other embodiments the target may define various other shapes, for example a funnel. In other embodiments the target may be multi-sided, for example, without limitation, a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, or octagon. In some embodiments the target may resemble a home plate, golf hole, car tire, soccer goal, hockey goal, or similar shapes. In other embodiments, the target may resemble an animal, a person, a car, a word, a logo, or other similar shape. For example, in some embodiments, the target may be an animal silhouette, which further defines an aperture for allowing urine streams to pass through the silhouette. In some embodiments the target does not define an aperture as in the embodiment in FIG. 2, for example the target may be solid.

The target may further include other structures. For example, where the target is a hoop or a goal, the target may further comprise a net. In still further embodiments, the target may include an absorbent material. In various embodiments, the target may be in electronic communication with the backsplash to aid in registering use, for example on a scoreboard, with lights, and/or by signaling for speakers to emit crowd noise.

The target is connected to the backsplash. In some embodiments, the target is designed to extend substantially perpendicular to and beyond the surface of the backsplash toward the center of the toilet. In various embodiments the target may be extended into the center of the toilet. In various embodiments, the arm portion 337 has a length L which may aid in determining how far the target extends from the backsplash. In various embodiments, the length L of the arm portion 337 may be variable and determined by a user. In some embodiments, the length L may be from about 2 to about 3 inches, for example about 2.5 inches to about 2.75 inches. In other embodiments, the length L may be less than about 2.5 inches, 2 inches inches, 1.5 inches, 1 inch, or 0.5 inch.

In many embodiments the angle of the target may be other than perpendicular to aid in presenting the target for a urination stream. For example in some embodiments, to aid in directed urine into the bowl, the target may be angled downward.

The target may be attached to, or in connection with, the backsplash in various ways. The target may be fixedly attached, or may be removeably connected to the backsplash. In various embodiments, the target may be attached to the front face, the back, or the bottom of the backsplash. In some embodiments, the target may be designed to be inserted through apertures in the backsplash, the apertures in turn being designed to hold the target. In other embodiments the target may attach to the backsplash with a clip, snap, Velcro, or other similar design. In other embodiments the target may be welded, glued, or otherwise fixedly attached to the backsplash. In some embodiments, the backsplash and target may be a single, contiguous piece of material.

In some embodiments the target may be constructed of the same material as the backsplash. In other embodiments, the material used for the backsplash may be different than that used for the target. In various embodiments the target may be plastic. In some embodiments, the target may include of a heat sensitive material that may change appearance upon contact with warm fluids, such as urine.

Affixing the Backsplash to the Rim

In various embodiments, the backsplash may be designed to attach to the inner rim of a toilet. FIG. 3A is an isometric top view of a potty training device 200 mounted in a toilet 10. As shown in this figure, the apertures 290 for securing the backsplash 210 to the toilet 10 are positioned next to the inner rim 130, between the top edge 120 and bottom edge 140 of the inner rim 130. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the backsplash is affixed to the toilet with one or more suction cups 295, which are visible in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B the suction cup 295 extends through the aperture 290, and is in contact with both the front surface 260, and the back surface 265 of the backsplash 210.

In various embodiments the backsplash may be mounted in a toilet 10 with other than a plurality of suction cups 295. For example, the backsplash may be mounted to a toilet using suction cups, clips, tabs, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the backsplash may be affixed to the inner rim with two or more suction cups and a clip, or with two or more clips and a suction cup. In various embodiments, the may be a third securing structure positioned at or near the center of the backsplash and at or near the base of the backsplash.

FIG. 3C shows one embodiment of a non-suction cup securing device, a clip 400. The clip 400 is designed to aid in preventing or reducing the backsplash from significant movement while mounted. The clip 400 in FIG. 3B has an inner surface 410 designed to contact the inner rim 130 of a toilet, a lower arm 420 for positioning below the lower edge 140 of the inner rim 130, and an upper arm 430 for positioning above the upper edge 120 of the inner rim 130. In various embodiments, the upper arm 430 of the clip 400 may be designed to be in contact with the upper rim 100 and/or the lower arm 420 may be designed to be in contact with the underside surface 150.

Themes

Themes may be included with the potty training device. For example, themes may include sports, hunting, and other activities. Themes may be designed to include both a scene on the backsplash and a target designed to be directed to that theme. For example, the theme of the backsplash shown in FIG. 2 may include a basketball crowd and scoreboard. Sports themes include, individual and team sports, motor sports, and hunting. In other embodiments, the sports theme may include baseball, hockey, soccer, golf, auto racing, and the like.

In various embodiments the backsplash may have a theme on only a first side of the backsplash, referred to as the face, or front side, while the second, or back, of the backsplash may be without a theme. In other embodiments, the first and second sides of the backsplash may have substantially the same theme, and thus either side may referred to as the front side or face. In various other embodiments, the first and second sides may include different themes, and thus the “front” or “face” may be chosen depending on the desired theme presented to the child.

The scene may be placed on the backsplash in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the scene may be printed on a sticker and the sticker affixed to the backsplash. In other embodiments, the scene may be printed directly onto the backsplash.

In many embodiments the potty training device may be constructed by connecting a target to a backsplash. In some embodiments, construction may further include attachment of securing structures to the backsplash. In some embodiments, the target may include a tongue that may be designed to be inserted into corresponding apertures defined within the surface of the backsplash.

Conclusion

All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, inward, outward, front, back, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, inner, outer, vertical, horizontal, perpendicular, parallel. clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the example of the invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., affixed, secured, attached, coupled, contact, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations and alternative embodiments may be made given the foregoing description. Such variations and alternative embodiments are accordingly considered within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A potty training device comprising:

a backsplash, defining a front side and a back side, said back side configured for contacting a surface on a toilet;

a target fixedly attached to said front of said backsplash, at or near the center, bottom of said backsplash and extending away from the backsplash or shield; and

a plurality of securing structures affixed to the back of the backsplash and positioned at or near the ends of the backsplash, configured to attach to the inner rim of the toilet bowl.

2. The potty training device of claim 1, further comprising a theme selected from the group consisting of basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, hunting, and auto racing.

3. The potty training device of claim 2, wherein the target is selected from the group consisting of a hoop, a soccer goal, a hockey goal, a baseball plate, and an animal shape.

4. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the securing structures are suction cups.

5. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the securing structures are clips.

6. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the backsplash further comprises a securing device positioned at or near the center of the backsplash at or near the base.

7. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the backsplash further defines a handle.

8. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the backsplash further comprises a handle affixed to the back of the backsplash.

9. The potty training device of claim 1, the backsplash and target are manufactured from a single piece of plastic.

10. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the target is connected to the backsplash at or near the base of the backsplash.

11. The potty training device of claim 1, wherein the target is angled downward into the bowl of the toilet.

12. A potty training device comprising:

a backsplash, defining a front side and a back side, said back side configured for contacting a surface on a toilet;

a target fixedly attached to said front of said backsplash, at or near the center, bottom of said backsplash and extending away from the backsplash or shield, wherein the target comprises a sensor unit operably connected to a display unit; and

a plurality of securing structures affixed to the back of the backsplash and positioned at or near the ends of the backsplash, configured to attach to the inner rim of the toilet bowl.

13. The potty training device of claim 12, wherein the sensor unit is configured to detect urine.

14. The potty training device of claim 13, wherein detection of urine by the sensor device is transmitted to the display unit by a signal.

15. The potty training device of claim 14, wherein the signal to the display unit changes a display.

16. The potty training device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit is electronic.

17. The potty training device of claim 11, wherein the display unit is electronic.

18. The potty training device of claim 15, wherein the display change is a change in a displayed number.

19. The potty training device of claim 11, wherein the sensor is operably connected to an audio unit.

20. The potty training device of claim 19, wherein the audio unit emits an audio signal when the sensor detects urine.

21. A method of using the potty training device of claim 12 to train a child in using a toilet, comprising:

connecting the potty training device to a toilet;

directing a liquid toward the target of said potty training device;

contacting the liquid with the target, resulting in a audio signal or visual signal to be emitted; and

thereby training a child to use a toilet.