PNEUMATICALLY INFLATABLE TOILET

Abstract

A pneumatically inflatable toilet comprises an inflatable chamber having a shape including a bowl portion for receiving human waste and a rim portion surrounding the bowl portion on which a human can be seated. An inflation port may be configured to engage with a compressed gas cartridge and coupled to the inflatable chamber to provide a gas passageway from the compressed gas cartridge to an interior portion of the inflatable plastic chamber to allow the inflatable chamber to be inflated by the compressed gas cartridge. The inflatable chamber has: a stowed position, in which gas is substantially absent from the inflatable chamber; and a deployed position in which the inflatable chamber is inflated for use.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to toilets and, more particularly, to portable and/or disposable toilets for use in the field.

BACKGROUND

Toilet training, or potty training, is the process of training someone, particularly a young child, to use the toilet for urination and defecation. Training often begins with a smaller toilet bowl-shaped device (often known as a potty). In most cases, potties are constructed from hard plastic or other rigid material and kept in the home during training.

When a parent and child are away from the home, the child may sometimes require a potty when none is available. If, for example, the child is in the car, in a store, or at an outdoor location there may not be a potty available. Or, the only toilets available may be adult-sized toilets that are not suitable for use by a small child. In these cases, a portable and/or disposable potty may be advantageous. Additionally, especially during toilet training, if a child needs to use the potty, it may be advantageous if the portable potty can be made available to the child quickly.

SUMMARY

A pneumatically inflatable potty may be folded into a small package for carrying and storage. The potty may be quickly and automatically inflated and deployed when needed.

In an embodiment, a pneumatically inflatable toilet comprises an inflatable chamber having a shape including a bowl portion for receiving human waste and a rim portion surrounding the bowl portion on which a human can be seated. An inflation port may be configured to engage with a compressed gas cartridge and coupled to the inflatable chamber to provide a gas passageway from the compressed gas cartridge to an interior portion of the inflatable plastic chamber to allow the inflatable chamber to be inflated by the compressed gas cartridge. The inflatable chamber has: a stowed position, in which gas is substantially absent from the inflatable chamber; and a deployed position, in which the inflatable chamber is inflated for use.

One or more of the following features may be included:

The inflatable chamber is formed from a plastic.

A removable lining may be included that lines the bowl portion to receive the human waste.

The removable lining may be held in place in the bowl portion by an adhesive.

The rim portion has a diameter sufficiently small to seat a human toddler.

The inflation port includes a threaded portion to receive the compressed gas cartridge.

A gas valve may be included to control the flow of gas from the compressed gas cartridge to the inflatable chamber.

An actuator may be included to open the gas valve and initiate inflation of the inflatable chamber.

The actuator may be chosen from the list comprising: a lever, a button, a plunger, a pull-cord, or any combination thereof.

The actuator is a single-action actuator that allows the inflatable chamber to be fully inflated upon a single actuation of the actuator.

In the stowed position, the inflatable chamber may be folded for compact storage.

The inflatable chamber may further have a disposable position wherein the inflatable chamber encloses the human waste for disposal.

In another embodiment, an inflatable toilet system includes a compressed gas cartridge and an inflatable toilet. The inflatable toilet may include an inflatable chamber having a shape including a bowl portion for receiving human waste and a rim portion surrounding the bowl portion on which a human can be seated. An inflation port is configured to engage with a compressed gas cartridge and coupled to the inflatable chamber to provide a gas passageway from the compressed gas cartridge to an interior portion of the inflatable plastic chamber to allow the inflatable chamber to be inflated by the compressed gas cartridge. The inflatable chamber has a stowed position, in which gas is substantially absent from the inflatable chamber; and a deployed position in which the inflatable chamber is inflated for use.

One or more of the following features may be included:

The rim portion may have a diameter sufficiently small to seat a human toddler.

The inflation port may include a threaded portion to receive the compressed gas cartridge.

A gas valve may control the flow of gas from the compressed gas cartridge to the inflatable chamber.

An actuator may be included to open the gas valve and initiate inflation of the inflatable chamber.

The actuator may be chosen from the list comprising: a lever, a button, a plunger, a pull-cord, or any combination thereof.

In the stowed position, the inflatable chamber may be folded for compact storage.

The inflatable chamber may further comprise a disposable position wherein the inflatable chamber encloses the human waste for disposal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features may be more fully understood from the following description of the drawings. The drawings aid in explaining and understanding the disclosed technology. Since it is often impractical or impossible to illustrate and describe every possible embodiment, the provided figures depict one or more example of embodiments. Accordingly, the figures are not intended to limit the scope of this patent.

Like numbers in the figures denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pneumatically inflatable toilet in an inflated and deployed state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pneumatically inflatable toilet in a state for disposal.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pneumatically inflatable toilet in a stowed state.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an actuator for inflating an inflatable toilet.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flange for receiving gas for inflation of an inflatable toilet.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable toilet including a disposable liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms “toilet” and “potty” may be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable toilet 100 in an inflated state. Toilet 100 may include an inflatable chamber 102 that is configured to be inflated into a shape that can be used as a toilet. In embodiments, chamber 102 may have a roughly triangular shape with a front portion 104 and back portion 106. In other embodiments, chamber 102 may have a circular or rectangular shape when inflated.

Inflatable chamber 102 may include a cavity that forms a bowl 108 for accepting human waste. Bowl 108 may have an open top and closed bottom so that human waste can collect within the bowl. In embodiments, bowl 108 may include an absorbent lining to absorb urine or other fluids while toilet 100 is in use.

In embodiments, chamber 102 may have a size that is appropriate for use as a potty for a child to sit on. In this case, the diameter of bowl 108 may be approximately four inches or greater. The child may sit on chamber 102 facing front portion 104. The child's buttocks may be centered over bowl 108 and the child's legs may drape over sides 110 and 112. In other embodiments, chamber 102 may be large enough to allow an adult to sit and use toilet 100.

Although not shown, chamber 102 may include a protrusion at position 114 that extends upward to block a splash or stream that otherwise might exit bowl 108.

In embodiments, chamber 102 may be made of a plastic film material such as polyethylene, cellophane, PVC, or the like. In some embodiments, the material may be a recyclable and/or biodegradable material such as a vegetable-based bioplastic, polyactic acid, degradable polyethylene, etc. In general, chamber 102 may be formed from any airtight material that can be inflated and folded for storage.

Toilet 100 may also include a gas source 116 removably coupled to an inflation port 118. Inflation port 118 may be coupled to a gas port on chamber 102 that can receive inflation port 118 and provide a passage for gas to flow from gas source 116, through inflation port 118 and into chamber 102 to inflate chamber 102. Also, after chamber 102 has been inflated, gas source 116 and/or inflation port 118 may be removed from chamber 102. In some embodiments, chamber 102 will remain sealed and air-tight after removal of gas source 116 and/or inflation port 118. In other embodiments, removing gas source 116 and/or inflation port 118 will allow gas to escape from chamber 102 in order to deflate chamber 102.

In embodiments, gas source 116 may be a ten-, twelve- or sixteen-gram or larger CO₂ cartridge or any other container that can hold compressed gas for delivery and inflation of chamber 102.

A pressure release valve 120 may be coupled to chamber 102. If the gas pressure inside chamber 102 exceeds a pressure threshold, pressure release valve 120 may open so that chamber 102 does not overinflate. Additionally, pressure release valve 120 may be manually opened to manually deflate chamber 102.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of toilet 100 in a deflated state for disposal. After toilet 100 has been used, pressure release valve 120 may be opened or inflation port 118 and/or gas source 116 may be removed to allow gas to escape chamber 102. When enough gas has escaped chamber 102, it can be folded around bowl 108 to encase and enclose any waste therein and be thrown away. Prior to disposal, gas source 116 and/or inflation port 118 can be removed, though this is not a requirement.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of toilet 100 in a stored state. Prior to inflation, chamber 102 may be devoid of gas and folded into a small package for storage or transport. In embodiments, chamber 102 may be folded into a portable package with a size of about three inches by about one inch by about one-half inch. In this state, chamber 102 may be devoid of air. The wall forming chamber 102 may be packed in such a manner that the wall is folded into a package that is four or more layers of wall thickness. The four-layered thick stack of the wall can occur when the uninflated chamber has two opposing walls that are rolled so that they form a stack of four walls. Conventional folding or more random compressing and positioning may also result in stored in a portable package like the one shown. In the stored state, toilet 100 may easily fit in a backpack, purse, pocket, or other enclosure for convenience in the event that it is needed.

To deploy toilet 100 to the inflated state shown in FIG. 1, a user may activate inflation port 118. This may allow gas to inflate chamber 102 to the inflated state of FIG. 1 by permitting gas flow from gas source 116 through inflation port 118 and into chamber 102. Inflating chamber 102 may cause it to automatically unfold from the stored position.

In embodiments, a wrapper may enclose chamber 102 or tape may be used to hold chamber 102 in the stored position prior to inflation. The user may remove the wrapper or tape prior to inflation or inflating chamber 102 may cause the wrapper or tape to break and allow chamber 102 to expand to its inflated state.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of inflation port 118 is shown. Inflation port 118 includes a body 400 having a threaded hole 402 that can accept a threaded gas source 116, for example, a CO2 cartridge. The threads of hole 402 may form an airtight seal when engaged with the threads of gas source 116. Although not shown, an airtight gasket may be situated in or adjacent to hole 402 so that when gas source 116 is screwed into hole 402 an airtight seal is formed.

In other embodiments, hole 402 may be smooth instead of threaded. In this case, hole 402 may be lined with a gasket that can form a gas-tight seal with gas source 116 as gas source 116 is pressed into hole 402.

Inflation port 118 may also have an internal cavity 403. Hole 402 and cavity 403 may form a passage that allows gas to flow from gas source 116 into inflatable chamber 102.

Inflation port 118 may also include an actuator which, when used by a user, can fully and quickly inflate chamber 102 from the stored state (FIG. 3) to the inflated state (FIG. 1), like the way a personal flotation device on a boat or airplane may be fully inflated upon activation of a rip cord.

In the example shown, the activator comprises a thumb button 404 that is slidably attached to body 400 so that it can slide in the direction of arrow 406. Although not shown, thumb button 404 may be spring loaded so that it returns to its resting position after sliding. In other embodiments, for example, in the case where inflation port 118 is disposable, thumb button 404 may be a one-time use button so a spring mechanism may not be needed.

Thumb button 404 may be physically coupled to plunger 408. In embodiments, plunger 408 may include a sharp end 410 that can pierce a thin metal foil of gas source 116. If gas source 116 is screwed into hole 402, as thumb button is pressed in the direction of arrow 406, plunger 408 may move down into hole 402 and pierce gas source 116 to release the gas stored therein. The compressed gas may then flow through cavity 403 into inflatable chamber 102.

Plunger 408 may also act as a valve that controls the flow of gas from gas source 116. For example, when thumb button 404 is pressed, end 410 may close off gas source 116 to prevent gas from flowing. When thumb button 404 is released, end 410 may disengage from gas source 116 to allow gas to flow.

Although the example illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a slidable thumb button and plunger, inflation port 118 can include any type of actuator including, but not limited to, a button, a rip cord, a lever, etc. Inflation port can also include any type of mechanism that can pierce gas source 116 to release the compressed gas. For example, actuator may include a fixed pin centered within hole 402 that pierces gas source 116 as gas source 116 is screwed or pushed into hole 402.

In some instances, inflation port 118 may be disposed after toilet 100 has been inflated and used. In other instances, inflation port 118 may be detachable and reusable. In this case, after inflation port 118 has been removed from inflatable chamber 102, it may be attached to another inflatable chamber 102 for subsequent use.

Inflation port 118 may also include a stopper mechanism 412 that can halt the flow of gas from gas source 116. End 414 of stopper 412 may be configured to close off passage 403 to prevent inflation of chamber 102. Stopper mechanism 412 may be configured so that, once it is positioned to open or close off passage 403, it will remain in that position without further user interaction. In the example shown, stopper mechanism 412 may the threaded so it can be screwed into position and remain there without additional interaction.

Referring to FIG. 5, chamber 102 may include a flange 502 that can engage with inflation port 118. Flange 502 may have a top piece 504 positioned on one side of the outer wall of chamber 102 and a bottom piece 506 positioned on the other side (e.g. the interior) of the wall of chamber 102. Top piece 504 and bottom piece 506 may be held in place by an adhesive, heat molded into place, sonically welded into place, pressed into place, etc. to form an airtight seal. In embodiments, top piece 504 and bottom piece 50 have an adhesive side, like an adhesive tape, and will adhere to the wall of chamber 102.

As shown, bottom piece 506 may include a hole 508 that allows gas to pass through flange 502. Top piece 504 may include a nipple 510 that can engage with inflation port 118. Nipple 510 may include a hollow passage that allows gas to flow from inflation port 118 into chamber 102.

In embodiments, inflation port 118 may be removably attached to nipple 510. In this case, inflation port 118 may be reused by attaching it to another inflatable chamber 102. In other embodiments, inflation port 118 may be fixed to flange 502. Int his case, inflation port may be disposed along with inflatable chamber 102 after use.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable chamber 102′ shown in an inflated state for use. Chamber 102′ may be the same as or similar to inflatable chamber 102. Inflatable chamber 102′ includes a bowl 108′ for accepting human waste. Bowl 108′ may be the same as or similar to bowl 108 in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, chamber 102′ may include a disposable liner 602 affixed to bowl 108′. The liner 602 may be formed from the same or similar material to that of chamber 102′, such as cellophane, polyethylene, or the like. Alternatively, liner 602 may be formed from a different material. In general, liner 602 may be made from a material that can contain and hold human waste without leaking.

One skilled in the art will recognize by the ‘U’ shaped cross section of liner 602, that liner 602 may have the shape of a bowl or bag that can receive human waste.

Liner 602 may be positioned and held within bowl 108′ by a weak adhesive, tape, or other fastening mechanism that allows liner 602 to be removed and disposed after the toilet is used. After liner 602 is removed, another liner may be positioned within bowl 108′ for subsequent use. Alternatively, after liner 602 is removed, chamber 102′ may be used without a liner. In this case, chamber 102′ may be disposed after use.

When in the stowed position (e.g. FIG. 3), liner 602 may be folded within chamber 102′. When chamber 102′ is unfolded by inflation, liner 602 may also be unfolded and positioned within bowl 108′ for use.

The examples above describe disposing chamber 102 and 102′ after use. However, if a user wishes to do so, the user could wash and subsequently reuse the chamber. The user could also refold and repackage chamber 102 or 102′ for storage and portability, so that the chamber could be subsequently re-inflated and re-used.

Various embodiments are described in this patent. However, the scope of the patent should not be limited to the described embodiments, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims. All references cited in this patent are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A pneumatically inflatable toilet comprising:

an inflatable chamber having a shape including: a bowl portion for receiving human waste; and a rim portion surrounding the bowl portion on which a human can be seated;

an inflation port configured to engage with a compressed gas cartridge and coupled to the inflatable chamber to provide a gas passageway from the compressed gas cartridge to an interior portion of the inflatable chamber to allow the inflatable chamber to be inflated by the compressed gas cartridge;

wherein the inflatable chamber has: a stowed position, in which gas is substantially absent from the inflatable chamber; and a deployed position in which the inflatable chamber is inflated for use.

2. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 wherein the inflatable chamber is formed from a plastic.

3. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 further comprising a removable lining that lines the bowl portion to receive the human waste.

4. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 3 wherein the lining is held in place in the bowl portion by an adhesive.

5. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 wherein the rim portion has a diameter sufficiently small to seat a human toddler.

6. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 wherein the inflation port includes a threaded portion to receive the compressed gas cartridge.

7. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 further comprising a gas valve to control a flow of gas from the compressed gas cartridge to the inflatable chamber.

8. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 7 further comprising an actuator to open the gas valve and initiate inflation of the inflatable chamber.

9. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 8 wherein the actuator is chosen from the list comprising: a lever, a button, a plunger, a pull-cord, or any combination thereof.

10. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 8 wherein the actuator is single-action actuator that allows the inflatable chamber to be fully inflated upon a single actuation of the actuator.

11. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 wherein, in the stowed position, the inflatable chamber is folded for compact storage.

12. The pneumatically inflatable toilet of claim 1 wherein the inflatable chamber further comprises a disposable position wherein the inflatable chamber encloses the human waste for disposal.

13. A pneumatically inflatable toilet system comprising:

a compressed gas cartridge; and

an inflatable toilet comprising: an inflatable chamber having a shape including: a bowl portion for receiving human waste; and a rim portion surrounding the bowl portion on which a human can be seated; an inflation port configured to engage with a cartridge containing compressed gas and coupled to the inflatable chamber to provide a gas passageway from the compressed gas cartridge to an interior portion of the inflatable chamber to allow the inflatable chamber to be inflated by the compressed gas cartridge;

wherein the inflatable chamber has: a stowed position, in which gas is substantially absent from the inflatable chamber; and a deployed position in which the inflatable chamber is inflated for use.

14. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 13 wherein the rim portion has a diameter sufficiently small to seat a human toddler.

15. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 13 wherein the inflation port includes a threaded portion to receive the compressed gas cartridge.

16. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 13 further comprising a gas valve to control a flow of gas from the compressed gas cartridge to the inflatable chamber.

17. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 16 further comprising an actuator to open the gas valve and initiate inflation of the inflatable chamber.

18. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 17 wherein the actuator is chosen from the list comprising: a lever, a button, a plunger, a pull-cord, or any combination thereof.

19. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 13 wherein, in the stowed position, the inflatable chamber is folded for compact storage.

20. The pneumatically inflatable toilet system of claim 13 wherein the inflatable chamber further comprises a disposable position wherein the inflatable chamber encloses the human waste for disposal.