Portable Toilet Seat Device

The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet seats. More specifically, the present invention relates to a non-disposable portable toilet seat device, with configurations for toddler, child and adult-sized seats, that attaches to a fixed toilet of a public restroom. The device's body is primarily made up of a base, lid, vertical frame arm and a seat cushion with a continuous opening, thereby allowing access to the bowl of the fixed toilet. A lid is attached to the base through the vertical frame arm so that the device can fold together for transport or fold out for use. In this manner, a user can conveniently travel with the device and deploy its use for a more sanitary restroom experience.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/233,819, which was filed on Aug. 17, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet seats. More specifically, the present invention relates to a non-disposable portable toilet seat device, with configurations for toddler, child and adult-sized seats, that attaches to a fixed toilet of a public restroom. The device's body is primarily made up of a base, lid, vertical frame arm and a seat cushion with a continuous opening, thereby allowing access to the bowl of the fixed toilet. A lid is attached to the base through the vertical frame arm so that the device can fold together for transport or fold out for use. In this manner, a user can conveniently travel with the device and deploy its use for a more sanitary restroom experience. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

In many respects, public restrooms offer a valuable convenience for most users. However, this convenience is often necessary, and a user can be left with no other option than to use the public restroom nearest them. These public facilities are often ridden with harmful bacteria, germs, microorganisms, residual urine, fecal matter and other bodily fluids, as well as many more unsightly and grotesque matters. Locations such as construction sites and busy rest stops are just some of the many examples where users are left stranded with one option, which includes undesirable and unsanitary restroom conditions. In an attempt to overcome said undesirable and unsanitary restroom conditions, users may be forced to fashion makeshift covers out of toilet paper to prevent direct skin contact with a public toilet seat. However, this process is tedious and ineffective. Paper seat covers can also move, rip and crumble, invariably leaving the user with a less than satisfactory shield from the public toilet seat. Moreover, a parent or guardian can be left inconvenienced and stranded if a toilet seat is too large for a child to use properly.

Therefore, to mitigate the spread of harmful elements, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that provides a barrier between the user and a public toilet seat. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a device with a sturdy and durable barrier, that allows the device to function effectively. Further, there also exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that is easily portable and lightweight, such that the device can accompany the user in his or her travels and everyday endeavors. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat device that fits the individual user's size.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a non-disposable portable toilet seat device. The device is primarily comprised of a base, lid, vertical frame arm and a seat cushion with a continuous opening, that allows access to the bowl of a toilet. The device is designed to be lightweight and easily transportable in a carrying bag. The carrying bag comes with several integrated pockets that can store many objects, such as but not limited to disinfectant spray and wet wipes. The user can deploy the device on a fixed toilet of a public restroom to create a more sanitary, comfortable and customized experience, and form a barrier between the user and the undesirable debris often found on public toilets.

In this manner, the portable toilet seat device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and creates a barrier between a user and an unsanitary public toilet. Further, the device offers the user a sturdy seat that accurately mimics the feeling of an actual toilet seat, without sacrificing its lightweight structure. In this manner, the device can easily be transported from location to location to fulfill the user's needs. The device also ensures that each user has a clean place to sit when using a toilet, thereby improving each user's restroom experience. Moreover, child configurations of the device offer a smaller seat that is more proportioned to the size of a child, which is particularly advantageous for a parent or guardian who may be in the processing of potty-training his or her child.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a portable toilet seat device that can be attached and secured onto the seat of a toilet. A bottom layer acts as a base for the portable toilet seat. The base is preferably made with a durable plastic and utilizes a non-slip surface. The base can also be configured with suction cups to enhance the seat's grip, or a series of ropes and buckles that may be attached to the base and wrap around the bowl of the fixed toilet. Situated on the base is a cushioned seat that is hollowed out in its center, thereby allowing access to the bowl of the fixed toilet. A lid is secured to the seat through a hinge, which enables the seat to be folded. The lid can be secured to the base by a vertical frame arm that connects to a hinge fastened on the lid's top side. The arm is then locked in by a grooved portion on the backside of the top surface of the base.

Both the seat and bottom side of the lid are cushioned. Preferably, a vinyl-covered padding surrounds a wood or plastic core that would form the seat. This padding also covers the entire bottom surface of the lid. In this manner, the lid can serve as a comfortable backrest when folded outwards and secured. In different embodiments, the cushioned seat and lid may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc.

The device is designed to fold inward and be effortlessly placed in a carrying bag. This carrying bag is configured with a series of pockets that allows the user to transport different objects such as wet wipes, diapers or disinfectant spray along with the device. This carrying bag can be made of a multitude of lightweight and durable fabrics. For a child-oriented bag, different embodiments may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc.

Accordingly, the portable toilet seat device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows the user to transport the device with relative ease. In this manner, the user can deploy the device to make his or her experience in a public restroom more sanitary and comfortable. Therefore, the device eliminates the need to construct ineffective, makeshift devices, and affords the user the privilege and peace of mind of turning any public restroom into a restroom that mimics his or her own.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an opened position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in a semi-folded position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an opened position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an opened position while on a toilet seat (shown as prior art) in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in a folded position and one potential embodiment of a carrying bag of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one potential method of using one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a non-disposable portable toilet seat. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat that is easily washable and reusable. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable seat that is durable and stable, yet still easily transportable. In this manner, a user can effectively deploy the device when needed, with the least amount of effort. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat device that eliminates the need for a user to construct a makeshift paper toilet seat cover out of toilet paper, which can be ineffective and unsanitary. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat device customized to its distinct user. Specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet seat device that is proportioned such that it suits the small stature of a toddler or child, who may need assistance while potty-training.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a portable toilet seat device that allows the user to deploy the device on top of a fixed toilet of a public or private restroom. The device is primarily comprised of a bottom layer (or base), a cushioned seat, a top layer (or lid) and a vertical support frame. The seat and the bottom surface of the lid are preferably fashioned with a vinyl-covered padding, but can also be fashioned in differing water-resistant fabrics. Beyond the sanitary benefits that the seat provides for the user, the cushioned components of the device provide a user with a more comfortable bathroom experience, as opposed to the hard and unsanitary surfaces of a public toilet.

The device can be customized primarily in three differing sizes: toddler, child and adult. These embodiments preferably fit the varying sizes of either a toddler, child or adult body. In differing embodiments, the surface of the padded components of the device may be comprised of a plurality of indicia. The device is preferably stored in a decorative carrying bag with several integrated pockets. The pockets can store various items, such as but not limited to disinfect spray and wet wipes, such that the device can be cleaned before and after use. The carrying bag can likewise feature similar indicia as the padded components mentioned supra.

A vertical frame arm attaches to the base and a hinge on the top side of the lid to allow the lid to be erected upwards at a 90-degree angle, so that the cushioned bottom side of the lid can serve as a backrest for the user. In this manner, the lid may act as a barrier between the user and the lid of the fixed toilet, which may contain unsanitary objects, fluids, germs, etc.

Accordingly, the portable toilet seat of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows the user to transport and deploy the device easily. The device can universally fit on all public toilets, thereby eliminating the need for a user to construct a makeshift seat cover out of toilet paper. As a result, the user can efficiently and effectively mitigate the spread of harmful germs and keep from coming into contact with other grotesque objects and fluids.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat system or device of the present invention, in an opened position in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system or device 100 is primarily comprised of a base 132 that supports the overall structure of the device 100. The base 132 is preferably made from a durable plastic, and can be comprised of a multitude of materials, such as but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc. The bottom surface 146 of the base 132 can be coated in an adhesive layer 1460 that may have anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties that allow the device 100 to be fastened securely to the fixed toilet 10 (shown as prior art). Alternatively, at least one suction cup 1462 may be attached to the bottom surface 146 to provide additional or alternative fastening options, and may also have anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties.

A seat cushion 110 is preferably fastened with a waterproof, vinyl-covered padding that has anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties and surrounds the inner core of the seat. The cushion 110 may be fashioned with a plurality of decorative indicia 1100, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. In differing embodiments, the cushion 110 may be of three differing sizes: toddler, child and adult. These embodiments preferably fit the varying sizes of either a toddler, child or adult body.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention in a semi-folded position, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is also comprised of a lid 120 that is preferably comprised of the same durable plastic as the base 132. The lid 120 is further secured to the rear end of the seat cushion 110 through at least one hinge 126 that may be spring-loaded in one embodiment. The hinge 126 allows the lid 120 to be folded up for use, or folded down for transport or use. A secondary at least one hinge 1220 is removably or fixedly fastened to the top surface 122 of the lid 120, wherein a vertical frame arm 130 can be fixedly or removably-secured to the hinge 1220 and freely articulate. When the lid 120 is folded upwards, the vertical frame arm 120 can be locked into place by being secured into a groove 144, located at the rear end of the top surface 142 of the base 140. Once locked into place, the lid 120 can be securely-erected at approximately a 90-degree angle, and acts as a backrest for the user and a barrier to the fixed toilet 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an opened position in accordance with the disclosed architecture. When the lid 120 is erected at a 90-degree angle, the vertical frame arm 130 (which is secured to the spring-loaded hinge 1220 on the top surface 122 of the lid 120) rotates downward and is locked into place by the groove 144 located at the rear end of the base 140 on the top surface 142.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device of the present invention in an opened position while on a toilet seat 10 (shown as prior art) in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The base 140 is designed to be placed on the surface of the fixed toilet seat 10. The bottom surface 114 of the cushioned seat 110 is preferably fastened to the top surface 142 of the base 140 via an adhesive layer 116. The cushion 110 and base 140 further have corresponding continuous openings 112,148 that lead to the bowl of the fixed toilet 10. In this manner, the user can utilize the fixed toilet's 10 functions without coming into contact with the fixed toilet 10 itself. The bottom surface of the lid 120 is also preferably fashioned with a waterproof, vinyl-covered padding 1242 that may have anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties. This padding 1240 can be decorated with indicia 1242 similar to that which decorates the cushion 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention in a folded position, and one potential embodiment of a carrying bag 200 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The carrying bag 200 can be made out of different durable fabrics, such as but not limited to: vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester satin, silk spandex, suede, tweed, twill velvet, etc. The carrying bag 200 is equipped with a plurality of pockets 206 that will hold objects, such as but not limited to a disinfectant spray 208, a plurality of wet disinfecting wipes 210, etc. In this manner, the user has easy access to equipment to clean the device 100 before and after use to ensure it is sanitary. To secure these objects, a flap 207 can be deployed using a fastener 2060 such as, but not limited to, a snap button, hook and loop, magnetic fastener, etc. to the pocket 206. To transport the device 100, the user may open the carrying bag 200 using the flaps 202, and place the device 100 into the interior space 212. Once secured, the user may carry the bag 200 using the handles 204 found on the top flaps 202. In a different embodiment, the carrying bag 202 may feature at least one carrying strap 214, allowing the user to transport the carrying bag 200 on his or her back.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one potential method 300 of using one potential embodiment of a portable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. First, a user removes the device 100 from the carrying bag 200 and applies the base 140 to the lid of a toilet seat 10 (Block 302). Next, the user opens the lid 120 and secures it in an upright position, by placing the base 132 into the groove 144 (Block 304). Then, a user can use the device 100 to use the toilet 10 (Block 306). After a user has finished using the toilet 10, the device 100 can be removed from the toilet 10, disinfected using the spray 208 and wipes 210 and returned to a folded position to be stored in the carrying bag 200.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “portable toilet seat device” and “device”, are interchangeable and refer to the portable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the portable toilet seat device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the portable toilet seat device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the portable toilet seat device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the portable toilet seat device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the portable toilet seat device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A portable toilet seat device comprising:

a base;
a cushion that attaches to the base; and
a lid that attaches to the cushion and the base.

2. The portable toilet seat device of claim 1 further comprising a carrying bag comprised of a plurality of pockets, wherein the base can be placed onto an existing toilet seat of a toilet and a user can sit on the cushion once the base has been placed onto the toilet seat.

3. The portable toilet seat device of claim 2, wherein the base and the cushion are each further comprised of a continuous opening that allows the user to use the toilet while sitting on the portable toilet seat device.

4. A portable toilet seat system comprising:

a base comprised of a continuous opening and a top surface that has a groove, wherein the base can be secured to a seat of a toilet;
a cushion that attaches to the base and is comprised of a continuous opening;
a lid that attaches to the cushion via a first hinge and to the base via a second hinge; and
a carrying bag comprised of a plurality of pockets and at least one carrying strap.

5. The portable toilet seat system of claim 4, wherein the cushion may be a select one of a toddler size, a child size, and an adult size.

6. The portable toilet seat system of claim 4, wherein a bottom surface of the base is comprised of an adhesive layer that allows the base to be secured to the toilet.

7. The portable toilet seat system of claim 4, wherein a bottom surface of the base is comprised of an at least one suction cup that allows the base to be secured to the toilet.

8. A portable toilet seat system comprising:

a base comprised of a continuous opening and a top surface having a groove, wherein the base can be secured to a seat of a toilet;
a cushion that attaches to the base and is comprised of a continuous opening;
a lid that attaches to the cushion via a first hinge and to the base via a second hinge, wherein a bottom surface of the lid is comprised of a padding;
a carrying bag comprised of a plurality of pockets and at least one carrying strap;
a disinfecting spray; and
a plurality of disinfecting wipes.

9. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the first hinge that attaches the lid to the cushion allows the portable toilet seat system to fold.

10. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the second hinge that attaches the lid to the base allows the lid to be secured in an upwards position at 90 degrees relative to the base.

11. The portable toilet seat system of claim 10, wherein the lid can be locked in the upwards position at 90 degrees by placing a base of a vertical frame arm that attaches to the lid in the groove of the top surface of the base.

12. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein a bottom surface of the cushion is fastened to a top surface of the base via an adhesive layer.

13. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the cushion and the padding of the bottom surface of the lid are comprised of a plurality of indicia.

14. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the cushion is comprised of a waterproof material having anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.

15. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the padding of the lid is comprised of a waterproof material having anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.

16. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the portable toilet seat system is installed onto a lid of the toilet.

17. The portable toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein a user can use the portable toilet seat system as a toilet accessory while it is installed on the toilet.

18. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the portable toilet seat system is stored and transported in the carrying bag when not in use.

19. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the carrying bag further comprises a flap to close at least one of the plurality of pockets.

20. The portable toilet seat system of claim 8, wherein the base is comprised of a durable plastic.

Patent History
Publication number: 20230248191
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 17, 2022
Publication Date: Aug 10, 2023
Inventor: Milton Wells (Ellenwood, GA)
Application Number: 17/889,441
Classifications
International Classification: A47K 13/00 (20060101); A47K 13/06 (20060101);