Rotatable splash guard

Abstract

A child toilet training toilet seat positionable on a toilet, the toilet seat having a seating surface configured to support a child and a receiving portion configured to rotatably attach a splash guard adjacent a front portion of the seating surface, the splash guard having a protrusion engageable in the receiving portion and permitting rotation thereof. The projection is eccentrically positioned on the guard such that rotation of the guard positions the upward end of the guard relatively high or low relative to the race. The highly positioned upward end is suitable for a boy. The lower positioned upward end is suitable for a girl.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to children's potty seats, and more particularly to a rotatable splash guard for a potty seat that can be quickly and easily repositioned to accommodate both boy and girl users. Background Art

[0002] Many types of toilet training devices are known that facilitate the use of toilets by children. The toilets are either adapted for conventional toilets or as stand-alone toilets, and the potty seats are specifically designed for use by children. Such potty seats may include splash guards to deflect and direct stray spray into the toilet, especially when the potty seats are optimized for boys.

[0003] Consumer parents prefer products that can be adapted to fit their children as they grow or provide practicality for multiple children. Many families include children of both genders. Parents soon discover that the toilet training experience is significantly different for boys and girls. Known potty seats are configured to accommodate both genders, lack any specific features to take into account their different needs, or are optimized for one gender (usually boys). Gender-neutral potty seats may not fully meet the needs of both genders, especially when it comes to deflecting and redirecting stray sprays or splashes, and seats optimized for boys may be uncomfortable for girls to use. An adaptable splash guard may also be necessary for some time after the child has grown up and can use a standard toilet seat.

[0004] What is needed is a reconfigurable splash guard for use with a potty seat or a conventional toilet seat that is easily configured for a boy or girl sitting on the seat that will contain spray and direct it into the toilet bowl or a collection container. The splash guard should be removable to allow for easy cleaning. Other features and advantages will become apparent from this specification. The disclosed teachings extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of whether they achieve one or more of the foregoing requirements. Summary of the invention

[0005] Thus, in any of the embodiments described herein, the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages:

[0006] The present invention is directed to a child toilet training potty seat that is adaptable for use by both boys and girls, the seat comprising a seat positionable on a toilet or collector container and a rotatable splash guard connected to the potty seat that can be secured in a first position optimized for boys and a second position optimized for girls. The seat has an upwardly facing surface configured to support a seated child on top of the potty seat. The rotatable guard has an uppermost edge positioned relative to the surface of the seat when in the first position that is higher than the uppermost edge of the shield when the guard is rotated to the second position.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable splash guard that is attachable to a conventional toilet seat by means of a mounting device that is asymmetrically disposed on the splash guard so as to position an upwardly oriented end of the splash guard in a relatively high or low position relative to the seat depending on the rotational orientation of the splash guard. The splash guard mounting device may include an elastic tie to encircle the toilet seat and secure the splash guard to the toilet seat.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable splash guard for use on a child toilet training potty seat, wherein the seat includes a mounting receiver configured to selectively receive a protrusion on the rotatable guard and enable the guard to rotate. The protrusion is eccentrically positioned on the guard so that rotation causes an upward end of the guard to be positioned in a relatively high or low position relative to the seat. The seat also includes a stopper engageable by a fixed structure on the guard to restrict the guard to a first position or a second position.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable splash guard for a child potty training seat wherein rotating the splash guard repositions the splash guard relative to the surface of the potty seat to optimally position the splash guard for the girl or boy using the potty seat.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rotatable splash guard for a child potty training seat that is durable in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, maintenance-free, easy to assemble, and simple and effective to use.

[0011] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a child toilet training potty seat positionable on a toilet, the potty seat having a seating surface configured for supporting a child and a receiving portion configured to rotatably attach a splash guard adjacent a front portion of the seating surface, the splash guard having a protrusion engageable in the receiving portion and allowing rotation thereof. The protrusion is eccentrically positioned on the guard so that rotation of the guard positions an upward end of the guard relatively higher or lower relative to the seat. A higher positioned upward end is suitable for boys. A lower positioned upward end is suitable for girls.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a view of a multi-stage potty training assembly on which the present invention is useful;

[0015] Figure 2 is a view of a conventional toilet having a child's potty seat embodying an aspect of the present invention positioned thereon;

[0016] Figure 3 is a view of a potty seat embodying an aspect of the present invention, the potty seat being shown configured for use by a boy;

[0017] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 Alternative views of the bedpan seat in the configuration shown;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 , the potty seat being shown configured for use by a girl;

[0019] Figure 6 Yes Figure 5 Alternative views of the bedpan seat in the configuration shown;

[0020] Figure 7 is a view of the underside of an embodiment of a bedpan seat;

[0021] Figure 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a splash guard;

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 a side view of the splash guard shown;

[0023] Fig.10 Look down Figure 8 A top view of the splash guard shown;

[0024] Fig.11 is a partial view of a portion of a bedpan seat looking forward showing details of the splash guard connection;

[0025] Fig.12 is an alternative embodiment of a splash guard that can be installed on a toilet;

[0026] Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 An alternative embodiment of wherein the splash guard and mounting tether are shown as separate;

[0027] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 a side view of the splash guard shown; and

[0028] Fig.15 It is cut along the cutting line 15-15 Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a splash guard is shown in FIG.

[0029] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Many fastenings, connections, processes and other devices and components used in the present invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to understand and use the present invention, and therefore they will not be discussed in significant detail. Moreover, any reference to the terms "upward" or "downward" or "top" or "bottom" in this article is merely for convenience and is determined with reference to a floor or similar surface. In addition, these different components shown or described herein for any specific application of the present invention may be changed or replaced as expected by the present invention, and the practice of the specific application of any element may be widely known or used in the art by those skilled in the art, and therefore each element will not be discussed in detail again.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, a multi-stage potty training assembly 1 for a child is shown, which includes a base 5 and a potty seat 10. The potty seat 10 is configured to be positioned on the base 5 so as to position the seat at a height that is easily accessible to a child or positioned on a conventional toilet 100, which may require a stool or the like to enable a child to access the seat in an elevated position on top of the toilet. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 5 can be inverted and used as a step for a child to access the potty seat positioned on top of the toilet. A collection container (not shown) can be positioned in the base when the training assembly is configured for stand-alone use.

[0032] The potty seat includes an opening 11 surrounded by a wall 12 that extends generally vertically downward from a seating surface 14 configured to support a child. When positioned on a conventional toilet, the wall 12 extends generally downward around the perimeter of the opening 11, terminating at an end 13. The potty seat may also include a fixing structure in the form of a shield 16 and a retainer 17 that may engage an interior opening of a conventional toilet seat 105 to securely position the potty seat on the toilet. The shield 16 is positioned to engage a portion of a corresponding opening in a conventional toilet seat and extends downward toward the toilet bowl to prevent unintentional spray from a child from being discharged through any gap between the child potty seat 10 and the toilet seat. A retainer 17 may be provided to inhibit upward movement of the potty seat, thereby reducing the risk of accidental separation of the potty seat from the toilet. The retainer 17 can be configured as a lateral extension located slightly below the toilet seat and extending below the toilet seat to inhibit the toilet seat from lifting when so engaged. The retainer 17 can be formed of a resilient material to allow the retainer 17 to deflect from a normal lateral extension configuration when passing through the toilet seat opening as the toilet seat moves into and out of engagement with the toilet. The retainer 17 can also be movable relative to the toilet seat.

[0033] The bedpan seat 10 and base 5 can be formed from a variety of materials using a variety of forming methods. The bedpan seat and base 5 are preferably formed from a molded plastic material selected for being lightweight, durable, easy to manufacture and having an easy to clean / disinfect surface.

[0034] The potty seat 10 also includes a rotatable splash guard 30 that can be connected to the seat near the front end 18 of the opening 11. The splash guard 30 is configured to have a generally concave cup-shaped inner surface 32 to deflect stray urine spray and direct the flow into a toilet bowl or collection container below. The splash guard 30 can be generally elongated or oval in form, defining a longitudinal axis 120 between opposing first and second ends 33, 35 of the splash guard 30, and having a transversely oriented minor axis. The shape is configured so that the width along the minor axis fits comfortably between a child's legs and the longitudinal axis to provide sufficient length to deflect stray spray and direct it into the toilet bowl.

[0035] A generally cylindrical mounting protrusion 36 may extend from a generally convex outer surface 34 opposite the concave inner surface and define an axis of rotation 110 of the splash shield 30. The protrusion 36 may include a flange 37 disposed at a distal end thereof and spaced apart from the outer surface 34. The outer perimeter of the flange 37 extends beyond the surface of the protrusion 36 to limit axial movement of the splash shield in the direction of the cylindrical protrusion. The flange 37 may have a circular profile concentric with the cylindrical protrusion 36.

[0036] The splash guard 30 and the protrusion 36 may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may be silicone rubber or the like that provides elastic flexibility, is liquid-tight and is easy to clean. The flexibility of the splash guard may also improve the comfort of a child user, as the guard will deform easily under pressure from the child's legs. Flexibility is also required, particularly in a portion of the guard, to enable the splash guard to be attached to a potty seat.

[0037] The mounting receiver 40 is disposed on the front portion 12F of the wall 12 and is configured to selectively receive the protrusion 36. The mounting receiver 40 may be configured as a slot 41 that opens from the lower end 13 of the vertical wall 12, thereby allowing the protrusion 36 to be received by an upward translational movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotation axis 110. An inner portion 42 of the mounting receiver slot defines a generally circular opening through the wall 12 having a diameter similar to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 36, which enables the protrusion to be fully rotated once when engaged in the inner portion of the slot. When the protrusion 36 is engaged in the slot 41, the flange 37 is disposed on the side of the wall 12 opposite the splash guard 30 to limit the movement of the protrusion 36 along the rotation axis 110 and prevent the splash guard from accidentally disengaging from the slot due to movement along the rotation axis 110. The retaining portion 44 in the slot 41 defines an open space that is slightly narrower than the diameter of the circular portion 42. As the protrusion 36 moves into the receiving portion by an upward translational motion, the protrusion resiliently compresses, allowing it to pass through the reduced width retaining portion 44, and then decompresses to its circular cross-section once arranged in the circular inner portion 42 so as to both maintain the splash guard position relative to the toilet seat 10 and allow the splash guard to rotate about the rotation axis 110.

[0038] The splash guard 30 can be in a generally elongated or elliptical form that defines a longitudinal axis 120 between opposing first and second ends 33, 35 of the splash guard 30. The shape is configured to allow the splash guard to fit comfortably between the legs of a child. A protrusion 36 is located between the opposing first and second ends 33, 35 along the longitudinal axis 120 and protrudes from the outer surface 34 of the guard. The protrusion 36 is eccentrically positioned along the longitudinal axis, substantially closer to the first end 33 than to the second end 35. Due to the eccentric positioning of the protrusion 36 and the elongated or elliptical shape of the splash guard 30, rotation about the rotation axis 110 causes the upwardly oriented end of the splash guard to be located at a relatively higher or lower position relative to the seating surface 14 than when the splash guard is oppositely oriented. In the illustrated embodiment, when the splash guard is oriented such that the first end 33 is oriented upward ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), the first end 33 is positioned generally flush with or slightly below the seating surface 14. This orientation is preferred for girl users of the potty seat. When the splash guard is oriented so that the second end 35 is oriented upward ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), the second end 35 is located substantially above the seating surface 14. This orientation is preferred for boy users of the potty seat.

[0039] One or more stops 44 are disposed in the front portion 12F of the wall 12 adjacent the inner portion 42 of the mounting receiving portion 40. The stops 44 can be engaged by the fixing structure 38 disposed on the outer surface 34. The stops 44 and the fixing structure 38 are configured to retain the splash guard 30 in at least one of two rotational positions, at least one of which corresponds to positioning the first end 33 or the second end 35 upward so that the seat is configured for use by a female user or a male user, respectively. The stops can be aligned with a transverse axis 130 of the splash guard, which is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal axis 120. The fixing structure 38, which is formed of the same resilient material as the splash guard 30, can temporarily deflect when the splash guard is rotated into the desired orientation and then engage the stops 44 to retain the splash guard in place.

[0040] Figures 12 to 15 An alternative embodiment of a rotatable splash guard suitable for use with a conventional seat 105 on a toilet is shown. The alternative splash guard 150 is similarly configured with a generally concave cup-shaped inner surface 32 to deflect stray urine spray and direct the stream into the toilet below. The alternative splash guard 150 can be generally elongated or oval in form, defining a longitudinal axis 120 between opposing first and second ends 33, 35 of the splash guard 150, and having a transversely oriented minor axis 130. The shape is configured so that the width along the minor axis 130 fits comfortably between a child's legs and the longitudinal axis to provide sufficient length to deflect stray spray and direct it into the toilet.

[0041] The alternative splash guard 150 can be fixed to the toilet seat 105 by a mounting device, which includes a lace 160 configured to be used to surround the toilet seat. The lace 160 is configured to allow a user to selectively adjust the length of the lace around the toilet seat so that it can be securely connected to the toilet seat. The lace 160 may include a length adjuster, which includes a fastener 162, which can be selectively engaged in one of a plurality of receiving portions 164, which are configured to allow the length of the lace around the toilet seat to be selectively adjusted by the user. The lace is preferably composed of an elastic material, thereby allowing the lace to elastically stretch around the toilet seat so that once the lace is installed, it remains stationary. The lace can be formed of silicone rubber or a similar material that provides elastic flexibility, is liquid-tight and easy to clean.

[0042] The alternative splash shield 150 may include a protrusion 152 positioned between the opposing first and second ends 33, 35 along the longitudinal axis 120, the protrusion 152 extending from the outer surface 34 of the splash shield. The protrusion 152 is configured to engage the mounting receiver 140 and secure the splash shield to the mounting tie 160. The protrusion 152 may be generally cylindrical in form and include a securing structure in the form of a surface profile, the protrusion including a first flat portion 153 and a second flat portion 154 that engage the inner edge of the mounting receiver 140 to retain the splash shield so that the first end 33 or the second end 35 remains oriented upward. The protrusion 152 may include other cross-sectional profiles, including the flat portions 153, 154, to maintain the splash shield in a desired orientation when engaged in the mounting receiver. The mounting receiver 140 may be configured as a rectangular opening, or any other shape capable of receiving these protrusions 152. The shape of the mounting receiver 140 and the cross-section of the protrusion 152 can be configured to match each other, or the receiver can be different and rely on the elasticity of the lace material to conform to the protrusion. Figures 8 to 10 152 and a separate fixing structure, and the receiving portion 140 is configured to receive the fixing structure when the splash guard is properly oriented to retain the splash guard in this position. The flange 157 is disposed on the distal end of the projection 152 and is spaced from the outer surface 34 of the splash guard to retain the projection 157 engaged in the mounting receiving portion 140. The flange 177 may include a wavy surface 159 that is configured to generally match the wave shape of the inner rim of a conventional toilet seat 105 to further maintain the desired orientation of the splash guard 150 relative to the toilet seat.

[0043] Although the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only. Therefore, the present application is not limited to specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered.

[0044] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of different exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only some embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of different elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without essentially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter cited in the claims. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity of the discrete element or position can be replaced or changed. Therefore, all these modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any device plus function clause is intended to cover the structure described herein as performing the described function, and not only covers structural equivalents, but also covers equivalent structures. Without departing from the scope of the present application, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A toilet seat suitable for sitting on a toilet, comprising: a child-sized seat having a seating surface and a mounting receptacle; as well as A splash guard having a cylindrical protrusion that is selectively engageable in the mounting receptacle and is configured to allow engagement in a first orientation or a second orientation, wherein an end of the splash guard is positioned higher relative to the seating surface in the first orientation than in the second orientation.

2. The bedpan seat according to claim 1, wherein: The splash shield is rotatable about the rotational axis to move between the first orientation and the second orientation when the projection is engaged in the mounting receptacle.

3. The bedpan seat according to claim 2, wherein: The splash guard also includes a securing structure that is engageable in a detent on the race to selectively secure the splash guard in the first orientation or the second orientation.

4. The bedpan seat according to claim 3, wherein: The child-sized seat also includes an opening having a downwardly extending skirt, the receiving portion being disposed on the skirt.

5. The bedpan seat according to claim 4, wherein: The receiving portion includes a slot in the skirt that is open toward a lower end of the skirt, the slot having a circular inner portion configured to receive a portion of the projection and enable the splash guard to rotate about the rotation axis.

6. The bedpan seat according to claim 5, wherein: The protrusion also includes a distally arranged flange, which is spaced apart from the outer surface and arranged on a surface of the skirt opposite to the splash guard when the protrusion is engaged in the receiving portion, and the flange is configured to limit movement of the splash guard relative to the skirt along the rotational axis.

7. The bedpan seat according to claim 6, wherein: The stop is disposed on the skirt adjacent to the receiving portion, and the securing structure is disposed adjacent to the protrusion.

8. The bedpan seat of claim 1, wherein: The splash shield includes a generally concave inner surface and a generally convex outer surface, the projection extending from the outer surface along the axis of rotation.

9. The bedpan seat of claim 1 further comprising a resilient retainer engageable with the toilet bowl, the retainer extending laterally below a lower surface of the seat on the toilet bowl and engageable with the seat to prevent upward movement of the bedpan seat.

10. A child potty seat, the child potty seat being suitable for boy and girl users to sit on a toilet, the toilet seat comprising: a seating surface having an opening and a downwardly extending skirt; a mounting receiving portion, the mounting receiving portion being arranged on the skirt; a splash guard having a first end and a second end spaced apart along a longitudinal axis; as well as a projection extending from a surface of the splash guard and positioned eccentrically between the first end and the second end, the projection rotatably engaged in the mounting receiver; wherein, when the protrusion is engaged in the mounting receiving portion, rotating the splash guard between the first orientation and the second orientation respectively positions the first end or the second end upward, and when oriented upward, the first end is positioned higher above the seating surface than when the second end is oriented upward.

11. The child potty seat according to claim 10, wherein: The splash shield includes a generally concave inner surface and a generally convex outer surface, the projection extending from the outer surface along the axis of rotation.

12. The child potty seat according to claim 11, wherein: The splash guard further includes a fixing structure that is engageable in a stop disposed on the skirt, the engagement in the stop selectively fixing the splash guard with the first end or the second end oriented upward.

13. The child potty seat according to claim 12, wherein: The receiving portion includes a slot in the skirt opening toward a lower end of the skirt, the slot having a circular inner portion configured to receive a portion of the projection and enable the splash guard to rotate about the rotation axis.

14. The children's potty seat of claim 13, wherein the stop is disposed on the skirt adjacent the receiving portion, and the securing structure is disposed on the outer surface adjacent the projection.

15. The child potty seat of claim 10, further comprising a resilient retainer engageable with the toilet, the retainer extending laterally below a lower surface of the seat on the toilet and engageable with the seat to prevent upward movement of the potty seat.

16. A splash guard for use with a toilet seat, the splash guard comprising: a concave inner surface spanning between generally opposed first and second ends; a convex outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface; as well as a projection extending from a surface of the splash guard and positioned eccentrically between the first end and the second end; as well as A mounting device includes a receiving portion, the mounting device can be selectively connected to the toilet seat, the receiving portion is configured to receive a portion of the protrusion and maintain the splash guard in a preferred orientation relative to the toilet seat, the preferred orientation arranges the splash guard with the first end or the second end oriented upward.

17. The splash guard of claim 16, wherein: The mounting device includes an elongated tie configured to adjustably surround a portion of the toilet seat to secure the splash guard to the toilet seat, and the receiving portion is an opening in the tie.

18. The splash guard of claim 17, wherein: The laces include an elastic material.

19. The splash guard of claim 16, wherein: The projection further includes a securing structure engageable in the receiving portion configured to retain the splash guard in the preferred orientation.

20. The splash guard of claim 19, wherein: The securing structure includes a surface contour engageable with a portion of the receiving portion.

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