Potty training apparatus and related method

Abstract

A potty training apparatus comprises a base portion forming a potty and a back portion adjacent the potty and forming an elevated support surface relative thereto. The potty, especially when covered by a lid, and together with the back portion, form plural steps for climbing such that when the apparatus is located adjacent a toilet a child can reach the toilet.

Description

POTTY TRAINING APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The following relates, generally, to a potty training apparatus, and more particularly to such an apparatus particularly suited to assist toddlers in transitioning from potty use to conventional toilet use.BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditional potty training potties are typically placed on the ground, allowing toddlers to squat. These potties often include a removable basin for waste collection, which is emptied into a toilet and returned to the potty. The goal of such training devices is to help toddlers transition from using a potty to a standard toilet.

[0003] Existing potty training devices, such as the Bumbo™ Step ‘N Potty, feature a removable foam potty seat that can be used both on the potty and on a standard toilet to provide a smaller, child-friendly seat size. Additionally, a lid can be placed on the remaining base of the potty to convert it into a step to assist with reaching the toilet.

[0004] However, the present inventor observed that the step is often not high enough for a child to independently climb onto the toilet (if the toddler is smaller or shorter). Secondly, the present inventor observed that the stool, if attempted to be used to elevate the child’s legs, would not be tall enough to position the legs at an optimal height, which is considered as level with or higher than a pelvis of the toddler for ergonomic bowel movements, that is, to promote bowel movements.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the invention to obviate or mitigate the above disadvantages.

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a potty training apparatus comprising: a base portion configured to support a child in a seated position with feet over a floor surface, the base portion having a bottom configured for resting on the floor surface, a top forming an upwardly-facing surface and locating an opening thereon, and a cavity in communication with the opening for receiving excretions of the child;a back portion beside the base portion and forming a generally horizontal support surface above the base portion and arranged to be below a seat of a toilet as to define a stepping surface for climbing from the potty to the toilet.

[0007] This provides an arrangement of potty training apparatus which provides multiple steps, one formed by the top of the base portion and another formed by the top of the back portion, to assist the child in reaching the toilet for sitting thereon.

[0008] In an embodiment, the base portion is shaped to resemble a toilet bowl.

[0009] In an embodiment, the back portion is shaped to resemble a toilet tank.

[0010] In an embodiment, the back portion forms a forwardly-facing upright surface rearward of and above the base portion for supporting a back of a child in a seated position.

[0011] In an embodiment, the potty training apparatus further comprises a removable lid configured to cover the opening hole in the base portion and forming an upper generally horizontal support surface for transitioning from the floor surface to the upper support surface of the back portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the potty training apparatus further comprises a removable seat configured to be supported on the base portion and forming a hole registrable with the opening communicated with the cavity, the removable seat being sized and shaped to be supported on a toilet seat of a toilet.

[0013] In an embodiment, the removable seat comprises plurality of downwardly-projecting protrusions on a bottom of the seat for locating in an orifice of the toilet seat as to resist against horizontal movement of the removable seat relative to the toilet seat.

[0014] In an embodiment, the stepping surface formed by the back portion is disposed at a height between about 25 cm and about 30 cm relative to the bottom of the base portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, the top of the base portion is at a height between about 12 cm and about 18 cm relative to the bottom of the base portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the base and back portions are distinct and are detachably connectable.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for potty training comprising: providing a training apparatus adjacent a toilet, wherein the training apparatus has a base portion arranged for resting on a floor surface and having a cavity for receiving excretions of a child and a back portion in fixed relation to the base portion forming a generally horizontal support surface at a spaced height above a top of the base portion and below a top of the toilet bowl of the toilet, whereby a top of the base portion and the upper support surface of the back portion collectively form steps for climbing from the floor surface to a toilet seat of the toilet.

[0018] In an embodiment, the generally horizontal surface of the back portion is disposed at a height between about 25 cm and about 30 cm relative to the floor surface. Thus, the surface may be suited for supporting feet of the child in a seated position on the toilet in such a manner as to locate the child’s knees at or above their pelvis.

[0019] In an embodiment, the top of the base portion is at a height between about 12 cm and about 18 cm relative to the floor surface.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for potty training comprising: providing a training apparatus comprising a base portion arranged for resting on a floor surface and having a cavity for receiving excretions of a child and a back portion in fixed relation to the base portion forming a generally horizontal support surface at a spaced height above a top of the base portion and below a top of a toilet bowl of a toilet, whereby a top of the base portion and the upper support surface of the back portion collectively form steps for climbing from the floor surface to a toilet seat of the toilet; locating the training apparatus adjacent the toilet; and climbing the steps of the training apparatus.

[0021] In an embodiment, locating the training apparatus adjacent the toilet comprises orienting the training apparatus such that the back portion is intermediate the toilet and the base portion.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method further comprises, before climbing the steps, placing a lid on the top of the base portion to cover the cavity.

[0023] In an embodiment, the method further comprises, after climbing the steps, sitting on the toilet seat with feet on the upper support surface of the back portion.

[0024] These and other aspects are contemplated and described herein. It will be appreciated that the foregoing summary sets out representative aspects of the invention to assist skilled readers in understanding the following detailed description.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] A greater understanding of the embodiments will be had with reference to the Figures, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view an arrangement of potty training apparatus according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the potty training apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

[0028] FIG. 3 shows an in-use position of the potty training apparatus of FIG. 1 relative to a (standard) toilet, with a seat of the apparatus located on the toilet and a lid located in place of the seat on the apparatus;

[0029] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 except it shows a toddler seated on the toilet with legs rested on the potty training apparatus, thereby raising the toddler’s legs while seated;

[0030] FIG. 5 shows an in-use position of the potty training apparatus of FIG. 1 relative to another element that is generally difficult for a toddler to reach from a floor, such as a sink;

[0031] FIG. 6 shows another in-use position of the potty training apparatus of FIG. 1 relative to a toilet that is particularly suited for use by a male toddler to urinate into a toilet while in a standing position;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of removable seat of the training apparatus, according to the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the removable seat of FIG. 7, showing, in phantom, a base portion of the training apparatus; and

[0034] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the removable seat of FIG. 7 in use on a toilet seat of a standard toilet, as shown in FIG. 3.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0036] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and / or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description.

[0037] The accompanying figures show a potty training apparatus generally indicated at 10, which is particularly designed to assist a toddler in transitioning from potty use to conventional or standard toilet use.

[0038] The potty training apparatus 10 comprises a base portion P configured to support a child in a seated position with their feet disposed on or adjacent (i.e. over) an underlying floor surface. Thus, the base portion P forms a seat, and can alternatively be referred to as a seat portion. The base portion P has a bottom PB configured for resting on a support surface, i.e., the floor surface; a top PT opposite thereto, forming an upwardly-facing surface US and locating an opening O therein; and a cavity communicated with the opening O for receiving excretions of the child (i.e., urine and / or feces). In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity is formed by a removable basin or cup A supported in an interior of the base portion which is accessible via the opening O. In other embodiments, the cavity may be integrally formed with the interior of the base portion as not tobe removable or separable therefrom. Typically, the upwardly-facing surface US is substantially planar and generally horizontally oriented as to be parallel to the underlying floor surface.

[0039] The seat portion P of the potty training apparatus further comprises a peripheral wall PW extending between the top PT and the bottom PB and wrapping from one side 13, about a front 15 of the seat portion and to an opposite side 17. Typically, a front portion of the peripheral wall, that is, that portion of the peripheral wall at the front 15 of the base portion P, is rounded or convexly curved, to permit legs of a seated toddler to reach the floor on either side of a lateral center of the base portion.

[0040] Further, the potty training apparatus 10 comprises a back portion B which is disposed beside the base portion P, at a rear 19 thereof, and in fixed relation thereto. The back portion B forms a generally horizontal support surface BS, typically at a top thereof, located above the top PT of the base portion and arranged to be located below a seat of a (standard) toilet to define a stepping surface for transitioning from the base portion to the toilet. The surface BS is generally horizontal in that it is more horizontal than upright such that a child can stand thereon in a balanced state without falling off. Thus, the upper surface BS of the back portion is at a spaced height above the top PT of the seat portion, which itself is arranged at a spaced height relative to the floor surface, so that collectively the top PT of the base portion and the top of the back portion B form consecutive steps between the floor surface and the toilet seat (of the standard toilet).

[0041] Preferably, the top PT of the base portion is at a height between about 12 cm and 18 cm relative to the bottom of the base portion (or the floor), and most preferably, the height thereof is about 14 cm relative to the bottom PB. The upper surface BS of the back portion is preferably disposed at a height between about 25 cm and about 30 cm relative to the bottom of the base portion (or the floor), and most preferably the height is about 28 cm. Within this height range for the upper surface BS, the surface BS is suited to support feet of the toddler seated on the toilet with knees disposed at or above a pelvis of the toddler.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion P is shaped to resemble a toilet bowl, and the back portion B is shaped to resemble a toilet tank. Thus, collectively, the potty training apparatus resembles a (standard) toilet, except that it is sized proportionally smaller for sitting by toddlers from the floor, that is, with their feet substantially reaching the floor (as to be at or just above the same).

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion P and the back portion B are distinct and detachably connected. Typically, the potty training apparatus is used with the base and back portions P, B in an interconnected or assembled condition. Since the two portions are distinct, the peripheral wall PW also wraps about the rear 19 of the base portion which is substantially planar for buttingly engaging a front of the back portion B in the interconnected condition, which in the illustrated embodiment is planar, too.

[0044] Further to providing the stepping surface, the back portion B defines a forwardly-facing upright surface FF rearward of and above the top PT of the base portion for supporting a back of the toddler in the seated position on the base portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the forwardly- facing surface FF extends upwardly from the US of the base portion.

[0045] To cooperate with the stepping surface formed by the back portion B, the potty training apparatus further comprises a removable lid L configured to cover the opening O in the base portion. The lid L is configured to be supported on top of the base portion and forms an upper generally horizontal support surface LS to be cooperative with the upper surface BS of the back portion. Thus, the lid L at least spans the opening O, but preferably, the lid L covers a whole of the top PT of the base portion. The lid’s upper surface LS is generally horizontal in that it is more horizontal than upright such that a child can stand thereon in a balanced state without falling off. Thus, the upper lid surface LS enlarges a surface area at the top of the base portion P (as compared to the surface surrounding US and locating the opening O, which is substantially annular) for stepping upon to reach the back portion’s top surface BS.

[0046] For potty use, the potty training apparatus 10 comprises a removable seat S configured to be supported on top of the base portion and forming a hole H registrable or alignable with the opening O. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat S comprises a pommel 1 , a backrest 2, side supports 3 and 4, a seat 5, and contained within the seat 5, a hole H. The pommel 1 , backrest 2, side supports 3 and 4 can help maintain and help stabilize the child in an upright position. Preferably, Further, the removable seat S is sized and shaped to be supported on a toilet seat of the toilet. Preferably, the general angle of seat 5 is slightly tilted forwards (and downwardly) to facilitate an anterior pelvic tilt, and good posture. As such, the seat S acts as a converter to support the toddler using the toilet. It will be appreciated that to convert (the base portion) to a step, the seat S is replaced with the lid L. In conjunction with this replacement, the seat S may be placed on the toilet seat. Preferably, the seat S is made of a high density foam material and the pommel 1 , backrest 2, and side supports 3, 4 are integrally formed.

[0047] In other words, the apparatus 10 comprises potty P, which has removable potty seat, S, and a backing, B. Potty P is designed to look like a toilet bowl, while backing B is designed to resemble the tank of a toilet. It will be appreciated that the potty has a different scale suitable for child use to a conventional toilet (i.e., the apparatus is smaller overall). Backing B also provides a backrest, offering ergonomic support during potty training. Preferably, the potty P is located approximately 14 cm from the floor and the top of the backing B is located approximately 28 cm from the floor. The backing B is releasably secured to the potty P by hooks or latches J to secure the potty and backing B to one another.

[0048] The potty seat S is removable, as seen in FIG. 2, and can be replaced with lid L, as seen in FIG. 3, which extends across the upper surface of the potty P and is sufficiently strong to support an infant’s weight.

[0049] In a first configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the child can sit on the potty seat S, which is supported by potty P. In the centre of potty seat S is a hole H that child can urinate and / or poop through.

[0050] In a second configuration as shown in FIG. 2, the seat S has been placed on the toilet seat TS of a conventional toilet T. Lid L has been positioned on to the potty P, transforming the seat into a first step. The top of backing B serves as a second step. The first step assists the child in reaching the second step, which in turn allows the child to access the toilet independently.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates the potty P being used as a first step, while the potty backing B is being used as a second step, allowing the child to reach the bathroom sink. The latches J secure the potty to the backing to provide a stable step. FIG. 5 illustrates the potty back B being used to elevate the legs of a child sitting in seat S on toilet seat TS of Toilet S, into an ergonomic position for bowel movements, where the child’s knees are raised to or above the height of their pelvis.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates how the combined potty P and backing B may be positioned relative to toilet T, in a configuration that may be used by boys for urinating into toilet T.

[0053] In use, the training apparatus 10 is provided adjacent a toilet, and specifically adjacent a toilet bowl thereof, while resting on the floor surface. The apparatus 10 can be oriented such that the back portion B is intermediate the seat portion P and the toilet, as shown in FIG. 3, or the back and seat portions B, S are side-by-side such that both are adjacent the toilet. In either case, in this adjacent position, the base portion P acts as a first step closer to the floor surface and theback portion B acts as a second consecutive step closer to the toilet seat to provide plural steps for the child to move from the floor surface to the toilet seat. Preferably, the lid L is placed on top of the base portion B to cover the opening O and form the stepping surface of the base portion. When the back and base portions are placed side-by-side relative to the toilet, the base portion can act as a standing surface to support a male toddler in a standing position adjacent the toilet, suited for urinating.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the potty training apparatus 10 can be used as a mutli-step stool to reach other hard-to-reach or elevated areas which a toddler may have difficulty reaching from the floor, such as a sink.

[0055] As described hereinbefore, the present invention relates to a potty training apparatus comprising a base portion arranged for resting on a floor surface and having a cavity for receiving excretions of a toddler and a back portion in fixed relation to the base portion forming a horizontal support surface at a spaced height above a top of the base portion and below a top of the toilet bowl of the toilet (as to be disposed therebetween), whereby a top of the base portion and the upper support surface of the back portion collectively form steps for transitioning (with respect to location) from the floor surface to the toilet seat, that is, climbing from the floor surface to the toilet seat, or more generally, the top of the toilet bowl.

[0056] As described hereinbefore, but in other words, the present invention relates, in an aspect, to a potty training device for toddlers. The training device comprises a base structure configured to rest on a support surface, and a back component attached to or continuous with the base, designed to mimic a traditional toilet tank. The back component serves as (i) a second step for independent access to a standard toilet; (ii) a leg rest, raising the toddler’s knees to an ergonomic height when seated on the toilet; and (iii) optionally, a backrest for ergonomic support during potty training. The potty training device may further comprise at least any one of a removable toddler potty seat attached to, or resting securely on the base structure, which is detachable and securely fits onto a standard toilet seat, providing a smaller seat size suitable for a toddler; a removable basin for waste collection; and a coverthat transforms the base structure into a first step, assisting the child in reaching the second step formed by the back component. Preferably, the back component functions as a leg rest to elevate the toddler’s knees to or above pelvic height when seated on a toilet, facilitating optimal bowel movements.

[0057] In an embodiment, the toddler potty seat S includes a safety feature that prevents it from slipping or moving when placed on a standard toilet seat TS. More specifically, the safety feature comprises a plurality of downwardly-projecting protrusions or tabs SP on a bottom of the seat for locating in an orifice TSO of the toilet seat TS when the seat S is used to support the toddler seated thereon. The projections SP are disposed at spaced positions on the bottom of the seat S where the tabs can be placed in butting engagement with an inner peripheral edge TSI of the toilet seat. Thus, the retention projections or tabs SP act to resist against horizontal movement of the removable seat S relative to the toilet seat TS. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs SP are integrally formed with a body of the seat S forming the pommel 1 , backrest 2, and side supports 3, 4, such that the tabs SP are horizontally, and preferably resiliently, deflectable. Further, an outer periphery SOP of the seat S is sized and shaped larger than the inner peripheral edge TSI defining the orifice TSO of the toilet seat, such that a bottom surface SB of the seat, from which the tabs project, is configured to rest on a top of the toilet seat TS in the toilet-use position of the seat S. Yet further, it will be appreciated that the training apparatus comprises receptacles R (schematically shown in FIG. 2) in the top PT of the base portion, opening upwardly and configured to receive the tabs Tl when the seat S is located on the base in a potty-use position thereof. Thus, the receptacles R form protrusion-receiving cavities in the top of the base portion. Each receptacle R receives one of the retention projections SP. It will be appreciated that only three of the four receptacles R are visible in FIG. 2.

[0058] In yet other words, the present invention relates to a potty training apparatus which comprises a base portion forming a potty and a back portion adjacent the potty and forming an elevated support surface relative thereto. The potty, especially when covered by a lid, and together with the back portion, form plural steps for climbing such that when the apparatus is located adjacent a toilet a child can climb the steps to reach the toilet.

[0059] The novel potty training apparatus provides a multifunctional back component and an adaptable toddler potty seat, as to provide a more effective and ergonomic potty training process. The apparatus features a potty back, which can resemble a traditional toilet tank, can act as a backrest to provide economic support during potty training; can serve as a second step to help toddlers access a standard toilet independently (of other humans); and can function as all leg rest, elevating the toddlers knees to a prescribed economic height, when seated on a standard toilet. Additionally, the apparatus features a potty seat to receive the toddler in a seated position on a base portion of the apparatus, and which includes a hole or basin for waste collection, is transformable by a cover to convert the base portion into a first step to assist the toddler inreaching a second step formed by the potty back. Further, the potty seat S is removable from the base portion and can be placed on a standard toilet, providing inappropriately sized seat for the child and to prevent them from sinking into the toilet.

[0060] Thus is provided a potty training apparatus with dual functionality to aid in transitioning from a ground-based potty to a standard toilet while providing ergonomic benefits.

[0061] While the aspects of the present embodiments are illustrated and described as having a certain arrangement of aspects and features, it is understood that any suitable arrangement can be used that retains the functions described with respect to the present embodiments.

[0062] Although the foregoing has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A potty training apparatus comprising: a base portion configured to support a child in a seated position with feet over a floor surface, the base portion having a bottom configured for resting on the floor surface, a top forming an upwardly-facing surface and locating an opening thereon, and a cavity in communication with the opening for receiving excretions of the child; a back portion beside the base portion and forming a generally horizontal support surface above the base portion and arranged to be below a seat of a toilet as to define a stepping surface for climbing from the potty to the toilet.

2. The potty training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base portion is shaped to resemble a toilet bowl.

3. The potty training apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the back portion is shaped to resemble a toilet tank.

4. The potty training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the back portion forms a forwardly-facing upright surface rearward of and above the base portion for supporting a back of a child in a seated position.

5. The potty training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a removable lid configured to cover the opening hole in the base portion and forming an upper generally horizontal support surface for transitioning from the floor surface to the upper support surface of the back portion.

6. The potty training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a removable seat configured to be supported on the base portion and forming a hole registrable with the opening communicated with the cavity, wherein the removable seat is sized and shaped to be supported on a toilet seat of the toilet.

7. The potty training apparatus of claim 6 wherein the removable seat comprises plurality of downwardly-projecting protrusions on a bottom of the seat for locating in an orifice of the toilet seat as to resist against horizontal movement of the removable seat relative to the toilet seat.

8. The potty training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the stepping surface is disposed at a height between about 25 cm and about 30 cm relative to the bottom of the base portion.

9. The potty training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the top of the base portion is at a height between about 12 cm and about 18 cm relative to the bottom of the base portion.

10. The potty training apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the base portion and the back portion are distinct and are detachably connectable.

11. A method for potty training comprising: providing a training apparatus comprising a base portion arranged for resting on a floor surface and having a cavity for receiving excretions of a child and a back portion in fixed relation to the base portion forming a generally horizontal support surface at a spaced height above a top of the base portion and below a top of a toilet bowl of a toilet, whereby a top of the base portion and said support surface of the back portion collectively form steps for climbing from the floor surface to a toilet seat of the toilet; locating the training apparatus adjacent the toilet; and climbing the steps of the training apparatus.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein locating the training apparatus adjacent the toilet comprises orienting the training apparatus such that the back portion is intermediate the toilet and the base portion.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12 further comprising, before climbing the steps, placing a lid on the top of the base portion to cover the cavity.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13 further comprising, after climbing the steps, sitting on the toilet seat with feet on said support surface of the back portion.

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