GB2473620A - A stackable potty set - Google Patents

Abstract

A stackable potty set comprising a first potty 100 and a second potty 200, each comprising a skirt support (fig 1, 1), a bowl (fig 1, 3) and a seating region (fig 1, 2). The first potty comprises upwardly directed external abutment regions 13' and 14' around its external surface and the second potty has downwardly directed abutment regions (fig 5 to 8, 17' and 18') complimentary to the first potties abutment regions. The potties can be stacked with the second potty on top of the first potty, in which the abutment regions contact to provide a stable engagement. Preferably the abutment sections are arranged at less than 30 degrees from horizontal and located above 70% of the height on the first potty and below 40% of the height of the second potty. The second potty may totally cover the first and contact the floor with its support portion.

Description

POTTIES

This invention has to do with children's chamber pots, which are usually called "potties" and that is what we call them here. Preferred embodiments are moulded plastics potties.

Generally a potty has an upwardly-open bowl, a surrounding rim providing a generally upwardly-facing seat surface on which the child sits and a support structure to support these stably at a fixed level above the floor.

Conventionally and desirably the bowl, seat and support are formed together as portions of a moulded plastics shell, having the seat surface as an integral extension out from the top edge of the bowl, and the support structure as an integral skirt or outer wall extending down from the outside of the seat surface to a generally annular bottom edge defining the plane which rests on the floor. Such moulded potties are economical to make because they can use press-forming or vacuum-form processes. They are light, robust and easy to clean.

Moreover, by using moulding technology the seat portion can be subtly shaped in a manner intended to conform comfortably to a child's bottom.

However it is well known that some children have difficulty or anxiety about using potties, causing worry and inconvenience for both child and parent.

We have noted that in general, conventional potties are designed with an emphasis on compactness and portability, and beyond the shaping of the seat surface make few concessions to easy comfortable sitting. We also note that a child's comfort and safety on the seat surface vary widely according to body shape, size and age and the conventional contour of a potty can do little to accommodate this. Because potties are low the child's body tends to bend sharply in the middle with the thighs angled steeply up, so that the child's feet have little leverage and give correspondingly little support and stability. Smaller children tend to sink down into the bowl and risk touching the contents or getting stuck, while larger children may feel themselves perched uncomfortably on the rim.

In this application we put forward various new proposals for the construction of potties, addressing some of the existing shortcomings.

A first aspect of our proposals is a stackable potty set comprising first and second patties. Each potty has a bowl, seat portion and support portion. Desirably they are plastic structures, more desirably in one piece, the support portion being in the form of a skirt surround which has a bottom edge forming a base plane which is the lowermost extremity of the potty and on which it can stand stably. The first and second patties are adapted to provide a stable stacked conformation in which the second potty can be positioned stably on top of the first potty to be supported by it. To provide a stable condition, desirably the first potty comprises one or more upwardly-directed external abutment regions distributed around its structure, at a height or heights above the base plane. One or more complementary downwardly-directed abutment regions of the second potty rest on the corresponding one or more abutment regions of the first potty in the stacked condition. Preferably the respective abutment regions are comprised in or on the support structures of the respective potties. Where these are moulded plastics skirts the abutment regions may be integral moulded formations.

By having the abutment regions distributed around the respective potties, a stable stacked condition can be provided. Preferably the abutment regions are directed upwardly at an angle not more than 45 degrees from the horizontal, more preferably less than 30 degrees from the horizontal, still more preferably less than 15 degrees from the horizontal and most preferably substantially horizontal. This has the advantage that when the potties rest on one another, the tendency for the contacting abutments to slide sideways past one another is reduced or avoided. This differs from a simple nesting of known potties (e.g. identical potties) in which one fits down over the other until their flared support skirts or inner bowls first come into contact: the top one will then usually rock, or be slidable, or else the supports or bowls become wedged together. By having essentially upwardly-and downwardly-directed abutment regions, a stable and predictable stacked position is reached without straining the structure.

Preferably in the stacked condition any one or more of the following applies. The base plane of the second potty is at least 6, more preferably at least 8 or 9 cm above the ground. The lowest portion of the seat region of the second potty (typically where it meets the support structure at the right and left sides) is at least 18 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, still more preferably at least 22 cm above the base plane of the first potty, i.e. above the ground in use. The mentioned lowest portion of the seat region of the second potty may be at least 50% higher than its height when standing alone on the ground, more preferably at least 60% higher, still more preferably at least 70% higher.

Preferably the abutment region(s) around the first potty is/are relatively high on the structure, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70% and most preferably at least 75% of the height from the base plane of the first potty to the lowest outer portion of its seat region where it meets the support structure.

Correspondingly, the downwardly-directed abutment region(s) of the second potty is/are desirably low on its structure, preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, more preferably less than 35% of the height from its base plane to the lowest outer portion of its seat region.

The abutment region(s) on each potty may all lie at the same height, although this is not crucial provided that they are complementary in height between the first and second potties so that the second potty takes a stable conformation (and in particular preferably with its base plane horizontal) when stacked on the first. In a preferred configuration, the downwardly-directed abutment regions of the second potty are provided on the interior of a skirt-form support thereof at an intermediate height (e.g. a preferred height as mentioned above) as a shoulder formation between a wider skirt portion below and a narrower skirt portion above.

Correspondingly, the or each upwardly-directed abutment region on the first potty is desirably provided as a shoulder formation on the exterior of a skirt-form support portion thereof (e.g. at a preferred upper height as proposed above) again with a broader part of the skirt below and a narrower part above. [It will be understood that "broader" and "narrower" are being used here to refer to the outward horizontal spacing of the skirt wall from a notional radial centre of the potty.) Desirably in the stacked condition an inwardly-directed portion of the support structure of the second potty, e.g. an inward surface of a skirt support, at least at opposite portions thereof, fits closely around or against corresponding outwardly-directed portions, e.g. outward skirt surfaces, of the first potty at least at opposed portions thereof.

These engagements prevent horizontal or lateral sliding or rotation of the second potty on top of the first when they are stacked. Desirably they are provided at least by a skirt portion of the second potty -preferably below the abutment region(s) thereof -making a generally complementary nesting fit around the adjacent part of the first potty when stacked.

While the mentioned abutment region(s) may extend all the way around the potties, this tends to enlarge the overall area. Preferably therefore plural abutment regions are provided spaced around the potty, at at least two and laterally opposed regions, preferably three or four e.g. at front and back and right and left corners.

Preferably the support structures e.g. support skirts are downwardly divergent or flared. This makes it easier to guide the second potty onto the first, moving towards a close fit when the abutment regions meet.

Desirably the abutment regions are provided entirely on the respective support portions, although optionally they may be in or on a seat region or backrest portion of the first potty. Preferably there is no contact between the first and second bowls in the stacked condition.

This helps to avoid wedging.

It is strongly preferred that the first and second potties are of different heights, from the base plane to the seat region. Preferably the first potty is the taller. It will be understood that the potty set will then offer three available heights, the shortest being that of the shorter potty, the next for the taller and the tallest for the stacked condition. In the stacked condition the second potty is on top. Since this will be for the tallest child it is desirable that the bowl of the second potty have a larger volume than that of the first. However since it is also preferred that the second potty is the shorter, to be used by the smallest child, it is preferred that extra volume be provided by means of extra depth rather than by a substantially larger top opening of the bowl. In any event, the second potty desirably has a bowl volume at least 20%, preferably at least 25% and more preferably at least 30% greater than that of the first potty, measured to a level at the lowest portion of the rim between the bowl and the seat region, which is usually demarcated by an edge or corner.

It is particularly preferred that the first potty can be placed on the second potty (i.e. the reverse of the stacked condition) so as substantially to cover it i.e. the potties nesting so that the base plane of the first potty can reach the ground, or at least to within 10% or 5% of the height of the first potty from its base plane to the lowest seat region. This is why the first potty is preferably the taller. It enables a compact packaging or portable condition with the second potty contained inside the first.

A further independent (but combinable) proposal herein relates generally to the height of a potty. The above proposal for stackable potties provides a new way of increasing the height of a potty for a taller child, leading to a natural and comfortable sitting position and in particular with the thighs less steeply angled. There is therefore an independent proposal for a relatively tall potty. of course the novelty of this is particularly in relation to small potties suitable for children, as determinable from the size of the top opening of the bowl at the relatively sharp angle or rim where the seat region begins. Across the bowl rim (this is typically also the lowest part: the front conventionally rises to a peak to prevent splashing and the back may rise to a support or backrest part) the maximum opening width is preferably 170 mm or less, more preferably 160 mm or less. The dimension from front to back of the bowl (horizontally at the same height) is preferably 200 mm or less, more preferably 190 mm or less, more preferably 180 mm or less. The opening is conventionally oval in plan shape. According to the present proposal, such a potty may have a height from the base plane to the lowest portion of the bowl opening (which is in effect the same height as the lowest portion of the seat region) of at least 110 mm, more preferably at least 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 mm. Such heights are not conventional for children's potties, and bring a marked improvement in seating comfort and confidence in use which more than offsets the greater size.

A further independent proposal, again combinable with the other proposals herein, relates to the conformation of the bowl. Desirably the vertical depth of the bowl, from its lowest point up to the lowest point of its rim (where it would overflow onto the seat region) is at least 70 mm, more preferably at least any one of 75 mm, 80 mm or 90 mm. Desirably the bowl is relatively steep-sided, preferably such that at half-height (from the lowest point up to the lowest rim point) its cross-sectional area is at least 75%, or preferably at least 80% or at least 85%, of the cross-sectional area at the lowest rim level. Desirably even at one-fifth height the cross-sectional area is still at least 60%, more preferably 65% or at least 70%, of the area at the lowest rim. Preferably the bowl wall angle at the widest side positions (right and left) is 25 degrees or less or 20 degrees or less with respect to the vertical over at least 50%, 60% or 70% of the depth. The fluid capacity of the bowl is desirably at least 1000 ml, preferably at least 1100, 1200 or at least 1300 ml.

In all aspects the general conformation of the seat region may in itself be conventional. However since the potty may be relatively tall, the child's legs will tend to be more horizontal. The slope of the seat region in the radial direction from its inner edge (e.g. bowl rim) to its outer edge (e.g. junction with support) may therefore be less than usual. For example left and right side regions of the seating region where the legs rest may have an angle which does not exceed 20 degrees, 15 degrees or 10 degrees to the horizontal. This improves stability and avoids sinking in or becoming wedged. It is particularly advantageous in combination with a steep-sided bowl as discussed above.

The front region of the potty may rise into an anti-splash peak as mentioned previously. The shape of this may be conventional, since the child does not sit on it.

At the back, the seat region desirably rises into a backrest or back support portion. Preferably this extends laterally (left to right) for a width (measured in a straight line) at least greater than the maximum width of the bowl opening, preferably at least 50 wider.

Desirably a top rim of the rear portion is fully concave forwardly and there is a generally concave region in front of it, leading down to the rear rim of the bowl, so that the contents of the potty can be tipped away rearwardly over the rim in a stable mariner, i.e. without tending to diverge and spill in unexpected directions as a result of locally convex rim regions.

As mentioned above, the or each potty is desirably made from a single plastics piece, shaped e.g. by vacuum-forming or pressing. The support e.g. support skirt desirably has a recess or through-opening, e.g. in the back wall, to help pick the potty up.

Embodiments of the proposals are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1 to 4 are respectively a front oblique view, a plan view, a side view and a front view of a first potty embodying the invention; Figs. 5 to 8 are corresponding views of a second potty, able to form a set with the first; Fig. 9 shows the second potty stacked on the first, and Fig. 10 shows the first potty nested over the second, both Figs. 9 and 10 being in vertical cross-section front-to-back.

Each of the first potty 100 (Figs. 1 to 4) and second potty 200 (Figs. 5 to 8) is a one-piece moulding of conventional plastics material as well-known to manufacturers. Each has a central bowl 3, an outer generally upright support skirt 1 and a generally upwardly-directed seating region 2. Except that the first potty 100 is taller than the second, and that stacking support formations 13,14,17,18 are differently positioned on the two, the first and second potty considered individually are generally similar in form and function and form a set. For each potty the bowl 3 is generally ovoid in plan, having a length (major axis) 11,12 and a maximum width (minor axis) wl,w2. These measurements are at a rim 32 of the bowl, where (as can be seen in Figs. 9 and 10) the substantially horizontal seat region 2 meets the substantially upright wall of the bowl 3 at a pronounced angle. In this embodiment (approximately) w]. = 145 mm, w2 = 150 mm, 11 = 165 mm and 12 = 170 mm. In this embodiment the respective depths dl,d2 (see Figs. 9, 10) of the first and second bowls are approximately dl = 75 mm, d2 = 90 mm. Thus, the bowl of the second (shorter) potty 200 is slightly wider and appreciably deeper than that of the first (taller) potty 100. The respective volumes (filled to the lowest point of the rim in each case) are from 1100 to 1200 ml for the first potty 100 and from 1400 to 1500 ml for the second potty 200. The slope of the walls of the bowls 3 is steep, generally about 100 so that the volume relative to unit depth is large, and in particular the volume relative to the size of the bowl opening is large compared with conventional potties. This is desirable because the second potty 200, although it must have a small seat so that it can be used by itself as the smallest potty, is also on top in the stacked condition (Fig. 9) when it is going to be used by the largest children and the largest volume will be needed. However these volume details are only preferred, and may be different e.g. the bowls 3 of the two potties may be of the same shape and size.

At the front, the rim rises to form a peak 25 with a splash-catching function.

At the sides and back, the bowl rim 32 lies approximately in a horizontal plane and the adjacent bordering region of seating surface 23 is inclined gently upwards and out: at about 100 for the first 2 or 3 cm.

This provides a stable platform for sitting. At the rear of the potty, the outer rim of the seat region 2 (where it meets the exterior skirt 1) rises to form a wide rear support or backrest 21 with a forwardly-concave horizontal top edge. A fully concave chute or gathering region 22 is formed in front of the top edge of the rear support 21 so that it is easy to control the pouring away of the potty's contents over the rear edge. In these embodiments the top edge is about 5 cm above the bowl rim at the rear.

The support skirt 1 has a generally trapezoidal shape in plan, with only slightly curved front and back walls and essentially flat side walls 15 converging towards the front. Desirably a hand-hole (not shown) is formed through the back wall. Otherwise the support skirt is closed and continuous all round, and meets the ground at a planar bottom edge 11. The bottom edge also has a slight lateral enlargement or edge skirt 16.

The potties 100,200 are shaped and dimensioned so that the first (taller) potty 100 can fit right over the second potty 200 as shown in Fig. 10 and reach the ground. Thus, both potties can be carried in the volume of the larger one.

The respective skirts 1 are shaped with integral front, rear, left and right shoulder formations 13,14,17,18 enabling them to be stacked stably as shown in Fig. 9. These formations are moulded integrally in the skirts 1 at corner portions 12 thereof for strength, so that the material thickness need not be locally increased, and feature substantially horizontal flat face regions of generally triangular form. (Where they are indicated with a prime e.g. 13', 17' the visible feature in the drawing is the reverse of the contact face of the shoulder.] In this embodiment the respective seat heights sl,2 and abutment heights al,2 (see Figs. 3 and 7) are as follows: Si = 170 -190 mm s2 = 130 -150 mm al = 130 -150 mm a2 30 -60 mm Fig. 9 shows how in the stacked position the skirts are dimensioned to nest (fit horizontally) closely all around but without horizontal strain. d

Claims (14)

1. CLAIMS: 1. Stackable potty set comprising first and second potties, each having a bowl, seat portion and support portion having a base, and in which the second potty can be positioned stably on top of the first potty and supported by it to provide a stacked condition.
2. 2. Potty set according to claim 1 in which the first potty comprises one or more upwardly-directed external abutment regions distributed around its structure, above a base plane thereof, and the second potty has one or more downwardly-directed abutment regions, complementary to the upwardly-direct abutment regions of the first potty, which rest on them in the stacked condition.
3. 3. Potty set according to claim 2 in which the abutment regions are less than 30° from horizontal.
4. 4. Potty set according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the abutment region(s) around the first potty is/are positioned relatively high on its structure, specifically at least 70% of the height from the base plane to the lowest outer portion of the seat region where it meets the support structure. a. * S ***.
5. 5. Potty set according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in S.....* which the downwardly-directed abutment region(s) of the *... second potty is/are low on its structure, specifically at less than 40% of the height from its base plane to the lowest outer portion of its seat region where it meets * *. the support structure. S. a S..
6. 6. Potty set according to any one of the preceding claims in which each of the first and second potties is a one-piece plastic structure, the support portion being in the form of a skirt surround whose bottom edge forms a base plane which is the lowermost extremity of the potty and on which it can stand stably.
7. 7. Potty set according to claim 6 in which the downwardly-directed abutment regions of the second potty are provided on the interior of the skirt-form support thereof at an intermediate height, as a shoulder formation between a wider skirt portion below and a narrow skirt portion above, while the or each upwardly-directed abutment region on the first potty is provided as a shoulder formation on the exterior of the skirt-formed portion thereof with a wider part of the skirt below and a narrower part above.
8. 8. Potty set according to any one of the preceding claims in which, in said stacked condition, an inwardly-directed portion of the support structure of the second potty fits closely around or against correspondingly outwardly-directed portions of the first potty to prevent horizontal or lateral sliding or rotation of the second potty on top of the first.
9. 9. Potty set according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first potty is taller, from the base plane to the seat region, than the second potty. *4S.
10. 10. Potty set according to any one of the preceding * * claims in which the first potty is dimensioned so that it can be placed on the second potty so as substantially to cover it, the potties then nesting so that the base plane of the first potty can reach the ground. * ,*

    *
11. 11. Potty set according to any one of the preceding claims in which the bowls of the two potties are of the same shape and size, or the bowl of the second potty has a larger volume than that of the first potty. 4 tt
12. 12. Potty set according to any one of the preceding claims in which the height of the first and/or second potty, from the base plane to the lowest portion of the seat region, is at least 130mm.
13. 13. Potty set according to any one of the preceding claims in which each potty has a through-opening in a back wall of the support portion thereof, to help pick it up.
14. 14. Potty set substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. S... * . *4S*0S**** * S S'S. * S* S. S S... * S S... * .. S. S S.. * S