GB2505445A - A Potty - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a childs potty comprising predominantly two portions 1 & 3, where the portions provide a basin portion, a displaceable seat portion 2 and at least one support foot 6. The portions may be hemispherical and the potty substantially spherical. The portions may be formed from plastics using injection moulding. The basin may be moulded to include a shaped upper rim that functions as a seat to support the child when using the potty.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a potty, more particularly but not exclusively a novelty potty to help encourage children potty training.

Background and Prior Art

Potty training is an important part of a child's upbringing and a number of techniques and methods are in place to encourage the child to move on to using a potty rather than relying on a. nappy.

Many different designs and style are available however it can often be challenging to encourage child to sit on a potty, making it often more important to familiarise a child with a particular potty.

The nature of a potty is that it must be available and so is can be carried with a parent or carer at all times and therefore must be lightweight and easy to carry.

Transport and storage are often a problem as the potty can take up a deal of room, particularly when a step is also required for a child for secondary, occasional or training use with a standard toilet.

The present invention therefore arose in order to overcome problems associated with a traditional potty.

In contrast the present invention provides a multiple function potty optimised for storage and transport for the carer, and familiarisation for the child.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pottypredominantly formed of two portions, said portions providing: a basin, a displaceable seat, and at least one foot.

In preferred embodiments the portions are largely hemispherical and the potty is largely spherical, wherein the potty resembles a ball. In further embodiments the potty may be cuboid or ovaloid.

Ideally the two portions are displaceably mounted together by.a hinge so as to be readily opened and closed. In some embodiments the hinge may be incrementally supported or displaceable, for example including supportive members or bias preventing closure.

Some embodiments may be displaceable through screw threading.

Vet further embodiments may include displaceable or extendable bracing to brace the displaced portions.

Preferably in addition or the alternative the portions include means of holding the portions in a closed position, typically by means of a clip, latch, hook or detent mechanism wherein the portion may include an indent to provide the user with a finger grip so as to allow a user to open the lid. In this way the potty may be readily storable and/or transportable.

In preferred embodiments the potty is shaped to represent a football, sport ball or soccer ball wherein the two portions house the basin on which the child sits on, and a lid which when not in use is closed so as to give the ball its familiar appearance.

In preferred embodiments the portions are formed of a lightweight, durable material such as synthetic plastics that may be injection moulded wherein at least part of an external surface of the portion includes a football design.

In preferred embodiments the portion housing the basin includes or provides at least one foot to support the potty and/or elevate the potty from a supporting surface.

Most preferably the potty includes four feet evenly spaced around the portion.

Typically each foot is formed of a lightweight, durable material similar or identical to that of the portions. Preferably each foot may include a rubber capped end to provide grip on whichever surface it is placed.

In some embodiments the foot may be provided by a flattened foot or base to the seat portion, wherein said portion is a truncated hemisphere.

In preferred embodiments the basin is a removable section mounted in the portion wherein the child is seated when using the potty or lowermost portion or seat portion in use. It is envisaged that the basin may be removable so as to be easily emptied and cleaned.

Typically the basin may clip or slot into the portion so as to be stable in use but easily removed.

Ideally the basin is moulded to include a shaped upper rim that functions as a seat to support the child when the potty is in use In other embodiments the basin and seat are integrated with the seat portion and are not a removable part. In such embodiments the seat portion may be emptied directly into a toilet, for example including a hinge allowing the portions to hinge apart at an acute angle.

In preferred embodiments a platform is provided, wherein the platform is a cover that fits over the basin so as to provide a level surface on which the child may stand on.

Ideally the platform underside may include a raised portion that fits concentrically within the shaped upper rim of the basin to form a sealed connection with the basin.

Preferably the platform may include a rubber seal so that when connected to the basin it is secure, watertight and does not move in use so that the child can safely stand on the platform.

The seal also allows any defecated waste to be stored and transported should a disposal location not be readily available.

Typically the platform isforrned of the same or similar material as the basin. The child may step up on to the platform in order to elevate themselves for example to be able to reach a sink in order to wash their hands.

Advantageously the platform may include an anti-slip material such as rubber or silicon to provide grip for the child when standing on the potty. The anti-slip material may be shaped for example as feet, or characters to encourage the child to use it.

Alternatively the platform may have a textured surface to prevent slipping.

In some embodiments the potty may include a sensor that detects the presence of the child on the pony which activates and audible response, typically a tune which is played.

Ideally said sensor is mounted in one of the portions along with a battery and a small loudspeaker that emits the audible response, therefore remaining separate from the basin and the platform.

In other embodiments there may be space utilised between the basin and the portion.

It is envisaged that this space may be used to house other items such as toilet paper or baby wipes. The portions may include access points in order to be able to reach any stored items and such items may be made available by extending or telescoping rnem bers.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations ih size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of thefl principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the potty opened; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 opened: Figure 4 shows an exploded side of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 opened; Figures 6 show views of the embodiment of Figure 1 closed; And Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1 closed.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment includes the following: First portion 1 Platform 2 Second portion 3 Displaceable seat 4 Portion catch mechanism 5 Feet 6

Claims (8)

1. Claims - 1. A potty predominantly formed of two portions, said portions providing: a basin, a displaceable seat, and at least one foot.
2. 2. A potty according to claim I wherein the portions are largely hemispherical and the potty is largely spherical, wherein the potty resembles a ball.
3. 3. A potty according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the portions are formed of a lightweight, durable material such as synthetic plastics that may be injection moulded wherein at least part of an external surface of the portion includes a football design.
4. 4. A potty according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the basin is a removable section mounted in the portion wherein the child is seated when using the potty or lowermost portion or seat portion in use.
5. 5. A potty according to claim 1. 2, 3 or 4wherein the basin is moulded to include a shaped upper rim that functions as a seat to support the child when the potty is in use.
6. 6. A potty according to any preceding claim wherein a platform is provided, wherein the platform is a cover that fits over the basin so as to provide a level surface on which the child may stand on.
7. 7. A method of providing a potty according to any of the preceding claims.
8. 8. A method of providing a potty with reference to the figures.