US20140096315A1

US20140096315A1 - Portable High-Rise Toilet Seat

Info

Publication number: US20140096315A1
Application number: US14/048,117
Authority: US
Inventors: Nannette E. Dutchover
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-09
Filing date: 2013-10-08
Publication date: 2014-04-10

Abstract

A portable high-rise toilet seat apparatus includes an inflatable bladder having a configuration of a toilet seat. The bladder includes at least one inlet port configured to receive air or water whereby to inflate the bladder. To facilitate drying an interior area of the bladder, the bladder may include at least two inlet ports. The bladder further includes opposed lines of weakness configured to enable the bladder to be folded one or more times. The bladder is configured to move between a deflated configuration for storage or transport and an inflated configuration suitable to rest atop a standard toilet seat so as to form a high-rise toilet seat for use by a disabled or aging person. The bladder may include features—such as anti-slip elements, fastening mechanisms, and/or mating surfaces—to reduce the risk of the bladder slipping off the standard toilet seat.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/711,262 filed on Oct. 9, 2012, titled Portable Toilet Seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toilet seating devices and, more particularly, to a portable toilet seat that is selectively inflatable for use with an existing standard toilet seat. More particularly, the portable toilet seat includes an inflatable and foldable design that may be stored, transported, and then inflated to a full size high-rise toilet seat.
Toilet seats having an increased thickness are desirable for persons that are disabled, recovering from an injury, aging, or that are simply less able to rise or sit on a traditional toilet seat. These so-called “high-rise” seats extend higher above the toilet so that a person does not need to bend the knees as much while sitting or to exert as much effort to stand. High-rise toilet seats are common in nursing and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and in homes of individuals who consistently need such assistance.
Although existing high-rise toilet seats are assumably effective for their intended purposes, they are ineffective for individuals who need them in locations not having one. For instance, a disabled person may travel to a public place not having a high-rise toilet seat or to the home of family or friends that, again, do not have a needed high-rise toilet seat. Obviously, it is not practical for a disabled person to carry her own high-rise toilet seat wherever she travels.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a high-rise toilet seat that is portable so that it may be easily and discretely transported by a disabled person and be available whenever needed. Further, it would be desirable to have a high-rise toilet seat that may be inflated, with air and/or water, to its full size when needed and deflated when its use is no longer required. Further yet, it would be desirable to easily dry the high-rise toilet seat after use. In addition, it would be desirable to have a high-rise toilet seat that may be folded into a compact size when deflated so as to be transported in a person's purse, pocket, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable high-rise toilet seat apparatus according to the present invention includes an inflatable bladder having a configuration of a toilet seat. The bladder includes at least one inlet port configured to receive air or water whereby to inflate the bladder. To facilitate drying an interior area of the bladder, the bladder may include at least two inlet ports. The bladder further includes opposed lines of weakness configured to enable the bladder to be folded one or more times. The bladder is configured to move between a deflated configuration for storage or transport and an inflated configuration suitable to rest atop a standard toilet seat so as to form a high-rise toilet seat for use by a disabled or aging person. The bladder may include features—such as anti-slip elements, fastening mechanisms, and/or mating surfaces—to reduce the risk of the bladder slipping off the standard toilet seat.
Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a portable high-rise toilet seat that may be easily and discretely transported by a disabled person and utilized with any toilet as needed.
Another object of this invention is to provide a portable high-rise toilet seat, as aforesaid, that may be inflated to an enlarged thickness to assist a disabled person in sitting on and rising from a toilet.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a portable high-rise toilet seat, as aforesaid, that includes a plurality of fold lines about which the seat may be folded when in a deflated configuration.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a portable high-rise toilet seat, as aforesaid, that is easy to transport, inflate, use, dry, deflate, and store.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a portable high-rise toilet seat, as aforesaid, that may be inflated with air or water.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable high-rise toilet seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in a fully inflated configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 1 illustrated in a deflated configuration;

FIG. 3 a is a top view of the portable high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 1, further comprising second, third, and fourth inlet ports and respective second, third, and fourth caps;

FIG. 3 b is a sectional view taken along line 3 b-3 b of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 a is a top view of the portable high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 3 a, rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise;

FIG. 4 b is a sectional view taken along line 4 b-4 b of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the portable high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 6 a is a sectional view taken along line 6 a-6 a of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 b is a sectional view taken along line 6 b-6 b of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 a is an isolated view of a first inlet port on an enlarged scale, taken from FIG. 6 a, showing a first cap installed onto the first inlet port and a valve member in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 b is an isolated view of a first inlet port on an enlarged scale, taken from FIG. 6 b, with a first cap omitted and showing a valve member in an open configuration;

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of the high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 3 a, further comprising anti-slip elements;

FIG. 8 b is a perspective view of the high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 8 a, shown from a different angle;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portable high-rise toilet seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in a fully inflated configuration;

FIG. 10 a is an elevation view of the high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 3 a, with first, second, third, and fourth caps omitted;

FIG. 10 b is a sectional view taken along line 10 b-10 b of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of the high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 1, installed atop a standard toilet seat and further comprising fastening members;

FIG. 11 b is a top view of the high-rise toilet seat, as in FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 b and showing two embodiments of the fastening members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A portable high-rise toilet seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.
The portable high-rise toilet seat 10 includes a bladder 30 having a generally circular shape and defining a central opening 12 in the manner of a doughnut (FIG. 1). The bladder 30, however, is not perfectly circular but rather has the general configuration of a traditional toilet seat 20 and is specifically intended to be placed atop a traditional toilet seat 20 so as to increase the functional height of the seat.
The bladder 30 includes a tubular construction defining an interior area 32 that is airtight and capable of being inflated by air and/or by an incompressible fluid, such as water. It is understood that the use of an incompressible fluid may present advantages over the use of compressible air, not the least of which is the fact that filling the bladder with water may be more convenient than filling the bladder with air. This is especially true when the bladder is to be used in an area where water is readily available, such as in a bathroom. It is also understood that the use of an incompressible fluid, such as water, may present disadvantages over the use of air. This is especially true when the user must carry the bladder 30 from a sink to a toilet or when the user must empty the bladder 30 after each use. A bladder filled with water may be too heavy for a user to carry. And failure to properly dry the bladder 30 after it has been at least partially filled with water may cause mold to grow inside the bladder 30. Consequently, several potential embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. Each embodiment may present advantages over other embodiments depending on the intended use of the portable high-rise toilet seat 10.
In one embodiment, a first inlet port 110 defining an interior passage 112 is coupled to the bladder 30. The interior passage 112 of the first inlet port 110 selectively allows air to flow in and out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30. Air may be introduced into the first inlet port 110 by a user blowing air into it. The bladder 30, therefore, is movable between a deflated configuration in which air is removed from the bladder interior area (FIG. 2) and an inflated configuration in which the bladder is inflated with air (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1, the bladder takes on a vertical height or thickness when inflated. More particularly, the bladder 30 takes on the configuration of a high-rise toilet seat when inflated.
A first cap 114 may be selectively coupled to the first inlet port 110 so as to prevent air from flowing in and out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 112 of the first inlet port 110 when the first cap 114 is selectively coupled to the first inlet port 110 in a closed configuration. A valve member 116, such as a one-way valve, biased so as to prevent fluid from flowing out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 112 of the second inlet port 120 may be coupled to the first inlet port 110. The first inlet port 110 may be configured to receive air from an inflation device. Such inflation devices are well known in the art and, therefore, will not be described here.
Turning again to FIG. 2, one surface of the bladder 30 may include a plurality of spaced apart lines of weakness 40—sometimes referred to as lines of perforation or fold lines. The lines of weakness 40 may include opposed first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness. The first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness may be configured so as to enable the bladder 30, when deflated, to be folded over the first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness. The lines of weakness 40 may further include opposed third 46 and fourth 48 lines of weakness. The third 46 and fourth 48 lines of weakness may be configured so as to enable the bladder 30, when deflated and folded over the first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness, to be folded over the third 46 and fourth 48 lines of weakness. In this way, the bladder 30 may be folded at least twice to make the bladder 30 significantly smaller and capable of being stored and transported in a user's purse, bag, or even pocket.
To increase portability, the bladder 30 is preferably made of relatively light-weight and malleable material, such as plastic or rubber. When filled with air and set atop a traditional toilet seat 20, however, additional mass may be necessary to prevent the portable high-rise toilet seat 10 from sliding off of the traditional toilet seat 20. Consequently, the bladder may be at least partially filled with water. The bladder 30 may also include features to decrease the likelihood of such an occurrence.
In one embodiment, a plurality of anti-slip elements 50 may be coupled to a bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30. The anti-slip elements 50 may be integral to the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30, they may be added to the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30, or they may be added to a top surface 22 of the traditional toilet seat 20 so as to interface with the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30 when the bladder 30 is placed atop the traditional toilet seat 20.
In another embodiment, at least one fastening member 52 selectively couples to the bladder 30 and the traditional toilet seat 20. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30 has a generally concave configuration so as to selectively mate with a top surface 22 of a traditional toilet seat 20 having a convex configuration. In yet another embodiment, the bladder 30 may combine two or more of the above described features to further decrease the likelihood that the portable high-rise toilet seat 10 will slide off of a traditional toilet seat 20.
A second inlet port 120 defining an interior passage 122 may be coupled to the bladder 30. The interior passage 122 of the second inlet port 120 may selectively allow fluid, such as water, to flow in and out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30. A second cap 124 may be selectively coupled to the second inlet port 120 so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 122 of the second inlet port 120 when the second cap 124 is selectively coupled to the second inlet port 120 in a closed configuration. A valve member (not shown) biased so as to prevent fluid from flowing out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 122 of the second inlet port 120 may be coupled to the second inlet port 120.
The bladder 30 may include first 101 and second 102 compartments. The first compartment 101 may be in communication with the first inlet port 110 and may be airtight and capable of being inflated. The second compartment 102 may be in communication with the second inlet port 120 and may be airtight and capable of receiving fluids. In this way, the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 may be at least partially filled with fluid, such as water, while the first compartment 101 remains relatively dry.
A third inlet port 130 defining an interior passage 132 may be coupled to the bladder 30 in communication with the second compartment 102. The interior passage 132 of the third inlet port 130 may selectively allow fluid, such as water, to flow in and out of the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30. A third cap 134 may be selectively coupled to the third inlet port 130 so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 132 of the third inlet port 130 when the third cap 134 is selectively coupled to the third inlet port 130 in a closed configuration. A valve member (not shown) biased so as to prevent fluid from flowing out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 132 of the third inlet port 130 may be coupled to the third inlet port 130.
A fourth inlet port 140 defining an interior passage 142 may be coupled to the bladder 30 in communication with the second compartment 102. The interior passage 142 of the fourth inlet port 140 may selectively allow fluid, such as water, to flow in and out of the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30. A fourth cap 144 may be selectively coupled to the fourth inlet port 140 so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 142 of the fourth inlet port 140 when the fourth cap 144 is selectively coupled to the fourth inlet port 140 in a closed configuration. A valve member (not shown) biased so as to prevent fluid from flowing out of the interior area 32 of the bladder 30 through the interior passage 142 of the fourth inlet port 140 may be coupled to the fourth inlet port 140.
In one embodiment, the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 has a generally circular configuration corresponding with the overall generally circular configuration of the bladder 30. A first wall 105 is coupled to and located within the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30. The first wall 105 and second inlet port 120 are located on opposed ends of the bladder 30. The third 130 and fourth 140 inlet ports are located adjacent to and on opposed sides of the first wall 105. The first wall forms an airtight barrier in the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 between the third 130 and fourth 140 inlet ports. In this way, the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 defines a first arm section 151 between second 120 and third 130 inlet ports and a second arm section 152 between second 120 and fourth 140 inlet ports.
In another embodiment, the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 has a generally U-shaped configuration defining a central opening 12 in the manner of a partial doughnut (FIG. 9). The bladder 30 defines a base section 150 and opposed first 151 and second 152 arm sections. The second inlet port 120 is generally located at the base section 150 of the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30. The third 130 and fourth 140 inlet ports are displaced from the base section 150 and are generally located at respective ends of opposed first 151 and second 152 arm sections of the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30. In this way, the first arm section 151 is defined by a portion of the second compartment 102 between the second 120 and third 130 inlet ports and the second arm section 152 is defined by a portion of the second compartment 102 between the second 120 and fourth 140 inlet ports.
In use, the second 120, third 130, and/or fourth 140 inlet ports may be utilized to fill and/or empty the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30. The second 120, third 130, and/or fourth 140 inlet ports may be configured to receive air from a hand dryer, a hair dryer, or any other similar forced air apparatus known in the art. The first arm section 151 of the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 may be dried by directing relatively dry air from the second inlet port 120 to the third inlet port 130 and vice versa. Similarly, the second arm section 152 of the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 may be dried by directing relatively dry air from the second inlet port 120 to the fourth inlet port 140 and vice versa. Alternatively, the second compartment 102 of the bladder 30 may be dried by directing relatively dry air from the third inlet port 130 to the fourth inlet port 140 and vice versa.
In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 9), the bladder 30 has a generally U-shaped configuration defining a base section 160 and opposed first 161 and second 162 arm sections. The bladder 30 includes a tubular construction defining an interior area 32 that is airtight and capable of being inflated by air and/or by an incompressible fluid, such as water. A second inlet port 120 defining an interior passage 122 is coupled to the base section 160 of the bladder 30. Third 130 and fourth 140 inlet ports are coupled to respective first 171 and second 172 distal ends of respective first 161 and second 162 arm sections of the bladder 30. In this way, the first arm section 161 is defined by a portion of the bladder 30 between the second 120 and third 130 inlet ports and the second arm section 162 is defined by a portion of the bladder 30 between the second 120 and fourth 140 inlet ports.
In use, the second 120, third 130, and/or fourth 140 inlet ports may be utilized to fill and/or empty the bladder 30. The second 120, third 130, and/or fourth 140 inlet ports may be configured to receive air from a hand dryer, a hair dryer, or any other similar forced air apparatus known in the art. The first arm section 161 of the bladder 30 may be dried by directing relatively dry air from the second inlet port 120 to the third inlet port 130 and vice versa. Similarly, the second arm section 162 of the bladder 30 may be dried by directing relatively dry air from the second inlet port 120 to the fourth inlet port 140 and vice versa. Alternatively, the bladder 30 may be dried by directing relatively dry air from the third inlet port 130 to the fourth inlet port 140 and vice versa.
Turning to FIG. 2, one surface of the bladder 30 may include a plurality of spaced apart lines of weakness 40—sometimes referred to as lines of perforation or fold lines. The lines of weakness 40 may include opposed first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness. The first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness may be configured so as to enable the bladder 30, when deflated, to be folded over the first 42 and second 44 lines of weakness. The lines of weakness 40 may further include a third 46 line of weakness. The third 46 line of weakness may be configured so as to enable the bladder 30, when deflated, to be folded over the third 46 line of weakness. In this way, the bladder 30 may be folded at least twice to make the bladder 30 significantly smaller and capable of being stored and transported in a user's purse, bag, or even pocket.
In one embodiment, a plurality of anti-slip elements 50 may be coupled to a bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30. The anti-slip elements 50 may be integral to the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30, they may be added to the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30, or they may be added to a top surface 22 of the traditional toilet seat 20 so as to interface with the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30 when the bladder 30 is placed atop the traditional toilet seat 20.
In another embodiment, at least one fastening member 52, such as a strap, selectively couples to the bladder 30 and the traditional toilet seat 20 (FIG. 11 a). The fastening member 52 may utilize hook and loop fasteners. In yet another embodiment, the bottom surface 34 of the bladder 30 has a generally concave configuration so as to selectively mate with a top surface 22 of a traditional toilet seat 20 having a convex configuration (FIG. 3 b). In yet another embodiment, the bladder 30 may combine two or more of the above described features to further decrease the likelihood that the portable high-rise toilet seat 10 will slide off of a traditional toilet seat 20.
In operation, the portable high-rise toilet seat 10 may be transported in a folded, deflated configuration. When the toilet seat is needed, it may be unfolded and inflated to the inflated configuration, such as by blowing into the first inlet port 110 and/or by adding fluid through at least one of the second 120, third 130, or fourth 140 inlet ports. At the inflated configuration, the portable high-rise toilet seat 10 may be positioned atop a traditional toilet seat 20 so as to raise the functional seat height. After use, the first inlet port 110 may be manipulated to allow air to be removed from the bladder 30 and/or the second 120, third 130, and/or fourth 140 inlet ports may be manipulated to allow fluid to be removed from the bladder. If necessary, the second 120, third 130, and/or fourth 140 inlet ports may be utilized to dry the bladder 30. The dry deflated bladder 30 may be folded along the lines of weakness as described above and again stored away.
It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A portable high-rise toilet seat, comprising:

a bladder having a generally circular configuration that defines a central opening in the manner of a doughnut;

wherein said bladder includes a tubular construction defining an interior area that is airtight and capable of being inflated.

2. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 1, wherein:

said bladder includes a plurality of spaced apart lines of weakness, said plurality of lines of weakness including opposed first and second lines of weakness; and

said second line of weakness is associated with said first line of weakness and configured so as to enable said bladder, when deflated, to be folded over said first and second lines of weakness.

3. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 2, wherein:

said plurality of lines of weakness includes opposed third and fourth lines of weakness; and

said fourth line of weakness is associated with said third line of weakness and configured so as to enable said bladder, when deflated and folded over said first and second lines of weakness, to be folded over said third and fourth lines of weakness.

4. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anti-slip elements coupled to a bottom surface of said bladder.

5. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 1, further comprising a fastening member coupled to said bladder and selectively coupled to a standard toilet seat.

6. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of said bladder has a generally concave configuration so as to selectively mate with a top surface of a standard toilet seat having a convex configuration.

7. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of anti-slip elements coupled to said bottom surface of said bladder.

8. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 1, further comprising:

a first inlet port coupled to said bladder and defining an interior passage that is configured to selectively allow air to flow in and out of said interior area of said bladder; and

a first cap selectively coupled to said first inlet port so as to prevent air from flowing in and out of said interior area of said bladder through said interior passage of said first inlet port when said first cap is selectively coupled to said first inlet port in a closed configuration.

9. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 8, wherein said first inlet port includes a first valve member coupled to said first inlet port and biased so as to prevent air from moving out of said interior area of said bladder through said interior passage of said first inlet port.

10. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 8, further comprising:

a second inlet port coupled to said bladder and defining an interior passage that is configured to selectively allow fluid to flow in and out of said interior area of said bladder; and

a second cap selectively coupled to said second inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said interior area of said bladder through said internal passage of said second inlet port when said second cap is selectively coupled to said second inlet port in a closed configuration.

11. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 10, further comprising:

a plurality of anti-slip elements coupled to a bottom surface of said bladder; and

a fastening member coupled to said bladder and selectively coupled to the standard toilet seat.

12. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 10, wherein a bottom surface of said bladder has a generally concave configuration so as to selectively mate with a top surface of a standard toilet seat having a convex configuration.

13. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 10, wherein said bladder includes:

a first compartment in communication with said first inlet port; and

a second compartment in communication with said second inlet port;

wherein said first compartment is airtight and capable of being inflated and said second compartment is airtight and capable of receiving fluids.

14. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 13, further comprising:

a third inlet port defining an interior passage, said third inlet port being coupled to said bladder in communication with said second compartment so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage of said third inlet port; and

a third cap selectively coupled to said third inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage of said third inlet port when said third cap is selectively coupled to said third inlet port in a closed configuration.

15. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 14, further comprising:

a fourth inlet port defining an interior passage, said fourth inlet port being coupled to said bladder in communication with said second compartment so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage of said fourth inlet port;

a fourth cap selectively coupled to said fourth inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage of said fourth inlet port when said fourth cap is selectively coupled to said fourth inlet port in a closed configuration; and

a first wall coupled to and located within said second compartment of said bladder;

wherein:

said first wall and said second inlet port are located on opposed ends of said bladder;

said third and fourth inlet ports are located adjacent to and on opposed sides of said first wall; and

said first wall forms an airtight barrier in said second compartment of said bladder between said third and fourth inlet ports.

16. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 13, wherein said second compartment of said bladder has a generally U-shaped configuration defining a base section and opposed first and second arm sections.

17. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 16, further comprising:

a third inlet port defining an interior passage, said third inlet port being coupled to said bladder in communication with said second compartment so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage;

a third cap selectively coupled to said third inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage of said third inlet port when said third cap is selectively coupled to said third inlet port in a closed configuration;

a fourth inlet port defining an interior passage, said fourth inlet port being coupled to said bladder in communication with said second compartment so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage; and

a fourth cap selectively coupled to said fourth inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said second compartment of said bladder through said interior passage of said fourth inlet port when said fourth cap is selectively coupled to said fourth inlet port in a closed configuration;

wherein:

said second inlet port is generally located at said base section of said second compartment of said bladder; and

said third and fourth inlet ports are displaced from said base section and are generally located at respective ends of opposed first and second arm sections of said second compartment of said bladder.

18. A portable high-rise toilet seat, comprising:

a bladder having a generally U-shaped configuration that defines a base section and a pair of opposed arm sections;

19. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of anti-slip elements coupled to a bottom surface of said bladder.

20. The portable high-rise toilet seat of claim 19, further comprising:

a first inlet port defining an interior passage, said first inlet port being coupled to said bladder so as to allow air to flow in and out of said interior area of said bladder through said interior passage;

a first cap selectively coupled to said first inlet port so as to prevent air from flowing in and out of said interior area of said bladder through said interior passage of said first inlet port when said first cap is selectively coupled to said first inlet port in a closed configuration;

a second inlet port defining an interior passage, said second inlet port being coupled to said bladder so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said interior area of said bladder through said interior passage;

a second cap selectively coupled to said second inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said bladder through said interior passage of said second inlet port when said second cap is selectively coupled to said second inlet port in a closed configuration;

a third inlet port defining an interior passage, said third inlet port being coupled to said bladder so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said bladder through said interior passage;

a third cap selectively coupled to said third inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said bladder through said interior passage of said third inlet port when said third cap is selectively coupled to said third inlet port in a closed configuration;

a fourth inlet port defining an interior passage, said fourth inlet port being coupled to said bladder so as to allow fluid to flow in and out of said bladder through said interior passage; and

a fourth cap selectively coupled to said fourth inlet port so as to prevent fluid from flowing in and out of said bladder through said interior passage of said fourth inlet port when said fourth cap is selectively coupled to said fourth inlet port in a closed configuration;

wherein:

said bladder includes:

a first compartment in communication with said first inlet port; and

a second compartment in communication with said second, third, and fourth inlet ports;

wherein said first compartment is airtight and capable of being inflated and said second compartment is airtight and capable of receiving fluids;

said second inlet port is generally located at said base section of said bladder; and

said third and fourth inlet ports are displaced from said base section and are generally located at respective ends of opposed arm sections of said bladder.