US20140259338A1

US20140259338A1 - Child's Potty Ring

Info

Publication number: US20140259338A1
Application number: US14/204,182
Authority: US
Inventors: Juliette Marlene Welch; Seth Galley
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-11
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: WO2014159535A1

Abstract

A potty ring for a child includes a seat ring, a first opening, at least one second opening, and an adjustable handle. The seat ring has a front portion and a rear portion, and is configured to rest upon a toilet seat. The first opening is centrally disposed on the seat ring between the front portion and the rear portion. The second opening is disposed on the rear portion of the seat ring and is sized smaller than the first opening. The adjustable handle is movably disposed within the at least one second opening and contains at least one engagement leg. The adjustable handle is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the lowered position, the at least one engagement leg is configured to engage the inner surface of a toilet seat. In the raised position, the at least one engagement leg is configured to be disengaged from the toilet seat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 61/782,745, filed Mar. 14, 2013, Attorney Docket No. 0621.2138P, entitled “Child's Potty Ring,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a child's potty ring that is configured to attach to a standard toilet seat. More specifically, the present invention is a child's potty ring with slidable engagement legs for releasably engaging the toilet seat of a toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of potty rings exist for children who are not large enough to use the normal toilet seat of a toilet. These potty rings attach to toilet seats in a number of ways. However, most attach to the toilet seat using complex securing mechanisms that are both costly and difficult to clean. These potty rings may require a sufficient amount of time to properly clean and maintain. Properly cleaning and maintaining a potty ring is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses in the bathroom, especially for young children with developing immune systems. Additionally, the more complex the securing mechanism, the harder it is for parents to reassemble and use after cleaning. Furthermore, potty rings that attach to the toilet seat using simpler securing mechanisms may not provide adequate safety precautions for preventing the potty ring from moving while in use. With these types of potty rings, a child could easily shift their weight to one side or another, causing movement of the potty ring on the toilet seat.
Therefore, what is needed is potty ring that easily attaches to and detaches from the toilet seat of a toilet. Furthermore, what is needed is a simple mechanism that securely holds the potty ring in place on the toilet seat. Moreover, what is needed is a potty ring and securing mechanism that is sanitary and easy to clean and maintain. Finally, what is needed is a potty ring that is relatively inexpensive but still effective in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a potty ring including a seat ring with a front and a rear, an opening disposed in the seat ring between the front and rear of the seat ring, at least one aperture disposed proximate to the rear of the seat ring, and an adjustable handle slidably disposed within the at least one aperture. In addition, the adjustable handle contains at least one engagement leg. Furthermore, the adjustable handle is configured to slide between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. In the raised configuration, the engagement leg is configured to be disengaged from the inner edge of the toilet seat of the toilet. When the adjustable handle is in the lowered configuration, the engagement leg is configured to engage the inner edge of the toilet seat of the toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a potty ring according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the potty ring illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A illustrates a second embodiment of the angled end of a leg of the adjustable handle illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the potty ring illustrated in FIG. 1 with the adjustable handle in the raised position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the potty ring illustrated in FIG. 1 with the adjustable handle in the lowered position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the potty ring illustrated in FIG. 1 with the potty ring resting on the top of a toilet seat.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of the potty ring illustrated in FIG. 1 with the potty ring resting on a toilet seat.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the potty ring illustrated in FIG. 1 with the potty ring in a stored configuration being hung from the tank of the toilet.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the potty ring 100 is illustrated. The potty ring 100 includes a top 200 and a bottom 300 (illustrated in FIG. 2). The potty ring 100 includes a front portion 210, a rear portion 220, a first side portion 230, and a second side portion 240. The potty ring 100 is of a generally circular shape and is configured to sit upon the top 614 of a toilet seat 610 (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6). In the center of the potty ring 100 is a central opening 260. This central opening extends through the top 200 and the bottom 300 of the potty ring 100, allowing fluid communication between the top 200 of the potty ring 100 and the toilet 600. In the exemplary embodiment, the potty ring 100 is constructed of hard rigid material such as polypropylene. In other embodiments, the potty ring 100 may be constructed from other thermoplastics or thermosets with similar properties.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the potty ring 100 includes a first side handle 232 that extends outwardly from the first side portion 230. Similarly, the potty ring 100 includes a second side handle 242 that extends outwardly from the second side portion 240. Formed in the front portion 210 of the potty ring is a splashguard 212 (see FIG. 2) that is raised from the potty ring to prevent the splashing of urine during urination by a child sitting on the potty ring 100. Formed in the rear portion 220 of the potty ring 100 is a backguard 222 that is raised from the potty ring 100 to provide back support for the child sitting on the potty ring 100. The backguard 222 ensures proper placement of the child on the potty ring 100. The backguard 222 also provides lumbar support for a child on the potty ring 100. The rear portion 220 of the potty ring 100, specifically the backguard 222, includes a first aperture 224 and a second aperture 226. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second apertures 224, 226 are much smaller in comparison to the central opening 260. The first and second apertures 224, 226 are sized and shaped to slidably receive an adjustment handle 500. As explained later, the adjustment handle 500 is configured to slide between a raised position A (illustrated in FIG. 3) and a lowered position B (illustrated in FIG. 4). As illustrated in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the potty ring 100 includes a peripheral edge 250. Along the entire edge 250 is a co-molded material 252 (see FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, the co-molded material is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other similar material, that is configured to frictionally grip the top 614 of the toilet seat 610. This is one safety measure to prevent the potty seat 100 from moving around on the top 614 of the toilet seat 610.
Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is a bottom perspective view of the bottom 300 of the potty ring 100. As illustrated, the central opening 260, along with the splashguard 212, extend down through the bottom 300 of the potty ring 100. Furthermore, positioned proximate to the front portion 210 and first side portion 230 is a first foot housing 310 and a first front foot 320. Similarly, positioned proximate to the front portion 210 and second side portion 240 is a second foot housing 330 and a second front foot 340. The first foot housing 310 and the second foot housing 330 are molded from the bottom 200 of the potty ring 100. In this illustrated embodiment, the first front foot 320 and the second front foot 340 are configured to be housed in (frictionally fit, snap fit, or otherwise attached) the first foot housing 310 and second foot housing 330, respectively. This allows for easy removal of the front feet 320, 340 for storage and cleaning. In other embodiments, the first front foot 320 and the second front foot 340 may be molded with the bottom 300 of the potty ring 100. In yet another embodiment, the first front foot 320 and the second front foot 340 may be permanently secured to the first foot housing 310 and the second foot housing 330, respectively.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first front foot 320 includes a first rounded portion 322 and a first engagement portion 324. The first rounded portion 322 provides structural support for the first front foot 320, while the first engagement portion 324 is configured to engage the toilet seat 610. The first engagement portion 324 further includes a first engagement tab 326 that latches to the bottom 612 of the toilet seat 610 (illustrated in FIG. 6). Similarly, the second front foot 340 includes a second rounded portion 342 and a second engagement portion 344. The second rounded portion 342 provides structural support for the second front foot 340, while the second engagement portion 344 is configured to engage the toilet seat 610. The second engagement portion 344 further includes a second engagement tab 346 that latches to the bottom 612 of the toilet seat 610 (illustrated in FIG. 6).
As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the adjustable handle 500 includes a first leg 520 and a second leg 530. The first leg 520 has a first angled end 522, while the second leg 530 had a second angled end 532. Each angled end 522, 532 may include a co-molded rubber or TPE material 524, 534 that is configured to provide a frictional connection with the inner circumference of the toilet seat 610. Illustrated in FIG. 2A is a second embodiment of the first angled end 522 of the first leg 520 of the adjustable handle 500. While FIG. 2A only illustrates the first angled end 522 of the first leg 520, the discussion of the second embodiment of the first angled end 522 of the first leg 520 also applies to the second angled end 532 of the second leg 530 of the adjustable handle 500. Projecting outward from the first angled end 522 is an upper protrusion 523 and a lower protrusion 525. The protrusions 523, 525 are sized and configured to engage the inner rim 616 and bottom 612 of the toilet seat 610 (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6). Due to variations in the size of toilets seats 610, the lower protrusion 525 will engage the inner rim 616 and bottom 612 of a toilet seat 610 with a smaller overall opening, while the upper protrusion 523 will engage inner rim 616 and bottom 612 of a toilet seat 610 with a larger overall opening.
Illustrated in FIG. 3, the adjustable handle 500 is in the raised position A. Conversely, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the adjustable handle 500 is in the lowered position B. Comparably, the legs 520, 530 extend much farther below the bottom 300 of the potty ring 100 when the adjustable handle 500 is in the lowered position B, than when the adjustable handle 500 is in the raised position A. The adjustable handle 500 is easily configured from one position to the other by a user pressing down or pulling up on the handle portion 510 of the adjustable handle 500. The adjustable handle 500 is configured to slide between positions A and B through the first and second apertures 224, 226. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustable handle 500 includes a handle portion 510 that connects the first leg 520 to the second leg 530. Each leg has an obstruction ledge 526, 536 configured to be larger than the first and second apertures 224, 226. These obstruction ledges 526, 536 prevent the adjustable handle 500 from sliding too far downwardly through the first and second apertures 224, 226.
Turning back to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the first leg 520 has a first flange 528 proximate the first angled end 522, while the second leg 530 has a second flange 538 proximate the second angled end 532. The flanges 528, 538 extend outwardly from the legs 520, 530 and are configured to engage the first and second apertures 224, 226 when the adjustable handle 500 is slid from lowered position B to raised position A. The outwardly extending flanges 528, 538 prevent the adjustable handle 500 from being pulled too far upward and out of the apertures 224, 226 of the rear portion 220 of the potty ring 100. However, the adjustable handle 500 is removable from the apertures 224, 226 by depressing the flanges 528, 538 inwardly while the adjustable handle 500 is slid upward from lowered position B to raised position A. Depressing the flanges 528, 538 inwardly forces the flanges 528, 538 to become flush with the surface of the legs 520, 530 and prevents the flanges 528, 538 from engaging the apertures 224, 226 as the adjustable handle 500 is pulled upward from the lowered position B past the raised position A.
Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a perspective view of the potty ring 100 positioned on the top 614 of a toilet seat 610 of a toilet 600. As explained previously, the co-molded material 252 on the edge 250 of the potty ring is in contact with the top 614 of the toilet seat 610. Because the co-molded material 252 is of a TPE or rubber type of material (or any soft frictional material), the edge 250 of the potty ring 100 appears to grip or stick to the top surface 614 of the toilet seat 610. This helps to prevent the potty ring 100 from sliding on the top surface 614 of the toilet seat 610, making the potty ring 100 more safe and more stable for children to sit upon.
Further illustrated in FIG. 5 is a gap between the top 614 of the toilet seat 610 and the first side handle 232. Similarly, a gap exists between the top 614 of the toilet seat 610 and the second side handle 242, but this cannot be seen from the perspective angle in FIG. 5. The gaps between the side handles 232, 242 and the top 614 of the toilet seat 610 are sized and shaped to accommodate the insertion of most adult fingers into the gaps. The gaps between the side handles 232, 242 and the top 614 of the toilet seat 610 allows a parent to easily pick up the potty ring 100 from the toilet seat 610 or properly place the potty ring 100 on the toilet seat 610.
Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated is the bottom view of the potty ring 100 attached to the toilet seat 610. As illustrated, the toilet seat 610 contains an inner rim 616 that defines the opening in the toilet seat 610. Shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the engagement tabs 326, 346 contact the inner rim 616 and bottom 612 of the toilet seat 610. As the potty ring 100 is placed onto the toilet seat 610, the engagement portions 324, 344 may deflect, or bend, slightly to allow the engagement tabs 326, 346 to engage the bottom 612 and inner rim 616 of the toilet seat 610. Once the front portion 210 of the potty ring 100 and the front feet 320, 340 are positioned on the toilet seat 610 as described, a user pushes down on the handle portion 510 of the adjustment handle 500. This causes the adjustment handle 500, and the legs 520, 530, to slide through the first and second apertures 224, 226. After pressing the adjustment handle 500 downward, the angled ends 522, 532 of the first and second legs 520, 530 contact the inner rim 616 of the toilet seat 610 as illustrated. The co-molded rubber or TPE material 524, 534 on the angled ends 522, 532 contacts the inner rim 616 of the toilet seat 610, creating a frictional connection. This frictional connection between the co-molded rubber or TPE material 524, 534 on the angled ends 522, 532 and the inner rim 616 locks the potty ring 100 onto the toilet seat 610. The legs 520, 530 and the angled ends 522, 532 are sized and configured to adjustably fit (via movement of handle 500) nearly any size toilet seat 616 on the market, making the potty ring 100 a one size fits all potty ring 100.
The simple mechanism of a slidable adjustable handle 500 allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the potty ring 100. A parent can simply slide the adjustable handle 500 out of the apertures 224, 226 of the rear portion 220 of the potty ring 100 to clean the potty ring 100 and adjustable handle 500 separately. As further illustrated in FIG. 6, the central opening 260 and splashguard 212 are aligned, and in fluid communication, with the opening in the toilet seat 610, and thus the toilet 600.
Referring back to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, disposed on the rear portion 220 of the potty ring 100 is an orifice 228. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 7, the rear portion 220 of the potty ring 100 may be shaped to form an orifice 228 as a loop. Orifice/loop 228 is configured to enable the potty ring 100 to hang from a support bar 400 when the potty ring 100 is not in use. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the support bar 400 includes an upper hook 410 and a lower hook 420. The upper hook 410 is configured to attach and hang from the edge 622 of the tank 620 of the toilet 600. The upper hook 410 is sized and shaped to allow the lid 624 of the tank 620 of the toilet 600 to still rest properly on the edge 622 of the tank 620. The lower hook 420 is shaped and sized to engage and hold the potty ring 100 from either the orifice/loop 228, depending on the embodiment of the potty ring 100. The support bar 400 enables placement of the potty ring 100 for easy access when it is needed, but allows the potty ring 100 to be off of the toilet 600 when adults need to use the toilet 600. Furthermore, the support bar 400 allows the potty ring 100 to hang from the toilet 600 instead of being placed on the floor of the bathroom, which may not be sanitary.
It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A potty ring comprising:

a seat ring with a front and a rear;

a pass-through opening disposed in the seat ring;

at least one aperture disposed on the seat ring; and

an adjustable handle movably disposed within the at least one aperture, the adjustable handle including at least one engagement leg, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to move between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, the at least one engagement leg being engaged with an inner edge of a toilet seat when the adjustable handle is in the lowered configuration and the at least one engagement leg being disengaged from the inner edge of the toilet seat when the adjustable handle is in the raised configuration.

2. The potty ring of claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement leg includes a tapered angled end.

3. The potty ring of claim 2, wherein the at least one engagement leg includes a co-molded material on the tapered angled end, the co-molded material being configured to frictionally engage the inner edge of the toilet seat.

4. The potty ring of claim 1, wherein the seat ring further comprises an edge having a co-molded material configured to frictionally engage a top of the toilet seat.

5. The potty ring of claim 1, wherein the seat ring includes at least one handle positioned between the front and the rear of the seat ring.

6. A potty ring comprising:

a seat ring with a front, a rear, a top, and a bottom;

a pass-through opening disposed in the seat ring, the pass-through opening extending between the top and the bottom of the seat ring;

at least one foot extending downwardly from the bottom of the seat ring, the at least one foot being configured to engage an inner edge of a toilet seat;

at least one aperture disposed proximate to the rear of the seat ring; and

an adjustable handle movably disposed within the at least one aperture, the adjustable handle including at least one engagement leg, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to move between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, the at least one engagement leg being engaged with the inner edge of the toilet seat when the adjustable handle is in the lowered configuration and the at least one engagement leg being disengaged from the inner edge of the toilet seat when the adjustable handle is in the raised configuration.

7. The potty ring of claim 6, wherein the at least one engagement leg includes a tapered angled end.

8. The potty ring of claim 7, wherein the at least one engagement leg includes a co-molded material on the tapered angled end, the co-molded material being configured to frictionally engage the inner edge of the toilet seat.

9. The potty ring of claim 6, wherein the seat ring further comprises an edge having a co-molded material configured to frictionally engage a top of the toilet seat.

10. The potty ring of claim 6, wherein the at least one engagement leg comprises two engagement legs.

11. The potty ring of claim 10, further including at least one foot extending from the bottom of the seat ring.

12. The potty ring of claim 11, wherein the at least one foot comprises:

an engagement portion that includes a tab, wherein the tab is configured to latch underneath the inner edge of the toilet seat.

13. The potty ring of claim 11, wherein the at least one foot extending downwardly from the bottom of the seat ring is oriented proximate the front of the seat ring.

14. A potty ring comprising:

a seat ring with a front and a rear;

a pass-through opening disposed in the seat ring;

at least one aperture disposed proximate to the rear of the seat ring; and

an adjustable handle movably disposed within the at least one aperture, the adjustable handle including a plurality of engagement legs, wherein the adjustable handle is configured to slide between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, the engagement legs being engaged with an inner edge of a toilet seat when the adjustable handle is in the lowered configuration and the engagement legs being disengaged from the inner edge of the toilet seat when the adjustable handle is in the raised configuration.

15. The potty ring of claim 14, wherein each of the engagement legs includes a tapered angled end.

16. The potty ring of claim 15, wherein each of the engagement legs includes a co-molded material on the tapered angled end, the co-molded material being configured to frictionally engage the inner edge of the toilet seat.

17. The potty ring of claim 14, wherein the seat ring further comprises an edge having a co-molded material configured to frictionally engage a top of the toilet seat.

18. The potty ring of claim 17, further comprising an orifice in the rear of the seat ring proximate the edge of the seat ring.

19. The potty ring of claim 18, further comprising a storage hook that is removably coupleable to a toilet and insertable through the orifice of the seat ring, the potty ring being configured to be hung from the storage hook when not in use.

20. The potty ring of claim 14, wherein the seat ring includes at least one handle positioned between the front and the rear of the seat ring.