ATTACHABLE AND DETACHABLE PADDED AND OR INFLATABLE POTTY PAD CUSHION SYSTEM

Abstract

This application relates to a system and methods for the educating, inspiring, encouraging, entertaining, engaging, and assisting of a toddler and or child to squat while defecating into a toddler-sized potty or adult-sized toilet. The system can include a cushion, padding, and or inflatable material. The system can be attached and detached to a floor and or other appropriate mounting surface without the need for tools and can be compatible with nearly any preexisting footstool. The system can emit lights, sounds, scents, and or vibration when engaged. The system can be attached and detached to a floor or any other appropriate mounting surface. The system can further include a container for the storage and or transportation of the system. The system can further serve to transport, store, and protect material objects. The system can be used independent of, or in collaboration with, the container.

Claims

1. a product comprising any feature described, either individually or in combination with any feature, in any configuration.

2. A system for the entertainment, education, inspiration, instruction, engagement, and the encouragement of the squatting position for toddlers and children when defecating into a child-sized potty or adult-sized toilet, wherein the cushion system comprises a top portion, side portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion comprises the customizable and interchangeable material to engage, educate, inspire, instruct, and assist the toddler, wherein the bottom portion comprises the means to attach the material object, wherein side portion comprises the means to adjust the height, inflate and or pad the inside of the material object.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the top portion comprises one or more fastener closure systems to the material object to attach, detach, and interchange the educational, instructional, inspirational, and engaging material to the material object.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a removable cushion system that can be cleaned.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion comprises one or more selected from the group of suction cups, magnets, hook, loop and fasten, tape, ties, clips, padding, legs, and or glue.

6. The system of claim 1 where in the side portion comprises an opening and closing allowing access to, and storage of, contents inside the system.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein any portion of the system can emit a sound, scent, vibration, frequency, and or light when engaged by interacting with the system.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the system has a strap or handle for carrying.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the device comprises a material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polylactide, cotton, linen, polyester, leather, rubber, fur, velour, denim, satin, mesh, micro fiber terry cloth, canvas, any other natural and or synthetic textile, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbon, composite, and aluminum.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the system can be secured to the floor or another appropriate mounting surface.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is compressed and stored and transported in a companion, travel container.

12. The system of claim 12 wherein the container is comprised of material selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polylactide, cotton, linen, polyester, leather, rubber, fur, velour, denim, satin, mesh, micro fiber terry cloth, canvas, any other natural and or synthetic textile, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbon, composite, and aluminum.

13. A method of educating, inspiring, encouraging, entertaining, engaging, and assisting of a toddler or child to squat while defecating into a toddler-sized potty or adult-sized toilet using the system of claim 1 comprising: Attaching the system to a floor or mounting surface, placing the user's feet onto the system, elevating the knees and legs into the squatting position while defecating, interacting with the system and or caregiver while feet are placed on the system and while sitting on the potty or toilet to release a bowel movement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. It is understood that the figures are for illustration purposes. They are not to scale, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of the potty pad system closed.

[0025] FIG. 1B depicts a bottom view of the potty pad system.

[0026] FIG. 1C depicts a top view of the potty pad system open exposing the inside padding.

[0027] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the system with an inflatable nozzle.

[0028] FIG. 2B depicts a bottom view of the system with an inflatable nozzle.

[0029] FIG. 2C depicts the extremities of the cushion folded in and the carry strap in the engaged position.

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a front view cushion attached to a stool or footrest.

[0031] FIG. 4A depicts a front view of a device that secures to a wall near a toilet or potty and is in the closed position.

[0032] FIG. 4B depicts an angled side view of a device that secures to a wall near a toilet or potty and is in the open position.

[0033] FIG. 4C depicts a back view of a device that secures to a wall near a toilet or potty and is in the open position.

[0034] FIG. 4D depicts a back view of a portion of a device that secures to a wall

DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0035] 22 Allocated foot placement [0036] 23 Directional information for foot placement [0037] 24 Positive affirmation [0038] 25 Instructional and or health enhancing message [0039] 26 Educational information [0040] 27 Personalized name of child [0041] 28 Pull tab and slider of zipper [0042] 29 Zipper [0043] 30 Interior space to hold filler and or padding [0044] 31 Eyebrows to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's face [0045] 32 Eyelashes to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's eyes [0046] 33 Eyeball to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's face [0047] 34 Pupil to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's eyes [0048] 35 Nose and or nostrils to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's face [0049] 36 Mouth and or teeth to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's face [0050] 37 Arms and or hands to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's body [0051] 38 Ears to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's face [0052] 39 Inside canals to ears to character, individual, mode of transportation, and or animal's face [0053] 40 Suction cups [0054] 41 Clips and or ties [0055] 42 Base that secures to the wall [0056] 43 Adjustable track teeth [0057] 44 Hinges [0058] 45 Platform for feet and or cushion and feet [0059] 46 Screw holes [0060] 47 Track system [0061] 48 Attachable and detachable potty pad cushion system [0062] 49 Top of standard stool used for adult toilets [0063] 50 Leg to stool [0064] 51 Inflatable nozzle [0065] 52 Sound, light, vibration, and or scent production [0066] 53 Padding and or inflatable material inside cushion [0067] 54 Opening to inside of cushion [0068] 55 Tuck away and carry strap or handle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3

[0069] Embodiments of the potty pad system are illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A (top view), FIGS. 1B, 2B, 2C (bottom view), and FIG. 3 (front view). This device can comprise an attachable and detachable cushion system 48. The cushion system 48 can have a top, sides, and a base with or without legs consisting of a flexible, washable, durable material which can securely house padding and or inflatable material 53 without compromise to its structure due to the force generated by the pressure of a toddler and or child placing her or his feet on any portion of the device. For example, the top, sides, and base of the cushion system 48 and padding and or inflatable material 53 can be composed of, but not limited to, natural or synthetic fibers and can include cotton, mesh, micro fiber terry cloth, nylon, nylon ripstop, rayon, linen, polyester, polyethylene, leather, vinyl, combinations thereof, or the like. The cushion system 48 and padding and or inflatable material 53 can consist of any other material, and or combination of materials, that can be repeatedly compressed, opened, and exposed to force generated from compression and or cleaning without tear or fracture, such as steel, aluminum, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastic, foam, thermoplastic elastomers, silicone, vinyl, nylon, mesh, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polylactide, any other plastic, microfiber, composite, and the like. The cushion system 48 and padding and or inflatable material 53 can be designed as a character, individual, mode of transportation, and or, but not limited to, an animal's face (FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A). The character, individual, mode of transportation, and or, but not limited to, animal's face can include any, all, but not limited to, of the following: eyebrows 31, eyelashes 32, eyeballs 33, pupils 34, nose or nostrils 35, mouth 36, inside canals 39, arms and or hands 37, ears 38, legs, feet, teeth, a tail, claws, knees, elbows, shoulders, tires, wings, headlights, steering wheel, door, et cetera. The following, but not limited to, design items: eyebrows 31, eyelashes 32, eyeballs 33, pupils 34, nose or nostrils 35, mouth 36, arms and or hands 37, ears 38, legs, feet, teeth, a tail, claws, knees, elbows, shoulders, tires, wings, headlights, steering wheel, door, etc. can be of any size, shape, number, sequence, form, and or design. For example, the cushion system 48 and padding and or inflatable material 53 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the cushion system 48 and padding and or inflatable material 53 can be between 20 cm and 122 cm in length, between 20 cm and 122 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 122 cm in height. For example, the cushion system 48 and padding and or inflatable material 53 can be 50.8 cm in length, 50.8 cm in width, and 7.62 cm in height. The cushion system 48 can have an opening 54 can include a zipper 29, buttons, and or any other appropriate method of hook, loop and fasten. The cushion opening 54 can be of any size, shape, order, and number of openings. For example, the cushion opening 54 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the cushion opening 54 can be between 0.05 cm and 122 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 122 cm in width, and between 0.05 cm and 92 cm in height. For example, the cushion opening 54 can be 50.8 cm in length, 50.8 cm in width, and 7.62 cm in height. There can be 1, 2, 3 or more cushion openings. The cushion storage space 30 can be large enough to fit padding, diapers, shoes, cleaning supplies, and but not limited to, inflatable material inside the cushion system 48 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 3). The cushion storage space 30 can be large enough and flexible enough to fit padding, inflatable materials, garments and or accessories in any other appropriate manner securely inside the cushion system 48.

[0070] The cushion system 48 can have a strap or handle 55 (FIG. 2C) be composed of, but not limited to, natural or synthetic fibers and can include cotton, mesh, micro fiber terry cloth, nylon, nylon ripstop, rayon, linen, polyester, polyethylene, leather, vinyl, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, the strap or handle 55 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the strap or handle 55 can be between 20 cm and 122 cm in length, between 20 cm and 122 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 122 cm in height. For example, the strap or handle 55 can be 92 cm in length, 5.08 cm in width, and 1.27 cm in height. The strap or handle 55 can secure and or be stored to any portion of the cushion system 48 by attaching it directly to the cushion system 48 and or inside a pocket or pouch enclosed by a zipper, button, and or any other appropriate method of hook, loop and fasten.

[0071] The attachable and detachable cushion system 48 can be secured to nearly any floor or surface with suction cups 40, clips and or ties 41, magnets, hooks, loops and fastens, and or, but not limited to, adhesives, or the like (FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 2C). The suction cups 40, clips and or ties 41, and or hooks, loops, fastens, and or magnets, and or adhesives can be composed of vinyl, urethane, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polylactide, iron, cobalt, nickel, brass, steel, aluminum, and any other plastic, rubber, metal, composite, and the like. The suction cups 40, clips and or ties 41, and or hooks and or magnets, and or adhesives can be attached, and or detached, to any portion of the cushion system 48 by hook, loop and fasten, sewn, and or any other appropriate manner. For instance, the suction cups 40, clips and or ties 41, and or hooks, loops and fastens, and or magnets, and or adhesives can be attached to the base of the cushion system 48. The suction cups 40 and or hooks, loops and fasten, and or magnets and or clips and or ties 41 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the suction cups 40 and hooks, loops and fasten, and clips and or ties 41 can be between 1 cm and 183 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 46 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 92 cm in height. The suction cups 40 and or hooks, loops and fasten, and or magnets and or clips and or ties 41 can be 3.81 cm in length, 3.81 cm in width, 7.62 cm in height, and 0.127 cm in thickness.

[0072] The attachable and detachable cushion system 48 can contain allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23. The allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23 can be permanently secured to, or attach and detach, from the cushion system 48 (FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A). The allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23 can attach and detach to any portion of the cushion system 48 by hook, loop and fasten, zipper, button, or any other appropriate method. The allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23 can be composed of vinyl, urethane, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polylactide, cotton, mesh, nylon, rayon, micro fiber terry cloth, polyester, vinyl, linen, iron, cobalt, nickel, brass, steel, aluminum, and any other plastic, rubber, metal, composite, and the like. The allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23 can be between 1 cm and 122 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 80 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 92 cm in height. The allocated foot placements 22 and directional information for foot placements 23 can be 17.78 cm in length, 10.16 cm in width, 1.27 cm in height, and 0.127 cm in thickness.

[0073] The positive affirmation 24, instructional and or health enhancing message 25, educational information 26, and personalized name of the child 27 can be permanently secured to, or attach and detach from, the cushion system 48. The positive affirmations 24 can appear in or on any portion of the cushion system 48, and in any size, shape, number, sequence, form, and or design. For instance, the positive affirmation 24 could appear in a bubble or cloud with a message such as, but not limited to, I am wonderful (FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A). The instructional and or health enhancing message 25 can be of any size, shape, number, order, and form. For instance, instructional and or health enhancing message 25 could appear in a bubble or a cloud with a message such as breathe (FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A). The educational information 26 can be of any size, shape, number, order, and form. For instance, educational information 26 could appear along the outer edges of the cushion system 48 as words, puzzles, the alphabet, numbers, colors, games, questions, and, but not limited to, mathematics (FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A). The personalized name of the child 27 can be of any size, shape, number, order, and form. For instance, the personalized name of the child 27 could appear in the center of the cushion system 48 (FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 2A). The positive affirmation 24, instructional and or health enhancing message 25, educational information 26, and personalized name of the child 27 can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the positive affirmation 24, instructional and or health enhancing message 25, educational information 26, and personalized name of the child 27 can be between 1 cm and 122 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 80 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 92 cm in height. The positive affirmation 24, instructional and or health enhancing message 25, educational information 26, and personalized name of the child 27 can be 7.62 cm in length, 3.81 cm in width, and 7.62 cm in height.

[0074] Any part of the cushion system 48, including, but not limited to, the cushion, eyebrows 31, eyelashes 32, eyeballs 33, pupils 34, nose or nostrils 35, mouth 36, inside canals 39, arms and or hands 37, ears 38, legs, feet, teeth, a tail, claws, knees, elbows, shoulders, tires, wings, headlights, steering wheel, door, etc. can emit a sound, light, vibration, and or scent 52 when engaged by the user. Engagement which leads to activation of a sound, light, and or scent 52 can include, but is not limited to, any the following methods: pulling, pushing, squeezing, hitting, twirling, voice recognition, and or shaking. The pulling, pushing, and or, but not limited to, squeezing can even serve to assist the toddler or child in bearing down while attempting to force feces from her or his bowels and into the potty. The sound 52 can be of any frequency, range, decibel, and or, but not limited to, rhythm. The light 52 can be of any color, consistency, vibrance and or wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum. The scent 52 can be of any molecular shape, size, and or structure distinguishable and or indistinguishable to the human olfaction system.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cushion system 48 can be formed in various compact, collapsible and mobile shapes (For example in FIG. 2C). FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C also show the inflatable nature of the design. Any shape or combination of shapes can be considered part of the padded and or inflatable design of the cushion system 48. For example, the container can be rectangular, circular, or the shape of a character, individual, mode of transportation, animal, and or the like. The container system 48 can have a heating and or cooling mechanism included on the top, sides, and or bottom of the cushion system 48 designed to alter the temperature of the user's feet, and therefore body, to encourage further comfort while defecating into a toddler or child's potty. The heating and or cooling mechanism can be between 0.05 and 610 cm in length, between 0.05 and 305 cm in width, and between 0.05 and 244 cm in height. For example, the preferred range for the heating and or cooling mechanism can be between 1 cm and 183 cm in length, between 0.05 cm and 46 cm in width, and between 1 cm and 92 cm in height. The heating and or cooling mechanism can be 3.81 cm in length, 3.81 cm in width, 7.62 in height, and 0.127 cm in thickness. The cushion system 48 can also be included with a toddler or child-sized potty. The cushion system 48 can be customizable and interchangeable in its aesthetic design while maintaining its purpose of encouraging the toddler or child to squat while defecating. The customizable nature of the cushion system 48 allows for the child to adapt this to any preexisting, and or included, footrests or stools 49 designed for an adult-sized toilet (FIG. 3).

Methods

[0076] The manner to place the cushion system 48 in front of a toddler or child-sized potty can be performed by ensuring the cushion system 48 is first unfolded and placed on, but not limited to, a semi flat space. The cushion system 48 can then be personalized to the child and or caregiver's liking with positive affirmations 24, instructional and or health enhancing information 25, educational information 26, and or the personalized name of the child 27 by placing the precut material onto any portion of the cushion system 48 in any number, shape, order, and or design by use of a hook, loop and fasten system and or in any other appropriate manner. With the entire cushion system 48 personalized to the user's preference, the cushion system 48 can be inflated by forcing air by use of a pump, the user blowing into the inflatable nozzle 51, and or any other appropriate manner. Once the cushion system 48 is at the desired height and or degree of elevation for the toddler or child it can be secured to the floor in front of the toddler and or child-sized potty by engaging the suction cups 40 sewn into the bottom portion of the fabric of the cushion system 48. The suction cups 40 can be secured to the floor or another surface in front of the toddler or child-sized potty by pressing the suction cup or cups 40 firmly in place making sure there are no air bubbles between the suction cup(s) 40 and the mounting surface. The toddler and or child then mounts the potty sitting onto the open seat in preparation to defecate into the designated potty. The toddler and or child then places her or his feet onto the allocated foot placements 22 and is then instructed by the parent as to the correct positioning of the toddler or child's feet by engaging the toddler or child to the directional information for foot placement 23 on the cushion system 48. Once the toddler or child's feet are in the correct foot placement 22 on the cushion system 48, this will force the toddler or child's feet to be raised from the floor or any other appropriate surface, lifting her or his knees and or thighs above the toddler or child-sized potty and forcing the toddler or child to utilize a squatting position. The toddler or child's legs will be elevated at the degree or angle chosen by the user when securing the cushion system 48 to the floor. While the toddler or child is sitting with her or his feet on the cushion system 48 in the correct placement and in the squatting position while waiting, attempting, or defecating into the potty the caregiver can engage the toddler or child with the positive affirmations 24, instructional and or health enhancing information 25, educational information 26, and or the personalized name of the child 27. This can involve asking the toddler or child questions related to the positive affirmations 24, instructional and or health enhancing information 25, educational information 26, and or the personalized name of the child 27 to encourage cognitive development and or sensory play. The toddler or child may further interact with the cushion system 48 and its, but not limited to, eyebrows 31, eyelashes 32, eyeballs 33, pupils 34, nose or nostrils 35, mouth 36, inside canals 39, arms and or hands 37, ears 38, legs, feet, teeth, a tail, claws, knees, elbows, shoulders, tires, wings, headlights, steering wheel, door, etc. by any the following, but not limited methods: pulling, pushing, squeezing, hitting, twirling, voice recognition, and or shaking. The material objects serving as a holding, pulling, and or pushing device can create sounds 52, music 52, vibration 52, scents 52, and or, but not limited to, lighting 52 effects when engaged. When the toddler or child has finished defecating into the potty and has completely and properly cleaned her or himself, she or he may exit the potty and cushion system 48 by removing her or his feet from the allocated foot placements 22 and placing them on the floor and or another appropriate surface. The cushion system 48 may also be removed from the area by releasing the holding pressure between the floor and the suction cups 40 by lifting the edge of the suction cups 40 and releasing the pressurized force inside the suction cups and holding the cushion system 48 in place. The cushion system 48 can then be deflated by releasing air from the inflatable nozzle 51 and folded and placed into an accompanying carry bag. The cushion system 48 can be removed from the area by carrying it in one's hands and or arms, or by engaging the strap or handle 55 from pouch on the cushion system 48 and placing it in and or on one's hand, hands, shoulder, shoulders, and or any other appropriate body part or manner to lift the cushion system 48 from the floor and transport it from the area. When the cushion system 48 is desired to, or in need of, a cleaning, the outside cover can be removed by moving the slider 28 of the zipper 29 into the open 54 position. The outside cover to the cushion system 48, once freed from electronics, and or padding and or inflatable material 53 and or positive affirmations 24, instructional and or health enhancing information 25, educational information 26, and or the personalized name of the child 27 can then washed by hand and or placed safely into a washing machine and included with any other load of laundry garments, such as towels, clothes, and or, but not limited to, sheets. The padding and or inflatable material 53 can then be placed back inside the outside cover to the cushion system 48 and secured inside by moving the slider 28 of the zipper 29 to the closed position. The electronic equipment can then be placed by back inside the outside cover of the cushion system 48. The positive affirmations 24, instructional and or health enhancing information 25, educational information 26, and or the personalized name of the child 27 can then be customized and placed in any order and on any portion of the cushion system 48.

[0077] When the toddler or child has developed in size, confidence, and or dexterity and is ready to use an adult-sized toilet, the cushion system 48 can attach to the top of nearly any preexisting footstool 49 by securing the suction cups 40, clips and or ties 41, and or any other appropriate manner, to the top of the stool 49 and or legs 50 of the stool. The cushion system 48 can be removed from the top 49 and or legs 50 of the stool by releasing the suction cups 40, clips and or ties 41, and or any other appropriate manner that was used to secure the cushion system 48 to the top 49 or legs 50 of the stool.

Advantages

[0078] From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my attachable and detachable potty pad cushion system become evident:

[0079] (a) A cushion system that encourages toddlers and or children to squat while defecating to enhance physical well-being that is adaptable to a toddler or child-sized potty.

[0080] (b) A cushion system that serves to engage, encourage, enhance, instruct, entertain, and educate a toddler or child while learning to squat while defecating into a child-sized potty during potty training.

[0081] (c) A cushion system that will enhance the cognitive and biopsychosocial development through sensory play of the toddler or child while being potty trained.

[0082] (d) A cushion system that will enhance the parent toddler relationship by providing a means to engage, encourage, enhance, instruct, entertain, and educate the toddler and or child by minimizing the pains, pressures, and stresses associated with potty training for all parties involved.

[0083] (e) A cushion system that is customizable and easy to hand and or machine wash.

[0084] (f) A cushion system that is lightweight, durable, and easy to attach, detach, store, and transport.

[0085] (g) A cushion system that is adaptable to preexisting footstools of all shapes, sizes, and styles.

[0086] (h) A cushion system that is soft and comfortable for the toddler or child to rest her or his feet on while learning to, and defecating into a potty while engaged in the squatting position.

EXAMPLES

[0087] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the invention described herein. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow represent approaches discovered by the inventors to function well in the practice of the application, and thus can be considered to constitute examples of modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the instant disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Example 1

Age of Use

[0088] The attachable and detachable padded and or inflatable potty pad cushion system is geared towards toddlers and or children beginning the first stage of potty training until the age the child decides she or he no longer would like to use the cushion system to engage in the squatting position while defecating into a toddler-sized potty or adult-sized toilet. However, alternative embodiments may also pertain to teens, adults, and or the elderly.

Example 2

Alternatives to Attachable and Detachable Cushion System

[0089] Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C; in each case the strap and or handle 55 placement, padding and or inflatable material 53, and inflatable nozzle 51 of the cushion system 48 provide examples, but not limitations to the variety of options for design. The cushion system 48 can also be equipped with a monitor, Wi-Fi, and or a Bluetooth connection. The cushion system 48 and its positive affirmation 24, instructional and or health enhancing message 25, educational information 26, and personalized name of the child 27 and sounds 52, scents 52, vibrations 52, and, but not limited to, lights 52 can further be customized and engaged through the internet, a web portal, and or an application, such as an app designed for a smartphone or tablet. The cushion system 48 can also be equipped with any type of surface that permanent and or removable marks may be added to any portion of the outside or inside of the cushion system 48. For instance, a digital art board and or a digital pen located on top of the cushion system 48, a white board for drawing with markers on top of the cushion system 48, a chalk board that slides out from the side of the cushion system 48, blank note pads for coloring, dry erase writing utensils, and but not limited to, permanent and or removable fabric markers, pens, and or paints. The cushion system 48 may also contain a calendar and or any other appropriate system to monitor progress and engage and enhance the child's cognitive development and or motor skills, including, but not limited to, problem solving skills, memory, critical thinking, and or creativity. For example, on Monday the child successfully used the potty twice so received a positive sticker and or any other appropriate demarcation in the permanent and or removable allocated location to celebrate her or his success. Further, the cushion system 48 can even be developed to assist adults, including, but not limited to, the elderly in engaging in the squatting position while defecating into a Western or Eastern adult-sized toilet. The cushion system 48 may be equipped with health and safety monitoring equipment to notify the individual, predetermined parties, and or the proper authorities if the elderly individual needs, or is requesting, personal and or, but not limited to, medical assistance. The cushion system 48 can be designed as artwork, photos, animals, individuals, characters, and or nearly any other personalized design request. The cushion system 48 can include handles, and or any other easily accessible extremities hanging from and or attached to it, to assist the elderly person in bearing down while defecating into the toilet while squatting, and or requesting personal, and or, but not limited to, medical assistance.

Example 3

Alternatives to Cushion System

[0090] There are various possibilities with regard to the relative design of the cushion system 48 depending upon the selection of material type and location of device. The cushion system 48 may be designed to fold and or unfold in any manner that would further enhance the compactness and or efficiency of the device. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D shows a cushion system to encourage the squatting position while defecating into a toddler-sized potty and or adult-sized toilet, that attaches to the nearby wall. This can be a compact and foldable device that also allows for the attachment of other accessories, such as, but not limited to, rolls of toilet paper, a trash can, or a toilet brush. This can be a durable, lightweight, plastic and or any other appropriate material with hinges 44, a cushion, a track system 47 to adjust the height of the footrest and or cushion, and, but not limited to, prefabricated screw holes 46 for the device to be secured to a wall or nearby structure that allows for the even distribution of weight between the platform 45 and the portion of the device attached to the wall, stud, and or nearby structure. The cushion system 48 can even be produced as a collapsible, inflatable, and, but not limited to, foldable single unit with a toddler and or child-sized potty.

[0091] The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods can be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as taught or suggested herein. A variety of alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understood that some preferred embodiments specifically include one, another, or several features, while others specifically exclude one, another, or several features, while still others mitigate a particular feature by inclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.

[0092] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability of various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various elements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be employed in various combinations by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with the principles described herein. Among the various elements, features, and steps some will be specifically included and others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.

[0093] Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and modifications and equivalents thereof.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms a and an and the and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the invention (especially in the context of certain of the following claims) can be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, such as) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0095] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans can employ such variations as appropriate, and the invention can be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, many embodiments of this invention include all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0096] All patents, patent applications, publications of patent applications, and other material, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, things, and/or the like, referenced herein are hereby incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety for all purposes, excepting any prosecution file history associated with same, any of same that is inconsistent with or in conflict with the present document, or any of same that may have a limiting affect as to the broadest scope of the claims now or later associated with the present document. By way of example, should there be any inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, and/or the use of a term associated with any of the incorporated material and that associated with the present document, the description, definition, and/or the use of the term in the present document shall prevail.

[0097] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of the invention. Other modifications that can be employed can be within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of the invention can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to that precisely as shown and described.