Portable Toilet Device

Abstract

A portable toilet device is disclosed that provides users with a portable toilet that is child-sized. The portable toilet device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall but comprises a toilet bowl of reduced size and multiple steps that lead to the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl also comprises a pair of stabilizing rails to help young children maintain balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet. The body component can also be comprised of a changing table, a diaper disposal area, solar-powered UV lighting, a baby wipe dispenser, and a hand sanitizer dispenser, etc.

Claims

1. A portable toilet device that provides a user with a portable toilet for children, the portable toilet device comprising: a body component; a toilet bowl; and a toilet seat; wherein the body component is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall; wherein the toilet bowl and the toilet seat are of reduced size for use by a child; and further wherein the body component is of a small size such that adults cannot fit inside comfortably to create unsanitary conditions for children.

2. The portable toilet device of claim 1, wherein the body component is an enclosure and comprises opposing side walls, a roof, a back wall, a floor, and a front opening with a door for privacy.

3. The portable toilet device of claim 2, wherein an outer planar surface of the body component can support an aesthetic design.

4. The portable toilet device of claim 3, wherein the toilet seat is pivotally secured to an upper end of the toilet bowl and comprises an opening configured to receive waste therethrough.

5. The portable toilet device of claim 4, wherein the body component comprises a plurality of steps which are positioned on the floor and lead up to the toilet seat.

6. The portable toilet device of claim 5, wherein the body component comprises a pair of stabilizing rails, with one rail secured to either side of the toilet seat.

7. The portable toilet device of claim 6, wherein the body component comprises a plurality of solar-powered UV lighting, mounted to an interior side of the roof of the body component.

8. The portable toilet device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of solar-powered UV lighting is powered via a plurality of solar panels secured to an exterior of the body component.

9. The portable toilet device of claim 8, wherein the body component comprises a fan installed on the roof.

10. The portable toilet device of claim 9, wherein the fan is also powered by the plurality of solar panels.

11. The portable toilet device of claim 10, wherein the body component comprises a hand sanitizer dispenser positioned on the sidewall.

12. The portable toilet device of claim 11, wherein the body component comprises an area for users to change an infant, which includes a changing table, a diaper disposal area, and a baby wipe dispenser.

13. The portable toilet device of claim 12, wherein the changing table is secured to an interior sidewall via bolts or screws, and a hook that secures the changing table against the interior sidewall, and then when in use, the hook can be released, allowing the changing table to extend downward for resting an infant thereon.

14. A portable toilet device that provides a user with a portable toilet for children, the portable toilet device comprising: a body component that is an enclosure and comprises opposing side walls, a roof, a back wall, a floor, and a front opening with a door for privacy; a toilet bowl; and a toilet seat; and wherein the body component is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall; wherein the toilet seat is pivotally secured to an upper end of the toilet bowl and comprises an opening configured to receive waste therethrough; wherein the toilet bowl and the toilet seat are of reduced size for use by a child; wherein the body component comprises a plurality of steps which are positioned on the floor and lead up to the toilet seat; wherein the body component comprises a pair of stabilizing rails, with one rail secured to either side of the toilet seat; wherein the body component comprises a plurality of solar-powered UV lighting, mounted to the roof of the body component; wherein the body component comprises a hand sanitizer dispenser positioned on the opposing side walls; and further wherein the body component comprises an area for users to change an infant, which includes a changing table, a diaper disposal area, and a baby wipe dispenser.

15. The portable toilet device of claim 14, wherein the changing table is secured to an interior sidewall.

16. The portable toilet device of claim 15, wherein the changing table includes a hook that secures the changing table against the interior sidewall, and then when in use, the hook can be released, allowing the changing table to extend downward for resting an infant thereon.

17. The portable toilet device of claim 14, wherein the portable toilet device is manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof.

18. The portable toilet device of claim 14, wherein the body component comprises a fan installed on the roof.

19. The portable toilet device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of utilizing a portable toilet that is child-sized, the method comprising the following steps: providing a portable toilet device comprising a body component configured as a conventional portable toilet stall with a toilet bowl of reduced size, multiple steps to the toilet bowl, and a pair of stabilizing rails to maintain balance; having a changing table, diaper disposal area and baby wipe dispenser within the body component of the portable toilet stall; securing solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser to the body component of the portable toilet stall; and allowing a child to use the portable toilet device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0027] FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the portable toilet device of the present invention showing the device and how the door opens in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the portable toilet device of the present invention showing the interior of the device and the stairs to the toilet bowl in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the portable toilet device of the present invention showing the changing table expanded from the wall in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the portable toilet device of the present invention showing the interior of the device with the toilet bowl of reduced size and changing table with a baby wipe dispenser in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the portable toilet device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of utilizing a portable toilet that is child-sized in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0033] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0034] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that provides users with a means for providing users with a shorter, smaller portable toilet for children and parents. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that functions like a standard portable toilet but features a smaller toilet bowl and steps leading up to the toilet so young children can safely sit on the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that includes a changing station installed on the wall surface for parents to change their babies. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that gives young children privacy and encouragement to use the toilet on their own while away from home. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that offers a more sanitary portable toilet geared toward young children by ensuring adults cannot fit inside them comfortably to create unsanitary conditions. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a portable toilet device that can be comprised of solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser.

[0035] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel portable toilet device. The device is a portable toilet for children. The portable toilet device comprises a body component that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall but comprises a toilet bowl of reduced size and multiple steps that lead to the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl also comprises a pair of stabilizing rails to help young children maintain balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet. The body component can also be comprised of a changing table, a diaper disposal area, solar-powered UV lighting, a baby wipe dispenser, and a hand sanitizer dispenser, etc. The present invention also includes a novel method of utilizing a portable toilet that is child-sized. The method includes the steps of providing a portable toilet device comprising a body component configured as a conventional portable toilet stall with a toilet bowl of reduced size, multiple steps to the toilet bowl, and a pair of stabilizing rails to maintain balance. The method also comprises having a changing table, diaper disposal area, and baby wipe dispenser within the body component of the portable toilet stall. Further, the method comprises securing solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser to the body component of the portable toilet stall. Finally, the method comprises allowing a child to use the portable toilet device.

[0036] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the portable toilet device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the portable toilet device 100 is an improved portable toilet device 100 that provides a user 110 with a portable toilet for children. Specifically, the portable toilet device 100 comprises a body component 102 configured as a conventional portable toilet stall with a toilet bowl 104 of reduced size, multiple steps 106 to the toilet bowl 104, and a pair of stabilizing rails 108 to maintain balance.

[0037] Generally, the portable toilet device 100 is designed to be conveniently and suitably used by children aged up to 8 years. However, in some examples, older aged children may also use the portable toilet device 100 without any limitations. Overall, the portable toilet device 100 is compact and lightweight, and sized for use by a child 110 instead of an adult, such that an adult cannot comfortably fit inside the portable toilet device 100 to create unsanitary conditions.

[0038] Further, the portable toilet device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured as a conventional portable toilet stall. The portable toilet stall is an enclosure and typically comprises opposing side walls 112, a roof 114, a back wall 116, a floor 118, and a front opening 120 with a door 122 for privacy. However, it may be understood that the body component 102 can be configured into some other shapes and configurations if needed, without any limitations. Additionally, the door 122 can include a lock or sign that reads vacant/occupied to know when the device 100 is in use.

[0039] In an exemplary configuration, the body component 102 may be designed to be about 5 feet tall, 4 feet in length/depth, and 3 feet wide, when in the installed configuration of the portable toilet stall, but can be any suitable dimensions as is known in the art. In some examples, the outer planar surface 124 of the body component 102 can support an aesthetic design 126, such as a conventional camouflage pattern, a cartoon character pattern, or any other suitable aesthetic design for fashion or functional purposes as is known in the art. For instance, the body component 102 may be designed in different colors, such as blue, yellow, green, or pink to suit the different preferences of boys and girls 110.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the body component 102 comprises a toilet bowl 104 and seat 200 of reduced size. The reduced size toilet bowl 104 and seat 200 is configured to be sized and shaped to accommodate a small child 110 and not an adult. The toilet bowl 104 and seat 200 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 110. Generally, the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200 are in the shape of a conventional toilet bowl and seat, just of a reduced size for children 110 to use. Furthermore, the toilet seat 200 is pivotally secured to an upper end 202 of the toilet bowl 104 and comprises an opening 204 configured to receive waste therethrough. The toilet seat 200 is movable between a substantially horizontal position in which it is disposed over the open upper end 202 of the toilet bowl 104, and a lifted position in which the toilet seat 200 is disposed substantially vertical or at an angle greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal position. The horizontal position allows a user 110 to remain seated while using the toilet bowl 104 and the lifted position allows a user 110 to urinate in the toilet bowl 104 while not using the toilet seat 200 to sit on. Further, the dimensions of the toilet seat 200 are substantially similar to the open upper end 202 of the toilet bowl 104 so as to allow the toilet seat 200 to rest on the edges of the upper end 202 of the toilet bowl 104.

[0041] Further, the body component 102 comprises a plurality of steps 106 which are positioned on the interior floor 118 of the body component 102 and lead up to the toilet seat 200. Thus, the plurality of steps 106 act to provide a safe means for children 110 to reach the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200. The plurality of steps 106 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user 110. Further, any number of steps 106 can be provided, depending on the size and shape of the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200.

[0042] Additionally, the body component 102 comprises a pair of stabilizing rails 108, with one rail 108 secured to either side 206 of the toilet seat 200. The stabilizing rails 108 help young children 110 maintain their balance when walking up to and sitting on the toilet seat 200. The stabilizing rails 108 can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as glue, adhesives, bolts, screws, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the body component 102 comprises a plurality of solar-powered UV lighting 208, typically mounted to the interior roof 114 of the body component 102. As may be contemplated, the solar-powered UV lighting 208 is powered via a plurality of solar panels 210 secured to the exterior of the body component 102, at any suitable position that is facing the sun to receive sunlight. Thus, the plurality of solar panels 210 supply power to the solar-powered UV lighting 208 within the portable toilet stall and light inside the installed portable toilet, which may help children 110 to not be afraid of the dark during use thereof.

[0044] In one embodiment, the body component 102 comprises a fan 212 installed on the roof 114 of the body component 102. The fan 212 may be integrally formed in place with the body component 102. The fan 212 may be electrically connected with the plurality of solar panels 210 to receive electric power for the operation thereof. The fan 212 would provide enough ventilation, which may help the children 110 to not feel suffocated during use thereof.

[0045] Further, the body component 102 comprises a hand sanitizer dispenser 214 or other suitable sanitizing device for removing germs. The hand sanitizer dispenser 214 can be positioned on an interior wall 112 near the toilet bowl 104 and seat 200, or any other suitable position as is known in the art. The hand sanitizer dispenser 214 can be secured to the wall 112 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as adhesives, glue, screws, bolts, etc.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the body component 102 comprises an area for parents/guardians to change an infant or other small child. The area would include a changing table 300 secured to the interior sidewall 112. Generally, the changing table 300 would be secured via a hook 302 to the wall 112, and then when in use, the hook 302 can be released, allowing the changing table 300 to extend downward for resting an infant thereon. The changing table 300 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the changing table 300 is sized and shaped to hold an infant or small child in a supine position. Further, the area can include a diaper disposal area 304, such as a trashcan with a lid, and a baby wipe dispenser 306 for use while changing a diaper. The baby wipe dispenser 306 is typically secured to an interior sidewall 112 of the body component 102, near the changing table 300 or other suitable place.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the portable toilet device 100 is made of an advantageously high-grade plastic material, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the portable toilet device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the body component 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Furthermore, the portable toilet device 100 is made of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or the body component 102 comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the portable toilet device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be a portable toilet, changing table, or brand related.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of utilizing a portable toilet that is child-sized, comprising the following steps. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a portable toilet device comprising a body component configured as a conventional portable toilet stall with a toilet bowl of reduced size, multiple steps to the toilet bowl, and a pair of stabilizing rails to maintain balance. The method also comprises at 602, having a changing table, diaper disposal area, and baby wipe dispenser within the body component of the portable toilet stall. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing solar-powered UV lighting and a hand sanitizer dispenser to the body component of the portable toilet stall. Finally, the method comprises at 606, allowing a child to use the portable toilet device.

[0050] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein portable toilet device, portable device, toilet device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the portable toilet device 100 of the present invention.

[0051] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the portable toilet device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the portable toilet device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the portable toilet device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the portable toilet device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the portable toilet device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0052] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0053] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.