Device for facilitating potty training and method therefor

Abstract

A device and method for facilitating potty training. Preferably, the device and method encourages a child to urinate and / or perform bowel movements in a toilet. Further, preferably, the device and method are useful for both boys and girls alike. Further preferably, the device and method provide for the child to sit backward on the toilet seat to maintain balance and to focus his / her attention on the device. Still further, preferably, the device and method are safe for the environment and surrounding population.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10 / 781,109, filed Feb. 18, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to child development, and more specifically, to a device for facilitating potty training and method therefor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Potty training may prove to be a stressful experience for young children. In order to ease the transition from using diapers to using the toilet, many parents / guardians employ reward systems to encourage their children. For example, some parents / guardians may give the child a sticker or a treat after the child successfully uses the toilet. While these reward systems may provide motivation to a child, they do not assist the child with the actual task of using the toilet. [0004] Various attempts have been made to assist a child with the task of using the toilet. U.S. Pat. No...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for facilitating potty training.

[0016] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a device and method for facilitating potty training that is useful for both boys and girls alike.

[0017] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a device and method for facilitating potty training that is safe for the environment and surrounding population. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating potty training is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one tissue in a single layer, the at least one tissue being biodegradable, being semi-porous, being substantially flat so as to be placed proximate water contained within a toilet, being substantially buoyant, while at the same time being sufficiently rigid so as to be able to remain substantially buoyant after receiving at least one of urine and fecal matter of a child, and having at least one of a design and configuration adapted to encourage a child to deposit at least one of urine and fecal matter on the tissue while the tissue being placed proximate the water contained within the toilet, placing the at least one tissue proximate the water contained within the toilet, and flushing the at least one tissue down the toilet after the child has deposited at least one of urine and fecal matter on the at least one tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Potty training may prove to be a stressful experience for young children.

While these reward systems may provide motivation to a child, they do not assist the child with the actual task of using the toilet.

However, if one of these targets is hit with a heavy stream of urine, the urine could splash off and cause a mess.

Furthermore, these targets are only useful for a boy's urination.

The product, therefore, does not provide a target at which the child will aim since it does not become visible until the child has already hit the target.

Furthermore, the chemicals with which the product is treated may be harmful to the environment.

This sheet of paper, however, would sink too quickly and would not serve its purpose as a target throughout the child's entire urination or bowel movement process.

This apparatus, however, is fairly complex as it is comprised of two liquid-permeable layers with a layer of liquid-absorbent material disposed between them.

Furthermore, the Whitacre apparatus is meant only to reduce urinary splash and does not suggest its use in connection with potty training.

Not only are these targets are only useful for a boy's urination, but these targets may be harmful to the environment as they are not completely biodegradable.

Because the foam polymer target only partially dissolves in water, the remaining particles of the foam polymer target may be harmful to the environment and the surrounding population.

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