Potty

Abstract

A potty includes a seat portion having an upper surface which is ergonomically contoured to receive the bottom of a child when the potty is in an open state. The seat portion includes a cavity for receiving waste from the child. A lid portion of the potty is configured to be connectable with the seat portion to form a seal therebetween when the potty is in a closed state. A securing device is provided to prevent relative movement between the lid portion and the seat portion when the potty is in a closed state. The seal is configured such that egress of any waste contained within the cavity is inhibited irrespective of the orientation of the potty.

Description

[0001]This application is a national stage application under 35 USC 371 of International Application No. PCT / GB2009 / 050503, filed May 13, 2009, which claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 0808822.1, filed May 15, 2008, the contents of which prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of potties for young children, in particular portable potties for use when out and about.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conventional travel potties are known in the form of a folding device that is configured to be very compact and light weight so that it can readily be packed in a suitcase or, even inserted into a changing bag. These devices comprise a substantially flat angular seat component with a number of legs, typically four, pivotally attached to the seat component. In use the legs are folded down and a disposable bag is attached over the seat component. The child sits on an upper surface of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]securing means arranged to urge the lid portion towards the seat portion preventing relative movement therebetween when the potty is in the closed 20 state, the seal being configured to inhibit egress of any waste contained within the cavity irrespective of the orientation of the potty.

[0011]By providing a securely sealable potty, a stable platform for a child is achieved together with the versatility of a device that can be used anywhere, even if there is no imminent prospect of visiting a public convenience to clean out the device. Furthermore, there is no requirement to subsequently transport a flimsy bag containing human waste until a suitable disposal location is found. Once the potty is in the closed state the orientation of the potty can be changed without risking the egress of said waste. The potty can, therefore, be carried naturally by a handle or other means using a single hand. Alternatively the used potty can readily be stowed under a buggy or over a buggy handle. The potty can then be emptied and cleaned when it is safe, convenient and hygienic to do so.

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantages associated with such a device are primarily that it is dissimilar to a standard potty so that the child finds it quite alien to use.

Furthermore, the device is significantly less stable than a standard potty and the child may not feel secure when trying to use it.

Furthermore, whether it is hygienic to carry around a thin plastic bag with human waste contained therein is, at best, questionable.

However, such a device is impractical for use when away from the car and is not, therefore, particularly portable once used.

Whilst such a device avoids the use of plastic bags to contain the waste, the other aforementioned disadvantages, namely the lack of stability and the lack of familiarity are still associated with this alternative device.

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