TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable children's toilet system, and in particular, although not exclusively, to a portable children's toilet system including a privacy screen.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] When away from home, suitable toilets are often hard to come by, which can cause problems, particularly when children are involved. In some cases, a child may be forced to go to the toilet in a sub-optimal environment, which can cause distress to the child or a parent. In other cases, trips may be prematurely ended or substantially altered due to a lack of a suitable toilet in the area.

[0003] Public toilets (referred to as public restrooms in the United States) are often crowded and dirty, and may not be suitable for children. Furthermore, public toilets are often gender specific, which can cause problems if, for example, a father needs to take a girl into a male toilet.

[0004] Furthermore, at parks, beaches, playgrounds and the like, public toilets are often simply not available at all. In certain cases, a closest suitable public toilet may be several kilometres away. As such, the use of public toilets cannot be relied upon when travelling.

[0005] Portable camping toilets exist, for example in the form of chemical toilets and toilets with disposable receptacles. Such toilets are often used inside a caravan or motorhome, and are particularly advantageous when travelling.

[0006] A problem with such portable camping toilets of the prior art is that they are generally bulky. Furthermore, such portable camping toilets do not provide any privacy and thus must be used inside a caravan or other private area, or alternatively used openly and without any privacy.

[0007] Toilet and shower tents exist for camping, which provide privacy for a portable toilet or shower. Such tents are generally spacious, typically over 2m high and with a floor area of over lm ² . As such, these tents are generally quite bulky, and are thus often used only for specific camping trips.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a portable children's toilet system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a portable children's toilet system including:

a collapsible children's toilet; and

a collapsible privacy screen, for providing privacy to a child using the collapsible children's toilet.

[0011] Advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention include an ability to carry the portable children's toilet system, for example on a pram, and use the toilet system on demand. As such, reliance on public toilets is avoided.

[0012] The collapsible children's toilet can be a foldable toilet. Alternatively, the collapsible children's toilet can be a pop-up toilet. The collapsible children's toilet can include a disposable bag. The disposable bag can include an absorbent material on an inside of the disposable bag. For example, the absorbent material can comprise an absorbent pad or absorbent powder.

[0013] The collapsible privacy screen can comprise a screen for at least partially

surrounding the collapsible children's toilet. The collapsible privacy screen can be attached to toilet. For example, the collapsible privacy screen can be removably attachable to the collapsible children's toilet.

[0014] The collapsible privacy screen can comprise a tent. The tent can be pyramid-shaped, cylindrical or cubic. According to certain embodiments, the tent is self-erecting.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the tent is less than 1.8m high. According to other embodiments, the tent is less than 1.5m high. According to yet other embodiments, the tent is less than 1.2m high.

[0016] The collapsible privacy screen is preferably of light weight material, such as lightweight polyester fabric. The privacy screen can be breathable, and may be waterproof. [0017] The portable children's toilet system can be suitable for children aged between 2 and 8 years. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system is suitable for children aged between 2 and 5 years.

[0018] The system can further comprise a carry bag, for carrying the collapsible children's toilet and the collapsible privacy screen, both in collapsed states. The carry bag can have at least two handles.

[0019] The portable children's toilet system can be substantially flat when stored in the carry bag. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system is less than 10cm thick when stored in the carry bag. According to other embodiments, the portable children's toilet system is less than 5cm thick when stored in the carry bag.

[0020] Similarly, the portable children's toilet system can be less than 45cm by 45cm in size when stored in the carry bag. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system is less than 30cm x 30cm in size when stored in the carry bag.

[0021] The portable children's toilet system can weigh less than 3kg. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system weighs less than 2kg.

[0022] The collapsible children's toilet may comprise a front support and a rear support, wherein the front and rear supports are pivotally attached to a base of the toilet. The front and rear supports may be lockable by locking members.

[0023] A base of the collapsible children's toilet may be tapered from a rear portion to a front portion.

[0024] In another form, the invention resides in a handheld children's toilet kit including: a children's toilet; and

a privacy screen, for providing privacy to a child using the children's toilet.

[0025] In yet another form, the invention resides in a pram including:

a children's toilet; and

a privacy screen, for providing privacy to a child using the children's toilet.

[0026] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0027] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description of Embodiments which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Description of Embodiments is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Description of Embodiments will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable children's toilet system, erected and with a door open, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates the portable children's toilet system of FIG. 1, erected and with the door closed; and

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a carry case of the portable children's toilet system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible children's toilet, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible children's toilet of FIG. 4, in a collapsed state;

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the collapsible children's toilet of FIG. 4, in a collapsed state;

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the collapsible children's toilet of FIG. 4, in a collapsed state;

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the collapsible children's toilet of FIG. 4, in a collapsed state;

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the collapsible children's toilet of FIG. 4, in an expanded state;

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a carry bag, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and [0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a tent, according to an alternative embodiment of the present

DESCRIPTION OF EMB ODEVIENT S

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable children's toilet system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The portable children's toilet system 100 includes a collapsible children's toilet 105, and a collapsible privacy screen in the form of a tent 110. FIG. 1 illustrates the children's toilet system 100 assembled and ready to use.

[0042] The portable children's toilet system 100 can be carried, for example on a pram, and set-up on demand. As such, a private toilet can be provided to children when and where needed, and reliance on public toilets is avoided.

[0043] The collapsible children's toilet 105 comprises a foldable toilet including a disposable bag 115. The disposable bag 115 can include an absorbent material (not shown) on an inside of the disposable bag 115 to assist with ease of disposal of the disposable bag 115 and to prevent leakage from the disposable bag 115. For example, the absorbent material can comprise an absorbent pad or absorbent powder.

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the collapsible children's toilet 105 comprises a pop-up toilet. In such case, a seat portion of the pop-up toilet can be extended upwards from a base portion of the pop-up toilet prior to use.

[0045] The tent 110 surrounds the collapsible children's toilet 105, and includes a door 120. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tent 1 10 completely shields the collapsible children's toilet 105 when the door 120 is closed. The door 120 can be closed using zippers 125. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners (not shown) can be used to secure the door 120.

[0046] According to certain embodiments, the tent 110 is self-erecting, i.e. a pop up tent. In such case, the tent 110 will expand upon being unpacked from a storage container/bag. .

[0047] The tent 110 can be any suitable shape, including pyramid-shaped, cylindrical or cubic. According to certain embodiments, the tent 110 is less than 1.8m high. According to other embodiments, the tent 110 is less than 1.5m high. According to yet other embodiments, the tent 110 is less than 1.2m high. [0048] According to alternative embodiments, a collapsible privacy screen (not shown) partially surrounds the collapsible children's toilet 105. For example, the collapsible privacy screen can surround the collapsible children's toilet 105 at ground level, while being open from above. According to certain embodiments, the child's head extends upwards and outwards from behind the collapsible privacy screen when in use.

[0049] The collapsible privacy screen can be removably attachable to the collapsible children's toilet 105. In particular, support for the collapsible privacy screen can be provided using one or more support members extending from the collapsible children's toilet 105.

[0050] The tent 110 (or other type of privacy screen if used) is preferably of light weight material, such as 190 thread count (190T) polyester fabric. The tent 110 or other privacy screen is advantageously breathable, and can be waterproof.

[0051] The tent 110 or other privacy screen can be attached to the collapsible children's toilet 105. Alternatively, the collapsible children's toilet 105 can be manually placed inside the tent 110 or other privacy screen after assembly of same.

[0052] The portable children's toilet system 100 is generally suitable for children aged between 2 and 8 years. Certain embodiments of the present invention are suitable for children aged between 2 and 5 years.

[0053] The portable children's toilet system 100 can further comprise a carry bag 300, as illustrated in FIG.3, for carrying the collapsible children's toilet 105 and the tent 110. The carry bag 300 has two handles 305, which enables the carry bag 300 to be carried in a similar manner to a handbag, or supported by handles of a pram or stroller.

[0054] The portable children's toilet system 100 is compact and lightweight, to enable everyday use. For example, the portable children's toilet system 100 is substantially flat when stored in the carry bag 300. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system 100 is less than 10cm thick when stored in the carry bag 300. According to other embodiments, the portable children's toilet system 100 is less than 5cm thick when stored in the carry bag 300.

[0055] Similarly, the portable children's toilet system 100 is less than 45cm by 45cm in size when stored in the carry bag 300. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system 100 is less than 30cm x 30cm in size when stored in the carry bag 300. [0056] The portable children's toilet system 100 weighs less than 3kg. According to certain embodiments, the portable children's toilet system 100 weighs less than 2kg.

[0057] The compact and lightweight nature of the portable children's toilet system 100 enables it to be used every day, without being burdensome. For example, the portable children's toilet system 100 can be hung on handle of a stroller when going for a walk, going to the beach or a park, or simply whenever using the stroller.

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible children's toilet 400, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The collapsible children's toilet 400 is similar to the collapsible children's toilet 105 of FIG. 1, and can be provided to children when and where needed.

[0059] The toilet 400 includes a seat portion 405, a front support leg 410, and a rear support 415. The front support leg 410 comprises a leg portion 410a and a base portion 410b, wherein the leg portion 410a and the base portion 410b form an inverted T shape. The leg portion 410a is pivotally attached to a front of the seat portion 405, which enables the front support leg 410 to fold backwards under the seat portion, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 5.

[0060] The rear support 415 comprises two leg portions 415a, pivotally attached to a rear of the seat portion 405, and a base portion 415b. The rear support 415 is generally U-shaped and pivots forwards under the seat portion 405, as illustrated with reference to FIG. 5.

[0061] The toilet 400 further includes a disposable bag 420, for receiving excrement and/or urine from the child. The disposable bag 420 is similar to the disposable bag 115, and may include an absorbent material (not shown) on an inside of the disposable bag 420.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the disposable bag 420 may be installed to the toilet 400 when folded up, to simplify and speed up the installation process. Furthermore, the toilet may include catches, to prevent the toiled from unfolding when folded up.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the seat portion 405 tapers from a rear of the seat portion 405 to a front of the seat portion 405 in a plane of the seat. In other words, the rear of the seat portion 405 is wider than the front of the seat portion. As such, a relatively wide rear of the seat portion 405 provides stability, while a relatively narrow front of the seat portion 405 provides a comfortable width for the child.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 7, seat tapers from rear to front in that the rear of the seat portion is thicker than front. This ensures that sufficient strength is provided to the rear support

415, which providing a comfortable surface for the child. Similarly, an opening 425 of the seat portion 405 graduates smoothly from a flat upper surface of the seat portion 405.

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the toilet 400, when folded away. A plurality of bag retainers 430 extend around a periphery of the opening 425, for retaining the disposable bag 420. The bag retainers 430 comprise clips for receiving an upper edge of the bag 420 and preventing the bag from falling downwards. The bag 420 may include a rigid or semi rigid upper lip (not illustrated), conforming to an inside of the opening 425 and assisting in retaining the bag 420 and preventing leakage from between the seat portion 405 and the bag 420.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the toilet 400 is configured such that in use, the seat tilts forwards approximately 8.8 degrees from horizontal. Furthermore, the legs 410, 415 extend outwardly from the seat portion 405, to provide sturdy base and to help prevent toppling of the toilet if the child moves.

[0067] The toilet further includes locking buttons 435, for locking and releasing the rear support 415. In particular, the rear support may lock in a closed position by one or more locking members, to prevent the seat from inadvertently opening while in storage. In such case, the locking buttons can be pushed in to release the locking members when in use. The locking members may also lock the legs 410 and/or 415 in an open position, to provide addition rigidity to the toilet 400 when in use.

[0068] According to certain embodiments, the base 405 is about 280mm wide and about 290mm long. The base may taper from about 39.9mm thickness at about 4.9 degrees.

[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates a carry bag 1000, for carrying the toilet 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The carry bag 1000 includes a body 1005, for receiving the toilet 400, and a handle 1010, which is pivotally attached to sides of the body 1005. The handle 1010 enables the bag 1000 be carried in a similar manner to a handbag, or supported by handles of a pram or stroller.

[0070] The body 1005 includes an opening on an upper end, for receiving the toilet 400. The opening is advantageously sealable by a zipper, to prevent the toilet 400 from falling out of the bag 1000.

[0071] The bag 1000 further includes a disposable bag pouch 1015, for receiving disposable bags 420. The bag pouch 1015 is advantageously configured to receive a plurality of unused bags 420, to enable the toilet 400 to be used several times.

[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates a collapsible privacy screen 1100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The privacy screen 1100 is similar to the tent 110 of FIG. 1, and shields the toilet 400 when in use.

[0073] The privacy screen 1100 includes four panels 1105 attached by flexible hinge portions 1110. Furthermore, the privacy screen 1 100 includes a releasable retainer, for joining a first and last panel 1105. As such, the panels 1105 may be opened to enable a child to enter and leave a space defined by the panels 1105.

[0074] In use, the privacy screen 1100 may define a substantially cubic space.

Alternatively, the privacy screen can be used with an end open, providing shielding from one direction. This may be particularly useful when one side is shielded by other means, e.g. by a wall, as it enables a configurable layout.

[0075] The panels may be about 837mm wide by about 812.6mm high.

[0076] According to certain embodiments, each panel 1105 is foldable, for storage in the carry bag 1000. In such case, the panels 1105 may be "self-unfolding", i.e. such that the panel will expand upon being unpacked from a carry bag 1100 or another storage container/bag.

[0077] The bag 1000, the screen 1100 and the toilet 400 comprise a portable children's toilet system, similar to the system 100. In particular, the bag 1000, the screen 1100 and the toilet 400 may be sold in a kit, for easy transportation and use together.

[0078] The toilet 400, 105 may be formed primarily of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, to provide a lightweight yet sturdy toilet.

[0079] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0080] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0081] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.