Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/459,090, filed February 15, 2017, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Background of the Present Disclosure

[0002] Potty training (also known as toilet training) a child can be difficult, particularly if the child is not comfortable and properly situated. Potty training can involve multiple different devices and/or options, particularly as the range of children being potty trained range from a year to three years in age. Children develop rapidly, both physically and mentally, between the ages of one and three, and as such, creating a potty solution for any and all children can be difficult. Firstly, a potty that can accommodate children of various sizes is needed. Secondly, having a potty that assists the child in accomplishing the act of pottying quickly and comfortably is needed. Thirdly, having a potty that can be used in a variety of configurations is needed. Fourthly, having a potty that is easy to clean is needed. Summary of the Present Disclosure

[0003] The potty assembly has a basin for receiving, collecting and storing waste. The basin has an upper opening with a seat surrounding at least a portion of the opening. The seat and opening are suitably sized to receive a child's bottom such that the child is aligned to deposit waste (solid, liquid, or both) into the basin and not outside the basin. The upper front portion of the basin has a raised lip that functions as a pee guard to (a) accommodate male children and (b) mitigates against splashing out of the front region of the potty. The pee guard is arcuate. The upper back portion is elevated to provide a back rest for the child, and minimally includes a lumbar support portion.

[0004] In some embodiments, the potty assembly is separable into multiple components for easy storage, easy transportation, and/or for easy removal of waste from the basin. In some embodiments, the basin includes a disposal liner. In other embodiments, the potty assembly including the basin have odor neutralizing, odor adsorbing materials. In other embodiments, the potty assembly and/or basin includes materials that do not absorb or retain malodor. In other embodiments, the potty assembly includes a fragrance. In yet further embodiments, the potty assembly includes antimicrobial materials. [0005] The potty assembly is configured to improve comfort during toilet training to improve the child's interest in using the potty assembly. The potty assembly is configured to position the child to streamline excretion of solid and/or liquid waste. In some embodiments, the potty assembly has at least one foot rest. The at least one foot rest can be unitary or include two separate foot rests. The at least one foot rest is elevated. The at least one foot rest optionally provides a step to assist the child on getting onto and sitting on the seat. The at least one foot rest assists in positioning the child to improve and streamline the waste excretion process. In embodiments without at least one foot rest, the seat of the potty assembly is positioned at a height with respect to the floor on which the potty rests that ensures a child's knees are bent at an acute angle and thusly assist in a potty position conducive to excretion. In embodiments with at least one foot rest, the seat of the potty assembly is positioned at a height with respect to the at least one foot rest that ensures a child's knees are bent at an acute angle and thusly assist in a potty position conducive to excretion. Alternatively or additionally, the potty assembly, via the lumbar support portion and the surface of the seat (seat contour) position the child such that the angle defined by the pelvis (between the back and the upper legs) is an acute angle. While it is desirous to have the at least one foot rest at a constant height, it is possible to have at least one footrest that has a lower portion (in instances where additional step(s) are required for the child to get up onto the potty). In these embodiments, the height of the potty assembly is with respect to the portion of the at least one foot rest that is the foot pad. The foot pad is defined as the portion of the foot rest where the child's foot is intended to be placed in order to facilitate the potty position conducive to excretion. The foot pad can be designated by a graphic, or by a suitable shape, topography, and/or material.

[0006] In some embodiments, the potty assembly has one or more handles. The one or more handles are positioned such that the child can utilize the handle to help the child getting onto the potty assembly and/or off the potty assembly. The one or more handles can optionally provide the child an incentive to sit on the potty assembly in a position most conducive to streamlined waste excretion. The one or more handles can also provide the child a comfortable place to rest his or her hand, or something to grab-on to in an attempt to gain comfort during the potty experience.

[0007] In yet other embodiments, the potty assembly includes an incentive for the child to utilize the potty assembly (and potentially utilize the potty assembly correctly). The potty assembly in such embodiments includes a light, a sound and/or a tracker to encourage the child to use the potty assembly over one or more occasions, "flush" the potty assembly, wipe after a successful waste elimination, and/or combinations thereof. Such components can be located on various portions or aspects of the device to make it easier for the child to access them, see them, or hear them, and to do so at the appropriate time as to not disrupt the elimination process.

[0008] In other embodiments, the potty assembly has a storage portion. The storage portion is configured underneath, behind or adjacent the potty assembly basin. The storage portion can be in the form of a drawer, cabinet, or receptacle that is at least partially open and/or at least partially closed. The storage portion and/or the potty in general is configured to reduce the opportunity for waste material and/or moisture to enter the storage portion. The storage portion can open frontward, rearward and/or to the side. The storage portion is suitably sized to hold one or more items that assist in the potty process, such as, wipes, toilet paper, ointments or medicaments, suppositories, reading material, and/or other entertainment means and supplies.

[0009] In yet other embodiments, the potty assembly has one or more features that (1) improve likeness to conventional toilets, and/or (2) teach the child an additional step in utilizing a conventional toilet. In one embodiment, the toiled includes a water chamber. The water chamber looks like the chamber on a conventional toilet. Optionally, the chamber is at least partially translucent so the child can see water (or other flushing solution) is in the chamber. The potty assembly with such a chamber can be non-functional, such that the chamber is simply a visual queue for the child, so they understand that conventional toilets use water to clean the toilet. In some embodiments, the potty assembly has a lever. The lever assists the child in understanding how to flush the toilet. The lever has a rest position and a use position that is angled with respect to the rest position. The lever is movable between the rest and use positions. The lever can be functional and enable fluid to flow from the chamber into the basin, or it can be non-functional in the sense that the lever does not trigger the flow of fluid. In embodiments where the potty assembly enables fluid to flow from the chamber to the basin, a channel permits fluid to flow. The channel is proximal the bottom and/or forward portion of the chamber, and connects to the rearward portion of the basin. A valve and a gasket control fluid flow such that (a) the basin can be removed without excess fluid flowing out of the channel, and (b) waste in the basin does not travel back into the channel.

Description of the Drawings

[00010] FIG. 1 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure; [00011] FIG. 2a a top view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure; [00012] FIG. 2b is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00013] FIG. 3 is a front angled exploded view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00014] FIG. 4 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00015] FIG. 5 a front angled exploded view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00016] FIG. 6 is a front angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00017] FIG. 7 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00018] FIG. 7a view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00019] FIG. 8 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00020] FIG. 9 is top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00021] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00022] FIG. 11 is a front angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00023] FIG. 12 is a front angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00024] FIG. 13 is a top angled view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00025] FIG. 14 is a top view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure; [00026] FIG. 14a is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure;

[00027] FIG. 15 is an angled side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure; [00028] FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure; and

[00029] FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of the potty assembly according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[00030] The figures represent various embodiments of a potty assembly 10. Referring generally to FIGS. l-2b, the potty assembly 10 includes a seat 12, a basin 14, and a base 16. The potty assembly 10 generally has a height dimension 60 measured along a vertical axis 57, a width dimension 61 measured along a horizontal axis 58, and a depth dimension 62 measured along a depthwise axis 59. The potty assembly 10 has a height that is generally less than about 10 inches, less than 9 inches, or between about 5 inches and about 9 inches. The potty assembly 10 has a width that is generally between about 10 inches and about 20 inches, between about 12 inches and about 18 inches, or between about 14 inches and about 17 inches. The potty assembly has a depth of less than 22 inches, and/or between about 12 inches and about 21 inches.

[00031] The potty assembly 10 is sized to accommodate small children of various sizes, and generally children between about 20 lbs and about 35 lbs (9 kg to 16 kg), children between about 30 inches and about 40 inches (76 cm to 102 cm) in height, and children between the ages of 18 months and 36 months. The potty assembly 10 is configured to assist in the potty training process. The potty assembly 10 assists in the child's getting onto the seat 12, assists in the child's relieving himself/herself via waste passing/excretion, and the child's getting off the potty assembly 10 after evacuating his/her waste. Optionally, the potty assembly 10 assists in the child's approach and interest in using the potty assembly 10. Optionally, the potty assembly 10 assists the child in learning how to properly relieve himself/herself including cleaning oneself after evacuating his/her waste, and/or how to properly maintain the potty assembly 10.

[00032] The seat 12 has an outer periphery 79 that defines the outer width 80 and outer depth 81 of the seat 12. The outer periphery optionally has a lip 82 that extends downward and/or outward from the outer periphery 79. The lip 82 has a lip height 83. The lip 82 assists the seat 12 in registering to the base 14 and/or stabilizing the seat 12 onto a conventional toilet seat. The lip height 83 is between about 0.05 inches and about 4 inches, or less than about 2 inches, or less than about an inch, or less than about 0.75 inches.

[00033] As shown in FIG. 14a, The seat 12 has a center opening 17 through which waste is directed into the basin 14. The seat 12 has a funnel 25 to help direct waste through center opening 17 and into the basin 14. The funnel 25 has a height 27 of between about ¼ (.6 cm) inch and about 2 inches (5.1 cm), preferably between about ½" (1.2 cm) to about 1" (2.5 cm). The seat 12 has a flange 13 that assists in positioning and retain the seat onto the base 16 and/or basin 14 (and optionally, retain basin 14).

[00034] In some embodiments as exemplified by FIGS. 3, 5, 14, and 14a, the seat 12 is removable from the basin 16. In some embodiments, the seat 12 is connectable and separable from the basin 16. In embodiments where the seat 12 is removable from the basin 16, the flange 13 is sized to position and retain the seat 12 on a conventional toilet seat. As such, the flange 13 has a height 27 of between about ¼ (.6 cm) inch and about 2 inches (5.1 cm), preferably between about VT (1.2 cm) to about 1" (2.5 cm). In some embodiments, the funnel 25 has a flange 13. In other embodiments, the seat 12 has the funnel 25 with a funnel bottom edge 31 and the seat 12 also has a separate flange 13 having a flange bottom edge 29 that are coplanar. In other embodiments, the lip 82 has a lip edge 84 that is higher (or shorter) than the funnel bottom edge 31 and/or flange bottom edge 29, such that the funnel bottom edge 31 and/or flange bottom edge 29 protect the base 12 and basin 14 (and optionally a conventional toilet seat) from being exposed to waste. In other embodiments, the lip edge 84, funnel bottom edge 31 and flange bottom edge 29 are coplanar.

[00035] The center opening 17 has a maximum width 11 of between about 4 inches and about 8 inches, or between about inches and about 7 inches, or more preferably about 5 inches. The center opening 17 has a maximum length 33 of between about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or between about 7 inches and about 9 inches, or more preferably about 8 inches. The maximum width 11 is in the rearward portion 37 of the center opening 17. The rearward portion 37 is aft of the mid-line 41 of center opening 17, where the mid-line 41 corresponds to half of the center opening maximum length 33. The maximum length 33 is generally along the center depthwise axis 35 of the center opening 17.

[00036] Optionally, the seat 12 has a pee guard 48. The pee guard 48 has an upper edge 64 that is higher than the adjacent portions of seat 12. The pee guard 48 has a height 65 of between about one inch and about 4 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and about 3.5 inches, or about 3 inches. The pee guard 48 has a width 66 of between about one inch and about 4 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and about 3.5 inches, or about 3 inches. The pee guard 48 has a depth 67 of between about one inch and about 3 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and about 2 inches, or about 1.7 inches. The pee guard 48 has a surface area 68 that is up to about 15% of the total center opening surface area 69, or between about 5% and 10% of the total center opening surface area 69. In some embodiments, the pee guard 48 increases the center opening surface area 69 by up to about 15%, or increases by between about 5% and about 10%. The pee guard is in the forward portion 39 of center opening 17, where the forward portion 39 is forward of the mid-line 41 of center opening 17.

[00037] The seat 12 is shaped to comfortably receive a child's bottom side to assist in the potty process. The seat 12 has a contour 49 such that portions of a child's body are in a position conducive to the potty process, which includes (a) getting onto the potty, (b) using the potty, and/or (c) getting off the potty. The contour 49 has a shape that is conducive to the shape of a child in the sitting and/or squatting position. For instance, the contour 49 has peaks and valleys that are suitably shaped for a child's bottom side, hips and legs.

[00038] As shown in at least FIG. 1, the seat 12 has two leg supports 54, one for each leg of the child. The leg supports 54 help maintain the child's legs in a position conducive to sitting on the potty seat 12. Optionally, the leg supports 54 help the child get onto the seat 12 and be sitting in a position conducive to relieving himself/herself.

[00039] In some embodiments such as those exemplified by FIG. 8, the back rest 24 and lumbar support portion 55 are separate. The back rest 24 is connectable to or unitary with the base 14. The lumbar support portion 55 is unitary with the seat 12.

[00040] In some embodiments, the back of the base 21 has a height 23 that is higher than the upper end 63 of the lumbar support portion 55. In other embodiments, the back of the base 21 height 23 is lower than the upper end 63 of the lumbar support portion 55.

[00041] As shown in at least FIG. 1, the potty assembly 10 has a back rest 24. The back rest 24 is unitary with the seat 12. The back rest has a lumbar support portion 55 that helps position the child into a position conducive for relieving himself or herself. As such, the back rest 24 has a taper 56 that supports the child's back (and more specifically, lower back). The lumbar support region height 95 is between about 3 inches and about six inches, and preferably is about 4 inches. The back rest 24 has a height 94 of at least the lumbar support region height 95. The back rest height 24 can be any number of heights, but is preferably tall enough to support the back of a small child (thus up to about 12" or so) but can be taller as contemplated throughout the present disclosure).

[00042] The basin 14 provides sufficient volume to collect waste during at least one evacuation session. The basin fits within central hole 32 in base 14. The basin 14 has a basin height 70 of up to the platform height 50, or is up to about 4 inches, or is between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, or is preferably between about 3 inches and 3.5 inches. The basin 14 has a basin width 72 of up to the maximum center opening width 11, or up to about 8 inches, or between about 4 inches and about 8 inches, or between about 4 inches and about 7 inches, or preferably between about 5 inches and 6 inches. The basin 14 has a basin depth 71 of up to the maximum center opening length 33, or up to about 6 inches to about 10 inches, or between about 7 inches and about 9 inches, or more preferably about 7 inches to about 8 inches. The basin 15 has a surface area 75 up to the center opening surface area 69.

[00043] The basin 14 has a basin flange 53 enabling basin 14 to be retained by base 16. Optionally, basin flange 53 extends outward and/or upward from basin 14, and has a funnel 74 including an arcuate, roundel, fillet and/or chamfered region to assist with directing waste towards basin bottom 74.

[00044] Basin has a removal lip 52 helping the user to remove basin 14 from base 16. Optionally base has a removal recess 47 to enable a user to place one's finger underneath removal lip 52 to assist in removal. As shown in FIG. 5, basin 14 optionally has a removal handle 15.

[00045] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 provides for a liner 46 that collects waste deposited into the potty assembly 10. The liner 46 is situated between the seat 12 and basin 14 such that it extends and substantially covers basin 14 thereby creating a barrier between the basin 14 any wasted. The liner 46 can come in the form of a single bag with an open end 78 and a closed end 77, or can come in a length of film such that individual bags can be separated by perforations. In some embodiments, the length of the liner bag is about 10 inches to about 16 inches, or more preferably between about 12 inches and about 15 inches, to accommodate closing the open end 78 with a knot or other closure mechanism (band, clip, fastener, etc.).

[00046] Base 14 provides a platform 43 upon which seat 12 rests. Platform has a base platform height 50, which is between about 3 inches and about 6 inches, or between about 4.5 inches and about 5.5 inches. Base 14 and seat 12 are configured to provide a conducive position for the child while (a) getting onto the potty assembly 10, (b) relieving himself/herself, and (c) getting off the potty assembly 10. Base 14 has a groove 45 that receives seat flange 13. In some embodiments, groove 45 connects with removal recess 47. Groove 45 has a height of about ¼ inches to about 1.5 inches, or between about ½ inches to about 1 inch.

[00047] As exemplified in FIGS. 16-17, the potty assembly 10 of the present disclosure is further advantageous in that it positions the child in a position conducive to evacuating himself/herself, particularly during excretion of waste from the bowel. The potty assembly 10 seeks to position the child in a sitting position that is similar to a squat. In other words, the potty assembly 10 seeks to create angles between the child's back, upper legs, and/or lower legs. The torso angle 88 is defined as the angle formed between the child's back and the child's upper leg(s). As this can be difficult to ascertain without a child, the torso angle 88 is schematically represented in FIG. 16 and also defined with respect to a potty having a back rest 24 (or at minimum, lumbar support region 55) and seat 12. The torso region has a torso vertex 138 at the seat line 133, with a lumbar line segment 135 extending from the upper inner edge 136 to the vertex 138, and a leg line segment 137 extending from the upper seat edge 139 to the torso vertex 138. The seat line 133 is defined as a plane extending through the rearward most point 134 of the center opening 17. The knee angle 89 is defined as the angle formed between child's upper leg and lower leg. As this can be difficult to ascertain without a child, the knee angle 89 is schematically represented in FIG. 16 and also defined with respect to the mid-line 41, front edge 85 of the seat 12 (the line or plane through which the vertex 130 of the knee angle intersects), and heal-line 86 of the at least one footrest 18. The front edge 85 of the seat 12 defines a plane as exemplified in FIG. 17, where the plane is perpendicular to the upper surface 143 of the foot rest 18 (or the ground, if there is no foot rest). A seat line segment 131 that is ten inches in length extends from the mid-line 41 to vertex 130 and intersects a heal line segment 132 that is ten inches in length extending from the heal line 86 to vertex 130, duly forming the knee angle (note: ten inches for line segments 131 and 132 was selected based on a reasonable lower leg length and upper leg length of children who are likely to use the potty assembly 10). The heal-line 86 is 0.5 inches from the forwardmost portion of the base that is adjacent the at least one footrest 18. Preferably the potty assembly 10 provides an acute angle with respect to at least one of the torso angle 88 and knee angle 89. As such, in some embodiments, either of the torso angle 88 or the knee angle 89 can be other than an acute angle, such as a right angle or obtuse angle. In further embodiments, the potty assembly 10 provides an acute torso angle 88 and an acute knee angle 89 (as defined by the geometric relationships of the potty assembly 10). In some embodiments, the torso angle 88 is between about 0 and 90 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or between about 15-45 degrees, or between about 20-40 degrees, or preferably about 35 degrees. In some embodiments, the knee angle 89 is between about 0 and 90 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or between about 15- 45 degrees, or between about 20-40 degrees, or preferably about 35 degrees. Although FIG. 16 depicts the leg line segment 137 and the seat line segment as the same line segment, one skilled in the art appreciates this may not be the case based on the aforementioned definitions of the torso angle 88 and knee angle 89.

[00048] As exemplified in FIG. 17, some embodiments include a platform 43 positioned at an angle with respect to the ground on which the base 16 rests. The platform 43 has an angle such that front edge 90 of platform 43 is lower than rear edge 91 of platform 43, or by a similar token, front region 92 of platform is generally lower than rear region 93 of platform 43. Having an angled platform 43 assists in helping the child get onto the potty assembly 10, and/or helps put the child into the conducive evacuation position where the torso angle 88 and/or the knee angle 89 are an acute angle. In such embodiments, seat 12 is also generally positioned at an angle (noting that a seat 12 with contour 49 may have local regions that are not at an angle) when seat 12 is positioned on platform 43. In general, the angle of the platform 43 can have a rise of between about 0.25 inches to about 3 inches, or between about 1 inch and about 2 inches.

[00049] The at least one foot rest 18 is positioned generally along the front end 19 of base 16. The at least one foot rest 18 is optionally a continuous foot rest 18, or is optionally separate foot rests 18, such as one foot rest 18 per each foot of the child. The foot rest 18 has a width 98 that is about equal to or slightly larger than the base width 96. The at least one foot rest 18 is otherwise suitably sized to accommodate a child's foot, and as such, the at least one foot rest 18 has a depth 97 of between about 4 inches and about 10 inches, or between about 4 inches and about 6 inches. The at least one foot rest 18 width 98 is between about 2 inches and about 20 inches. In embodiments having more than one foot rest 18, the foot rest is between about 2 inches and about 4 inches in width 98. In embodiments having only one foot rest 18, the width of the foot rest is between about 8 inches and about 16 inches.

[00050] The at least one foot rest 18 optionally has an angle such that toes of the child are at a higher elevation than the heal of the child. Alternatively, the at least one foot rest has the opposite angle - the toes of the child are at a lower position than the heal of the child. Such configurations can assist with configuring the child in the appropriate sitting/squatting position for eliminating waste, such as, for instance, inducing the child to lean forward and thus create an acute torso angle 88. Such an angle can lead to a foot rest rise 99 of between about 0.25 inches and about 2 inches, and more preferably between about 0.50 inches and about 1.25 inches.

[00051] The at least one foot rest 18 is positioned to be coplanar with the platform or to be coplanar with the seat 12. The at least one foot rest 18 is positioned to be up to four inches below either the platform 43 or seat 12, whichever is greater, or more preferably, between about 0 inches and about three inches below platform 43.

[00052] The at least one foot rest preferably has a surface that has enhanced gripping. The surface has one or more gripping structures 100 such as one or more protuberances, ribs, or other features to help the child get onto the potty assembly 10, stay on the potty assembly 10, and get off the potty assembly 10. Gripping structures 100 are also suitable for one or more handles 22. The one or more gripping structures 100 can be a tacky or flexible material, such as one with a durometer of between about 30 and about 70. The at least one foot rest 18 optionally has a graphic, raised, or recessed foot pad 101 to visually help the child position his/her foot in the appropriate position. The foot pad 101 is positioned such that the rearward edge 102 is between about 0.25 inches and about 1.5 inches, or more preferably between about 0.5 inches and about 1 inch from the forward most portion of the base adjacent 87 the at least one foot rest 18. The foot pad 101 has a width 103 of between about 2 inches and about three inches, and a length 104 of between about 3 inches and about four inches.

[00053] A step 20 is optionally proFvided. The step 20 assists the child in getting onto the potty, and is situated at a height 105 that is lower than the at least one foot rest height 106. In embodiments with a single foot rest 18, the step 20 is positioned in front of the at least one foot rest 18. In embodiments with two foot rests 18, the step is optionally positioned between the foot rests 18. In some embodiments, the step includes more than one step. The step height 105 is between about 1 inches and about four inches in height, and more preferably about 1 inch to about 2 inches in height. The step width 107 is between about 4 inches and about 20 inches (such that it is slightly larger than the base width 96), or between about 4 inches and about 16 inches, or up to about 14 inches.

[00054] At least one handle 22 is provided. The at least one handle 22 is positioned to assist the child in getting onto and off the potty assembly 10. As such, the at least one handle 22 is preferably positioned in the front region 140 of the base 16. In some embodiments, the at least one handle 22 also provides comfort or support for the child while relieving himself/herself, and as such, the at least one handle 22 is positioned to be reachable by the child while sitting on the seat 12. The at least one handle 22 also helps the child to position himself/herself on the seat 12 to be in the appropriate sitting/squatting position. For instance, the child holding the at least one handle 22 that is positioned at least partially forward of the center opening 17 will cause the child to bend such that the torso angle 88 is acute. In the embodiment exemplified in FIG. 11, a single handle 22 is provided forward of the platform front edge 90. The single handle 22 is aligned along the center depthwise axis 35. In some embodiments, the at least one handle is completely forward of the center opening 17, while in other embodiments, 75% of the at least one handle is forward of the center opening 17, 50% of the at least one handle is forward of the center opening 17, 33% of the at least one handle is forward of the center opening 17, and/or 25% v of the at least one handle is forward of the center opening 17.

[00055] The at least one handle 22 is sized to be grippable by a child using the potty assembly 10. The at least one handle 22 is connected to the base 16 or the seat 12. The at least one handle 22 has a handle length 108 of between about 2 inches and about 10 inches, or between about 4 inches and 8 inches. The handle 22 has a handle width 109 of between about 0.5 inches and about 1.25 inches. The handle 22 has a handle circumference 110 that is between about 2 inches to about 6 inches, and more preferably between about 3 inches and about 4 inches. The handle has a height 129 of between about 1 inches and about 6 inches, or between about 1.5 inches and about 3.5 inches.

[00056] In some embodiments, the base 16 provides storage 26 for items related to bathroom usage. Storage 26 is in the form of a drawer as shown in FIGS. 7-8, as a chest (see FIG. 12), in the form of a holder (see FIG. 11), or as a basket (see FIGS. 5 and 8). Storage 26 can be provided in one or more portions of the base 16, such as above, below, forward of, rearward of, or to one side of, basin 14, or combinations thereof. Storage 26 is sized to suitably hold objects such as a wipes container or cleaner, odor absorbing materials, odor neutralizing materials, fragrance, antimicrobial materials, magazines, a sleeve of folded wipes, toilet paper, ointments, medicaments, creams, brushes, and the like. Storage 26, depending on its location, does not interfere with size and positioning of basin 14. For instance, storage located below the at least one foot rest 18 or below any step 22, would be sized similarly to the dimensions afforded by the at least one foot rest 18 and/or step 22 and thusly would not limit basin 14 such that if s volume is sufficient for at least one waste elimination session.

[00057] In some embodiments as exemplified by FIG. 12, storage 26 is in the form of a dispenser 30. The dispenser 30 is suitable for dispensing wipes, and/or dispensing toilet paper. In one embodiment, the dispenser has an orifice 141 with a diaphragm 142 that dispenses wipes. In another embodiment, the dispenser 30 is a toilet paper holder 28.

[00058] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 helps inspire the child to use the potty assembly 10, and/or offers a reward or recognition for use of the potty assembly 10. In a first embodiment, the potty assembly 10 includes one or more lights 34. The lights 34 have a dormant state where the lights 34 do not emit light. The lights 34 have a use state where the lights 34 are flashing or are illuminated for a period of time. In one embodiment, one or more lights 34 are located in the forward portion of the potty assembly 12, as exemplified by FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the one or more lights 34 flashes when the child places his or her foot on the step 20 or the at least one foot rest 18. In other embodiments, the one or more lights 34 flash when the child relieves himself/herself. The one or more lights 34 receive a signal from a sensor 111 such as a laser, accelerometer, thermocouple, or pressure transducer, or by mechanical means such as a button or lever, that identify when a child interacts with the potty assembly (for instance, by pushing a button or moving a lever, by standing on the at least one foot rest 18, grabbing the at least one handle 22, sitting on seat 12, engaging a lever 38, or while eliminating waste via the bowel or by urination). In one embodiment, a laser detects movement that passes through the laser beam. When the laser is tripped, it communicates through a simple circuit and the one or more lights 34 illuminates for a period of time. In such embodiments, the laser is positioned such that its beam extends through the basin 17 along the basin central depthwise axis 112 such that it identifies waste from the bowel or via urination. When the laser beam is interrupted by the passing of waste, the lights flash. In other embodiments, the lights illuminate or flash after the beam has ceased being interrupted, such that the lights illuminate only after the potty is completed. In more complex scenarios, a second sensor 111 operates to ensure both a successful waste elimination and getting off the potty assembly 10. The second sensor is a pressure transducer or accelerometer that is positioned on the potty assembly, preferably on the at least one foot rest 18 and optionally also on the seat 12 (or platform 43). These additional sensors, in addition to the sensor detecting waste, motivate the child to get off the potty assembly 10 after eliminating waste. As such, the lights will only flash after waste is captured in the basin 16 and there is no weight on at least a portion of the potty assembly 10 (such as the seat 12 and/or the at least one foot rest 18).

[00059] Waste elimination can be detected by other means, such as by a thermocouple (detecting a change from ambient room temperature to that of waste being eliminated at body temperature, presumably higher than ambient temperature), or by an accelerometer, pressure transducer, or other mechanical means such as a spring-biased platform that detect pressure or weight in the basin 14.

[00060] Embodiments with one or more lights 34 on the forward portion of potty assembly 10 enable the child to see the lights while seated on the seat 12, while getting on and/or off the potty assembly 10, and/or when off the potty assembly. Embodiments with one or more lights 34 on the back portion of the potty assembly assist in training the child to complete additional acts required for a successful bathroom session, which includes eliminating waste and getting off of the potty. As such, one or more lights 34 are only viewable when off of the potty assembly 10.

[00061] One or more sound emitting speakers 113 operate similarly and are positioned similarly as discussed with the one or more lights 34. One or more speakers 113 emit music or other encouraging or instructional messages to the child. In one embodiment, the one or more speakers are triggered by a sensor 111 that activates when the child grabs onto one more handles 22, steps onto the potty assembly 10 via the one or more steps 22 or the one or more foot rest 18, and/or sits on seat 12. The one or more speakers 113 continues to provide music or messages until the child ceases interaction with the potty assembly 10.

[00062] A combination of the one more lights 34 and the one or more speakers 113 can be used in concert to provide a stimulating and educational experience with potty assembly 10 and assist in training the child how to properly go to the bathroom without a diaper or waste gathering article generally worn about the waist of the child.

[00063] In other embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, a counter 36 is provided. The counter 36 helps the child keep track of the number of successful uses of potty assembly 10. The counter has one or more dials or buttons 115 or the like. The counter 36 enables movement of such dials or buttons 115 such that records can be kept. For instance, the counter 36 has sufficient length 114 to enable the buttons or dials 115 to be pushed laterally or forward or backward, similar to a gaming table such as foozball. In other embodiments, the counter 36 has a series of buttons or dials that have a first state 116 that is visually, audibly, or tactilely distinct from a second state 117. In some embodiments, the counter 36 operates in conjunction with a light 34 or speaker 113.

[00064] In further embodiments, the potty has a water chamber 40 such that it is structured similar to conventional toilets. The chamber 40 is optionally at least partially translucent such that the child is able to see fluid inside the chamber 40. The chamber has a lid 118 covering a fill opening 119 such that the caretake or child can fill the chamber with water or other cleansing fluid.

[00065] In some embodiments having a chamber 40, the chamber includes a lever 38 for flushing. The lever 38 may have no mechanical advantage or significance, or in other words, it may fail to operate/move and/or fail to cause fluid to flow out of the chamber 40. In other embodiments, the lever 38 has a rest position 120 and an active position 121. The child or caretaker can thusly, using one's hand, move the lever 38 from the rest position 120 to the active position 121 to simulate flushing of a toilet. The lever 120 will then return to the rest position 120 after it is released by the user. The lever may include a spring 122 to assist in its return from an active position 121 to a rest position 120.

[00066] In some embodiments, the lever 38 does enable fluid to move from chamber 40 and into basin 14 by way of channel 44. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary diagram where the tank 40 and basin 14 are translucent (so components can be seen). Channel 44 is situated towards the front and/or bottom of chamber 40, and is in fluid communication with chamber 40. Upon depressing lever 120, flapper 123 is elevated (via linkage assembly 126) enabling water to rush into channel 44 and thereafter into basin 14. Channel 44 has a length 124 and diameter 125 suitable to fill basin 14 to an appropriate height (about 25-50% of the basin height 70). The dimensions of the channel 44 enable fluid to generate enough pressure to push through valve 127 and enter basin. Valve 127 ensures waste fluid in the bowl does not enter channel 44. Optionally gaskets 128a and 128b create a seal between the channel 44 and chamber 40 and channel and basin 14, respectively.

[00067] In further embodiments, the potty assembly 10 has a theme. The potty assembly 10 not only assists with assisting young children with learning how to go to the bathroom like an adulty the potty assembly 10 functions in a unique and exceptional manner, much like a superhero and/or fictional character with supreme abilities. As such, the theme of such a potty assembly 10 can be akin to one or more superheroes, action heroes and/or other fictional character with impressive or admirable skills/traits.

[00068] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 has a theme of being a "big kid" or a "grownup". The potty assembly 10 is structured similarly to a conventional toilet in that it has a similar overall shape, includes a seat 12, and/or has chamber 40. [00069] In some embodiments, the potty assembly 10 includes is a stainless metal material and optionally has a seat 12, basin 14, and/or base 16 that is(are) at least partially plastic or translucent.

[00070] The potty assembly 10 is made from a variety of materials, including without limitation: plastic, silicone, films, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), sealed wood, composite materials, woven fiber materials, metals such as stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, reconstituted or recycled materials, and/or bio-based materials such as sugarcane, blends of bio-based materials with plastic materials such as polypropylene, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the potty assembly 10 is made from material that provides sufficient rigidity in order to give it structure while providing sufficient flexibility. Furthermore, the potty assembly 10 sufficiently durable to repeated usage, cleaning, storage and optionally connection to other items.

[00071] Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to those exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims that follow. For instance, features disclosed in connection with any one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with each feature of the respective other embodiments.

[00072] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of "means" or "steps" limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112."