Toilet training apparatus

• US 7,443,306 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2006
• Issued: 10/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Randy I. Randall, Stacey Randall
• Original Assignee: Randy I. Randall, Stacey Randall
• Inventors: Randall, Randy I., Randall, Stacey
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US11/375,303
• Publication Number:
  US 20070222618A1
• Time in Patent Office: 959 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/573.5, 340/309.16, 340/527, 340/529
• US Class Current: 340/573.5
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0076 Body hygiene; Dressing; Knot tying

Abstract

A toilet training apparatus according to the present invention includes a processor that is in data communication with a timer, a first alarm, and a presence sensor. At a predetermined time, the processor actuates the first alarm to awaken a sleeping toddler to urge him to go to the bathroom and, thus, proactively, avoid wetting the bed. The first alarm may include an audio or vibratory alarm, or both. The apparatus includes a presence sensor, such as a RFID tag/reader combination, for sensing if the toddler has in fact moved from his bed to the bathroom. Upon sensing the expected movement, the first alarm is reset for a next predetermined waking event. If this movement is not sensed in a predetermined time, the processor actuates a second alarm to awaken a parent to assist in awakening the toddler.

Claims

1. A toilet training apparatus for a child, comprising:

a timer;

a first alarm;

a presence sensor;

a processor in data communication with said timer, said first alarm, and said presence sensor;

said processor having programming for actuating said first alarm upon said timer reaching a predetermined time event and disabling said first alarm upon said presence sensor sensing a predetermined presence event;

wherein said predetermined presence event is the absence of the child'"'"'s presence adjacent the presence sensor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said predetermined time event is a predetermined time of day.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said predetermined time event is a predetermined time interval.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said presence sensor includes:

a RFID tag; and

a RFID reader.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said RFID tag is attached to a coupling device for coupling the RFID tag to the child.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first alarm is selected from the group consisting of an audible alarm a vibrating alarm, and a vibrating audible alarm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

a second alarm is in data communication with said processor; and

said processor includes programming for actuating said second alarm if said first alarm is not disabled within a predetermined length of time.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:

said processor is in data communication with a transmitter; and

said second alarm is in data communication with a receiver for receiving data from said transmitter.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an input device for selecting said predetermined time event.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an input device for selecting said predetermined presence event.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

said predetermined time event is selected from the group consisting of a predetermined time of day and a predetermined time interval;

said predetermined presence event is selected from the group consisting of the child'"'"'s presence adjacent the presence sensor and the absence of the child'"'"'s presence adjacent the presence sensor; and

said presence sensor includes a RFID tag and a RFID reader.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein:

a second alarm is in data communication with said processor;

said processor includes programming for actuating said second alarm if said first alarm is not disabled within a predetermined length of time; and

an input device is in data communication with said processor for allowing a user to select said predetermined time event and said predetermined presence event.

13. A toilet training apparatus for a child, comprising:

a timer;

a first alarm;

a presence sensor; and

a processor in data communication with said timer, said first alarm, and said presence sensor;

said processor performing functions including;

actuating said first alarm upon said timer reaching a predetermined time event;

disabling said first alarm upon said presence sensor sensing a predetermined presence event;

wherein a second alarm is in data communication with said processor; and

wherein said processor performs additional functions, including actuating said second alarm if said first alarm is not disabled within a predetermined length of time.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said predetermined presence event is the child'"'"'s presence adjacent the presence sensor.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said presence sensor includes a RFID tag and a RFID reader.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein:

said predetermined time event is selected from the group consisting of a predetermined time of day and a predetermined time interval;

said predetermined presence event is selected from the group consisting of the child'"'"'s presence adjacent the presence sensor and the absence of the child'"'"'s presence adjacent the presence sensor; and

said presence sensor includes a RFID tag and a RFID reader.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said RFID tag is a passive RFID tag.