Interactive training device

• US 9,398,835 B2
• Filed: 04/21/2014
• Issued: 07/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Vincent Mccarthy, Robert Story
• Original Assignee: John Vincent Mccarthy, Robert Story
• Inventors: McCarthy, John Vincent, Story, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): BAKER, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US14/257,824
• Publication Number:
  US 20150297044A1
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 4300-442
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 13/06 Auxiliary or portable seats for children
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 13/24 Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 17/00 Other equipment , e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushesportable urinating aids A61F5/4556; devices for receiving spittle A61J19/00 ; disinfecting apparatus for medical, surgical or hygienic purposes A61L; cleaning devices with flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers E03D9/00; for emptying or cleaning chamber-pots, bed pans, bed urinals or the like E03D11/025
• CPC Class Codes: E03D 1/00 Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0076 Body hygiene; Dressing; Knot tying

Abstract

An interactive device that is an accessory to a flush toilet and is positioned at the rear of the flush toilet and may be attached to the rear of the toilet such that the user would use the flush toilet in the reverse position. The interactive device may include a toy, game, or computer. The interactive device may be secured to the toilet by straps or to the toilet lid hinges and may be detachable from the flush toilet. The interactive device may have hinges that allow the interactive device to be folded to a compact configuration. The interactive device makes “going to the bathroom” enjoyable for both the child and parent, while educating the child to appreciate and to become more accustomed to using a flush toilet.

Claims

1. An interactive device to be used in combination with a flush toilet comprising:

at least one interactive component that may be operated by a user of the flush toilet and the at least one interactive component is positioned at a rear

area of the flush toilet an insert that is configured to fit securely atop a bowl of the flush toilet and the insert reduces the dimensions of an opening of the bowl; and

a support arm attached to the interactive component;

a base that is attached to the support arm and to the insert, and the base having means for moving the interactive component closer or further away from the insert.

2. The interactive device in claim 1 wherein said interactive device includes a toy.

3. The interactive device in claim 1 wherein said interactive device includes a computer wherein the user operates software programs on said computer.

4. The interactive device of claim 1 wherein the base having a least one axis of rotation that allows the interactive component to move around the at least one axis of rotation.

5. The interactive device in claim 1 wherein the insert includes a cushion.

6. The interactive device of claim 1 comprising handles or foot pads to provide a user with greater stability while operating the interactive device.

7. The interactive device of claim 1 comprising a barrier that acts as a splash guard.

8. An interactive device to be used in combination with a flush toilet comprising:

at least one physical component that is operated by a user of the flush toilet,

the physical component being constructed in part with a rigid material;

the physical component being removably attached to a lid of a bowl of the flush toilet when the lid is in an open position; and

a restraint system that prevents the lid from being moved into a closed position.

9. The interactive device of claim 8 wherein said interactive device includes a toy.

10. The interactive device in claim 8 wherein said interactive device includes a computer wherein the user operates software programs on said computer.

11. The interactive device of claim 8 comprising an insert fitting securely atop the bowl.

12. The interactive device of claim 8 comprising a support arm connected to said interactive device and to a base.

13. The interactive device in claim 12 wherein said support arm is attached to the base through a connector having an axis of rotation, said interactive device moving around the axis of rotation relative to said base.

14. The interactive device of claim 13, wherein said base is connected to an insert that fits securely atop the bowl.

15. A method of training a user to use a flush toilet with steps of:

a. providing a user with an interactive device attached to a flush toilet, said flush toilet including at least a bowl, a flushing mechanism, a front and a rear including a majority of the flushing mechanism, said bowl having a drain pipe and a water inlet;

b. placing the interactive device at said rear of the flush toilet wherein the interactive device is attached to a support arm, and said support is connected to a base, said base is configured to securely hold the interactive device in a position that allows the user to access the interactive device when the user is facing the rear of the flush toilet;

c. placing an insert atop the bowl,

d. permitting the user to become more accustomed with the physical presence of the flush toilet by mounting the user atop the insert such that the user faces the rear of the flush toilet; and

e. allowing the user to operate said interactive device thereby enhancing the user'"'"'s perception of the physical presence of the toilet while operating said interactive device.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the interactive device includes a toy.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the interactive device includes a computer wherein the user operates software programs on said computer.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said placing step comprises securing the interactive device to the toilet.

19. The method of claim 15 comprising an additional step in which the interactive device is removed from the toilet.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing the user an interactive reward after the user successfully interacts with the interactive device.