Multi-Function Toilet Seat Device and Method of Use Thereof

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/632,491 filed Apr. 10, 2023, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

The present invention is directed to toilet devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a multi-function toilet seat that in particular comprises a connected collapsible toilet ladder designed to hinge and connect at the base of the toilet. More particularly, this invention is configured to be used by both children and adults by utilizing the collapsible connected toilet ladder.

The following description is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. Any publications cited in this description are incorporated by reference herein. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Currently, most toilet steps or toilet step stools are designed with a toilet seat, stairs and handles to aid and stabilize children when using a toilet (see, for example, U.S. Published application No. 20210353115A1). However, these products often lack key features such as hinge blocks, adjustable legs or adoptable footings. While some toilet steps are collapsible for compact storage spaces, their collapsible design often comprises structural support, reducing safety and ease of use. Even some available products that include arms and handles, but lack a step have limitations (see, for example, U.S. Publication 2005012588A1). For example, they have limitations in functionality and ease of use for both children and adults. Additionally, certain designs rely on connectors and leg assemblies to maintain an upright position. However, these can be cumbersome if the connectors and leg assemblies do not sit flush with the floor, leading to instability. For instance, Toilet Training Step (see, U.S. Publication 20020333441A1) is specifically designed for male children to stand facing the toilet bowl, but this design lacks flexibility and fails to provide guaranteed safety for children using the toilet step.

Although some products provide various methods for children to use a toilet step, many of these designs have to be positioned adjacent to the toilet, permanently fixed to walls, or lack a step to ensure the toilet seat to make the toilet seat easily accessible for a child. Further, most toilet seat step products do not include the toddler seat. Without a toddler seat, children must navigate using a standard toilet seat, which can be challenging and unsafe as they attempt to position themselves properly.

While there are numerous variations on the market aimed at assisting with toilet training, these products often have significant limitations that make them cumbersome and less user-friendly.

Therefore, there exists a need for a toilet seat device that addresses the limitations of existing designs, offering a solution that allows both children and adults to use the same toilet seamlessly and without complications. This improved design must prioritize ease of use, stability, and accessibility, providing reliable support for anyone who requires assistance when accessing the toilet.

The present invention is directed to toilet devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a multi-function toilet seat device that in particular comprises a connected collapsible toilet ladder designed to hinge and connect at the base of the toilet. More particularly, this invention is configured to be used by both children and adults by utilizing the collapsible connected toilet ladder.

When children begin toilet training, they often do not recognize the need to use the bathroom until it becomes urgent. Conventional methods to assist children, such as quickly lifting them onto the toilet or scrambling to position a traditional toilet ladder, are cumbersome and stressful for both children and caregivers.

This invention addresses these challenges by empowering children to use the bathroom safely and independently. For example, the present invention provides a multi-function toilet seat that can be used by children and adults. The device integrates a connected toilet ladder configured to provide sturdy steps with stabilizing handles that securely connect to the device. When not in use, the ladder is collapsible to occupy minimal floor space and can be effortlessly deployed with a single pull of the child left easy gripor child right easy grip for child, making it both practical and user-friendly.

Additionally, the invention is configured for dual functionality, allowing adults to use it as a fully functional toilet seat. It features an adjustable lid that seamlessly fits around the integrated toddler seat, ensuring convenience and usability for all members of the household. Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a multi-function toilet seat device that comprises a toddler seat; an adult seat; a seat lid; a left arm and a right arm; a left handle and a right handle; a left leg and a right leg; a step, wherein the step comprises a plurality of left side bolt holes, a plurality of right-side bolt holes, a plurality of top step adjustment bolts and a plurality of bottom step adjustment bolts; a hinge block, wherein the hinge block is configured to connect to the toddler seat, the adult seat, and the seat lid; a rear assembly; a knockdown mechanism; a left arm quick release; a right arm quick release; and a left torsion spring and a right torsion spring. In an embodiment, the left arm and the right arm are configured to connect to the step, the left leg and the right leg; the left handle and the right handle are configured to serve as handhold safety measures for a user; the toddler seat and the adult seat are attached to the hinge block; the rear assembly is configured to connect to the left arm and the right arm; and the multi-function toilet device is configured to remain in an upright position when engaged by the left torsion spring and the right torsion spring and configured to maintain position of the left arm, right arm, the left leg, the right leg, and the step.

In another embodiment, the knockdown mechanism is configured to rotate along the left torsion spring and the right torsion spring to allow a user to lower the toddler seat, the left arm, and the right arm into an expanded position.

In a further embodiment the step is configured to be adjusted by removing the plurality of adjustment bolts.

In one embodiment the adult seat is magnetically aligned to the toddler seat, and the toddler seat is magnetically aligned to the seat lid.

In still another embodiment the left leg and the right leg are always held in upright vertical position by utilizing a right-side pivot bolt and left side pivot bolt configured to connect a left leg interior slot and a right leg interior slot to a left U-connector and a right U-connector.

In a further embodiment the left leg and right leg are configured to dangle on collapsed position and occupy minimal space by resting flush next to the left arm and the right arm when in collapsed state.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to multi-function toilet seat device that comprises a toddler seat; an adult seat; seat lid; a left arm and a right arm; a left handle and a right handle; a left leg and a right leg; a step, wherein the step comprises a plurality of left side holes, a plurality of right-side holes and a plurality of step adjustment bolts; a hinge block, wherein the hinge block is configured to connect to the toddler seat, the adult seat, and the seat lid; a rear assembly; a knockdown mechanism; a left arm quick release; a right arm quick release; and a left torsion spring and a right torsion spring.

In a further embodiment, the left arm and the right arm are configured to connect to the step, the left leg and the right leg; the left handle and the right handle are configured to serve as handhold safety measures for a user; the toddler seat and the adult seat are attached to the hinge block; the rear assembly is configured to connect to the left arm and the right arm; and the multi-function toilet device is configured to remain in a collapsed position when engaged by the left torsion spring and the right torsion spring and configured to maintain position of the left arm, right arm, the left leg, the right leg, and the step.

In yet another embodiment, the knockdown mechanism is configured to rotate along the left torsion spring and the right torsion spring to allow a user to lower the toddler seat, the left arm, and the right arm into an expanded position.

In an embodiment the step is configured to be adjusted by removing the plurality of adjustment bolts.

In one embodiment the adult seat is magnetically aligned to the toddler seat, and the toddler seat is magnetically aligned to the seat lid.

In still another embodiment the left leg and the right leg are always held in upright vertical position by utilizing a right-side pivot bolt and left side pivot bolt configured to connect a left leg interior slot and a right leg interior slot to a left U-connector and a right U-connector.

In one embodiment in the left leg and right leg are configured to dangle on collapsed position and occupy minimal space by resting flush next to the left arm and the right arm when in collapsed state.

In a further embodiment, a method of transitioning a multi-function toilet seat device for adult use from an expanded state to a collapsed state, the method comprises engaging one component to initiate movement of the toilet ladder device, wherein the one component is selected from a step, a left arm, a right arm, a left handle, and a right handle; positioning the right arm and the left arm into a perpendicular position relative to a base surface; causing a tightened position of a right torsion spring associated with the right arm and a tightened position of a left torsion spring associated with the left arm; moving a toddler seat of the toilet ladder device toward a seat lid, whereby a set of magnets integrated with the toddler seat engage with a corresponding set of magnets on the seat lid to hold the toddler seat in an engaged position; and yielding the multi-function toilet device in an upright collapsed position.

In an embodiment, a method of transitioning a multi-function toilet device for child use from a collapsed state to an expanded state, comprises pulling a child left easy grip or child right easy grip away from the toilet tank in the direction toward the bowl; rotating the rear assembly and knockdown mechanism to contact the toddler seat; disengaging a set of magnets integrated with the toddler seat from a corresponding set of magnets located on the toddler seat lid; allowing a toddler seat hinge pin dampener to slowly lower the lid to contact the adult seat; and yielding the multi-function toilet device in an expanded position.

The present invention is directed to a multi-function toilet seat device. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a multi-function toilet seat that comprises a connected collapsible toilet ladder designed to hinge and connect at the base of the toilet. More particularly, this invention is configured to be used by both children and adults by utilizing the collapsible connected toilet ladder that is designed to hinge and connect at the base of a toilet. When children begin toilet training, they often do not recognize the need to use the bathroom until it becomes urgent. Conventional methods to assist children, such as quickly lifting them onto the toilet or scrambling to position a traditional toilet ladder, are cumbersome and stressful for both children and caregivers.

In one embodiment, the invention addresses these challenges by empowering children to use the bathroom safely and independently. The multi-function toilet seat device integrates a child-sized toilet seat and sturdy steps with stabilizing handles that securely connect to the toilet. When not in use, the multi-function toilet seat device occupies minimal floor space and can be effortlessly deployed with a single pull of the left easy grip for child or right easy grip for child, making it both practical and user-friendly.

Additionally, the present invention is configured for dual functionality, allowing adults to use it as a fully functional toilet seat. The present invention is designed to be lightweight and easy for a child to operate independently, without inquiring adult assistance to pick up or expand. The device occupies minimal space on the bathroom floor during use and especially when stored in collapsed state. The integrated handles and grip provide added stability. The toddler-sized toilet seat offers a separate option for children, while adults can continue to use the same toilet with the standard seat. When not in use, the device remains upright and securely held in place by the left torsion spring and right torsion spring that hold up arms, left legs, and step. The adult seat is magnetically aligned to the toddler seat, and the toddler seat is magnetically aligned to seat lid. In this embodiment, seat lid locks in place through seat lid stabilizer that clips into hinge block stabilizer insert. A child can easily grab either handle on either side of the device to lower the arms, legs and step, allowing the legs to rest flush on the floor. The left and right torsion springs provide a lightweight easement for a toddler to lower the arms, legs and steps safely. Once positioned, the child can then step onto the device and comfortably sit on the seat with ease.

The material of construction for both child seat and adult seat is not critical and any of the commonly employed material such as wood, wood compositions, ceramic, porcelain, plastics, stainless steel, resin, metal or any combination thereof can be used. A typical dimension for the seat is 15 inches to 15 inches. 17 inches is more common. The seat's shape comprises square, round, oval and elongated shape. The seat measures at about 15.6 to about 18.5 inches from the hinges to the front edge. The longest measurement is from the rear base of hinge block to the tip of seat lid measuring approximately 28 inches in length. In particular, the toddler seat is 1 inch in height, double the height of the adult seat is about 20 at 0.5 inches.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “into” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “about” in conjunction with a numeral refers to a range of that numeral starting from 10% below the absolute of the numeral to 10% above the absolute of the numeral, inclusive.

As used herein, the terms “multi-function toilet seat device”, “toilet seat device”, “toilet seat” and “device” will be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the terms “centralized connection” and “hub” will be used interchangeably. As used herein, the terms “child” and “toddler” will be used interchangeably.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are depicted in. An exemplary configuration of multi-function toilet seat devicein an expanded state is depicted in, wherein deviceis designed and adapted for use in the natural position for a child safely. In an embodiment, devicecomprises toddler seat, adult seat, seat lid, left arm, right arm, step, left leg, right leg, left handle, right handle, hinge block, left arm quick release, and right arm quick release. In one embodiment, stepcomprises a plurality of left side step adjustment bolt holesand right-side step adjustment bolt holes

In one embodiment, hinge blockis configured to be the centralized connection or hub between toddler seatto adult seat. In an embodiment, hinge blockis also the centralized connection for seat lid. In one embodiment, hinge blockis attached to left armand right arm, wherein left armand right armare configured to connect to step, left legand right legfor extra stability when deviceis in a stationary and expanded position. In one embodiment, left handleis located above stepand left legand right handleis located above stepand right leg. Left handleand right handleare configured to serve as handheld safety measures to help the child get into a comfortable position while sitting on device. In an embodiment, toddler seatis lowered when a child pulls child left easy gripfor easy grip or for child right easy grip. In one embodiment, stepcan be adjusted by removing both top step adjustment boltsand bottom step adjustment boltsand reattaching through left side step adjustment bolt holesand right-side step adjustment bolt holes. In one embodiment, right leg adjustment boltand left leg adjustment boltconnect through plurality of handle adjustment holesandon the U-connectorandthat slides around left handleand right handle. (See).

An exemplary configuration of multi-function toilet seat deviceis depicted in, wherein deviceis configured to collapse from the expanded state. In one embodiment, a child or adult can use child left easy gripor child right easy gripattached on left legor right leg, to lower multi-function toilet seat deviceup to the expanded state as depicted in. A child can use minimal force to bind either left armor right armfrom clip(not shown) located on seat liduntil left legand right legare lifted from the floor. The movement from the downward expanded state to the upright collapsed state allows toddler seatto lift and magnetically engage through toddler seat magnetic north poleto seat lid magnet south poleon seat lid. The upward movement of left armand right armlift stepand left handleand right handleinto upright position. In an embodiment, left legand right legare configured to connect to stepresulting in left legand right legto transition into an upward position. In an embodiment, left armor right armoperate independently from clip. Cliplocated on seat lidis configured to hold seat lidupright and therefore hold the weight of the toddler seatvia magnetism.

In one embodiment, left legand right legare configured to naturally pivot regardless of the expanded position, as depicted inor collapsed position, as depicted in. In an embodiment, left legand right legare always held in upright vertical position due to left pivot bolt(not shown) and right pivot bolt() connecting leg interior slotandto left U-connectorand right U-connectorThis design allows left legand right legto dangle on collapsed position as depicted inand take up less space by resting flush next to left armand right armwhen in collapsed state (see).

An exemplary configuration of multi-function toilet seat deviceis depicted in, wherein deviceis in a complete upright collapsed state after the transition infor use by an adult. In this embodiment, an adult can move adult seatinto a collapsed state, exposing adult seatin the downward position. In this embodiment, toddler seatis magnetically engaged to seat lid(not shown) to maintain devicein the upright collapsed position and allow an adult to use adult seat. In an embodiment, on each side of hinge block, left armand right armare hidden from view and held in an upright position. Left quick arm releaseand right arm quick releasesit at a ninety-degree angle relative to the natural bowl of a toilet in an upright position and house left armand right arm, respectively. In this embodiment, left legand right legare held open in the upright position. In one embodiment, stepis raised above seat lidand toddler seatand is configured to laterally support left legand right leg. Left armand right armare held in upright using torsion springsetting and torsion spring(see). As shown in, seat lidcomprises seat lid stabilizerthat is inserted into hinge block stabilizer insertlocated atop hinge blockthat is configured to hold seat lidin upright position. Toddler seatmagnetizes with toddler seat magnet north poleto seat lid magnet south pole() to seat lid.

are exemplary configurations of toddler seatand its hinge detail. Toddler seatis connected to hinge blockthrough its connection with toddler seat hinge pinand toddler seat hinge dampener. Toddler seat hinge dampeneris configured to create a soft drop close of toddler seatsince there is a mechanism inside toddler seat hinge dampenerthat contains a viscous fluid, such as oil, which creates resistance as toddler seatis closed, causing it to slow down and close softly instead of slamming shut.

are exemplary configurations of adult seat and its hinge detail. In one embodiment, adult seatis connected to hinge blockthrough its connection with adult seat hinge pinand adult seat hinge dampener. Adult seatcomprises adult seat hinge dampenerthat also includes the same soft close mechanism as toddler seat hinge dampener.

are exemplary configurations of top and bottom views of hinge blockrespectively. Hinge blockis a central point configured to connect several parts of multi-function toilet seat device. Hinge blockis configured to connect to toddler seat, adult seat, seat lidat their respective hinge points with pins,andrespectively and dampeners,, andrespectively. In one embodiment, hinge blockcomprises rear assembly insert, seat lid hinge pin, seat lid hinge dampener, toddler seat hinge pin, toddler seat hinge dampener, adult seat hinge pin, adult seat hinge dampener, left hinge bolt, right hinge bolt, left bolt nut, and right bolt nut. In one embodiment, toddler seat hinge dampeneris located on the left and right side of seat hinge pinwhich is located in front of rear assembly insert. Toddler seat hinge dampenerand toddler seat hinge pinwork together in concert to connect toddler seatto hinge block. In one embodiment, adult seat hinge dampeneris located under toddler seat hinge dampeneron both sides of hinge block. Adult seat hinge pinis located inside of adult seat hinge dampeneron both sides of hinge block. Adult seat hinge dampenerand adult seat hinge pinwork together in concert to connect adult seatto hinge block. Seat lid hinge pinand seat lid hinge dampenersit on either side of the toddler seat hinge dampenerand toddler seat hinge pinrespectively.

Hinge blockis connected to a standard toilet by left hinge boltand right hinge bolt. In an embodiment, left hinge boltenters an opening on the bottom plate of hinge blockand is fastened by left bolt nut. Right hinge boltenters an opening on the opposite side of the bottom plate of hinge blockand is fastened by right bolt nut

is an exemplary configuration of rear assembly, located on the back portion of hinge blockand housed by rear assembly insert(not shown). In an embodiment, rear assemblycomprises left arm, right arm, left torsion spring, right torsion spring, knockdown mechanism, left arm quick release, right arm quick release, left arm quick release pin, and right arm quick release pin. In one embodiment, knockdown mechanismis configured to allow a child to knock down toddler seat, left arm, and right armon deviceinto a lowered position. In an embodiment, knockdown mechanismrelies on torsion spring leftand torsion spring rightto change from an upright to lowered position.

Another exemplary configuration of rear assemblyis depicted in, wherein knockdown mechanismis configured to allow a child to lower toddler seat, left arm, and right armon deviceinto an expanded position. In an embodiment, knockdown mechanismrotates along with left torsion spring leftand right torsion spring rightto change from an upright to lowered position. Due to its oblong shape, knockdown mechanism, it is configured to contact with the base of toddler seatpushing hard enough to disengage its magnetism between toddler seat magnet north poleand seat lid magnet south polewhich allows the child only need to pull the child left easy gripor child right easy gripto allow for both stepand toddler seatto be pulled in expanded position with one motion. Pulling left arm release pinor right arm release pinwhile also pulling left armor right arm, releases left arm insertor right arm(see) allowing the removal of left arm, right arm, left leg, left legand step.

An exemplary configuration of quick arm release mechanismis depicted in, wherein quick arm release mechanismcomprises arm insert, right arm quick release, right housing block, and right arm quick release pin. In one embodiment, quick arm release mechanismis activated by pulling right arm quick release pinto release right armfrom right housing block, thereby releasing pin tension and allowing to pull out arm insert. An exemplary configuration of quick arm release mechanismis depicted inQuick arm release mechanismis configured to allow the removal of left arm, right arm, step, left legand right leg

An exemplary configuration of handle and leg position adjustment mechanismis depicted in, wherein U-connectorcomprises right leg, step, right handle, right handle and leg adjustment bolt. Right legand right handleare adjusted by unscrewing right handle and leg adjustment boltand sliding U-connectoralong handleto align right handle and leg adjustment boltwith another handle adjustment hole. The same steps would be repeated on the left side (not shown) to match the configuration on the right side of device.

An exemplary configuration of step adjustment mechanismis depicted in, wherein step adjustment mechanismcomprises step, left handle, left leg, top step adjustment bolt, and bottom step adjustment bolt. Bottom step adjustment boltis located between left handleand step. Unscrewing top step adjustment boltand bottom step adjustment boltand re screwing into a different step adjustment bolt holesallows for adjustment of the distance of stepto the ground. This double bolt feature provides added strength and stability while adjusts stepto maximize ease and comfort for the child to mount onto stepsafely.

An exemplary configuration of leg adjustment mechanismis depicted in, wherein leg adjustment mechanismcomprises right leg, wherein right leg interior slotslides into to left leg shaftby leg height adjustment bolt, and child right easy grip. In one embodiment, leg adjustment mechanismis configured to change the right legheight when the child or adult unscrews leg height adjustment bolt. To adjust legheight, right leg height adjustment boltis unscrewed and detached completely from right leg height adjustment bolt holesin right leg interior slot. The next step comprises sliding right leg interior slotin or out of right leg shaft; aligning right bolt hole opening on the right leg shaftwith right leg height adjustment bolt holes; screwing right leg height adjustment boltback into the bolt hole opening on the right leg shaftwith the right leg height adjustment bolt holesuntil tightened. The same steps are followed for the left side components.

1. Using hinge blockand rear assembly, align left hinge bolt opening trackand left hinge bolt opening trackwith a toilet's hinge holes.