US20060179559A1

US20060179559A1 - Child's training step and footrest

Info

Publication number: US20060179559A1
Application number: US11/056,766
Authority: US
Inventors: Connie Palazzolo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-11
Filing date: 2005-02-11
Publication date: 2006-08-17

Abstract

A child's training step and footrest includes a generally U-shaped step which extends around the front and substantially along the sides of a toilet, the footrest being supported by a sidewall of height substantially less than the height of a toilet seat such that it provides support for a child's feet when seated on the toilet. The U-shaped footrest and sidewall provides a stable platform for a child to stand or sit with feet on the step or footrest, even if standing or sitting toward the side of the toilet. Cutouts in the front of the sidewall receive adult-sized feet so that the step and footrest does not have to be removed when an adult wishes to use the toilet, either standing or sitting. The step or footrest also does not detract from the bathroom appearance when left in place.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a child's training step and footrest for use by small children in the course of using the toilet. There are and have been a number of child's toilet seat designs which support a child on an adult-sized toilet seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,295 shows a toilet seat adapter for children, including flanges which wrap over the edges of a standard toilet seat to secure the adapter and which includes a footrest.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,568 discloses a combination potty seat and footrest where the child's seat is removable from the toilet seat, inverted, and placed on the floor in front of the toilet to function as a step stool.
There appears to be a need for a step stool for children which:
a) can be left positioned in front of the toilet;
b) enables a child to step up to the toilet seat or to stand in front of the toilet at an acceptable height;
c) is stable and secure against tipping;
d) without removing and replacing the step stool also serves as a footrest for the child when on the toilet seat;
e) is comfortable for a child sitting on the toilet seat with his or her legs properly supported so that and he or she will feel secure; and
f) the footrest, which has large surfaces for secure support of the child and allows the parent to decorate it with stickers for training or award recognition for a child in toilet training.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant has designed a child's step and footrest to be placed in front of a toilet and which meets the needs set forth above in that it serves as a step stool for assisting a child to step up to the toilet seat or to stand in front of it. When the child is seated on the toilet seat, it provides a footrest at a height that supports his or her legs. The step and footrest extends around the front and both sides of the toilet and a considerable distance toward the back, so that it is very stable and has essentially no tendency to tip. Preferably, the step and footrest is genrally U-shaped and provides a stable platform, even if the child attempts to get on or off the seat toward the side rather than directly to or from the front of the toilet seat.
In addition, the step stool and platform preferably has cutouts at the front for receiving adult feet so that the step and footrest can remain in position and does not have to be removed at any time an adult desires to use the toilet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

This invention may be more clearly understood with the following detailed description and by reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the step and footrest according to the invention and showing a child in the process of stepping on the step portion;
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the step and footrest of FIG. 1 showing a child on the toilet with her feet supported on the step and footrest of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the step and footrest of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the step and footrest of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view thereof;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the step and footrest of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8; and
FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a child's generally U-shaped training step and footrest is shown at numeral 10 and consists of a footrest surface 12 supported on a supporting wall 14 at a height above the floor, which is substantially less than the height of a toilet seat S on a toilet T. The footrest 12 and sidewall 14 extend around the front and a substantial distance toward the rear of toilet T, ensuring that the step and footrest 10 is always stable and not likely to tip no matter where the child puts his or her feet. A small child C is shown stepping on footrest 12. Shown on the front of supporting wall 14 are a pair of cutouts 16 and 18 which are sized to permit entry of adult-size shoes when used by a male. These cutouts permit an adult to stand in front of the toilet T without need to remove training step and footrest 10. Footrest 12 preferably includes a non-skid surface 13. The surface of footrest 12 should not be slippery when wet so has a non-skid surface.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing child C seated on toilet seat S with her feet in contact with footrest surface 12. The child's training step and footrest 10 is preferably made of non-absorbent surface polyfoam material, although other materials could be used, such as molded or formed polyethylene or ABS. Cutouts 16 and 18 could be combined into one opening if the center support member 20 is not needed.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the child's training step and footrest 10 showing a tapered supporting wall 14 and cutouts 16 and 18. The height H can range from 5 in. to 9 in. in height
a) to provide adequate step height for the child in mounting the toilet;
b) support for the child's feet while seated; and
c) fit under the outside of the toilet bowl as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the step and footrest 10. Cutout 16 is shown in sidewall 14. An edge of footrest surface 12 is shown. The supporting wall at the rear of step and footrest 10 is vertical.
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the step and footrest 10 showing tapered supporting wall 14 and the large opening 22 at the rear of the generally U-shaped structure. Also visible in this view are cutouts 16 and 18.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the step and footrest 10 showing the U-shaped configuration, including footrest 12, supporting wall 14, cutouts 16 and 18, and the large opening 22. If desired, non-skid stickers 24 may be attached to footrest 12 or supporting wall 14, as indicated, to provide recognition for the child's accomplishment in toilet training. FIG. 6 best shows the broad footrest surface 12 for use by the child while mounting the toilet and for their feet while seated.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a child's training step and footrest 30. This embodiment includes a vertical supporting wall 32 and a generally U-shaped footrest 34. A large opening 36 is shown at the rear for receiving the front of the toilet T.
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the training step and footrest 30 showing the straight vertical supporting wall 32. Footrest 34 appears as a top surface.
FIG. 9 is a left side view of step and footrest 30; and FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the large opening 36 for clearance with the toilet base and bowl as illustrated by the dashed lines T.
From the foregoing, it will be recognized that the applicant has provided a stable, useful and functional child's training step and footrest that can remain adjacent a toilet and which does not have to be removed when an adult wants to use the toilet. Since it extends around the front and substantially along both sides of the toilet, it is very stable and very unlikely to tip and cause a child to fall. The child's feet are well supported, sitting or standing, even if standing toward the side of the toilet, so that the child feels safe. The training step and footrest may remain in place at all times during the toilet training period of the child without being troublesome for adults.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention instead shall be determined from the scope of the following claims including their equivalents.

Claims

1. A child's training step and footrest comprising:

a floor-supported footrest formed from substantially rigid foam having a supporting wall of height substantially less than the height of a toilet seat on a toilet and having a foot-supporting platform thereon, the height of which supports the feet of a child sitting on said toilet seat;

said footrest being U-shaped and dimensioned to wrap around the bowl of said toilet and extending substantially toward the rear of said toilet bowl and inwardly toward the rear of said toilet bowl, whereby a child may climb on to the toilet seat from the front or sides and rest his or her feet on the footrest while seated.

2.-4. (canceled)

5. A child's training step and footrest as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supporting wall has uniformly straight sides extending vertically downward from said platform.

6. (canceled)

7. A child's training step and footrest as claimed in claim 1 wherein non-skid accomplishment stickers may be secured to said footrest.

8.-10. (canceled)

11. A child's training step and footrest comprising a floor-supported footrest having a supporting wall of height substantially less than the height of a toilet seat on a toilet and a footrest having a non-skid surface which is generally U-shaped and which extends around the front and along a substantial portion of both sides of the toilet bowl of a toilet, said footrest surface being of maximum width at the front and at the sides adjacent the front of said toilet seat.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. A child's training step and footrest as claimed in claim 11 wherein the height of said supporting wall is such that said footrest supports the feet of a child sitting on said toilet seat.

15. A child's training step and footrest as claimed in claim 11 wherein all of said supporting wall has straight sides extending vertically downward from said footrest surface.

16. A child's training step and footrest as claimed in claim 11 wherein said footrest has an opening at the rear large enough to receive the base of the toilet and at least a part of the outside of the toilet bowl to allow close fitting and a secure placement around the toilet.

17. (canceled)

18. A child's training step and footrest formed of substantially rigid foam material comprising:

a floor-supported footrest having a supporting wall of height substantially less than the height of a toilet seat on a toilet;

and a footrest surface which is generally U-shaped and which extends around the front and along a substantial portion of both sides of the toilet bowl;

said footrest being of maximum width at the front and at the sides adjacent the front of said toilet bowl, and tapering inwardly toward the rear whereby a child may climb on to the toilet seat from the front or the sides;

and whereby the height of said supporting wall is such that said footrest supports the feet of a child sitting on said toilet seat.