WO2008003951A1

WO2008003951A1 - Device

Info

Publication number: WO2008003951A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/002478
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Andrew Lomas
Original assignee: On Target Solution Training Limited
Priority date: 2006-07-04
Filing date: 2007-07-03
Publication date: 2008-01-10
Also published as: GB0613223D0

Abstract

A device for use in a toilet pan, comprising a target and an antimicrobial agent. The device may be used to assist in toilet training a person, in particular an infant. The invention also provides a kit and a method for use in toilet training; a kit comprising a plurality of devices according to the invention, packaged together; and a dispensing system containing one or more such devices.

Description

Device

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for use in a toilet pan; to a method of toilet training a person, in particular an infant; to a kit for use in toilet training a person such as an infant; and to a kit for improving accuracy whilst urinating.

Background to the invention

Infants need to be toilet trained at the age of around 18 months to 3 years. Toilet training generally involves encouraging infants to use a potty and eventually a toilet instead of relying on nappies. Toilet training can be very difficult, as young infants often do not wish to use a potty or toilet. It can also be difficult to get young children and in particular young boys to aim properly to prevent spills. This may be partly because infants see the use of a potty as a chore and therefore do not give the task their full attention or interest.

In addition some adults have problems aiming when urinating, in particular those having special needs (for example due to illness or disability), as do many older children with special needs.

A device that could address such problems would therefore be desirable.

Statements of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for use in a toilet pan comprising a target and an antimicrobial agent.

The device can advantageously provide a hygienic target for people to aim at whilst urinating. This may be particularly advantageous when infants are being toilet trained. By giving infants a target to aim at, the device may make using the toilet more entertaining and therefore may speed up the transition from nappies. Both adults and children may also use the device to increase their accuracy when urinating, thus reducing spillage and providing a safer and more hygienic environment. In addition since the use of this device by infants may shorten the time required for toilet training, there may also be environmental advantages in the form of reducing nappy usage.

As used herein the term "target" shall be taken to mean any two or three dimensional object which is large enough to be seen with the naked human eye and small enough to fit in a toilet pan.

As used herein the term "toilet" shall be taken to include a toilet, urinal, commode or toilet substitute such as a children's potty.

As used herein the term "pan" shall be taken to mean the area into which a user urinates during use of a toilet.

The antimicrobial agent may be coated onto all or part of a surface of the target. Alternatively or additionally the target may be impregnated with or otherwise physically or chemically associated with the antimicrobial agent. In an embodiment the antimicrobial agent is recessed into one or more cavities in the target.

In an embodiment the antimicrobial agent may prevent or inhibit bacterial and/or viral and/or fungal growth, replication and/or activity. In an embodiment the antimicrobial agent may be a biocidal agent, for example a biocidal agent with a bacterial kill rate of from 95 to 99.9 % over a 24 hour period. In an embodiment the biocidal agent may be active against bacterial strains such as enterococci (for example E. colϊ) and/or staphylococci (for example S. aureus, in particular MRSA) and/or against other bacteria including for example salmonella, listeria and/or legionella.

In an embodiment the antimicrobial agent may be Hygienilac®, which is available from Hygienilac.com, St Michaels Rd, Kettering, Northants. This has low water solubility and is antimicrobially active against micro-organisms with which it comes into contact. In an embodiment a proportion of, or all of, the antimicrobial agent may be released from the target over a period of time, and/or on contact with water and/or urine. In an embodiment the antimicrobial agent may be a controlled release agent such that it is gradually released over a period of time, for example over 1 hour, or 5 hours, or 12 hours, or 24 hours, or 1 day, or 3 days, or 1 week, or 1 month.

In an embodiment the target may be from 20 mm, or 30 mm, or 40 mm wide. The target may be up to 50 mm, or 60 mm, or 70 mm, or 80 mm wide. In an embodiment the target may be approximately 40 mm wide. A width may, in the context of a target having a circular or approximately circular cross section (for example a spherical or approximately spherical target), be construed to mean a diameter.

In an embodiment the target may be essentially two dimensional. For example it may be in the form of a disc or panel.

In an embodiment the target may be in the form of a hoop or ring. In use such a target may be placed into a toilet pan. A user may then aim for the centre of the hoop or ring in order to improve accuracy and/or, in the case of an infant, to help with toilet training.

In an embodiment the target may be three dimensional. The target may be of any three dimensional shape for example spherical, cuboidal, pyramidal, cylindrical or approximately so.

In an embodiment the target may be in the shape of a well known object for example a fruit such as a lemon or orange, or may be in the shape of a sporting object for example a ball such as a football, basket ball, tennis ball or rugby ball. In an alternative embodiment the target may be in the shape of a cartoon character or famous personality or at least their face. The target may for example be spherical or approximately so, with a stylised face printed onto or otherwise applied to its surface.

The target may be provided with surface decoration, either flush with, raised from or indented into a surface thereof. The surface decoration may comprise print and/or ink. The print and/or ink may be releasable on contact with water or urine. This may advantageously change the color of any water in the toilet pan. The surface decoration may include for example pictures, text, logos, football badges and/ or coats of arms. Such features may make using the toilet more entertaining and may help increase accuracy and/or speed up toilet training by encouraging a user to urinate on the target. The print or ink may comprise, or be coated with, the antimicrobial agent.

The target may be hollow or solid. In an embodiment the target may be less dense than water and/or urine and may therefore float during use in a toilet pan. The target may be formed from any suitable material. In an embodiment the target is non porous. In an embodiment the target is formed, at least partially, from a hydrophobic material such as a plastics material, or is coated with such a material. In an embodiment the target may be formed from a high flow plastics material, for example a block copolymer. In an embodiment the target may be formed either wholly or partially from a plastics material such as a polypropylene or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). In an embodiment the target may be made by injection moulding.

In an embodiment the device of the invention may further comprise fastening means by which the target may be attached to a toilet or toilet pan. The fastening means may be releasable so that the target is attachable to and removable from a toilet or toilet pan. It may for example take the form of a suction panel or an adhesive (the adhesive suitably being water-proof) panel. The fastening means may provide a handle by which the target can be lowered into and removed from a toilet pan without needing to touch the target itself, during use. Alternatively a separate handle may be provided.

The fastening means may also be provided with - for example impregnated with or coated with — an antimicrobial agent.

In one embodiment of the invention, the target may be suitable and/or adapted and/or intended for use on more than one occasion. It may for instance remain in the toilet pan even after flushing, for subsequent re-use.

In another embodiment, the target may be suitable and/or adapted and/or intended to be either wholly or partially disposable. It may be suitable and/or adapted and/or intended to be removed with the water in the toilet pan on flushing after use. According to this embodiment, the target may be made of a wholly or partially biodegradable material. It may be made wholly or partially from a water-dispersible or water-soluble material. It^s may for example be made from paper or cardboard or an organic material; it may be essentially two-dimensional.

A disposable device may be particularly suitable for use in a toilet pan from which ssuubbssttaannttiiaallllyy aallll wwaatteerr iiss rreemmoovveed on flushing. Toilets of this type teiurto be used, for example, in the USA and Japan.

The device of the invention may include a sound generator, for example a music box or radio. The device may include a sensor, for example a movement sensor and/or a moisture sensor that may serve to control any sound generating means. The sound generating means and/or sensor may be located on a surface of the target or inside the target. Alternatively the sound generating means and/or sensor may be attached to the target in any suitable manner. Such sound generating means may advantageously increase a person's enjoyment of using the toilet by providing an audible "reward" for hitting the target. Such a "reward" may be particularly encouraging for young infants who are undergoing toilet training.

The device may further comprise a light generator, for example a battery powered light source, or a chemoluminescent substance, which may generate light for example in the presence of water and/or urine. Such light generating means may also advantageously increase a person's enjoyment of using the toilet by providing a visible "reward" for hitting the target.

The device may further comprise an air and/or water freshener, for example in the form of a scent that may be releasable from the target. The scent may be releasable on contact with water and/or urine.

In an embodiment the device may further comprise a time-lapse indicator for visually and/or audibly alerting a user that the device needs to be changed, for example when the level of antimicrobial agent is too low and/or after a predetermined period of use. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for assisting in toilet training a person, such as for example an infant or a person with special needs. The method comprises the steps of placing a device according to the first aspect of the present invention into a toilet pan of a toilet and instructing the person to aim for the target whilst urinating.

This method may help to toilet train infants more quickly by increasing their enjoyment of the experience. It may also help to improve accuracy and thereby reduce urine spills by focusing attention on urinating onto the target.

A third aspect of the invention provides a kit for toilet training a person, for example an infant, the kit comprising a toilet and a device according to the first aspect of the invention. In an embodiment the toilet is a potty, or it may be any portable toilet such as for example a commode. In an embodiment the target is attached to the toilet pan. In an embodiment the target is removably attached to the toilet pan. In an embodiment at least part of the toilet pan is itself provided with an antimicrobial agent, for example as a coating. In an embodiment the kit comprises more than one device according to the invention, for example two or three or four or five or six.

A kit according to the third aspect of the invention may further comprise instructions on how the toilet and device may be used to help toilet train a person such as an infant. In an embodiment the instructions describe a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for improving accuracy whilst urinating, the kit comprising a plurality of devices according to the first aspect of the present invention. The plurality of devices may be packaged for sale in the form of a blister pack or other suitable packaging. In an embodiment the kit comprises at least 2 or 4 or 6 of the devices. The kit may comprise up to 8 or 10 or 12 of the devices. In an embodiment at least a portion of at least one of the devices is visible through the packaging. In an embodiment the kit further comprises instructions on how the kit can be used to improve accuracy whilst urinating. A fifth aspect of the invention provides a dispensing system which comprises one or more, suitably a plurality of, devices according to the first aspect, contained in a dispenser by means of which one or more of the devices at a time may be dispensed to a user according to requirement. Such a dispenser may be suitable and/or adapted and/or intended to be located near to, or attached to, a toilet, so that a user may remove for example one of the devices each time he or she wishes to use the toilet. It may be particularly suitable for dispensing one or more devices of the type which are intended for single use and to be disposable after use.

For dispensing in this fashion, a device according to the invention - or more typically a plurality of such devices - may for example be mounted on a backing strip, or may be stacked inside the dispenser, and/or may be provided in a cartridge for loading into the dispenser.

The dispenser may contain for example 5 or more, or 10 or more, or 20 or 50 or more, or 80 or 100 or more devices according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferred features of any aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other features.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following examples. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a section through a device according to the present invention;

Figure 2a shows a front view of a kit according to the invention, for improving accuracy whist urinating;

Figure 2b shows a side view of the kit of Figure 2a;

Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of alternative devices according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a dispenser containing a plurality of devices according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a yet further alternative device according to the invention; and

Figure 7 shows a device according to the invention, in use with a child's potty.

All figures are schematic.

Detailed description

The device shown in Figure 1 comprises a ball shaped target 1, approximately 40 mm in diameter, coated with an antimicrobial agent 2. The antimicrobial agent 2 is in this case Hygienilac® and coats the entire surface of the target 1.

The target can further comprise surface decoration (not shown), which is applied using ink that also contains an antimicrobial agent, for example Hygienilac®. The target is hollow and floats on water and urine. It is formed from a non-porous, hydrophobic material, suitably an injection moulded plastics material such as ABS.

As shown in Figure 2, a plurality of devices according to the invention, such as that shown in Figure 1, may be packaged together into a kit. In this case each of the targets 1 is as described above in relation to Figure 1. In this embodiment four devices are packaged in a blister pack 6, such that a portion 8 of each target 1 can be seen.

The blister pack 6 further comprises an aperture, for example a "euro slot" 10, by which it can be hung at the point of sale, and a text space 12 on which the product name or other relevant information can be printed.

The device shown in Figure 3 comprises an approximately spherical target 20, in this case made from injection moulded ABS, onto which a stylised cartoon face has been printed. The eyes 22 of the face are raised slightly from the target surface. The face is intended to entertain in particular infant users, for example so as to make toilet training more enjoyable and therefore more likely to be successful. Other designs may be applied to the target so as to entertain users, whether children or adults.

The target 20 has a diameter of approximately 40 mm. Its entire surface is coated with an antimicrobial agent such as Hygienilac®, as indicated generally at 24.

The alternative device of Figure 4 comprises an approximately circular disc 30, made from a (preferably biodegradable) paper or other cellulose-based material. Again its diameter is approximately 40 mm. The disc is either coated or impregnated with a suitable antimicrobial agent. Again it may be printed with a face or other suitable design.

The Figure 4 device can float on water and/or urine but can be flushed away with the contents of the toilet pan after use.

Figure 5 shows a dispenser 40 from which one or more devices 42 according to the invention can be obtained at the point of use. The dispenser 40 contains a suitable number of the devices 42. It may for example comprise an aperture (not shown), for instance on its underside, through which the devices 42 can be dispensed.

The dispenser 40 may be positioned near to a toilet (for example, on an adjacent wall) or attached to the toilet. It is particularly suited for dispensing disposable devices, such as that of Figure 4.

The alternative device shown in Figure 6 comprises an approximately spherical target 50 to which is attached a suction panel 52 via a connector 54. The panel 52 may for example be made of a flexible plastics material. The connector 54 may also be made of a plastics material, typically a rigid plastics material although it may be semi-rigid or flexible in nature. It may be of any suitable length. Both the panel 52 and the connector 54 are suitably provided with — for example coated or impregnated with - an antimicrobial agent.

The suction panel 52 may be used to attach the target 50 to the inside of a toilet pan or potty. The device will then remain in position even if the contents of the pan are removtd during flushing.

The target 50 may for example have the same form as the target 1 shown in Figure 1 or the target 20 in Figure 3.

Figure 7 shows a device according to the invention in use, as described above, as an aid to potty training a child. Figure 7 A is a perspective view showing the device 60 being placed inside a potty 62, and Figure 7B a plan view of the device in place inside the potty. The device 60, or two or more such devices, may be supplied together with the potty 62. The fact that the device carries an antimicrobial agent means that it can be used on repeated occasions, provided it is appropriately washed after each use, without concerns as to health and safety. The potty 62, or at least its inner surface(s), may also be provided with an antimicrobial agent.

Claims

1. A device for use in a toilet pan comprising a target and an antimicrobial agent.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the target is coated with the antimicrobial agent.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the target is impregnated with the antimicrobial agent.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the antimicrobial agent is releasable from the target on contact with water and/or urine.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is from 20 mm to 60 mm in width.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is three- dimensional.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the target is spherical or approximately spherical, or fruit shaped, or in the shape of a cartoon character or famous personality or face thereof.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the target is spherical or approximately spherical.

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the target is essentially two-dimensional.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the target is in the form of a disc.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target further comprises surface decoration.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the surface decoration comprises print or ink.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the print or ink is releasable on contact with water and/or urine.

14. A device according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the surface decoration includes one or more of pictures, text, logos, football badges and coats of arms.

15. A device according to claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the print or ink comprises or is coated with an antimicrobial agent.

16. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is hollow.

17. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is formed either wholly or partially from a hydrophobic material, or is coated with a hydrophobic material.

18. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is formed from a plastics material.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the target is formed from ABS.

20. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising releasable fastening means by which it can be releasably attached to a surface such as a wall of a toilet pan.

21. A device according to claim 20, wherein the releasable fastening means comprises a suction panel.

22. A device according to any preceding claim, which is suitable and/or adapted and/or intended to be either wholly or partially disposable.

23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is made of a wholly or partially biodegradable material.

24. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is made wholly or partially from a water-dispersible or water-soluble material.

25. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target is made from paper or cardboard.

26. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a sound generator.

27. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a light generator.

28. A device for use in a toilet pan, the device being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

29. A kit for use in toilet training a person, the kit comprising a toilet and a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

30. A kit according to claim 29, wherein the toilet is a potty.

31. A kit according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the target is releasably attached to the toilet.

32. A kit according to any of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the target is spherical or approximately spherical.

33. A kit according to any of claims 29 to 32, further comprising instructions as to how the toilet and the device can be used to help toilet train a person.

34. A method for assisting in toilet training a person, the method comprising the steps of placing a device according to any of claims 1 to 28 into a toilet pan of a toilet and instructing the person to aim for the target whilst urinating.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the person is an infant.

36. A kit for improving accuracy whilst urinating, the kit comprising a plurality of devices according to any of claims 1 to 28, packaged together.

37. A kit according to claim 36, wherein the plurality of devices are packaged in the form of a blister pack.

38. A kit according to claim 36 or claim 37, which comprises at least two devices according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

39. A kit according to claim 38, which comprises four devices according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

40. A kit according to any of claims 36 to 39, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the devices is visible through the packaging.

41. A kit according to any of claims 36 to 40, which further comprises instructions as to how the kit can be used to improve accuracy whilst urinating.

42. A kit for improving accuracy whilst urinating, the kit being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

43. A dispensing system comprising one or more devices according to any one of claims 1 to 28, contained in a dispenser by means of which one or more of the devices at a time may be dispensed to a user.

44. A dispensing system according to claim 43, which comprises a plurality of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

45. A dispensing system according to claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the devices are suitable and/or adapted and/or intended to be either wholly or partially disposable.