Toilet training method

A method for training a child to urinate in the toilet. A chromotrophic indicator is added to the toilet water to provide an aqueous chromotrophic indicator in the toilet bowl. The user urinates into the aqueous solution, thereby changing the indicator from a first coloration to a second coloration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to methods for training people to 
use the toilet, and more particularly to a simple, inexpensive method for 
encouraging toddlers or other young persons to urinate in a toilet bowl. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
A variety of toilet training methods are known to the art. For example, 
biodegradable floating targets, such as pieces of cereal, that young boys 
can attempt to hit and/or sink have been used with some success. Although 
these targets generally provide a simple, inexpensive method for toilet 
training, they are obviously not as effective if used with young girls. 
Sophisticated electromechanical systems which emit sight or sound signals 
to reward the toilet user have also been developed. Although such systems 
may be used by either sex, they are typically mechanically complicated, 
and may be expensive to install and maintain. 
A need therefore exists for simple, inexpensive methods of training 
children to use the toilet. The present invention addresses this need. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Briefly describing the present invention, there is provided a method for 
training a child to urinate in the toilet. A chromotrophic indicator is 
added to the toilet water to provide an aqueous chromotrophic indicator in 
the toilet bowl. The user urinates into the aqueous solution, thereby 
changing the indicator from a first coloration to a second coloration. 
One object of the present invention is to provide a method for training a 
young person to use the toilet. 
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent 
from the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the 
invention, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments and 
specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless 
be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby 
intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated 
embodiments, and such further applications of the principles of the 
invention as illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur 
to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. 
As indicated above, the present invention relates generally to methods for 
toilet training a young person by providing a chromotrophic indicator to 
toilet water. The user urinates into the aqueous chromotrophic indicator, 
thereby changing the indicator from a first coloration to a second 
coloration. 
Chromotrophic indicators useful with the present invention are compositions 
that change color when contacted by urine in water. For example, dyes such 
as cresol red, cresol purple, bromocresol green, bromocresol purple, 
phenol red, chlorophenol red, bromothymol blue and methylene blue, and 
particularly combinations thereof, may effectively be used. 
The chromotrophic indicator should provide an immediate color change when 
contacted with urine in toilet bowl water. In the most preferred 
embodiments the indicator is soluble in water so that a solution of 
indicator may be easily obtained. 
The indicator should effect the desired color change in response to a 
change in pH. Most preferably, the indicator changes color at pH levels of 
between about 7.0 and about 9.0. In one preferred embodiment the indicator 
establishes a pH of about 8.5 in the toilet bowl water and changes color 
as urine lowers the solution pit to about 7.5. 
It is to be appreciated that only representative chromotrophic indicators 
have been listed above or shown in the examples hereinafter. Other 
indicators may be developed or selected so long as an appropriate color 
change in response to urine in toilet water is achieved. Of course, 
toxicity and other considerations should be evaluated before any indicator 
is used with the present invention. 
The appropriate concentrations of the chromotrophic indicators depend on 
such factors as the specific dyes used, the volume of the toilet bowl 
water and the depth of color desired. In some preferred embodiments the 
indicator is present in a concentration of about 0.02 grams per liter of 
indicator solution. In other preferred embodiments a concentration of 
about 0.2 grams of indicator per liter of indicator solution is used. 
Appropriate concentrations for a particular application may be determined 
by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation. 
The toilet used in the inventive method may be any toilet having a bowl 
containing water for receiving a person's urination. Most commonly a bowl 
water volume of between about 1 gallon and 5 gallons is used, although 
smaller or greater volumes may be employed if desired. Appropriate toilets 
are well know, to the art and may be selected by the user with no 
experimentation. 
As indicated above, the chromotrophic indicator may be provided in either 
solid or liquid form. Most preferably, the indicator is provided in 
aqueous solution so that a rapid dispersement into the toilet water is 
obtained. 
Reference will now be made to specific examples using the processes 
described above. It is to be understood that the examples are provided to 
more completely describe preferred embodiments, and that no limitation to 
the scope of the invention is intended thereby. 
EXAMPLE 1 
In one preferred embodiment a solution of cresol red 
(o-cresolsulfonphthalein) is used. Such indicator comprises 4,4'-(3 
H-2,1-benzoxathiol-3-ylidene)bis(2-methylphenol) 5,5-dioxide. Most 
preferably, the cresol red is present at a concentration of about 0.2 
grams per liter of solution. The cresol red solution is squirted into a 
toilet bowl until a desired reddish purple color is obtained in the bowl. 
Upon urination in the bowl by the toilet trainee the water turns yellow - 
providing a visual reward for successful toilet use. 
EXAMPLE 2 
An aqueous solution containing approximately equal parts of bromocresol 
green (tetrabromo-m-cresolsulfonphthalein) and chlorophenol red is added 
to toilet water to provide a desired purple color in the bowl. The user 
urinates into the toilet, changing the water from purple to yellow. 
EXAMPLE 3 
An aqueous solution containing approximately equal parts of bromocresol 
purple (dibromo-o-cresolsulfonphthalein) and bromthymol blue is added to 
toilet water to provide a desired violet color in the bowl. The user 
urinates into the toilet, changing the water from violet to yellow. 
EXAMPLE 4 
An aqueous solution containing approximately equal parts of phenol red and 
methylene blue (methylthionine chloride) is added to toilet water to 
provide a desired blue color in the bowl. The user urinates into the 
toilet, changing the water from blue to green. 
EXAMPLE 5 
An aqueous solution containing approximately equal parts of bromthymol blue 
and phenol red is added to toilet water to provide a desired purple color 
in the bowl. The user urinates into the toilet, changing the water from 
purple to yellow. 
EXAMPLE 6 
As aqueous solution containing approximately 0.02 grams of cresol purple 
(m-cresolsulfonphthalein) per liter of water is prepared. Three or four 
squirts of this solution is added to toilet water to provide a desired 
purple color in the bowl. The user urinates into the toilet, changing the 
water from purple to yellow. 
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the 
foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and 
not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred 
embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and 
modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to 
be protected. For example, other indicators, or combinations of 
indicators, may be selected and used with the present invention.