Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for a potty training system. In embodiments, the potty training system includes a model toilet including a flushing mechanism. Fluids may be poured into the toilet bowl and drained by pressing the designated button, which causes the valve seal to break and empty the toilet bowl, and the contents drain out in a process modeling a functional toilet. Used in this manner, the potty training system may be operated by a younger child in the bathtub to create a positive association between the toy training system and a functional toilet.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/099,223, which claimed priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/735,219, and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/006,516, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Generally, potty training of a child is reserved for late toddler years and more advanced ages when a child is physically capable of using a standard toilet. Consequently, young children are not acclimated to the use and purpose of a toilet. Some children may be unwilling to use a toilet, either out of fear or because they fail to recognize any purpose or benefit to doing so. Parents employ various methods to provide incentives for children to use the toilet, and many also seek potty training aids from a variety of forms such as, potty chairs and related devices, books and DVDs, and toys. While the existence of such aids has somewhat helped ease the general challenges for parents in the potty training process, there remains a need for tools to facilitate early potty training. 
         [0003]    Many tools and apparatuses exist to aid in the training of a child that is physically ready to use a toilet. Examples range from training pants to easier-to-use, especially-designed flushless toilets to acclimate a child to using a toilet. While these devices are valuable in training a child to use an actual toilet, they are designed to be of use for a child that is physically ready to use a toilet and are not meant to aid a younger child in becoming comfortable and familiar with the purpose and function of a toilet. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to either identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0005]    The described apparatuses and methods provide a functional toy that can be used to acclimate a younger child to the purpose and functionality of toilets. By familiarizing a younger child with the process and functioning of a toilet, they can feel more comfortable, confident, and able to use a proper toilet when they are physically ready to begin toilet training. 
         [0006]    The described apparatuses provide a novel, functional toy or model toilet for easy use by small children in the early stages of toilet training. The model toilet can be used as a component of a potty training system for children to use through the toilet training process and may be used to help aide a child to understand the function of a toilet and to associate a toilet with urination. In one embodiment, the toilet includes a flushing mechanism comprised of a top-facing button that is depressed to “flush” the model toilet. The depression of the button causes an attached, vertically-oriented rod to be pushed downward against the force of attached restoring springs. In embodiments, the vertically-oriented rod is in a fixed, perpendicular position to a horizontally-running stem that is attached at the base of the vertical rod via male-to-female fasteners at the end of each connecting rod. At the opposite end of the horizontal stem is a valve, for example a diaphragm-type, convex-side-up valve. In the default position, this valve seals the drain of the toilet bowl through the force of the aforementioned springs. When the button is depressed, the valve and rods are lowered, breaking the seal of the toilet bowl drain, and emptying the contents of the toy toilet to simulate the functioning of a full-size toilet. This action enables a small child to grasp the purpose and use of a toilet at a scale and in a context that is less threatening and intimidating than a full-size toilet. In embodiments, the flushing mechanism is partially or entirely enclosed within the shell of the toy toilet to prevent pinching of the child and potential obstructions from interfering with the motion of the mechanism. 
         [0007]    A model toilet for use in potty training, comprising a model toilet bowl having an aperture at about the bottom of the bowl, and a flushing mechanism that includes a valve that seals the aperture of the model toilet bowl, and a button functionally connected to the valve, wherein pressure applied to the button is directed to open the valve. The model toilet also comprises a shell that supports the model toilet bowl and covers at least a portion of the flushing mechanism and at least one suction cup connected to the shell that removably attaches to a surface to suspend the model toilet. 
         [0008]    In embodiments, the shell comprises a back portion that generally models the shape of a tank of a functional toilet; and a base portion that supports the model toilet bowl and connects to the back portion. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the base portion is open at the bottom to allow liquid to drain from the bowl through the aperture in the model toilet bowl and through the base portion out of the model toilet. 
         [0009]    A potty training system, comprising a model toilet and a doll. The model toilet comprising a model toilet bowl having an aperture at about the bottom of the bowl and a flushing mechanism that comprises a valve that seals the aperture of the model toilet bowl and a button functionally connected to the valve; wherein pressure applied to the button is directed to open the valve. The model toilet also comprises a shell that supports the model toilet bowl and covers at least a portion of the flushing mechanism. The doll is sized and shaped for use with the model toilet, wherein the doll is adapted to simulate urination by squirting liquid into the model toilet, and the flushing mechanism operates to drain the liquid from the model toilet bowl and out the bottom of the model toilet. 
         [0010]    A potty training system, comprising a doll and a model toilet. The model toilet, comprising a model toilet bowl having an aperture at about the bottom of the bowl and a flushing mechanism that comprises a valve that seals the aperture of the model toilet bowl, and a button functionally connected to the valve; wherein pressure applied to the button is directed to open the valve. The model toilet also comprises a shell that supports the model toilet bowl and covers at least a portion of the flushing mechanism, wherein the shell comprises a back portion that generally models a tank of a functional toilet and a base portion that supports the model toilet bowl and connects to the back portion, and at least one suction cup connected to the shell that removably attaches to a surface to suspend the model toilet. The doll is sized and shaped for use with the model toilet, wherein the doll is adapted to simulate urination by squirting liquid into the model toilet, and the flushing mechanism operates to drain the liquid from the model toilet bowl. 
         [0011]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of various ways in which the subject matter may be practiced, all of which are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The systems, devices and methods may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, and simply illustrate the principles of the systems, devices and methods. The accompanying drawings illustrate only possible embodiments of the systems, devices and methods and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. In particular, dimensions, materials, colors and weights noted on the drawings are solely for an example embodiment and are not limiting. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a potty training system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of a doll for use with the potty training system depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an embodiment of the doll for use with the potty training system depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a model toilet that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  depicts a back view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  depicts a cut-away view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a potty training system. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  depicts a bottom view of an embodiment of a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of protective screen for a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a flushing mechanism for a model toilet training device that can be used with a potty training system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Aspects of the potty training apparatuses and methods are described below with reference to illustrative embodiments. The references to illustrative embodiments below are not made to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Instead, illustrative embodiments are used to aid in the description of various aspects of the systems and methods. The description, made by way of example and reference to illustrative reference, is not meant to being limiting as regards any aspect of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a potty training system  100  is illustrated. In one embodiment, the potty training system  100  includes an animal-shaped doll  102  and a model toilet  104 . The doll  102  and the model toilet  104  can be used to demonstrate proper toilet use and introduce potty training to a child in a positive way. The potty training system  100  may be used as a potty training tool, a toy for children, or both. It is an important goal of potty training that children associate the act of urination with a toilet and using the potty training system  100  will help a child make that association. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the animal-shaped doll  102  is capable of releasing liquid  118  into the model toilet  104 . It is intended that the child, or adult interacting with the child, position the animal-shaped doll  102  roughly centered over the top of the model toilet  104 . When the liquid  118  is released from the animal-shaped doll  102 , the liquid  118  enters the model toilet  104  and resembles urination into a functioning toilet. In embodiments, the doll  102  is sized and shaped so that it can be easily grasped by a small child, allowing the child to take an active role in the play and training. The doll  102  and model toilet  104  used in this way are a non-threatening and non-intimidating way to introduce children to potty training. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment the potty training system  100  is used in the bathtub. The doll  102  and model toilet  104  can be formed from materials conducive to bathtub play, such as rubber, plastic or other non-porous, quick-drying materials. In addition to the bathtub, the child may use the potty training system  100  in any convenient location such as a sink, shower, pool, or plastic tub. The use of the potty training system  100  in the bathtub may be beneficial as the water is contained within the bathtub, or at least the bathroom, aiding cleanup. Additionally, the bathtub is a fun environment for a child and using the potty training system  100  in the bathtub may create a positive association with the potty training system  100 , alleviating some of the pressures of potty training and encouraging the child. 
         [0031]    In embodiments, the doll  102  is elastic and compressible and may be shaped like an animal. In one embodiment, the doll  102  may be shaped like a duck, as shown. However, the doll  102  may take the shape of any animal. As used herein, the term “doll” encompasses a wide range of figures, including but not limited to, representations of humans, animals, anthropomorphized animals, cartoons, mythical creatures, and the like. For example, the doll  102  can be shaped like a mythical creature (e.g., a unicorn), cartoon animal (e.g., Winnie-the-Pooh or Mickey Mouse) or may even take the shape of a human being. The doll  102  may be any shape that would encourage the child to use the potty training system  100  as a toy. The doll  102  may also take a shape with which the child would identify or seek to emulate, such as a favorite character from a television show or book. The doll  102  may be sized proportionally to the model toilet  104 , such that the child associates the two together. In embodiments, the doll  102  is sized and shaped to be grasped easily by a toddler, such that the child is able to manipulate and play with the potty training system  100 . However, it is understood that the doll  102  may take any size and any shape. 
         [0032]    In embodiments, the model toilet  104  is shaped similar to a functioning toilet and may be comprised of scaled models of several of the elements of a functioning toilet. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the model toilet  104  can include a toilet seat  110  and a toilet bowl  108  with a bowl interior  112 . In an embodiment, the toilet model  104  can also include a lid  114 , with one or more suction cups  106  attached to the back of the lid  114 . It is contemplated that the suction cups  106  allow the model toilet  104  to be attached to a surface such as a bathtub or tile wall, so that the toilet model  104  is held in place while the child plays with the doll  102 . The model toilet  104  may be proportionally sized to the doll  102 . However, it is understood that the model toilet  104  may take any size and any shape. In embodiments, the model toilet  104  is approximately five inches in length, from the back of the suction cups  106  to the front of the toilet seat  110 , and approximately three inches in width. The model toilet  104  can be approximate 5.25 inches in height. Embodiments of the model toilet  104  are described in detail below with respect to  FIGS. 4-9 . 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the doll  102  is illustrated. In one embodiment, the structure of the doll  102  has an exterior surface  202  and an interior surface  204 . The distance between the external surface  202  and internal surface  204  may vary. In embodiments, the thickness of the doll  102  between the external surface  202 , and internal surface  204 , and material from which the doll  102  is formed, are such that a small child would be capable of squeezing the doll  102  and deforming the doll  102  to compress the interior of the doll  102 . This would allow the child to use the potty training system  100  on his or her own without the aid of an adult, which would encourage the child to be an active participant in potty training. In another aspect of this embodiment, the doll has an internal compartment  206  that holds the fluid. As used herein, the term “fluid” means a liquid or a gas. When the doll  102  is compressed, the internal surface  204  will collapse and the volume of the internal compartment  206  will correspondingly be decreased, forcing the fluid from the aperture  208 . 
         [0034]    In embodiments, the doll has an aperture  208  creating an egress through the external surface  202  and the internal surface  204  as well as between the exterior of the doll  102  and the internal compartment  206  of the doll  102 . In an embodiment, the aperture  208  is positioned near the bottom center of the doll  102 . However, it is understood that the aperture  208  may be positioned anywhere on the doll  102 . While a single aperture  208  is illustrated, there may also be more than one aperture  208  on the doll  102 . In one embodiment the aperture  208  is annular. However, in other embodiments the aperture  208  may be any suitable shape. For example, the aperture can be a slit, such that when the doll  102  is compressed, the elastic nature of the doll opens the aperture  208 , and when the doll  102  is released, the aperture  208  effectively closes, as the sides of the slit abut one another and hold the fluid in place. In embodiments, the aperture  208  may be sized or shaped such that when the interior compartment is filled with fluid, the fluid is held within the internal compartment  206 , and either does not leak or leaks minimally by the force of gravity alone. The aperture  208  may also be sized or shaped and configured to make a squirt or a squeaking sound when air is released from the doll  102 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment of the doll  102  is illustrated as compressed. The doll  102 , shown as a duck, is compressed when a child or parent pushes the exterior surface  202  inward towards the center of the doll  102 . The doll  102  may be sized and configured such that it is easily used by a child. Upon compression of the doll  102 , the interior surface  204  will move in relation to the exterior surface  202 . It is contemplated that the compression of the doll  102  will decrease the volume of the internal compartment  206 . Consequently, the fluid within the internal compartment  206  will be released through the aperture  208 . Depending on the fluid within the internal compartment  206 , either gas or liquid, and the size and configuration of the aperture  208 , the fluid may be released in a squeaking nature or a squirting nature. It is also contemplated the fluid may simply pass through the aperture  208 . Upon the termination of the compressive force on the doll  102 , the elastic nature of the doll  102  will cause it to return to its initial shape  302 . As the doll  102  returns to its initial shape  302 , the volume of the internal compartment  206  will increase, returning to its initial size and shape. As the internal compartment  206  increases, it will create a suction effect through the aperture  208  and the fluid, whether liquid or gas, in the external environment will be sucked into the internal compartment  206 . 
         [0036]    The doll  102  can be used to simulate urination through compression of the body of the doll  102 . In one embodiment a child may compress the body of the doll  102  to release the liquid within the internal compartment  206 . The child may then place the doll  102 , in the compressed position, into a liquid such as water. As the compressive force is released, the liquid will be drawn into the internal compartment  206  due to the resulting vacuum and suction effect. The child may lift the doll  102  from the liquid and compress the doll  102 , decreasing the volume of the internal compartment  206 , and thus forcing the liquid back out through aperture  208 . In an embodiment in which the aperture  208  is located at the bottom of the doll  102 , the liquid released through the aperture will resemble urination. When a child positions the doll  102  roughly centered over the model toilet  104  while compressing the doll  102 , the potty training system  100  will resemble urination into a toilet. It is contemplated that this repeated process will reinforce the association of urination with a toilet. The system provides a fun way to introduce potty training to a child and allows the child to actively participate in the process, creating a positive association with potty training. This positive association may help to alleviate the intimidation a child may feel with respect to an actual toilet and aid in the potty training process. 
         [0037]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4-9 , a perspective view, side view, front view, back view, top view and bottom view, of a model toilet  104  are shown. In embodiments, the model toilet  104  is shaped similar to a functioning toilet and may be comprised of scaled models of several of the elements of a functioning toilet. As depicted in the perspective view of  FIG. 4 , the model toilet  104  can include a toilet seat  110  and a toilet bowl  108  with an interior  112 . The toilet bowl can include an aperture  116  through which liquid can drain. In embodiments, the seat  110  is fixed to the toilet bowl  108  or removably attached to the toilet bowl  108 . In other embodiments, the seat  110  can be hinged in the same manner as in a functional toilet. In an embodiment, the model toilet  104  can also include a hinged lid  114 , which can include an aperture that allows the user to easily grip the lid  114  to raise and lower the lid  114 . In other embodiments, the lid  114  is fixed in position. 
         [0038]    In embodiments, the model toilet  104  includes a back portion  400  and a base portion  402 . As shown, the base portion  402  supports the toilet bowl  108  and connects the toilet bowl  108  to the back portion  400  of the model toilet  104 . The back portion  400  and base portion  402  resemble parts of a functional toilet, assisting the child in connecting the model toilet  104  to a functional toilet. In addition, the back portion  400  and base portion  402  act as a cover for the mechanics of a model toilet  104 . For example, the back portion  400  and base portion  402  encase the flushing mechanism  1000 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
         [0039]    As can be seen in  FIG. 4  and more clearly in  FIG. 8 , the interior  112  of the model toilet bowl  108  can include an aperture  116  through which liquid can drain from the model toilet  104 . In some embodiments, the aperture  116  is left open to allow the liquid to drain freely from the toilet bowl  108 . In other embodiments, a flushing mechanism  1000  includes a valve  1006  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) that seals the aperture  116 , where the child can flush the model toilet  104  by pushing the button and opening the valve  1006  in the bottom of the interior  112  of the toilet bowl  108 . The flushing mechanism  1000  is described in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0040]    In embodiments, the back portion  400  can be similar in appearance to a functioning toilet, but does not necessarily function in a similar manner. For example, in embodiments the back portion  400  does not operate as a holding tank for water used in flushing the toilet. Instead, the back portion  400  provides a cover for the moving parts of the flushing mechanism  1000 , illustrated in the  FIGS. 10 and 11 , protecting the flushing mechanism  1000  from damage. Additionally, the back portion  400  can be shaped generally to model the tank of a toilet, assisting the child in associating play and operations of the model toilet  104  and an actual working toilet. Similarly, the model toilet  104  can include a base portion  402  that supports the toilet bowl  108  and connects to the back portion  400 . The model toilet  104  may be proportionally sized to a common functional toilet. However, it is understood that the model toilet  104  may take any size, shape, and proportions. For example, the model toilet  104  can be shaped, sized and colored to appeal to a child, introducing the child to the concept of the toilet, but simplified for manufacturing purposes and for use by a small child. 
         [0041]    In embodiments, the model toilet  104  features a button  404  that operates the flushing mechanism  1000 . The button  404  can be located on the top of the back portion  400  connected to a valve that controls draining of the toilet bowl  108 . In embodiments, the button  404  is designed to be easily used by the tiny, weak hands of a small child. In embodiments, the button  404  is large and takes up most of the top of the back portion  400 . The button  404  can be large and brightly colored to encourage the child to press the button  404  and operate the flushing mechanism  1000 . Depression of the button  404  can also trigger audio and/or visual stimuli intended to encourage and reward the child for using the model toilet  104 . 
         [0042]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , embodiments of the model toilet  104  include two suction cups  106  attached to the back of the toilet tank  400 . The suction cups  106  can be attached via any suitable means. When the suction cups  106  are positioned on the back of the toilet tank  400 , the model toilet can be attached to a surface via the suction cups  106  by pressing the suction cups  106  against the surface. The model toilet  104  then extends out from the surface, with the button  404  and toilet bowl  108  in easy reach of a child user. 
         [0043]    The suction cups  106  can be a circular shape and of a diameter capable of creating suction force strong enough to support the model toilet  104 . However, it is understood that the suction cups  106  can take any shape and size capable of creating the suction effect. Generally, suction cups rely on negative fluid pressure to adhere to nonporous surfaces, such as bathroom tile or bathtubs. The suction cups  106  are made from a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber and have a curved surface. When the center of the suction cup  106  is pressed against a surface, the suction cup  106  flexes, expelling air and the volume of space between the surface and the interior of the suction cup  106  decreases. When the center of the suction cup  106  is released, or no longer pressed, the suction cup  106  returns to its original shape, increasing the volume of space between the surface and the suction cup  106 . The resulting difference in pressure keeps the suction cup  106  adhered to the surface. When air leaks back into the volume, or the seal is broken allowing air to enter the volume, the suction cup  106  no longer adheres to the surface. The result is that the suction cup  106  allows the model toilet to be removably adhered to a variety of generally non-porous surfaces, including but not limited to, mirrors, tile, and bathtubs. The model toilet  104  can be easily removed generally without damaging the surface to which it was adhered. 
         [0044]    While two suction cups  106  are shown, a single suction cup  106  may be sufficient to support the model toilet  104 , and any number or configuration of suction cups suitable to support the model toilet  104  can be used. In other embodiments, a method other than suction cups  106  is used for support. For example, a simple hook or strip of Velcro can be used to support the model toilet  104 . 
         [0045]    The suction cups  106  may be used to temporarily affix the model toilet  104  to a surface. In one embodiment, the model toilet  104  may be temporarily affixed to a vertical, tiled wall adjacent to a bathtub or shower, or to the bathtub or shower itself. This may be accomplished by simply pressing the suction cups  106  of the model toilet  104  against the wall. With the model toilet  104  temporarily affixed to the wall, the child will have the freedom to use both hands to compress the doll  102 . Using both hands may be advantageous considering children lack strength and motor abilities. Additionally, the use of both hands may allow the child to better maneuver the doll  102  from the water to the model toilet  104 . In other embodiments, the model toilet  104  may be temporarily affixed via suction cups  106  to a surface, for example a mirror or wall near a sink. Alternatively, the potty training system  100  may be used without affixing the model toilet  104  to any surface. In another embodiment, the model toilet  104  can include a hook or loop or molded fitting, such that the model toilet  104  can be attached to a faucet, handle, spout or other convenient fixture to hold the model toilet  104  generally in place. 
         [0046]    In other embodiments, the model toilet  104  can be constructed to float. For example, the model toilet can be formed from a buoyant material and/or shaped to balance and float in liquid. In another embodiment, the model toilet  104  can be attached to a raft that allows the model toilet  104  to float in a bathtub or other bodies of water. In a further embodiment, the model toilet  104  can be attached to a floating ring. For example, a ring of Styrofoam or other buoyant material can be shaped like a life preserver, or other playful shape, and the model toilet  104  can be attached to this material such that the model toilet  104  floats in the bathtub or body of water. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a side view depicting an embodiment of the model toilet  104  illustrating a flushing mechanism  1000  is shown. The flushing mechanism  1000  is comprised of a button  404  seated on top of a substantially vertically-oriented rod  1002 , which is attached to a generally horizontally-oriented stem  1004 . The stem is connected to a valve  1006 . In an embodiment, the valve  1006  is generally hemispherical in shape, so that when the valve  1006  is closed it is seated in the aperture  116  at the bottom of the toilet bowl  108 , which allows the toilet bowl  108  to retain liquid. Upon opening the valve  1006 , liquid in the toilet bowl  108  will drain through the aperture  116  into the base portion  402 . In embodiments, the bottom of the base portion  402  is open allowing the liquid to drain out of the model toilet  104 , as shown in the bottom view in  FIG. 9 . The draining of the liquid upon pressing the button will likely entertain a small child, encouraging interaction with the model toilet  104 , and eventually with a functional toilet. 
         [0048]    In other embodiments, the valve  1006  is a pad or protrusion that mates with the aperture  116 , generally forming a seal to retain liquid in the toilet bowl  108 . The valve can be formed from an elastic material, including but not limited to silicone or rubber, to better form a seal against the aperture  116 . It is not required that the valve form a complete seal. 
         [0049]    The flushing mechanism  1000  also features one or more arms  1102 , shown in the exploded view in  FIG. 11  and in detail in  FIG. 14 , which hold the flushing mechanism  1000 , including button  404  and valve  1006  in place within the back portion  400  and base portion  402  of the model toilet  104 . The arms  1102  can be shaped to be seated on one or more protrusions within the body of the back portion  400 . In embodiments, the arms  1102  flex allowing the flushing mechanism  1000  to move when the button  404  is pushed and then return the flushing mechanism  1000  to its original position when the button  404  is released. 
         [0050]    Referring once again to  FIG. 10 , the flushing mechanism can include one or more springs  1008  that bias the valve  1006 , holding the valve  1006  in place against the aperture  116  of the toilet bowl  108  unless pressure is applied via the button  404 . This pressure from pressing the button  404  forces the valve  1006  open from the aperture  116 . The springs  1008  create a seal between the toilet aperture  116  and flushing mechanism valve  1006 , until a downward force is applied to the button  404  by the user. 
         [0051]    In embodiments, the flushing mechanism  1000  is contained within the model toilet shell, formed from the back portion  400  and base portion  402 , and oriented for front-facing symmetry. The flushing mechanism  1000  is enclosed within the model toilet  104  to prevent injuries to a child such as pinched fingers as well as preventing interference with or breakage of the mechanism  1000 . In some embodiments, the only exposed element of the flushing mechanism  1000  is the button  404 . It is understood that the flushing mechanism  1000  may be constructed of any suitable material known in the art. 
         [0052]    In embodiments, the flushing mechanism  1000  utilizes a diaphragm-type, convex-side-up valve  1006 . The valve seal is maintained by the (spring constant) force of the springs  1008 , connected to the horizontally-oriented stem  1004 . When the button  404  is depressed, the connection of the rod  1002  to the stem  1004  causes the valve  1006  to be lowered at a about a 1:1 rate to the depression of the button  404 . This breaks the valve seal and allows the contents of the toilet bowl  108  to drain out of the model toilet  104 . The restoring force of the springs  1008  causes the flushing mechanism  1000  and valve  1006  to rise and restore the valve seal when the button  404  is released, allowing the toilet bowl  108  to be refilled. It is understood that the valve  1006  may take any suitable shape, including the aforementioned diaphragm shape, a ball valve, or any other suitable valve. In embodiments, the valve can be formed from rubber, silicone, or other materials capable of forming a seal. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an assembly of the model toilet  104  and potty training system  100  is illustrated. As shown, a number of suction cups  106  are attached to a back plate  1100  of a back portion  400  of a model toilet  104 . Any suitable means for attaching the suction cups  106  to the back plate  1100  can be used. The back plate  1100  is shaped to form the back of the back portion  400  and to support the flushing mechanism  1000  of the model toilet  104 . In particular, the back plate  1100  can include one or more protrusions that support the arms  1102  of the flushing mechanism  1000 . 
         [0054]    In embodiments, the flushing mechanism  1000  is seated within the back portion  400  with only the button  404  exposed to the user. In embodiments, the back plate  1100  is secured to the back portion  400  with one or more screws to encase the flushing mechanism. The back portion  400  can include an attached lid  114  and can be connected to a base portion  402 . The base portion  402  is connected to a toilet bowl  108  with toilet seat  110 . As shown, the doll  102  can be sized to fit well with the model toilet  104  to encourage the child to use the potty training system  100 . 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in embodiments, a protective plate or screen  1200  covers at least a portion of the bottom of the base portion  402  of the model toilet  104 . As shown, in  FIG. 12 , the screen  1200  is attached to at least a portion of the bottom of the base portion  402  and is positioned below the aperture  116 , stem  1004  and valve  1006 . As shown, the screen  1200  includes one or more holes that allow the liquid released from the toilet bowl  108  to drain from the model toilet  104 . However, the apertures are small enough to prevent children&#39;s fingers from poking through the screen and interfering with the flushing mechanism  1000 . The screen  1200  can be attached to the bottom of the model toilet  104  using screws, pins or any other suitable attachment mechanism. 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  depicts the screen  1200  independent of the model toilet  104 . As shown, the screen  1200  can include one or more screw sleeves  1300  that facilitate attaching the screen  1200  to the bottom of the model toilet  104 . In addition, one or more springs  1008  can be seated on the screen  1200 . This spring or springs can press against the stem  1004  and bias the valve  1006  against the aperture  116 , holding the valve  1006  closed and sealing the aperture  116  in the toilet bowl  108 . 
         [0057]    What has been described above includes examples of aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has” or “having” or variations in form thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.