Patent Publication Number: US-2015082526-A1

Title: System and Method for Converting a Foldable Chair into a Toilet Seat

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to a system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat. 
     For several years, foldable chairs have been used for indoor and outdoor events where seating is not available or wherein additional seating is required. Moreover, foldable chair have been popular for outdoor activities such as such as camping, fishing or hunting because of the chairs functionality and portability. Often, such outdoor activities also involve locations that are deprived of sanitation facilities. Since both foldable chair and toilet seat are both intended for seating, the feature of foldable chair can be fully utilized if it can also be used as a toilet seat. However, most of the materials used for seating on a foldable chair are made of soft material. Thus, sitting on a regular foldable chair for sanitary disposal of excrement can feel odd and uncomfortable. 
     As such it would be advantageous to have a system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat is herein disclosed. The foldable chair comprises a frame and a collapsible seat. The frame further comprises a pair of seat rails and a pair of leg rails. The seat rails are attached to the leg rails through a plurality of guides. Furthermore, the seat is mounted at the middle section of the frame, wherein the seat comprises a first layer. The first layer comprises a flap and an orifice, wherein the flap covers the orifice. 
     A method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat is further disclosed. Specifically, the method comprises unfolding a folding chair and putting a flap in an open position. The flap covering an orifice, the orifice within a first layer of a seat, the seat a portion of a folding chair. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a chair, which can comprise a frame, a seat, a backrest, and a plurality of fasteners. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a seat comprising a top layer, and a bottom layer. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of a bottom layer comprising a flap. 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates the bottom surface of a bottom layer comprising a bag. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of a toilet seat comprising a base and a rim. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a sectional view of a toilet seat mounted to a bottom layer. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates another embodiment of a toilet seat further comprising an overlap. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a sectional view of a toilet seat comprising an overlap mounted to a bottom layer. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a toilet seat comprising a bag. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an embodiment of a toilet seat comprising a bag. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a chair converted into a toilet seat. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a frame comprising a pair of arm rails, a pair of leg rails, and a pair of seat rails, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a chair with a backrest removed. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates how a chair can be folded. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates a chair in a folded state. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a chair with a toilet seat in a toilet seat compartment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers&#39; specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a chair  100 , which can comprise a frame  101 , a seat  102 , a backrest  103 , and a plurality of fasteners  104 . In one embodiment, chair  100  can be a foldable chair. Chair  100  can be used for seating in areas wherein no permanent seating is available. As such, folding chairs are usually used for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, or other activities. Frame  101  can comprise foldable parts that form a chair, and further discussed below. Frame  101  can be made of durable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. Frame  101  can be divided into top portion, middle section, and bottom portion. The top portion of frame  101  can be utilized as an arm support and back support for the user. As such, backrest  103  can be attached at the top portion of frame  101 . The middle section of frame  101  can mount seat  102 , wherein seat  102  can serve as a surface a user can sit on. The bottom portion of frame  101  can be used as a stand. Additionally, bottom portion of frame  101  can serve as support for the weight of the user and chair  100 . 
     Seat  102  and backrest  103  can be made of materials such as fabric, plastic, rubber, and/or polyester. In one embodiment, seat  102  and backrest  103  can comprise of water resistant and breathable material. As such, materials used for seat  102  and backrest  103  can prevent water from passing through but still allow air to pass through. Additionally, seat  102  and backrest  103  can vary in design, texture, and color. Since, chair  100  can be generally used outdoors a camouflage design can be used for seat  102  and backrest  103 , as an example. Furthermore, seat  102  and backrest  103  can be detached and re-attached to frame  101 , in one embodiment. As such, seat  102  and backrest  103  can be washed or replaced with new covers. In another embodiment, seat  102  can be permanently attached to frame  101 . Further, backrest  103  can comprise a pair of holes  103   a  at the opposite sides. Each hole  103   a  can be attached at the top portion of frame  101 . In one embodiment, the outer ends of backrest  103  can be permanently attached to the middle portion of backrest  103  through the use of adhesive materials or through sewing. In another embodiment, the outer ends of backrest  103  can be attached and detached from the middle portion of backrest  103  through the use of fasteners such as zipper, buttons, or hook and eye. Fasteners  104  can be any device such as hinges, screws, nuts, and bolts that affixes portions of chair  100  together. Fasteners  104  can be used to connect frame  101  together. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates seat  102  comprising a top layer  201 , and a bottom layer  202 . Top layer  201  can be the exterior layer that covers seat  102 . In one embodiment, top layer  201  can be made of light, durable, and waterproof material such as plastics, and fabrics. As such, top layer  201  can be a flat sheet layer. In another embodiment, top layer  201  can be a cushioned layer comprising of soft breathable material such as cotton, wools, or synthetic fibers that provides additional comfort to user. The user can lift top layer  201  to reveal bottom layer  202 . Bottom layer  202  can be the section of seat  102  that lies under top layer  201 . Bottom layer  202  can comprise a flap  200  and an orifice  204 . Flap  200  can be a cutaway section connected at the center of bottom layer  202  through a zip mechanism  203  or other fastening materials such as hook and loop fasteners or snaps. As such, flap  200  can be attached and detached partially from bottom layer  202 . Zip mechanism  203  can be a fastener device that binds inner edges of bottom layer  202  with flap  200  such as a zipper. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of bottom layer  202  comprising flap  200 . Flap  200  can be used to cover orifice  204 . Zip mechanism  203  or other opening materials can be opened to access orifice  204 . Orifice  204  can be configured in a toilet seat form. Further, bottom surface of flap  200  can comprise a recessed pocket  205 . 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates the bottom surface of bottom layer  202  comprising a bag  206 . Bag  206  can hang underneath orifice  204 . Bag  206  can be a container made of flexible material utilized to catch waste, such as plastic, fabric, or net. In one embodiment, bag  206  can be a permanently attached at the bottom surface of bottom layer. As such, a disposable container can be placed on top of bag  206 . Thus, only the disposable container can be removed and discarded. In such embodiment, bag  206  can be used to ensure that disposable container is positioned correctly. Moreover, bag  206  can support weight of excrement in disposable container that can prevent disposable container from falling. In another embodiment, bag  206  can be removable and disposable. As such, bag  206  can comprises disposable material that can be discarded and replaced every use. In the embodiment wherein bag  206  can be removable, bag  206  can be attached at the bottom surface of bottom layer  202  through a hook and loop mechanism such as Velcro or through any other means known in the art. Recessed pocket  205  can be placed on orifice  204 , in one embodiment. Recessed pocket  205  allows bag  206  to be hidden underneath bottom layer  202 . In another embodiment, recessed pocket  205  can be placed underneath flap  200 . As such, bag  206  can be tucked within recessed pocket  205  to prevent bag  206  from hanging loose under seat  102 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of toilet seat  300  comprising a base  301 , and a rim  302 . Toilet seat  300  can be made of a hard durable material such as plastic, ceramics, or metals. Toilet seat  300  can be mounted on the top surface of bottom layer  202  to provide a sturdy feel to a person sitting on toilet seat  300 . Moreover, toilet seat  300  gives the user an impression that he is sitting on a toilet bowl. Base  301  can be a flat hard surface that mounts rim  302 . Base  301  can be predominantly rectangular. Furthermore, base  301  can provide the solid structure as a user sits on toilet seat  300 . Base  301  can vary in size, texture, and color. Rim  302  can be mounted at the center of base  301 . Rim  30  can be contoured to provide comfort for the user to sit on. Rim  302  can comprise an opening  304  and a lip  305 . Opening  304  can be configured in a similar circular toilet seat form like orifice  204 . Additionally, rim  302  can slightly protrude from base  301 . In one embodiment, rim  302  can be permanently attached to base  301 . As such, rim  302  and base  301  can be fixed together through the use of any adhesive material. In another embodiment, rim  302  can be detached and reattached to base  301 . In this embodiment, both rim  302  and base  301  can be replaceable. As such, when rim  302  or base  301  is damaged through wear and tear, either of the parts can be thrown away and be replaced. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a sectional view of toilet seat  300  mounted to bottom layer  202 . Lip  305  on rim  302  can allow toilet seat  300  to be securely attached to bottom layer  202 . Lip  305  can be the protruding portion at the outer side portion of rim  302  in one embodiment. As such, edges of orifice  204  can fit snugly with lip  305 . Thus, lip  305  can be mateable with orifice  204 . In one embodiment, lip  305  can be attached to base  301  instead of rim  302 . In another embodiment, base  301 , rim  302 , and lips  305  can be injection molded thus, can be considered as a single device. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates another embodiment of toilet seat  300  further comprising an overlap  303 . Overlap  303  can be made of the same materials with base  301 . Overlap  303  can be attached at one side of base  301  through fastener  104  such as a hinge. As such, overlap  303  can be mounted on top of base  301  and can be biased in a closed position. In an open position, overlap  303  can be away from base  301 . While, in a closed position, overlap  303  can rest on top of base  301 . Furthermore, in a closed position rim  302  can still slightly protrude from overlap  303 . Moreover, overlap  303  can be configured to extend around rim  302  that can partly cover the outer top surface of base  301 . 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates a sectional view of toilet seat  300  comprising overlap  303  mounted to base  301 . In this embodiment, lip  305  can extend downward from the bottom of rim  302 . Moreover, lip  305  can pass around orifice passing below bottom layer  202 . As such, edges of orifice  204  can fit tightly with lip  305 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates toilet seat  300  comprising bag  206 . In this embodiment, bag  206  can be attached at the bottom surface of base  301 . Bag  206  can be attached directly underneath opening  304 . In one embodiment, bag  206  can be permanently attached to toilet seat  300 . In this embodiment, disposable container can be used and placed on top of bag  206 . In another embodiment, bag  206  can be attached and detached from toilet seat  300 . As such, bag  206  can be attached between base  301  and rim  302 . In such embodiment, bag  206  can be attached to toilet seat  300  before use. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates an embodiment of toilet seat  300  comprising bag  206 . In this embodiment, bag  206  can be attached at the top surface of base  301 . Bag  206  can then cover top portion of rim  302  placing the bottom portion of bag  206  directly within opening  304 . Furthermore, overlap  303  can then be closed keeping the top portion of bag  206  pressed in between base  301  and overlap  303 . This can hold bag  206  securely in place. Once the user is finished, overlap  303  can be lifted and bag  206  can be removed from toilet seat  300  and be discarded. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates chair  100  converted into a toilet seat. In an erected state, chair  100  can be used as a toilet seat. As such, top layer  201  of seat  102  can be lifted to uncover bottom layer  202 . In one embodiment, top layer  201  can be detached and removed from chair  100 . In another embodiment, top layer  201  can be partially attached to bottom layer  202 . As such, top layer  201  can be lifted and pushed at the back of chair  100 . Once top layer  201  is displaced, flap  200  on bottom layer  202  can be unzipped. Removing flap  200  from bottom layer  202  can expose orifice  204 . In an embodiment wherein bag  206  can be in a recessed pocket  205  of bottom layer  202 , bag  206  can be removed from recessed pocket  205  to let bag  206  hang loose from bottom layer  202 . Toilet seat  300  can then be placed on top of bottom layer  202  aligning orifice  204  with opening  304  of rim  302 . Further, in another embodiment wherein bag  206  can be placed on toilet seat  300 , bag  206  can be attached to toilet seat  300  before toilet seat  300  is placed on top of bottom layer  202 . Furthermore in an embodiment wherein toilet seat  300  comprises overlap  303 , overlap  303  can be lifted to an open position and bag  206  can be placed on top of base  301  allowing the outer portion of bag  206  to cover rim  302 . Once bag  206  is in place, overlap  303  can be lowered down towards base  301  to securely hold bag  206  in place. Once user is through using toilet seat  300 , the user can take out and discard bag  206 . Then, toilet seat  300  can be removed from bottom layer  202 . To convert toilet seat back into chair  100 , the user can zip flap  200  back into bottom layer  202  covering orifice  204 . Next, is to put top layer  201  back on top of bottom layer  202 , which can allow seat  102  be used as a standard chair again. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates frame  101  comprising a pair of arm rails  601 , a pair of leg rails  602 , and a pair of seat rails  603 , in one embodiment. Arm rails  601  can be at the top portion of frame  101 . Each of arm rails  601  can be configured in b-shape and serve as the frame support for the back and a place to rest the arms of a user in a seated position. Arm rails  601  can comprise a shaft  601   a  and a loop  601   b . Shaft  601   a  can be the long cylindrical portion of arm rail  601  while loop  601   b  can be the round portion attached at the bottom of shaft  601   a . As such, backrest  103  can be mountable on top of each shaft  601   a . In another embodiment, frame  101  can only comprise leg rails  602 , and seat rails  603 . As such, chair  100  does not comprise back and arm support. Leg rails  602  can be the bottom portion of frame  101  that is used to support the weight of the user sitting on chair  100 . Seat rails  603  can be at the bottom portion of frame  101  configured in a u-shape. Seat rails  603  can be attached together to form an X-shape at the front and at the back of chair  100 . Moreover, the top section of seat rails  603  can form a parallel frame wherein seat  102  can be mounted. Seat rails  603  can comprise a plurality of guides  604 . Guides  604  can be utilized for additional support to the structure of chair  100 . Moreover, guides  604  can be used to ensure that leg rails  602  maintain a balance and upright position. 
     Further, each parts of frame  101  can be attached together at several pivot points. Thus, pivot points can be the portion where parts of frame  101  can swing or fold. In an embodiment wherein frame  101  comprises arm rails  601 , the bottom surface of each loop  601   b  can be attached at the top surface of each leg rails  602 . Each seat rails  603  can be attached together at a cross section. Cross section can be the middle portion of seat rails  603  connected through fastener  104 . First end of each guides  604  can be attached at the middle section of seat rails  603  while the second end of each guides  604  can be attached at the top portion of leg rails  602 . Thus, guides  604  can aid in preventing leg rails  602  from sliding or folding. Further, bottom section of seat rails  603  can be attached at the middle portion of each leg rails  602 . As such, fasteners  104  can be used to attach each parts of frame  101  at specified attachment points. Moreover, fasteners  104  can be configured to allow desired movements for each parts of frame  101 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates chair  100  with backrest  103  removed. Each cylindrical holes  103   a  of backrest  103  can be mateable with shaft  601   a , which prevents arm rails  601  from falling at the sides of leg rails  602 . Thus, when backrest  103  is removed from shaft  601   a , arm rails  601  can swing at the sides of leg rails  602 . In such state, leg rails  602  can still keep an upright position. Thus leaving seat rails  603  and guides  604  at expanded state. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates how chair  100  can be folded. The x-shaped portion or cross section of seat rails  603  can be one of the pivot points of chair  100 . As such, seat rails  603  can be folded together collapsing seat  102  to fold in between leg rails  602 . Thus, in such state guides  604  can aid seat rails  603  to fold closer with leg rails  602 . 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates chair  100  in a folded state. In this position, arm rails  601  can rest flat at the outer sides of leg rails  602  while seat rails  603  and leg rails  602  can be pressed together. At such state, chair  100  can be easily carried and stored. As such, seat  102  of chair  100  can comprise one or more handles  701  and one or more clips  702 . Handles  701  can be attached at the opposite sides of seat  102 . Thus, handles  701  and seat  102  can be made from the same materials. Handles  701  can be positioned at the top portion of chair  100 , when chair  100  is in a folded state. Thus at expanded state, handles  701  can be positioned at the sides of chair  100 . Clip  702  can be a device that keeps chair  100  at a folded state. Clip  702  can be made of flexible material such as rubber, fabric, or plastic. Each ends of clip  702  can be attached to arm rails  601  to keep leg rails  602  and seat rails  603  pressed together. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates chair  100  with toilet seat  300  in a toilet seat compartment  801 . Toilet seat  300  can be placed in between leg rail  602  and seat rail  603 , in one embodiment. In an embodiment wherein chair  100  comprises clip  702 , clip  702  can aid in keeping toilet seat  300  in between leg rail  602  and seat rail  603 . In another embodiment, toilet seat  300  can be kept in between seat rails  603 . Further in another embodiment, a toilet seat compartment  801  can be used in keeping toilet seat  300 . Toilet seat compartment  801  can be attached under bottom layer  202  and made of the same materials with seat  102 . Toilet seat  300  can be mounted into toilet seat compartment  801  when chair  100  is at a folded state. In a folded state, such compartment can hang down in a manner that allows compartment and folded chair  100  to be substantially flat together. 
     Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”