Rumford man invents stool that doubles as portable toilet

RUMFORD – A Rumford man has created a camp stool that doubles as a portable toilet for hunters and campers who are stuck in the woods when nature calls.

That’s where Jim Rinaldo said he found himself when he was inspired to create what has been dubbed “Jungle Jon.” Rinaldo said he has a patent pending on the contraption, and is working with a Florida company that specializes in bringing new products to market.

Rinaldo said Jungle Jon could appeal to millions of hunters, campers, fishermen, picnickers and others who find themselves out of range of a bathroom.

“You’re out there somewhere and you’ve got to go,” he said, “but what can you do about it?”

After his initial brainstorm, Rinaldo thought about his idea for three or four months, puttered around in his workshop and emerged with a rough model of what might be called a dual stool, for resting or as a toilet.

He took his idea to Invention Technologies Inc., which has been working with him to patent the device and set up a manufacturer.

Rinaldo, who supervises the shipping department at Mead/Westvaco, won’t divulge any details of his invention or show what it looks like – he says he’s concerned somebody might steal the idea.

This much he will say: The Jungle Jon is a lightweight folding stool that provides a clean and odorless way to answer nature’s call.

He said it might also appeal to people who are simply traveling in rural areas, but not necessarily hiking or camping.

“Have you ever tried using one of those outhouses at the rest areas?” he asked. “You’ve got to hold your nose the entire time you’re in there.”

Rinaldo said he expects production to begin in the next six months or so. He thinks Jungle Jon will retail for $25 to $30.