PORTABLE URINE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

Abstract

A portable urine collection and disposal system comprising a saddle-seat, a drain tube, and a collection bottle. The saddle seat comprises a flexible material and is conformable to a male or a female user genital or gluteus maximus region to seal against the body and may be useable to collect urine from a user. The apparatus may be inconspicuous and useable while traveling in a vehicle. The saddle-seat comprises a cupped inner volume with a sloped flow channel having an egress spout, coupleable to a drain tube, and the drain tube coupleable to a collection bottle. The collection bottle may comprise a bayonet coupling which may be removable and replaceable with an aperture-less lid. The collection bottle may sealably store urine until it can be conveniently disposed of.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/411,999, filed Nov. 10, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of urinals and more specifically relates to portable urinals.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable toilets and urinals have been common in many countries for many centuries. Typically a type of jar or a bowl was used by the more affluent members of society in past centuries. Chamber Pots in use in Europe from the 1600's up until the mid twentieth century typically looked like a cup with a handle and would resemble a portable toilet or urinal in use in many cultures closer to our own modern times. These devices did not provide sealable containment means for the contents, thus were designed for use in non-moving locations such as in residences where the contents would not be likely to be spilled. Today, portable toilets are used for many types of temporary gatherings of people where permanent toilets do not exist, such as at outdoor concerts or fairs. These generally are for solid and liquid wastes but are now outfitted with a separate urinal in addition to a toilet seat; these toilet devices are large and are not readily portable.

Since the advent of the modern automobile families have been able to travel over great distances in relatively short time periods, however many people find themselves at locations distant from any available public facilities when a need for relief presents itself. Too often, even in densely populated locations no readily accessible restroom facilities are provided. The problem of lack of availability of access to locations where one can relieve themself is almost universal in families with children and with the incontinent. Operators of large highway tractors often cannot afford time to stop either and it is against the law to urinate on road allowances or other public places. A need exists for a portable urinal that suits either sex equally, is easy and safe to use, and is concealable when not in use.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,021,531; 5,010,599; 3,703,731; D467338; 3,082,434; and 5,285,532. This prior art is representative of portable urinals. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a portable urinal should be discreet and conveniently useable by either sex, and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable portable urine collection and disposal system to utilize when traveling and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known portable urinal art, the present invention provides a novel portable urine collection and disposal system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide convenience, inconspicuous use and storage, and low cost.

The present invention is a portable urine collection and disposal system that may conveniently be used by males, females, or families with children while traveling in an automobile. The portable urine collection and disposal system may comprise a saddle-seat having at least a top side and a bottom side, a drain tube comprising a first end and a second end, a privacy curtain that is able to be manipulated by a single hand of a user, and a collection container. The top side of the saddle-seat comprises a gluteus maximus body conforming seat profile that may comprise rubber, but in some embodiments may comprise plastic or another resilient material.

The bottom side of the saddle-seat may comprise support extenders such that the saddle-seat is able to remain in an upright position while in use by a user in a seated position. The support extenders may be telescopic to provide increased stability of the portable urine collection assembly on a vehicle seat upper surface. The top side of the saddle-seat may comprise a center opening of about 8¾ inches by about 4 inches but in some embodiments the center opening could be larger or smaller. The saddle-seat further comprises a cupped inner volume with a sloped flow channel having an egress spout located at the lowermost portion of the sloped flow channel such that urine may flow-proceed downwardly in a direction to the egress spout. The drain tube is a flexible pipe removably couplable via the first end of the tube to the egress spout of the saddle-seat and the second end of the drain tube is removably couplable to the top side of the collection container. The drain tube is transparent and flexible comprising a bayonet coupler at the second end which is push-insertable into a friction relationship with the lid containing the aperture to receive the second end of the drain tube. The drain tube may comprise flanges and bayonet couplers on both ends in some embodiments. The lid then removably couples to the top side of the collection container. The lid with the centrally located aperture comprises a grip located on the periphery for easy removal of the lid.

Some embodiments may contain a first threaded portion on the second end of the drain tube and the collection container may comprise a second threaded portion within the lid containing the aperature. The bayonet coupler of the collection container is removably coupleable and an aperture-less lid is rotatably coupleable with the second threaded portion on the collection container such that the urine is sealable within the collection container in any position. In an in-use condition, the first threaded portion of the lid containing the aperture is threadably-matable with the second threaded portion on the collection container such that a portable urine collection assembly is sealable to contain urine therein while the portable urine collection assembly is in an upright position. The portable urine collection and disposal system is conformable to a male or a female genital region and a gluteus maximus body region such that portable urine collection and disposal system is usable to catch, collect and store urine from a user during at least one traveling period.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a portable urine collection and disposal system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, portable urine collection and disposal system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a portable urine collection and disposal system in an assembled-for-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the saddle-seat of a portable urine collection and disposal system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the drain tube, bayonet coupler, lid, and collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the aperture-less lid and the collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of a portable urine collection and disposal system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable urinal device and more particularly to a portable urine collection and disposal system as used to improve convenience, inconspicuous use and storage, and low cost. Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view illustrating portable urine collection and disposal system 100 in an assembled-for-use condition 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Portable urine collection and disposal system 100 would provide users with a convenient means of urinating within the privacy of their vehicle. The portable urine collection and disposal system 100 is specially designed featuring various personal accessories which would enable users to discreetly relieve themselves when traveling. The portable urine collection and disposal system 100 is comprised of a collection receptacle configured specifically to gather bodily fluids in a comfortable and efficient manner. Portable urine collection and disposal system 100 comprises: saddle-seat 110 having at least top side 114 and bottom side 112; drain tube 150 comprising first end 152 and a second end 154; and a collection container 160. Top side 114 of saddle-seat 110 comprises a gluteus maximus body conforming profile and saddle-seat 110 further comprises a cupped inner volume 120 with a sloped flow channel 130 having an egress spout 140 located at a lowermost portion of sloped flow channel 130 wherein urine may flow downwardly towards egress spout 140 when used via sloped flow channel 130. First end 152 of drain tube 150 is removably couplable to egress spout 140 and comprises flexible pipe 156 and is removably couplable via second end 154 of drain tube 150 to collection container 160. Portable urine collection and disposal system 100 is conformable to a male or a female genital region and a gluteus maximus body region such that portable urine collection and disposal system 100 is usable to catch, collect and store urine from a user during at least one traveling period. Portable urine collection and disposal system 100 may further comprise a privacy curtain that is able to be manipulated by one hand of a user. Other accessories may include travel tissue, wet wipes, and a bottle of disinfectant for hygiene and sanitation. For easy transportability, these accessories may be stored in a convenient travel case.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrating saddle-seat 110 of portable urine collection and disposal system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Bottom side 112 of saddle-seat 110 comprises support extenders 170 such that saddle-seat 110 is able to remain in an upright position while in use by a user while in a seated position. Top side 114 of saddle-seat 110 may comprise rubber but in other embodiments may comprise plastic, leather, or some other flexible material. Top side 114 of saddle-seat 110 comprises a center opening 116 of about 8¾″ by 4″. Drain tube 150 is flexible for positioning collection container 160 so that portable urine collection and disposal system 100 may be comfortably positioned. Support extenders 170 are telescopic and provide stability of portable urine collection and disposal system 100 on a vehicle seat upper surface by creating a larger surface area coverage when used in a sitting position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, is a perspective view illustrating the drain tube 150, bayonet coupler 180, lid 190, and collection container 160 of portable urine collection and disposal system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Second end 154 of drain tube 150 comprises a bayonet coupler 180 which is push-insertable into a friction relationship with lid 190 on collection container 160. First end 152 of drain tube 150 may comprise upper bayonet coupler 184. Drain tube 150 may comprise flange 182 on first end 152 or second end 154. Lid 190 comprises an aperture 200 for receiving bayonet coupler 180 and also comprises a first threaded portion 210 about an inner periphery 220 of lid 190. First threaded portion 210 of lid 190 is threadably-matable with second threaded portion 230 on collection container 160 such that a portable urine collection and disposal system 100 is sealable to contain urine therein while portable urine collection assembly 102 is in an upright position. Lid 190 comprises grip 240 located on outer periphery 250 of lid 190 for easy removal of lid 190.

Referring now to FIG. 4, is a perspective view illustrating aperture-less lid 199 and collection container 160 of portable urine collection and disposal system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Collection container 160 comprises a second threaded portion 230 about an outer periphery 250 of collection container 160, outer periphery 250 adjacent to top of collection container 160. Collection container 160 comprises dimensions of about 6½ inches in height by about 2 inches in diameter. Bayonet coupler 180 of collection container 160 is removably coupleable and replaceable with an aperture-less lid 199, aperture-less lid 199 is removably coupleable with second threaded portion 230 on collection container 160 such that urine is sealable within collection container 160 in upright and non-upright positions.

portable urine collection and disposal system 100 may be sold as kit 450 comprising the following parts: at least one saddle-seat 110 having egress spout 140; at least one drain tube 150; at least one collection container 160; at least one privacy curtain; at least one packet of tissue paper; at least one storage case; and at least one set of user instructions. Portable urine collection and disposal system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart illustrating a method of use 500 of a portable urine collection and disposal system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4. The method of using portable urine collection and disposal system 100 may comprise the steps of: step one 501 removing portable urine collection and disposal system 100 from a storage case; step two 502 assembling saddle-seat 110 to drain tube 150 and drain tube 150 to a collection container 160; step three 503 erecting a privacy curtain using one hand; step four 504 catching, collecting and storing urine from a user during at least one traveling period; step five 505 disposing of stored urine; step six 506 cleaning portable urine collection and disposal system 100; step seven 507 disassembling portable urine collection and disposal system 100; and step eight 508 storing portable urine collection and disposal system 100 in a storage case.

It should be noted that step 503 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A portable urine collection and disposal system comprising:

a saddle-seat comprising at least a top side and a bottom side;

a drain tube comprising: a first end; and a second end; and

a collection container;

wherein said top side of said saddle-seat comprises a gluteus maximus body conforming seat profile;

wherein said saddle-seat further comprises a cupped inner volume with a sloped flow channel having an egress spout, said egress spout located at a lowermost portion of said sloped flow channel wherein urine may flow downwardly towards said egress spout when used via said sloped flow channel;

wherein said first end of said drain tube is removably couplable to said egress spout;

wherein said drain tube comprises a flexible pipe and is removably couplable via said second end of said drain tube to said collection container; and

wherein said portable urine collection and disposal system is conformable to a male or a female genital region and a gluteus maximus body region such that said portable urine collection and disposal system is usable to catch, collect and store said urine from a user during at least one traveling period.

2. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said bottom side of said saddle-seat comprises support extenders such that said saddle-seat is able to remain in an upright position while in use by said user, said user in a sitting position.

3. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said top side of said saddle-seat comprises rubber.

4. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 3 wherein said top side of said saddle-seat comprises a center opening of about 8¾″ by 4″.

5. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said second end of said drain tube comprises a bayonet coupler.

6. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said bayonet coupler is push-insertable into a friction relationship with a lid on said collection container.

7. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 6 wherein said lid comprises an aperture for receiving said bayonet coupler and also comprises a first threaded portion about an inner periphery of said lid.

8. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 7 wherein said collection container comprises a second threaded portion about an outer periphery of said collection container, said outer periphery adjacent a top of said collection container.

9. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 8 wherein said first threaded portion of said lid is threadably-matable with said second threaded portion on said collection container such that a portable urine collection assembly is sealable to contain urine therein while said portable urine collection assembly is in an upright position.

10. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said drain tube is transparent.

11. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 10 wherein said drain tube is flexible.

12. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 7 wherein said lid comprises a grip located on an outer periphery of said lid.

13. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 2 wherein said support extenders are telescopic.

14. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 13 wherein said support extenders provide stability of said portable urine collection assembly on a vehicle seat upper surface by creating a larger surface area coverage.

15. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said collection container comprises dimensions of about 6½ inches in height by about 2 inches in diameter.

16. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 further comprising a privacy curtain that is able to be manipulated by a single hand of said user.

17. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said bayonet coupler of said collection container is removably coupleable and replaceable with an aperture-less lid, said aperture-less lid is removably coupleable with said second threaded portion on said collection container such that said urine is sealable within said collection container in upright and non-upright positions.

18. A portable urine collection and disposal system comprising:

a saddle-seat comprising at least a top side and a bottom side;

a drain tube comprising: a first end; and a second end; and

a privacy curtain that is able to be manipulated by a single hand of a user;

a collection container;

wherein said top side of said saddle-seat comprises a gluteus maximus body conforming seat profile;

wherein said top side of said saddle-seat comprises rubber;

wherein said bottom side of said saddle-seat comprises support extenders such that said saddle-seat is able to remain in an upright position while in use by said user in a seated position;

wherein said support extenders are telescopic;

wherein said support extenders provide increased stability of said portable urine collection assembly on a vehicle seat upper surface;

wherein said top side of said saddle-seat comprises a center opening of about 8¾ inches by about 4 inches;

wherein said saddle-seat further comprises a cupped inner volume with a sloped flow channel having an egress spout, said egress spout located at a lowermost portion of said sloped flow channel such that urine may flow-proceed downwardly in direction to said egress spout;

wherein said first end of said drain tube is removably couplable to said egress spout;

wherein said drain tube comprises a flexible pipe and is removably couplable via said second end of said drain tube to said collection container;

wherein said drain tube is transparent and flexible;

wherein said second end of said drain tube comprises a bayonet coupler;

wherein said bayonet coupler is push-insertable into a friction relationship with a lid on said collection container;

wherein said lid comprises a grip located on a periphery of said lid;

wherein said lid comprises a centrally located aperture and a first threaded portion;

wherein said collection container comprises a second threaded portion;

wherein said first threaded portion of said lid is threadably-matable with said second threaded portion on said collection container such that a portable urine collection assembly is sealable to contain said urine therein while said portable urine collection assembly is in an upright position; and

wherein said portable urine collection and disposal system is conformable to a male or a female genital region and a gluteus maximus body region such that said portable urine collection and disposal system is usable to catch, collect and store said urine from said user during at least one traveling period.

19. The portable urine collection and disposal system of claim 18 comprising a kit having:

said saddle-seat having said egress spout;

said drain tube;

said collection container;

said privacy curtain;

tissue paper;

a storage case; and

a set of user instructions.

20. The method of using a portable urine collection and disposal system comprising the steps of:

removing said portable urine collection and disposal system from a storage case;

assembling a saddle-seat to a drain tube and said drain tube to a collection container;

erecting a privacy curtain using one hand;

catching, collecting and storing urine from a user during at least one traveling period;

disposing of said stored urine;

cleaning said portable urine collection and disposal system;

disassembling said portable urine collection and disposal system; and

storing said portable urine collection and disposal system in said storage case.