WO2000025651A1

WO2000025651A1 - Mobile urinal with inline pump

Info

Publication number: WO2000025651A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/025550
Authority: WO
Inventors: John P. Hammond
Original assignee: Hammond John P
Priority date: 1998-10-29
Filing date: 1999-10-29
Publication date: 2000-05-11
Also published as: AU1333600A

Abstract

A portable urine collection system comprising: a fluid receiver cup (10) connected to one end of a first tube (14) the other end of said first tube (14) being connected to the inlet end of a flow-through pump (12); a second tube (15) connected to the outlet end of the pump at one end, and removably connected at the other end to a fluid collection bag (16) which may be removed to allow disposal of collected urine. The pump (12) and collection bag (16) are preferably contained with a housing (30) having a removable lid (32) and configured for holding the pump (12), the fluid collection bag (16), and connecting tubing. The system comprises fluid receiver cups (10, 11) specifically configured for use by either a male or female user, and may comprise an electrically powered pump, or a pump powered by compressed air. The system is convenient for use by truck drivers, pilots, wheelchair-bound, bedridden or other individuals for whom using ordinary sanitary facilities is not possible or practical.

Description

MOBILE URINAL ITH INLINE PUMP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to powered portable urinals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a small, portable, powered urine collecting system for use by truck drivers, pilots, bedridden individuals or others for whom using normal toilet facilities is not possible or practical.

2. State of the Art

Certain individuals, either because of their occupation or because of their health or other circumstances, may be in situations where it is not possible or practical to use conventional sanitary facilities to urinate. For example, stopping a long-haul truck to allow the driver to urinate is costly in terms of time and fuel, requiring about 30 minutes of delay and several extra gallons of fuel. Pilots of small aircraft without restroom facilities do not have the option of stopping to urinate at all. Finally the bedridden and wheelchair-bound must often use uncomfortable catheters, or require significant assistance to urinate.

For many years truck drivers and pilots, for example, have urinated in bottles or jugs of various kinds, sometimes simply discarding the used containers out the vehicle window. These practices are not only unsanitary, distasteful, and uncomfortable for the driver, but can be dangerous. Roadside trash collectors can be exposed to disease from such waste, and drivers have been known to lose control of their vehicle when practicing such crude urination methods. Additionally, the ordinary bumps and jolts experienced by such vehicles may cause spillage of liquid waste inside the vehicle.

To address these problems, mobile urinal devices have been developed. These have typically operated solely by gravity or used flushing fluid. For example, Haq (U.S. Patent 5,331,689) discloses a portable urinal which relies on gravity to allow fluid to drain into a container. Short (U.S. Patent 5,551,097) discloses a mobile urinal system for use in trucks, boats, planes, etc. having a motor that pumps a flushing fluid into the collection head. However, it does not pump or suck urine from the head, but again relies on gravity to drain fluid into a receptacle .

In other prior art powered urinal devices where pumping or suction is used to collect the urine, the configurations have tended to be extremely complex or bulky, or have required complicated filters and fans for deodorization, or frequent cleaning and sterilization of the apparatus. For example, Kimura et al . (U.S. Patent 4,360,933) discloses a powered urinary device which has a collection head, and a housing containing the urine storage and a vacuum source. However, this invention relies on a vacuum pump that would be damaged if liquid were ingested. For this reason, Kimura et al . requires a complicated and elaborate structure to prevent urine from entering the vacuum pump inlet if the unit is overturned in some way. Similarly, Daneshvar (U.S. Patent 5,701,612) discloses a powered urinary device that uses a suction fan or pump for suctioning the urine from the head into a container. However, because it simply dumps urine into a single rigid container, it requires a filter to reduce odors and to stop escaping drops of urine that the suction fan pulls out of the container. Additionally, with Daneshvar and many other prior art devices, the complete unit must be removed from the area of use. in order to dispose of liquid waste. Also, in both Daneshvar and Kimura et al., the urine collection containers are rigid and designed to be reused, thus requiring frequent cleaning and sterilization.

Although prior art systems have recognized the need for application of a negative pressure to draw in the urine, such systems have generally applied an indirect negative pressure to the open volume of the container. Daneshvar is one example of such a system. The resulting suction is helpful in drawing fluid into the container, but with this configuration there is a significant delay in vacuum response, depending upon how much open volume exists in the container. This pressure delay can lead to spillage of initial discharge due to lack of adequate suction. Obviously, this is not only embarrassing for the user, but creates a serious distraction from driving or other matters of important attention. It is this type of distraction that often causes momentary inattention which permits serious accidents when operating a moving vehicle.

There are also many urine collection systems that collect urine in bags. For example, McDonald (U.S. Patent 3,943,770) discloses a urine collection system with more than one urine collection bag disposed in or outside a housing. However, it is not designed to be portable, and relies upon gravity to fill the various receptacles. Similarly, other known devices such as Manfredi (U.S. Patent 4,846,816), Terauchi et al . (U.S. Patent 4,820,291), and Hesterman et al . (U.S. Patent 3,721,243) disclose urine collection systems using a collection bag, but which again rely on gravity, and where the collection bags are designed for being strapped to the body of the user, such as under clothing. Hofstetter (U.S. Patent 4,189,789) discloses an example of a urinary collection bag having a handle, which again relies on - gravity feed. Because of these numerous deficiencies in such prior art attempts to automate the urination process for inconvenient moments, truck drivers, pilots and similar individuals continue to apply haphazard techniques using unprotected open bottles or plastic containers. In addition to the problems mentioned above, it will be apparent that the liquid waste receptacles, flushing fluid containers, and vacuum lines in these prior devices are all susceptible to puncture and leakage. Because of these and other problems with existing mobile urinal devices, it is desirable to have a portable powered urine collection system that prevents spillage, is safe, economical and easy to use even in moving vehicles, may be used by both men and women, is small and discrete, avoids odors and leakage, is easy to clean and maintain, and is easily connectable to available electrical power sources in both buildings and vehicles, or to a compressed air source .

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a powered portable urine collection system that is safe and easy to use even in moving vehicles, and is configured to prevent spillage, particularly at the most vulnerable moments of initial discharge.

It is another object of this invention to provide a portable urine collection system which applies an immediate, strong vacuum upon start-up of the system, despite the presence of a larger open volume within the container prior to receiving urine discharge.

It is another object of this invention to provide a portable urine collection system that may be adapted for use by both men and women. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a portable urine collection system that is contained in a small and discrete package that prevents odors and leakage, and is easy to clean and maintain. It is an additional object of this invention to package the colleciton system of the present invention in a portable container which is adapted for easy carriage and connection to a vehicle or other power source, and which is readily accessible to the user without having to open the container. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable urine collection system that may be powered by electrical power sources from either buildings or vehicles.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable urine collection system that may be powered by compressed air from a vehicle compressed air system.

The above and other objects are realized in a portable urine collection system comprising: a fluid receiver cup connected by a tube to a flow through pump. The outlet end of the pump is connected via another tube to a fluid collection bag, the tubes all being connected to the pump and the collection bag via quick-connect couplings. Electrical power for the pump is provided via an electrical line coupled at one end to the pump and having an adapter at the other end for removable connection with a voltage source. Alternatively, the pump may be powered by compressed air from a vehicle compressed air source. In the preferred embodiment, the pump and collection bag are contained within a housing with a removable lid and configured for holding the pump, the fluid collection bag, and connecting tubing, and having a mounting clip attached at the exterior surface of the housing and configured to releasably receive the receiving cup.-

In another embodiment the collection bag includes a valved outlet drain to allow the user to drain the fluid content.

Some of the above objects are also realized in a portable urine collection system as described above wherein the receiver cup includes a quick release mechanism to permit quick replacement with a second receiver cup, and wherein the cup may be specifically configured for use by either a male or female user.

Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, based on the following description, taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the urine collection system of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view of one embodiment of the urine collection system of the present invention incorporating an electric pump.

FIG. 3 provides a pictorial view of another embodiment of the urine collection system of the present invention incorporating a pump powered by compressed air.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings :

A schematic diagram of the present invention is given in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 provides a partially cutaway pictorial view of one embodiment of the urine collection system of the present invention. The present invention comprises a portable, powered urine collection apparatus having a receiver 10 adapted for receiving urine from a male, or a receiver 11 adapted for receiving urine from a female. The receiver is coupled via a quick connect 20 and fitting 18 to tubing 14, which is in turn coupled to an in-line suction or vacuum pump 12 for drawing the urine from the receiver. A bag 16 is coupled to the pump by tubing 15 for receiving the urine as it is pumped from the receiver. The bag may be coupled to the tubing 15 by a quick connect coupling 24 so that the bag 16 may be easily decoupled for removal of the bag to facilitate disposal of the liquid waste. The bag preferably has a handle 26 for easy removal, and may also include an outlet 28 for draining its contents. It will be apparent that disposable bags not having an outlet 28 may also be used.

One advantageous feature of this invention is that the urine receiver 10 can be easily interchanged. Either male or female receivers, 10 and 11, may be attached to the same unit, and multiple personal receivers may be alternately attached to a single unit. Alternatively, a sanitized, protective liner (not shown) may be inserted within the collecting device for disposal after each use, or the receiver may be removed and manually cleaned and sanitized as desired. As shown in FIG. 2, the receiver 10 is an elongated cup with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A fitting 18 is preferably disposed between the receiver and the tubing, and is provided with a quick connect 20 so that the receiver may be removed and other receivers substituted to accommodate multiple users or disposable receivers. A check valve 22 is preferably disposed within the fitting 18 to prevent back-flow.

The pump motor 12 and collection bag 16 are wholly contained within a housing 30 having a lid 32 that opens so that the bag may be removed. The housing is preferably made of fiberglass or tough, resilient plastic material to protect the receptacle bag and tubing from puncture, and is preferably shaped similar to a five quart portable ice chest, with a handle 31 that extends the full length of the unit, and a sliding, hinged lid 32. The housing 30 may also have a mounting clip 34 for receiving and holding the receiver when not in use. A sanitary, washable, removable cloth cover or shield (not shown) may also be provided for covering the collecting device when attached to the clip in order to maintain cleanliness and a neat appearance.

The collection tube 14 (which may vary in length as desired) is connected to the fitting 18 on one end, and extends through the end wall of the housing 30 on the other end so as to connect to the pump 12, and thence to the receptacle bag 16 within. In order to be discrete, the receiver 10 or 11 is preferably removable from the hose and may be placed within the housing 30 for transport, such as when carrying the unit to a restroom to dispose of collected waste. The power cord 36, which provides electrical power to the pump/motor, is shown in two different configurations in FIG. 2. Either configuration connects to the pump via a connector 37 inserted into a receptacle 35 which is disposed in the wall of the housing 30, preferably near the location of the pump 12. In the embodiment shown connected to the unit in FIG. 2, the power cord 36 has an adapter 38 which may be received in a cigarette lighter or other 12 volt DC power outlet in a vehicle. Alternatively, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 2, the power cord 36 may be provided with a standard plug 39 for plugging into a standard wall outlet in a building to receive 110 volt AC power. The receptacle 35 allows the unit to accommodate either the 12 volt or 110 volt power cord.

This power configuration is also shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, and makes the present invention very flexible and adaptable in its use. Power for the unit may be secured from either a 12 volt or 110 volt source, so that a single unit may be adapted for use either in a building such as a hospital or nursing home, or in a vehicle such as a truck or airplane as desired by the user. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that adaptation of the present invention to using either 12v DC power or 110 v AC power may require power supply transformer means disposed between the receptacle 35 and the motor of pump 12 to convert the available power to that required by the pump, and may involve a separate receptacle 35 specifically adapted for each type of power input . An on-off switch 40, such as a lighted rocker switch, is conveniently provided in the side of the housing 30 to allow the user to easily activate the unit. Alternatively, a switch 41 may be provided on the fitting 18 or other similarly convenient location to allow the user to activate the unit with the same hand that is holding the fitting and receiver. In this embodiment, the switch 41 is electrically connected to the pump unit 12 via an electrical cord 42 which follows the path of the tube 14 and enters the housing 30 in the same location as the tube. Unlike many prior art devices, the present invention requires no flushing fluid, so it is not necessary to maintain a supply of such fluid in order to ensure operation of the unit. Moreover, urine collection is protected against spillage by the check valve 22 at the base of the receiver, and the pump provides positive suction to direct urine away from the user. Because of these features, sudden movement or change of position or orientation of the user will not result in spillage of fluids within the collection line or bag. The present invention thus overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing a completely portable unit that may be easily and discretely carried from a . truck, automobile, aircraft, or hospital room. It can be maintained as a personal unit for a driver who can remove the unit from the truck cab as he or she would remove a small cooler.

Moreover, the pumping action of the pump provides positive suction which prevents unintended spillage due to bumps or movement. A significant improvement over prior art devices arises with the use of the described "in-line" pump as part of the fluid flow line. The inventor has observed that part of the initial leakage problem is often a result of lack of strong suction upon initial discharge of urine. This low vacuum pressure arises in part from the large, open volume of the container which must be depressurized upon initial start-up of the system in typical prior art devices. Accordingly, there is generally a delay in pressure reduction, which actually increases in vacuum strength as the open volume of the container is reduced with entry of increasing fluid volume. Unfortunately, urine flow rate is usually at its highest at commencement of discharge because the bladder is fullest and at highest stress at this point. Accordingly, prior art systems tend to operate at lowest efficiency at the very time when fluid flow is likely to be at its highest.

In the present invention, the pump is placed in line with the fluid flow. Upon initiation of the pump, the small volume of the tube section between the pump and the cup is quickly depressurized. The pump is thus not required to depressurize the full container volume at the initial start up period. Therefore, when the initial flow of urine is released, the suction pressure is at its full value and can quickly respond to even extreme flow rates. In conjunction with the other features of this invention, this helps ensure that no spillage occurs.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which power for the pump is supplied by compressed air such as from the air compressor of a truck or other vehicle. The embodiment of FIG. 3 is essentially the same as that of FIG. 2, except that, instead of having an electric pump as in FIG. 2, the unit has a compressed air hose 50 which provides compressed air to an air driven pump 54. The hose 50 is preferably coupled to the outside of the housing 30 via a standard compressed air hose quick-disconnect coupler 52, and is activated by a mechanical switch 56, also provided in the side of the housing. The mechanical switch is needed because the hose 50 would normally be pressurized continuously whenever the vehicle is in operation, and activation of the pump would require manipulation of a mechanical device such as a valve 55 (see FIG. 1) , rather than an electrical switch as with an electric pump. Such devices are well known and widely used with air powered tools of various kinds. A mechanical switch with a remote mechanical linkage may also be located on the fitting 18 to allow convenient on-off operation of the system in a manner similar to that envisioned by the provision of the electrical switch 41 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. The embodiment of FIG. 3 is thus more convenient and efficient in using a vehicle's existing power sources, and can also incorporate a more powerful pump (if desired) than is possible with the power available from a 12v cigarette lighter connection. The present invention presents additional advantages which enhance the convenience of use, without significantly increasing costs. For example, the unit is more sanitary than other prior art devices because of the provision of detachable receiving cups for different users. Also, the unit features a portable, easy- to-connect fluid collection bag which is removable from within - the unit itself, so as to be easily emptied in normal sanitary facilities and reconnected, or completely disposed of and replaced by a new bag. In such a convenient maintenance routine, the unit can remain in place and connected to a power source while disposal is taking place. The great advantage of this device is that over-the-road drivers, pilots, and others can safely, cleanly, and easily urinate when needed, without delay, pollution, or the unsanitary effects of other methods. This device also eliminates the risk of spillage, and is thus safer because it requires far less attention to use than other devices, allowing a driver to keep his or her attention focused on the road. Additionally, with this device bedridden hospital or nursing home patients and wheelchair bound individuals need not be catheterized or leave their beds to urinate, thus reducing the problems of spillage, odor, and bedside assistance common with conventional urine receptacles and methods. In any setting, the patient, pilot, or driver can detach the small, lightweight, portable collection device from the unit housing, and simply flip a switch to activate the unit without other assistance. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable urine collection system for use by an individual sitting generally upright in a moving vehicle, comprising: a fluid receiver cup suitable for grasping by a user with one hand and configured for interfacing with a user, said cup including a discharge opening at a base portion thereof; first connecting tubing having first and second ends, said first end being attached to the discharge opening of the cup; suction means having an inlet, an outlet, and a user actuated liquid pump interposed in a flow line between the inlet and outlet, said inlet being coupled to the second end of the first connecting tubing; second connecting tubing having third and fourth ends and a quick-connect coupling along a flow line of the tubing, said third end being coupled to the outlet of the suction means; and a fluid collection bag having a bag inlet coupled to the fourth end of the second connecting tubing.

2. A collection system as defined in claim 1, wherein the suction means comprises an electric pump.

3. A collection system as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a fitting disposed between the discharge opening of the fluid receiver cup and the first end of the first connecting tubing, said fitting having a quick release mechanism configured to permit quick removal and replacement of the fluid receiver cup .

4. A collection system as defined in claim 3, wherein the fluid receiver cup is configured for use by a male user.

5. A collection system as defined in claim 3, wherein the fluid receiver cup is configured for use by a female user.

6. A collection system as defined in claim 3, further comprising a housing having an interior cavity for enclosing components of the system, a removable lid for accessing the interior cavity, and a through hole to permit passage of the first connecting tubing from without the housing into the interior cavity thereof, said pump being fixed within the interior cavity, and said housing configured for containing the pump and a portion of the first connecting tubing, the second tubing, and the fluid collection bag.

7. The invention as described in claim 6, wherein the interior cavity of the housing is further configured for holding at least one fluid receiver cup.

8. The invention as described in claim 6, further comprising a mounting clip disposed at an exterior surface of the housing whereby a user may selectively attach the fitting to the housing.

9. A collection system as defined in claim 6, further comprising a valved outlet drain coupled to the fluid collection bag for enabling the user to drain fluid content.

10. A collection system as defined in claim 6, wherein the housing further includes an on-off switch disposed at an exterior surface of the housing and coupled to the pump within the housing to enable activation of the system while the lid is closed.

11. A collection system as defined in claim 10, wherein the on-off switch is an electrical switch designed to activate an electrical pump.

12. A portable urine collection system for use by an individual sitting generally upright in a moving vehicle, comprising: a fluid receiver cup configured for interfacing with a user, said cup including a discharge opening at a base portion thereof ; first connecting tubing having first and second ends, said first end being attached to the discharge opening of the cup; a fitting disposed between the discharge opening of the fluid receiver cup and the first end of the first connecting tubing and suitable for grasping by a user with one hand, said fitting having a quick release mechanism configured to permit quick removal and replacement of the fluid receiver cup; a housing having an interior cavity for enclosing components of the system, a removable lid for accessing the interior cavity, and a through hole to permit passage of the first connecting tubing from without the housing into the interior cavity thereof; a user actuated electrically powered liquid pump fixed within the interior cavity of the housing, said pump having an inlet, and an outlet, said inlet being coupled to the second end of the first connecting tubing; an electrical power line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being electrically connected to the pump, and said distal end being adapted for removable connection with a voltage source; an on-off switch configured to allow a user to activate the pump; second connecting tubing disposed within the interior cavity of the housing, having third and fourth ends and a quick- connect coupling along a flow line of the tubing, said third end being coupled to the outlet of the pump; and a fluid collection bag disposed within the interior cavity of the housing, having a bag inlet coupled to the fourth end of the second connecting tubing and a valved outlet drain for enabling the user to drain fluid content.

13. A collection system as defined in claim 12, further comprising: a receptacle disposed on the outside of the housing for mating with a removable plug connector, said receptacle electrically connected to said pump; and a removable plug connector disposed on the proximal end of said power line and configured for removably mating with said receptacle, whereby the distal end of the power line may be removably connected to a voltage source, and the proximal end may be removably connected to the receptacle so as to provide electrical power to said pump.

14. A collection system as defined in claim 12, wherein the distal end of said electrical power line comprises a plug configured for connection to a 12 volt DC power source.

15. A collection system as defined in claim 12, wherein the distal end of said electrical power line comprises a plug configured for connection to a 110 volt AC power source.

16. A collection system as defined in claim 12, wherein the on-off switch is mounted to said fitting to enable the user to activate the system and simultaneously hold the fitting with the same hand.

17. The invention as described in claim 6, wherein the housing is configured to resemble a portable ice chest having a handle .

18. A collection system as defined in claim 6, further comprising an electrical on-off switch associated with the receiver cup and electrically coupled to the pump within the housing to enable the user to activate the system and simultaneously hold the receiver cup with the same hand.

19. A collection system as defined in claim 14 wherein the distal end of the power line comprises an adapter configured to mate with and draw electrical power from a vehicle cigarette lighter.