Patent Application
20200281423
The disclosure relates to fluid collection and, in particular, collection of waste fluids in a portable system.
The present disclosure describes a fluid collection system. The fluid collection system includes a housing, a first chamber within the housing and a funnel coupled with a conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber. A second chamber within the housing is configured to house the funnel and at least a portion of the conduit. A closure is pivotably coupled with the housing to selectively close the second chamber. Provided to the closure and in communication with a third chamber within the housing, a spray head is configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within second chamber. A pump is configured to pump fluid from the third chamber to the spray head. A dump valve is coupled with the housing and configured to selectively open the first chamber to surroundings. A dump valve selector is configured to operate the dump valve at a position distal from the dump valve.
The present disclosure also describes a method for assembling a fluid collection system. The method includes providing first, second and third chambers within a housing, coupling a first end of a conduit to an interior surface of the second chamber such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the first chamber, coupling a funnel to a second end of the conduit, pivotably coupling a closure with the housing to enable selective closure of the second chamber, providing a spray head to the closure and in communication with the third chamber, providing a pump configured to pump fluid from the third chamber to the spray head, coupling a dump valve with the housing to enable selective opening of the first chamber to surroundings and operatively coupling a dump valve selector with the dump valve to enable operation of the dump valve at a position distal therefrom. The spray head is configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within second chamber.
The disclosure still further describes a portable urinal device including a container having an interior top front chamber, an interior top rear chamber, an interior bottom chamber and a lid hingeably attached to the container to provide selective closure for the interior top front chamber. A sprayer is disposed on a bottom side of the lid, a pump is disposed in the interior, top, front chamber of the container and is configured to transport a fluid from the interior rear chamber of the container to the sprayer. A control panel is configured to operate the sprayer. A plug is disposed on the back side of the container. A moveable receptacle has a funnel and a hose. The hose has a first end configured to releasably attach to the bottom interior chamber and a second end opposite the first end configured to releasably receive the funnel. The interior top front chamber of the container is configured to receive the moveable receptacle.
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended figures. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions are shown in the figures. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the figures are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out disclosed devices, systems, and methods has been described, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing disclosed devices, systems, and methods are also possible.
It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Embodiments of the disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, enabling collection of waste fluids in a portable system.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosure will be made apparent from the figures and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that described features are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Referring to
Top side 32 of container 20 has a front portion 42, a rear portion 44, and a middle portion 46. A cap 48 configured to mate with a threaded hole 50 is medially disposed in rear top side 44. Threaded hole 50 leads to the interior top rear chamber 38 of container 20 and is configured to be selectively engage with and be closed by cap 48.
A retractable handle 52 is embedded in the interior top rear chamber 38 of container 20. A moveable lid 54 with a bottom surface 56 has a perimeter equal to the perimeter of front top side 24 of container 20 and is configured to enable selective access to first chamber 36. Moveable lid 54 is hingedly attachable to top side 32 of container 20 and is configured to provide selective closure for the interior top front chamber 36. A sprayer 58 is medially disposed on bottom surface 56 of moveable lid 54. Sprayer 58 is connected to a pump 60 located in the interior front chamber 36 of container 20. Pump 60 is configured to transport a fluid from the interior rear chamber of the container to sprayer 58. Sprayer 58 and/or pump 60 may be operated by an external electric source.
An electronic control panel 62 located on front side 24 of container 20 has a pair of circular-shaped buttons 64 configured to operate device 10 including sprayer 58. In an example, at least one of buttons 64 operates pump 60. In a further example, the at least one of buttons 64 is configured to activate pump 60 while it is being depressed and to discontinue activation of pump 60 when no longer being depressed. In another example, quickly depressing and releasing at least one of buttons 64 causes pump 60 to transport a pre-established volume of fluid to sprayer 58.
A plug 66, a drain hose connection 68 and an electrical input cord 70 are disposed on back side 26 of container 20. A moveable receptacle 22 includes a funnel 72 configured to receive urine and a conduit 74. Conduit 74, which is configured to transport fluids therethrough to third chamber 40, has a second end 76 and a first end 78 disposed opposite second end 76. Second end 76 of conduit 74 is releasably attached to the interior bottom chamber 40, and first end 78 is configured to releasably couple with funnel 72. Receptacle 22 may be stored in the interior, top, front chamber 36 of container 20.
Referring to
A second chamber 120 within housing 160 is configured to house funnel 121 and at least a portion of conduit 122. Conduit 122 may be configured to retract into the second chamber 120. In an example, funnel 121 is selectively detachable from conduit 122 and interchangeable, differently-shaped funnels or funnel attachments are provided.
A closure 125 is pivotably coupled with housing 160 to selectively close second chamber 120. Closure 125 may be maintained in a sealed, closed position with small locking mechanism or clamp which may be released by depressing a button 129. In an example, closure 125 may be a door.
Provided to the closure 125 and in communication with a third chamber 130 within housing 160, a spray head 126 is configured to deliver a distributed flow from third chamber 130 onto a funnel contained within second chamber 120. Spray head 126 may be sized and shaped to match funnel 121 and may be positioned on a bottom side of closure 125.
A pump 127 is configured to pump fluid from third chamber 130 to spray head 126. Pump 127 may be activated by an input 128 on an exterior of housing 160. Pump 127 may be configured for mechanical operation. Spray head 126 may be operatively coupled with pump 127 through a conduit running through the inside of closure 125.
A dump valve 111 is coupled with housing 160 and configured to selectively open first chamber 110 to surroundings. A dump valve selector 112 is configured to operate dump valve 111 at a position distal therefrom. Dump valve 111 may be coupled with a conduit configured to outlet to an underside of a vehicle in which the fluid collecting system is installed such that waste fluids may be eliminated at designated locations without the need to exit the vehicle.
Fluid collection system 100 may further include a push rod 113 coupled between dump valve selector 112 and dump valve 111 such that upon pushing dump valve selector 112, dump valve 111 opens and upon pulling dump valve selector 112, dump valve 111 closes. Push rod 113 may include a metal such as tin, steel or a combination of these.
Dump valve selector 112 may be located at a first exterior surface of housing 160 and dump valve 111 may be located at a second exterior surface of housing 160 opposite the first exterior surface. Dump valve selector 112 may be proximate second chamber 120 while dump valve 111 may be distal from second chamber 120. With the exterior, bottom surface resting on a support surface, dump valve selector 112 may be superior to dump valve 111.
Fluid collection system 100 may further include a selectively sealable port 131 communicating between third chamber 130 and surroundings which may be sealed by a plug 132. Housing 160 may include an exterior, bottom surface and port 131 may be provided through an exterior, top surface opposite the bottom surface.
With an exterior, bottom surface of housing 160 resting on a support surface, second chamber 120 may be positioned superior to first chamber 110 such that fluid provided to funnel 121 and conduit 122 flows under force of gravity into first chamber 110. Third chamber 130 may be positioned adjacent to second chamber 120 and superior to first chamber 110. In an example, flow of fluid from funnel 121 and conduit 122 into first chamber 110 may be assisted with a suction pump located inside chamber 120 and operated by a button 167 at the exterior, front surface and powered by a rechargeable battery or outlet for creating suction if needed to avoid spills.
With an exterior, bottom surface of housing 160 resting on a support surface, third chamber 130 may be positioned superior to first chamber 110. Further, the inferior or bottom surface of first chamber 110 is angled sightly towards dump valve 111 and the bottom surface of third chamber 130 is angled slightly towards the manual pump draw tube for better drainage of the fluids.
Fluid collection system 100 may further include a fourth chamber 140 between third chamber 130 and second chamber 120. Fourth chamber 140 is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle 141. For example, a hand sanitizing fluid or gel may be contained within fourth chamber 140 and dispensed through a nozzle 141. A selectively sealable port 145 may be provided through an exterior, top surface opposite an exterior, bottom surface of housing 160. Port 145 communicates between fourth chamber 140 and surroundings enabling a user to add, for example, hand sanitizing fluid or gel therethrough. A plug 146 is configured to selectively seal port 145. Further, the inferior or bottom surface of fourth chamber 140 is angled sightly towards third chamber 130 for better drainage of the fluids.
System 100 may further include a fifth chamber 150 within closure 125. Fifth chamber 150 is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle 151 directed from a front, exterior surface of housing 160. Nozzle 151 on a portion of closure 125 distal from pivot axis 129 is operatively coupled with a pump 123 through a tube running through the inside of closure 125. Further, the inferior or bottom surface of fifth chamber 150 is angled sightly towards third chamber 130 for better drainage of the fluids.
Fluid collection system 100 may include windows 165a and 165b configured to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within first chamber 110 and may further include at least one window 165c configured to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within third chamber 130 and at least one window 165d configured to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within fourth chamber 140. In an example, a window may be provided to each of two opposed sides of housing 160. Windows 165a and 165b may be of an elongate, vertical shape and formed from any of a variety of transparent or translucent materials such as plexiglass.
In an example, the exterior of housing 160 may include one or more net pockets 171 offering storage. Further, the exterior of housing 160 may include a recessed region 161 in a top surface thereof such that a perimeter of raised edges 162 may prevent objects from sliding or rolling from the top surface. A charging port 169 may be provided to a front, exterior surface of housing 160 enabling charging of the suction pump located inside chamber 120.
According to a method for assembling a fluid collection system, first, second and third chambers are provided within a housing and a first end of a conduit is coupled to an interior surface of the second chamber such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the first chamber and a funnel is coupled to a second end of the conduit. The conduit may be provided with the ability to retract into the second chamber.
The housing may be formed from any of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastics, rubbers, composites or combinations thereof and may include a recessed region in a top surface thereof such that a perimeter of raised edges may prevent objects from sliding or rolling off of the top surface. The conduit and the funnel may be formed from any of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastics, rubbers composites or combinations thereof and may be separately formed from different materials. In an example, the conduit, the funnel or both are disposable for use in clinics and hospitals.
In an example, the second chamber is positioned such that, with an exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the second is superior to the first chamber such that fluid provided to the funnel and conduit flows under force of gravity into the first chamber. In an example, the third chamber is positioned such that, with the exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the third chamber is adjacent to the second chamber and superior to the first chamber.
A closure is pivotably coupled with the housing to enable selective closure of the second chamber. For example, a door may be pivotably coupled with the housing.
A spray head is provided to the closure so as to be in communication with the third chamber and is configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within second chamber. The spray head may be sized and shaped to match the funnel.
A pump configured to pump fluid from the third chamber to the spray head is provided. The method may further include providing an input on an exterior of the housing configured to activate the pump. Providing the pump may further include providing a pump configured for mechanical operation.
A dump valve is coupled with the housing to enable selective opening of the first chamber to surroundings and a dump valve selector is operatively coupled with the dump valve to enable operation of the dump valve at a position distal therefrom.
The dump valve may be coupled with the housing and the dump valve selector may be operatively coupled with the dump valve by positioning the dump valve selector proximate the second chamber and positioning the dump valve distal from the second chamber. In an example, with the exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the dump valve selector may be superior to or at a higher elevation than the dump valve.
In an example, operatively coupling the dump valve selector with the dump valve may include coupling a push rod between the dump valve selector and the dump valve such that upon pushing the dump valve selector, the dump valve opens and upon pulling the dump valve selector, the dump valve closes. In an example, the dump valve selector is located at a first exterior surface of the housing substantially opposite the dump valve located at a second exterior surface of the housing. In an example, the push rod coupled between the dump valve selector and the dump valve comprises a metal such as tin, steel or a combination of these.
A selectively sealable port may be provided to communicate between the third chamber and surroundings. The port may be provided through an exterior, top surface opposite an exterior, bottom surface of the housing. A plug may further be provided to selectively seal the port.
The method may further include providing a fourth chamber between the third chamber and the second chamber. The fourth chamber is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle. For example, a hand sanitizing fluid or gel may be contained within the fourth chamber and dispensed through the nozzle.
The method may further include providing a fifth chamber within the closure. The fifth chamber is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle directed from a front exterior surface of the housing.
The method may further include providing at least one window to the housing to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within the first chamber and/or within the third chamber.
Disclosed fluid collection systems may be used in accordance with a method for operating a fluid collection system. The method includes providing a fluid collection system. The provided fluid collection includes a housing, a first chamber within the housing and a funnel coupled with a conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber. A second chamber within the housing is configured to house the funnel and conduit. A closure pivotably coupled with the housing enables selectively closing of the second chamber. A spray head configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within the second chamber is provided to the closure and in fluid communication with a third chamber. A pump is provided. A dump valve is coupled with the housing and configured to selectively open the first chamber to surroundings and a dump valve selector is provided distal from the dump valve. A selectively sealable port communicates between the third chamber and surroundings. The port may be provided through an exterior, top surface of the housing opposite an exterior, bottom surface of the housing.
The second chamber of the provided fluid collection system may be positioned superior to the first chamber such that fluid provided to the funnel and conduit flows under force of gravity into the first chamber. The third chamber of the provided fluid collection system may be positioned adjacent to the second chamber and superior to the first chamber.
With the exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the second chamber and the third chamber of the provided fluid collection system may be positioned superior to the first chamber. With the exterior, bottom surface resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the dump valve selector of the provided fluid collection system may be superior to the dump valve. The dump valve selector of the provided fluid collection system may be proximate the second chamber while the dump valve may be distal from the second chamber.
With the fluid collection system provided, the method proceeds with pivoting the closure to an open position, withdrawing the funnel from the second chamber to a position convenient for receiving fluid but closer to the housing than a length of the conduit and delivering fluid into the funnel such that fluid drains from the funnel through the conduit and into the first chamber. In an example, user may deliver urine into the funnel configured for the anatomy of the user such that urine drains through the conduit and into the first chamber.
With fluid delivery complete, the funnel is replaced in the second chamber. Replacing the funnel in the second chamber may further include retracting the conduit into the second chamber, for example, by winding the conduit around a spindle or relieving a tensile force in the conduit.
The closure is pivoted back into the closed position. In an example, the closure is maintained in a sealed, closed position with small locking mechanism or clamp which may be released by depressing a button.
With the pump, a rinsing/cleaning solution is pumped from the third chamber to rinse the replaced funnel, the conduit and portions of the second chamber. The rinsing solution travels over and through the second chamber and the associated objects and drains into the first chamber. Pumping a rinsing/cleaning solution from the third chamber may be accomplished by, for example, depressing a button or diaphragm on an exterior surface of the housing such as on the top surface.
The method may further include dispensing a sanitizer from a fourth chamber disposed between the third chamber and the second chamber and dispensing a fluid from a fifth chamber provided within the closure.
Visual inspection of level of fluids held within the first chamber through one or more windows through the housing may enable a determination as to whether the first chamber is full.
When it is determined the first chamber is full, or when circumstances otherwise permit, the dump valve is opened with the housing by pushing the dump valve selector. Selective opening of the first chamber to surroundings is thereby enabled so that waste fluids may be poured from first chamber into a proper waste receptacle such as a permanent urinal or toilet. In an example, pushing the dump valve selector to open the dump valve may be accomplished by advancing a pushrod coupled between the dump valve selector and the dump valve.
Once waste fluids have been poured from the first chamber, the dump valve may be closed by pulling the dump valve selector. In an example, pulling the dump valve selector to close the dump valve may be accomplished by withdrawing a pushrod coupled between the dump valve selector and the dump valve.
Visual inspection of a level of fluid held within the third chamber through a window may enable a determination as to whether insufficient solution remains therein. When it is determined that insufficient fluid remains, the third chamber may be refilled through the selectively sealable port. The plug is removed from the port, fluid such as a cleansing solution or rinsing solution is provided to the third chamber and the plug is replaced to maintain the added fluid in the third chamber.
Similarly, visual inspection of level of fluid held within the fourth chamber through a window may enable a determination as to whether insufficient solution remains therein. When it is determined that insufficient fluid remains, the fourth chamber may be refilled through the selectively sealable port. The plug is removed from the port, fluid such as a cleansing solution or rinsing solution is provided to the fourth chamber and the plug is replaced to maintain the added fluid in the fourth chamber.
The actions described above are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more actions are added, one or more actions are removed, or one or more actions are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.
Embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, enabling users to collect and temporarily contain fluids. For example, waste fluids such as urine may be collected and contained in a portable collection system.
Modifications to embodiments of the disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim disclosed features are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
