Portable system for the collection of urine

• US 5,894,608 A
• Filed: 09/19/1997
• Issued: 04/20/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Philip J. Birbara
• Original Assignee: Philip J. Birbara
• Inventors: Birbara, Philip J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jacyna, J. Casimer
• Assistant Examiner(s): Prunner, Kathleen J.
• Application Number:
  US08/933,385
• Time in Patent Office: 578 Days
• Field of Search: 4/144.1, 4/144.3, 4/144.4, 604/73, 604/317, 604/319-321, 604/329, 604/331, 604/347, 604/318, 604/323, 604/326, 604/355, 604/327
• US Class Current: 4/144.3
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 11/12 Urinals without flushing portable urinating aids A61F5/4556; urinals for bed-ridden persons A61G9/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/451 Genital or anal receptacles A61F5/441, A61F5/442, A61F5/443 take precedence ; other body securing means A61F5/4408; devices for taking faeces samples A61B10/0038; devices for taking urine samples A61B10/007
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/4556 Portable urination aids, e.g. to allow females to urinate from a standing position

Abstract

This invention relates to a compact, fully portable processing system for collection, sterilization, deodorization and eventual disposal of urine. The system is comprised of several detachable components which include male and female urine receptacles, an electric motor and fan assembly or any other suction source for providing the forced air flow required for urine entrainment; and a liquid collection bottle or reservoir. Optional but desirable features may include a gas/liquid separation or demisting element and a deodorizing filter. The system is self contained and readily disassembled for easy cleaning. It is readily adapted for home, hospital, and automobile usage. This invention has utility wherever rest room facilities are not conveniently available or where individuals are bedridden or immobilized.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine from the human body, comprising:

a. a concave urine collector having an elliptical outer rim with a sealing surface defining an upper end and a lower end and adapted for vertical orientation in use with the upper end above the lower end, the rim contacting the human body, said elliptical outer rim including a major axis and a minor axis, said urine collector including;

i. one or more orifices adjacent the sealing surface where at least one of the orifices is a lower orifice located at the lower end of the collector to admit entrainment air, said at least one lower orifice is generally aligned with the major axis of the elliptical outer rim; and

ii. an effluent channel leading away from the collector intermediate the upper end and the lower end;

b. a flexible connection attached at one end to said urine collector effluent channel and including a free end leading away from the effluent channel, and operatively attached to a urine storage chamber;

c. said urine storage chamber adapted to separate entrainment air and urine and to contain the urine; and

d. an entrainment air fan adapted to entrain ambient air through said one or more orifices and said collector so as to transport urine to said urine storage chamber.

2. Apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine from the human body as in claim 1, said urine collector being adapted for vertical orientation in contact with the human body, wherein said one or more orifices includes at least one upper orifice at the upper end of the collector.

3. Apparatus for collection and eventual disposal of urine from the human body as in claim 2, including a cyclone separator interposed between said storage chamber and said concave urine collector, so as to separate entrained urine from said flowing air.

4. Apparatus for collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 2, said urine storage chamber having a curved wall, such that entrained urine and flowing air is capable of being directed tangentially thereto.

5. Apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 2, wherein said entrainment air fan develops an aspirating air velocity of 10-30 ft/ sec.

6. Apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 5, wherein said entrainment air fan develops an entrainment air flow within the range of 2 to 15 cubic feet per minute.

7. The apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 2, wherein there is one of said at least one upper orifice, said one upper orifice is generally aligned with the major axis of the elliptical outer rim.

8. The apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 7, wherein said effluent channel is located adjacent said upper end, adjacent said upper orifice.

9. The apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 1, wherein said effluent channel is located adjacent said upper end.

10. The apparatus for the collection and eventual disposal of urine as in claim 9, wherein said effluent channel is generally aligned with the major axis of said elliptical outer rim, at a spaced location from said minor axis.