Bedpan assembly with liner attachments

Abstract

A bedpan assembly with a portable bedpan housing with a sidewall and a bottom wall surrounded by the sidewall, the sidewall and bottom wall defining an enclosed housing interior cavity and the sidewall having a front end, a rear end, opposing sides, and defining a plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures each respectively disposed proximal to the front end of the sidewall and proximal to each of the opposing sides of the sidewall. The bedpan assembly also includes a plurality of grommets each respectively disposed within one of the plurality of sidewall apertures, retained by the sidewall, and having a plurality of independently flexible flange members defining a plurality of tightly spaced flange member slits, the plurality of independently flexible flange members operably configured to independently flex within the one of the plurality of sidewall apertures and retain a liner within.

Claims

1. A bedpan assembly with liner attachments comprising: a portable bedpan housing having an internal sidewall with an inner surface, an external sidewall, and a bottom wall surrounded by the internal sidewall, the internal sidewall spanning upwardly from the bottom wall until reaching a ledge having a terminal upper surface disposed thereon and spanning a perimeter of the internal sidewall, the external sidewall extending downwardly from the terminal upper surface toward the bottom wall in an overlapping relationship with the internal sidewall, and the inner surface of the internal sidewall and bottom wall defining an enclosed housing interior cavity and the internal sidewall having a front end, a rear end, opposing sides, and defining a plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures spaced apart on the inner surface of the internal sidewall and with one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the front end of the internal sidewall, one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at one of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall, and another of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at another of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall; a plurality of grommets each respectively disposed within one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures, retained by the internal sidewall, and having a plurality of independently flexible flange members defining a plurality of tightly spaced flange member slits, the plurality of independently flexible flange members operably configured to independently flex within the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures; and a flexible liner selectively removably coupled to the bedpan housing through a retained configuration with the plurality of grommets and with a liner bottom surface surrounded by a liner sidewall, the liner bottom surface and liner sidewall disposed within the enclosed housing interior cavity and defining an enclosed liner interior cavity for housing a fluid therein, the liner is disposed within the enclosed housing interior cavity.

2. The bedpan assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures are in fluid communication with the enclosed housing interior cavity.

3. The bedpan assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the flexible liner is of polymer-based material and contouring the inner surface of the internal sidewall when in the retained configuration with the plurality of grommets.

4. The bedpan assembly according to claim 1, wherein the internal sidewall, ledge, and external sidewall further comprise: a discontinuous recess defined thereon and spanning in a direction toward the bottom wall and spatially coupled to the enclosed housing interior cavity.

5. The bedpan assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of grommets are disposed on the internal sidewall of the bedpan housing in a symmetrical configuration with respect to a longitudinal midplane spanning longitudinally through a centroid defined by the bedpan housing.

6. The bedpan assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of independently flexible flange members are operably configured to independently flex in a direction away from the enclosed housing interior cavity.

7. The bedpan assembly according to claim 6, wherein: the plurality of grommets are of a deformable polymeric material and are selectively removably coupled to and retained by the internal sidewall.

8. The bedpan assembly according to claim 1, wherein: one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures is disposed at the rear end of the internal sidewall.

9. The bedpan assembly according to claim 8, wherein: the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures are fluidly coupled to the enclosed housing interior cavity.

10. The bedpan assembly according to claim 8, wherein the internal sidewall further comprises: a first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the one of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall and a second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at another of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall, the first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures facing the second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures, the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the rear end of the internal sidewall facing the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the front end of the internal sidewall.

11. The bedpan assembly according to claim 10, wherein: the first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures, the second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures, the one of the plurality enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the front end of the internal sidewall, and the one of the plurality enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the rear end of the internal sidewall are in fluid communication with the enclosed housing interior cavity.

12. A bedpan assembly with liner attachments comprising: a portable bedpan housing having a rigid internal sidewall with an inner surface, a rigid external sidewall, and a bottom wall surrounded by the internal sidewall and having a terminal bottom surface opposing the upper terminal surface, the internal sidewall spanning upwardly from the bottom wall until reaching a ledge having a terminal upper surface disposed thereon and spanning a perimeter of the internal sidewall, the external sidewall extending downwardly from the terminal upper surface toward the bottom wall in an overlapping relationship with the internal sidewall, and the inner surface of the internal sidewall and the bottom wall defining an enclosed housing interior cavity and the internal sidewall having a front end, a rear end, opposing sides, and defining a plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures spaced apart on the inner surface of the internal sidewall and with one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the front end of the internal sidewall, one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at one of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall, and another of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at another of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall, the portable bedpan housing defining a maximum height separating the terminal upper surface and the terminal bottom surface, the maximum height less than 8 inches; and a plurality of grommets each respectively disposed within one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures, retained by the internal sidewall, and having a plurality of independently flexible flange members defining a plurality of tightly spaced flange member slits, the plurality of independently flexible flange members operably configured to independently flex within the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures.

13. The bedpan assembly according to claim 12, further comprising: a flexible liner selectively removably coupled to the bedpan housing through a retained configuration with the plurality of grommets and with a liner bottom surface surrounded by a liner sidewall, the liner bottom surface and liner sidewall disposed within the enclosed housing interior cavity and defining an enclosed liner interior cavity for housing a fluid therein, the liner is disposed within the enclosed housing interior cavity.

14. The bedpan assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the plurality of grommets are disposed on the internal sidewall of the bedpan housing in a symmetrical configuration with respect to a longitudinal midplane spanning longitudinally through a centroid defined by the bedpan housing.

15. The bedpan assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures are in fluid communication with the enclosed housing interior cavity.

16. The bedpan assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the plurality of independently flexible flange members are operably configured to independently flex in a direction away from the enclosed housing interior cavity.

17. The bedpan assembly according to claim 12, wherein: one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures is disposed at the rear end of the internal sidewall.

18. The bedpan assembly according to claim 17, wherein: the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures are fluidly coupled to the enclosed housing interior cavity.

19. The bedpan assembly according to claim 17, wherein the internal sidewall further comprises: a first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the one of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall and a second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at another of the opposing sides of the internal sidewall, the first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures facing the second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures, the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the rear end of the internal sidewall facing the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures disposed at the front end of the internal sidewall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a bedpan assembly with liner attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is another perspective front view of the bedpan assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the bedpan assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bedpan assembly depicted in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective close-up view of an exemplary grommet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bedpan assembly depicted in FIG. 2 along section line 2-2; and

(8) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bedpan assembly depicted in FIG. 1 along section line 1-1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

(10) Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 and FIG. 7, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in right and left front perspective views, respectively. FIGS. 1-2 and FIG. 7, along with other figures depicted herein, show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The present invention provides a novel and efficient bedpan assembly with liner attachments 100. Embodiments of the invention provide a bedpan assembly 100 that is operably configured to retain a flexible liner, e.g., liner 700, for effective use with a bedpan, while simultaneously providing users quick and easy disposal of the liner when desired.

(11) With reference now to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIGS. 6-7, the bedpan assembly 100 includes a portable bedpan housing 102 having a sidewall 104 and a bottom wall 600 surrounded by the sidewall 600, wherein the sidewall 104 and bottom wall 600 can be seen defining an enclosed housing interior cavity 106 where the liner 700 will be placed to house and/or retain a user's fluid or other substance. The sidewall 104 has a front end 108, a rear end 110, opposing sides 112, 114, and defines a plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one. While FIG. 4 depicts apertures 400a-n on one side 112 and rear end 108 of the sidewall 104, other locations of the apertures 400a-n will be become apparent and appreciated upon reading the disclosure herein (e.g., there is an aperture located where any grommet is located).

(12) It should be understood that terms such as, “front,” “rear,” “side,” top,” “bottom,” and the like are indicated from the reference point of a viewer viewing the bedpan assembly 100 from its resting position on a ground surface, e.g., floor, bed, etc. Additionally, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface.

(13) The apertures 400a-n are enclosed so that one of a plurality of grommets 402a-n can be inserted into one of the apertures 400a-n and retained by a sidewall 104 defining said aperture. As such, the sidewall 104 defining the apertures 400a-n may include recesses or other portions that are open, but yet still considered enclosed. The apertures 400a-n may be circular, having a diameter ranging from approximately 0.5-1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the apertures 400a-n may be of an oblong shape. The apertures 400a-n may each be respectively disposed proximal to the front end 108 of the sidewall 104 and proximal to each of the opposing sides 112, 114 of the sidewall 104. Said another way, the apertures 400a-n may each be respectively disposed at or near the front end 108, the opposing sides 112, 114, and/or the rear end 110 of the sidewall 104, whether located on an inner surface 116 of the sidewall 104 or on a terminal upper surface 118.

(14) The portable bedpan housing 102 of the assembly 100 may be shaped, sized, and have material specifications akin to traditional bedpans. For example, the bedpan housing 102 may be of a relatively narrow and thin shape, have a length of approximately 1-2 feet, a width of approximately 6-24 inches, a height of approximately 3-9 inches, and of a metallic or polymeric material. In one embodiment, the main housing 102, which is portable, defines a maximum height separating the terminal upper surface 118 and the terminal bottom surface 602, the maximum height less than approximately 6-8 inches. In another embodiment, the terminal upper surface 118 may include a deformably resilient cushioning material, e.g., rubber, surrounding the perimeter of the housing 102 defining the enclosed opening spatially coupled to the housing interior cavity 106.

(15) The plurality of grommets 402a-n each are respectively disposed within one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n and retained by the sidewall 104 (as best seen in FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the sidewalls of the plurality of grommets 402a-n are operably configured to be deformed to fit within the sidewall apertures 400a-n. Each of the plurality of grommets 402a-n may also include one or more flanges (vertically or horizontally configured on the grommet) to facilitate in retaining the plurality of grommets 402a-n on the sidewall 104 of the housing 102. With reference to FIGS. 4-5, each of the plurality of grommets 402a-n have a plurality of independently flexible flange members or fingers 500a-n defining a plurality of tightly spaced flange member slits 502a-n each disposed therein between the fingers 500a-n. The plurality of tightly spaced flange member slits 502a-n may be less than approximately 0.25 inches and may uniformly spaced as the flange member slit spans from a valley defined by the fingers 500a-n to the distal free end of the fingers 500a-n, also referred to herein as a “finger length”. In preferred embodiments, the fingers 500a-n are directly adjacent to one another or define a 10-50 mil space separating them to effectively retain the flexible liner 700 (shown in FIG. 7). The grommets 402a-n may be made with a sheet of textile fabric, sheet metal, or composite of carbon fiber, wood, a deformable polymeric material, e.g., rubber, or honeycomb, and may be flared or collared on each side to keep them in place, and are often made of metal, plastic, or rubber.

(16) The flexible flange members or fingers 500a-n may taper in width along the finger length. The plurality of independently flexible flange members 500a-n of each of the grommets 402a-n are operably configured to independently flex within the one of the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n. In one embodiment, the plurality of independently flexible flange members 500a-n may be of a substantially rigid polymeric material, e.g., polyurethane or polypropylene with a hardness of 20-50 Shore D. Each of the flexible flange members or fingers 500a-n may terminate at a free end, e.g., end 502. Each of the free ends may be positioned substantially adjacent to one another and collectively define, with all of the free ends, a center aperture. The flexible flange members or fingers 500a-n may have a static position with each substantially parallel to one another and may define a substantially planar upp surface. As the flexible flange members or fingers 500a-n are independently flexible to permit a liner to be inserted therethrough, they may also have a dynamic position with each flexed with respect to the static position. Said another way, the plurality of independently flexible flange members 500a-n are operably configured to independently flex in a direction away from and/or toward the main housing interior cavity 106. In one embodiment, the flexible flange members or fingers 500a-n are operably configured to be biased in the static position by mechanical action or by the inherent properties the material of the finger, namely the hinge formed thereon.

(17) With reference to FIGS. 4-5 and FIG. 7, the flexible liner 700 is beneficially selectively removably coupled to the bedpan housing 102 through a retained configuration with the plurality of grommets 402. More specifically, as those of skill in the art can appreciate, the user will insert a portion of the liner 700 in each of the grommets 402a-n and, when the user releases the liner 700, two or more of the fingers 500a-n of the grommet will retain the liner 700 therein (as best shown in FIG. 7). The liner 700 will include a liner bottom surface 702 surrounded by a liner sidewall 704, wherein the liner bottom surface 702 and liner sidewall 704 are disposed within the enclosed housing interior cavity 106 and defining an enclosed liner interior cavity 706 for housing a fluid or other substance therein. The liner 700 is disposed within the main housing interior cavity 106 and may be inelastic or elastic. one embodiment, the liner 700 is of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin. The liner 700 may also be constructed and arranged of another flexible and polymeric material. When the user desires to remove the liner 700, the user can easily, quickly, and effectively remove the liner by pulling on the liner 700 outwardly away from each grommet where the liner 700 is coupled.

(18) With reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4-7, the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n are disposed within the main housing interior cavity 106 and formed on an inner surface 116 of the sidewall 104, thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertent dislodgment by the user when resting on or being support by the housing 102. In other embodiments, the enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n may be formed on the upper terminal surface 108 of the sidewall 104. The enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n are also specially configured and position to minimize inadvertent dislodgment and adequately support the contents in which they house.

(19) In one embodiment, the plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n includes at least one sidewall enclosed aperture, with grommet disposed therein, disposed proximal to the rear end 110 of the sidewall 104, disposed proximal to the front end 108 of the sidewall 104, and disposed proximal to opposing sides 112, 114 of the sidewall 104, thereby providing sufficient support points to retain the liner 700 when inserted within the cavity 106. Proximal is defined as being positioned or located at or near, within approximately 1-4 inches, an object. In another embodiment, there are a first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n defined by one of the opposing sides 112, 114 of the sidewall 104 and a second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures 400a-n defined by another of the opposing sides 112, 114 of the sidewall 104, wherein the first plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures are facing the second plurality of enclosed sidewall apertures to sufficiently retain and orient the liner 700 properly.

(20) With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and FIG. 4, the location and configuration of the plurality of grommets 402a-n facilitates the flexible liner 700 in being adequately supported. while minimizing inadvertent removal. To that end, the location and configuration of the plurality of grommets 402a-n also enables the flexible liner 700 to contour the inner surface 116 of the sidewall 104 when in the retained configuration with the plurality of grommets 402a-n. In some embodiments, the plurality of grommets 402a-n are disposed on the sidewall 104 of the bedpan housing 102 in a symmetrical configuration with respect to a longitudinal midplane 120 spanning longitudinally through a centroid defined by the bedpan housing 120. In other embodiments, the plurality of grommets 402a-n are also disposed on the sidewall 104 of the bedpan housing 102 in a symmetrical configuration with respect to a traverse midplane 120 spanning transversely through a centroid defined by the bedpan housing 120. Additionally, two or more grommets 402a-n may also be disposed on the sidewall 104 in an equidistant configuration, e.g., approximately 2-3 inches, to adequate support a weight within the liner 700.

(21) As best seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the terminal upper surface 118 spans a perimeter of the sidewall 104 and defines a discontinuous recess and/or channel 300 spanning in a direction toward the bottom wall 600 of the sidewall and spatially coupled to the enclosed housing interior cavity 106. The recess and/or channel 300 provides an opening where a portion of the liner 700 may be inserted for easy access and removal by the user on an exterior of the housing 102. The assembly 100 may also include a liner storing container 302 with an upper opening 304 facing upwardly with respect to a ground surface supporting the housing 102. As its name implies, the liner storing container 302 is shaped and sized to retain a roll of liners for selective use by the user.

(22) While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while one or more method(s) of use and manufacture of the assembly 100 has been described, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown or described in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also have been omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.