Disposable urine collection device

Abstract

A disposable urine collection device for use by a person which includes an absorbent pad for the collection of urine and a glove attached to the absorbent pad. The glove design includes a mitt for insertion of the user's hand into the device under the absorbent pad through the sleeve of the glove. The absorbent pad is composed of a waterproof plastic liner, a hydrophilic gel and absorbent material layer, and panels of absorbent material. Various embodiments include additional layers in the absorbent pad such as a top protective layer and an absorbent rim. The hand of the user is inserted into the mitt of the glove prior to urination and removed after urination. The sleeve of the glove is inverted over the top of the absorbent pad upon removal from the user's hand. The apparatus may then be secured prior to disposal by various closure means.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 761,813 filed Jan. 21, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 302,058 filed Nov. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,737, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to portable urinary devices. The present invention relates more specifically to a self-contained disposable urine collection device which allows comfortable and hygienic urination. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0003] In our highly mobile society, people sometimes face a unique dilemma regarding the issue of where to urinate, especially while traveling in a car. For example, individuals caught in traffic jams or snowstorms have limited options available for solving such a problem. Particularly in remote areas, public restrooms are often unavailable. Finding a secluded spot to urinate outdoors is o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Therefore, the primary object of the present invention, is a comfortable, hygienic urinary device which allows a person to urinate in a variety of positions without wetting clothing and body parts. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is convenient to carry, easy to use, and inexpensive to manufacture. Another object of the present invention is to provide a urinary device which is disposable and biodegradable. The present invention would provide a disposable urinary device which could be used in a variety of travel settings. Yet another object of this invention is a disposable urinary device for use in a medical or extended care setting, which could be administered by the patient or resident as well as by the attending nurse or caregiver.

[0017] The device includes an absorbent pad which contains several layers. The waterproof plastic liner on the bottom of the pad serves to contain the urine without leakage. The next layer is made of hydrophilic gel and absorbent materials. Next, there are panels of absorbent material to direct and absorb the liquid. The top protective layer is fluid pervious to permit the entrance of urine into the absorptive layers. The rim of the absorbent pad forms a lip which is not only absorbent, but which provides a supportive contour to the device and a soft body-conforming surface to prevent leakage. The absorbent material on the top surface of the device may also be used to wipe away residual urine. An alternative embodiment of the device may also have a separate wipe which is included to wipe away residual urine.

Problems solved by technology

For example, individuals caught in traffic jams or snowstorms have limited options available for solving such a problem.

Particularly in remote areas, public restrooms are often unavailable.

Finding a secluded spot to urinate outdoors is often impossible.

Even if such a place is located, the process is often uncomfortable, especially for women.

Even if a restroom is available while traveling, people are often reluctant to use it because of concerns regarding sanitation.

Moreover, when traveling in remote areas, using a public facility may involve a substantial safety risk for personal assault.

The alternative of holding the urine for extended periods of time while waiting to arrive at a suitable destination presents other undesirable problems.

Apart from the obviously painful nature of such an option, the practice of delaying urination can result in medical problems for certain individuals who are at risk for bladder and kidney infections.

For people who suffer from urinary urgency, loss of sphincter control, and various other conditions, waiting to urinate may not be possible.

However, patients are often unable or reluctant to make a painful trip to the restroom or use a bedpan or urinal due to discomfort or weakness from a surgery or illness, or due to mobility constraints such as a wheelchair.

Moreover, nursing home residents frequently do not want to wear disposable diaper products all day because of chaffing, odor, dignity, and discomfort.

Obviously, this problem is not new, and various attempts have been made to provide urination alternatives.

None of these devices, however, have solved the problem of providing a portable, disposable, and hygienic urinary device that is easy to carry and use and inexpensive to manufacture.

None of the inventions described above provide an easy to use, comfortable, disposable urinary device.

Most of these designs present contact surfaces which are uncomfortable and ill-fitting.

Some of these devices are also unwieldy to maneuver, especially for discrete disposable use in those areas where the necessity to use such a device is most likely to occur.

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