Self Catheterization Portable Urinal Holder

Abstract

Unfortunately, many individuals who are suffering from a neurological condition — such as a spinal cord injury — have to perform self-catheterization to empty their bladder. This process can be challenging, especially if they have lost some function in their trunk and / or arms. Many people require assistance and / or need to transfer to a bed to get the task done. This invention easily slides in place while the individual is sitting and it is adjustable, so that the individual can align the portable urinal to just the right position. Once the portable urinal is lined up correctly and supported, both hands are free to proceed with self-catheterization. This makes the process much easier, improving independence and reducing the need for transferring to a bed. All of these benefits lead to greater freedom for individuals to be able to get out and enjoy their community.

Description

Invention Description This invention provides newfound freedom for individuals who must use self-catheterization to urinate due to a neurological impairment. Typical neurological conditions that may result in the need for self-catheterization include: spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and diabetes. From a seated position such as when in a wheelchair, this invention is used to hold a portable urinal in proper alignment so that both hands are available for the self-catheterization process. With the urinal held in just the right place and with both hands available, the task is made much easier and most individuals will be able to self-catheterize independently in their wheelchair rather than transferring to a bed. Thus, they will be more free to venture out into the community as the process of urination has been simplified and can be done in public washrooms. The overall size of this invention is approximately 20 inches long and 3.5 inches wide. This invention is designed to fold in the middle with a friction hinge (See Fig. 1 & 2, # 5). The friction hinge is approximately 1.75 inches long, 1.25 inches wide and 0.25 inches thick. There is a screw on the hinge that can be tightened or loosened to change the resistance of the hinge when moved (See Fig. 1, # 4). The hinge is attached to two thin pieces of plastic (See Fig. 1 & 2, # 3 & 6) using small bolts. The first piece of plastic (See Fig. 1 & 2, # 3) has the approximate dimensions of 10 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, 0.25 inches thick and is tapered at one end down to approximately 1.5 inches, which makes it easier to slide in place when being used. The second piece of plastic (See Fig. 1 & 2, # 6) has the approximate dimensions of 10 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, 0.25 inches thick and has a cut out in one section (See Fig. 1, # 2), which provides individuals with impaired hand function a better grip to maneuver the device. On this section of plastic there is also a velcro strip (See Fig. 1 & 2, # 7) with an approximate size of 2 x 5 inches, which is where the portable urinal (See Fig. 2, # 8) gets attached and secured. The hinge serves two purposes. One, it allows the positioning of the portable urinal to be changed to get the best alignment possible and two, it allows for the invention to be folded in half for easy storage and transport. When the invention is folded in half, the approximate dimensions are 10 inches long, 3.5 inches wide and 1 inch thick. To note, this device comes with two urinals and a carrying case. The following directions demonstrate just how simple it is to use. From a seated position — such as when in a wheelchair — complete the following steps: Step 1: Unfold the device and slide the tapered end under the buttocks. Step 2: Attach the urinal to the velcro at the opposite end of the device. Step 3: Adjust the device via the friction hinge to get the best alignment. Step 4: Proceed with the self-catheterization process.

Claims

Invention Claims 1. From the seated position — such as when in a wheelchair — the invention holds the urinal in proper alignment, freeing up both hands for self-catheterization and making the process much easier, leading to improved independence.

2. Using the invention simplifies the self-catheterization process. Many individuals will no longer have the need to transfer to a bed for the process as it can be done from their wheelchair. Thus, increasing their freedom to get out and explore their community.

3. The plastic used for this invention is thin, yet strong and can fold up using the friction hinge. The invention is both lightweight and foldable, which makes it compact and easy to transport.

4. The velcro strip on one end of the invention allows for easy attachment and detachment of the urinal.

5. The friction hinge makes the invention simple to adjust and allows individuals to achieve ideal alignment for the self-catheterization process.

6. The design of this invention is simple with only one movable section, so it can be set up with just a few basic steps.

7. The size of this invention provides a “one size fits all” product.