Disposable collection device for human waste

Abstract

Disposable collection devices for human waste formed substantially of light weight, flexible polymeric sheets, are designed to slidingly fit over a standard, open ring toilet seat, most preferably forming an envelope which receives the toilet seat between upper and lower portions. A collection portion is disposed between portions of the envelope such that when the device is positioned on a toilet seat, the collection portion will extend downwardly permitting collection of human urine and/or feces from a patient. The collection portion preferably extends downwardly sufficiently to avoid splashing or other unnecessary contact between the patient and the waste being collected. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously comprise at least one removable collection portion. Embodiments of the present invention also comprise structures for substantially closing the collection portion after the waste has been deposited therein.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0001] Those skilled in the art of patient care realize that it is sometimes desirable to obtain a urine sample and / or a stool sample from a patient for analysis. When the patient is infirm, obtaining such a sample can be difficult. [0002] It is, therefore, desirable to allow a patient to utilize a device attachable to a standard or portable toilet seat. While devices attachable to toilet seats have been previously disclosed, many such devices are cumbersome, require undesirable and extraneous handling of the sample collected by nurses and / or medical technicians, and can be expensive to manufacture. [0003] It would, therefore, be desirable to provide collection devices for human waste which are inexpensive, easy to use and minimize the amount of handling required by medical personnel after human waste has been deposited in the device. [0004] It would also be desirable to provide a device which enhances patient protection. Those skilled in the art will appreci...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The devices of the present invention are formed substantially of light weight, flexible polymeric sheets, for example plastic sheets having a thickness of about 0.4 ml to about 2.5 ml low density polyurethane and may be biodegradable. The devices of the present invention are designed to slidingly fit over an open ring toilet seat, most preferably forming an envelope having a rearwardly facing opening which receives the toilet seat within upper and lower portions and / or upper and lower sheets. A collection portion is disposed between portions of the envelope such that when the device is positioned on a toilet seat, the collection portion will extend downwardly permitting collection of human urine and / or feces from a patient. The collection portion preferably extends downwardly sufficiently to avoid splashing or other unnecessary contact between the patient and the waste being collected.

[0006] The collection devices of the present invention advantageously comprise at least one removable collection portion. Embodiments of the present invention also comprise means for substantially closing the collection portion after the waste has been deposited therein. Embodiments of the invention also advantageously provide a protective barrier between the user and the commode.

Problems solved by technology

When the patient is infirm, obtaining such a sample can be difficult.

While devices attachable to toilet seats have been previously disclosed, many such devices are cumbersome, require undesirable and extraneous handling of the sample collected by nurses and / or medical technicians, and can be expensive to manufacture.

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