Removable Fluid Deflection Commode Attachment Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved fluid deflection apparatus adapted for use with conventional commodes apparatus. More particularly, the present invention is designed and configured for placement on commodes in clinical settings and is configured to provide an efficient urine deflection apparatus that eliminates the unhygienic and messy situations surrounding the splashing of bodily fluid during urination, particularly for male users. The present invention is designed, adapted and configured to facilitate the ready removal of the fluid deflection apparatus away from commode structures in a hygienic manner via urine shielding and draining means facilitating urine flow into the commode and away from the users. Additionally, the disclosed invention enhances safety and comfort providing anti-pinching means for protecting the skin of the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to United States Design Patent Application entitled, Removable Fluid Deflection Apparatus for Commodes, filed on Mar. 30, 2025, Attorney Docket No. JHess-02.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to urine splash guards and, more specifically, to a urine deflector which is removably attached to a medically accessible commode apparatus.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Physically challenged adults and the persons who care for them often find using a toilet to be one of the most difficult tasks. One problem associated with toilet use is that urine may be directed outside of the toilet bowl by a male (or any) user who is not able to properly position themselves, or otherwise direct the flow of urine while sitting on a toilet seat or commode. Often, when a male user is sitting on a toilet in an upright position, as if sitting in a normal chair, his urine may be directed such that it splashes in unintended locations. This creates an undesirable mess as well as potentially splashing urine onto the patient and his helper.

[0004] This problem is magnified by the use of some medical-type toilet seat adapters wherein the toilet seat is raised above the existing bowl. These adapters were designed to make it easier for a wheelchair bound, or physically impaired patient to move on and off of the toilet seat. However, by raising the seating surface, the likelihood that a stream of urine may spray unintentionally about a conventional medically accessible commode apparatus is increased. In such circumstances, the sides and undersides of the commode—where the difference in height between the commode and the toilet seat—is where unwanted urine splash can occur.

[0005] This issue can further arise with anyone with medical problems causing compromised control of the anatomical parts needed for urination. Patients experiencing a variety of ailments such as hip / knee surgery, insufficient upper / lower body strength, and a lack of mobility in upper / lower body are those who benefit from use of augmented commode apparatus for avoiding urine splash. In addition to being messy, there is a hygienic issue relating to urine splash on the floor, commode or surrounding environment. Biological fluids such as urine, or blood, etc., are liquid biological waste substances, and as such contains a resource for bacteria and other bio-hazardous contaminates to spread or grow.

[0006] In light of the above problems, there is a need for a commode accessory that will redirect a stream of urine into the commode bowl, thereby reducing contamination to the commode, surrounding area, the patient, and any helpers. There have been a number of attempts to solve the above-enumerated problems, however, each of the prior art “solutions” falls short of the sanitary. Prior attempts at solving this problem include providing toilet seats having integral urine deflectors by securely fixing urine deflectors to toilet seats. However, one drawback associated with integrating a urine deflector into the toilet seat is that it provides limited use and efficiency. Another problem associated with fixedly securing a urine deflector to the toilet seat arises when the urine deflector itself gets contaminated requiring cleaning at the toilet itself.

[0007] Prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,320 to DeZarn entitled, “Flow Projector Device”, and US Patent Publication 2019 / 0365164 for a “Novel Urine Deflector” to Alex both show urine deflecting devices used at the front edge of a commode addressing the existing gap where splashes occur. US Patent Publication 2010 / 0263115 for a “Toilet Seat Gap Shield” directly alludes to this function. “The Removable Urine Deflecting Toilet Seat Attachment” of U.S. Pat. No. 10,292,548 to Marra has a multi-layered shield device for deflection of urine on a commode. The exemplary prior art each illustrate various means of deflecting urine on a toilet, but all fall deficient of providing enhanced safety from unhygienic situations for the user or clinician.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As is well known in the art and practice, there is a need to provide a solution for deflecting urine from commodes and surrounding areas from unwanted urine streams, splash and related unhygienic scenarios. Not only does this produce the unpleasant task of cleaning and sanitizing—it also can contaminate the user while cleaning / using—which can be particularly problematic in hospital or clinical settings with infirmed and / or physically compromised patients. Hence there is a need for efficiency in use and cleaning. Moreover, urine deflection devices conventionally used in clinical settings in conjunction with medical commode structures are ill-fitting and often cause uncomfortable pinching and skin trauma to the patient sitting atop commode attachment apparatus.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a specialized fluid deflection apparatus that eliminates the unhygienic, uncomfortable and messy situations surrounding splashing of bodily fluid during urination.

[0010] Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a urine deflection apparatus that can deflect urine splash about the sides from the gap created between the commode and toilet seat of conventional 3-1 medical accessory commode apparatus.

[0011] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide enhanced structure to facilitate the ready removal of the fluid deflection apparatus away from commode structures.

[0012] It is still a further object of the invention to provide a fluid deflection apparatus that enhances safety and comfort providing anti-pinching means to protect the skin of the user.

[0013] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide urine deflection via a shielding and draining means for facilitating urine flow into the commode and away from the users.

[0014] It is still a further object of the invention to provide a fluid deflection device with proper hygienic handle means for ready handling and removal from a commode.

[0015] Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide all of the above along with a fluid deflection apparatus with a novel rotational removal means for ready attachment to, and removal from commode frame structures often used in clinical and hospital settings.

[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide a medical accessibility commode attachment device with enhanced hygiene, comfort and efficiency that is easy to use.

[0017] Additionally, it is an object of the invention to provide a urine deflection apparatus that is durable, lightweight with a unitary structure that is easy to manufacture with a low manufacturing cost.

[0018] In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and / or methods, to provide an understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and / or the like.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the drawings a preferred embodiment of a urine deflecting commode apparatus. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a fluid deflection apparatus embodying the novel features of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus placed atop a commode with the toilet / commode cover in an open position;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus placed atop a commode with the toilet / commode cover closed;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus;

[0028] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a method of using the fluid deflection device with a commode structure;

[0029] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a method of placing and using an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of a method of placing and using the fluid deflection apparatus as shown in FIG. 10;

[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus placed on a commode with the cover open, as shown in FIG. 3; and

[0032] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the fluid deflection apparatus as adapted for use on a commode assembly.

[0033] The novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of use, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following disclosure considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0034] As used herein, the term “comprises” refers to a part or parts of a whole but does not exclude other parts. That is, the term “comprises” is open language that requires the presence of the recited element or structure or its equivalent but does not exclude the presence of other elements or structures. The term “comprises” has the same meaning and is interchangeable with the terms “includes” and “has”. The term set has the meaning of one or more of said element. Furthermore, any use of the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and / or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] A preferred embodiment of a fluid deflection apparatus (FDA) 1000 is shown in the exemplary drawing FIGS. 1-12. The FDA 1000 is a device that helps individuals needing to use medically accessible commodes due to any physical ailments and impairments. As can be gleaned in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-7, the FDA 1000 is a unitary rigid structure having a shape and form adapted for use with a conventional 3-1 medical accessory commode assembly (MACA) 2000, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8-12. The FDA 1000 is deigned and configured to be a monolithic, lightweight device formed of a suitable medical grade material such as a hard plastic. One such example material is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum and is a Type 2 plastic with a durometer range suitable for the instant invention in a preferred embodiment. The FDA 1000 is a lightweight device that is durable, easy to sanitize, and could manufactured by molding and extruding methods well known in the art.

[0036] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective drawings, illustrating the top and bottom views of the FDA 1000. The FDA 1000 is comprised of a monolithic, unitary body 100 having a top planar surface 110 and a bottom planar surface forming the underside 112. The FDA 1000 further has a set of hygienic handles (HH) 122, 124 extending peripherally and radially along a horizontal axis from the distal ends of said body 100 in a winged configuration. In a preferred embodiment the FDA 1000 comprises a deflecting shield (DF) 160 extending vertically from said body 100; a self-draining rotation cradle (RC) 150 extending vertically from the underside 112 of the body 101; and a sloping contact ledge (SCL) 140 along the upper periphery of the top planar surface (TPS) 110 forming the top upper side of the body 100.

[0037] The SCL 140 which can be gleaned in the side view of FIG. 7, is comprised of a downward sloping positioning ledge that slopes downward from a maximum height 144 from the rear of the handles 122, 124 toward the central front portion (CFP) 115 of the body 100. This positioning ledge 140 is approximately 0.2 inch wide and 0.4 inches tall, extending above the horizontal plane of the TPS 110 and located centrally along the TPS 110 and substantially along the entire length thereof from end to end. The top view of FIG. 5 shows the concentric, essentially C-shape of both the body 100 and the positioning ledge 140. Moreover, the positioning ledge 140 critically is configured with a sloping profile of approximately 8 degrees. Herein, the slope of the positioning ledge 140 decreases from a maximum height 144 on the peripheral, distal ends of the body 100 (and thus both ends of the “C”), to a minimum height 141 at an 8 degree angle. This minimum height 141 approaches zero to a substantially flat planar surface at the CFP 115, relative to the TPS 110 of the body 100. Moreover, the SCL 140 extends centrally along the top side of TPS 110 in a concentric semicircular configuration (see FIGS. 1, 4 and 5). The SCL 140 also structurally forms a support ledge that supports and distributes weight when in use, and thus reduces pinching and skin tears by a user sitting upon the FDA 1000. The SCL 140 thus provides structure and means for enhanced safety and comfort features for the user.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the body 100 is a curved structure dimensioned with a hemispherical shape having a length BL approximately 14.5 inches, from the outermost edges of each of the handles 122, 124; and is approximately 7.3 inches wide (note FIG. 5). Along the profile of the body 100, the width varies from a maximal width at the handles 122, 124 of approximately 2.2 inches, to a minimum width of approximately 1.45 inches at its CFP 115.

[0039] The SCL 140 has a narrow width (relative to the width of the body 100). The minimum height H2, is at the CFP 115 and forms a positioning notch 145 (as best gleaned in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5). This shallow portion formed at the positioning notch 145 is a means for properly positioning and stabilizing the FDA 1000 in place on a MACA 2000. As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, the positioning notch 145 is centrally located and adapted, dimensioned, and configured to matingly receive a notch 2045 on the underside of a commode seat 2040 of a conventional medical toilet apparatus such as the exemplary illustrated MACA 2000 often used in hospital or clinical settings. A conventional 3-1 MACA 2000, well known in the art generally comprises a handled frame structure that supports a commode 2100 (resting on front and rear frame support bars 2035 and 2036 respectively), with a commode seat 2040 and commode cover 2050.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, both the DF 160 and the body 100 have a hemispherical, concave curved shape as defined by angle theta 1, which is approximately 76 degrees in a preferred embodiment. As can be gleaned from FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the DF 160 is a shield having curved edges 163 dimensioned to vertically extend perpendicularly from the bottom planar surface 112 of the body 110 with an estimated length DFL of approximately 3 inches. This dimension and shape functions to prohibit urine from splashing along the front and sides of a commode 2100 and facilitates the drainage of such waste fluid to fall within the interior thereof.

[0041] The DF 160, in conjunction with the SCL 140, provide means for blocking the gap between the commode seat 2040 and front frame support bar 2035. The TPS 110 further contains beveled well 156 forming a recessed, beveled surface with a mouth having a dimension of approximately 3.3 inches long by 0.5 inches wide in a preferred embodiment. Furthermore, this beveled surface serves as a funneling surface for draining any splashed fluid or urine along through a drain port 155, which functions as an aperture that allows fluid to flow through the rotation cradle 150 and drain into a commode 2100. One side of this beveled well 156 forms the convex curved C-shape of the interior surface providing a curved surface structure for rotably attaching to a commode 2100 (as seen in FIG. 9); and, the opposite and exterior side of the rotation cradle 150 has a planar surface 153.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the FDA 1000 illustrating structure extending vertically from the BPS 112 such as the rotation cradle 150, and the set of attachment anchor frames (AAF) 130 located on opposite ends of the body 100 from one another, beneath the handles 122,124, respectively. The AAF 130 is comprised of a set of left and right support legs 132, 134 that each extend vertically from beneath the handles 122, 124, respectively, and have a convex curved surface creating an anchor cradle 133 that properly positions and anchors the FDA 1000 atop a MACA 2000. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor cradle 133 may have a curved surface with a radius of curvature of approximately 0.5 radians with the support legs 132, 134 approximately 0.5 inch in length and thus configured and dimensioned to form an anchor for matingly positioning the underside of the FDA 1000 atop the commode support bars 2135 as seen in FIG. 11. The set of support legs 132, 134 further contribute to form a support grid 135 comprising a set of raised linear notches (best gleaned in FIG. 7) on the BPS 112 which supports and stabilizes a commode seat 2040 (see FIG. 12) and ensures a reduction in skin pinching when a user is sitting atop the FDA 1000.

[0043] FIG. 7 presents a bottom view of the FDA 100 which reveals the critical structure that undergirds the shielding and positioning functions. The set of hygiene handles 122, 124 extend peripherally beyond the hemispherical C-shaped body 100. The hygiene handles 122, 124 extend in an offset angled manner at an obtuse angle of theta2 (FIG. 5) to facilitate ease in handling. Each of the hygiene handles 122,124 have an approximate width HHW 2.2 inches, and an approximate length of 2.8 inches. These dimensions along with the support grid 135, and the support legs 132, 134 provide the structure for clinicians to grab and sufficiently handle the FDA 1000 when anchoring and / or removing from a commode.

[0044] Furthermore, the hemispherical shape as well as the overall dimensions of the FDA 1000 correspond to conventional medically accessible commode assemblies known in the art, such as for example, the “3-1” commodes. In a preferred embodiment, the design consideration of the instant invention are such that the arc of the C-shaped body 100 is dimensioned and configured to fit such convention commode assemblies and therefore is dimensioned to have an interior width BIW (body interior width) of approximately 10 inches—relative to the hygiene handles 122, 124. The body 100 has an exterior width BEW (body exterior width) of approximately 14.5 inches wide, with a height BH 7.35 inches in a preferred embodiment.

[0045] Another critical feature of the FDA 1000 is the ease with which it readily can be placed, and hygienically removed from a conventional medical commode apparatus. FIS 8-12 illustrate the method of using the FDA 1000 and its portable ease in placing on, and removing from a MACA 2000. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the FDA 1000 in conjunction with a MACA 2000 in a first step of orienting the horizontal plane of the body 100 of the FDA 1000 perpendicularly relative to the commode 2100 and front support bar 2035. This initial step facilitates the alignment of the rotation cradle 150 for rotational placement on, and atop the front frame support bar 2035 as shown in FIG. 9 and a side view of FIG. 10.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment, the rotation cradle 150 has a convexly curved surface 152 with an approximate angle theta 3, having a radius of curvature of approximately 0.9 radians which forms a cradle for rotating the FDA 1000 about the front frame support bar 2035. These dimensions and accompanying configuration thus facilitate the rotable attachment of the rotation cradle 150 to the MACA 2000. FIG. 10 illustrates the angular rotation range for the FDA 1000 about the MACA 2000 in an Open Mode position thus rotating open to an approximate angle of 147 degrees relative to the commode 2100. FIG. 11 illustrates the FDA 1000 in an anchored and attached position above the commode 2100 with the commode seat 2040 up / opened. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the position of the FDA 1000 anchored in place—and ready for use—with the commode seat 2040 down, as it is shown nestled between the commode seat 2040 and the commode 2100.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the FDA 1000 is a monolithic, unitary structure, constructed, e.g., molded, of any suitable, medical grade, polymeric material well known in the art. Examples include, without limitation, high density polypropylene (HDPE). An exemplary HDPE material would yield a lightweight FDA 1000 weighing an estimated 145 grams. Such material considerations are comprehensive and facilitate enhanced hygiene with a rigid, sturdy, lightweight material that is easily manufactured. However, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, unitary structure may alternatively be made of any of numerous different polymeric or other materials (lightweight metals, alloys, etc.).

[0048] Other material considerations include the FDA 1000 continuing antimicrobial agents infused within the material. In other embodiments the polymeric material utilized to construct the FDA 1000 can be scented. In one embodiment, the polymeric material may be mixed with fragrance-infused plastic pellets prior to forming, e.g., molding, the unitary structure. The fragrance-infused plastic pellets such as, without limitation, pellets infused with a anti-odor fragrance. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the percentage of fragrance mixed into the polymeric material can vary depending on the desired strength and life of the fragrance desired.

[0049] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. In some of the figures, various dimensions are presented to provide a scope of the sizing of the FDA 1000 and its components and should not be construed as definitive and limiting but rather descriptive of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, other configurations can be realized with the simple addition and / or subtraction of particular parts. For example, a preferred embodiment wherein the FDA 1000 is a unitary apparatus is as described above, however it is well within the purview of one skilled in the art to manufacture the FDA 1000 comprising multiple parts in an alternative embodiment. For example, but not limited to, the handles 122,124, and / or the support legs 132, 134, and / or the DF 160 may be detachably connected to the body 100 in other design considerations.

[0050] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fluid defection apparatus for medical commode assemblies having a unitary, rigid body with a semicircular, C shape extending along a horizontal axis with a top side, bottom side, front and rear side:said top side having a central portion containing a recessed well with beveled surfaces extending vertically from the top, and forming an interior funnel for directing fluid therethrough;said bottom side having a rotation cradle wherein said rotation cradle extends vertically from said bottom side, and perpendicular to said top side,said rotation cradle having a front convexly curved surface and a rear planar surface forming a cradled surface for notably attaching to a medical commode assembly; andsaid body having a set of handles extending radially from said top side and forming winged peripheral ends for hygienically handling the apparatus, andwherein said set of handles each have a set of support legs formed underneath;a fluid deflecting shield extending vertically from the rear side of said body, and perpendicular to the top side of said body;the top side of said body comprises a double sloping positioning ledge having a semicircular configuration concentric to said body; anda set of support legs on the bottom of said body beneath said handles forming a support grid.

2. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front curved surface has a convex curved surface substantially forming a C-shaped mating surface for rotably attaching to a medical commode apparatus; andsaid interior funnel having an aperture forming a drain port for fluid flow.

3. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 2, wherein said support legs have a central curved surface forming a U-shaped configuration for matingly attaching to a medical commode assembly.

4. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 3, wherein said sloping positioning ledge dimensioned and configured to have a sloping profile having a maximum height on either ends with a decreasing slope approaching zero at the center forming a positioning notch for matingly attaching to a medical commode apparatus.

5. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 4, wherein the unitary rigid body is comprised of a hard plastic material.

6. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 5, wherein said commode assemblies include medically accessible commodes, such as the 3-1 commode assembly; andwherein the fluid being deflected is urine.

7. A fluid deflection apparatus for removable attachment to a commode assembly comprising:a unitary hemispherical body having a substantially C-shaped configuration extending along a horizontal plane, anda top planar surface with a recessed well at the center, and said well having a curved surface forming a sloped recess for funneling fluid,a set of hygiene handles that extend from the periphery of said top planar surface at an obtuse angle,a rotation cradle extending vertically therefrom and having a curved surface with a convex curved surface for rotable placement and removal from a commode assembly / apparatus,said set of hygiene handles further comprising a set of support legs extending perpendicularly from beneath said handles, and support legs having an inner curved surface for matingly coupling to a frame of a medically accessible commode assembly; anda substantially C-shaped curved, planar shield extending from said hemispherical body for deflecting fluid; andsaid planar shield dimensioned to extend along the entire inner width of the hemispherical body; andsaid top planar surface comprising a sloping raised ridge along the top planar surface for ensuring patient safety and comfort, andsaid top planar surface having a double-sloped profile decreasing from the outer peripheral distal edges downward to a substantially flat profile at the center forming a positioning notch.

8. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 7 wherein said unitary hemispherical body is a monolithic structure comprised of a rigid medical grade material and weighs approximately 145 grams or less.

9. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 8 wherein the hemispherical body is dimensioned and configured for concentric attachment to a conventional medically accessible commode assembly, such as a 3-1 commode, having a corresponding circumferential dimension.

10. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 9, wherein said corresponding length and height is approximately 14.5 and 7.35 inches, respectively.

11. The fluid deflection apparatus of claim 10 wherein said unitary rigid medical grade material comprises a medical grade hard plastic such as HDPE.

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