US20060031982A1

US20060031982A1 - Portable personal waste deposal unit

Info

Publication number: US20060031982A1
Application number: US10/917,808
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Pittman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-13
Filing date: 2004-08-13
Publication date: 2006-02-16

Abstract

The present invention is a portable personal waste disposal unit. The personal waste disposal unit includes a container having a top surface with a removable cap covering an opening. The opening is oval in shape and leads to an interior of the disposal unit. The container includes a tissue and privacy sheet. The privacy sheet may be used to cover an individual using the personal waste disposal unit. The disposal unit may be sized to fit under an automobile seat. When using the disposal unit, the cap is removed from the top surface, thereby allowing the individual to deposit bodily waste through the opening into the interior. The container is strong enough to hold the weight of an individual. After use, the cap is placed over the opening. The disposal unit may then be discarded as desired by the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to portable waste deposal units. Specifically, the present invention relates to a unit for storing personal bodily waste products of a person.
2. Description of the Related Art
At some point in everyone's life, a person requires toilet facilities for which none can be readily found. It is a desperate situation, which often ends in a very embarrassing moment for the person. With traffic congestion becoming more common, this difficult situation is occurring even more often. A driver, often with his children, is driving on a highway where the traffic is so great that cars are at a standstill for hours. This traffic oftentimes makes it impossible to exit the highway. The driver and passengers are then relegated to prisoners within their car. However, personal needs do not cease during these times. People must still perform certain bodily functions, such as urinating.
In addition, anyone having children realize that children need to use restroom facilities more often than most adults. Therefore, on long drives, a parent is forced to stop more often than desired so that the children can use restroom facilities. There are also countless other situations where restroom facilities are not readily available. For example, when traveling in a small boat or aircraft, there are often not any restroom facilities. In these situations, it is not often convenient to find restroom facilities. In still another situation, bedridden people have difficulty using the restroom. To leave a bed and go to a bathroom may require extraordinary effort for a bedridden person.
There are various types of portable toilets currently being used. However, these existing portable toilets suffer from several disadvantages. One such portable toilet is merely a tube leading to a container. A man may urinate within the container, but it is not suitable for a woman. In addition, there is no means for covering the person while urinating into the tube.
There are also other, larger portable toilets, which may be useful while camping, but are not convenient or suitable for use in an automobile. These portable toilets are usually quite large and take up precious storage space. In addition, these toilets are oftentimes quite expensive. In addition, these toilets require servicing, specifically the cleaning and removal of any waste products.
In still another example, bedpans are used by patients confined to a bed. These bedpans perform a vital function, but still require the washing and reuse of the bedpan. The bedpans are simply too expensive to discard after only one use. Additionally, the bedpans are particularly heavy for bedridden patients.
A portable waste deposit unit is needed which provides privacy, is useable by both genders, and is inexpensive. In addition, the unit should be small enough to be stored under an automobile seat.
Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a portable personal waste disposal unit which is inexpensive, easy to store, and useable by both males and females. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a portable personal waste disposal unit. The disposal unit includes a container having a top surface. The top surface has an opening leading to an interior portion of the container. A removable cap covers the opening. When the disposal unit is needed, the cap is removed and the person's bodily waste is deposited through the opening into the interior of the container. The cap is then placed over the opening. The entire disposal unit may then be discarded at the convenience of the person.
In another aspect, the present invention is a portable personal waste disposal unit. The disposal unit includes a container having a top surface. The top surface has an oval shaped opening leading to an interior portion within the container. The container is reinforced to support the weight of a person using the portable personal waste disposal unit. A removable cap covers the opening. The disposal unit also includes a privacy sheet for covering the person using the portable personal waste disposal unit. In addition, tissue is provided for use by the person. When needed, the person removes the removable cap, disposes of personal bodily waste through the opening and covers the opening with the removable cap.
In still another aspect, the present invention is a container for use in disposing of personal bodily waste. The container includes a reinforced frame having a plurality of sides forming around an interior portion of the container. The frame is strong enough to support the weight of a person sitting on the container. The container also includes a top surface having an opening leading to the interior portion. In addition, a removable cap covers the opening. The cap is removed prior to use, bodily waste of a person are deposited in the interior portion through the opening, and the cap is affixed over the opening to secure the bodily waste within the interior.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable personal waste disposal unit in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the removable cap removed from the opening of the container of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the top surface with the removable cap covering the opening;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the top surface with the removable cap removed; and
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the personal waste disposal unit illustrating the privacy sheet and the tissue in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable personal waste disposal unit 10 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waste disposal unit 10 preferably includes a container 11 having a top surface 12 with a removable cap 14 covering an opening 16. The height X of the container 11 is approximately 1-5 inches. The height is preferably small enough to allow the entire container 11 to fit under an automobile seat (not shown), with a height of between 1 and 3 inches being preferred. The container is of a length Y and width Z to allow a child or adult to sit or comfortably squat upon the container. Although the unit may take any shape or size to allow the individual to deposit personal bodily waste within the container, preferably the unit includes rounded corners and has the general shape and dimensions of a conventional tissue box.
A novel feature of this container 11 is the top surface 12. FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the removable cap 14 removed from the opening 16 of the container of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the top surface 12 with the removable cap 14 covering the opening 16. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the top surface 12 with the removable cap 14 removed. The opening 16 is of sufficient size to allow the individual to deposit solid or liquid bodily wastes through the opening. The unit 10 includes a hollow interior 20 of sufficient volume to hold a normal person's bodily waste products in storage within the interior. Preferably, the container may include two different sizes, one container having a one-liter capacity (i.e., for use by children) and a larger container having a liter and a half capacity for adults. The cap is preferably oval shaped for covering the opening, which is also preferably oval-shaped. The oval shape provides for an ergonomic configuration allowing far easier use of the personal disposal unit 10, especial by women. The opening may include a raised perimeter 22, which operates to hold the cap in place. The bottom side of the cap (not shown) may include a perimeter indentation, which correspondingly fits with the perimeter 22, thereby holding the cap in place. Such a connection feature is widely used in capping a container. However, any covering in any configuration, which allows the easy removal and replacement of the cap over the opening, may be utilized.
The container 11 is preferably constructed of a material that allows an adult to sit upon the top surface of the unit without crushing the container. The container may include a rigid or reinforced frame (constructed of metal or hard plastic) to allow the integrity of the unit to be maintained when the adult's weight is pressing against the top surface 12. In addition, to prevent damage to a surface upon which the container is placed, the exterior surface is constructed of a rubberized material. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the container may be constructed of a hard plastic. The container may also be constructed from a biodegradable material. In addition, the container 11 may include pop-up handles residing on one or more sides of the container. The handles, in a storage configuration, remain flush with the side of the container. However, when needed, the handle may swing outwardly to allow the grasping of the handle.
In addition to the container 11, the personal waste disposal unit 10 includes a privacy sheet 30 and a tissue 32. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the personal waste disposal unit 10 illustrating the privacy sheet and the tissue in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The privacy sheet is preferably a sheet of material large enough to cover an individual using the container. The tissue 32 is a sheet or sheets of tissue/toilet paper that is used during the process of eliminating bodily wastes. Both the privacy sheet and tissue may be stored in the interior of the container prior to use. After using the personal waste disposal unit 10, the sheet and tissue may also be deposited in the interior of the container 11. The cap 14 is then positioned over the opening. At the earliest opportunity, the personal waste disposal unit may be discarded. Alternatively, the contents of the container 11 may be emptied and the entire unit cleaned. The unit may then be reused.
With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the operation of the personal waste disposal unit 10 will now be explained. Prior to use, the portable personal waste disposal unit 10 is stored in an unobtrusive location, such as under the seat of an automobile. The disposal unit is preferably of a height X (approximately one to three inches), which permits the disposal unit to easily fit under the seat. However, the disposal unit may be stored anywhere, such in a trunk of a car, a glove compartment or any other suitable location. The disposal unit carries the privacy sheet 30 and the tissue 32 within the interior 20. The removable cap 14 is positioned upon the opening 16, thereby preventing the contents of the container from falling out of the interior of the container.
When the portable personal waste disposal unit is needed, the disposal unit may be grasped by one or more handles, thereby removing the disposal unit from a storage area. Next, the cap is removed from the opening. The privacy sheet 30 and the tissue 32 may then be removed from the interior 20 of the container 11. The individual using the portable personal waste disposal unit 10 may then sit, squat or stand over the container. Specifically, for many individuals, sitting on the container (e.g., a female or those persons needing to defecate), is by far the more convenient method of using the container. However, others may find standing over the container more convenient (e.g., a male urinating). The privacy cloth may then be positioned over the individual as he or she is using the portable personal disposal unit. Thus, the individual may complete the disposal process in a modest manner, without allowing others to observe the process. After completing the necessary bodily functions, the individual may use the tissue as necessary. The tissue may then be optionally discarded, either into a trash container or within the interior of the container 11.
In addition, the privacy sheet 30 may be discarded in a trash container, stored for future use, or placed in the interior of the container 11. The cap is then placed over the opening 16. All the contents within the interior 20 of the container are securely held within the confines of the container, thereby preventing the escape of the contents through the opening. The portable personal disposal unit 10 may then be stored, such as under the automobile seat, or discarded as desired by the individual. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the contents of the disposal unit may be emptied in a trash container or toilet, cleaned by washing out the interior and exterior of the container 11 and reused as desired.
The present invention provides many advantages over existing portable toilets. The present invention provides a convenient and easy way of storing a disposal toilet unit. The portable personal disposal unit 10 provides for the carriage and storage of ancillary items, which may be necessary when urinating or defecating, such as the privacy sheet 30 and the tissue 32. These ancillary items may be discarded after use, either into a separate trash container, or within the interior of the container. After using the portable personal disposal unit, the individual may discard the portable personal disposal unit or store the portable personal disposal unit in an unobtrusive location. The portable personal disposal unit provides an inexpensive and convenient way of disposing of personal waste in awkward situations with minimal embarrassment to an individual.
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.
Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.
It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable personal waste disposal unit, said disposal unit comprising:

a container having a top surface, the top surface having an opening leading to an interior portion within said container; and

a removable cap covering the opening;

whereby an individual removes said removable cap, disposes of personal bodily waste through the opening and covers the opening with said removable cap.

2. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein the opening is oval in shape.

3. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 2 wherein said cap is oval in shape.

4. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein said container includes at least one handle for grasping by the individual.

5. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein said container is constructed of plastic.

6. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein an exterior surface of said container is constructed of a rubber coating.

7. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 further comprising a tissue stored within the interior portion of said container.

8. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 further comprising a privacy sheet for covering an individual using the portable personal waste disposal unit, said private sheet being stored within the interior of said container.

9. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 further comprising:

a privacy sheet for covering an individual using the portable personal waste disposal unit; and

a tissue for use by the individual;

said privacy sheet and tissue being stored within the interior of said container.

10. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein said container is constructed of a material allowing the washing of said container and reuse of said container.

11. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein said container is reinforced to hold the weight of a person sitting upon the top surface of said container.

12. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein said container includes a height which allows the portable personal waste disposal unit to be stored under an automobile seat.

13. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 1 wherein the interior may hold between 1 and 2 liters of bodily waste product.

14. A portable personal waste disposal unit, said disposal unit comprising:

a container having a top surface, the top surface having an oval shaped opening leading to an interior portion within said container, said container being reinforced to support the weight of a person using the portable personal waste disposal unit;

a removable cap covering the opening;

a privacy sheet for covering the person using the portable personal waste disposal unit; and

a tissue sheet for use by the person using the portable personal waste disposal unit;

whereby a person removes said removable cap, disposes of personal bodily waste through the opening and covers the opening with said removable cap.

15. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 14 wherein said container includes at least one handle for grasping and moving said container.

16. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 14 wherein an exterior surface of said container is a rubber coating.

17. The portable personal waste disposal unit of claim 14 wherein said container includes a height which allows the portable personal waste disposal unit to be stored under an automobile seat.

18. A container for use in disposing of personal bodily waste, said container comprising:

a reinforced frame having a plurality of sides forming around an interior portion, the frame allowing the support of a person sitting upon the container;

a top surface having an opening leading to the interior portion; and

a removable cap covering the opening;

whereby the cap is removed prior to use, bodily waste of the person is deposited into the interior portion through the opening, and the cap is affixed over the opening to secure the bodily waste within the interior.

19. The container for use in disposing of personal bodily waste of claim 18 further comprising a privacy sheet stored within the interior for covering the person while using the container.

20. The container for use in disposing of personal bodily waste of claim 18 further comprising tissue stored within the interior for use by the person using the container to dispose of personal bodily waste.