US20140082833A1

US20140082833A1 - Container Extension Device

Info

Publication number: US20140082833A1
Application number: US13/940,399
Authority: US
Inventors: Jin Guo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-27
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2014-03-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable urine container extension device for removable attachment to a prior art container containing a disinfectant. The device is preferably comprised of a first end having an exterior threaded portion, a second end having an interior threaded portion, a continuous opening extending from said first end to said second end, and a cap. The cap forms a waterproof seal with the first end, and the second end forms a waterproof seal with the container, thereby resulting in a portable urine collection device. The device enables a user to urinate comfortably when restrooms are not readily accessible. The device may accommodate men, women and/or children, and enables a disinfectant to remain in the container during use thereby reducing unwanted odors and the risk of health related problems commonly associated with holding in one's urine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/706,306 filed on Sep. 27, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a container extension device for removable attachment to a prior art container for receiving urine.

BACKGROUND

Individuals travelling in motor vehicles, such as truck drivers, passengers, etc., often need to urinate when there is no restroom nearby and/or the individual does not have time to take a restroom break. It is not always legal to urinate on the roadside and, in any event, doing so can cause a person to feel uncomfortable and exposed. Other individuals, such as those who enjoy hiking, camping and outdoor gatherings, may go long periods of time without encountering a restroom. Holding in one's urine can result in pain, discomfort and various health related problems. An effective solution is needed.
Consequently, there is a long felt need in the art for a portable container extension device that can be removably attached to a prior art container, such as a container that contains bleach, for receiving urine. There is also a long felt need for a portable container extension device that can be used by men, women and/or children. Finally, there is a long felt need for a portable container extension device that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a portable container extension device that can be removably attached to a prior art container, such as a container that contains bleach, allowing the user to relieve him or herself into the extension device which directs the user's urine into the container containing the bleach or other disinfectant for subsequent disposal. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container extension device is comprised of a funnel having a first end, a second end, and a continuous opening therein between said first end and said second end, and a removable cap for covering the opening at the first end. Further, the continuous opening at the second end may be female threaded so as to facilitate removable attachment of the funnel to a prior art container, such as a prior art container containing bleach, for receipt of the user's urine. The use of bleach in the container helps to reduce or eliminate any unpleasant odors, and serves the additional purpose of being a disinfectant. It is also contemplated that first end could be produced in various designs and/or sizes to accommodate men, women and children.
The container extension device enables a user to urinate comfortably when restrooms are not readily accessible, and reduces the amount of time needed to make restroom breaks during long road trips. The invention also eliminates lingering odor by permitting bleach to remain in the prior art container during use, and reduces the risk of health related problems commonly associated with holding in one's urine. The invention also contemplates different designs to accommodate both male and female users. Finally, the urine container extension device of the present invention is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to install and use.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device of the present invention with the cap removed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the urine container extension device of the present invention with the cap removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device of the present invention being removably attached to a prior art container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device of the present invention securely attached to a prior art container thereby forming a portable urine collection device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device of the present invention securely attached to a prior art container with a cap thereon and positioned adjacent a user in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device 100 of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the container extension device 100 of the present invention is comprised of a first end 110, a second end 120, a continuous opening 130 connecting said first end 110 and said second end 120, an exterior surface 140, an interior surface 150 and a cap 160 that may be removably attached to said first end 110, as described more fully below.
The function of urine container extension device 100 is similar to that of a prior art funnel inasmuch as it is designed to receive a substance or fluid at first end 110 and discharge the same at the second end 120 after the substance or fluid has passed through continuous opening 130. Unless otherwise stated herein, container extension device 100 is preferably comprised of plastic (such as medical grade or biodegradable plastic), paper, porcelain, or some other durable material capable of being machine or hand washed.
As best illustrated in FIG. 1, container extension device 100 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape with a slight bend 170 therein to facilitate convenient use of the device 100 when it is removably attached to an upright prior art container 300, as described more fully below. The angle of bend 170 is preferably between 152 and 162 degrees, though it is contemplated that other angles could also be used to suit user preference or a particular application. The overall length of urine container extension device 100, as measured between first end 110 and second end 120 is preferably between 7 and 9 inches, and the diameter of continuous opening 130 at first end 110 is preferably between 2½ and 3 inches, whereas the diameter of continuous opening 130 at second end 120 is preferably between 1½ and 1¾ inches. Stated differently, device 100 is preferably tapered in size between first end 110 and second end 120 to provide a larger opening 130 for the user to urinate into at first end 110 and a smaller opening 130 at second end 120 for removable attachment to prior art container 300.
Additionally, the exterior surface 140 of first end 110 further comprises an exterior threaded portion 112 for engaging a threaded portion 162 of cap 160. More specifically, exterior threaded portion 112 of first end 110 corresponds to the threaded portion 162 of cap 160 to enable a user (not shown) to thread cap 160 onto first end 110 to close continuous opening 130 and create a generally waterproof seal between cap 160 and first end 110 to prevent leaking or spillage from container 300 and/or container extension device 100. Likewise, the interior surface 150 of second end 120 further comprises an interior threaded portion 122 for engaging a threaded portion 322 of prior art container 300, as described more fully below, to create a generally waterproof seal between second end 120 and container 300 and prevent leaking or spillage.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the urine container extension device 200 of the present invention. The container extension device 200 of the present invention is comprised of a first end 210, a second end 220, a continuous opening 230 connecting said first end 210 and said second end 220, an exterior surface 240, an interior surface 250 and a cap 260 that may be removably attached to said first end 210, as described more fully below.
Urine container extension device 200 functions similarly to urine container extension device 100 described above inasmuch as it is designed to receive a substance or fluid, such as urine, at first end 210 and discharge the same at the second end 220 after the substance or fluid has passed through continuous opening 230. Unless otherwise stated herein, funnel device 200 is also preferably comprised of plastic, paper, porcelain, or some other durable material capable of being machine or hand washed.
Urine container extension device 200 is also preferably generally cylindrical in shape with a slight bend 270 therein to facilitate convenient use of the device 200 when it is removably attached to an upright prior art container 300. The angle of bend 270 is preferably between 167 and 170 degrees, though it is contemplated that other angles could also be used to suit user preference or a particular application. The overall length of urine container extension device 200, as measured between first end 210 and second end 220 is preferably between 7 and 9 inches, and the diameter of continuous opening 230 at first end 210 is preferably between 4 and 5 inches, whereas the diameter of continuous opening 230 at second end 220 is preferably between 1½ and 1¾ inches. Stated differently, device 200 is preferably tapered in size between first end 210 and second end 220 to provide a larger opening 230 for a female user (not shown) to urinate into at first end 210 and a smaller opening 230 at second end 220 for removable attachment to prior art container 300.
Additionally, the exterior surface 240 of first end 210 further comprises an exterior threaded portion 212 for engaging a threaded portion 262 of cap 260. More specifically, exterior threaded portion 212 of first end 210 corresponds to the threaded portion 262 of cap 260 to enable a user (not shown) to thread cap 260 onto first end 210 to close continuous opening 230 and create a generally waterproof seal between cap 260 and first end 210 to prevent leaking or spillage from container 300 and or container extension device 200. Likewise, the interior surface 250 of second end 220 further comprises an interior threaded portion 222 for engaging a threaded portion 322 of prior art container 300, as described more fully below, to create a generally waterproof seal between second end 220 and container 300 and prevent leaking or spillage.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device 100 of the present invention being removably attached to prior art container 300. Prior art container 300 is well known in the art and can be any container, bottle or jug capable of receiving and/or storing a liquid such as a water bottle, bleach jug, juice jug, water jug, etc., provided that the same is capable of being removably attached to device 100, 200 in the manner described herein. Prior art container is typically comprised of a body portion 310 defining an interior cavity 311, a handle 312 for easy handling of container 300 and a spout 320. Spout 320 is preferably comprised of a threaded portion 322 and an opening 324 in fluid communication with interior cavity 311. It is also contemplated that a separate threaded reducer/expander (not shown) could be used to adapt second end 120 of device 100 to spout 320.
A user (not shown) may install urine container extension device 100 onto container 300 by rotating device 100 in a clockwise direction thereby mating interior threaded portion 122 of second end 120 with threaded portion 322 of spout 320 and creating a generally waterproof seal between device 100 and container 300. When a user desires to remove device 100 from container 300 (e.g., for cleaning or to empty the contents of container 300), the user simply unthreads device 100 from threaded portion 322 of spout 320 in a counter-clockwise manner.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device 100 of the present invention securely attached to a prior art container 300, thereby forming a portable urine collection device less cap 160. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the urine container extension device 100 of the present invention securely attached to a prior art container 300 with a cap 160 thereon and positioned adjacent a user 400 on a seat 412 in a vehicle 400. As previously mentioned, device 100 is designed to allow user 400 to urinate into container 300 when an appropriate facility is not ready available or stopping for a restroom break is not possible or convenient, such as on long vehicular trips.
Having described the overall structure of portable container extension device 100, 200, it's use and usefulness will now be described. A user (not shown) wishing to utilize urine container extension device 100 to urinate into prior art container 300 would first removably attach second end 120 of device 100 to spout 320 of container 300 in the manner discussed above, thereby creating a generally waterproof seal between the device 100 and the container 300. The user may then remove cap 160 from first end 110 and urinate into continuous opening 130 at first end 110. As the user urinates, the urine will travel along continuous opening 130 and discharge out of second end 120 and into the interior cavity 311 of container 300. The interior cavity 311 of container may contain an existing quantity of a disinfectant 330, such as bleach, to eliminate or reduce the odor of the urine as well as any bacteria and/or germs.
Once the user is done urinating into device 100 and container 300, the user may removably attach cap 160 to first end 110 of device by threading cap 160 in a clockwise direction over exterior threaded portion 112 thereby creating a generally waterproof seal between cap 160 and device 100, and preventing the contents of container 300 from leaking and/or spilling. When the user (not shown) arrives at an appropriate disposal point, such as a public restroom, the user may properly discharge the contents of container 300 into a toilet or other appropriate waste receptacle by removing cap 160 from device 100 and inverting container 300.
In this manner, the portable urine container extension device 100, 200 enables a user to urinate comfortably when restrooms are not readily accessible, and reduces the amount of time needed to make restroom breaks during long road trips. The portable urine container extension device 100, 200 also eliminates lingering odor by permitting bleach to remain in the prior art container 300 during use, and reduces the risk of health related problems commonly associated with holding in urine. It is contemplated that the portable urine container extension device could be manufactured in different shapes and sizes to accommodate men, women and/or children. Finally, the portable urine container extension device 100, 200 of the present invention is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to install and use.
Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A urine extension device for removable attachment to a container comprising:

a first end further comprised of an exterior threaded portion;

a second end further comprised of an interior threaded portion;

a continuous opening extending between said first end and said second end; and

a cap.

2. The urine extension device of claim 1 wherein said cap further comprises a threaded portion for engaging the exterior threaded portion of said first end.

3. The urine extension device of claim 2 wherein the threaded portion of said cap and the exterior threaded portion of said first end form a waterproof seal between said cap and said urine extension device.

4. The urine extension device of claim 1 wherein said container further comprises a threaded spout for engaging the interior threaded portion of said second end.

5. The urine extension device of claim 4 wherein the threaded spout of said container and the interior threaded portion of said second end form a waterproof seal between said urine extension device and said container.

6. The urine extension device of claim 1 wherein said urine extension device further comprises a bend between said first end and said second end.

7. The urine extension device of claim 6 wherein said bend is at an angle of between 152 and 162 degrees.

8. The urine extension device of claim 1 wherein the size of the continuous opening at the first end is larger than the size of the continuous opening at the second end.

9. The urine extension device of claim 1 wherein the container contains a disinfectant.

10. The urine extension device of claim 9 wherein the disinfectant is bleach.

11. A urine funnel device for removable attachment to a container containing a disinfectant therein and comprising:

a threaded cap; and

a funnel portion comprised of a first end and a second end, wherein said first end further comprises a threaded portion for engaging said threaded cap to create a waterproof seal between said threaded cap and said funnel portion.

12. The urine funnel device of claim 11 wherein said second end further comprises a threaded section for engaging a threaded spout on said container to create a waterproof seal between said urine funnel device and said container.

13. The urine funnel device of claim 11 wherein said funnel portion further comprises a bend between said first end and said second end.

14. The urine funnel device of claim 13 wherein said bend is at an angle of between 167 and 170 degrees.

15. The urine funnel device of claim 11 wherein said funnel portion further comprises a continuous opening extending between said first end and said second end.

16. The urine funnel device of claim 15 wherein said continuous opening is larger in size at the first end than the continuous opening at the second end.

17. The urine funnel device of claim 11 wherein said disinfectant is bleach.

18. A portable urine collection device comprising:

a cap;

a funnel comprised of a first end and a second end; and

a container, wherein said cap is removably attachable to said first end of said funnel and said second end of the funnel is removably attachable to the container.

19. The portable urine collection device of claim 18 wherein said funnel is in fluid communication with said container.

20. The portable urine collection device of claim 18 wherein the container further comprises a disinfectant.