Abstract:
The female urination device assists a female in urinating from a standing position and directs the urine a suitable distance from the female. The device comprises a first end having a first opening for discharging urine and a second end having a second opening for receiving the urine. The second opening is larger than the first opening. The device further comprises a retractable tip to extend the length of the device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/229,578 filed Sep. 9, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The claimed invention relates to female urination device, and more particularly, to female urination devices which allow a female to urinate from a standing position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Public restrooms for women are very often unclean and unsanitary. The toilet seats in public restrooms are often dirty or otherwise in an unsanitary condition. Because of this, women often squat above the toilet seat when using the public restroom to avoid touching the toilet seat. This can be difficult and unpleasant way for a woman to urinate, especially for a young girl. Similarly, women may have no choice but to squat while holding her clothing out of the way in order to urinate when no restroom is available while traveling, hiking or camping. 
         [0004]    In prior art, various types of female urination devices have been proposed. However, many of these devices are complicated and cumbersome to use. Also, none of these devices provide a retractable tip to lengthen the device or an aperture controller to adjust the size of the opening to accommodate users&#39; different body sizes. Further, none of these devices provide an inner lining to facilitate urine collection, e.g., to provide urine sample in a doctor&#39;s office. This is a particular problem because many of these devices are constructed biodegradable paper that can be flushed in a toilet, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,703. 
         [0005]    Additionally U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,748 requires the user to wrap a flat sheet of material to form a funnel shaped device and the sanitary pad is susceptible to contamination during use because of its proximity to the anal area. 
         [0006]    Further U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,573 requires two hands to prepare the collapsible device for use. One hand to hold the device while using the other hand to push the top portion of the device upward and the bottom portion of the device downward, or alternatively, one hand to push the top portion of the device upward and the other hand to push the bottom portion of the device downward. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 2,878,486 requires two hands to open the device for use from its unfolded position. The device is held in an opened hand with thumb and fingers and the handle portions are pulled in an upward direction with the fingers of the other hand until opened. It is preferable that only one hand is required to use and operate device. 
       OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Therefore, it is an object of the claimed invention to solve the aforementioned problems with the conventional female urination device. 
         [0008]    Another object of the claimed invention is to provide a female urination device which is simple, easy to use and convenient to carry. 
         [0009]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the female urination device assist a female in urinating from a standing position and for directing the urine a suitable distance from the female. The first end of the device has a first opening for discharging urine, and the second end has a second opening for receiving the urine and is larger than the first opening. The device comprises a retractable tip for extending the first end to lengthen the device and a retraction tab for sliding the retractable tip in and out of the first end. The retraction tab is slidable towards the first end to slide the retractable tip out of the first end to increase a length of the device and slidable away from the first end to retract the retractable tip into the first end. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further comprises an aperture controller to adjust the size of the second opening, and preferably, a tear line to tear or remove the aperture controller from the device. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further comprises a lining or bag inside the device to collect urine. Preferably, the lining or bag is attached to the device with a tear line to facilitate removable of the lining or bag from the device. 
         [0012]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the second end of the aforesaid device is coated with non-abrasive wax or paper; and wherein the lower portion of the second end is concave in shape to provide a tight contoured fit. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the second end of the aforesaid device comprises a rolling part to provide a smooth second end to eliminate sharp edges and to provide a sealed perimeter at the second end to contain the urine within the device 
         [0014]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further comprises a gripping portion on the exterior surface of the device. The gripping portion comprises a rough surface or rubberized coating providing friction to prevent slippage and to operate the device with a user&#39;s one hand. 
         [0015]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further comprises a score line between the first and second end to fold the device in half for a compact fit. 
         [0016]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further comprises a score line towards the first end to fold the first end after use to prevent any leakage from spilling out. 
         [0017]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the female urination device assist a female in urinating from a standing position and for directing the urine a suitable distance from the female. The first end of the device has a first opening for discharging urine, and the second end has a second opening for receiving the urine and is larger than the first opening. The device further comprises a lining or bag inside the device to collect the urine, such as urine sample for use in the doctor&#39;s office. The lining or bag is attached to the device with a tear line to facilitate removable of the lining or bag from the device. 
         [0018]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further a retractable tip for extending the first end to lengthen the device, and preferably, a retraction tab for sliding the retractable tip in and out of the first end. The retraction tab is slidable towards the first end to slide the retractable tip out of the first end to increase a length of the device and slidable away from the first end to retract the retractable tip into the first end. 
         [0019]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device further comprises a sanitary wipe removably attached to an exterior surface of the device. 
         [0020]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device is made from a biodegradable and water-resistant material. 
         [0021]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the interior surfaces of the aforesaid device are coated with water-resistant coating, epoxy or synthetic resin. 
         [0022]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid device is funnel shaped in an open useable configuration. 
         [0023]    Various other objects, advantages and features of the claimed invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description. Novel features will be emphatically pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The claimed invention is further explained in the description which follows with reference to the drawings, illustrations illustrating, by way of non-limiting examples, various embodiments of the invention, with like reference numerals representing similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of the device with an aperture controller and a smooth second end in a closed or flat configuration in accordance exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the device with a dual aperture controller in an open or useable configuration with in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the device with an aperture controller deployed to reduce the size of the opening and a smooth second end in an open or useable configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A-4B  show side and perspective views of the device with score lines to fold the device for storage and/or the tip to prevent leakage after use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A-C  show top and exploded views of the device with retractable tip in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A-B  show top and exploded views of the device with a disposable bag inside the device to collect urine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , the female urination device  1000  is designed to assist a female to urinate in a standing position, thereby enabling the female to comfortably and safely urinate while minimizing hygiene risks under any conditions, such as unsanitary restrooms and no available public facilities. 
         [0032]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the device  1000  comprises two opposing upper panels  1100  and two opposing lower panels  1200 . The upper panel  1100  is defined by an upper longitudinal crease  1110  and a side longitudinal crease  1120 . The lower panel  1200  is defined by a lower longitudinal crease  1210  and a side longitudinal crease  1120 . These panels  1100 ,  1200  can be made of any suitable, water-resistant, pliable material, such as paper, cardboard, plastic and the like. Alternatively, the interior surfaces or both interior and exterior surfaces of the panels  1100 ,  1200  can be coated with a thin, water-resistant coating, epoxy or synthetic resin to prevent the urine passing through the device  1000  from leaking through the panels  1100 ,  1200 . 
         [0033]    Although many of the prior urination device is made from a biodegradable material that can be flushed downed the toilet after use, such devices are too flimsy and not sturdy enough to provide adequate protection during use. Accordingly, the claimed device  1000  is preferably made of sturdy biodegradable material that can be disposed of in any conventional manner, e.g., a waste receptacle, without any adverse environmental effect. 
         [0034]    The device  1000  is preferably constructed from a blank, not shown, wherein longitudinal creases  1110 ,  1120 ,  1210  are scored on the blank. The device  1000  is preferably packaged in a closed or a flat configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 . The flat or closed configuration of the device  1000  enables it to be conveniently carried in a purse or pocketbook, and, therefore, readily available at all times. Preferably, one of the upper panels  1100  comprises a strip (not shown) for attaching the strip to the opposing upper panel  1100  by glue or other comparable means. 
         [0035]    Each of the two opposing lower panels  1200  has a first end  1220  and a second end  1230 . Preferably, the second end  1230  is concave and covered with non-abrasive paper or wax to provide a comfortable and tight contoured fit around the woman&#39;s vulva when the device is held in place during use. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the second end  1230  comprises a rolling part  1240  to provide a non-abrasive, smooth curved second end  1230 , thereby eliminating any sharp edges touching the user and alleviating any potential discomfort or irritation to the user&#39;s body during use. 
         [0036]    Each of the two opposing upper panels  1100  has a first end  1130  and a second end  1140 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the second end  1140  of the upper panels  1100  comprises an aperture controller  1300  to protect adjust the size of the second opening  1410 . The rolling part  1240  of the second end  1230  provide a comfortable, sealed perimeter around the vulva to protect the user from accidental leakage or spillage during use. Also, the aperture controller  1300  can be torn or removed along the tear line  2220  if not needed or desired by the user. Preferably, the upper panels  1100  can additionally comprise a second aperture controller  1310  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) which works with the aperture controller  1310  to further enlarge the second opening  1410 . Furthermore, the rolling part  1240  and the aperture controller  1300  eliminate any sharp edges touching the user, thereby minimizing any potential discomfort or irritation to the user&#39;s body during use. 
         [0037]    The user applies pressure to both the lower longitudinal crease  1210  and the upper longitudinal crease  1100  of the device  1000  in a closed configuration (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) using one hand to open the device  1000  to a useable configuration and utilizing the aperture controller guard  1300  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to adjust the second opening  1410 . The pressure applied by the fingers of the user&#39;s hand pushes the upper longitudinal crease  1100  and the lower longitudinal crease  1210  towards each other to deploy the female urination device  1000 . That is, the female urination device  1000  moves from the closed/flat configuration to the opened/useable configuration. It is appreciated that only one hand is needed to open the device  1000 , thereby leaving the other hand free. When the device  1000  is opened, the aperture controller  1300  can be deployed to adjust the size of the second opening  1410  to accommodate different body dimensions of the users, thereby providing an one-sized device  1000  to fit a multitude of users having varying bodily dimensions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aperture controller  1300  can be deployed downward or towards to decrease the size of the second opening  1410 , as exemplary shown in  FIG. 4B , to decrease the size of the second opening  1410  or can be deployed upwards to increase the size of the second opening  1410 . That is, the aperture controller  1300  provides a custom fit by enabling the user to control the size of the second opening  1410 , thereby preventing or minimizing accidental leaking or spillage during use. 
         [0038]    In the opened/useable configuration, the second ends  1140  of the opposing upper panels  1100  and the second ends  1230  of the opposing lower panels  1200  form a second opening  1410 . The second opening  1410  of the device  1000  is placed around the woman&#39;s vulva to permit the woman to urinate from a standing position. Preferably, the size of the second opening  1410  is adjusted using the aperture controller  1300  before the device is placed around the user&#39;s vulva. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the device  1000  is used such that the aperture controller  1300  is at the top of the device  1000  and the opposing lower panels  1200  is at the bottom of the device  1000  to direct the urine to the first opening  1400  and to provide a comfortable, tight contoured fit around the vulva by the rolling part  1240  of the concave second end  1230 . 
         [0039]    In the opened/useable configuration, the device  1000  resembles a funnel with the first ends  1130  of the opposing upper panels  1100  and the first ends  1220  of the opposing lower panels  1200  forming a first opening  1400 . The urine travels down the interior channel  1420  of the device  1000  and exits the device  1000  away from the user through the first opening  1400 . Preferably, the first opening is angled such that the opposing upper panels  1100  extends beyond the lower panels  1200  to prevent the exiting urine from splashing upward. 
         [0040]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the exterior surfaces of the opposing upper panels  1100  and/or opposing low panels  1200  comprises a gripping portion  1500  to prevent the device  1000  slipping from the user&#39;s hand during use. The gripping portion  1500  can comprise a rough surface, a rubberized coating and the like to provide sufficient friction to prevent slippage during use. 
         [0041]    In accordance embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the device  100  comprises a sanitary wipe  1600  which is removably attached to the exterior surface of the device  1000 , e.g., to the exterior surface of one of the opposing lower panels  1200  or one of the opposing upper panels  1100 . The sanitary wipe  1600  is preferably made of biodegradable material. The sanitary wipe  1600  can be peeled off from the device  1000  to dry the area after the user has finished urinating. This provides the user with the additional convenience of carrying an uncontaminated wipe to dry herself with after using the device  1000 , particularly in a remote area where no public facilities are available. 
         [0042]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the female urination device  1000  comprises a score line or crease  2200  across the middle of the upper and lower panels  1100 ,  1200  (i.e., between the first end  1400  and the second end  1410 ) to fold the device  1000  in half. This advantageously enables the user to fold the device  100  for a more compact fit in their purse. Alternatively, the manufacturer or supplier of the claimed device  1000  can package the device in a smaller package by folding the device by the score line  2200  and the user can unfold the device  1000  for use. 
         [0043]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the female urination device  1000  comprises a score line or crease  2210  towards the tip or the first opening  1400 , preferably between the first opening  1400  and the score line  2200 . After the device  100  is used, the user can fold the device  1000  by the score line  2210  to prevent any leakage from spilling out while disposing of the device  1000 . 
         [0044]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 5A-C , the female urination device  1000  comprises a retractable tip  2000  to adjust the length of the device  1000  and a tab  2100  connected to the retractable tip  2000 . The user can slide the retraction tab  2100  towards the first opening  1400  to extend the retractable tip  2000  out through the first opening  1400  or slide the tab  2100  away from the first opening  1400  to retract the retractable tip  2000  back inside the device  1000  through the first opening  1400 . For example, the retractable tip  2000  can be used by the user to shorten the distance from the device  1000  to the urinal or toilet, such as to accommodate a taller user. 
         [0045]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 6A-B , the female urination device  100  comprises a lining or bag  2300  inside the device  1000 . The bag  2300 , such as a plastic bag, can be used for urine collection, e.g., collecting urine samples in a doctor&#39;s office. After use, the lining or bag can be torn or removed along the tear line  2310  by the user. 
         [0046]    Although the claimed invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the claimed invention described in the specification.