EMESIS CONTAINER

An apparatus for containing vomit comprised of a bottom portion, a side, a backflow containment portion and a rim. The bottom portion, side and backflow containment portion are combined to form a container which will not allow vomit to escape once it has entered the container. The rim is attached to the backflow containment portion opposite the container so that when the user vomits through the rim, the vomit passes through the backflow containment portion and is contained within the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to medical devices which contain bodily fluids, more particularly to those which contain vomit.

(2) Description of Related Art

Emesis, or the act of vomiting, occurs frequently in humans. The most common causes are viral infections, drinking, food poisoning, morning sickness, reactions to medications, motion sickness, and gastritis. However, some less common causes of vomiting are typically seen in hospitals, such as: concussion, diabetes, appendicitis, gastrointestinal cancer, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease, and diseases of the internal organs. The traditional methods of containing vomit in a home or hospital setting include dishes, trays, bags, or moving the patient to a sink or basin.

Vomiting is a rapid evacuation of stomach contents. Vomit volume varies by person, but 600-700 ml is typical. Additionally, vomiting is somewhat predictable based on the situation, but unpredictable as to the exact time an episode will occur. In other words, an individual based on their situation might expect to vomit at some time in the near future, but would not be able to predict the actual time of vomiting until moments before an episode occurs. This combination of rapid evacuation of a substantial volume of vomit, coupled with unpredictable timing, makes the choice of container difficult. If the container is too cumbersome, like a basin or sink, then it becomes impossible to transport and carry and the vomiting individual must be transported to the container. If the container is configured in a way that makes it difficult to use quickly, like a folded vomit bag, then it might not be ready in time to serve its function. If the container is poorly shaped, like the standard kidney-shaped vomit tray used by hospitals, then it may be overwhelmed by the flow rate of the vomit.

Vomit contains many dangerous and potentially infectious substances in addition to being foul smelling. Some of the substances include bile, food, blood, and gastric secretions. Handling vomit, like all bodily fluids, is dangerous and special precautions must be taken when doing so. Thus, an essential element in a vomit containment apparatus is the ability to contain the vomit and to minimize contact with it during the collection process and the disposal process. This requirement is further complicated when the vomiting occurs in unpredictable and difficult-to-control environments such as the sidelines of a sporting event, or the back of a moving ambulance. Environments such as these require vomit containers that are both portable, easy to use, and sanitary. The standard container solutions fall short in these areas. Many open topped containers, like dishes or trays, carry a substantial risk of exposing humans to vomit during the capture process and disposal process. Bags might allow for disposal, but can be difficult to use quickly in a way that will contain all the expelled fluids, particularly in the moving ambulance scenario.

In addition to practical considerations of container configuration and container sanitation are humane considerations. For many, vomiting is both traumatic, disgusting, and unpleasant. It is a frightening experience, particularly for small children. It can be an unpleasant reminder of the larger medical condition of which it is a symptom. Increasing patient comfort generally improves outcomes. Thus, by decreasing the discomfort of vomiting as much as possible, patient outcomes may improve.

The present invention improves upon the typical solution by providing a portable apparatus for containing vomit that both increases user comfort, decreases spillage during the collection process and the disposal process, and decreases contact with dangerous bodily fluids.

Thus, given the general concerns for all vomit containment systems of collection effectiveness, safety and user comfort, a continuing need exists for a vomit collection apparatus that is improves upon the typical solutions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to medical devices which contain vomit. The emesis container comprises a bottom portion a side proximate the bottom portion a backflow prevention portion proximate the side and a rim proximate the backflow prevention portion and opposite the bottom portion, such that the bottom portion, side and backflow prevention portion form a container capable of holding vomit.

In another aspect, the device contains at least one hinged door arranged in a fashion that when closed, the door substantially confines the vomit within the container.

Furthermore, the device has an elastic portion affixed to the door and the walls, such that the door will remain closed unless vomit introduced via the rim forces the door open and following passage of the vomit will cause the door to close.

In yet another aspect, the backflow prevention portion comprises at least one elastomer door arranged in a fashion that when closed substantially confine the vomit within the container, wherein the elastomer door will remain closed unless vomit introduced via the rim forces the elastomer door open and following passage of the vomit will return to the closed position.

In still another aspect, the backflow prevention portion is incorporated into the walls and the walls are formed in such a manner that restricts the movement of vomit within the container.

In another aspect, the backflow prevention portion comprises at least one baffle which restricts the movement of vomit within the container.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a removable disposable liner which substantially conforms to the interior of the container.

In still another aspect, the backflow prevention portion is incorporated into the removable disposable liner.

In another aspect, the rim is shaped in a manner that allows it to conform to a user's mouth.

In yet another aspect, the rim is made of a deformable material to increase conformance with the user's mouth.

In still another aspect, the apparatus further incorporates at least one handle proximate the container.

In another aspect, the apparatus further incorporates antimicrobial materials.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus further incorporates an absorbent material.

In still another aspect, the apparatus further incorporates a chemical deodorant.

In another aspect, the apparatus further incorporates a removable cap proximate the rim.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus further incorporates a leash which is proximate to the container and proximate to the removable cap.

In still another aspect, the backflow prevention portion and rim is separable from the side such that when the backflow prevention portion is separated from the side the vomit may be removed from the container.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming the interactive package described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is provided to give the reader a general understanding of the present invention. Next, a description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for containing vomit. The apparatus generally comprises a bottom portion, a side, a backflow prevention portion, and a rim. The bottom portion, side, and backflow prevention portion collectively form a container which is capable of holding vomit. The rim is proximate the backflow prevention portion but opposite to container.

(2) The Interactive Package

As shown inFIG. 1A, the present invention is an apparatus for containing vomit100. The apparatus is comprised of a bottom portion102, a side104, a backflow prevention portion106and a rim108. The bottom portion102and side104are connected to the backflow prevention portion106in such a manner that they create a container110capable of holding and containing vomit. The rim108is attached with the backflow prevention portion106in a manner that allows the user to vomit through the rim108. As the user does so, the vomit passes through the backflow prevention portion106and into the container110. Once inside the container110, the vomit is prevented from escaping by the backflow prevention portion106. This allows the user to vomit in a more contained and sanitary fashion than the prevailing methods.

The bottom portion102and side104can be formed of any suitable, corrosion resistant, non-porous material, non-limiting examples of which include, plastic, metal, ceramic, and composite. InFIG. 1A(and as depicted inFIGS. 1B, 2-6 and 10) the material of the bottom portion102and the side104is shown as transparent for the sake of illustration, but need not be in practice. The backflow prevention portion106can be attached with the side104and bottom portion102using any suitable means which allow for removal and reattachment, including threads, fasteners, snaps, and latches; thereby allowing the backflow prevention portion106to be separated from the bottom portion102and the side104allowing the vomit to be removed from the container110.

The rim108is formed in any way that is suitable to collect vomit as it is expelled from the user's mouth and ensures the vomit is channeled through the backflow prevention portion106into the container110. Similar to the bottom portion102and side104, the rim108may be formed of any suitable, corrosion resistant, non-porous material. Non-limiting examples include, plastic, metal, composite, and ceramic.

Turning toFIG. 1B, the backflow prevention portion106in the present example includes a set of hinged doors112. The hinged doors112operate by means of an elastic (flexible) portion114that allow the doors112to swing out of the way as the vomit passes through the rim108into the container110. Once the vomit has passed through the backflow prevention portion106, the elastic portion114causes the doors112, to close (as depicted inFIG. 1A, element112), effectively forming a check valve trapping the vomit within the container110. The hinged doors112may be constructed of any suitable, corrosion resistant, non-porous material. Non-limiting examples include, plastic, metal, composite, and ceramic. The elastic portion114may be constructed out of any suitable, corrosion resistant material capable of storing mechanical energy. Non-limiting examples include, metal and elastomers. By utilizing the hinged doors112in the backflow prevention106, we further increase the ability of the apparatus100to contain vomit once it has been expelled.

FIG. 2displays another example of the apparatus100, more specifically, it shows another version of the backflow prevention portion106. In this aspect the backflow prevention portion106comprises an elastomer door200. When the elastomer door200is resting it prevents vomit from escaping the container110, but as vomit passes through the rim108, it forces open the elastomer door200. Once the vomit passes through the elastomer door200into the container110, the elastomer door200closes again. Functionally, the elastomer door200, is another form of check valve that opens when vomit passes through the rim108into the container110, and closes once it has passed. The elastomer door200may be constructed out of any suitable, corrosion resistant material capable of storing mechanical energy. Non-limiting examples include, metal, and elastomers.

Another depiction of the backflow prevention portion106of the apparatus100is found inFIG. 3. In this aspect, the backflow prevention portion106is incorporated into the walls104. The walls104are formed in a manner that allows vomit to enter through the rim108, but restricts the movement of vomit upon entering the container110, thereby reducing spillage. By incorporating the backflow prevention portion106into the wall104, the complexity of the backflow prevention portion106is reduced and presumably, costs of the apparatus100generally.

InFIG. 4the perspective view of the apparatus depicts another version of the backflow prevention portion106. In this aspect, the backflow prevention portion106, comprises several baffles400which restrict movement of the vomit when it is within the container110. The baffles400may be constructed out of any suitable, corrosion resistant, non-porous material, non-limiting examples include, plastic, metal, composite, and ceramic.

FIG. 5. is a depiction of the apparatus100, with the addition of a removable disposable liner500. Once vomit enters the container110, the user may remove the removable disposable liner500and dispose of any vomit by disposing the removable disposable liner500. The removable disposable liner500may be constructed out of any suitable, corrosion resistant, flexible, non-porous material, non-limiting examples include, plastic, and rubber. Clean up will be a major consideration for most users and by making a portion disposable as with the removable disposable liner500, the user can expedite clean up and reduce the need to contact vomit during the clean-up process thereby increasing safety.

FIG. 6displays another version of the disposable removable liner500concept. In this aspect, the backflow prevention portion106is incorporated in the disposable removable liner500. This allows the backflow prevention portion106to be disposed of along with the disposable removable portion500.

FIG. 7depicts the apparatus100showing various configurations of the rim108. The rim108can be shaped in any manner that allows it to conform to a user's mouth. By shaping the rim108in such a fashion, spillage during emesis is reduced.

Another example of the apparatus100is shown inFIG. 8, this time showing another version of the rim108. In this aspect of the rim108, the rim108is made of a deformable material800. The incorporation of deformable material800allows a user to place their mouth on the apparatus100and deform the deformable material800. This increases comfort and decreases spillage during emesis. The deformable material800may be made of any suitable deformable, corrosion resistant material, non-limiting examples of which include, plastic, foam, and rubber.

FIG. 9shows a perspective view of the apparatus100, this time depicting the incorporation of handles900. Handles900allows the user to better grip the apparatus100, thereby increasing comfort and improving operation of the apparatus100. The handles900may be made of any suitable non-porous, corrosion resistant material, non-limiting examples of which include, plastic, foam, metal, and rubber.

FIG. 10displays another depiction of the apparatus100, illustrating the incorporation of an absorbent material1000. By incorporating an absorbent material1000the apparatus100will slowly convert liquid vomit into solids. This will increase safety by decreasing the risk of spillage. The absorbent material1000may be made of any suitable absorbent, corrosion resistant material, non-limiting examples of which include, sponges, and sodium polyacrylate.

Another depiction of the apparatus100is shown inFIG. 11, which depicts the incorporation of a cap1100and leash1102. The cap1100is formed in a manner that allows it to either snap or screw on to the rim108and is constructed of any suitable material, non-limiting examples of which include, plastic, metal, ceramic, rubber, and composite. One end of the leash1102is attached to the cap1100and the other end is attached to some portion of the apparatus100, either the rim108, the container110or the backflow prevention portion106. The incorporation of a cap1100and leash1102increases portability and user comfort because the portions of the apparatus100that are unsightly or contaminated can be covered up by the cap1100and the user can better transport the apparatus100. Additionally, the cap1100would serve to help reduce odors.

A further aspect not depicted by any figure is the incorporation of antimicrobial materials into all components of the apparatus. Since the apparatus will interact with and contain bodily fluids and as a normal part of operation will be held by the user incorporating materials with antimicrobial properties will increase user safety.

In another aspect which is not depicted by any figure, the apparatus may incorporate a chemical deodorant either into the absorbent material or into another component of the apparatus. Any suitable chemical deodorant may be used, non-limiting examples of which include, polyethylene glycol octylphenyl ether, dipropylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether.