BEDPAN

Abstract: A disposable bag having two walls for receiving and conforming to a conventional bedpan (12). A first wall (17) is formed as a liner that conforms to the inner surface (18) of the bedpan (12). After use, the walls are separable such that the second wall may be used as a closure for the liner opening. The bag may be used with a seat portion constructed from foam plastic. The upper exterior contact surface of the bag may be used with antislip paper and the exterior surface of the second wall may have antislip characteristics. The bag may be made from a material degradable in water such as modified gelatine or polyvinyl alcohol film.

Description: "Bedpan" THIS INVENTION relates to improvements in bedpans used in nursing persons confined to bed, incontinent persons and others unable to use normal toilet facilities. The transport and disposal of the contents of a bedpan is a most unpleasant task. In addition the pans have to be sterilised after each use requiring a substantial invest¬ ment on the part of a hospital. The object of the present invention is to provide a liner for a bedpan which liner can be covered in a suitable manner after use and disposed of in the normal sewage system. In one form the invention resides in a disposable liner for a bedpan comprising a bag formed of flexible material, one wall of the bag having a dished configuration so that it can fit into a bedpan to cover the bottom and side walls thereof and overlap the seat portion of the bedpan and the other wall being separable from the dished wall so that the dished portion and any contents can be covered for transport to the disposal location. Preferably the liner is made of a material which will break down when immersed in water in contact with both surfaces of the liner for an extended period but will be sufficiently strong to remain unaffected when in contact on one surface only with urine or other body fluids for a short period. Modified gelatine is one suitable material. Various grades of polyvinyl alcohol film are also suit¬ able. In appropriate circumstances one or more chemicals may be added to or substituted for the water to facilitate the break down of the liner. < . _. «-»<!> si- * -*- * Whilst the line of the present invention is suitable for use with conventional bedpans made of porcelain, stainless steel or a suitable plastic it is preferable that the liner be used in conjunction with a custom like seat mem¬ ber. The seat member may be formed from any suitable material. However a foam material such as a self-skinning polyurethane or is preferred having regard to patient comfort. Thus in another form the invention resides in a bedpan having annular seat member fitted with a liner substan¬ tially as defined above. The various aspects of the invention will be better under¬ stood by reference to the following description of one embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig. 1 is a plan view of the plan without the liner; Fig. 2 is a section on line A-A of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section on line B-B of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the pan fitted with a liner; Fig. 5 is a section on line C-C of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a section on line D-D of Fig. 4; and Fig. 7A to 7D illustrate the removal of the liner after use. As shown in the drawings the seat member 11 is constructed from a suitable foam plastic material such as self-skinn¬ ing polyurethane and is more or less of conventional bedpan shape with relatively thick walls 12 of sufficient strength to support a user and at the same time provide a comfortable seat for the user. The bottom of the pan may be provided with a sheet 13 of suitable plastic welded or formed integral with the walls 12. Preferably the rear portion of the seat member is wedge shaped to facilitate its insertion into the liner. Preferably the seat member has a sheathed area 14 for male users and a recessed area 15 to locate the user., The inner walls of the member each have inwardly directed pro¬ trusion to support tuberosity. A liner 17 consisting of a bag like structure formed from a suitable plastic material has one wall provided with a concavity so that when the pan is inserted into the bag the concavity can be pushed into the inside of the pan to line it as is best seen in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings. The other wall 18 of the bag is positioned under the pan as is seen in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The area 19 of the one wall of the bag is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive to hold the liner in place during use. Also the portion of the line on which the patient sits may be covered with paper or other suitable material to prevent the patient from slipping. The outer face of the other wall of the bag which is in contact with the bed during use may be treated to provide a surface that does not slip on the bed clothes when the pan is in use. When the contents of the pan are to be dealt with the other wall ' of the bag is separated from the one wall by tearing along the join and as a cover as will be seen in Figs. 7A to 7D of the drawings. It will be appreciated that the liner described above may be used in conjunction with a conventional bedpan formed of stainless steel or plastic. When so used the need for autoσlaving the pan after use is substantially reduced if not completely eliminated.

Claims: THE CLAIMS defining the invention are as follows:- 1. A disposable liner for a bedpan comprising a bag formed of flexible material, one wall of the bag having a dished configuration so that it can fit into a bedpan to cover the bottom and side walls thereof and overlap the seat portion of the bedpan and the other wall being separ¬ able from the dished wall so that the dished portion and any contents can be covered for transport to the disposal location. 2. A disposable liner as claimed in claim 1 wherein the liner is formed of a material which will break down when immersed in water or other liquid for an extended period but will be sufficiently strong to remain unaffected when in contact with urine or other body fluids for a short period. 3. A disposable liner as claimed in claim 2 wherein the material is a modified gelatine or a polyvinyl alcohol film. 4. A disposable liner substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings. 5. A bedpan comprising a patient supporting member fit¬ ted with a disposable liner as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. 6. A bedpan as claimed in claim 5 wherein the patient supporting member is a conventional stainless steel or plastic pan. 7. A bed pan as claimed in claim 5 wherein the patient supporting member comprises an annular elliphical shaped member formed of a foam material. 8. A bedpan as claimed in claim 7 wherein the foam material is polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. 9. A bedpan as claimed in claim 5 substantially as herein described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: HADAWAY MARY GWENDOLINE, HADAWAY, MARY, GWENDOLINE
Applicants: HADAWAY MARY GWENDOLINE, HADAWAY, MARY, GWENDOLINE
Application year: 1985
Main classification: A61G9
IPC codes: A61G9