Abstract:
A container for receiving and containing emesis is provided. The container is compact, easily transported, and disposable. The container includes a hollow body member having an open neck and a closed base, a mouthpiece for receiving and directing the flow of emesis into the body member, and a local restriction to prevent spillage or splash back. The containers are collapsible along a central axis for compact storage. An emesis collection system utilizes the collection container, a storage box for holding a plurality of containers, and a holder.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0002]    This invention pertains to the field of health care, and more specifically, to a container for receiving and containing emesis.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    The present invention contemplates a new and improved container for receiving and containing emesis, which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others, while providing better and more advantageous over-all results.  
           [0005]    Typically, hospitals, doctors&#39; facilities and small clinics and the like use basins, which are open, shallow, kidney-shaped, plastic pans for the collection of emetic or like matter. Unfortunately, these basins are large and bulky which makes it difficult to store them in an easily accessible place for patients. Further, the open top of the basins often results in undesirable splashing and spillage of the emesis.  
           [0006]    Similarly, during times of nausea occurring in the home or other common areas, trash cans, paper/plastic bags, towels or any available receptacle is used to receive emetic or like matter. Unfortunately, the use of these devices often result in spills onto clothing, carpets, floors, furniture, car interiors, walls, etc.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,332 purports to provide a portable receptacle for receiving emesis. The receptacle having a fairly complicated design. Such a design would hinder making the product disposable. Further, the receptacle is bulky and not readily stored in a compact manner.  
           [0008]    A need remains in the art for a receptacle for receiving emesis and the like which is simple in design, convenient to store, and disposable, while being effective to prevent spills and splashes.  
           [0009]    The present invention overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art, by providing an emetic container that is easily accessed during times of nausea and prevents unwanted spills. This is accomplished by providing a container for receiving and containing emetic or like matter that is compact, easily transportable, and disposable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved container for receiving and containing emetic or like matter is provided.  
           [0011]    It is an objective of this invention to provide a container for receiving emesis that is compact and easily transportable.  
           [0012]    It is a further objective of this invention to provide a container for receiving emesis that is disposable.  
           [0013]    It is still a further objective of this invention to provide a container for receiving emesis device that is of durable and reliable construction.  
           [0014]    It is still a further objective of this invention to provide a container for receiving emesis that has all of the advantages of the containers and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0015]    To accomplish these objectives, the present invention provides for a container for receiving and containing emesis or other matter. The container includes a hollow body member that is open only at a first end and closed at a second end. The body member is disposed generally symmetrically about a central axis to define an interior space. There are receiving means carried on the first end of the body member adapted to facilitate receiving and directing emesis or other matter into the interior space. The container further includes restricting means carried on the body member adapted for restricting reverse flow of emesis or other matter. The body member is preferably formed of flexible material to allow the container to have a collapsed configuration wherein the first and second ends are closely spaced along the central axis and an expanded configuration wherein the first and second ends are widely spaced along the central axis.  
           [0016]    According to one aspect of the invention, the restricting means comprises a local annular restriction located between the neck end and the base end, the restriction being operative to provide a gradual reduction in a cross-sectional area of the interior space above a minimum cross-sectional location and a gradual increase in the cross-sectional area below the minimum cross-sectional location, the annular restriction defining a lower wall adapted for restricting reverse flow of emesis or other matter within the interior space.  
           [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, the receiving means comprises an annular flange encompassing the neck end, the flange defining an opening in flow communication with the interior space, the flange being formed of flexible material adapted to facilitate receiving and directing emesis or other matter into the interior space.  
           [0018]    According to another aspect of the invention, the annular flange includes reinforcing means at an outside edge thereof.  
           [0019]    According toe another aspect of the invention the reinforcing means includes an additional amount of the flexible material rolled under at the edge.  
           [0020]    According to another aspect of the invention, the base end includes a planar supporting base.  
           [0021]    According to another aspect of the invention, the container further includes volume increasing means carried on the body member, the volume increasing means defining a pocket adapted for flow communication with the interior lower space.  
           [0022]    According to another aspect of the invention the body member material is a member of the group consisting of elastomeric materials, and is preferably latex-free.  
           [0023]    According to another aspect of the invention, the body member includes an upper sphere-like portion, a lower sphere-like portion, and a concave region extending between the upper and lower portions, wherein the concave region is operative to form the restricting means.  
           [0024]    According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided for receiving and containing associated emesis or other matter. The system includes a container including:  
           [0025]    a hollow body member having an open neck end and closed base end, the body member being disposed generally symmetrically about a central axis extending between the neck and base ends, the body member having an interior wall defining an interior space;  
           [0026]    receiving means carried on the body member at the neck end being adapted to facilitate receiving and directing emesis or other matter into the interior space;  
           [0027]    restricting means carried on the body member being adapted for restricting reverse flow of emesis or other matter within the interior space; and,  
           [0028]    wherein the body member is formed of flexible material, the body member being adapted to have a collapsed configuration wherein the neck end and the base end are closely spaced along the central axis and an expanded configuration wherein the neck end and the base end are widely spaced along the axis;  
           [0029]    and a holder adapted to receive and support the container, the holder including:  
           [0030]    a main body member having an opening adapted to receive the container therein;  
           [0031]    means for closing the container at the neck of the body member;  
           [0032]    means for storing plurality of containers, wherein the containers are in the collapsed configuration;  
           [0033]    means adapted for cleaning emesis or other matter that is not received within the interior space.  
           [0034]    According to another aspect of the invention, the systems further comprises containers adapted to be in a half fold configuration.  
           [0035]    According to another aspect of the invention, the system further includes means for disposing of the containers after use.  
           [0036]    According to another aspect of the invention, a holder adapted to receive and support a container for receiving and containing associated emesis or other matter is provided. The holder includes a main body member having an opening adapted to receive the container therein, the main body including gripping means surrounding the opening for gripping the container; a plurality of supporting legs depending from the main body member; and, a handle being operatively attached to the main body member.  
           [0037]    According to another aspect of the invention, a combination of a container adapted for receiving and containing associated emesis or other matter and a holder adapted to hold and support the container is provided. The combination includes a container, the container having:  
           [0038]    a hollow body member having an open neck end and closed base end, the body member being disposed generally symmetrically about a central axis extending between the neck and base ends, the body member having an interior wall defining an interior space;  
           [0039]    receiving means carried on the body member at the neck end being adapted to facilitate receiving and directing emesis or other matter into the interior space;  
           [0040]    restricting means carried on the body member being adapted for restricting reverse flow of emesis or other matter within the interior space; and,  
           [0041]    wherein the body member is formed of flexible material, the body member being adapted to have a collapsed configuration wherein the neck end and the base end are closely spaced along the central axis and an expanded configuration wherein the neck end and the base end are widely spaced along the axis; and,  
           [0042]    a holder adapted to receive and support the container, the holder including:  
           [0043]    a main body member having an opening adapted to receive the container therein, the main body including gripping means surrounding the opening for gripping the container;  
           [0044]    a plurality of supporting legs depending from the main body member; and,  
           [0045]    a handle being operatively attached to the main body member.  
           [0046]    Other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0047]    The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the invention;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a container according to the invention;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a container according to the invention;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container wherein a tab is utilized to close one end;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 6 is a top view of a tab;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 7 is a side view of a container in a collapsed configuration;  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a holder for holding a container according to the invention;  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a storage/dispensing device for storing and dispensing a plurality of containers according to the invention; and,  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 10 is a front view of a wiping cloth for use in a system for receiving and containing emesis or other matter according to the invention.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention in the half-fold configuration.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0059]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows one preferred embodiment of a container  10  according to the present invention. The container  10  is preferably formed of a unitary body member  11  defining an interior space  13 . Although other configurations are contemplated, in the preferred embodiment, body member  11  has an hour-glass type shape with an upper body portion  12  and a lower body portion  32  being connected through a concave region  15 . In the preferred embodiment, upper body portion  12  is open at its neck end  14 . Upper body portion  12  is in fluid flow communication with lower body portion  32  through concave region  15 . Lower body portion  32  is closed at its base end  36 . Therefore emetic fluid entering the container  10  through the neck end  14  passes through concave region  15  and into lower body portion  32 , where it is contained. The hour-glass shape of body member  11  facilitates the entry of emetic fluid into lower body portion  32 , while hindering reverse flow through concave region  15  due to a splash-guard effect of the interior surface  18 .  
         [0060]    The upper and lower body portions  12 ,  32  have a preferably spherical-like shape. However the upper and lower body portions  12 ,  32  can have any shape chosen within sound engineering judgment.  
         [0061]    The neck end  14  of the upper body portion  12  includes an annular flange  19 , which forms a mouthpiece  20 . The mouthpiece  20  communicates with the upper body portion  14  to transfer emetic material therein. In the preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece  20  is supported at its edge  22  to facilitate positioning mouthpiece  20  adjacent to the mouth of the user for receiving emesis therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, mouthpiece  20  is formed of flexible material and edge  22  includes excess material rolled under to provide support. In the preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece  20  is unitary with the body member  11 . However, the mouthpiece  20  can be a separate component secured to the neck end  14 .  
         [0062]    Turning to FIG. 1, in one preferred embodiment, the base end  36  may be open rather than closed. The base end in this embodiment is supported by base  56 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows base  56  comprising side panel  58  having first and second ends  68 , 70  and a planar circular bottom  60 . However, the base  56  can have any form that adequately supports the container  10 . An alternate embodiment of base  56  is shown in FIG. 2, where the base end  36  is closed as previously described. In FIG. 2, base  56  is substantially planar and may integrally connect with the base end  36 .  
         [0063]    In the preferred embodiment, the container  10  is comprised of elastomeric material. Most preferably, the material is non-allergenic. In the preferred embodiment, the material used is latex-free. The material is preferably opaque, soft, flexible, lightweight and acid tolerant. However, the container  10  can be comprised of any material chosen within sound engineering judgment. Further, to increase the aesthetic appeal of the container  10 , especially for children, the container  10  can be colored and/or insignias, such as cartoon characters, sport team logos, musicians, etc., can be placed thereon.  
         [0064]    With reference to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the container  10  has the following dimensions: a container  10  height, H, ranging from approximately 10½ inches to approximately 11½ inches, and more preferably about 11 inches, and most preferably approximately 10¾ inches; a maximum width, W 2 , W 4 , of the first and second body portions  12 ,  32  ranging from approximately 4½ inches to approximately 5½ inches, and most preferably approximately 5 inches; a width, W 5 , ranging from approximately 2 inches to approximately 3 inches, and most preferably approximately 2½ inches for the second end of the second body portion  36 ; a width, WI to stretch and pull over the user&#39;s mouth, ranging from approximately 3 inches to approximately 4 inches, and most preferably approximately 3½ inches for the neck end  14  of the first body portion  12 ; a width, W 3 , ranging from approximately 3 inches to approximately 4 inches, and most preferably approximately 3½ inches at the location of splash back guard  62 ; and, a width, L, ranging from approximately ½ inch to approximately 1½ inches, and more preferably approximately 1 inch, and most preferably 1½ inches for the mouthpiece  20 . However, these dimension illustrate only one preferred embodiment of the container  10  and are not given by way of limiting the invention. The container can  10  have any dimensions chosen within sound engineering judgment. For example, the dimensions could be reduced to create a container  10  specifically designed for children.  
         [0065]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. The container  10  may optionally include expandable side pockets  64  that are in flow communication with the interior space  13 . The expandable side pockets  64  may be located on either the upper or lower body portions  12 , 32 , or both, and allow the body member  11  to increase in volume when the container  10  is filled with emesis or other matter.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a closing means  24  that may be used to close the neck end  14  of the body member  11 . Preferably, the closing means  24  is a tab  26  having a substantially rectangular, planar shape. The tab  26  has an aperture  28  in one end and a slit  30  extending therein. The neck end  14  of the body member  11  is received by the first aperture  28  in the tab  26  and, thereby closes the body member  11 . However, any closing means such as a twist tie, rubber band, or a clip may be used.  
         [0067]    The body member  11  is essentially a hollow tube-like structure being disposed generally symmetrically about a central axis  100  extending between the neck end  14  and the base end  36 . In the preferred embodiment, the body member  11  is formed of flexible material whereby the container  10  has a stored configuration, which may be a half-fold configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, or a collapsible configuration. In the collapsible configuration, the container  10  is collapsible along the central axis  100  as shown in FIG. 7. In its collapsed configuration, the neck end  14  of the body member  11  is closely spaced to the base end  36 . This compact configuration enhances an ability to readily store an unused container  10  as will be discussed later in this specification. This compact configuration provides advantages over devices known in the prior art. Although paper bags are foldable, the interior is not accessible until the bag is unfolded. However, even in its collapsed configuration, the interior space  13  of the container  10  of the present invention is accessible through the mouthpiece  20 . The container  10  readily assumes its extended configuration when the mouthpiece  20  is lifted.  
         [0068]    With reference to FIG. 4, the local annular restriction  104  is illustrated. The interior space  13  is associated with a cross-sectional area. Moving in a direction parallel to the central axis  100  from the neck end  14  to the base end  36 , the restriction  104  provides a gradual reduction in the cross-sectional area until a minimum cross-sectional area is attained, then the cross-sectional area gradually increases. This construction creates a lower wall  108  that forms the splashguard  62 .  
         [0069]    In the preferred embodiment, the upper body portion  14  is generally spherically shaped, and the lower body portion  32  is also generally spherically shaped with the concave region  15  extending between the upper body portion  14  and the lower body portion  32 . As shown in FIG. 4, in this preferred embodiment, the concave region  15  is operative to form the local annular restriction  104 .  
         [0070]    In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a holder  40 , shown in FIG. 8, for holding and supporting the container  10 . The holder  40 . The holder  40  includes a main body member  42  having an opening  44  therein adapted to receive a container  10 . A plurality of leg members  52  depends from the main body member  42 . In the preferred embodiment, at least four of the leg members  52  are adapted to support the holder  40  in an upright position. Additional leg members may be utilized, as in the illustrated embodiment, to stabilize the holder  40 . In the preferred embodiment, a handle  46  is carried on the main body member  42 .  
         [0071]    In the preferred embodiment, the holder  40  has eight leg members  52 . The handle  46  is a substantially L-shaped member having first and second ends  48 ,  50  with the first end  48  attached to the main body member  42  and the second end  50  for use in being received by the hand of a user. The second end  50  may also be utilized as a hanger so that the holder  40  can be positioned for easy access. For illustrative purposes only, and not by way of limiting the invention, in the preferred embodiment, the leg members  52  have a length of approximately 3 inches and a width of approximately ½ inch, the main body member  42  has a width of approximately 4½ inches, the first end of the handle  48  has a length of approximately 1 inch and the second end of the handle  50  has a length of approximately 2½ inches.  
         [0072]    In the preferred embodiment, the holder  40  is formed of a disposable heavy press cardboard material. However, the holder  40  can be comprised of any material that adequately supports the container  10 , such as plastic.  
         [0073]    In the preferred embodiment, the holder  40  includes gripping means  66 , such as teeth, surrounding the opening  44 . The gripping means  66  are operable to engage the body member  11  at the neck end  14 . In the preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece  20  can be extended over the opening  44  and the body member  11  is inserted through opening  44 . Generally, any geometrical dimensions of the holder  40  may be chosen with sound engineering judgment to accommodate different uses and applications.  
         [0074]    With reference to FIG. 8, the container  10  can be packaged in a tissue box styled storage/dispensing device  54 . A plurality of containers  10  can be readily stored in a small space in their collapsed configuration. The storage/dispensing device  54  has a housing  112  adapted to accommodate the collapsed containers  10 . A perforated region, not shown, is readily removable to create an opening  114  through which the containers  10  can be accessed. In the preferred embodiment, separate wiping cloths  120  are provided for the convenience of the user for cleaning up any spills of the emetic matter as shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0075]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the flexible body member  11  is folded along a line perpendicular to the central axis  100  before placing in the storage/dispensing device  54 .  
         [0076]    The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alternations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.  
         [0077]    Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: