Abstract:
A method and apparatus for breaking up fecal matter includes a rigidly formed biodegradable disposable element, and an element holding device. The element holding device holds the biodegradable disposable element used to break up fecal matter, and releases the biodegradable disposable element such that the user does not directly contact the biodegradable disposable element.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to devices used in the handling of fecal matter, and more specifically, to the breaking up of fecal matter with a rigidly formed biodegradable disposable element.  
         [0002]     A person suffering from constipation can release fecal matter that is too large to flow freely through the toilet and/or piping system or that becomes securely attached to the inner sides of the toilet and/or piping, thus clogging the passageways. In addition, undesirable odors and stains can result, along with the unpleasant sight of the fecal matter.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In one aspect, an apparatus for breaking up fecal matter includes a rigidly formed biodegradable disposable element, and an element holding device, wherein the element holding device holds the biodegradable disposable element used to break up fecal matter; and releases the biodegradable disposable element such that the user does not directly contact the biodegradable disposable element. The element holding device includes a handle, a switch mechanically attached to the handle, and a holding component for clasping the rigidly formed biodegradable disposable element, wherein the holding component is mechanically attached to the handle and operationally attached to the switch.  
         [0004]     In another aspect, a kit for breaking up fecal matter includes at least one rigidly formed biodegradable disposable element, and a handle, wherein the handle includes a switch and a holding component for clasping the biodegradable disposable element, the holding component operationally attached to the switch.  
         [0005]     In yet another aspect, a method for preventing the spread of germs when breaking up fecal matter is provided. The method includes clasping a rigidly formed biodegradable element with an element holding device, breaking up fecal matter with the biodegradable element, and disposing of the biodegradable element by releasing the biodegradable element from the element holding device such that the user does not directly contact the biodegradable element. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary device with a disposable element; and  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the device with the disposable element. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary apparatus  10  including an element holding device  12  and a rigidly formed biodegradable disposable element  14 , such as a biodegradable disposable stick or rod.  FIG. 2  is a top view of apparatus  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, element holding device  12  includes a switch  16 , a holding component  18  and a handle  20 .  
         [0009]     In one embodiment, handle  20  is bent and includes a first section  22  and a second section  24  which extends at an angle  26  from first section  22 . The bend in handle  20  makes it possible to access hard-to-reach areas. In one embodiment, the length of first section  22  is about 12.0 inches and the length of second section  24  is about 6.7 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the bend in handle  20  has an angle of about 16°.  
         [0010]     In one embodiment, the length of disposable element  14  is about 12.0 inches. Disposable element  14  is made of a biodegradable material, more specifically a material that is easily soluble in water, allowing disposable element  14  to be disposed of with the fecal matter it contacts. In one embodiment, disposable element  14  is formed from at least one of a cleaning agent and a deodorizing agent, for example a detergent or a soap, allowing disposable element  14  to facilitate cleaning and/or deodorizing during use. In another embodiment, disposable element  14  is manufactured from paper. In yet another embodiment, disposable element  14  is manufactured from a water-soluble plastic.  
         [0011]     Switch  16  is mechanically attached to handle  20  at first section  22  and holding component  18  is mechanically attached to handle  20  at second section  24 . In addition, switch  16  is operationally attached to holding component  18 . In an alternative embodiment, switch  16  and handle  20  are both mechanically attached to the same section. In one embodiment, holding component  18  is a clamp. Alternatively, holding component  18  is any device that facilitates releasably and securely clasping disposable element  14 .  
         [0012]     In operation, holding component  18  releasably clasps disposable element  14  and switch  16  controls holding component  18 . Sliding switch  16  from a first position  50 , wherein holding component  18  is open, to a second position  52  in a direction A actuates holding component  18  to close and securely clasp disposable element  14 . Sliding switch  16  in a direction B returning from second position  52  to first position  50  actuates holding component  18  to open and release disposable element  14 .  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, switch  16  actuates holding component  18  by substantially applying or releasing tension on a cord or rope extending through handle  20 , with a first end connected to switch  16  and a second end connected to holding component  18 . In one embodiment, holding component  18 , in an at rest state, is resiliently held in an open position. Sliding switch  16  in direction A applies a tension to the cord or rope attached between switch  16  and holding component  18 , and holding component  18  is closed by holding component  18  being drawn into an open end of handle  20  adjacent holding component  18 . Sliding switch  16  in direction B releases the tension on the cord or rope attached between switch  16  and holding component  18 , and holding component  18  extends from the open end of handle  20  to its at rest state in the open position. Alternatively, holding component  18  is actuated to open and close by any method that facilitates allowing switch  16  to control opening and closing holding component  18 .  
         [0014]     In this manner, apparatus  10  allows for utilizing biodegradable disposable element  14  to contact and break-up fecal matter. After use, element  14  is disposed of, for example, flushed in a toilet along with the broken up fecal matter, without a user having to contact the fecal matter or disposable element  14 . This facilitates preventing fecal matter from contacting or spreading germs onto other objects or onto the user.  
         [0015]     While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.