Patent Publication Number: US-2020281423-A1

Title: Waste fluid collection

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to fluid collection and, in particular, collection of waste fluids in a portable system. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes a fluid collection system. The fluid collection system includes a housing, a first chamber within the housing and a funnel coupled with a conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber. A second chamber within the housing is configured to house the funnel and at least a portion of the conduit. A closure is pivotably coupled with the housing to selectively close the second chamber. Provided to the closure and in communication with a third chamber within the housing, a spray head is configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within second chamber. A pump is configured to pump fluid from the third chamber to the spray head. A dump valve is coupled with the housing and configured to selectively open the first chamber to surroundings. A dump valve selector is configured to operate the dump valve at a position distal from the dump valve. 
     The present disclosure also describes a method for assembling a fluid collection system. The method includes providing first, second and third chambers within a housing, coupling a first end of a conduit to an interior surface of the second chamber such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the first chamber, coupling a funnel to a second end of the conduit, pivotably coupling a closure with the housing to enable selective closure of the second chamber, providing a spray head to the closure and in communication with the third chamber, providing a pump configured to pump fluid from the third chamber to the spray head, coupling a dump valve with the housing to enable selective opening of the first chamber to surroundings and operatively coupling a dump valve selector with the dump valve to enable operation of the dump valve at a position distal therefrom. The spray head is configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within second chamber. 
     The disclosure still further describes a portable urinal device including a container having an interior top front chamber, an interior top rear chamber, an interior bottom chamber and a lid hingeably attached to the container to provide selective closure for the interior top front chamber. A sprayer is disposed on a bottom side of the lid, a pump is disposed in the interior, top, front chamber of the container and is configured to transport a fluid from the interior rear chamber of the container to the sprayer. A control panel is configured to operate the sprayer. A plug is disposed on the back side of the container. A moveable receptacle has a funnel and a hose. The hose has a first end configured to releasably attach to the bottom interior chamber and a second end opposite the first end configured to releasably receive the funnel. The interior top front chamber of the container is configured to receive the moveable receptacle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended figures. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, example constructions are shown in the figures. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the figures are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers. 
       Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an example fluid collection system. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear perspective view of the example fluid collection system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side elevation view of the example fluid collection system of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of the example fluid collection system of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front perspective view of an example fluid collection system in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front perspective view of an example fluid collection system in a partially open configuration. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side elevation view of the example fluid collection system of  FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top, partial cross-sectional view of the example fluid collection system of  FIGS. 5-7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out disclosed devices, systems, and methods has been described, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing disclosed devices, systems, and methods are also possible. 
     It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, enabling collection of waste fluids in a portable system. 
     Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosure will be made apparent from the figures and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. 
     It will be appreciated that described features are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a portable urinal device  10  is illustrated. Portable urinal device  10  includes a container  20  and a moveable receptacle  22 . Container  20  has a front side  24 , a back side  26 , a left side  28 , a right side  30 , a top side  32 , a bottom side  34 , a first chamber  36 , a second chamber  38 , and a third chamber  40 . First chamber  36  may be an interior, top, front chamber, second chamber  38  may be an interior top, rear chamber configured to contain cleaning/rinsing solution and third chamber  40  may be an interior, bottom chamber configured to contain liquid waste such as urine, used cleaning/rinsing solution or a combination of these. Container  20  may be provided in any of a variety of shapes including but not limited to that of a rectangle or a rectangular prism. 
     Top side  32  of container  20  has a front portion  42 , a rear portion  44 , and a middle portion  46 . A cap  48  configured to mate with a threaded hole  50  is medially disposed in rear top side  44 . Threaded hole  50  leads to the interior top rear chamber  38  of container  20  and is configured to be selectively engage with and be closed by cap  48 . 
     A retractable handle  52  is embedded in the interior top rear chamber  38  of container  20 . A moveable lid  54  with a bottom surface  56  has a perimeter equal to the perimeter of front top side  24  of container  20  and is configured to enable selective access to first chamber  36 . Moveable lid  54  is hingedly attachable to top side  32  of container  20  and is configured to provide selective closure for the interior top front chamber  36 . A sprayer  58  is medially disposed on bottom surface  56  of moveable lid  54 . Sprayer  58  is connected to a pump  60  located in the interior front chamber  36  of container  20 . Pump  60  is configured to transport a fluid from the interior rear chamber of the container to sprayer  58 . Sprayer  58  and/or pump  60  may be operated by an external electric source. 
     An electronic control panel  62  located on front side  24  of container  20  has a pair of circular-shaped buttons  64  configured to operate device  10  including sprayer  58 . In an example, at least one of buttons  64  operates pump  60 . In a further example, the at least one of buttons  64  is configured to activate pump  60  while it is being depressed and to discontinue activation of pump  60  when no longer being depressed. In another example, quickly depressing and releasing at least one of buttons  64  causes pump  60  to transport a pre-established volume of fluid to sprayer  58 . 
     A plug  66 , a drain hose connection  68  and an electrical input cord  70  are disposed on back side  26  of container  20 . A moveable receptacle  22  includes a funnel  72  configured to receive urine and a conduit  74 . Conduit  74 , which is configured to transport fluids therethrough to third chamber  40 , has a second end  76  and a first end  78  disposed opposite second end  76 . Second end  76  of conduit  74  is releasably attached to the interior bottom chamber  40 , and first end  78  is configured to releasably couple with funnel  72 . Receptacle  22  may be stored in the interior, top, front chamber  36  of container  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , a disclosed fluid collection system  100  includes a housing  160 , a first chamber  110  within housing  160  and a funnel  121  coupled with a conduit  122  in fluid communication with first chamber  110 . A retractable handle  105  may be embedded in third chamber  130  or otherwise provided to housing  160 . 
     A second chamber  120  within housing  160  is configured to house funnel  121  and at least a portion of conduit  122 . Conduit  122  may be configured to retract into the second chamber  120 . In an example, funnel  121  is selectively detachable from conduit  122  and interchangeable, differently-shaped funnels or funnel attachments are provided. 
     A closure  125  is pivotably coupled with housing  160  to selectively close second chamber  120 . Closure  125  may be maintained in a sealed, closed position with small locking mechanism or clamp which may be released by depressing a button  129 . In an example, closure  125  may be a door. 
     Provided to the closure  125  and in communication with a third chamber  130  within housing  160 , a spray head  126  is configured to deliver a distributed flow from third chamber  130  onto a funnel contained within second chamber  120 . Spray head  126  may be sized and shaped to match funnel  121  and may be positioned on a bottom side of closure  125 . 
     A pump  127  is configured to pump fluid from third chamber  130  to spray head  126 . Pump  127  may be activated by an input  128  on an exterior of housing  160 . Pump  127  may be configured for mechanical operation. Spray head  126  may be operatively coupled with pump  127  through a conduit running through the inside of closure  125 . 
     A dump valve  111  is coupled with housing  160  and configured to selectively open first chamber  110  to surroundings. A dump valve selector  112  is configured to operate dump valve  111  at a position distal therefrom. Dump valve  111  may be coupled with a conduit configured to outlet to an underside of a vehicle in which the fluid collecting system is installed such that waste fluids may be eliminated at designated locations without the need to exit the vehicle. 
     Fluid collection system  100  may further include a push rod  113  coupled between dump valve selector  112  and dump valve  111  such that upon pushing dump valve selector  112 , dump valve  111  opens and upon pulling dump valve selector  112 , dump valve  111  closes. Push rod  113  may include a metal such as tin, steel or a combination of these. 
     Dump valve selector  112  may be located at a first exterior surface of housing  160  and dump valve  111  may be located at a second exterior surface of housing  160  opposite the first exterior surface. Dump valve selector  112  may be proximate second chamber  120  while dump valve  111  may be distal from second chamber  120 . With the exterior, bottom surface resting on a support surface, dump valve selector  112  may be superior to dump valve  111 . 
     Fluid collection system  100  may further include a selectively sealable port  131  communicating between third chamber  130  and surroundings which may be sealed by a plug  132 . Housing  160  may include an exterior, bottom surface and port  131  may be provided through an exterior, top surface opposite the bottom surface. 
     With an exterior, bottom surface of housing  160  resting on a support surface, second chamber  120  may be positioned superior to first chamber  110  such that fluid provided to funnel  121  and conduit  122  flows under force of gravity into first chamber  110 . Third chamber  130  may be positioned adjacent to second chamber  120  and superior to first chamber  110 . In an example, flow of fluid from funnel  121  and conduit  122  into first chamber  110  may be assisted with a suction pump located inside chamber  120  and operated by a button  167  at the exterior, front surface and powered by a rechargeable battery or outlet for creating suction if needed to avoid spills. 
     With an exterior, bottom surface of housing  160  resting on a support surface, third chamber  130  may be positioned superior to first chamber  110 . Further, the inferior or bottom surface of first chamber  110  is angled sightly towards dump valve  111  and the bottom surface of third chamber  130  is angled slightly towards the manual pump draw tube for better drainage of the fluids. 
     Fluid collection system  100  may further include a fourth chamber  140  between third chamber  130  and second chamber  120 . Fourth chamber  140  is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle  141 . For example, a hand sanitizing fluid or gel may be contained within fourth chamber  140  and dispensed through a nozzle  141 . A selectively sealable port  145  may be provided through an exterior, top surface opposite an exterior, bottom surface of housing  160 . Port  145  communicates between fourth chamber  140  and surroundings enabling a user to add, for example, hand sanitizing fluid or gel therethrough. A plug  146  is configured to selectively seal port  145 . Further, the inferior or bottom surface of fourth chamber  140  is angled sightly towards third chamber  130  for better drainage of the fluids. 
     System  100  may further include a fifth chamber  150  within closure  125 . Fifth chamber  150  is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle  151  directed from a front, exterior surface of housing  160 . Nozzle  151  on a portion of closure  125  distal from pivot axis  129  is operatively coupled with a pump  123  through a tube running through the inside of closure  125 . Further, the inferior or bottom surface of fifth chamber  150  is angled sightly towards third chamber  130  for better drainage of the fluids. 
     Fluid collection system  100  may include windows  165   a  and  165   b  configured to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within first chamber  110  and may further include at least one window  165   c  configured to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within third chamber  130  and at least one window  165   d  configured to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within fourth chamber  140 . In an example, a window may be provided to each of two opposed sides of housing  160 . Windows  165   a  and  165   b  may be of an elongate, vertical shape and formed from any of a variety of transparent or translucent materials such as plexiglass. 
     In an example, the exterior of housing  160  may include one or more net pockets  171  offering storage. Further, the exterior of housing  160  may include a recessed region  161  in a top surface thereof such that a perimeter of raised edges  162  may prevent objects from sliding or rolling from the top surface. A charging port  169  may be provided to a front, exterior surface of housing  160  enabling charging of the suction pump located inside chamber  120 . 
     According to a method for assembling a fluid collection system, first, second and third chambers are provided within a housing and a first end of a conduit is coupled to an interior surface of the second chamber such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the first chamber and a funnel is coupled to a second end of the conduit. The conduit may be provided with the ability to retract into the second chamber. 
     The housing may be formed from any of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastics, rubbers, composites or combinations thereof and may include a recessed region in a top surface thereof such that a perimeter of raised edges may prevent objects from sliding or rolling off of the top surface. The conduit and the funnel may be formed from any of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastics, rubbers composites or combinations thereof and may be separately formed from different materials. In an example, the conduit, the funnel or both are disposable for use in clinics and hospitals. 
     In an example, the second chamber is positioned such that, with an exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the second is superior to the first chamber such that fluid provided to the funnel and conduit flows under force of gravity into the first chamber. In an example, the third chamber is positioned such that, with the exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the third chamber is adjacent to the second chamber and superior to the first chamber. 
     A closure is pivotably coupled with the housing to enable selective closure of the second chamber. For example, a door may be pivotably coupled with the housing. 
     A spray head is provided to the closure so as to be in communication with the third chamber and is configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within second chamber. The spray head may be sized and shaped to match the funnel. 
     A pump configured to pump fluid from the third chamber to the spray head is provided. The method may further include providing an input on an exterior of the housing configured to activate the pump. Providing the pump may further include providing a pump configured for mechanical operation. 
     A dump valve is coupled with the housing to enable selective opening of the first chamber to surroundings and a dump valve selector is operatively coupled with the dump valve to enable operation of the dump valve at a position distal therefrom. 
     The dump valve may be coupled with the housing and the dump valve selector may be operatively coupled with the dump valve by positioning the dump valve selector proximate the second chamber and positioning the dump valve distal from the second chamber. In an example, with the exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the dump valve selector may be superior to or at a higher elevation than the dump valve. 
     In an example, operatively coupling the dump valve selector with the dump valve may include coupling a push rod between the dump valve selector and the dump valve such that upon pushing the dump valve selector, the dump valve opens and upon pulling the dump valve selector, the dump valve closes. In an example, the dump valve selector is located at a first exterior surface of the housing substantially opposite the dump valve located at a second exterior surface of the housing. In an example, the push rod coupled between the dump valve selector and the dump valve comprises a metal such as tin, steel or a combination of these. 
     A selectively sealable port may be provided to communicate between the third chamber and surroundings. The port may be provided through an exterior, top surface opposite an exterior, bottom surface of the housing. A plug may further be provided to selectively seal the port. 
     The method may further include providing a fourth chamber between the third chamber and the second chamber. The fourth chamber is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle. For example, a hand sanitizing fluid or gel may be contained within the fourth chamber and dispensed through the nozzle. 
     The method may further include providing a fifth chamber within the closure. The fifth chamber is configured for containing a fluid for dispensing through a nozzle directed from a front exterior surface of the housing. 
     The method may further include providing at least one window to the housing to enable visual inspection of levels of fluids held within the first chamber and/or within the third chamber. 
     Disclosed fluid collection systems may be used in accordance with a method for operating a fluid collection system. The method includes providing a fluid collection system. The provided fluid collection includes a housing, a first chamber within the housing and a funnel coupled with a conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber. A second chamber within the housing is configured to house the funnel and conduit. A closure pivotably coupled with the housing enables selectively closing of the second chamber. A spray head configured to deliver a distributed flow from the third chamber onto a funnel contained within the second chamber is provided to the closure and in fluid communication with a third chamber. A pump is provided. A dump valve is coupled with the housing and configured to selectively open the first chamber to surroundings and a dump valve selector is provided distal from the dump valve. A selectively sealable port communicates between the third chamber and surroundings. The port may be provided through an exterior, top surface of the housing opposite an exterior, bottom surface of the housing. 
     The second chamber of the provided fluid collection system may be positioned superior to the first chamber such that fluid provided to the funnel and conduit flows under force of gravity into the first chamber. The third chamber of the provided fluid collection system may be positioned adjacent to the second chamber and superior to the first chamber. 
     With the exterior, bottom surface of the housing resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the second chamber and the third chamber of the provided fluid collection system may be positioned superior to the first chamber. With the exterior, bottom surface resting on a substantially horizontal support surface, the dump valve selector of the provided fluid collection system may be superior to the dump valve. The dump valve selector of the provided fluid collection system may be proximate the second chamber while the dump valve may be distal from the second chamber. 
     With the fluid collection system provided, the method proceeds with pivoting the closure to an open position, withdrawing the funnel from the second chamber to a position convenient for receiving fluid but closer to the housing than a length of the conduit and delivering fluid into the funnel such that fluid drains from the funnel through the conduit and into the first chamber. In an example, user may deliver urine into the funnel configured for the anatomy of the user such that urine drains through the conduit and into the first chamber. 
     With fluid delivery complete, the funnel is replaced in the second chamber. Replacing the funnel in the second chamber may further include retracting the conduit into the second chamber, for example, by winding the conduit around a spindle or relieving a tensile force in the conduit. 
     The closure is pivoted back into the closed position. In an example, the closure is maintained in a sealed, closed position with small locking mechanism or clamp which may be released by depressing a button. 
     With the pump, a rinsing/cleaning solution is pumped from the third chamber to rinse the replaced funnel, the conduit and portions of the second chamber. The rinsing solution travels over and through the second chamber and the associated objects and drains into the first chamber. Pumping a rinsing/cleaning solution from the third chamber may be accomplished by, for example, depressing a button or diaphragm on an exterior surface of the housing such as on the top surface. 
     The method may further include dispensing a sanitizer from a fourth chamber disposed between the third chamber and the second chamber and dispensing a fluid from a fifth chamber provided within the closure. 
     Visual inspection of level of fluids held within the first chamber through one or more windows through the housing may enable a determination as to whether the first chamber is full. 
     When it is determined the first chamber is full, or when circumstances otherwise permit, the dump valve is opened with the housing by pushing the dump valve selector. Selective opening of the first chamber to surroundings is thereby enabled so that waste fluids may be poured from first chamber into a proper waste receptacle such as a permanent urinal or toilet. In an example, pushing the dump valve selector to open the dump valve may be accomplished by advancing a pushrod coupled between the dump valve selector and the dump valve. 
     Once waste fluids have been poured from the first chamber, the dump valve may be closed by pulling the dump valve selector. In an example, pulling the dump valve selector to close the dump valve may be accomplished by withdrawing a pushrod coupled between the dump valve selector and the dump valve. 
     Visual inspection of a level of fluid held within the third chamber through a window may enable a determination as to whether insufficient solution remains therein. When it is determined that insufficient fluid remains, the third chamber may be refilled through the selectively sealable port. The plug is removed from the port, fluid such as a cleansing solution or rinsing solution is provided to the third chamber and the plug is replaced to maintain the added fluid in the third chamber. 
     Similarly, visual inspection of level of fluid held within the fourth chamber through a window may enable a determination as to whether insufficient solution remains therein. When it is determined that insufficient fluid remains, the fourth chamber may be refilled through the selectively sealable port. The plug is removed from the port, fluid such as a cleansing solution or rinsing solution is provided to the fourth chamber and the plug is replaced to maintain the added fluid in the fourth chamber. 
     The actions described above are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more actions are added, one or more actions are removed, or one or more actions are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, enabling users to collect and temporarily contain fluids. For example, waste fluids such as urine may be collected and contained in a portable collection system. 
     Modifications to embodiments of the disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim disclosed features are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.