Patent Publication Number: US-6704948-B2

Title: Self-supporting disposable waste container

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a waste container for holding and disposing bodily waste. More particularly, the present invention relates to a waste container that is self-supporting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of toilet seats and bedpans employing containers are widely used. Such containers must be cleaned after use. The need to clean such containers is unpleasant and may facilitate the spread of contaminants from such an unsanitary environment. 
     Further developments of such toilet seats have employed disposable liners or receptacles that reside within a toilet seat or bedpan. Typically, these disposable liners or receptacles are formed of a collapsible structure that conforms to the container or basin of the toilet seat itself. Examples of existing liners are discussed below. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,794 to Stewart, III discloses a disposable waste containment unit being a bag with a liquid impermeable bag layer having an absorbent element therein. A gathering means, such as tape, is disposed at an upper rim of the bag. The bag is a collapsible unit that conforms to the container it is inserted into. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,880 to Barreau discloses a protective lining for toilets provided with seats. The lining includes a bag that adopts the shape of a toilet basin and a flange for engaging the seat to connect the bag thereto. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,458 to Speelman discloses a biodegradable and flushable bedpan liner. The liner is made of a paper material cut and sized to fit the size of a bedpan. The liner rests in the pan when in use. The liner is disposed of after use by tilting the bedpan such that the liner slides or is dumped out of the bedpan into a toilet and flushed for disposal. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,086 to Booth-Cox discloses a disposable receptacle for bodily waste. The receptacle includes an inner fluid permeable layer and an impermeable outer layer where an absorbent layer is disposed between the inner and outer layer. Further, the receptacle includes a rim portion with fastening means to attach the receptacle to a bedpan support or toilet trainer such that the receptacle depends downward when attached. 
     Such devices, as above, rely on particular gatherings, snaps, strings, tape, tabs or adhesive to attach a liner to a support structure, such as a bedpan or toilet seat. These devices do not allow for a self-supporting disposable waste container, and often employ a flexible construction that may not be effective for containing the bodily waste in the liner on their own. Although these devices may be suitable for their intended uses, improvements may still be made in providing a disposable waste container that can be used in place of a lavatory system or incorporated with an existing lavatory system, such as a bedpan, toilet trainer, toddler toilet seat, etc, while maintaining optimum convenience for disposing the waste container and at least reducing if not eliminating the need to clean the toilet basin and pans of such lavatory systems. In addition, it is of importance to provide a disposable waste container that is self-supporting. Further, there is a need for a disposable waste container that is easy to manufacture and that is cost efficient. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, improvements upon existing designs for disposing bodily waste have been made by providing a disposable waste container with a self-supporting structure enabling the disposable waste container to remain in an upright position. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a disposable waste container includes a housing with a top, a bottom and a sidewall that define a reservoir within the housing. The top defines an open side adaptable for receiving waste. The housing includes a plurality of adjacent layers, where the layers define at least an inner layer and an outer layer and at least one intermediate layer disposed between the inner and outer layers. The housing includes a self-supportable structure, where the self-supportable structure includes at least one of the layers being a semi-rigid layer so as to enable self-supporting of the housing. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the self-supportable structure enables the sidewall of the housing to remain in an upright position. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is adaptable for use with existing lavatory systems or for use of disposing waste on its own. Preferably, the housing is disposable after one time use. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner layer includes a permeable structure, where the permeable structure is arranged and configured to enable bodily waste to pass through the inner layer from the reservoir. Preferably, the permeable structure is a porous material. More preferably, liquid waste is enabled to pass through the inner layer to the intermediate layer, while solid waste is retained and supported in the reservoir of the disposable waste container. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer layer includes an impermeable structure, where the impermeable structure is arranged and configured to prevent bodily waste from passing through the housing and into an outer environment. Preferably, the impermeable structure is a plastic material. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate layer includes an absorbent material, where the absorbent material is arranged and configured to enable support of liquid bodily waste absorbed into the absorbent material. 
     Preferably, the absorbent material is a semi-rigid structure providing the semi-rigid layer enabling self-supporting of the disposable waste container. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a tape tab disposed on the outer layer proximate the top of the housing. The tape tab enables closing of the open side for disposal of the waste container after usage. Preferably, the tape tab resides about at least a portion of the perimeter of the housing along the outer layer, so that the sidewall of the housing may be pushed inward at oppositely disposed positions to close the open side. More preferably, the tape tab connects with an opposite portion thereof to close the open side of the housing for disposal of the waste container. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing may be arranged and configured such that a plurality of said housings are nestable into a stacked arrangement. 
     The present invention provides a disposable waste container that allows for easy placement into an existing lavatory system, such as a training or a portable toilet and toilet seat or a bedpan, and allows for easy and hygienic removal of bodily waste from such existing lavatory systems. The present invention reduces the need to clean the toilet or bedpan after use. Further, the present invention can be used as a stand-alone unit without the need for a structure that connects to such a toilet seat or bedpan for support. The disposable waste container provides a self-supportable structure where a sidewall of the housing is arranged and configured to prevent collapse of the disposable waste container and enable the disposable waste container to remain in an upright position on its own. The semi-rigidity of the housing structure provides convenience for disposal rather than the flexible and collapsible construction of existing designs. Preferably, solid waste collected in the reservoir of the disposable waste container may be dumped in a flushable toilet, while the disposable waste container supporting absorbed liquid waste can be but is not limited to disposal in a plastic garbage bag or diaper disposal bag. In addition, such a structure for a disposable waste container eliminates the need to rely on secondary or additional support structures for attachment to a toilet seat or bedpan, such as gatherings, snaps, strings, tabs, flanges or adhesives. Furthermore, a plurality of disposable waste containers, having a housing as structured above, may be nestable into a stacked configuration for easy packaging and storage. 
     A variety of additional advantages and objects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout: 
     FIG. 1 represents a top perspective view of one embodiment for a disposable waste container in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 represents a top view of the disposable waste container of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 represents a partial sectional view of the disposable waste container of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 represents an exploded view of one embodiment of a lavatory system incorporating the disposable waste container of FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 represents a top perspective view of another embodiment of a disposable waste container in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description of the illustrated embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of the embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of a disposable waste container  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the disposable waste container  10 . The disposable waste container  10  is shown in an upright position. The disposable waste container  10  includes housing  18  having a top  12  and a bottom  14 . A sidewall  16  is formed between the top  12  and the bottom  14 . The top  12 , bottom  14  and sidewall  16  define a reservoir  20  within the housing  18 . The top  12  defines an open side  12   a  that is adaptable for receiving waste, for instance bodily waste voided by a person. Preferably, the disposable waste container  10  is used for receiving and disposing of bodily waste. More preferably, the disposable waste container  10  may be disposable after one time use. Solid waste collected in the reservoir of the disposable waste container may be dumped in a flushable toilet, while the disposable waste container supporting absorbed liquid waste can be but is not limited to disposal in a plastic garbage bag or diaper disposal bag. It will be appreciated that the disposable waste container  10  may be employed for other waste containment and disposal applications. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 that show respective top and partial sectional views of the disposable waste container  10 , the housing  18  includes a plurality of layers. Preferably, the layers are adjacently connected to form an integrally shaped housing being a one piece unit, such as housing  18 . The plurality of layers provides a structure suitable for supporting bodily waste collected therein. At least one layer is an inner layer  22  and at least one layer is an outer layer  26 . At least one intermediate layer  24  is disposed between the inner and outer layers  22 ,  26 . Preferably, the housing  18  is a self-supportable structure enabling the housing  18  to stand on its own without any need for additional support structures. Particularly, the sidewall  16  remains in an upright position (FIG.  1 ). More preferably, at least one of the layers  22 ,  24 ,  26  is a semi-rigid layer so as to enable the housing  18  to be self-supporting. 
     The inner layer  22  faces the reservoir  20  and is the first of the layers to contact received waste along the sidewall  16  and bottom  14  of the housing  18 . Preferably, the inner layer  22  includes a permeable structure, and is arranged and configured so as to enable liquid waste to pass through the inner layer  22  from the reservoir  20  to the intermediate layer  24 . More preferably, the inner layer  22  is constructed of a porous material enabling at least liquid bodily waste to pass through while supporting containment of any solid bodily waste received in the reservoir  20 . The material for the inner layer  22  may be, but is not limited to, a plastic web or a mesh, a cloth or fabric material that is permeable to liquids. Further, the material of the inner layer  22  also may be constructed of a material that contacts the skin of a person, and used for infant, toddler, and adult incontinence undergarments. 
     The outer layer  26  faces outward or toward the outside environment or existing lavatory system the disposable waste container  10  may be incorporated with. Preferably, the inner layer  26  includes an impermeable structure, and is arranged and configured so as to prevent any waste to pass through the housing  18  and escape from the inner layer  22 , intermediate layer  24  and reservoir  20  of the disposable waste container  10 . More preferably, the outer layer  26  is a durable liquid impermeable material that prevents leakage from the disposable waste container  10 . The material for the outer layer  26  may be, but is not limited to, a plastic material. 
     The intermediate layer  24  resides between the inner and outer layers  22 ,  26 . Preferably, the intermediate layer  24  includes an absorbent material that is arranged and configured to enable support of waste that passes through the inner layer  22 . The absorbent material includes a suitable capacity for absorbing waste that passes through the inner layer  22  from the reservoir  20 . More preferably, the absorbent material may be a material conventionally used in incontinence undergarments, such as diapers, or may be an absorbent gel or foam. It will be appreciated that materials used for the intermediate layer  24  and the absorbency properties of the intermediate layer  24  may vary as needed. It will be appreciated that a chemical additive may be incorporated within the intermediate layer  24  to mask or neutralize the odor of the waste absorbed into the intermediate layer  24 . In addition, the intermediate layer  24  may employ an anti-bacterial additive to kill bacteria associated with the absorbed waste. Such chemical and anti-bacterial additives may be those conventionally used in detergent and cleaning products and other absorbing products such as, but not limited to, diapers. 
     Preferably, at least one of the inner, intermediate and/or outer layers  22 ,  24 ,  26  is a semi-rigid layer so as to enable the housing  18  to be self-supporting. Particularly, the sidewall  16  of the housing  18  is constructed with sufficient rigidity such that the disposable waste container  10  is prevented from collapsing. Preferably, the intermediate layer  24  is constructed of a semi-rigid material along with the absorbency characteristics discussed above to provide the necessary rigidity for the housing  18 , while the inner and outer layers  22 ,  26  are a substantially flexible material. It will be appreciated that the configuration forming the rigidity of the housing  18  may be modified as desired such that the layers forming the housing  18  together form a self-supporting unit. For instance, materials may be employed such that one layer alone or every layer may be a semi-rigid material so as to provide the necessary rigidity for the housing  18 . It will also be appreciated that the thickness of each layer may vary as needed. 
     Further, it will be appreciated that disposable waste container  10  is not limited to a particular size of toilet seat or bedpan and that the semi-rigid structure of the housing  18  may be such that at least some flexibility is provided so as to allow the disposable waste container  10  to be adapted and adjusted to fit a variety of sizes and shapes for a toilet seat or bedpan, and to allow closing of the open side for disposal after usage. Such a structure allows one to dispose of waste in a convenient and sanitary manner, and the disposable waste container  10  may be used as a waste disposal unit on its own. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-3, one intermediate layer  24  is disposed between the inner and outer layers  22 ,  26 . It will be appreciated that additional intermediate layers (such as intermediate layer  24 ) and/or a varying thickness of the intermediate layer  24  may be employed as necessary for the application of the disposable waste container. For example, disposable waste containers employed for multiple uses may need multiple intermediate layers, such as intermediate layer  24 , or an increased thickness in the intermediate layer  24  for added capacity in absorbing waste. Such multiple intermediate layers  24  also may employ a retention layer (not shown), which may be formed between each intermediate layer  24  so as to allow entry into each intermediate layer  24  while preventing escape of the absorbed waste from each intermediate layer  24  back towards the direction of the reservoir, such as reservoir  20 . A retention layer may be employed such as those used in conventional diapers intended to keep an infant&#39;s skin dry after waste is collected or absorbed into the diaper. 
     Preferably, the disposable waste container  10  is formed as a bucket shaped unit, and is adaptable for use as a liner mounted within existing lavatory systems, such as but not limited to conventional training toilet seats for toddlers and bedpans. It will be appreciated that the disposable waste container  10  is nestable with a plurality of disposable waste containers  10  to facilitate convenient packaging and storage thereof. Further, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be employed for the disposable waste container  10  as needed. More preferably, the disposable waste container  10  may be sized and shaped as needed according to the particular toilet seat, bedpan, or other lavatory systems it is mounted within. 
     As above, the disposable waste container  10  may be adaptable for use, for instance with existing portable toilet seats, toilet seats for training toddlers or with existing bedpans, etc. Further, the self-supporting, self-standing capability of the disposable waste container provides a unit that also may be used as a stand-alone unit without the need for a toilet seat or bedpan. This application may be suitable for outdoor applications, such as camping, or for any event where a toilet seat or bedpan may not be readily available. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the disposable waste container  10  of the present invention incorporated with an existing lavatory system. The disposable waste container  10  is a component of a lavatory system such as a portable toilet seat  50  for toddlers. The toilet seat  50  may be a conventional toddler toilet seat used for training purposes, and includes a basin  52  constructed to allow entry of bodily waste and a top surface  54  to allow a user to sit on the toilet seat  50 . Examples of such existing toilet seats can be found in models produced by Sentry and Safety First. The basin  52  is constructed such that a pan  30  may be housed within the basin  52  to collect bodily waste entering the basin  52 . The disposable waste container  10  is insertable into the pan  30  as a liner, such that no waste contacts the pan  30  or the basin  52 . The disposable waste container  10  is substantially sized and shaped to fit and line the pan  30 , and reduces and/or eliminates the need to clean the pan  30  and toilet seat  50 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a disposable waste container  10 ′ including a tape tab  40  connected to the housing. With the exception of the tape tab  40 , the features of the disposable waste container  10 ′ are the same as described above for the disposable waste container  10 , and are not further discussed. The tape tab  40  is disposed on the outer layer proximate the top of the housing and includes at least one portion  42  disposed on the tape tab  40 . The portion  42  includes an adhesive for taping the tape tab to another portion of the housing so as to close the open side of the disposable waste container. The tape tab enables closing of the open side through the adhesive portions  42  for disposal of the waste container after usage. Preferably, the tape tab  40  resides about at least a portion of the perimeter of the housing along the outer layer, so that the sidewall of the housing may be pushed inward at oppositely disposed positions to close the open side. More preferably, the tape tab  40  uses the adhesive portions  42  to connect with an opposite portion thereof to close the open side of the housing for disposal of the waste container. 
     The invention provides advantages such as a disposable waste container that allows for easy placement into an existing lavatory system, such as a portable toilet and toilet seat, a toddler toilet training seat, or a bedpan, and allows for easy and hygienic removal of bodily waste from such existing lavatory systems. The present invention reduces the need to clean the toilet or bedpan after use and may be disposed of after one time use. Further, the present invention can be used as a stand-alone unit without the need for a support structure usually provided by a toilet seat or bedpan. The disposable waste container provides a self-supportable structure where a sidewall of the housing is arranged and configured to prevent collapse and enable the disposable waste container to remain in an upright position on its own. The semi-rigidity of the housing structure provides convenience for disposal rather than the flexible and collapsible construction of existing designs. In addition, such a structure for a disposable waste container eliminates the need to rely on secondary support structures for attachment to a toilet seat or bedpan in order to be held upright, such as using gatherings, snaps, strings, tabs, flanges or adhesives. Furthermore, a plurality of disposable waste containers, having a housing as structured above, may be nestable into a stacked configuration for easy packaging and storage. The invention provides a disposable waste container that is cost efficient to manufacture. 
     With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of the parts without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the specification and depicted embodiment be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of the following claims.