Abstract:
A flushable urinating device is provided for women comprising a foldable waste tube and wings. The waste tube has a top portion with a top edge, a bottom portion with a discharge outlet, a front side and a rear side. The front side is concaved in a direction to orient the bottom portion toward a toilet for passing a flow of urine therethrough while a user stands near and faces the toilet. The wings are coupled to the top edge of the waste tube. The wings are configured to pivot about a top portion from at least 0°-90° or more.

Description:
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 
       [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    I. Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to urinating aids for women. 
         [0004]    II. Background 
         [0005]    Public bathrooms can be a source of bacteria, viruses, and disease as the result of unsanitary conditions. For example, it is not uncommon for women to squat over the toilet when urinating. The squatting stance allows women to position their pubic area over the toilet without sitting directly on the toilet. In this instance, the toilet seats can become covered with spots of urine from the spray of the urine as a woman urinates. While the seat may be wiped off, the wiping process generally uses readily available toilet tissue and no bacterial killing agents. 
         [0006]    Urine is not the only source of contamination. As a user sits on the toilet seat, some amount of bacteria or other contaminates may be left on the toilet seat. Thus, sitting on a toilet seat in a public rest room is a potential source of bacteria, viruses, and disease. 
         [0007]    Some women may prefer to stand when urinating because of various health conditions that affect their ability to sit on a toilet and stand up from a toilet seat. Thus, using an aid to allow women to urinate from a standing position is desirable. 
         [0008]    Thus, the present invention provides a PP Flushable Urinating Device to provide women an alternative means of urinating in public restrooms or publicly used toilet facilities in order to avoid germs, residue, filth, and contamination from prior users of the toilet. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced, according to exemplary embodiments, by the PP Flushable Urinating Device. 
         [0010]    Other systems, methods, and/or products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings, and further description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The exemplary embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novel features are more clearly understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a PP Flushable Urinating Device (PP-FUD) with the flanges or wings folded downward in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the flanges or wings of the PP-FUD with the inlet in an open state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a partial view of the PP-FUD with a flange folded upward in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a partial view of the PP-FUD with a flange folded upward and with a layer of absorbent material in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  illustrates another PP Flushable Urinating Device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a user&#39;s hand holding the PP Flushable Urinating Device of  FIG. 5A  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates women using the PP-FUD to urinate in a standing position. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any configuration or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations or designs. Furthermore, use of the words “present invention” is used herein to convey only some of the embodiments of the invention. For example, the word “present invention” would also include alternative embodiments and equivalent systems and components that one of ordinary skill the art understands. An example is that the materials used for the exemplary embodiments may be made out of man-made materials, natural materials, and combinations thereof. A further example is that the apparatus or components of the apparatus may be manufactured by machine(s), human(s) and combinations thereof. 
         [0021]    Some of the embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). 
         [0022]    The PP Flushable Urinating Device (PP-FUD) in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is constructed and arranged to eliminate the need for women to sit on contaminated or urine soaked toilet seats. 
         [0023]    The PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is configured and arranged to make the process of urinating in public restrooms easier, faster, quicker, and safer. 
         [0024]    The PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is constructed and arranged so that the device when spent (after use) is flushable in a toilet and is bio-degradable or otherwise friendly to the environment. 
         [0025]    The PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is constructed in arranged so that a top or flanges (wings) of the PP-FUD can also be used as tissue or means for wiping or absorbing urine. Thus, the need for toilet paper after urinating is not necessary. 
         [0026]    The PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is designed to conform to the woman&#39;s genital surface area in order to seal and direct the flow of urine through a waste tube into the toilet while the user is standing upright. When finished urinating, the PP-FUD may be placed or dropped in the toilet for disposal. 
         [0027]    The PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is not uniform in dimensions and is configured to conform to the surface of the female genitalia. 
         [0028]    The PP-FUD in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is made of a flushable and environmentally safe paper that is easily manipulated with the hand and deformable to fit around a portion of woman&#39;s groin area. 
         [0029]    The term groin area as used herein is defined as the two creases at the junction of the torso with the legs, on either side of the pubic area. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a PP Flushable Urinating Device (PP-FUD)  100  with the flanges or wings  120  folded downward in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The PP-FUD  100  is configured to be folded in half. The side view shown in  FIG. 1  is a half of the PP-FUD  100 . The PP-FUD  100  is essentially symmetrical. In operation, the PP-FUD  100  is configured to be folded in half length wise or longitudinally, as best seen in  FIG. 1 . The PP-FUD  100  may be folded in half or may be folded using two or more folding increments along an axis that traverses the longitudinal axis of the PP-FUD  100  in such a manner that the PP-FUD  100  can be dispensed from a box, package or other dispensers configured to be mounted to a wall of a bathroom or carried in a purse of the user. 
         [0031]    The PP-FUD  100  may also be folded using two or more folding increments along the longitudinal axis to reduce the size of the PP-FUD  100  when packaging and/or storing. 
         [0032]    The PP-FUD  100  includes a waste tube  110  ( FIGS. 2-3 ) and flanges or wings  120 . The waste tube  110  has a bottom portion  114  with a discharge outlet  112  and a top portion  116  with an inlet  130 . 
         [0033]    When folded in half, the PP-FUD  100  has a front edge  111 A and a rear edge  111 B. The front edge  111 A has a curvature configured to direct the discharge outlet  112  toward a toilet while the user (a woman) is standing in front of the toilet. More specifically, the curvature of the front edge  111 A is concaved to allow the discharge outlet  112  to be directed toward the toilet so that it can be easily placed therein without obstructing the flow of the urine. 
         [0034]    In the exemplary embodiment, a front of the PP-FUD  100  is concaved such that the arc of concavity extends along an entire length of the PP-FUD  100 . 
         [0035]    In another exemplary embodiment, a front of the PP-FUD  100  may be concaved such that the arc of concavity extends along a portion of the length of the PP-FUD  100 . 
         [0036]    When the woman is standing in front of the toilet, the stream of urine is not generally directed toward the toilet. The waste tube  110  is uniquely shaped in the form of a curved funnel with a concaved profile that orients the bottom portion  114  in the direction of the toilet. Thus, the user is not required to stand over the toilet. Instead, the user can stand around or at various positions around and facing the toilet bowl. The arc of concavity represented by the curvature of  111 A and the curvature of the rear side (rear edge  111 B) directs the flow of urine in the direction of the toilet. 
         [0037]    The PP-FUD includes an inlet  130 . The flanges or wings  120  have a front portion  122  and a rear portion  124 , as will be described in more detail in relation to  FIG. 2 , which surrounds the inlet  130 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of flanges or wings  120  of the PP-FUD with the inlet  130  ( FIG. 3 ) in an open state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the flanges or wings  120  have a pear shape, tear-drop shape or heart shape which are affixed to or integrated with a top edge, denoted by  146 , of top portion  116 . Whether affixed or integrated, the flanges or wings  120  are configured to fold and flex 0 to 360 degrees about top edge  146 . The flanges or wings  120  can flex when the PP-FUD  100  is folded in half or when the waste tube  110  is open into a generally round or tubular shape. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 1 , the flanges or wings  120  are shown overlaid in parallel over the exterior surface of waste tube  110 . In  FIG. 2 , the flanges or wings  120  are shown rotated to approximately 90 degrees with respect to the exterior surface of the waste tube  110  as shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be described in more detail in  FIG. 4 , the flanges or wings  120  are shown rotated approximately 180 degrees with respect to the orientation shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    The flexible material of the flanges or wings  120  allows the flanges or wings  120  to be rotated up to 360 degrees. The interconnection or the pivot point (at top edge  146 ) between the flanges or wings  120  and the waste tube  110  may, in another exemplary embodiment, limit the rotation of the flanges or wings  120  to less than 360 degrees. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  also permits illustration of an interior surface  144  of the waste tube  110  when open into a tubular shape or configuration. The concaved shape of the waste tube  110  reduces the annulus of the waste tube  110  so as to direct the flow of urine to discharge outlet  112 . When looking down into the interior of the waste tube  110  while open, the discharge outlet  112  is not readily seen as the curvature limits the view through the curvature of the tubular shape. 
         [0042]    The tapering profile of an interior surface of the waste tube  110  is represented by the lines directed to narrow annulus  142 . As the PP-FUD  100  is opened from a folded configuration, the top edge  146  is opened up so as to position, PP-FUD  100  near the groin area. For example, the user can manipulate the PP-FUD  100  so that the top edge  146  is expanded to track the size of the groin area. 
         [0043]    The narrowest portion of the flanges or wings  120  corresponds to the front portion  122 . The widest portion of the flanges or wings  120  corresponds to the rear portion  124 . In the exemplary embodiment, the flanges or wings  120  are essentially symmetrical to form flange halves  126 A and  126 B. 
         [0044]    In the exemplary embodiment, the flange halves  126 A and  126 B are integrated together to form a single flange or wing body encircling top edge  146 . Nonetheless, in another exemplary embodiment, the flange halves  126 A and  126 B may be two separate halves that are seamed together to form a single flange or wing body. In another exemplary embodiment, the flange halves  126 A and  126 B may be separate such that the front portion  122  and the rear portion  124  have seams which separate flange halves  126 A and  126 B. 
         [0045]    Referring also to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the PP-FUD  100  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. The inlet  130  is shown in a partially open state. As can be appreciated, the flexibility of the material (paper) allows the opening or inlet  130  into the waste tube  110  to be varied so as to adapt to the size of a women&#39;s pubic area and/or groin area. Thus, the PP-FUD  100  is readily adaptable for a variety of women sizes and shapes while also maintaining easy of manipulation, installation, operation. 
         [0046]    The length of the waste tube  110  of the PP-FUD  100  is between 18 inches and 26 inches. Nonetheless, the length may be made shorter or longer. However, the length of the waste tube  110  should be sufficient to allow all women of varying heights to stand in front of the toilet and place a portion of the waste tube  110  in the toilet bowl. 
         [0047]    In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the lines crossing the bottom portion  114  represent that the length of the waste tube  110  may be varied. For example, the waste tube  110  may be manufactured a particular length which can be varied with one or more lines of serrations that allow increments of the length of the waste tube  110  to be torn off to reduce the overall length of the waste tube  110  by the user. 
         [0048]    The length of inlet  130  when in a folded in half position is in the range of 7-7¼ inches. Nonetheless, for small, medium and large sizes, the length of the inlet  130  (when measured from a folded in half orientation) may vary to less than 7 inches to more than 7¼ inches. 
         [0049]    In the exemplary embodiment configured for a one size fits all functionality, in order to allow children, teens, or others of shorter stature to use the PP-FUD  100 , the length of the waste tube  110  may be reduced by tearing a portion of the bottom along a serration line. 
         [0050]    While not wishing to be bound by theory, the serration lines may also allow the PP-FUD  100  to breakup more easily during flushing. As the PP-FUD  100  is being flushed, pieces of the waste tube  110  break up and off more easily under the weight of water and the force directing the water out of the toilet bowl and through the drain. 
         [0051]    While not wishing to be bound by theory, the pear shape, tear-drop shape or heart shape configures the flanges or wings  120  to track the female genitalia. Thus, the flanges and wings  120  are easily deployed. Each flange halves  126 A and  126 B has a length which is at least 7 inches and up to 10 inches and would vary based on the size of the inlet  130 . In the exemplary embodiment, the maximum widths of each flange halve  126 A and  126 B is within the range of 2¾ and 3 inches. However, wider flange halves  126 A and  126 B may be used. 
         [0052]    The PP-FUD  100  is comprised of thin paper sturdy enough to accept the weight of the urine but light enough to dispose of in a standard toilet, similar to that used in toilet seat protectors. The flanges or wings  120  may serve as ‘wings’ to the sides and the back, and conforms to the hand and the woman&#39;s genital area, as best seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0053]    The PP-FUD  100  may be configured as a single unitary piece of material. In an exemplary configuration, the waste tube  110  may include two halves configured to be attached or affixed to each other along edges  111 A and  111 B with the flanges or wings  120  attached to edge  146 . Thus, seams should be taken into consideration. The profiles shown herein do not show seams. The edges may be sealed together. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a partial view of the PP-FUD  100  with a flange of flanges or wings  120  folded upward in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The top portion  116  of the waste tube  110  is uniquely designed to direct the flow of urine down the waste tube  110 . The representation illustrated in  FIG. 4A  is one side (PP-FUD  100  folded in half). The rear edge  111 B has a first top edge portion  421  which is essentially straight. The bottom of the first top edge portion  421  begins to curve at a second top edge portion  422  which gradually tapers in the direction of the arc of concavity defined by edge  111 A. In the exemplary embodiment, the front edge  111 A begins a curve to define the arc of concavity. However, the rear edge  111 B remains linear or straight for a predetermined distance, such as for 3 to 4 inches before the rear edge  111 B begins to curve or gradually taper in the direction of the arc of concavity defined by edge  111 A. 
         [0055]    In one mode of operation, the flanges or wings  120  may be used as toilet paper. The woman urinates through the waste tube  110  while standing. Once the woman has finished urinating, the flanges or wings  120  can be used as a tissue for wiping. The PP-FUD  100  is then disposed of in the toilet and flushed. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a partial view of the PP-FUD with a flange of flanges or wings  120 ′ folded upward and with a layer of absorbent material  140 ′ in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The flange halves of flanges or wings  120 ′ may include a layer of absorbent material  140 ′ shown overlaid on a underside of the flanges or wings  120 ′. The size and shape of the layer of absorbent material  140 ′ may vary. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the flange halves of flanges or wings  120 ′ may include a layer of absorbent material  140 ′ overlaid on a topside of the flanges or wings  120 ′. 
         [0057]    Once the woman has finished urinating, the flanges or wings  120 ′ may be manipulated in a manner that allows the layer of absorbent material  140 ′ to be used as a tissue for wiping. The PP-FUD is then disposed of in the toilet and flushed. 
         [0058]      FIG. 5A  illustrates another PP Flushable Urinating Device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The flanges or wings  220  have a ring or donut shape.  FIG. 5B  illustrates a user&#39;s hand holding the PP Flushable Urinating Device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In operation, the fingers are splayed in such a way that is most comfortable for the woman as well as to allow for the most room for the urine to flow. The positioning of the hand  5  is critical in order to prevent urine flowing out of the waste tube  110 . The hand  5  is placed around the waste tube  210  such that the flanges  220  rest on top of the user&#39;s hand  5 . 
         [0059]    In the exemplary embodiment, the waste tube  210  can be place between the forefinger and the middle finger with the flanges or wings  220  resting and conforming to the user&#39;s hands  5 . The material of the PP-FUD readily adapts (flexes) to or around the hand, as would a thin sheet of tissue or other paper products that are flushable. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  illustrates a woman using the PP-FUD  200  to urinate in a standing position. When a woman is standing in front of a toilet, the length of the waste tube can be easily placement into the toilet. 
         [0061]    As can be appreciated, the PP-FUD  100  can be used in port-a-potties, lavatories of airplanes, outdoors in the woods, and other suitable locations to aid a woman to urinate while standing upright. The PP-FUD  100  eliminates spraying or leaking of urination on the user&#39;s body while standing upright and directs the flow of urine to a location that is away from the user. 
         [0062]    The PP-FUD  100  is made of a flushable and environmentally safe paper that molds to the hand and to the woman&#39;s surface area. The long tube extends from the surface area through the woman&#39;s fingers and the end is placed in the toilet. 
         [0063]    While the present invention has been described with respect to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.