Abstract:
An apparatus used to contain waste for sanitary disposal by a user after experiencing nausea alone or in combination with diarrhea. The tray includes a bag dispensing system providing isolation between the user and the waste. The tray can be attached to a wide variety of objects thereby enabling sanitary containment in many locations.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates in general to the field of capturing, containment, and disposal of waste material typically vomited by a user. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    There are many designs of containers to hold vomit well known in the art. Air sickness bags are typical containers for catching and containing vomit. The air sickness bags are typically foil lined bags with a folding wire clamp on the top of the bag. The wire can be pinched to secure the bag after the top of the bag has been folded in an attempt to seal the bag. Air sickness bags require the user to hold the bag to their mouth while vomiting. Air sickness bags do not seal well due to the imprecise nature of folding over the top of the bag and securing with a semi rigid metal strap to hold the fold in place. Additionally air sickness bags, because they are lined with foil to prevent seepage, do not allow for rapid measurement of the amount of vomit. 
         [0005]    Another typical container for vomit is a toilet. Typically a user will vomit directly into a toilet. Vomiting into a toilet presents some limitations. First, toilets are fixed devices tied to running water and sewer drainage. While there are portable toilets suitable for recreational vehicles typically toilets are not suitable for moving vehicles. If a user is vomiting into a toilet then the toilet is not able to be used for containment and disposal of human excrement. Since diarrhea and vomiting can occur simultaneously a user that is sitting on the toilet is forced to find another suitable container for vomiting in such as a trash can. A trash can is a poor container for the containment of vomit. Trash cans must be held by the user while vomiting into them. Typically, trashcans are not empty therefore the amount of room to vomit could be limited. While there are many vomit containers well known in the art, considerable room for improvement remains. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a top View of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation according to the present application; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation according to the present application; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation according to the present application; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation according to the present application; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation attached to a wall according to the present application; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation attached to a hospital bed table according to the present application 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation attached to a headrest in an automobile according to the present application; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation attached to a wheelchair according to the present application; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation attached to a walker according to the present application. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0017]    Illustrative embodiments of the apparatus for containing regurgitation are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1  in the drawings, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  101  according to the present application is illustrated. The apparatus for containing regurgitation  101  includes a tray  111 , a bag system  131 , and a securing means  151  to secure the apparatus  101  to a structure in order for the apparatus  101  to be self supporting. Securing means  151  are clamps such that the apparatus is universally mountable. While securing means  151  are shown on either end of the tray  111 , it should be apparent that the securing means could be located on a lower surface of the tray  111 . Thereby allowing the user to remove the tray  111  from the mounting location by pulling up on the tray  111 . 
         [0019]    Tray  111  is preferably fabricated from plastic so that the user may readily clean and sanitize the tray  111 . Even though plastic is the preferred material it should be apparent that the tray could be made of other suitable materials like metal, wood, composites, or glass so long as the material can readily be sanitized and is capable of supporting the force of the user leaning on it. Considering portable use of the tray  111 , the tray  111  needs to be light enough that an elderly user can move the tray  111  without undue burden. 
         [0020]    In an effort to retain the fluids and solids directed towards the tray  111 , the tray  111  features a raised lip  115 . The raised lip  115  is located around the outer edge of the tray  111  so that any errant liquids tend to stay on the tray  111  and not run off the edges of the tray  111 . 
         [0021]    In the center of the tray  111  is a hole  119 . Hole  119  should be of suitable diameter such that a stream of nausea can readily be contained. If the hole  119  is too small then material will be caught by the tray  111 . If the hole  119  is too large then the tray would be too flimsy. Typically the diameter of hole  119  is approximately  6 - 7  inches. Located in and adjacent to the hole  119  is the bag system  131 . Bag system  131  is centered around the hole  119 . 
         [0022]    Bag system  131  is preferably a bag dispensing system  135 . Bag dispensing system  135  is comprised of a removable ring shaped container  137  and a storage of disposable bags located in the removable ring shaped container  137 . The user would typically extract a length of bag  139  or plastic tubing from the container  137  and tie a knot  145  into the end of the length of bag  139 . The bag  139  is preferably made of several layers of plastic in order to prevent leaks and tears while thick enough to hold the waste. Furthermore, bag  139  is preferably clear or transparent such that the contents of the bag after use are clearly visible to users. Other embodiments have a bag  139  that while not transparent is translucent such that the contents are still readily visible. The purpose of the knot  145  is to seal one end. Other types of seals other than knots are possible such as using adhesive such as double sided tape or heat forming the seal. The untied end of the length of bag material would remain located inside container  137  thereby forming a closed end vessel to contain vomit. In order to maintain sanitary conditions a cover  147  seals the top of the container  137  to prevent fluids and debris from contaminating the container  137  or the bags  139  stored inside the container  137 . Cover  137  is preferably made of a foam material to maintain comfort. Since a user would typically have their face adjacent or nearly adjacent to the cover  137  while using the tray the material of cover  137  needs to be capable of being sanitized but not uncomfortable to the user. 
         [0023]    Referring now also to  FIG. 2  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  201  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  201  includes a tray  211 , a bag system  232 , and securing means  251 . Bag system  232  is a preformed vessel that is designed to be disposable. At the top of the bag system  232  would be a ring compatible with the opening in tray  211 . Located on the underside of tray  211  is a self contained cutter  257 . Cutter  257  includes a blade suitable for cutting the bag system  232  and a guard to prevent the user from accidentally cutting themselves. Cutter  257  is configured such that the user holds the bag system on either side of the cutter  257  and pulls the bag system  232  through the cutter  257  and severs the bag system. Having the cutter  257  located near the bag system  232  precludes the user from needing a pair of scissors or similar tool to cut the bags. 
         [0024]    An alternative embodiment of the bag system  232  includes a plurality of plastic tubing stored inside a ring shaped container. The ring shaped container is located on the underside of the tray  211  and keeps the plastic tubing clean while unused. Typically, the ring shaped container holds several yards of plastic tubing. The user selects a length of plastic tubing by removing the length from the ring shaped container. The user ties a knot into the far end of the plastic tubing from the ring shaped container to make a vessel secured at the top by the amount of plastic tubing still inside the ring shaped container. Once the user is done with the vessel, they remove another portion of plastic tubing and use the cutter  257  to sever the vessel from the remaining plastic tubing and repeat the process by tying another knot into the loose end of the plastic tubing. Additionally, the user can seal the severed vessel by tying a knot in the unknotted end to close the severed vessel. To aid the user in severing the vessel, the plastic tubing could include a weakened region such as a series of perforations that enable the user to easily tear the plastic tubing in a predetermined area to create vessels of predetermined length. These vessels of predetermined length also could include adhesive seals that allow the user to seal the various ends of the vessel without tying knots. Included with the predetermined length would be a graduated scale such that the vessel would indicate accurate volume of liquids when properly severed and sealed. 
         [0025]    Located on the side of the bag system  232  is a graduated scale  263  for allowing users and doctors accurately measure the amount of regurgitation produced by the user. Preferably, the scale is measured in milliliters but other measures of liquid volume are contemplated by this application. In this embodiment the bag system  232  is comprised of single use pre-formed bags with a perforation  265  to allow the bag to be easily removed from the underside of the tray  211 . The preformed bags have a first end that is open and a sealed second end. Additionally, the preformed bag includes a mounting ring near the open end to keep the first end open and to allow the preformed bag to be coupled to the tray  211 . The perforation  263  removes the need for the bag to be pulled up through the hole in the tray  211 , thereby reducing the chance of leaks. Additionally, chemical or heat pressure sensitive adhesive is located adjacent, both above and below the perforation  265  so the user can easily seal both the used bag and/or make a bottom for a new bag. Once the bag has been used, the mounting ring of the previous bag would be removed to make room for another single use preformed bag. The adhesive may require the use of a liner to prevent the preliminary adhesion before the dispensing of the bag. In that case, the user would remove the liner and press the side of the bag to the exposed adhesive thereby closing and sealing the bag. 
         [0026]    Referring now also to  FIG. 3  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  301  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  301  includes a tray  311 , a bag system  332 , and clips  351 . Clips  351  are designed to allow the tray to couple to a railing, such as those found on hospital beds and support rails located in restrooms. The tray  311  includes a lip  315  for helping to contain anything that misses the bag system  332 . Cover  347  protects the unexposed parts of the bag system  332  from contamination and debris. While the tray  311  is illustrated as being flat, it should be apparent that the tray, in alternative embodiments, is sloped to aid in moving liquids from the tray into the bag system  332 . In order for the graduated scale to remain accurate the bags include a line (not shown) to indicate to the user where to cut between bags. Additionally, the system includes a sealing cover that closes the hole of the tray thereby reducing the chance that something inadvertently falls into the hole and to reduce the odor and appearance of the regurgitation located in the bag system when used. 
         [0027]    Referring now also to  FIG. 4  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  401  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  401  includes a tray  411 , a bag system  432 , clips  451 , and a severing system  457 . Clips  451  utilize fasteners to mount the clips  451  to the tray  411 . Severing system  457  has a blade  461  and a guard  463  to reduce access to the blade  461 , thereby preventing accidents. Typically a user would select a length of bag from the bag system  432  and tie a knot in the end of the bagging system  432 . Once the user had filled the bagging system  432  the user would select another length of bagging system  432  and use the severing system  457  to cut the filled portion of the bagging system  432 . The user would then tie a knot in the filled portion above the filling to contain the contents thereby creating a container suitable for disposal. The user would restart the process again by selecting a length of bag system  432  and tie a knot in the end of the bagging system  432 . 
         [0028]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  501  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  501  includes a tray  511 , a bag system  532 , clips  551 , a severing system (not shown), and a wall support system  573  or support member. Wall support system  573  has a wall mounted bracket  575  that allows the apparatus  501  to be rotated between a stored vertical position and a useable horizontal position, as shown. Because the apparatus potentially interferes with access to a toilet, having the apparatus  501  being able to be locally stored vertically and readily available at a moments notice provides users a safe, convenient, and sanitary system to use the restroom and contain regurgitation simultaneously or nearly simultaneously as needed. Wall support system  573  further comprises a support member  577  that is mechanically coupled to both the wall mounted bracket  575  and clips  551 . Wall support system  573  is capable of supporting the tray  511  even when a user is resting on the tray  511  during use of the tray  511 . Wall support system  573  provides the tray  511  with the ability to slide parallel to the ground relative to the user so that users can adjust the position of the tray  511  relative to them while sitting on the toilet. An alternative embodiment has the apparatus attached to assist rails located on the walls of the restroom near the toilet. 
         [0029]    Referring now also to  FIG. 6  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  601  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  601  includes a tray  611 , a bag system  632 , clips  651 , a severing system (not shown), and a table support system  673 . Because of the typical use of the apparatus  601  by those in hospitals, the apparatus is designed to interface directly with tables typical in hospital settings. Table support system  673  provides the tray  611  with the ability to be stored under the table  685  when not in use or to reduce odor and the appearance of the contents of the used apparatus  601 . Typically, a nurse would come and remove the bag of regurgitation and the user would want to hide the contents by sliding the tray  611  underneath the table  685 . This embodiment would be similar to that of a keyboard under the hospital tray table. An alternative embodiment has the apparatus clamped directly to the side of the bed with the ability to swing up as needed to allow access to the bed. 
         [0030]    Referring now also to  FIG. 7  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  701  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  701  includes a tray  711 , a bag system  732 , a severing system (not shown), and a table support system  773 . Apparatus  701  as shown is designed to be supported by a headrest in the back seat of an automobile or airplane. Apparatus  701  provides a safe alternative for families going on a road trip incase of nausea. Table support system  773  includes a strap  791  for wrapping around the mounting post of a headrest. Table support system  773  also includes a buckle (not show) for allowing the table support system to adjust to various headrests with various dimensions. It should be apparent that other methods for supporting the tray  711  are contemplated by this application including arms with hooks, clips, and retractable cords. Any method to support the tray  711  must be able to hold the tray  711  and provide the user with an opening to the bag system  732 . An alternative embodiment attached the apparatus to the seat tray table of airplane seat attached in a similar fashion to that of a keyboard through the use of brackets and sliding rails. 
         [0031]    Referring now also to  FIG. 8  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  801  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  801  includes a tray  811 , a bag system  832 , and a severing system (not shown). Apparatus  801  as shown is designed to be supported by the arms of a wheelchair  873 . The apparatus  801  can be easily removed from the wheelchair  873  by unclipping the apparatus from the arms. While clips are shown supporting the tray  811  from the arms of the wheelchair, it should be apparent that other mounting methods are contemplated by this application, such as straps, magnets, and other fasteners so long as the apparatus is supported such that a user can rest upon the tray  811  and be supported while using the system and allows the tray  811  to be readily removed from the wheelchair so the user can get into and out of the wheelchair. This embodiment provides an advantage for those users that are located in a wheelchair and cannot readily use a conventional toilet for vomiting. 
         [0032]    Referring now also to  FIG. 9  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for containing regurgitation  901  according to the present application is illustrated. Apparatus  901  includes a tray  911 , a bag system  932 , and a severing system (not shown). Apparatus  901  as shown is designed to be supported by the legs of a walker  973 . While clips are shown supporting the tray  911  from the arms of the wheelchair, it should be apparent that other mounting methods are contemplated by this application, such as straps, magnets, and other fasteners so long as the apparatus is supported such that a user can rest upon the tray  911  and be supported while using the system. In this embodiment the tray  911  is an integral member of the walker and structurally keeps the sides of the walker  973  coupled together. 
         [0033]    Other embodiments contemplated by this application include coupling the apparatus to the arms of a wheelchair, see  FIG. 8 , the arms of a walker, see  FIG. 9 , or to a table top or desk like surface. The apparatus is used to contain waste (food, vomit, etc.) for sanitary disposal by a patient, medical staff, or parent, and used when experiencing nausea or nausea/diarrhea simultaneously. Some of the benefits of the apparatus include: providing support and comfort to user by allowing for them to rest comfortably on toilet, bed, chair, etc. instead of kneeling or laying on the floor; simultaneous use of existing toilet in cases of nausea and diarrhea; allows for quick access in medical situations to a sanitary, comfortable, dignifying, waste management system; allows doctors to measure patients nausea/vomit in an effective way for treatment; and saves time and resources otherwise used to clean up overspill in bathrooms, bedrooms, hospital rooms, restrooms and transportation vehicles. 
         [0034]    It is apparent that an assembly with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.