WO2007046961A1

WO2007046961A1 - Bedpan or commode waste disposal kit

Info

Publication number: WO2007046961A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/034440
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bill Phillips; Pamela Phillips
Original assignee: Phillips Environmental Products Inc
Current assignee: Phillips Environmental Products Inc
Priority date: 2005-10-17
Filing date: 2006-09-05
Publication date: 2007-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2008-04-17

Abstract

A waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag and a collection bag, wherein the containment and collection bags are comprised of a biodegradable plastic film, and wherein the containment bag contains a blend of a super-absorbent polymer, a deodorizer, and a decay catalyst. In an alternate embodiment, the containment bag is used without the collection bag.

Description

BEDPAN OR COMMODE WASTE DISPOSAL KIT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority back to U.S. Application No. 60/727,339, which was filed on 17 October 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates generally to the field of human waste disposal, and more specifically, to a waste disposal kit that is designed for use with bedpans and commodes.

2. Description of the Related Art.

A number of inventions have been patented or are patent pending that encompass liners for bedpans or toilets. These inventions are discussed below.

U.S. Patent No. 6,523,198 (Brink et al, 2003) relates to a liner apparatus for use with a toilet seat. The liner apparatus comprises a semi-rigid base of generally annular configuration that rests atop a toilet seat, a pair of flanges on either side of the base, and a plurality of bags situated one atop another and connected to the base. Each bag comprises two tabs, and the tabs are attached to the base at the flanges. After use, the top-most bag can be torn away and the tabs tied together to prevent spillage. Each bag comprises a permeable inner layer, an impervious outer layer, and an absorbent layer between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent layer includes sodium polyacrylate crystals sandwiched between two layers of absorbent cellulosic fibrous material.

U.S. Patent No. 5,689,840 (Kuhlman, 1997) provides a bedpan with a cover that is hingedly attached to the pan. The cover has a lid and a handle. A disposable bag is placed inside of the pan to aid in cleaning the bedpan. Pins are used to secure the bag in place. After use, the bag is removed and discarded, and another bag is installed.

U.S. Patent No. 5,455,972 (Williams, 1995) discloses a disposable bed pan bag. The bag is made from synthetic plastic material and has a pouch bonded to an exterior surface. One wall of the pouch is constructed of a material that is permeable to liquid. Inside the pouch are liquid-absorbing crystals. After use, the bag is turned inside-out, removed from the bedpan, and tied closed, thereby keeping the bedpan free of contact with the waste so that it need not be cleaned.

U.S. Patent No. 5,394,571 (Vernon, 1995) involves an inflatable bedpan assembly with an inflatable horseshoe-shaped seat and a detachable waste collection bag that is sealed with a drawstring. The collection bag is attached to the bedpan by a sleeve that is wedged into a groove formed around the inner circumference of the seat just below the top surface. After use, the drawstring and sleeve, with the suspended collection bag, are pulled out of the groove and removed through a front gap in the horseshoe-shaped seat.

U.S. Patent No. 5,265,285 (Loebbert, 1993) describes a portable toilet with an annular bag arranged beneath the toilet opening for collecting waste. The upper edge of the bag is secured to the toilet seat by a relatively rigid collar around the top of the bag and a supporting edge around the inside of the opening in the toilet seat.

U.S. Patent No. 4,996,727 (Wyatt, 1991) relates to a disposable waste bag with a flexible enclosure secured around the perimeter of an opening in a semirigid sheet of material. The semirigid sheet is foldable along a line across the middle to allow the bag to be opened and placed in position on a portable commode or bedpan. After use, the two halves of the semirigid sheet material are brought together and secured to seal the bag. A gelling compound is included in the bag to solidify any liquid material deposited in it.

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,974,270 (Kuhn, 1990) and 4,833,742 (Kuhn, 1989) provide a bedpan with a disposable plastic liner suspended from an open frame. The frame fully supports the liner, and retainers are used to keep the liner on the frame. The liner is preferably made of a thin plastic film such as polyethylene or other olefin material. A perfume, fragrance, germicide or bactericide may be incorporated into the liner to mask odor or enhance sanitation.

U.S. Patent No. 4,899,399 (Young, 1990) discloses an inflatable and disposable bedpan wherein an inflatable torus is mounted to a liquid-impervious base sheet. One end of the base sheet is secured to the inside bottom of a waste disposal bag so that the based sheet can be pulled into the waste disposal bag while the mouth of the waste disposal bag is held stationary. U.S. Patent No. 4,882,794 (Stewart, III, 1989) involves a disposable waste containment unit comprising a liquid-impermeable bag layer. The bag layer has a gathering means at the upper rim of the bag and an absorbent cellulose element at the bottom of the inside of the bag. The absorbent element is situated between the bag layer and a thin absorbent layer inside the bag. The bag is intended to be used inside a toddler training pot or bedpan.

U.S. Patent No. 4,827,540 (Stokes, 1989) describes a disposable combination bedpan cushion and waste bag assembly. The assembly comprises a cushion top that forms the seat portion of the bedpan and a waste bag that is permanently attached to the cushion top. An angular plastic clip is used to secure the cushion top onto the bedpan. After use, the waste bag is sealed, and both the cushion top and the waste bag are disposed of.

U.S. Patent No. 4,759,086 (Booth-Cox 1988) relates to a disposable receptacle for bodily waste. The receptacle comprises a fluid-permeable inner layer, a fluid- impermeable outer layer, and an absorbent layer in between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent layer includes a deodorizing material. A rim portion with fastening means is used to attach the receptacle to a bedpan or toilet trainer. Preferably the rim has an annular pad that forms a soft seat on which a small child can sit comfortably.

U.S. Patent No. 4,343,053 (O'Connor, 1982) discloses a disposable bedpan liner with an elongated liquid- impervious flexible sleeve. A handle at one end of the sleeve allows the mouth of the liner to be opened and aligned with the seat portion of a bedpan and to be closed after use by the patient. A handle at the other end of the sleeve allows the sleeve to be folded over onto itself to form a purse-like structure for carrying the liner containing waste.

U.S. Patent No. 4,136,798 (Oberstein, 1979) involves a flushable bedpan bag. The bag is constructed of high dry-strength, no wet-strength paper with a water-soluble plastic material laminated to a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the bag so that any portion of the bag that comes into contact with liquid excreta is covered by the water- soluble plastic material. The water-soluble plastic material is only soluble over a certain temperature so that it will not dissolve while the bag is being used, but it will dissolve after being flushed down a toilet. A similar invention by the same inventor is set forth in U.S. Patent No. 3,936,890, which deals with a bio-disposable bag-type liner for bedpans. A plurality of adhesive tabs keeps the liner in place and causes the shape of the liner to generally conform to the interior configuration of the bedpan.

U.S. Patent No. 4,011,610 (Parker, III, 1977) describes a bedpan system in which an aperture is created in a mattress for receiving a bedpan. The bedpan comes with a plastic bag liner that is held in place between interengaging lips on the bedpan and on the mattress and removable after use.

U.S. Patent No. 4,011,606 (Scrafield et at., 1977) relates to a disposable bedpan liner made of water-impermeable material. The liner is placed over the bedpan, and after use, the waste is flushed down a toilet, and the liner is discarded in a trash container. The liner is formed of a flexible sheet that is gathered at opposite ends to form an elongated hammock-like expandable and contractible pouch. The complete kit includes the liner, absorbent toilet tissue pads, and a waterproof disposal sack, all compactly stacked and held by an outer wrapping.

U.S. Patent No. 1,855,714 (Hutchinson, 1932) provides a collapsible toilet with an inner container made of waterproof paper or equivalent material. The inner container has a plurality of flaps at its upper marginal edge. These flaps are bent over the toilet seat and extended downwardly around the outside of the toilet seat. After use, the flaps of the inner container are drawn upwardly and twisted together.

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2004/0126585 (Kerins et al.) discloses a water- dispersible commode/bedpan liner composed of a copolymer that is resistant to body fluids, yet weakens and disperses in plain toilet water. The copolymer is a combination of a water dissolvable/dispersible polymer and an extrudable polymer.

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2003/0159207 (Howell) involves a disposable potty or bedpan liner made from a thin, flexible, liquid-impermeable, biodegradable material that is strong enough to hold human excrement without rupturing. Tab members on the liner are positioned on the upper surface of the potty chair and removably attached thereto by means of adhesive. After use, the tabs are folded over to close the liner bag, and the adhesive on the underside of the tabs seals the tabs in a closed position. Although numerous innovations have been developed to allow for the convenient and sanitary use of bedpans, commode pails, and the like, none of the above inventions possesses the simplicity, ease of use and biodegradability of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag and a collection bag, wherein the containment bag comprises an upper end, wherein the upper end of the containment bag is open, wherein the containment bag is cone- or funnel-shaped such that the bottom end of the containment bag is shorter in width than the upper end of the containment bag, wherein the upper end of the containment bag can be wrapped around the seat of a bedpan or toilet or the rim of a commode pail, wherein the collection bag is square in shape, and wherein the collection bag comprises a resealable closure.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag and a collection bag, wherein the both the containment bag and the collection bag are comprised of a plastic film, wherein the plastic film is a biodegradable linear low-density polyethylene, wherein ihe containment bag comprises an upper end, a bottom end, two angled sides, and two straight sides, wherein the upper end of the containment bag is approximately 79 centimeters in width, wherein the bottom end of the containment bag is approximately 23 centimeters in width, wherein the length of each angled side of the containment bag is approximately 40 centimeters, wherein the length of each straight side of the containment bag is approximately 30 centimeters, and wherein the dimensions of the collection bag are approximately 29 centimeters by 29 centimeters. Preferably, the plastic film used to . make the containment bag is 1.5 mils thick, and wherein the plastic film used to make the collection bag is 3 mils thick.

The containment bag contains a blend of a super-absorbent polymer, a deodorizer, and a decay catalyst. Preferably, the super-absorbent polymer is sodium polyacrylate, the deodorizer is zeolite, and the decay catalyst is catalytic yeast enzymes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bedpan and a plan view of the containment and collection bags of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bedpan with the containment bag of the present invention wrapped around it. The collection bag is also shown in plan view.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a commode pail and a plan view of the containment and collection bags of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a commode pail with the containment bag of the present invention wrapped around it. The collection bag is also shown in plan view.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Containment bag

2 Collection bag

3 Resealable closure

4 Bedpan

5 Commode pail

6 Bottom unit (of commode pail)

7 Cover (of commode pail)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bedpan and a plan view of the containment and collection bags of the present invention. The present invention comprises a containment bag 1 and a collection bag 2. The containment bag 1 is preferably cone- or funnel-shaped so that the upper end of the bag can be wrapped around the seat of a bedpan or commode. The collection bag 2 is preferably square in shape and includes a resealable closure 3, such as a ZIPLOC® closure mechanism.

In the preferred embodiment, the containment bag 1 contains a blend of a super- absorbent polymer (such as sodim polyacrylate), a deodorizer (such as zeolite), and a decay catalyst (such as catalytic yeast enzymes). The absorbent stabilizes the contents of the containment bag 1 for safe disposal, and the deodorizer provides instant odor reduction. The decay catalyst accelerates the process of the degradation of the biological wastes. The containment bag 1 itself is preferably comprised of a 1.5 mil thick plastic film, which minimizes the weight of the bag without sacrificing utility. The collection bag 2 is preferably comprised of a 3 mil thick plastic film to provide added durability. The plastic film used in both the containment bag 1 and the collection bag 2 is preferably a biodegradable linear low-density polyethylene.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bedpan with the containment bag 1 of the present invention wrapped around it. The collection bag 2 is also shown in plan view. To use the present invention with a bedpan 4, the containment bag 1 is unfolded, the bottom of the containment bag 1 (i.e., the narrower end of the bag) is placed inside the bottom of the bedpan 4, and the upper end of the containment bag 1 is wrapped around the bedpan seat. The blend of super-absorbent polymer, deodorizer, and decay catalyst, which is loose inside the containment bag 1, will be situated at the bottom of the bedpan 4 when the containment bag 1 is inserted therein. The collection bag 2 may either be placed inside the bottom of the bedpan 4 before the containment bag 1 is inserted, or it may be set aside until the containment bag 1 has been used.

Once the containment bag 1 is installed, the patient may void into the bedpan 4. The super-absorbent polymer immediately begins to turn the waste into a gel, the deodorizer reduces odor, and the decay catalyst begins to degrade the waste. The containment bag 1 is then be gathered up with the upper end closed and inserted into the collection bag 2. The collection bag 2 is then sealed and discarded. As noted above, both the containment 1 and collection 2 bags are preferably biodegradable.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a commode pail 5 and a plan view of the containment I and collection 2 bags of the present invention. The commode pail comprises a bottom unit 6 and cover 7. The containment 1 and collection 2 bags are the same as described above. One significant aspect of the present invention is that the shape and size of the containment 1 bag is such that it can be used with a variety of differently shaped and sized voiding implements, including bedpans, commode pails, training potties, and regular toilets. In the preferred embodiment, the upper end of the containment bag 1 is preferably approximately 79 centimeters in width, the bottom end of the containment bag is preferably approximately 23 centimeters in width, the length of the angled side of the containment bag is preferably approximately 40 centimeters, and the length of the straight side of the containment bag is preferably approximately 30 centimeters. The dimensions of the collection bag are preferably approximately 29 centimeters by approximately 29 centimeters.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bottom unit 6 of a commode pail 5 with the containment bag 1 of the present invention wrapped around it. The collection bag 2 is also shown in plan view. To use the present invention in connection with a commode, both bags are unfolded, the collection bag 2 is placed on the bottom of the inside of the bottom unit 6 of the commode pail, the bottom end of the containment bag 1 is inserted inside the bottom of the bottom unit 6, and the upper end of the containment bag 1 is wrapped around the top of the bottom unit 6. Alternately, the upper end of the containment bag 1 can be wrapped around the toilet seat, which would be positioned directly on top of the bottom unit 6.

In an alternate embodiment, the containment bag 1 can be used without the collection bag 2. In this embodiment, the containment bag 1 is preferably sealed after use with an adhesive strip (not shown).

Several experiments have been conducted to prove the efficacy of the present invention in enhancing sanitation and preventing contamination of bedpans and/or commode pails. These experiments are discussed below.

A. Experiment 1.

In this experiment, newly purchased commode pails were tested for contamination. More specifically, the FLUOROCULT® LMX broth assay was used to test for the presence of total coliforms and Escherichia CoIi (E. coli). FLUOROCULT® LMX broth is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Most Probable Number (MPN) testing. This assay was used for all of the experiments discussed herein.

In Experiment 1, the protocol used was as follows:

(1) Put 3 ml of LMX broth in each of three 7.5 ml test tubes. The broth is clear and yellowish-brown.

(2) Add 10 ml of sterilized water to each commode pail.

(3) Swirl the water in the commode pail for one minute. (4) Using a sterile pipette, collect 3 ml of the water in the commode pail and add the collected water to the LMX broth test tube to make a 6 ml final solution. A total of three LMX broth tubes per commode pail were tested.

(5) Place the LMX broth tubes in an incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours.

The results were interpreted as follows:

(1) Clear, yellowish-brown means no coliforms or E. coli are present.

(2) Blue broth means coliforms are present.

(3) Blue-green broth and blue fluorescence using long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light source (366 ran) means E. coli is present.

There were neither total coliforms nor E. coli present in the newly purchased commode pails (see Table 1 below).

Table 1

B. Experiment 2.

In this experiment, commode pails were tested for contamination after the present invention had been used in connection with the commode pails. The protocol used was as follows: (1) Insert the containment bag inside the commode pail as described above.

(2) Use the commode pail to deposit urine and fecal matter inside the containment bag.

(3) Allow the containment bag to remain in the commode pail for 48 hours to maximize exposure.

(4) Remove the containment bag from the commode pail, insert it into the collection bag, and discard the collection bag.

(5) Add 10 ml of sterilized water to each commode pail. The experiment was repeated for three different commode pails.

(6) Swirl the water in the commode pail for one minute.

(7) Using a sterile pipette, collect 3 ml of the water in the commode pail and add the collected water to the LMX broth test tube to make a 6 ml final solution. A total of three LMX broth tubes per commode pail were tested.

(8) Place the LMX broth tubes in an incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours.

The results were interpreted as described above in connection with Experiment 1. There were neither total coliforms nor E. coli present in the commode pails that had been used in connection with the present invention (see Table 2 below).

Table 2

C. Experiment 3.

In this experiment, commode pails were tested for contamination after being used without the present invention and after being rinsed with water. The protocol used was as follows:

(1) Use the commode pail to deposit urine and fecal matter inside the pail. A total of three commode pails were tested.

(2) Allow the excrement to remain in the commode pail for six hours.

(3) Rinse the commode pail with abundant water to eliminate all urine and fecal matter.

(4) Follow steps (5) through (8) from Experiment 2.

The results were interpreted as described above in connection with Experiment 1. Total coliforms and E. coli were present in each of the three commode pails tested (see Table 3 below).

Table 3

D. Experiment 4.

This experiment was the same as Experiment 3, except that the commode pails were allowed to air dry after being rinsed and before the sterilized water was added to the pails. Total coliforms and E. coli were present in each of the three commode pails tested (see Table 4 below).

Table 4

These experiments prove that the present invention can be used to prevent bedpans and commode pails from being contaminated with total coliforms or E. coli, thereby greatly enhancing sanitation in hospitals, nursing homes and similar environments. The present invention will significantly decrease the occurrence of infections in hospitals due to unsanitary bedpans and commodes, thereby reducing sickness and saving lives.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag and a collection bag, wherein the containment bag comprises an upper end, wherein the upper end of the containment bag is open, wherein the containment bag is cone- or funnel-shaped such that the bottom end of the containment bag is shorter in width than the upper end of the containment bag, wherein the upper end of the containment bag can be wrapped around the seat of a bedpan or toilet or the rim of a commode pail, wherein the collection bag is square in shape, and wherein the collection bag comprises a resealable closure.

2. A waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag and a collection bag, wherein the both the containment bag and the collection bag are comprised of a plastic film, wherein the plastic film is a biodegradable linear low-density polyethylene, wherein the containment bag comprises an upper end, a bottom end, two angled sides, and two straight sides, wherein the upper end of the containment bag is approximately 79 centimeters in width, wherein the bottom end of the containment bag is approximately 23 centimeters in width, wherein the length of each angled side of the containment bag is approximately 40 centimeters, wherein the length of each straight side of the containment bag is approximately 30 centimeters, and wherein the dimensions of the collection bag are approximately 29 centimeters by 29 centimeters.

3. The waste disposal kit of claim 2, wherein the plastic film used to make the containment bag is 1.5 mils thick, and wherein the plastic film used to make the collection bag is 3 mils thick.

4. A waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag, wherein the containment bag comprises an upper end, wherein the upper end of the containment bag is open, wherein the containment bag is cone- or funnel-shaped such that the bottom end of the containment bag is shorter in width than the upper end of the containment bag, and wherein the upper end of the containment bag can be wrapped around the seat of a bedpan or toilet or the rim of a commode pail.

5. A waste disposal kit for use with bedpans and commodes, comprising a containment bag, wherein the containment bag is comprised of a plastic film, wherein the plastic film is a biodegradable linear low-density polyethylene, wherein the containment bag comprises an upper end, a bottom end, two angled sides, and two straight sides, wherein the upper end of the containment bag is approximately 79 centimeters in width, wherein the bottom end of the containment bag is approximately 23 centimeters in width, wherein the length of each angled side of the containment bag is approximately 40 centimeters, and wherein the length of each straight side of the containment bag is approximately 30 centimeters.

6. The waste disposal kit of claim 2 or 5, wherein the plastic film used to make the containment bag is 1.5 mils thick.

7. The waste disposal kit of claim 1, 2, 4 or 5, wherein the containment bag contains a blend of a super-absorbent polymer, a deodorizer, and a decay catalyst.

8. The waste disposal kit of claim 7, wherein the super-absorbent polymer is sodium polyacrylate, wherein the deodorizer is zeolite, and wherein the decay catalyst is catalytic yeast enzymes.

9. The waste disposal kit of claim 4 or 5, wherein the containment bag further comprises an adhesive strip for sealing the containment bag.