WO2018138513A1

WO2018138513A1 - Sanitary device

Info

Publication number: WO2018138513A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/050228
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Schofield; Sanne JANSWEIJER; Robert Marchant; Robert Haworth; Eileen SCHOFIELD
Original assignee: Wee Thing Ltd
Current assignee: Wee Thing Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-27
Filing date: 2018-01-26
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-27
Also published as: GB2559333B; GB2559333A; GB201701384D0

Abstract

We provide a sanitary device (10) comprising a portion for channelling waste (12), and a portion (14) for contacting a user that provides a pair of gripping portions (16) configured to be held between the thighs of a user.

Description

Title: Sanitary device Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a sanitary device, and in particular to a device of the sort providing a receptacle for receiving and/or storing urine or other waste.

It is known for sanitary devices that allow a user to be used in hospital environments, where a patient is unable to walk unassisted to a toilet and therefore must be provided with a facility to urinate without moving far from their bed. In the past, simple collection devices such as bed-pans and the like have been made available for this purpose. However, such devices cannot be used discreetly.

Elderly, incontinent or otherwise infirm people in their own homes, if they are not able to access a toilet easily, face a similar problem.

Similar issues are also faced by many people due to the nature of their employment, their circumstances, or those with young children. For example, drivers of haulage vehicles, who travel long distances, may have limited access to a toilet. As another example, parents transporting children in cars are often faced with the problem of finding a toilet at short notice, in order to allow the child to use a toilet. People attending open-air festivals, such as music festivals, often face long queues to access a toilet, or may simply not wish to use a public toilet due to unhygienic conditions. In these and many other circumstances it is desirable to possess a sanitary device that can be used discreetly and comfortably. A device that is lightweight for ease of transportation is also desirable. As an alternative, it is known for people to urinate into bottles, pans, or the like, where no alternative is available. Using such a device as a receptacle for urine is unhygienic, since the user must position and hold the receptacle while urinating, which can result in the skin of the user coming into contact with urine. Furthermore, many users feel significant discomfort in using such a receptacle, due to the unpleasant feeling of the urine entering the device, for example. As a consequence of using bottles as a receptacle, it has become common for haulage drivers (and even festival visitors) to discard the bottles at a roadside (or on a festival site, respectively) once used, thus presenting an environmental hazard, and a health and safety risk. It is desirable to provide an alternative, which can be stored and/or disposed of safely and hygienically, without causing littering or environmental damage.

The present invention seeks to achieve one or more of these aims and/or to reduce or overcome one or more problems associated with the prior art. According to an aspect of the invention we provide a sanitary device comprising a portion for channelling waste, and a portion for contacting a user that provides a pair of gripping portions configured to be held between the thighs of a user. The gripping portions may be disposed on opposing sides of the device, each providing a gripping surface shaped to abut the respective thighs of the user.

The gripping surfaces may provide a textured pattern or surface roughness configured to assist gripping against the thighs of the user. The rim may be formed between the gripping portions and the portion for channelling waste, the rim being configured so as to fit between the legs of a user, such that in use, waste excreted by the user passes through an opening defined by the rim and into or through the portion for channelling waste.

The rim may be configured to surround at least a portion of a male user's penis when gripped between the user's thighs.

The rim may be configured to surround the anus of a user when gripped between the user's thighs.

The portion for channelling waste may provide a passage either between the rim and a receptacle for waste or configured to surround a receptacle for waste.

The rim may form an inverse U-shaped join between the gripping portions and a wall of the passage.

The wall of the passage may be spaced from the gripping portions.

The rim may provide a resilient biasing effect, so as to resist inward movement of the gripping portions towards the passage.

The gripping portions may extend a distance from the rim that is equal to or greater than the length of the passage.

The gripping portions may extend from the rim by a distance that is greater than the length of the passage. The device may further include a receptacle for waste secured to the device, for receiving waste from a user. The device may further include a receptacle for waste, wherein the receptacle is secured to or adjacent the rim of the device, and the receptacle extends into the passage.

The receptacle may be a bag.

The bag may be secured to or adjacent the rim, in use, a portion of the bag lies between the rim and the user.

The bag may be secured to or adjacent the rim by welding.

The receptacle may comprise a plurality of bags stacked within one another. The bags may each be detachable from the other parts of the device for disposal.

The or each bag may be made of a biodegradable material. According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a combination of a sanitary device according to the first aspect, and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is securable to the sanitary device.

The receptacle may be a bag.

The device may provide a ridge formed at or adjacent the rim comprising an upper rim portion and an adjacent lower rim portion, wherein the upper rim portion has an outer circumference greater than the lower rim portion, such that a mouth of the bag is stretchable over the ridge so that the natural tension of the bag grips the upper rim portion to maintain the bag taut around the rim of the device. The bag may be made of a biodegradable material. The bag may provide a sealing mechanism adapted to seal the bag to prevent escape of fluid from within the bag.

The combination may include a securing mechanism adapted to secure a portion of the bag to a portion of the sanitary device, so that in use the bag lies between the rim and the user.

We now describe features of embodiments of the invention, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sanitary device according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a sanitary device including an integral receptacle;

Figure 3 is a front view of the sanitary device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the sanitary device of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a top-down view of the sanitary device of Figures 2 to 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a combination of a sanitary device and a separate receptacle that is secured to the sanitary device, according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic cross-section through taken the width of the device; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a combination of a sanitary device according to embodiments of the invention and a separate receptacle that is secured to the sanitary device; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a sanitary device including an integral receptacle according to embodiments of the invention. With reference to the Figures, a sanitary device 10 is provided, comprising a portion for channelling waste 12, and a portion for contacting a user 14. The sanitary device 10 is specifically suitable for channelling urine, and where reference is made to 'waste', that term is intended to encompass at least urine.

The portion for contacting the user 14 provides a pair of gripping portions 16 configured to be held between the thighs of a user. The provision of such gripping portions 16 allows the user to position the device 10 between his or her legs, adjust its position so that it is comfortable, and subsequently apply pressure against the gripping portions 16 using his or her respective thighs. By applying pressure to the device 10, it can be held firmly in position without the user holding any part of the device using their hands.

The sanitary device 10 may be formed of a plastics material, or may be formed of natural rubber or synthetic rubber, or a combination of materials. In particular, the device 10 may be formed of materials including a combination of one or more of polyvinyl chloride) (i.e. PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide (i.e. nylon, or PA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The portion for channelling waste 12, for example, is relatively rigid. Portions of the rim 22 may be formed of materials including a combination of one or more of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Thermoplastic olefin (TPO), Styrenic Block Copolymers (TPS), Polyphthalamide (TPA), silicones, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In embodiments, the device 10 is made substantially of PVC. It is preferred that the gripping portions 16 are formed of a relatively soft material such as ABS, PVC or PE, to provide comfort for the user.

In embodiments, the device 10 includes a receptacle 18 for holding urine or other waste as the device 10 is in use. In such embodiments, the receptacle 18 may be bag or pouch, providing a volume for holding waste. In other embodiments, the device 10 provides an outlet 26 for connection to a separate receptacle 20, and the separate receptacle 20 is securable to the sanitary device 10, and removable from the device 10 after use. These embodiments share a majority of features, and so the following description applies equally to both versions, unless otherwise specified. Figures 2 to 5 illustrate an example embodiment in which a bag is incorporated as an integral part of the device 10. Figure 6 illustrates an example embodiment in which a bag is attached to the device 10, to receive excreted waste and urine through the outlet 26. Figure 8 illustrates an example embodiment in which a separate bag is attached to the device 1 10 via an alternative mechanism, and Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the device 210 provides one or more bags 218 that are removably connected to the device 210 (by tearing, for example).

In general terms the portion for channelling waste 12 (also referred to herein simply as a 'channel') is defined centrally, and the portion for contacting the user 14 provides a rim 22 that surrounds the portion for channelling waste 12. The rim 22 is configured so as to fit snugly between the legs of a user, such that in use, waste excreted by the user passes through an opening defined by the rim 22 and through the passage.

The channel 12 has a width that reaches substantially across the distance between the tops of the inner thighs of a user so that the rim 22 abuts against the uppermost parts of the thighs of the user. In embodiments, and as shown, the channel 12 has frontmost and rearmost portions having a larger width than at its centre, so that the rim 22 widens between its mid-point and its front and rear, respectively. This shape defines a narrowed centre portion, so that when viewed in plan view from the top down, the rim appears to be pinched in at its midpoint 32, where the users' thighs contact the device 10. A front portion 34 and rear portion 36 (which may be widened, relatively, compared to the midpoint 32) follow the contour around a portion of the user's legs, to assist with gripping the device in position and to resist forward or rearward movement. The rim also curves upwardly from the midpoint 32 towards the front and rear portions 34, 36, following the contours around the abdomen of the user, so that the rim can be pressed against or lie adjacent the skin of the user.

In other embodiments, and as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, for example, the rim 122, 222 defines an ellipse-like shape which does not narrow significantly towards its midpoint, where the users' thighs contact the device 1 10, 210.

The channel 12 defines a length between the front and rear of the rim 22 of the device 10 (and correspondingly in use between the front and rear of a user), and a width between the legs of the user, so as to surround the exit of the user's urethra. This ensures that the channel 12 receives and channels waste excreted by the user. The channel 12 provides a passage between the rim 22 and either a receptacle 18, or an outlet 26 for connection to a separate receptacle 20, or configured to surround the receptacle 20. In other words, the device 10 may have a receptacle 18 formed integrally with the passage, or may provide a passage to channel waste to a receptacle 20 to be attached to the passage itself, or else the device may be attached to a receptacle 20 a portion of which passes into and/or through the passage (so the passage acts to surround and guide the receptacle 20).

The device 10 may be constructed to various sizes, to cater for adults / children, or for bariatric patients, for example. The rim 22 of the device 10 has a length (from front to back) of approximately 140-200mm, a width at its widest point of approximately 80mm-130mm, and the device 10 has a depth (i.e. from an uppermost point of the rim to a lowermost point of gripping portions 16, excluding any receptacle 18, 20) of approximately 70mm-120mm. Preferably, the height is approximately 175mm, the width is approximately 105mm and the depth is approximately 90mm. The channel provides a passage formed within a surrounding wall 38, to limit or prevent escape of waste from the entrance of the channel. In this way, the user is kept clean and dry, and the waste is channelled towards the receptacle, in which it is safely and hygienically held and stored. In embodiments, the rim 22 is configured to surround at least a portion of a male user's penis when gripped between the user's thighs. In embodiments, the rim 22 is configured to surround the (region of the) anus of a user when gripped between the user's thighs. Preferably, the device 10 is suitable for both male and female users.

With reference to the figures, the gripping portions 16 are disposed on opposing sides of the device 10 (spaced across the width of the device), each providing a gripping surface 24 shaped to abut a respective inner thigh of the user. The gripping surface 24 extends away from the rim 22 - in a downwards direction, when the device is in use. In embodiments, the gripping surfaces 24 may be substantially planar. In other embodiments, and as shown in Figures 1 , 2, 5 and 6, each gripping surface 24 is curved to form a curved (e.g. partially convex) surface conforming to the inner thigh of a user.

In embodiments, the gripping surfaces 24 provide an area 40 of textured pattern, or surface roughness, configured to assist the device 10 gripping against the thighs of the user. The pattern may comprise ridges, indented or protruding dimples, or the like. Alternatively, the surface may simply be roughened in an uneven manner, to increase the amount of friction against the user's leg when in use.

In embodiments, the gripping surfaces 24 may be formed of a different material from other components of the sanitary device 10, or may comprise a surface layer of different material, the material being one that is likely to provide a higher coefficient of friction against the skin and/or hair of a user's leg. For example, a surface layer of a soft rubber compound may be included.

The gripping portions 16 themselves are preferably stiff and resilient to deformation. Typically, the gripping portions 16 are made of a greater thickness of material compared to the rim 22, for example, to achieve the increased stiffness.

In embodiments, and as shown in Figure 7 for example, the rim 22 forms an inverse U-shaped join between the gripping portions 14 and the wall 38 of the passage. In other words, a cross-section taken through a plane disposed across the width of the device 10, illustrates a curved join between the uppermost part of the gripping portions 14 and the uppermost part of the wall of the passage, at each side of the device 10. In this way, the wall of the passage is spaced slightly from the gripping portions 16, which allows a degree of flexibility for the gripping portions 16 to be pushed inwardly towards the passage. In embodiments, the rim 22 provides a resilient biasing force, so as to resist inward movement of the gripping portions 16 towards the passage. In this way, the gripping portions 16 may effectively be gripped between the users' thighs, the user pressing inwardly and the gripping portions 16 being biased outwardly to resist inwards movement. This creates an enhanced level of friction between the users' thighs and the gripping surfaces 24, so as to hold the device 10 firmly in position. In embodiments, parts of the portion for contacting a user 14 are deformable. For example, the rim 22 may be slightly deformable, allowing the gripping portions 16 to be pressed inwardly by the user to achieve the above-described biasing effect. Alternatively, the gripping portions 16 themselves are slightly deformable. In either case, this flexibility ensures that the device 10 can be deformed by a user to match the user's body contours so as to achieve a comfortable fit against the skin or clothing of the user. In embodiments, the receptacle 18 is connected to or formed integrally with the other components of the device 10, and is not intended to be removable from other components by the user without damaging or otherwise altering the device 10. Such devices are single-use, and are intended to be disposed of once used.

In such embodiments, the receptacle 18 may be formed as a bag or pouch that may be folded into a compact configuration when the device 10 is stored, and subsequently deployed for use. The receptacle 18 may be connected to the portion for channelling waste 12 or to the portion for contacting a user 14. In either embodiment, a portion of the receptacle 18 surrounds at least a portion of the channel 12 that provides the passage between the rim 22 and the receptacle 18, so that waste passing through and exiting the passage is guided into the receptacle 18.

In embodiments, the receptacle 18 is attached to either the portion for channelling waste 12 or to the portion for contacting a user 14 by heat-sealing, by stitching, by stapling, or using any other form of fastening means. In embodiments, the receptacle 18 may provide a sealing mechanism 28, as described in more detail below.

In embodiments in which a separate receptacle 20 is employed, the passage of the device 10 defines an outlet 26 for connection to the receptacle 20, and wherein the receptacle 20 is securable to the sanitary device 10. A suitable receptacle in this case is a bag 20. The bag 20 may be formed of a biodegradable material, so that the bag 20 is suitable to degrade naturally if discarded accidentally, for example. A preferred aspect of the usability of the device 10 is to maintain separation between the body of the user and the content of the receptacle 18, 20 as it is filled during use. This avoids the user experiencing any uncomfortable sensation (such as heat transfer from the waste) as the device is used. To achieve this, the gripping portions 16 and gripping surfaces 24 are separated from the channel (and passage formed within the surrounding wall 38), below the rim 22. The device 10 is configured such that when the device 10 is in use, and pressure is exerted inwardly on the gripping portions 16 by the user (i.e. a reasonable amount of pressure, sufficient to grip and hold the device during normal use), the gripping portions 16 do not come into contact with the The height of the gripping portions is preferably at least as great as the height of the passage and surrounding wall 38. In this way, the portion of the legs of the user in contact with the device 10 are kept away from the channel, and thereby spaced away from the receptacle which is generally disposed within and/or below the channel.

In embodiments, the bag 20 may provide a sealing mechanism 28 adapted to seal the bag 20 to prevent escape of fluid from within the bag 20. The sealing mechanism may comprise at least one of an adhesive sealing strip, a press- sealing strip, a one-way valve, a twist-tie, a draw string, or any other suitable known sealing mechanism. Bags 20 and receptacles 18 of various sizes may be provided, according to the intended user of the device 10 (smaller bags for children, larger bags for adults). The bags 20 should have a 'working capacity' (i.e. the portion of the bag or receptacle that is used to hold a volume of voided urine) of at least 300-500ml, suitable for receiving a urine discharge roughly equivalent to the volume of an average adult bladder.

In embodiments in which a separate receptacle is employed, the sanitary device 10 and bag 20 combination may further include a securing mechanism 30 adapted to secure a portion of the bag 20 to a portion of the sanitary device 10, so that in use the bag 20 lies between the rim 22 and the user. The bag 20 may extend upwards through the outlet of the device 10, through the inside of the channel and over the rim 22, being folded back on itself over the rim, and held in place around the outside of the channel. An elasticated band, or a tie cord, may be secured around the bag to hold its mouth securely adjacent the outside of the channel, with the body of the bag covering the rim 22, and extending through the inside of the channel to form a receptacle through and below the outlet of the device. Alternatively, the mouth of the bag 20 may be secured in a similar fashion around the outside of the channel, with the body of the bag depending downwardly around the outside of the channel and outlet, so as to surround the outlet, to receive fluid leaving the outlet of the device 10. In such an embodiment, the rim 22 is not covered by the bag 20.

Once the bag 20 has been used, and contains fluid, it may be removed from the device 10. The user may seal the bag 20 using a sealing mechanism if provided, or may otherwise simply tie the top of the bag to close its mouth. Waste units for receiving and storing such used bags may be provided (with a home, or a hospital, or festival site, or a motorway service station for example), so that users can deposit used bags in a sanitary manner.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate alternative embodiments of the device 1 10, 210 according to the invention. It should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, features of these described embodiments may be combined with features of embodiments previously described. Where features of the device 1 10, 210 are directly equivalent to or identical to features of the previously described embodiments, the same numbering will be used with prefix or '2' corresponding to the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9, respectively, and the description of those identical features may not be repeated. With reference to Figure 8, the device 1 10 is provided with a bag 120 that is positioned in substantially the same manner as previously described, in that the bag extends through the outlet of the device 1 10, through the inside of the channel and over the rim 122. The mouth of the bag 120 is held in place by tension (and without any clips or ties), as it is folded back on itself tightly over the rim 122 of the device 1 10. In embodiments, the mouth 146 of the bag 120 is welded (e.g. heat-welded) (or alternatively securely attached by staples or other fasteners, by adhesive, or by stitching) to a portion of the rim 122 of the device 1 10, to secure it in position.

In embodiments, the device 120 provides a ridge formed at or adjacent the rim 122 comprising an upper rim portion and an adjacent lower rim portion, wherein the upper rim portion has an outer circumference greater than the lower rim portion, such that the mouth 146 of the bag 120 is stretchable over the ridge so that the natural tension of the bag 120 grips the upper rim portion to maintain the bag taut around the rim of the device. To achieve this, in embodiments, the front and rear ends 134 136 of the device provide openings 142 below the rim 122. Each opening 142 extends across a portion of the width of the device. As the bag 120 is stretched and pulled taut over the rim 122, the mouth 146 of the bag 120 overlaps the ridge 144 formed at the uppermost edge of the opening 142 (at each end of the device 1 10), so as to slightly overlap the ridge. In this way the natural tension in the mouth 146 of the bag 120 holds the mouth open firmly in position underneath and against the ridge 144. In other words, the tension in the bag 120 resists the mouth 146 being moved upwardly over the ridge 144. The openings 144 also mean that the device 1 10 requires less material to construct than if the ends 134, 136 were formed solidly.

In embodiments, a device 210 providing an integral receptacle 218 may provide a detachable connection between the receptacle 218 and the body of the device 210. With reference to Figure 9, the device 210 may incorporate one or more bags 218 (or pouches) secured to the device 210. The bags 218 may be secured as described above, by welding (or by fasteners, stitching or adhesive). The bags 218 provide a tearable strip 248 (formed by perforation of the bag material, for example) around the mouth of the bag 218. In this way a user may detach the bag 218 from the body of the device 210, for sealing / tying and disposal, once the bag 218 has been used.

In any of the described embodiments, multiple receptacles 18, 218, 20, 120 may be provided, stacked one inside another. In this way, once the first (innermost) receptacle 18, 218, 20, 120 has been used, it may be removed from the device 10, 1 10, 210, leaving the outer receptacles in place for future use.

In any of the described embodiments, the spacing between the walls of the channel and the gripping surfaces 24 of the device ensures that the user's legs are not adjacent to the channel as fluid passes through it towards the receptacle. This ensures there is no contact between the legs and the parts in contact with the fluid, thus avoiding any sensation of warming or flowing liquid within the device 10 or the receptacle 18, 20, which might otherwise be unpleasant for the user.

While example embodiments of the invention are described herein, it should be understood that features of different embodiments may be combined with one another, in isolation from one another or in any combination, unless stated otherwise.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 . A sanitary device comprising a portion for channelling waste, and a portion for contacting a user that provides a pair of gripping portions configured to be held between the thighs of a user.

2. A sanitary device according to claim 1 , wherein the gripping portions are disposed on opposing sides of the device, each providing a gripping surface shaped to abut the respective thighs of the user.

3. A sanitary device according to claim 2, wherein the gripping surfaces provide a textured pattern or surface roughness configured to assist gripping against the thighs of the user.

4. A sanitary device according to any preceding claim, wherein a rim is formed between the gripping portions and the portion for channelling waste, the rim being configured so as to fit between the legs of a user, such that in use, waste excreted by the user passes through an opening defined by the rim and into or through the portion for channelling waste.

5. A sanitary device according to claim 4, wherein the rim is configured to surround at least a portion of a male user's penis when gripped between the user's thighs.

6. A sanitary device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the rim is configured to surround the anus of a user when gripped between the user's thighs.

7. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the portion for channelling waste provides a passage either between the rim and a receptacle for waste or configured to surround a receptacle for waste.

8. A sanitary device according to claim 7, wherein the rim forms an inverse U-shaped join between the gripping portions and a wall of the passage.

9. A sanitary device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the wall of the passage is spaced from the gripping portions.

10. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the rim provides a resilient biasing effect, so as to resist inward movement of the gripping portions towards the passage.

1 1 . A sanitary device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the gripping portions extend a distance from the rim that is equal to or greater than the length of the passage.

12. A sanitary device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the gripping portions extend from the rim by a distance that is greater than the length of the passage.

13. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, further including a receptacle for waste secured to the device, for receiving waste from a user.

14. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, further including a receptacle for waste, wherein the receptacle is secured to or adjacent the rim of the device, and the receptacle extends into the passage.

15. A sanitary device according to claim 14 wherein the receptacle is a bag.

16. A sanitary device according to claim 15 wherein, when the bag is secured to or adjacent the rim, in use, a portion of the bag lies between the rim and the user.

17. A sanitary device according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the bag is secured to or adjacent the rim by welding.

18. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the receptacle comprises a plurality of bags stacked within one another.

19. A sanitary device according to claim 18, wherein the bags are each detachable from the other parts of the device for disposal.

20. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein the or each bag is made of a biodegradable material.

21 . A combination of a sanitary device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is securable to the sanitary device.

22. A combination according to claim 21 , wherein the receptacle is a bag.

23. A combination of a sanitary device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, and a bag for receiving waste, wherein the device provides a ridge formed at or adjacent the rim comprising an upper rim portion and an adjacent lower rim portion, wherein the upper rim portion has an outer circumference greater than the lower rim portion, such that a mouth of the bag is stretchable over the ridge so that the natural tension of the bag grips the upper rim portion to maintain the bag taut around the rim of the device.

24. A combination according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the bag is made of a biodegradable material.

25. A combination according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the bag provides a sealing mechanism adapted to seal the bag to prevent escape of fluid from within the bag.

26. A combination according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further including a securing mechanism adapted to secure a portion of the bag to a portion of the sanitary device, so that in use the bag lies between the rim and the user.