TRAVEL URINATION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/722,090, which was filed on Nov. 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of urine collection devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for urinating and collecting urine discretely when away from a restroom. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

During travel, the lack of accessible and sanitary restroom facilities poses a significant inconvenience and health risk for individuals. Long highway stretches often have few or no public rest stops, leaving travelers without practical options for relieving themselves. This issue is especially pressing for individuals with medical conditions such as weak bladders or other health concerns requiring frequent restroom breaks. The problem is further compounded when traveling at night or in remote areas, where safety concerns make stopping to locate restrooms potentially dangerous. Public restrooms, when available, are frequently unsanitary, increasing the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria that can cause significant illness. These unsanitary conditions discourage use, leaving travelers to seek alternative, often inconvenient, and unhygienic solutions. For those who work outdoors, such as in construction, agriculture, or recreation, the challenge of finding a private and clean restroom is ongoing and disruptive. Moreover, families traveling with children, especially young ones, face additional difficulties managing restroom needs in a timely and hygienic manner. These persistent issues highlight a widespread need for an innovative solution that provides privacy, hygiene, and convenience for individuals during travel or time spent away from reliable restroom facilities.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a travel urination device that enables individuals to urinate privately while traveling without the need for public restrooms. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a travel urination device that accommodates both men and women with adapters that ensure hygiene and convenience. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a travel urination device that eliminates the risk of embarrassment, clothing stains, and exposure to unsanitary restroom environments during travel or outdoor activities. Finally, there exists a need for a device in the field of healthcare to assist patients in healthcare facilities or healthcare received at home, with medical conditions such as urinary incontinence, frequent urination and immobility issues that require assistance with transportation to relieve urination.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a travel urination device. The device is comprised of a modular, portable travel urination device designed to address hygiene and convenience challenges during travel or prolonged periods without restroom access. The device comprises adaptive clothing with a waterproof-lined opening for attaching body-specific adapters, a tubing system for unidirectional flow, and a spill-proof waste container with odor-control features. The adapters are tailored for male and female anatomies, using medical-grade, hypoallergenic materials for secure and leak-resistant use. Additional components include a collapsible tubing system with quick-connect fittings and a storage case with compartments to separate clean and used components, enhancing hygiene. The device also incorporates accessories such as hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes, and disposable gloves, ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance.

In this manner, the travel urination device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a portable kit and specialized clothing garments designed for discreet and hygienic urination. The clothing includes lower-extremity garments equipped with flaps or buttoned crotch areas for easy access to adapters or inserts. These adapters, tailored for men and women, direct urine into disposable, spill-proof containers that can be securely sealed and stored. The device includes storage compartments for multiple filled containers, disinfectant supplies, and waste disposal items to ensure ease of use and cleanliness. By addressing the challenges of public restroom dependence, unsanitary conditions, and privacy concerns, this invention offers a comprehensive solution for travelers, outdoor workers, those in the healthcare/medical field, and individuals in need of quick, discreet bathroom access.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a travel urination device. The invention relates to a modular, portable, and hygienic travel urination device designed for use during travel or periods without access to restroom facilities. The device is comprised of adaptive clothing, body-attachable adapters, a tubing system, portable waste containers, and hygiene accessories, providing convenience, comfort, and cleanliness.

The adaptive clothing includes lower body garments made from lightweight, stretchable, breathable fabrics. These garments feature a crotch opening with a discreet closure mechanism, reinforced with waterproof lining for leak prevention and tubing compatibility.

The device includes universal adapters tailored for male and female users. The female adapter is comprised of hypoallergenic, medical-grade silicone with a contoured funnel shape and flexible edges for a snug fit. The male adapter features an adjustable elastic silicone sheath and a small funnel. Both adapters connect to a tubing system made from food-grade materials, incorporating secure outlet ports and one-way valves to ensure leak-proof, unidirectional flow.

The waste container is made from BPA-free materials and connects securely to the tubing system via threaded or snap-on connectors. Features include a locking cap with a silicone gasket and an optional activated carbon filter to manage odors. Measurement markings may also be included for monitoring capacity.

A water-resistant storage case is comprised of compartments to separate clean and used components, pockets for cleaning supplies, and fasteners to secure adapters and tubing. The case includes an adjustable strap and handle for portability.

Hygiene accessories include hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes, and latex-free gloves to clean the device components.

The method of use involves wearing the adaptive clothing, attaching the appropriate adapter, connecting the tubing system, and directing urine to the waste container. The components are then cleaned with sanitizing wipes or washed and stored in the designated case compartments to maintain hygiene.

Accordingly, the travel urination device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a portable kit and specialized clothing garments designed for discreet and hygienic urination. The clothing includes lower-extremity garments equipped with flaps or buttoned crotch areas for easy access to adapters or inserts. These adapters, tailored for men and women, direct urine into disposable, spill-proof containers that can be securely sealed and stored. The device includes storage compartments for multiple filled containers, disinfectant supplies, and waste disposal items to ensure ease of use and cleanliness. By addressing the challenges of public restroom dependence, unsanitary conditions, and privacy concerns, this invention offers a comprehensive solution for travelers, outdoor workers, patients with immobility or urinary incontinence and individuals in need of quick, discreet bathroom access.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a clothing of one potential embodiment of a travel urination device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a body-attachable adapter, a tubing, and a waste storage container of one potential embodiment of a travel urination device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a body-attachable adapter of one potential embodiment of a travel urination device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a storage container holding a plurality of waste storage containers of one potential embodiment of a travel urination device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a travel urination device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a travel urination device that enables individuals to urinate privately while traveling without the need for public restrooms. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a travel urination device that accommodates both men and women with adapters that ensure hygiene and convenience. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a travel urination device that eliminates the risk of embarrassment, clothing stains, and exposure to unsanitary restroom environments during travel or outdoor activities. Finally, there exists a need for a device in the field of healthcare to assist patients in healthcare facilities or healthcare received at home, with medical conditions such as urinary incontinence, frequent urination and immobility issues that require assistance with transportation to relieve urination.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a travel urination device intended for use during travel or periods without restroom access. The device is comprised of adaptive clothing, body-attachable adapters, a tubing system, portable waste containers, and hygiene accessories, offering convenience, comfort, and cleanliness.

The adaptive clothing includes lower-body garments made from lightweight, stretchable, and breathable fabrics. These garments feature a crotch opening with a discreet closure mechanism, reinforced with a waterproof lining to prevent leaks and accommodate tubing.

The device incorporates universal adapters designed for both male and female users. The female adapter is comprised of medical-grade, hypoallergenic silicone with a contoured funnel shape and flexible edges for a secure fit. The male adapter consists of an adjustable elastic silicone sheath and a small funnel. Both adapters connect to a food-grade tubing system with secure outlet ports and one-way valves to ensure leak-proof and unidirectional liquid flow.

The waste container, made from BPA-free materials, connects securely to the tubing system using threaded or snap-on connectors. It features a locking cap with a silicone gasket and an optional activated carbon filter to control odors. Measurement markings may be included for monitoring capacity.

The water-resistant storage case is comprised of compartments to separate clean and used components, pockets for cleaning supplies, and fasteners to secure adapters and tubing. It also includes an adjustable strap and handle for ease of transport.

Hygiene accessories include hand sanitizer, biodegradable wipes, and latex-free gloves for cleaning the device components.

The method of use involves wearing the adaptive clothing, attaching the appropriate adapter, connecting the tubing system, and directing urine into the waste container. The components are then cleaned using sanitizing wipes or washed and stored in designated case compartments to maintain hygiene.

The travel urination device offers a portable kit and specialized clothing designed for discreet and hygienic use. The adaptive clothing provides easy access to adapters, while spill-proof containers ensure secure storage. With storage compartments for disinfectant supplies and waste disposal items, the device addresses the challenges of restroom dependence, unsanitary conditions, and privacy, making it suitable for travelers, outdoor workers, and others needing quick, discreet access to restroom facilities.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a clothing 102 of one potential embodiment of a travel urination device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The present invention provides a travel urination device 100 that is a modular, portable, and hygienic system designed to address challenges encountered during travel or extended periods without access to restroom facilities. The device 100 is comprised of adaptive clothing 102, body-attachable adapters 110, portable waste containment units 124, and hygiene accessories to ensure user convenience, comfort, and cleanliness.

The clothing component 102 of the travel urination device 100 is preferably comprised of a lower body garment, such as but not limited to pants, shorts, skirts, bathing suits, or underwear, made from lightweight, stretchable, and breathable fabrics. The clothing component 102 may be comprised of a flapped opening 104 in the crotch area. The opening 104 is secured by a discreet closure mechanism 106, such as magnetic closures, snap buttons, or hidden zippers. The opening 104 may be fully or partially opened to serve as a privacy outlet during use. The opening 104 allows efficient attachment and detachment of the adapter 110 without requiring removal of the garment 102 and also for allowing tubing 120 to exit the garment 102 during use. To prevent leaks and maintain garment integrity, the opening 104 is reinforced with a waterproof lining 108, which is comprised of materials such as polyurethane laminate (PUL) or similar waterproof materials. In one embodiment, the garment 102 is comprised of a fastener 107, such as but not limited to a pocket, a netting, or a folding pocket, that secures the adapter 110 in place during use.

The device 100 is comprised of at least one adapter 110 designed for universal use, with specific embodiments tailored for male and female users. For female users, the adapter 110 is comprised of medical-grade silicone that is hypoallergenic. The adapter 110 is further comprised of a contoured funnel shape with a raised back edge 112 to minimize leakage, as seen in FIG. 2. The adapter 110 may be collapsible in one embodiment. Flexible edges 114 are incorporated to ensure a snug fit against various female body shapes when holding and urinating into the adapter 110. The adapter 110 further connects to and is in fluid communication with the tubing system 120.

For male users, the adapter 110 is comprised of an adjustable elastic sheath 115 (as seen in FIG. 3) made from medical-grade silicone, providing secure placement over the penis. The sheath 115 connects to a funnel 116 that may be collapsible, which connects to and is in fluid communication with a tubing system 120.

Both male and female users, the adapter 110 connects to the tubing system 120, which is comprised of food-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The adapters 110 are equipped with a secure outlet port 118 that integrates with a quick-connect fitting or friction-fit mechanism on the tubing 120. These connections ensure a leak-proof seal while allowing easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning. In one embodiment, the tubing 120 may be collapsible for compact storage and incorporates integrated one-way valves 122 to ensure unidirectional liquid flow from the adapters 110 to the waste container 124.

The waste container 124 is preferably made from BPA-free, semi-translucent plastic, with an opaque variant available for added privacy. The tubing 120 is designed to connect directly to the waste container 124 via a connector 125 such as but not limited to a threaded or snap-on connector, ensuring a secure and spill-proof attachment. A locking cap 126 comprised of a silicone gasket 128 ensures that the container 124 remains spill-proof during transport, as seen in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the cap 126 is further comprised of an activated carbon filter 129 to manage urine odors within the container 124. Measurement markings 130 in units such as milliliters and ounces may be included on the container 124 for monitoring the amount of urine collected.

A storage case 132 of the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4, is comprised of water-resistant materials such as ripstop nylon or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The case 132 features an interior space 134 with separate compartments 136 for storing clean and used containers 124, preventing cross-contamination. Additional features of the case 132 include pockets 138 for cleaning supplies and fasteners 140, such as elastic loops, to securely hold adapters 110 and tubing 120. The case 132 is comprised of an adjustable shoulder strap 142 and a handle 144 for user convenience.

To maintain hygiene, the travel urination device 100 is comprised of hygiene accessories, including a travel-sized hand sanitizer 146 in a compact bottle with a fastener 148, such as a carabiner clip. Biodegradable sanitizing wipes 150 which may be individually wrapped for freshness are also included for cleaning adapters 110 and tubing 120. Disposable gloves 152 made from latex-free materials are further included for enhanced hygiene during cleaning or waste handling, as seen in FIG. 4 In addition, the device 100 may be comprised of plastic waste bags 170 and toilet paper 180. Further, the device 100 may be comprised of a waterproof, foldable car seat cover 190 that can be applied over a car seat when using the device 100 in a vehicle.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the travel urination device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of adaptive clothing 102 with an opening 104, at least one adapter 110, a tubing system 120, and a waste container 124 [Step 202]. Next, the adaptive clothing 102 is worn by the user, ensuring that the opening 104 is properly aligned with the user's male or female anatomy and is accessible for the attachment of the adapter 110 to said anatomy [Step 204]. Then, the adapter 110 is connected to or placed against the user's body [Step 206]. For female users, the contoured funnel-shaped adapter 110 is positioned securely against the body. For male users, the adjustable elastic sheath 114 is placed over the penis. The adapter 110 can then be connected to the tubing system 120 using the secure outlet port 118 [Step 208]. Next, the other end of the tubing system 120 is connected to the waste container 124 via the connector 125 of the container 124, ensuring a leak-proof seal [Step 210]. During use, urine flows through the adapter 110, into the tubing system 120, and into the waste container 124. The one-way valve 122 within the tubing system 120 ensures unidirectional flow and prevents backflow. Once the urination process is complete, the adapter 110 can be detached from the user's body and from the tubing system 120 [Step 212]. Next, all components of the device 100 are wiped clean using the sanitizing wipes 150 or washed as needed. Finally, the components, including the cleaned adapter 110, tubing system 120, and waste container 124, are stored in their designated compartments 136 within the storage case 132 to prevent cross-contamination [Step 214].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “travel urination device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the travel urination device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the travel urination device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the travel urination device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the travel urination device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the travel urination device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the travel urination device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.